Manning-Great Lakes Focus i113

Feature Story The Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour

July 2016 // issue 113

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Captured by Rob Balint a member of Barrington Tops Snow Chasers

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ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

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PHOTOGRAPHER East Coast Photography

ph: 0411 846 084 http://www.eastcoastphotography.com.au/

COPY EDITING: Rite ‘n’ Rong Media Services rnrmedia@bigpond.com Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals.

Manning-Great Lakes Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2016 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the July issue of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS.

W

ell … to say the last month or so has brought about a few changes is an understatement! With the formation of the new MidCoast Council on a local level and a Federal Election now behind us, what will the future bring?

Of course, we’re still lucky to live in such a beautiful place, and with positive attitudes and hard work, there are bound to be good things ahead.

Winter has really hit this month, and although the temperatures have nudged a little closer to zero, time and change certainly won’t freeze!

Find a warm, cosy spot to curl up with a cuppa and enjoy the latest edition of FOCUS. On the Cover Our cover this month features artist Lara Went,

from Yukul Art. Lara is a proud Worimi woman with a passion for our area. The Manning and Great Lakes is home to magnificent Indigenous people with so many amazing talents - artists, writers, musicians, business people and professionals … NAIDOC Week, which runs this year from 3 - 10 July, shines a spotlight on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, serving to remind us what a valuable role they play in our community.

In this Issue We speak to local Joel Wakely about his love of old Holdens and his informative book, Legends of the 48-215; Adam Harvey drops in for a chat about his latest tour, ahead of his visit to Club Forster, and Judy Lawrenson shakes the dust off her boots and sits down to share what it was like to take part in a cattle drive from Cooplacurripa to

Wingham. These are just a few of our interviews this month!

Education and Training Feature They say you’re never too old to learn and embrace change … and there are so many different ways you can go about gaining new knowledge!

Our special Education and Training Feature showcases some of our area’s best schools, colleges and training organisations - as well as highlighting some individuals in our community who are willing and enthusiastic about passing on their knowledge in any field, be it arts and crafts, business, finance or the trades.

Final Say “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new” - Socrates.

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With the combined efforts of Great Lakes FM and the Tuncurry Jockey Club, the Emirates Melbourne Cup tour for the first time is headed our way. We catch up with Andrew from Great Lakes FM to find out a bit more about the event and how it all came about.

T H E

E M I R A T E S

MELBOURNE CUP

T O U R

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i Andrew. The 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour is coming to Forster Tuncurry this month; can you tell us how this all came about?

This year Great Lakes FM is celebrating 30 years of broadcasting to the local community.

That’s quite a milestone, and on Tuesday 16th February this year I was sitting in my office trying to think of something really special to commemorate the occasion, when an email flicked on the screen in front of me. It was a media release from an agency, and the headline was: “Be part of Emirates Melbourne Cup history.

Tenders open for communities to host 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour.”

As I read through all the information about the Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour, it was almost as if the last piece of a giant puzzle had clicked into place. What a fantastic way to celebrate our own anniversary by having this truly Australian icon visit our local community. I put the idea to some of our volunteers here at GLFM, who agreed, and we quickly formed a team to put together an outstanding tender.

We thought it would be ideal to try and get the Tour to coincide with a race day, so I contacted Garry McQuillan, who is President of the Tuncurry Forster Jockey Club. Garry told me that they were also planning to submit a tender, so we did the logical thing and decided to make it a joint submission. We formed a committee made up of members from both organisations, and the rest is history.

How long is the tour, and what is planned for the time it is here?

The Cup Tour starts on Friday 15 July, with

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a Meet and Greet function to welcome the Cup and Tour delegation. This event is open to the public from 7:30pm at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club and will include speeches from racing personalities and VIPs. Individuals or groups will have the opportunity to be photographed with or holding the Cup. The main events commence on Saturday 16th July, starting with interviews of Cup Tour delegates from 8:30am at 101.5 Great Lakes FM studios in Tuncurry. The Cup Parade then begins at 9:30am from Tuncurry through Forster and then again later through Tuncurry.

There will be two 20 minutes stops enroute at iconic Tuncurry and Forster locations, John Wright Park, Tuncurry at 9:45 am, and Forster Main Beach’s Bullring Pool at 10:25am, where the Cup will be on display for the public.

The Cup will travelling in an open 1934 Ford Tourer led by a police escort along Manning Street, Tuncurry, across the bridge, up Wharf Street, Forster to the Bullring at Forster Main Beach, and then along via Little St to a morning tea with the residents at Evermore Retirement Living.

From 11:45 the Cup will return via Little Street, Forster, across the bridge and along Manning Street, Tuncurry, to Sunrise Supported Living before returning to the Tuncurry Racecourse for the afternoon Ladies Day Race events.

On its arrival at the Tuncurry Racecourse at 12:30pm, the Cup will be paraded up the race track to the podium via horse and carriage, flanked by course officials and followed by members of the Riding for the Disabled, before the official race start from 12:50pm.

What does an event like this bring to the community?

This is a once in a along with the Programme The Cup Tour , lifetime opportunity for ay of Events before and on starts on Frid t ee this “icon” of Australian the day. FOCUS readers 15 July with a M n to tio nc and world sport to visit fu can tune in to 101.5 et re G d an p and and showcase our area.

Great Lakes FM, visit welcome the Cu ” Promotional photos of Tour delegation. us on Facebook or the the Cup taken locally will Tuncurry Forster Jockey be used during the rest of Club website for further the 2016 Emirates Melbourne details and updates.

Cup Tour to other Australian states Putting on something like this and New Zealand. would take a lot of work behind the The Cup visit provides a fundraising scenes; who was a part of organising the opportunity for local charity, Riding for the event, and is there anyone you would like Disabled and gives people, who may never get to make mention of and thank? to Flemington for a Melbourne Cup Day, an The opportunity of hosting the Emirates opportunity to get up close and personal with Melbourne Cup Tour is only offered to a limited the Cup and meet racing personalities. number of areas and consequently attracts Forster and Tuncurry will “flag up” prior to applications from towns and cities all over the event, and local businesses will have the Australia and New Zealand. There has been opportunity to “don a racing theme”. Hand an incredible amount of work and preparation flags will be available for anyone watching the involved in making this, not only a successful parade to wave a warm welcome to the Cup tender, but also to make sure it is a truly and Tour delegation as they pass by. memorable event. I’d like to personally thank all How can our readers find out more members of our Tour Committee. information and be involved in the event?

From GLFM: Belinda Bouras, Sandy Bowden, Individuals or groups will have the opportunity Kerry Barnsley, John Healy and Jim Davis. during the tour to be photographed either with From TFJC: Julie Manning, Garry McQuillan and the Cup or holding the Cup for a $5 or $10 donation at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club on Adrian Wood.

I’d also like to thank Samantha Robinson the Friday night and at the Tuncurry Racecourse for donating her time and beautiful horse and on the Saturday afternoon. carriage, and Ian Connors for his time and Other photographic opportunities during the supplying his amazing 1934 Ford Tourer.

Cup visit include the People’s Cup Instagram A huge thank you also goes to our sponsors Competition to win a trip for two to Flemington Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, Great Lakes to witness the excitement and thrill of the 2016 Tourism, Evermore Retirement Living and Sunrise Emirates Melbourne Cup. Entry details are Supported Living. available on the Programme of Events.

It will certainly be an event to remember!

Hand Flags, as a memento of the event for a $2 donation are available from selected retailers, Thanks Andrew.

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issue I S S U E

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J U L Y

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DROVING TO WINGHAM.

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Judy Lawrenson has recently had the pleasure (and the challenge) of capturing a piece of Wingham’s history through the lens of her camera.

WEDDINGS

BY JASE.

Weddings are talented photographer Jase Allan’s prime focus … he loves nothing more than to share a couple’s big day and preserve treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

12 MARK VINCENT.

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Hailed as having one of the finest tenor voices in the world, Australia’s 22 year old star Mark Vincent brings his new show, Love Will Lead the Way, to the Manning Entertainment Centre. Supported by the Serenade Orchestra and vocalist Jennifer Gray, this production is not one to be missed!

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R EGU L A R S 10. WHAT’S ON

FOR JULY 41.

50.

51.

STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI HALL TOURISM INSIGHT SHARON BULTITUDE BUSINESS MINDS JEREMY THORNTON

Education & TRAINING

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focusinterview.

Joel has been attracted to cars from an early age, and has led a successful career spanning many facets of the motor vehicle industry. Not many can say they’ve owned a successful race car - but this is one of Joel’s fond memories, and led to the production of his first book, Legends of the 48-215.

The book has received amazing feedback since its release ... so much so, that Joel just may have another book to write in future …

H

i Joel. What originally brought you to the Manning-Great Lakes area?

Nine years ago while planning our retirement, away from Sydney, we visited the ManningGreat Lakes area and discovered Harrington.

Soon after, we made the move and immediately settled into an active lifestyle with community involvement and many newfound friends.

As Sydney is only a short drive away, we can still stay in touch with our extended family and friends while enjoying the host of local activities we have discovered that the Manning Valley has to offer.

Your business background includes owning the BP Boomerang Service Station in Sydney, acting as NSW/QLD Sales manager for Bob Jane, working for Avis Rent a Car, and owning Avant-Garde Detailing. Seems to me there’s a theme here - a love for cars!

What first inspired your love for motor vehicles - and especially Holdens?

From an early age I was attracted to motor cars. My passion was to own a MG TC, and in 1955 my dream became a reality that started my career in the car industry. In 1959 I opened my first business, a BP Service Station and mechanical workshop. 1968/73 I worked for Bob Jane in the development of the T Mart tyre franchise business, followed by 20 years with Avis in the Rent A Car industry.

At the age of 65 years young I opened a car Detailing/ Restoration business, AvantGarde Detailing, specialising in prestige and collectable cars. In my new business I joked that I was “playing with other kids’ toys”. It was a rewarding business that gave a great sense of achievement.

After 60 years and still counting in the motor industry, I have written a book about early model Holdens and the car that started another chapter in my life.

During your time owning the BP

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The Holden , 48-215, Model FX n de ol H The Humpy - all - take your pick model refer to the first Holden ...”

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Boomerang Service Station, an iconic race car was born.

Tell us a bit about the Boomerang 48-215 Holden’s career ...

I purchased a modified FX Holden from a workmate who was going overseas. In the excitement of owing a race car, without much persuading, together with my mate, Bob, a mechanic, and Spencer the driver, as he had a race licence, we decided to purpose build my car for the Appendix J touring car series races.

Together we dismantled and mechanically overhauled and rebuilt the car; this was a purpose built race car.

The success of my car’s achievements are recorded in the record books. Spencer Martin drove the car in the 1963 season. The following year, Barry Seton was our driver. Over the period our car had a 94 % finish record. Out of 43 races, it archived 29 firsts, six second placings, three thirds, one ninth and four did not finish.

In total, an 86% podium record.

The on track record most certainly assisted all team members in their future job prospects, and undoubtedly it promoted my business and reputation. All benefited from their association with my race car, taking us all onto bigger and better things.

The Holden 48-215 was also known by other names, including the “humpy”. How did these cars earn this nickname?

The Holden 48-215, Model FX, The Humpy Holden - take your pick - all refer to the first model Holden.

The 48-215 name established initially by GMH relates to 1948; 48 being the first year of production, 215 is from the engine cubic capacity volume 2150 cc or 215 L = 48-215 Later the model or series code was decided; it was FX. To follow was the FJ, then the FB. The “Humpy Holden” tag was a term of endearment bestowed on these early model

Holdens because of the humpy shape.

Like a nickname, it is still used in media and at Holden shows throughout the country.

For the cars’ release, the name Holden was chosen in honour of Sir Edward Holden, the company’s first chairman.

For some more specific detail, between what years were the 48-215s manufactured, and what were some of their tech specs?

Three prototype models of the 48-215 were built in 1946 by GMH at their Detroit factory in the USA and shipped to Australia for testing. Later, the Adelaide plant produced two prototype models for testing, followed by, in September 1948, 10 production line models.

Full production started in late 1948, with an additional 112 cars produced and shipped to the dealer network for their release.

The 48-215 was a basic car designed to suit Australian conditions. It was lightweight, with an economical six cylinder motor coupled to a three speed manual gear box, all together with a modern day suspension to handle our rugged road conditions.

The design concept proved a winner for both GMH and the Australian public. By 1956, Holden sales reached 250,000. By 1962, one million Holdens had been manufactured by GMH in Australia.

What is it about these early days of car racing with these old Holdens that inspired you to write your book, Legends of the 48-215?

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of my car, I was asked to do an article for the Unique Car magazine. Soon after, because of the response,

I was inspired to go into greater detail. To make a magazine article into a book, it required more script, so I used the 48-215 model as the feature and expanded into other related subject matters.

In my research, I found it hard to stop; there is so much untold history and stories to tell about these Australian built Holden cars.

You launched your book locally back in March. What kind of feedback have you received since?

The feedback I have received is amazing; people from all over have contacted me personally, sent me photos of their car and complimented me on the book.

Following the official launch at both Taree and Harrington Libraries, we had follow up press and radio reports.

I have been invited to be guest speaker at several car club meetings, three in the area, and also Newcastle, Sydney and soon at Port Macquarie and again in Sydney at the MG Club July meeting.

Where can readers source a copy of your book?

My book is now into a second print run, and copies can be obtained online for $34.95 through: Autopics.com.au Pitstopbooks online, Legends.48.215@gmail. com - in Taree @Mals Toy Shop or Harrington Newsagency and Post Office.

Do you have any other books/projects in mind for the future?

Yes, I am considering another book about Holdens in the immediate future.

Thanks Joel.

We’re expanding! …and doubling the size of our village!

We’ve listened to your suggestions and our new 2 bedroom units will be larger, with more storage and separate laundries, complemented by a new community lounge.

These brand new units will be available early in 2017. We’ve already had many enquiries, so please don’t delay in contacting us to register your interest.

The ONLY village on the coast that offers 24 hour onsite care.

Tuncurry Village 11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 Tel: 6554 8424 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au manning-great lakes focus. 7

focusinterview.

Judy Lawrenson has recently had the pleasure (and the challenge) of capturing a piece of Wingham’s history through the lens of her camera. Judy and her husband took part in an 80 km cattle drive from Cooplacurripa to Wingham Showground, as cattle make their way to town for the annual campdraft. Judy’s produced a beautiful coffee table book titled Droving to Wingham, which highlights her experience through her amazing photos …

H

i Judy. Tell us about this cattle drive with your husband - was it yourself … where do you something you’d always wanted to do? call home, and what’s I heard of the cattle drive for the Wingham your family background?

Campdraft many times and wondered about the Hi Jo. I was born and photographic opportunities that it could present. raised in Taree and In 2015 it got the better of me, and through a now live in beautiful Wallabi friend we were given the contact number Point. I have spent my for Bill and Cecily Lyon. I spoke with working years in Taree Cecily about how I wanted to until my recent do more than take a few snap The drove retirement, where shots of the cattle drive; I om fr commenced I now have extra wanted to be part of it and n, io at St Cooplacurripa time to enjoy and digitally document the drive, be to Hikey Creek pursue my passion of rs being of the view this could de ri e th re exact, whe in e photography. become another piece of ttl ca d re te us had m Tops You’ve recently Wingham and the Manning from Kangaroo e.” iv dr completed a coffee Valley’s history. prior to the table book, titled Cecily was encouraging, Droving to Wingham. though said she would have to Your photographs in speak with Bill, as the cattle drive this book give a pictorial was his responsibility - a responsibility account of the 2015 cattle drive he did not take lightly. It’s not every day from Cooplacurripa to the Wingham you are entrusted with driving Hereford and Showground for the annual Angus heifers worth over one million dollars to campdraft event. What led you to follow take for a seven day, 80 kilometre walk from

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Cooplacurripa Station to Wingham and then the return journey following the conclusion of the campdraft. However Bill, with his quiet and pleasant disposition, agreed.

What can you tell us about the history of this annual cattle drive?

A number of years ago, members of the Wingham Show Society were discussing the expense of trucking cattle in for the annual campdraft. Local cattlemen, Bill Lyon and Rob Watson, thought they could do it cheaper by mustering the cattle in; and that’s basically how it’s been done for the last 22 years.

Each year local property owners, Bill Lyon, his son Dan and Daryl Spooner, with a team of dedicated drovers, horses and well-trained cattle dogs, drive the cattle from Cooplacurripa Station to Wingham Showground for the annual Wingham Campdraft. The Bydan Pastoral Company - Cooplacurripa Station, provide the cattle for the campdraft each year.

The drive is also an opportunity for younger riders to be encouraged and supported on the ride to hone their riding and cattle skills. The young riders come back every year, and now it’s not uncommon to see three generations on the road riding alongside each other for the seven days there and seven days back.

Roughly how many cattle took part in the 2015 drive … and what route did they follow to get to Wingham?

Approximately 1,000 head of heifers walked the 80 kilometres (one way) from Cooplacurripa Station to Wingham Showground and stayed in traditional stock reserves overnight to freshen up for the next day’s journey, averaging 12 kilometres each day.

The drove commenced from Cooplacurripa Station, Hikey Creek to be exact, where the riders had mustered cattle in from Kangaroo Tops prior to the drive. Leaving Hikey Creek, the cattle walked to McQueens Bridge for the first night’s rest. Then each following day they travelled to Rocks Crossing; Tiri; Connellys Creek; Wherrol Flat; Soap Factory Reserve, then the last leg of the journey to the Wingham Showground.

The 2015 drove had seen particularly good rainfall in the Upper Manning, with plenty of feed and water in the dams along the way.

What were the biggest highlights being a part of this amazing experience?

Being given this opportunity to experience, participate and being able to digitally document this piece of modern day history was a life highlight for me in itself. A feeling of self-satisfaction in being able to give these cattlemen a documented memory of their years of selfless hard work and dedication to the Wingham community was gratifying in itself. The drove also provided me and my husband with many fond memories to take away and cherish.

What challenges did you face (if any) along the cattle drive?

As no photographs were staged, I had to anticipate and be prepared to capture the moment as it happened. Horses had to be reshoed; cattle straying; cattle breaking through fences, which then had to be mended;

the cattle travelled by day on normal roads, so everyone in the drive, including myself, had to be mindful of road traffic.

Another obstacle I had to deal with was the cattle being very shy of me, as they had had little exposure to horses, dogs and people on the remote and very large Cooplacurripa property.

Some days were longer than others - starting early morning and sometimes finishing late. The drove took myself, drovers, their horses and dogs, through rain, hot sun and dust, which added to the complexity of photography, especially the rain and dust, where I had to ensure my camera and lenses were kept water and dustproof.

Apart from your beautiful photos, what other information does your book contain?

Being a coffee table book, other than the photos it covers a brief history of this modern day cattle drive, along with some background on some of the riders, as well as capturing the day by day route travelled with insights into happenings along the way to get the cattle safely to their destination.

Where can people find a copy of your book … are they available for purchase?

Greater Taree City Libraries has two books, one in each of the Taree and Wingham Libraries for people to look at initially, and later they will be offered for borrowing.

I have books available for sale (16”x12”), currently at $85 per copy including postage, which can be ordered by contacting me via my email at judylawrenson@gmail.com Thanks Judy.

The drive is also an opportunity for to younger riders and ed ag ur co be en e ride th supported on ng di ri r ei to hone th s.” ill sk e ttl and ca

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focus_What’s On Manning Great Lakes

July 2016

01.

NSW COUNTRY TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS The Country Championships is an event that is steeped in history and considered to be the most prestigious Country Tennis event on the TNSW Calendar.

Since the 1920s, the best country juniors and seniors have competed for more than 30 perpetual trophies on offer.

Previous champions include Tony Roche, Mark Edmondson, Jason Stoltenberg, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Jan O’Neill and in more recent times, Nathan Healey and Ashley Fisher.

Each year the event attracts more than 800 participants and spectators.

When 1 Jul to 9 Jul. Where Forster Tennis Club, Lake St, Forster.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

08.

Christmas is far too good to only have once a year!

Flow Bar invites you to celebrate Christmas in July with family, friends or staff over a scrumptious two or three course meal. Warm your hearts and bellies fireside whilst enjoying a wonderfully festive feast.

16.

FORSTER FARMERS’ MARKET

Forster Farmer's Market is held on the third Saturday of each month. It’s a great opportunity to purchase and tantalise your taste buds with the freshest of produce from the farm.

The aim is to promote fresh produce grown or made in the Great Lakes, and the neighbouring regions of Gloucester, Greater Taree and beyond.

When: Sat 16 Jul 2016, 8am to noon.

Location: Forster Visitor Centre, Little St, Forster.

Phone: (02) 6555 4351.

$48 per person - two course menu (entree and main or main and dessert) $58 per person - 3 course dinner set menu + a complimentary glass of spiced mead

NERF WARS

05.

Looking for some fun in the school holidays?

Why not come and try Nerf Wars! Bookings can be done via Facebook, online or by phoning.

Cost is $25 per person. $20 for three or more people.

Ages eight years and up. Event will be dependent on weather.

When: Tue 5 Jul 2016; 10am and 12pm.

Location: Half Chain Road, Old Bar NSW 2430.

Website: rapidfirepaintball.com.au Phone: 0414 955 434.

Email: rapidfirepaintballbookings@gmail.com

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When: Friday 8 July 2016 with live music 6:30pm, and Saturday 9 July 2016 with live music 6:30pm.

Where: 31 David Street, Old Bar NSW 2430.

Phone: (02) 6557 4224 Email: info@flowbar.com.au

09.

TINONEE ORCHID NURSERY ANNUAL OPEN DAY AND SHOW This year’s event will include its usual line up of great guest speakers, as well as workshops, live potting demonstrations and a lot of flowering plants. Free sausage sizzle will be available and light meals and refreshments will also be available for purchase.

When: Saturday 9 July to Sunday 10 July.

Where: 768 Tinonee Road, Tinonee.

Phone: (02) 6553 1012

02.

CHARMAINE WILSON

The Australian Medium Tour 2016.

When Tuesday 2nd August, 7:30pm.

Location Club Taree.

Cost See reception for tickets or phone 6539 4000.

ANNUAL BENDIGO BANK

RunningFestival COFFS HARBOUR’S ANNUAL BENDIGO BANK RUNNING FESTIVAL IS FAST APPROACHING. THE UNIQUE ‘OFF-ROAD’ RUNNING EVENT ON SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER IS NOW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR AND IS ONE OF THE COFFS COAST’S LARGEST HOMEGROWN SPORTING EVENTS. Last year’s festival attracted over 1,500 participants, taking part in the half marathon, 10 km fun run, 5 km run/walk and the 3 km family run/walk and organisers are expecting record numbers again this year.

The event attracts all ages and abilities from grandparents pushing babies in prams, to elite athletes and everyone in between.

Organisers emphasise that it’s all about participation and having fun.

Held on a bush trail on the picturesque Coffs Creek Walkway, all events start and finish at the Coffs Harbour Showground and meander along the banks of the Coffs Creek through forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark to the ocean and back.

Runners pass some of the city’s most popular attractions including Dolphin Marine Magic, Park Beach and the scenic Botanic Gardens.

The success of Coffs Harbour’s Bendigo Bank Running Festival has been recognised

by Destination NSW, naming it as a Regional Flagship Event for the third consecutive year. Organisers were thrilled to receive the Flagship funding again and are aiming to attract participants from all over the state to experience the unique course and all that is on offer on the Coffs Coast.

After missing last year’s event, Steve Moneghetti is returning as the 2016 event ambassador. Race Director, Mick Maley said, “We are thrilled to welcome Steve back to the Coffs Coast. He loves the course and is such an enthusiastic competitor and always up for a chat with the other runners.”

The Coffs Harbour Running Festival is excited to announce a new incentive for the 2016 event, the Doctor on Duty Schools Challenge with cash prizes for the schools with the highest number of participants to spend on sporting equipment.

The aim of the Doctor on Duty Schools

Challenge is to encourage participation across the region from local school children.

“We want to get the kids off the couch and outdoors doing something healthy in their local community,” said Mick. “The more students who participate, the more chance their school has of winning.”

The Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running Festival is on Father’s Day and organisers encourage participants to come and enjoy a

back to the local community since the inaugural event in 2011. Life Education, Coffs Coast Autism, Camp Quality and Early

run or walk with their families. “It’s a great

Connections are among the charities that will

way to work up an appetite for a Father’s

benefit again this year.

day lunch and we also have special prizes for

The 2016 Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour

the dads who take part with their kids,” said

Running Festival is on Sunday, 4th September

Mick.

starting from the Coffs Harbour Showground.

The event raises money for local children’s charities and has donated over $130,000

For more information or to enter, go to www. villagesports.com.au

COASTAL WORKS

INVESTED IN INFRASTRUCTURE

THE ROTARY CLUB OF COFFS HARBOUR

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WEDDINGS ARE TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHER JASE ALLAN’S PRIME FOCUS … HE LOVES NOTHING MORE THAN TO SHARE A COUPLE’S BIG DAY AND PRESERVE TREASURED MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME. JASE IS ABLE TO CAPTURE THE EMOTIONS, UPS AND DOWNS, THE MAGICAL MOMENTS, AND THE HILARIOUS HICCUPS OF EACH WEDDING DAY HE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH ARTISTIC FLAIR … i Jase. How did you get your start with photography?

I first picked up a DSLR in 2006 as a hobby, and began mainly with landscape and automotive photography. I spent a lot of time with other local photographers, Rod Trenchard, James Cause, and Josh Chislett, shooting landscape early in the morning, and late into the night. It was after some friends of mine asked me to photograph their wedding that I began focusing on weddings, and this became the core of everything I do.

Why have you chosen weddings as the main focus of your photography business ... What is it about these occasions that capture your imagination?

To put it simply, I love weddings. There is something so special about the connection between two people, and I always try to capture this connection and emotion in my photos. I’m

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B Y

J A S E

not sure why, but I just have this passion for As a child I was extremely creative and photographing weddings and couples. From the artistic, and I still am. I love to draw and sing, first wedding I’ve photographed to record music and more. I think this the most recent, I’ve thoroughly creative streak in me is really enjoyed every one. There satisfied through my wedding have been occasions photography, and coupled t ge A lot of people al where people have been with my passion for it really ic st lost in the logi er saying their vows and sets my work apart from th ra side of the day, r ei th I’ve been shedding others. I think I’ve also on than focusing I r. he ot tears behind the found that my age has an e love for on e m at th ve camera. In addition to put a different spin on lie truly be the of rt pa a g this, I love having fun things - there’s a lot of in m beco suring with my couples and young talent popping up, day is key to en d.” xe sharing their wedding which is putting a fresh everyone is rela day; it’s incredibly special look on an already incredible to me, and every day I’m industry. It’s an exciting time blessed to share such a big day to be a wedding photographer, with so many people! because there are so many fresh ideas, What do you feel sets you apart and technology is becoming more accessible for everyone. from other photographers within the Weddings can be stressful occasions for the industry - what are your special skills or bridal party, guests - and the photographer! talents?

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How do you help ensure the day is as relaxed as possible for all concerned?

I try to meet with every couple at least once before their big day, and every time my advice is to relax and have fun. A lot of people get lost in the logistical side of the day, rather than focusing on their love for one another. I truly believe that me becoming a part of the day is key to ensuring everyone is relaxed. Sometimes I’ll join in the wedding dances, or we’ll have groomsmen pulling their pants down and bridesmaids pulling ridiculous faces. The best way to stay relaxed is just to be yourself and have fun. Everything else falls into place.

If something can go wrong ... It's bound to happen at a wedding! What are some of the more unusual or even funny moments you've had to deal with as a photographer?

I think every wedding has a funny/unusual moment, and it’s important to note that these are usually the small things that make the day!

Josh Chislett (my assistant) and I really like

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to push the boundaries with every wedding, location and couple. I’ve had a groom fall out of a tree, Josh has climbed on top of wine vats at Cassegrain Winery (because I’m scared of heights), we’ve had an entire wedding go perfectly until location photo time, where it has teemed with rain and ruined our equipment.

If I had to pick the funniest moments, I’d have to say it’s always fun shooting the bridal party quite often I see bums and more, and it’s always hilarious for everyone involved.

How far will you travel to shoot a wedding ... and what are some of your favourite locations to shoot at along the Mid North Coast?

Realistically I’m willing to travel as far as my clients need me to. I love shooting weddings, so I’ll go anywhere! I’ve photographed weddings in Vanuatu and Sydney, with clients booking from the Gold Coast to Canberra, but I mainly service from Port Macquarie to the Hunter Valley without travel costs for the couple. I’d have to say my favourite location is the Hunter Valley;

there are endless locations for breathtaking photos.

What are some I’ve also studied phy, ra of the awards/ wedding photog , es accolades you've lighting techniqu ore under m received for your positioning and d Ryan an a or photography?

Rocco Anc of the best In 2015 I was Schembri, some phers in ra accepted into the wedding photog I think it’s important to self the world .”

Australian Institute develop or enter competitions, of Professional because it continues to push you Photography as an to create better images for your Accredited Professional clients.

Photographer. Additional to What are your top tips for brides and this, I’ve been awarded at both Bronze grooms to ensure fantastic photos on their and Silver levels in the International Loupe special day?

Awards, International Pano Awards, and I’ve Relax, get cosy with each other, and have fun. had some images published in the Automotive Too often I speak to couples who are worried Photography Award books. about having their photo taken or having too I’ve also studied wedding photography, much of their day drawn out taking photos, and lighting techniques, positioning and more under it’s really meant to be fun and loving. Grab some Rocco Ancora and Ryan Schembri, some of drinks, laugh, give each other lots of kisses and the best wedding photographers in the world.

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hugs. Forget your photographer and enjoy the moment with each other. We’ll capture the rest.

It’s the biggest day of your lives, and it’s really important to look back on it remember how fun it was. If you’re having fun, your photos will reflect that.

How can people contact you or see samples of your work?

My assistant, Josh, and I have a website at www.jaseallan.com, we are also on Facebook as Weddings By Jase, and Instagram @weddingsbyjase.

Thanks Jase.

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with Steve Attkins from Great Lakes Paddocks

watch.

An (M) Monday 11thJuly, 7pm.

St Joseph’s School Hall, Wingham.

T THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE WINES WINE DOES STRANGE THINGS TO PEOPLE - AND I DON’T JUST MEAN WHEN THEY HAVE HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK. PEOPLE SPEND AMAZING AMOUNTS OF MONEY IN PURSUIT OF PRESTIGIOUS WINES, WHICH THEY MAY NEVER DRINK.

I

do understand this to a certain President and had the initials THJ etched into extent, but I don’t think I’ve ever the glass bottle. spent more than $90 on individual This next one’s price tag was actually bottles of wine - which admittedly about the quality of the wine rather than the was worth a whole lot more when story. The 1945 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild we finally drank them 20 years later, but I Jeroboam (Claret) is considered to be the would never have paid the market value of finest vintage of the 20th century and was several hundred dollars at the time we did sold at auction for $US114,614 per bottle. finally enjoy them. But some are willing to Fifty years after vintage, the tasting notes pay a whole lot more. describing the colour, bouquet, The world’s most expensive concentrated flavours, tannin wine is 1907 Heidsieck and length remain the Champagne. Back in same as they did 10 t the early 1900s, much years after vintage. os The world’s m is e in of the premium The comment w expensive e. gn pa am Ch champagne was “seemingly 19 07 Heidsieck s, 00 19 y rl ea from France was indestructable”. e Back in th m iu em pr e th consumed by Sounds pretty much of France om fr e gn pa wealthy Russians dreamy! cham by wealthy ed um ns co as and were shipped Penfolds w ere shipped Russians and w via the Baltic Sea. Grange Hermitage a.” via the Baltic Se One such ship (and 1951 ranks pretty probably many more) highly in the world’s was shipwrecked off most expensive wines. the coast of Finland and This was the first Grange was discovered by divers in vintage and wasn’t released 1997. Apparently these bottles of commercially, as it was purely champagne have been well preserved and experimental and only 160 cases were are available to buy at the Ritz-Carlton produced. All reviews indicate that this Hotel in Moscow for the bargain price of wine is well past its peak for drinking, so $US275,000. The price is not reflective of the the value again is more about the story and quality of the wine, but more for its story and the historical significance. A bottle of this is age of the wine. valued at $AUD50,000.

A bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafite was sold These are the wines that the wine writers at Christies Auctions in London in 1985 for and auction houses help to promote and $US160,000. Chateau Lafite is a historical subsequently boosts their value. I know French winery with a history going back to there are amazing wines in small wineries the 13th century. But again, the value of all over the world that don’t enjoy the fame this wine was not so much about the quality and fortune of these big names, but do it of the famous red wine, but the story of its because it’s a passion and for the pure joy ownership. It was reported to be from the of creating something delicious that brings cellar of Thomas Jefferson, the former US great pleasure!

Taree Film Society kicks off its new subscription season with the sweet and delightful An (M), 7pm Monday 11th July at St Jospeh’s School Hall, Wingham. Contemporary Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase) runs a small bakery that serves dorayakis - pastries filled with sweet red bean paste (“an”). When an old lady, Tokue (Kirin Kiki), offers to help in the kitchen, he reluctantly accepts. But Tokue proves to have magic in her hands when it comes to making “an”.

Thanks to her secret recipe, the little business soon flourishes ... And with time, Sentaro and Tokue will open their hearts to reveal old wounds.

Cherry blossoms, sweet bean paste and secrets are some of the ingredients of this involving drama in which a confectioner, schoolgirl and elderly

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woman cross paths. Based on Dorian Sukegawa’s book and selected to open Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 2015, Naomi Kawase’s film uses the symbolic bean paste that fills the pancakes her protagonist makes that brings together her three main characters. Simply told with plenty of heart, the film explores the simple joys that relieve burdens and unite souls.

Enter St Josephs’s opposite Central Park; walk through the yard beside the Catholic Church.

Tickets are $14, including coffee, cakes and chatting. Or you can subscribe for the 2016-17 season for $120: visit www.tareefilmsociety.org. au and see the Join page, or phone 6552 3476.

with Horticulturalist Neville Donovan - Greenpatch Organic Seeds

Kiwifruit

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AT ’ S I N

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KIWIFRUIT IS ALSO KNOWN AS CHINESE GOOSEBERRY, WITH ITS OVAL SHAPED FURRY BROWN SKINNED FRUIT THAT SURPRISES THE SENSES ONCE CUT OPEN. It has a rich green coloured flesh, creamywhite with a black seeded centre makes it an interesting fruit to eat - fresh, delicious in desserts, refreshing in smoothies, rich in Vitamin C. The yellow flesh variety is also worth trying, with its deliciously sweet flavour.

Kiwifruit is a fast growing, long lived wooded perennial vine; it’s deciduous and loses its leaves in autumn. In spring the vine bursts into new growth, producing large, round deep green leaves. Essentially, male and female plants are required for pollination and fruit set.

It can take as little as 2 - 3 years to crop from planting.

The vines enjoy a mostly sunny position, sheltered from hot drying winds and some protection from the west. Providing fertile soil is a good start, with the addition of well rotted animal manure or compost. The addition of

an organic fertilizer as needed helps plants to flourish. Regular watering during dry periods is essential.

A sturdy support made from timber or steel and shaped as a tee trellis is ideal for the vines to twine onto several horizontal wires. The fruit then hangs between the wires, making picking easy. Older vines can be pruned in winter by thinning out the older wood and crossing branches. Healthy canes can be cut by at least one third. This will help fruit production during the next few years.

Kiwifruit are mostly pest free! Watch out for birds that may take a liking to the fruit; netting will help to exclude them. Fruit matures from May - July; pick when firm, and allow for ripening in a closed bag with apples for a week. The apples release Ethylene, aiding the ripening of the kiwifruit.

The The Legal Legal Light Light W I T H

J U S T I N

Matters. [ wit h A la n T ickle ]

S T A C K

Justin Stack

Changes to Centrelink and Tax will result in strategy changes for retirees.

PRINCE PROVES NEED FOR A WILL

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rince didn’t expect to die on 21 April 2016. The rock star was just 57 and to all accounts, healthy.

Maybe he felt he still had time to write a will. Maybe, like many of us, he feared making a will would tempt the Grim Reaper to look his way.

without a will, the laws of intestacy take

Sadly, it’s a fact of life that death can come knocking any time. Nobody expects car accidents, heart attacks while jogging, or lightning strikes while playing golf.

X’s parents. If the parents are dead, it goes

Joshua Crowther, a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at Stacks Law Firm, has seen the consequences a death without leaving a will can cause to a family.

such as divorces and children from second

“It can get very ugly, as some people think they deserve a bigger slice of the pie,” Mr Crowther said.

government coffers.

“It is far, far better to have a will ready as soon as you start to build an estate, marry or have children, so that it spares those left behind, and you have the satisfaction of knowing your estate will be distributed the way you want.”

hold, and the distribution of the estate goes to a descending order of living relatives.

“The easiest scenario is if X dies leaving spouse Y and their two children; Y gets the lot. If X has no spouse or children, it goes to equally to X’s siblings. If siblings are dead, it goes to siblings’ children.

“The more complex the surviving family, or third partner, the more complicated the distribution of the estate.”

If there is no living relative, the estate goes to

“You may prefer Treasury gets your estate than a nasty relative, but without a will you have no choice. You may want a charity to get your estate, but it won’t happen without a will. If there’s no will, the court usually appoints the primary beneficiary as executor of the estate, and that may not be ideal.

Prince’s lack of a will has started a king size brawl in the US over his $400 million fortune. A sister, five half-siblings, long lost cousins and a lovechild are battling for control of his estate.

“What happens if the entire family dies in

Mr Crowther says in NSW if a person dies

and plans for all possible eventualities.”

a car accident? Who should be executor?

Don’t wait until you are dead, because then it is too late. It’s far better to get expert legal help to prepare a will that meets your wishes

The changes to the Centrelink asset test is likely to alter the strategies employed for retirees who receive part pensions due to the Centrelink asset test.

One large and reputable product provider has stepped up to the plate with a product that has a decreasing annual asset value as far as the Centrelink assessment is concerned, but with a guaranteed income that removes market risk.

The use of the product can lift the Centrelink pension for those who are asset affected, but the beauty of the product is that when superannuation monies are used, the capital invested is returned at a maturity date free of tax.

After allowing for enhanced pension payments over the lifetime of the product, the return is reasonably comparable to the more risky managed type portfolio of diversified assets, but with the security of knowing the income and capital value is guaranteed.

The product can also be used for non-superannuation monies, but care needs to be taken in the amount invested, as the capital amount paid on maturity is taxable.

I can see the product becoming part of the fixed interest component of a client’s portfolio with a known cash flow being provided, while other money is devoted to the more volatile assets that are designed to deliver longer term capital growth.

The same product provider has also released an innovative product for those entering age care, where an income is purchased to pay for age care expenses but with an insurance policy attached; it provides an agreed value upon death to the estate.

That product will have a place, as it removes the risk of market volatility or falling interest rates in managing age care fees, while still leaving a guaranteed inheritance.

The structure of those products if taken out immediately before actual entry to care, can also reduce the asset based fees that apply to aged care.

Account Based Pensions … Will they be less relevant?

The challenge for retirees with account based pensions (formally known as allocated pensions) is the increasing payment that must be made based on age.

An 80 year old will have the equivalent of 7% of the account balance paid out as a pension, increasing to 14% for those over 95.

If a return less than that is achieved, account balances will fall.

While drawing capital may not necessarily be an issue, what has to be considered is that those with account based pensions in place pre 1st January 2015 which are not assessed under Centrelink’s deeming rules can end up worse off if they are caught by the income test. This can be the case when the income paid out well exceeds the deductible (unassessed amount).

In those cases, withdrawal altogether or even rolling to a guaranteed income annuity may be a better option.

The taxation treatment to an estate may also weigh against retaining an account based pension later in life.

All of this demonstrates how important it is to have a regular review programme in place with a financial planner, to comprehensively reassess strategy.

This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice from a Financial Planner and Taxation Adviser to ensure the appropriateness to individual circumstances. Alan Tickle and Your Heritage Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.

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Bridal showcase

Welcome to the Manning Valley Bridal Showcase! Are you planning the event of your lifetime? Need inspiration? Don’t know where to start with suppliers? Having trouble finding the perfect venue? Our aim is to take the stress out of your special day!

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ome and meet the professionals of the wedding industry and find out what the latest trends are ... We are very lucky to have such a variety of exhibitors at our showcase. The showcase will have sites exhibiting outside the club and also inside. It’s going to be a fabulous day. Mark the 24 July in your diary and head to Club Taree. To take the stress out of your day, you will be able to book and hire items for your wedding. Bring your wedding planner and get some items ticked off your to do list. Lunch and entertainment will be available in the Club Taree restaurant, so why not plan a day out!

What can those heading to the expo expect to find and learn?

At the Bridal Showcase you can expect to see a

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At the Bridal n Showcase you ca y et ri va a e expect to se bitors , of different exhi g in who will be runn ith w stalls packed rding information rega .” es ss ne si their bu

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variety of different exhibitors, who will be running stalls packed with information regarding their businesses.

We have florists, wedding venues, photographers, celebrants, wedding event hire, dance lessons, cake artists, hair and makeup artists, transport, gifts, entertainment, DJs, wedding planners, photo booths, men’s suits and of course, the beautiful dresses, and much more.

What time do the doors open, and how will the day be run?

Manning Valley Bridal Showcase will be held on Sunday 24th July at Club Taree from 10am ‘til 2pm. Entry is free for all of our guests.

We are excited to showcase the Manning Valley’s local wedding exhibitors and look forward to meeting our new brides and grooms. There will

be free gift bags for every bride and lucky door prizes to be won. You will see modern, vintage etc. table set ups and be able to look and feel and get lots of ideas for your own special day.

Ladies, have you organised your hen’s day yet? Want to have a ladies’ day with your older wedding guests?

Club Taree will have a beautiful high tea set up on stage for you to view. We are also having a flower crown bar, where our brides and bridesmaids can come and try a flower crown and have some fun.

Why do you think it’s important for brides

and grooms to visit these kinds of events?

A Wedding Showcase is the perfect opportunity for brides and grooms to ensure that their wedding day is everything they ever dreamed, and more. Exhibitors are on-trend and full of innovative ideas! Brides and grooms will draw information from each stall as they wander through the wedding expo, which will broaden their minds to each and every opportunity available to them. The wedding expo isn’t for brides alone, so bring along mothers, sisters and bridesmaids. Looking forward to a wonderful day at Club Taree for this year’s Manning Valley Bridal Showcase.

Contact Leaha for information and site bookings 0410 655 721

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | COOPERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU | HELLO@COOPERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU manning-great lakes focus.

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Her roots are rich with culture and love for the Manning-Great Lakes ... Indigenous

artist Lara Went shares with FOCUS her artistic journey.

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ou’re no stranger to our local creative scene. Take us back to the beginning; what was it that first sparked your interest in art?

I was a very creative child and carried my love for painting right through school. If I was going to narrow it down to one event in my life that gave me that extra push, it would have been doing visual arts for my HSC- I chose to do a three piece collection influenced by my culture and traditions. Probably about six years out of high school, my mum got hold of my works and hung them in her house. Seeing my artwork hanging on the walls made me realise that I had to pursue my talent and passion.

Tell us about your heritage and traditional connection to the Manning-Great Lakes?

I am a Worimi woman. My Aboriginal heritage is from my mother, who was born and bred in Forster. I feel a very strong connection to the Manning-Great Lakes, especially to the ocean and waterways.

Can you please share with us some of the stories and inspirations behind your artworks?

Each artwork that I design and create tells a significant story. No two artworks are ever the same.

For my prints, my inspiration is drawn from my culture, my surroundings, beliefs and events in my life. A few of my prints have been inspired by my daughter, becoming a mother, and one in particular was inspired by my own mother and her beautiful/strong nature.

For my custom artworks, my inspiration comes directly from my customers. I ensure that I gain an insight and understanding into exactly what the customer wants the painting to represent, the message they want it to convey and more importantly, the personal connection it has to them or the person it is intended for. My goal is to develop a trusting relationship with my customers and treat them as though I would my own friends, so that the whole process can be very relaxed.

Your following over the past year has grown in leaps of Sydney. The artwork was printed onto the students’ and bounds. How do you keep up with the demand folders, as well as chosen for the university’s Leadership not only of current works, but ventures in the pipeTeam. They ended up loving it so much, it was used again line? for the University of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait This past year has been an incredible ride. I have had a Islander Student Guide 2017. This would be my greatest lot of ups and downs since I began my business in August achievement so far.

2015. Some choices I have made did not turn out positive; My favourite collaboration is a more recent print however; I believe that you need to make mistakes in order series that I worked on with a fellow Forster creative, to move forward. I do not treat my work as a job. I feel as Brigitte May. The range has been designed to capture the though I am very blessed to be able to do what I beauty of our homeland, with a few of love and make a living out of it. I think if you Australia's most loved creatures just stay true to yourself and be honest surrounded by their natural with people, then you will always foliage of wattle, gumnuts move forward. and kangaroo paw.

Don’t get me wrong - I have As a Worimi woman, s, er The pristine wat stressful times. Being a stay at what does being able nd la sea life and home mum, working at home to share your stories ce en all greatly influ am I d and expecting another little with the wider an , ks or my artw t ge I at th bub takes its toll some days. community mean to ul kf an so th ht on But, I just tone it down a little. you? to shine a spotlig rough my I tell my customers that all good I feel honoured to Worimi Land th ts .” in paintings and pr things take time. If they are in be a Worimi woman. I a hurry to get the artwork, I find thank my parents every this out at the beginning, so I know day for choosing the Great where I stand and always keep them Lakes as our home. The prisupdated on the progress. tine waters, sea life and land My number one priority is producing all greatly influence my artworks, quality work; if I feel like I cannot keep up with and I am so thankful that I get to shine a that some days, I just don’t paint. I take some time out spotlight on Worimi Land through my paintings and come back to it a few days later with a clear mind and and prints. To think that someone on the other side of the my mojo back intact. The key is to not lose sight of why I world or even the person down the road has a piece of my started my business in the first place. artwork hanging in their home is unbelievable, but also the What medium do you like to work with? fact that they chose it because of its meaning and story I mostly work with acrylic paint and posca paint pens. At behind it is even more incredible. this stage these are the best mediums I find to use for my Thanks Lara. style of art. The posca pens allow me to add in all those tiny designs and patterns that give my works a unique Yukul Art edge.

Collaborations and custom works are also a promiWebsite: www.yukulart.com nent part of your story; what are some of the projEmail: larawent@yukulart.com ects you’ve worked on?

Instagram: www.instagram.com/yukul_art_ I would have to say my most successful project would be Facebook: www.facebook.com/yukulart/ when I was chosen to design an artwork for the University

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what ya

Didgeridooin What ya didgeridooin: would you like to join the team at Biripi Aboriginal children (BACS) & Walanbaa? This Out of Home Service provides Foster Care Support to Foster & Kinship/ Relative Carers and is an inclusive not-for profit organisation that is part of Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service.

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ACS provides high quality culturally appropriate fostering services that meets the needs of Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care. BACS values and acknowledges the importance of keeping strong cultural and spiritual connections for our children to community and family, therefore allowing the child to have strong identity as an Aboriginal person and allowing the child to feel a strong sense of who they are.

Biripi Aboriginal Children’s Service are moving towards a new and innovating change that will provide ongoing support to Aboriginal children and carers in this region. The new innovative changes consist of passionate supportive staff who listen, are respectful, caring, honest and professional. Our team will deliver weekly ongoing training that will empower and skill our carers. Carers will be provided with 24 hour ongoing support, including monthly social activities, to allow carers to develop partnerships

and support each other as part of BACS. Our carers will be valued members of our service and are imperative for the success of our O U R CA RE RS ED service.

W IL L BE VA LU R U O F O RS Biripi M EM BE A RE SE RV IC E A N D Children’s R FO E IM PE RATI V Service is OU R F O S ES CC TH E SU accredited by SE RV IC E.” the Children’s assistance Guardian and • Peer support working together • Ongoing training with ABSEC (Aboriginal • Strong links to the Aboriginal Child, Family and community Community Care State Secretariat) · Tax free allowance to provide a quality out-of-home care service · Access to social activities that promotes the best interest and rights of · In Collaboration with Biripi Medical Centre children and young people. we provide medical, Aboriginal health checks, We offer carers: • 24/7 access to caseworker advice and dental services, psychology, occupational

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therapists, speech pathologists, regional optometrists and other services.

We need Aboriginal Carers and nonAboriginal Carers to cater to the individual needs of the Aboriginal children and young people in our care. Foster carers are everyday members of the community who have a strong commitment to children and young people. They can be families, couples or singles.

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NAIDOC CHURCH SERVICES SUNDAY 3 JULY 2016

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naidoc WEEK Calendar2016 NAIDOC MOVIE NIGHT WEDNESDAY 6 JULY 2016

Where & When St Alban’s Church @ 9:30am Catholic Church @ 9:30am Followed by morning tea.

Phone Helen Quinn 6559 2723 or 0427 592 723.

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NAIDOC FLAG RAISING CEREMONY MONDAY 4 JULY 2016

NAIDOC ELDERS DAY AMAROO CRUISE TUESDAY 5 JULY 2016

Where & When Great Lakes Council @ 10am Phone Tanya 6555 6271 or Margie 6555 5622.

Where & When Great Lakes Council @ 10am Phone Tanya 6555 6271 or Margie 6555 5622.

NAIDOC KIDS’ DISCO TUESDAY 5 JULY 2016 Sausage sizzle at 5pm. Disco starts at 6pm.

Phone Ashlee or Lena 6555 6271.

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7 NAIDOC COMMUNITY DAY THURSDAY 7 JULY 2016 When 10am - 2pm. All welcome.

Phone Tanya 6555 6271 or Margie 6555 5622.

NAIDOC TOUCH FOOTY COMMUNITY V POLICE WEDNESDAY 6 JULY 2016

NAIDOC MEN’S GOLF DAY FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016

Phone Ashlee on 6555 6271.

Phone Ness Stewart on 0400 032 604.

Proud to support Naidoc Week celebrations in the Manning, Great Lakes & Gloucester regions

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Dinner served at 5pm.

Movie starts at 6pm.

Contact Marcus on 6555 6271.

www.midcoastwater.com.au

1300 133 455

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MANNING VALLEY

CAN ASSIST

Can Assist Manning Valley is a grass roots organisation helping local cancer patients and their families. Can Assist Manning Valley raises funds locally, and distributes funds locally, with all funds raised going straight to helping locals.

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he organisation is constantly humbled by the support of local individuals, businesses and organisations over their relatively short 3.5 year history. In that time Can Assist Manning Valley has distributed just over $170,000 to locals. Assisting with day to day expenses, like car registrations, utility bills along with distribution of food and fuel vouchers, and pharmaceutical bills.

Can Assist Manning Valley each year hosts a major fundraiser to assist in building funds for distribution throughout the year. This year Can Assist Manning Valley is proud to “proisent” Noice Different Unusual, a Kath and Kim Tribute Show featuring The Foxy Hornbags on Saturday 6th August. This is shaping up to be a fabulous night out filled with loads of laughs and great entertainment. The event is a full scale Kath and

Creative

Kim themed event hosted at Club Taree. Attendees can expect some great references to the iconic Australian series, while enjoying a night out with family and friends while helping local cancer patients and their families. The format of the event will have guests interacting with both “Kath” and “Kim”, while enjoying a range of fun, hilarious skits, dances, tunes and of course there will definitely be some audience participation. The night will be rounded out with plenty of '80s and '90s tunes to dance the night away to. Get your friends together, and get into Club Taree “Toot Sweet”, as this event will sell out.

Tickets are only $65 per person, including dinner and the show. Tickets are available at Club Taree reception or by phoning 6539 4000. Please also do not hesitate to contact Can Assist Manning Valley President, Paul Allan for more information.

PARTNERSHIP

ABBA FOCUS GIVEAWAY To help celebrate Club Forster's 40th year at Strand Street, we have 5 x Double Passes to give away to ABBALANCHE "The Australian ABBA Tribute Show" (Special 40th Anniversary Show).

W

hat better way to celebrate than to feature the ageless music of ABBA, the world's most popular band of 1976! ABBALANCHE take you on an entertaining ride through the hits you know so well.

A visually stunning and incredibly energetic show with plenty of crowd participation, ABBALANCHE are a timely celebration of the dazzling costumes, exciting eye-catching choreography, sing-a-long ballads and dancefloor hits.

When: Saturday 16th July at 8pm.

Post your answer on the ManningGreat Lakes FOCUS Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mgl.focus or post to P.O. Box 690, Port Macquarie. *Winners announced Wed 13th July - you will be notified and your tickets will be available for pick up at Club Forster reception.

Christine Armstrong, 50th Anniversary Committee Publicity Officer; Pamela Wallbridge, Liaison Officer, Fellowship of Australian Writers/ Forster Arts and Crafts Society; and Christine Hayes, Publicity Officer, Fellowship of Australian Writers Inc. tell us about a unique partnership recently shared by these two local groups …

T FORSTER ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY INC AND FELLOWSHIP OF AUSTRALIAN WRITERS INC

to enter How many years are Club Forster celebrating, and what is your favourite ABBA song?

he Forster Arts & Crafts Society (FACS) and the local Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) have recently collaborated on a project. What’s been involved in this partnership, and how did it come about?

August 2016 is the 50th anniversary of our Arts and Craft Society’s foundation in Forster, and we were discussing various ways we could celebrate this special milestone. Pamela came up with the idea that perhaps members could submit a craft item and the Fellowship of Australian Writers could write a story to go with the item, and then have a public display showing the ingenuity of both craft workers and writers.

What are some of the various craft items that have been selected as part of this project?

Beading, paintings, folk art, ceramics, decoupage, crystals and many others - all made into stunning objects.

How did the writers choose which items they wanted to write about?

Each member of FAW had two items to write about, selected from craft submitted for this

project; the first item was chosen by ballot and the second item was the personal choice of the writer.

Where and when will these craft items and accompanying stories be displayed?

They will be in Forster Library from 18th July and will be transferred to the FACS centre on 11th August, so they can be there for our special lunch on Sunday 14th August and continuing display during the remainder of August to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Please note that the Forster Arts & Crafts Centre will be closed to the general public on that Sunday.

Where can readers find out more info about both FACS and FAW? Forster Arts & Crafts is located in Breese Parade Forster (near the Library) and is usually open seven days a week, 10am - 4pm: 6554 6900.

The Fellowship of Australian Writers meet once a month at Club Forster. For more information, please contact Christine Hayes: 6555 9904.

Thank you, FOCUS, for the opportunity to explain this unique partnership between two differing artistic groups.

Thanks ladies. manning-great lakes focus.

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A traditional Burger and famous Shake from dasher’s.

download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat

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focusinterview.

club taree At Club Taree we are passionate about food, whether it be our inspiring restaurant menu in Dineon19, our amazing range of house made cakes and desserts through Café Connect or our award winning functions catering. It’s clear that we LOVE food, and we spend a great deal of time ensuring that you have innovative, fresh and inspiring options here at Club Taree.

We understand that food is important, and we appreciate that everyday people choose Club Taree as their preferred dining option.

’ Head Chef Murray Phillips.

T H A I

K I T C H E N

ENJOY A TASTE OF THAILAND! YOU CAN EXPECT THE VERY BEST OF AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE AT KENNY’S THAI KITCHEN AT CLUB FORSTER.

121 Wingham Rd, Taree 6539 4000

W

hat is your background as a chef?

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand and had a big family influence, gaining my Thai cooking skills and expertise through working in my family’s restaurant.

Lunch from 11:30, 7 days. Dinner from 5:30pm.

Mango Chicken

name a few!

Plus of course, patrons are welcome to choose from our extensive menu, including my Signature Dishes for both lunch and dinner from Wednesday through to Sunday each week.

What will customers enjoy about their After moving to Australia 26 years dining experience? ago, I continued to work in the We have views at the rear of Club industry, gaining experience Forster overlooking Forster Golf in several restaurants at s ew Course, where customers vi We have located in North ub Cl of will be taken on a journey the rear Sydney and Surry through Thailand with r overlooking te rs Fo Hills. I then decided , rster G olf Course the richness and colours Fo to venture into my s will where customer of Thai curries, the smell urney own establishment, be taken on a jo with of satays and coconut “Rum Thai” in Bondi through Thailand lours and the lingering spices d co Junction. the richness an of Lemongrass, Coriander, ...” of Thai curries Why did you decide Chilli and Kaffir Lime. to move to the Great You have recently been Lakes region? awarded the 2016 Trip Advisor After about six years of living Certificate of Excellence? in Australia, I travelled to the beautiful We have consistently received strong praise Great Lakes and fell in love with the area. and ratings from travellers, and we are proud to The community are very welcoming, and deliver great food and service. General Manager it is a great place to live and work. of Club Forster, Peter Clarke said, “This is a What is on the menu at Kenny’s Thai most deserved recognition for Kenny, whom Kitchen?

I regard as master of his craft and who at all We have our popular $10 Lunch Specials every times prides himself on quality of product and week from Wednesday through Sunday, which exceptional service”. He added, “I know that includes an entree and your choice of one main the Board, management, staff and members meal. Some of our choices include the stir fried alike are all extremely proud of Kenny and his crispy pork belly with lime leaf, green bean, phi team’s achievements, and it has certainly shown king sauce, peanuts and mild chilli, the crispy in the growth of popularity that Kenny’s Thai fried Angel Prawns with Thai herbs, coconut Kitchen has shown recently”. cream, vegetables and special Thai sauce, and

“

kEnny’s thai kitchen Enjoy a taste of Thailand! $10 Lunch Specials.

Entrée and your choice of one main meal; entrée includes a spring roll with crab meat and curry puff.

Choose from a range of delicious mains, including the popular crispy fried Angel Prawns with Thai herbs and coconut cream, stir fried crispy pork belly with phi king sauce and peanuts, deep fried sweet chilli Barramundi fillets, traditional green curry, mango chicken, Pad Thai or Pad Mee Mao Drunken Noodles.

Club Forster, 19 Strand St, Forster 6591 6591 Open Wed - Sun, lunch and dinner. Lunch: noon until 2pm.

Dinner: 5:30pm until 8pm.

Head Chef Kenny.

deep fried sweet chilli Barramundi fillets, to

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focus_eat

Gabriel Darzi - Executive Director The Sicilian Bar & Restaurant

What a treat MO Award winner Wayne Rogers is bringing his fabulous cabaret show, Lashes, Legs & Lyrics to Taree.

Leaving his stunning home “Iona” in Wallsend, Newcastle, where he holds High Tea each weekend, multi-talented Wayne travels Australia

Gabriel DARZI

WINTER FOOD WHAT YOU SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T EAT THIS WINTER WHEN YOU GET A COLD OR FLU ... DURING THE COOLER MONTHS, WE ALL GET A COLD OR FLU; DOESN’T MATTER HOW HARD WE TRY NOT TO, IT ALWAYS HAPPENS! SO, ARE YOU EATING WHAT YOU SHOULD BE WHEN YOU GET SICK?

M

ost of used to go to bed and have some soup or plain toast, but depending on what is wrong will determine what you should and shouldn’t eat.

When I was growing up, I was always given home remedies to try and beat the common cold or flu first, like herbal teas and soups.

So here are some of my tips I have learnt over the years. If it hurts to swallow because you have a sore throat, there are several foods you can use to coat your throat and soothe the pain.

Best foods: Combine peppermint tea, which has analgesic and anaesthetic effects, with honey, which is known for its healing properties. Soft, creamy foods such as cream soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and custards are also soothing.

Worst foods: Avoid hot liquids and hard, scratchy foods such as potato chips, nuts, and granola. The acidic juices from raw fruits and vegetables, as well as orange juice, grape juice, and lemonade can also irritate a sore throat.

When I was a boy growing up in Italy, whenever I was sick I remember my muma would make me chicken, ginger soup. It was like a broth style soup with the piece of chicken and ginger floating around in it and was a little bit sweet, as she would add a dash of honey.

One of the worst symptoms of having a cold might be a nose that just won’t stop running.

Best foods: Try ginger tea. Ginger contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help clear up a cold faster than just waiting it out. Apple cider and lemon in water works well too.

Worst foods: Spicy foods can cause an immediate runny nose, as may alcohol.

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and beyond, performing. He creates all his own fantastic costumes, dazzling his loyal fans with sequins, frills and feathers, while performing everybody’s favourite hit songs.

Ballads, big band numbers and country artists are all covered by Wayne’s beautiful strong tenor voice, always leaving his audience calling for more.

Asked what it is about the stage that entices?

Wayne replies: “It’s definitely the audience.

A cold, flu or sinus infection can irritate and inflame blood vessels in your nose, making it hard to breathe. Aside from inhaling steam from a hot shower or using a humidifier, you could try: Best foods: golden milk, which includes turmeric, a spice known for its antiinflammatory properties. Place 2 cups of coconut or almond milk in a saucepan with 1 tsp dried turmeric, 1 tsp dried ginger, a dash of black pepper and honey to taste. Bring to a simmer; allow it to sit for 10 minutes and serve warm.

Worst foods: Skip dairy, spicy foods, and sugar, all of which can aggravate your symptoms.

When I came to Australia, I meet Niral, who has since become a very close family friend and my General Manager for The Sicilian restaurants. He is the one who told me about golden milk and how he always had it when made for him when he was a boy growing up in India.

Some cold and flus give you the all over body aches. Foods that ease muscle aches contain magnesium or calcium to help ease soreness.

Best foods: Magnesium-containing foods include nuts, bananas, beans, leafy greens, and avocados. Foods high in calcium such as canned Salmon, yogurt, dark-green leafy greens, and orange juice fortified with calcium also lessen muscle cramping and pain.

Worst foods: Anything that dehydrates you can worsen muscle aches, particularly alcohol and caffeine.

Come to The Sicilian this winter for our $10 express lunch Monday to Friday, as we have now added different varieties of soup on selected days.

The feeling you get when you put a smile on people’s faces is pretty hard to beat.”

Smiling and laughing is all part of a wonderful fun packed show when Wayne is on stage. His warm personality and sense of humour quickly has his audience feeling comfortable, and in no time they are responding to his quips and singing along.

His extra long legs and lashes are extraordinary and have to be seen to be believed; they’re worthy of any stage, anywhere.

Travelling with Wayne is his very talented dance troupe, along with four brilliant musicians.

Backed by this combination, his audience remains enthralled throughout the performance.

Wayne is always keen to meet new friends, and he’d love to meet you after his Lashes, Legs & Lyrics show when he comes to Taree.

Book Now: Manning Entertainment Centre.

July 31st, 2pm. Phone: 6592 5466 www.themec.com.au.

billabong zooZoo Billabong

CHRISSY

Simon & GARFUNKEL

“Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert”.

Performed by MARK SHELLEY and JOHN ROBERTSON. “Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert” showcases over 20 hit songs that include Mrs Robinson, The Boxer, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Feelin Groovy, Me and Julio, Homeward Bound, Scarborough Fair, America, and Sounds of Silence ... Simon & Garfunkel reflected and defined the mood of the ‘60s with their close vocal harmonies and stirring songs penned by Paul Simon.

Their songs, harmony and message defined the term “folk rock” and reflected the mood and social revolution of the era.

With record sales in excess of 70 million and 10 Grammy Awards, they are arguably one of the greatest vocal duos of all time.

Simon & Garfunkel’s music remains timeless, etched in the memories of those they touched at the time, and the generations since who have discovered their songs. Their at times rocky personal relationship was seemingly at odds with their inspired musical partnership.

“Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert” is inspired by Simon & Garfunkel’s remarkable reunion concert in Central Park, New York.

It’s a fun, nostalgic and story filled performance that will touch you and transport you back to where you were, what you felt, and who you were with when you first heard their music. www.sandgtheconcert.com.au www.facebook.com/sandgtheconcert

home base youth

At PCYC Taree we pride ourselves on providing quality, fun, safe activities for kids & adults. The Taree PCYC is the home of Gyescape to the coast maroo Gymnastics, the Gymaroos combine Escape the coast these school holidays ... dance,togymnastics and acrobatics to create The Meridian Resort is not near the beach; on the routines that they perform locally, it’s within beach.

Australia and also around the world. Taree Thirty refurbished self-contained apartments comprising either PCYC provides a variety of other activities for one, two or three bedroom ocean view or courtyard, and two all ages and skill levels, click on our activities Spa Deluxe Apartments. All apartments come with full linen icon for more details! supplied.

Soak in the spa or enjoy the solar heated pool with a child We look forward friendly beach section. to seeing you at the club

soon!

Take advantage of direct beach access, great for fishing, long walks on the beach, kite surfing, and whale watching.

Managers Karen and Alan Davidson pride themselves on providing clean, comfortable accommodation at an affordable price, with a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

Looking for an investment property that you can holiday in and rent out when you leave? Then call and speak to Karen; properties don’t last long on the market.

The resort is beautifully appointed, with gardens, water features, BBQ facilities and a recreation room. The perfect retreat with luxurious holiday apartments and absolute beach frontage.

July school holiday special: five nights in a three bedroom ocean view apartment - $995. Call today 6553 3441 or book online at www.meridianresort.com.au

Billabong the response that their BillabongZoo Zooisisdelighted delightedwith to announce the much anticnewly and Vongani ipatedacquired arrival ofcheetah our twobrothers, cheetah Warrior brothers, Warrior and (the name(the means “tomeans give thanks”) received Vongani name “to give have thanks”).

Theseand brothers are happy to say that they have settled in extremely have travelled all the way from Cheetah Outreach in Cape Town, well.

The cheetahs can be enjoyed by all at their special The South Africa, and they’ve come with an important message. presentation 3pm daily.

The brothers have travelled all thecapacheetah is well known for being the fastest land mammal, way from Cheetah Outreach in Cape Town, South Africa, and ble of reaching speeds of 100 km per hour - but they are losing they’ve come with an important message. The cheetah is well their greatest race of all - the race of survival. known for being the fastest land mammal, capable of reaching Since the turn of the century, their population numbers have speeds of 100 km per hour - but they are losing their greatest dramatically declined from 100,000 animals down to as few as race of all - the race of survival.

10,000 today. They are rapidly losing their habitat and natural Since the turn of the century, their population numbers have food sources, and this leads to regular conflict with farmers dramatically declined from 100,000 animals down to as few as as the cheetahs are forced to hunt domestic prey. Warrior 10,000 today. They are rapidly losing their habitat and natural and Vongani are here to raise awareness and support for the food sources, and this leads to regular conflict with farmers, conservation efforts being undertaken by Cheetah Outreach and as the cheetahs are forced to hunt domestic prey. Warrior and their livestock guardian programme. A special thank you to our Vongani are here to raise awareness. Billabong Zoo is a great friends at Mogo Zoo, who quarantined our boys in Australia. day out for the whole family, from our monster croc Shrek Zoo is a great day out theanimal wholepresentations family, from our toBillabong our mischievous meerkats.

Wefor have monster croc Shrek to our mischievous meerkats.

We have happening almost every half hour that are sure to keep the animal presentations almost every experience, half hour that are kids on their toes. For happening that truly unforgettable surenot to keep on their toes.animal For that truly unforgettable why bookthe onekids of our personal encounters - feed a experience, why not meerkat book oneorofred ourpanda, personal animalcuddle encounsnow leopard, koala, perhaps a ters - feed snow leopard, koala, or red panda, perhaps penguin or aa python; full details onmeerkat our website. cuddle a penguin or a python; full details on our website. HunHungry! Why not grab a bite to eat at the zoo café, try our gry! Why not grab a bite to eat at the zoo café, try our chef’s chef’s porterhouse steak, homemade scones, biscuits and burgporterhouse steak, homemade scones, biscuits and burgers, or ers, or a fresh ground coffee. Don’t forget our huge gift shop a fresh ground coffee. Don’t forget our huge gift shop for that for that special memento. Check out our website, join us on special memento. Check out our website, join us on face book, Facebook, and remember, Billabong Zoo is the place for you! and remember, Billabong Zoo is the place for you!

pcyc

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HAILED AS HAVING ONE OF THE FINEST TENOR VOICES IN THE WORLD, AUSTRALIA’S 22 YEAR OLD STAR MARK VINCENT BRINGS HIS NEW SHOW, LOVE WILL LEAD THE WAY, TO THE MANNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE. SUPPORTED BY THE SERENADE ORCHESTRA AND VOCALIST JENNIFER GRAY, THIS PRODUCTION IS NOT ONE TO BE MISSED!

H

i Mark. It's been an incredible journey for you since you won Australia's Got Talent in 2009. What do you feel have been some of the biggest lessons you've learned throughout your entertainment experience so far?

I think the biggest lesson I've learnt is never to take great opportunities for granted. Seize every moment and make it count.

Among many other awards, you were recently named Best Male Artist and Best Male Performer at the 2016 ACE Awards.

How did you feel when you received these awards ... and how does receiving this kind of acknowledgement help to inspire you?

I was overwhelmed about this. To think I started on Australia’s Got Talent in 2009, and I’ve released seven albums, all of which were number one in the classical charts, is so exciting for me. Winning the ACE Awards was the cherry on the cake for me.

It inspires me to worker harder and better myself as a performer. There's always room for impro Whom do you look up to?

I would have to say I look up to Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti. They have both had amazing careers and when they sing, you know it’s them. That's what I call true artists.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influence would be Anthony Warlow. He is such an amazing performer and has a voice that soars through the room. I've admired his work since I was 11.

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How old were you when you decided that you wanted music to be your career?

I've been singing since I was a baby, but I knew I had a voice when I was nine years of age. I first started singing in my grandfather’s restaurant when I was nine. I knew from then I wanted singing as a career.

What would you tell someone wanting to start a career in the music industry?

I would say to work very hard, know where you want to head to, be an individual and always stay humble, no matter how successful you are.

Where do you want to be in five years?

I want to be overseas touring the world, sharing my voice with everybody. I want to be the next Andrea Bocelli and follow in his footsteps.

Where do you want to be in 20 years?

In 20 years, I’ll be 42. I think this will be the peak of my career, and hopefully I’ll be well established. I want keep touring and pass on to my family what I’ve achieved in my life.

How do you prepare for a big show?

I make sure I don't eat too much before sing, I warm my voice up, I make sure I’m staying focused at all times and have fun at the same time. Preparation is everything.

Do you ever get nervous?

I always get nervous before I go on stage, but once I'm on, I'm OK. It's just getting to the stage which is the hardest thing for me to do.

What’s your favourite song to perform and why?

My favourite song would have to be Nessun Dorma. This song kick started my

My favourite song would have orma’. to be ‘Nessun D arted st This song kick I was n he w my career G ot ’s ia al tr 15 on ‘Aus ’.” nt Tale

“

career when I was 15 on Australia's Got Talent. If it wasn't for that auditioning song, I wouldn't be where I am today.

How do you connect with your audience on stage?

I always want to treat my audience like my friends. Keeping the audience involved at all times is very important. It makes them feel like they are part of the show. I want people to walk away from my show saying they had fun and enjoyed every minute of it.

That's what's most important to me.

Why do you love your fans?

If it wasn't for my fans, I wouldn't be where I am today. I don't care how big a star you are, you always need support from people - especially your fans.

How important do you think classical music is in this day and age?

I think classical music is very important in every manner; it’s true music, and getting my generation to appreciate it more is my goal through my career.

Classical music has been around for many years, and I know it will be in the next 100 years or so.

You've had some experience with musical theatre now, having toured with Dirty Dancing (the musical) in 2014 - 2015.

What do you most like about this type of performance? What plans do you have for future musical theatre participation?

Yes, I toured Dirty Dancing for at least 11 months, and what an experience it was. This was so exciting for me, being in another world such as musical theatre.

Being in a theatre production, it's about working with the group and all being on the same level. Being a solo performer, this took time for me to grasp and get used to.

I'll be staring in My Fair Lady, which opens in Sydney on the 6th September. I'm so excited about this, as Dame Julie Andrews will be directing the show.

You've also worked on an album with Marina Prior recently. Describe this experience for us ...

Marina is just wonderful to work with such a talented performer, who is respected in her own right. This album is special and is doing very well.

You're heading to the Mid North Coast of NSW for performances in several venues, including shows at Coffs Harbour, Taree and Port Macquarie. How familiar are you with the area ... and how much are you looking forward to visiting?

I am thrilled that I'll be visiting these amazing places. I've never been before, so I can’t wait to meet my fans and see them up close and personal.

Thanks Mark.

the plug!

See Mark at the MEC on July 24 at 2pm.

Tickets: adult $69 Conc. $64, U18 $59.

Visit www.themec.com.au

The Pacific Palms Recreation Club ladies race day

Club forster In July The Electric ‘80s Show | Friday 8th July at 8pm. The incredible ‘80s era of music is captured and faithfully reproduced by some of the highest quality musicians in Australia. This exciting band will burst onto the stage as the quintessential ‘80s band in Australia.

Every song is a hit in this musical tribute, which includes many dance floor magnet pop classics that epitomise the best of the electronic early eighties through to the explosion of the pop culture songs from the late eighties.

From The Eurythmics to Cyndi Lauper to Van Halen, The ELECTRIC ‘80s SHOW plays all the biggest and best songs from 1980 to 1989.

Adam Harvey “Harvey's Bar Tour” | Thursday 14th July at 8pm. With eight Golden Guitars to his name and a string of gold and

platinum discs to his credit, Harvey has madesome mighty fine records along the way. Now he can add one more to the list, Harvey’s Bar… The Backyard Sessions. When the show hits the road, audiences are in for a treat.

ABBALANCHE “The Australian ABBA Tribute Show” (Special 40th Anniversary Show) | Saturday 16th July at 8pm To celebrate Club Forster's 40th year at Strand Street, what better way than to feature the ageless music of ABBA, the world's most popular band of 1976! A visually stunning and incredibly energetic show with plenty of crowd participation, ABBALANCHE are a timely celebration of the dazzling costumes, exciting eye-catching choreography, sing-a-long ballads and dance-floor hits.

The Pacific Palms Recreation Club (locally known as The Recky) is situated on the shores of beautiful Wallis Lake at Pacific Palms. There’s no better place to enjoy a meal and refreshment and watch the sun go down across the lake and Wallingat National Park.

Our Bistro is open for lunch and dinner daily, and you can get great meals that won’t break the family budget! We cater for all functions large and small, and specialise in weddings.

From our outdoor dining to our welcoming staff we are sure The Recky has something for everyone. PS: if you are coming by boat, don’t forget we have a jetty right out the front of the Club where you can tie up whilst you enjoy lunch. There’s also a boat ramp for easy access to the lake.

Sundays at The Recky are a day not to be

missed! We have $1 Oysters lunch and dinner (until sold out), Kids Eat Free* at Lunch and Dinner, Members Happy Hour from 1.30 to 2.30 with discounted drinks for members, and live music lakeside every Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. * One free Kids Meal with each Adult Meal purchased. Kids under 12. Not available with $1 Oysters.

Pacific Palms Recreation Club are this years sponsors of the inaugural “Ladies Day” to be held on the 16th July. To coincide with the Melbourne Cup visiting our area there will be a Champagne Bar open for the ladies and the Melbourne Cup will arrive on horse and carriage and photos with the cup (Their own camera phones) will cost $5 and all proceeds go to Riding For the Disabled.

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EVER WONDERED WHAT A NIGHT AT ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST LOVED COUNTRY MUSIC STAR’S BAR WOULD BE LIKE? ADAM HARVEY IS KICKING OFF HIS “HARVEY’S BAR” TOUR, BRINGING THE BAR TO THE PEOPLE FOR TWO HOURS OF GOOD MUSIC AND GOOD COMPANY …

H

i Adam. Give us a little background about yourself; when was it that you discovered your love of country music?

Well, I was brainwashed as a kid. When I grew up, my dad had a really big vinyl record collection, and he used to play country music day and night - everything from Johnny Cash to Slim Dusty. I remember I used to sit by Dad’s stereo and strum along to his old records. I just fell in love with the stories and the songs and ever since I was a little kid, all I ever wanted to do was be a country music singer.

It’s ironic now; both my kids love music, but they hate country music! My son likes rock and rap and all that stuff - he’s discovered this great new band called Guns n’ Roses - and my daughter wants to become an opera singer; she’s having classical singing lessons and she teases me and says that she’s going to be a real singer, unlike her father.

They’re great kids; I love them so much - the best thing ever. Sometimes it’s tough being away from them, but I know my wife really enjoys it when I go away; it gives her a bit of a rest! I just call in home every now and then and make sure the kids haven’t

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got a new dad! (Laughs.)

With an impressive career up your sleeve, what have been some of the biggest highlights over this time?

When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me about this place called the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville, and it was like the church, the home of country music. I’ve been lucky enough to go over there and sing at the Grand Ol’ Opry; it’s pretty hard to dop this.

You walk out onto that stage in front of a huge big audience ... it’s still the original stage. Elvis Presley stood there, Hank Williams started out there, Johnny Cash started out there on that stage. That was pretty special - to walk out and sing at the Opry.

Tell us about the creative process and inspiration behind your latest album. It was recorded at home in your bar?

Yeah, that’s right. I often put up photos of my bar on Facebook, and I had so many people say to me, “God, I’d love to spend a night with you in that bar of yours!” So I thought, “OK, why don’t I record an album in my bar and invite all the local yobbos and the neighbours in?”

It’s sort of like a live album, and that way when people play the album, they get a bit of an idea of what a night in my bar is all about. It was fantastic; we really enjoyed it.

Had a hell of a lot of fun, and it’s one of the Tamworth - tell us about that. best nights they’ll never, ever remember!

I’ve been doing that for quite a few years.

It was really nice to record the We raise money for “Give Me 5 for album like that. It’s not Kids”; it’s something I’m really perfect; I think a lot of passionate about, so hopefully music today is just so we can raise a stack more over produced and money there. All the It’s sort of like a live al bum , and auto tuned within money this year will go people an inch of its life to the Children’s Ward at that way when they get play the al bum ... There are a Tamworth Base Hospital. of what a bit of an idea few little errors How do you like to l r is al a night in my ba and mistakes, but spend your down ; tic as about. It was fant it.”

I just wanted it time? d ye we really enjo to be real and give Usually I’m running people an idea of around with the kids, that’s what we do get up to the tough part, between in my bar! getting them up and off to school You’re kicking off your and packing lunches and they’ve got “Harvey’s Bar tour”, stopping off in things on every bloody afternoon! I love Armidale and Manning-Great Lakes. fishing and I love to play golf when I get the What are you looking forward to most chance. about hitting the road?

Thanks Adam.

Mate, I love to get on the road. The great thing about this show is we’ve had the plug! the replica bar built, a big back drop and Catch Adam Harvey on his “Harvey’s Bar” everything made to an exact mirror image tour at Club Forster on Thursday 14th of my bar; we set it all up on stage every July, 8pm. night and when people come to the show, they walk in and it’s just like they’re coming www.clubforster.com.au around to my backyard bar for a sing-along.

6591 6591.

You’re also playing a special gig in

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DONNA CARRIER

from Bent on Food

At the Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival.

TAFE students.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival..

High Tea.

Entertainment at the High Tea.

Hunter and Smoke.

Regional Dressage Festival.

Regional Dressage Festival.

Regional Dressage Festival.

I

SOCIAL/SCENE

always keep busy, but it is funny that when things quieten down a little, business operators must get busier trying to be busy. I speak to my retail buddies, and all of them are working hard to keep their heads above water, trying to be confident in this longest lead up to an election ever! I wonder if they knew what they were doing to spending when they gave us eight weeks of uncertainty.

So now it is all over, and we can get on to this new financial year with lots of energy and a new attitude. I urge readers to go spend a little at local businesses; they are the lifeblood of your community.

While talking about small business, I must make mention of the fabulous support we received from local businesses for our Biggest High Tea on Saturday, May 18th. We were inundated with raffle prizes, gifts of food and people’s precious time. Keith Bedggood and Craig Bourke gave up their afternoon to play some beautiful tunes, and some of the staff from both Bent on Food and Bent on Life gave up their afternoon to work for free. We raised $2177.35 for the Cancer Council, and around 60 people enjoyed some beautiful little morsels of food, including raw cakes donated by Yvette’s Raw Kitchen.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival was in town on 8th June to perform

THESE IS SOMETHING ABOUT BEGINNINGS THAT MOTIVATE PEOPLE, SO HERE WE ARE AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW FINANCIAL YEAR ... AND JUST QUIETLY, I AM HOPING THAT THIS ONE WILL BE A BIT BETTER FOR EVERYONE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

at the Manning Entertainment Centre. A fabulous line up of comedians included our very own Andrew Saunders as MC, Bev Killick, Guy Montgomery (NZ), Ivan Aristeguieta and Wil Sylvince (USA). As always, they gave a hilarious performance. Last year they performed on Bev’s birthday, and we had them in for a special birthday lunch, so they popped by for breakfast this year and gave us a few laughs. While in Wingham, they fell in love with the antique shop across the road, as Bev has a thing for retro.

Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival was a huge success this year, with three days of kilts, bagpipes, haggis and flings. This year we decided to take Travelling Millie up to the park, where we served coffee, shortbread, oat biscuits and muffins. It was the first time I had ever been able to get out to watch the Saturday festivities, and we had the perfect vantage. It was a great day, with highland games, many great market stalls and lots for everyone to do. The Shortbread competition run by the ladies at the CWA was a success, and as always we managed to savour some of the delights after the competition; it is great being neighbours with the CWA! The parade was very impressive, and they tell me the Grand Scottish Ball went extremely well, with dancing into the wee hours.

I have been spending some time at Taree

TAFE lately, where I am involved in the set-up of an innovative new student enterprise. In mid-July “Our Café” will begin trading, and there will be opportunities for many of our local people to develop great skills in a real life situation. Students will be taught all aspects of hospitality, from preparing food, to making coffee and serving customers. From an industry perspective, I am very excited about this venture and looking forward to working with the rest of the team to help people develop these important skills. Taree TAFE was also the venue for the most recent Women in Business luncheon, held on 26th May. There was a range of inspirational speakers who had attended the “Aim for the Stars” Women’s Leadership Forum in March, with keynote speaker Layne Beachley. They spoke about their journeys as women, and the powerful lessons they took home form the forum.

Live music is back on our events agenda, and we had a packed house for Byron Bay band “Hunter and Smoke” on Friday 10th June. They have grown to a seven piece band in the past year, with the beautiful vocals of Madison Levi bringing new life to Luke Horsfield’s incredible acoustic compositions.

These guys are seriously great, and we really enjoy their visits to the café. They also played on Saturday 11th at the Aztec in Forster.

On the weekend of 25th and 26th, the

Manning Valley Dressage and Hacking Club hosted the NSW Regional Dressage Festival, and Millie was invited to come along with coffee and tasties. Millie is invited everywhere, as she is so pretty, but she certainly wasn’t the belle of the ball at this event. She had some pretty stiff competition in the way of horses, and they were so talented too. Grahame and I had a really good time, and once again had a perfect vantage point.

My love of horses was rekindled as I watched these magnificent creatures and their riders work together to put on the most delightful show for the spectators. The event was complete with a trader show and wine tasting with Great Lakes Winery, and it was beautifully run, with a great team of friendly organisers who worked hard all weekend. We met some lovely people, and we do hope we can do it again soon.

Next month, I will let you know how I fared with Dry July, where I am not drinking for one month, raising money for Manning Base Hospital’s Cancer unit. Wish me luck; I will need it!

I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties, anything!

Send pics and info to: donna@bentonfood.com.au Cheers, Donna. manning-great lakes focus.

33

WELLBEING B RODI E H Y DE

M I A F ROM Y MCA

Swimming THE WHOLE-BODY WORKOUT

BrowTIPS

IF YOU’RE AFTER A “WHOLE-BODY” WORKOUT, THERE IS NO BETTER OPTION THAN SWIMMING. IT TARGETS YOUR CORE MUSCLES, ARMS AND LEGS, AND IT IMPROVES STRENGTH, TONE AND FLEXIBILITY.

I

THE THEME OF THIS MONTH’S TIP FROM ME IS, BROWS! I AM GOING TO SHARE MY TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO MAKE THEM SUIT YOU!

Y

ou want your brows to look reasonably natural and in proportion to the rest of your face.

Decide on what product you are going to use. Depending on how you want them to look and what you feel comfortable using will determine which product to use.

If you’re after a product that is easy to build and shape to fill and add on to your eyebrow, a powder or pomade will be your best bet.

If you are looking for something to just fill in your brows as opposed to adding to them, a pencil that is your suited colour will do the job

t is a fantastic cardiovascular exercise and is extremely gentle on any lower body injuries. But many people avoid swimming because, well, it’s just too

difficult: they get tired after a couple of laps

nicely.

There are three geometric points to look out for with brows. You want the start of your brow to be in line (or as close to) the inner corner of your eye. You then want your brow to arch upwards to a point that will fall around about in line with the outside edge of your pupil. Finally, the end of your brow should finish up just after the end of your outer eye corner.

My tip for colour, is to be a little lighter on the start of your brow and gradually grow to a darker shade in the middle part of the brow.

Brodie. X

and can’t go on. But if you can swim one lap, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to swim 20 laps, even 50 laps or more. Now that winter is howling, the Y is a fantastic option with their indoor heated pool. Here are a few tips that will help you build up your swimming stamina within weeks!

Use a kickboard and stick with it.

Because you may only be able to do a few laps in the beginning, kickboards will enable you to complete a full session. They help you develop your core and leg muscles while getting a good cardiovascular workout. As your strength and fitness progress, you’ll rely

less and less on the kickboard.

Vary your stroke.

If you usually swim freestyle and are getting tired, switch to breast or backstroke for a couple of laps. Varying strokes not only helps you keep swimming when you get tired, it also provides a different muscular workout. Don’t worry that you’re going slower by swimming different strokes - it’s still an excellent work out!

Pace yourself.

It’s not a race; there’s no need to push too hard. Swimming at a slower pace is just as good for you as swimming quickly. Make sure you choose a lane that is appropriate for the pace you want to swim at and take your time. The most important thing is increasing the number of laps you’re able to complete. It really doesn’t matter how long it takes you!

S A X BY ’ S P H A R M AC Y

E

ach year, smoking (including smoking related diseases) kills around 17,000 Australians.

Smoking damages nearly every

organ in the body, and quitting at any age

manning-great lakes focus.

problems, including asthma, pneumonia and ear infections.

Stopping smoking is extremely important, as it improves the health of your body organs

chance of developing illnesses.

such as your heart and lungs, improves your breathing, improves your taste and you will

chemicals, with around 70 known to cause

also save money ($3,800 per year if you

cancer. When cigarette smoke is inhaled,

smoke a packet of cigarettes a day!)

many chemicals pass into the bloodstream

34

Smoking can also lead to other health

will give immediate benefits and reduce the Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 toxic

Smoking

men and weakens your immune system.

There are many places to get help to

via the lungs and are carried around the

quit smoking. If you would like more

whole body. This increases the risk of heart

information, please call Saxby’s Pharmacy on

disease and stroke, damages the lungs,

(02) 6552 1662 or come in and talk to one

which can lead to emphysema or lung

of our pharmacists.

cancer, reduces fertility in both women and

Ian, Shari and Erinn.

manning-great lakes focus.

35

KINETIC EKAM YOGA FESTIVAL Port macquarie Ekam Yoga Festival Port Macquarie is back at the Glasshouse on Sunday 18 September, filling its rooms with a relaxed and festive vibe, soothing sounds and an eclectic yoga crowd. Ekam will offer an even more extensive programme of yoga classes, music, and talks in 2016.

Many people think of yoga as exercise only. At Ekam Yoga Festival Port Macquarie, participants get to explore other aspects of yoga as well, such as meditation, chanting, yoga philosophy, and pranayama (breathing exercises). There are, of course, a variety of physical yoga classes, including Acro-Yoga (acrobatics and yoga), Iyengar Yoga (emphasis on alignment, working with props) and Yin Yoga.

Nicky Knoff joins the event as a key teacher this year. Nicky has been teaching Australia-wide and internationally for many decades and has much

JOHN STEVENS

to share about yoga and her personal path.

Ekam is accessible to anyone interested in yoga, with gentle yoga classes, meditation sessions, yoga philosophy, breathing classes and sound experiences as alternatives to the more strenuous classes.

There are additional classes, workshops and events on offer on Saturday 17 October as part of Ekam Out & About, including surfing and yoga, a mindfulness mini-retreat and more.

Ekam once again opens its doors to the community with its Natural Health & Living Expo, a free community event with market stalls and talks, held on Sunday, 18 September from 9am to 4pm at the upstairs foyer of the Glasshouse.

Tickets are $98 and available online now at www.ekamyogafestival.org.au.

Connect to the Ekam community on Facebook/ekamyogafestival

SO, I HAVE AN APOLOGY TO MAKE. THIS WILL PROBABLY MAKE ME ABOUT AS POPULAR AMONGST SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES AS A MAGICIAN WHO CAN’T KEEP A SECRET, BUT HERE GOES.

I

f you’ve ever been to a health professional only thing that could solve our problems. Worse and have been told that the reason why still, it seems if there is no “replacement” you you’re suffering is because of something probably feel ready for the rubbish heap. that nothing or no-one can do anything But what car can repair itself or have its engine about, and all you can do is “get get more powerful through stressing it out? It over it” or “live with it”, then let doesn’t exist, but the human body is me emphatically apologise always adapting in an attempt to on behalf of all people help you survive. Remembering who give health advice that you can have pain and core of e th t A everywhere. No matter not even have a limb, we any of life’s m how well meaning trou bling health t need to understand that os m it may seem, advice more oblems there is pr pain is our body’s way that appears simple nosis, than just a diag the of protecting itself from enough but in reality t on

“

a pill and a pa

threats it perceives. Anxiety k out totally underestimates back as you wal is in essence an emotion the scale of your .” the door designed to protect us from difficulties falls far short of best practice. If you’ve potential harm, and depression been affected by a health can be a healthy response to a condition no one else but you can perceived loss. At the core of many see or feel, you might especially know of life’s most troubling health problems what I’m talking about. there is more than just a diagnosis, a pill and a You see, for far too long we’ve had pat on the back as you walk out the door. Make a broken model for understanding the human sure your healthcare team equips you with every body. We’ve considered the human body a resource to help you cope and give you every shot mechanical object like a car, the human brain at the best life you can live. Remember, you’re like an incredibly complex super-computer, the not a machine. likes of which one day we’ll be able to replicate.

If this article hits home, please get in touch The brain though, unlike your PC, does not have with me via info@kineticmedicine.com.au or head a hard-drive. A joint “replacement” isn’t like changing the shocks on your car, and technically this isn’t even an accurate depiction of what this surgery entails. Nonetheless, we talk about our bodies as if a supply of spare parts might be the

36

manning-great lakes focus.

to the Kinetic Medicine Facebook page for videos, articles and other content about how you can get better, stay better and live better.

Take care - John.

focusinterview.

W I T H

A

M E S S A G E

JULIANA BAHR-THOMSON IS A MERMAID WITH A MISSION, AND A MESSAGE … SHE’S PLANNING TO PADDLE 1,000 KM FROM NEWCASTLE TO NOOSA, TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR TWO CAUSES THAT ARE VERY CLOSE TO HER HEART - WHITE RIBBON, AND THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION. YOU’LL BE ABLE TO SEE JULIANA AS SHE MAKES HER WAY UP THE COAST, AS SHE PLANS TO PASS OUR SHORES EARLY JULY … hat’s your background, Juliana?

I grew up in Jewells, a small suburb just south of Newcastle. After high school I gained my personal training qualification and shortly after began university, studying Secondary Teaching/ Physical Education.

Midway through my studies I moved to Noosa to pursue my triathlon passion, so my studies were transferred to the Sunshine Coast University. I remained in Noosa for a few years, hopping around the continent chasing summers and triathlon races. I raced for the National German Triathlon team, and the following season I began competing in Half Ironman distance triathlon. On completion of my first half in Singapore, I won my division by over 30 minutes, which gained me an entry into the Half Ironman World Championships in Las Vegas.

This was the beginning of the boomeranging Aussie between California and Noosa!

I currently reside in Newcastle, working between Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Councils as a professional ocean lifeguard during the summer seasons, and teach casually in high schools during the winter months.

What is it about triathlons that attracted you?

I have always enjoyed a variety of sports. I think within life, I thrive well when thrown into a mixture of my passions. Triathlon as a sport is so diverse, with its three disciplines – it’s ideal!

Triathlon encompasses my absolute love of water, the feeling of freedom and ability to cover vast distances by bike, and the mindful adventures by foot! The diversity, travel, friendships and connections that have been

made through my sport are unbelievable! There have been so many life-changing opportunities open up through my sports; I consider myself incredibly lucky to have a global community of friends who have become family!

You spent a good part of 2015 in hospital, having major surgery on your ankles and achilles tendon, but still managed to train with a boot - AND complete a 180 km solo paddle from Newcastle to Bondi Beach.

How have you recovered, and where do you find your incredible motivation?

The ankle injury has not been ideal; however, I do look at it as a major positive turning point or shift in my mental approach not only to sport, but life. It has been during my down time that I read as much as I could, went to personal development courses and generally put an absolute focus on my mental training and mind set.

I have not yet recovered, it will be quite an ongoing thing; however, my speed of recovery to date is a huge positive!

I have had a very strong motivation, focus and drive since I was tiny. When I was four, I told my mum I’d be the best in the world. When she asked me what I wanted to be the best at, I said I wasn’t sure just yet. So as you can see, I have had a deep internal drive to achieve almost for my entire lifetime!

You’re planning an even bigger ocean board paddle - 1000 km in total - from Newcastle to Noosa throughout June and July. Why are you undertaking this massive journey?

I’m setting myself such a massive challenge to create a massive awareness for causes that are very close to my heart. This paddle is my individual expression of my own personal struggles I have overcome. I am recycling my

This paddle is my individual y own expression of m I s le gg ru st al person am I e. m co er ov have tive ga ne recycling my a to in s experience a positive to help .” ce en di au er wid

“

negative experiences into a positive to help a wider audience.

I aim to inspire and encourage people that their past doesn’t need to shape their future. I hope to send a message of selfempowerment through both my paddle and speaking out about my story. I wish to inspire people that no goal is impossible, as long as the logical steps are taken to achieve them! I want to encourage people to have the strength of self to change their situations or speak out.

I also want to create a deeper understanding of our ocean environment - this magical and powerful expanse is taken too often for granted.

We all need to be more aware of our negative impact on the ocean and its marine life. With just a few small changes by reducing our use of plastics within our daily habits, we can all make a collective difference!

What can you tell us about the charities you’re raising funds for - White Ribbon (Australia’s campaign to prevent men’s violence against women) and the Surfrider Foundation (protecting oceans, waves and beaches)? Why did you choose these particular charities?

Both these charities mean a lot to me personally; my past experiences link in directly with White Ribbon, and my absolute love of the ocean environment and sea life connects with Surfrider and what they stand for.

You’ll be passing many Mid North Coast towns on your trek north in early July.

What places will you be stopping over for a visit/rest (if any), and what days should we

keep a lookout for you if your itinerary goes to plan?

Based on the itinerary, I will be in Port Macquarie around July 6th; however, dates can change based on environmental conditions; obviously I aim to paddle to the plan: July 1 Forster, July 2 Old Bar, July 4 Crowdy Head, July 5 North Haven, July 6 Port Macquarie…

What challenges do you expect to face during your journey?

There are almost endless challenges I will face along this journey north; the logistics and planning alone have taken almost two years to complete. The environmental conditions, which are completely out of my hands (winds, swells, low pressure systems, storms, rain) … Beyond these issues is marine life - sharks, whale encounters, stings and bites; the chafing on my skin from rubbing wet suits; and a major issue of body temperature regulation (hypothermia); absolute exhaustion, overuse injuries and other muscle/soft tissue injuries from the constant position I will be in while paddling.

Where can people find out more about your plans, or donate to your nominated charities?

Web: www.mermaidwithamessage.com.au Instagram: @MERMAID.WITHA.MESSAGE Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/150kmnewey2bondipaddle/ Twitter: @Mermaidwithamsg Snap Chat: julianabt88 My Cause Charity Funding Page: https://www. mycause.com.au/payment/frp_donation/111541 Thanks Juliana. manning-great lakes focus.

37

focus_health

with Dr Linda Dade - Chiropractor

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GUT. OUR IMMUNITY IS OUR B O DY ’S A B I L I T Y TO R E S I ST I N F E C T I O N O R TOX I N BY T H E AC T I O N O F S P E C I F I C ANTIBODIES OR SENSITISED W H I T E B L O O D C E L L S.

A Smile York St Dental Ralf Freier and his wife, Barbara, moved to Australia from southern Germany in 2013, along with their teenage son.

The Manning-Great Lakes region was a natural choice, as they had friends in the area and had previously lived in a rural setting. A job opportunity in Forster sealed the deal.

O

ur aim should be to keep this immunity as robust as possible. But, what happens when this goes wrong and our immune system mistakenly attacks our own body? Labelled “autoimmune”, this condition is growing, and females seem to be more prone to autoimmune disorders.

Autoimmune disorders include diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Grave’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and affect one in 20 people. Just looking at Hashimoto’s, 11.25% of woman aged 51 - 60 are diagnosed with this disease (four times more than men) and this is potentially an under estimation - so this rate could be a whole lot more!

If symptoms of depression, feeling run down, aches and pains, constipation, cold intolerance, decreased libido, sleepiness and brain fog sound like you, perhaps you should have your thyroid checked out.

But, what causes our body to turn on itself? Autoimmune disease has long been a medical mystery, with no one quite sure why some people are susceptible and how it can have such a wide-spread and dramatic effect on the body. I am increasingly seeing research indicating that gut health and in particular “leaky gut” may actually provide a unifying theory for most autoimmune conditions.

Studies in respected medical journals have suggested that leaky gut causes some autoimmune diseases, as well as a myriad of other diverse health conditions. Makes sense to me!

Leaky gut occurs when there is increased intestinal (gut) permeability, allowing harmful antigens to make their way through the gut lining and into the blood. When these conditions continue, allowing more and more virulent molecules through, we end up seeing viruses, parasites, yeast, gluten and other troublesome food proteins getting through and causing major problems. Our immune system wants to keep us safe, so it goes into

38

manning-great lakes focus.

overdrive and starts trying to get rid of the nasty foreign invaders, at times attacking our own body tissues in the ensuing confusion.

Our gut microbiome is a major player in keeping our immune system in check. When it is out of balance and missing vital “good” bacteria, things can get out of control, proinflammatory immune cells win the battle, the mechanism breaks down, and organs such as the thyroid can become collateral damage.

Why is this happening? Israeli and German researchers report the percentage increase in the use of chemicals, food additives, gluten, chemicals and colourings directly relates to the percentage increase in autoimmune disease. As autoimmunity disease takes about 15 years to develop in the body, there is much we can do to prevent the progression from silent autoimmunity where we have raised antibodies but no damage yet, through some symptoms (often and commonly labelled fibromyalgia) onto full blown autoimmunity disease, where the only solution may in fact be immunosuppressants.

What to do? Sorry, the solution is not supplements or drugs! It is vital to remember how important lifestyle and dietary factors are for building a strong foundation for gut health, which means whole body and brain health. The conventional health model has taught us to think, “What can I take for this?” We must be asking what we can do to change the root cause of this. How we eat, sleep, exercise, what chemicals we slather on our bodies or use around our homes, deal with stress and manage our lives and how often we enjoy chiropractic adjustments all contribute to the health of our magnificent bodies.

Seems our immunity is seeded in the gut.

Interested to know more; call - 6557 6333.

Since establishing themselves here, they have found the locals to be most welcoming and have made many new friends. They now see the Manning Valley as being their permanent home.

Ralf received his PhD in Dentistry at the University of Ulm, one of Germany’s leading technology hubs. He and Barbara ran a successful dental clinic for fifteen years before

moving to Australia. Ralf sees many great opportunities in setting up his own practice in Taree. His knowledge and passion for dentistry, along with his unique state-of-the-art techniques, will be a welcome addition to local dental health.

Barbara is really looking forward to working with her husband as part of a team again. Her belief in Ralf’s expertise and talent as a dentist is her driving force. She describe’s herself as his “cheerleader”. Ralf acknowledges that Barbara’s great energy and organisational skills are integral to running a successful practice.

Together they are looking forward to bringing their expertise to the people of the Manning region when they open their doors very soon in the heart of Taree.

OPENING

SOON

Dr Ralf Freier | 31 York St Taree | Tel: 02 6551 0427 info@asmiledental.com.au

Donate Blood in Taree The Blood Service is looking for Taree locals who are fit and well to give blood right now. We need over 50 blood donation appointments every week to meet the needs of patients. You can help out by donating blood, and encouraging your mates to join you too.

One in three people will need blood, yet only one in 30 donates, and your blood donation helps thousands of Australians who rely on regular blood donations all year round for life saving treatments. One of our recipients who received your life saving donation was William.

William was diagnosed with Leukaemia when

he was only six. He received both red cell and platelet transfusions throughout chemotherapy and is now a happy boy in remission. William is just one of the many Australians who need your help. With the coming winter months, our regular donors may be unable to donate due to cold and flu. It’s crucial we meet our donation appointments to ensure we meet the needs of our patients and help others like William. So, what are you waiting for? You can help out by donating blood, and encouraging your mates to join you too.

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au today and give blood.

MAPALO NEEDS YOU TO EAT MORE BISCUITS THIS WINTER.

During winter, many blood donors get sick and aren’t able to give blood.

Right now, more donors are needed to help people like Mapalo, who needs regular blood transfusions for her sickle-cell anaemia. Please give blood, get a biscuit and save three lives. Visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 today.

Taree Blood Donor Centre 6 Macquarie Street

manning-great lakes focus.

39

Introducing associate professor Steven faux M.B.B.S.B.A., F.R.A.C.G.P.,F.A.F.R.M., (R.A.C.P), F.F.P.M.A.N.Z.C.A

Areas of interest include:

Dr Steven Faux is the Director of Sacred Heart

• Chronic pain management

Rehabilitation Service and St Vincent’s Pain

Calvary St. Paul’s Safe, Secure, Relaxed Community Living

physical requirements, but also your social,

• Stroke

at Calvary St Paul’s.

emotional and spiritual needs.

Service Darlinghurst.

• Parkinson’s Disease

Calvary St Paul’s Retirement Community

Our leisure and lifestyle programme is

He regularly gives lectures on pain

• Geriatric rehabilitation

is a fully accredited residential aged care

management, stroke rehabilitation and

facility providing quality care within a rural

diverse. It involves both group activities and

Our Rehabilitation Team also consists of:

trauma rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Physician, Dr Rajan Ragavan;

He has completed a number of studies

Allied Health Team, including Physiotherapy,

in early pain management, stroke and

Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology,

rehabilitation for those with fractures and

Speech Pathology and Social Work;

has had published several papers in the fields

Rehabilitation Nursing Team.

of stroke, trauma, pain and health service

Contact details:

provision.

Phone 6555 1586 or 6555 1585.

40 manning-great lakes focus.

setting. It’s a quiet retreat on the banks of the Manning River in Cundletown. We offer permanent accommodation for 40 residents, as well as short term respite accommodation.

At Calvary St Paul’s we’re committed to

individualised programmes. The activities range from gardening and men’s group to outings including concerts, lunch trips and scenic bus tours. Our programmes encourage rehabilitation and promote self-esteem.

holistic, resident focused care. We take time

To arrange a visit or to find out more about

to get to know you, your history and your

Calvary St Paul’s, please call (02) 6553 9219

medical concerns. We meet not only your

or email retirement@calvarycare.org.au

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JULY 2016

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Anything you put your nurturing into will grow and expand very quickly at present. Play with your talents and watch your confidence grow. Relationships offer you the chance to mirror yourself and see how loving you are; acknowledge your kindness and enjoy the rewards. Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 Your mind is vulnerable at becoming bored at present. Also, there is a growing need to pursue your life’s purpose or destiny. If you set some goals centering on accessing a gift or talent that provides learning opportunities, you should be content with the next year’s cycle and elevation in self-esteem.

Rose Quartz restores self-worth.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Your loving, nuturing and compassionate qualities are about to be drawn on from those around you. When the going gets tough, look inward at your attributes that you chose to incarnate with, especially the things you are approving of. Rose Quartz is the crystal of love and initiates self-love.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21 You have come to a place where instead of being comforted by your beliefs, you are feeling trapped in them. There is no better exercise than to debate with your beliefs. Begin with the rules you are adamant about and try picking them to pieces.

Aquamarine is great for clearing and cleansing.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Prepare for the unexpected. The universe is aligning for you to reach full potential and to connect with the bigger purpose in life. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to succeed. Then have fun.

Ruby shatters fears great for adventure.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Honouring yourself should be an important focus at present. You have always been there for everyone else, but have rarely prioritised your own needs.

Love yourself as much as you can and be ready to receive beautiful rewards. Rose Quartz is a powerful self loving crystal.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Justice can be expected to settle any outstanding wrongs. You will benefit by being aware of your fears so you can become the answer to them, thus avoid facing them for personal growth or evolution. Amethyst reconnects us to our personal journey.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Total change is likely to take effect. Your need to achieve your life’s purpose is on your agenda. Set some new goals and be realistic, then thank yourself for achieving. Self-appreciation is most beneficial for attracting new success.

Rose Quartz is the crystal for self-love.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 Time to set some new goals, but be aware of your motive to ensure attracting the best of the best. If you are at a loss when it comes to knowing what to look for, don’t despair. Make a list of emotions that you would like to experience and pray for those feelings to be fulfilled. Selenite shatters fears and encourages positive energy.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 Now is a great time to plan for completing a dream that you’ve carried for a long time. Write a list of all the things needed to achieve your dream and take action; go and get something on your list so that when the opportunity arrives, you are prepared for it.

Have fun! Clear Quartz is a wonderful motivator.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

Time for setting some fresh goals. Think about what you want and make sure your motive is pure.

This will eliminate fears predicting your future.

After setting new goals, give yourself permission to receive. Enjoy!

Clear Quartz is a wonderful amplifier for us.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

If you have been feeling unsupported lately, try identifying the emotion you’re needing, and wake it up internally by visualising every breath activating it and making it stronger. When you are completely independent emotionally, you sparkle.

Ruby is a powerful self motivating crystal.

manning-great lakes focus.

41

Education &

TRAINING

Education & TRAINING

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NEW STUDENT ENTERPRISE CAFÉ COMING TO TAREE TAFE.

“YOUR CAFÉ” IS AN EXCITING NEW “ON TREND” WORKING ENTERPRISE CAFÉ AT TAREE TAFE.

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our Café was developed to provide training that will give our graduates a competitive edge in the jobs market. “We will be delivering high quality café food and culture to students, staff and community on campus at Taree and also training students to meet ‘work ready’ standards,” says Maura Luxford, Leader of Community and Business Engagement for Manning-Great Lakes.

The development of Your Café has been supported by North Coast TAFE in response to industry need for locally trained hospitality staff. Maura Luxford has worked closely with local industry after hearing that businesses were sending staff to neighbouring Port Macquarie and Hunter, which often resulted in staff not returning to the Manning. Your Café is modelled on other successful TAFE enterprise cafés in the Northern region of NSW. “Operating the Taree café will allow the Taree community to have a purpose built coffee and cookery facility to train people

from the Manning Valley. Access to training in this area is new and will allow students to gain first-hand experience in the ever growing hospitality industry. Work placement will be in the local businesses, as well as gaining valuable experience in operating a business on campus,” says Amanda Simm, Head Teacher of Hospitality NC TAFE. An exciting aspect of our “Your Café” project is having the highly regarded, award winning industry leader, Donna Carrier from Bent on Food in Wingham, on the teaching team. “This will give our students a definite advantage in the market place when seeking work post training,” says Maura Luxford.

“I am very excited to be involved in this exciting new enterprise. This will give local people an opportunity to be trained on the job by industry professionals. This region has so much potential as a tourist destination, and great hospitality staff with excellent skills will ensure that visitors return again and again. In the past our youth have left the region to study

Certificate II Kitchen Operations Are you looking for a pathway into a career in food? Our Certificate 11 Kitchen Operations qualification is where you start. Whether you are seeking an apprenticeship or returning to work, this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand the basics of food preparation, process, storage and service.

Hospitality & Tourism Taree & Great Lakes

1300 628 233

www.northcoasttafe.edu.au

Certificate III Holiday Parks and Resorts If you’d like the qualifications to work in an industry where a holiday mood prevails, this course will ensure you have the operational skills to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our Certificate 111 in Holiday parks and Resorts will teach you how to; coordinate successful activities, research the holiday park and resort industry, provide exceptional customer service, show social and cultural sensitivity.

hospitality, and often they do not return. I am happy that we can address this skills shortage.

I am really looking forward to working with students and industry for successful outcomes,” says Donna Carrier.

Sustainability measures have been designed into each layer of Your Café, adding enormous learning value. Each student will study a unit of Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry.

Additionally, students will monitor real time the scale of resource usage, waste management and also nurture a kitchen garden, which will build in to day to day running of the café deeper understanding of our carbon footprint in the hospitality industry. It is the café objective to procure local and regional produce as much as practicable.

Sharon Davis an experienced and passionate

staff member with TAFE, who has many roles supporting high quality delivery of hospitality from Great Lakes Campus has had valuable input into the design and function of Your Café. Sharon said, “I’ve enjoyed working with the team in Taree, transforming the canteen into a refurbished space that the students and staff will feel comfortable to relax, socialise and learn in.” Sharon will also be supporting Cert lV students from Great Lakes TAFE Campus in the “front of house”, serving customers on various days.

Your Café opens on July 18, and without a doubt will be an amazing training facility for the Manning-Great Lakes region; the project team at TAFE are incredibly passionate about bringing it to life.

Certificate III Hospitality

Certificate III Tourism

Certificate III Events

Supported by the strong tourism sector, hospitality is one of the NSW North Coast’s largest employers.

Gain the competitive edge in securing work and enrol in our Certificate 111 in Hospitality. This course will teach you all the critical hands-on practical and management skills enabling you to work in a variety of roles and venues. This includes how to work effectively in a hospitality provider, how to provide exceptional customer service, how to work independently plus all the practical skills such as how to make coffee, cocktails, handle food safely, serve customers and provide table service.

Do you want to develop practical skills to get into the sales, service or operations areas of tourism? Our certificate 111 in Tourism will teach you; research skills, how to communicate with customers, how to exhibit excellent customer service, listening skills, displaying cultural sensitivity, how to participate in safe work practices and about the traditions and cultural practices of other cultures and religious groups.

You will gain basic event coordination skillssuch as puling an event together, including how to conduct basic financial transactions, use scripted commentary, conduct orientations, present and utilise business technology. Whether you’re working outdoors in the field, or in an office environment, this highly practical course will improve your career possibilities in a rapidly developing sector of the Australian economy.

Do you want to work in an exciting, dynamic global industry? Our Certificate 111 in Events offers a practical grounding in the basics of event coordination.

Our course is a great mix of skills, knowledge and practical engagement in the planning, production and evaluation of events.

You will gain knowledge of industry operations and how to work independently under the guidance of more senior event personnel.

Hospitality Certificate III If you’ve ever wanted to work your way up the hospitality ladder, then our Certificate 11 Hospitality is a great place to start.

If you are looking for entry into the growing hospitality industry this course is for you. This is a great course to gain work quickly and to support further training.

If you want to work as an assistant to an event manager across a range of industries including business, music, sporting, cruise liners, conference organisers in the hotel industry this is the perfect course for you.

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Education &

Education &

TRAINING

TRAINING

HUNTER VALLEY Training company

Saving lives WITH THE PRESS OF A BUTTON Defibrillator Solutions Australia (DSA) is based in Forster NSW and was established in 2016 out of the success of First Aid & Safety Training Pty Ltd. DSA is owned and operated by a husband and wife team who are also current paramedics with years of experience in and out of hospital in managing cardiac arrests and using defibrillators (AEDs).

Our passion and mission is to deliver as many life saving AED devices to the community as possible, for anyone to use in a cardiac arrest.

DSA sells, supplies and restocks defibrillators (AEDs) and accessories to individuals, corporate groups and organisations across Australia. The owners of DSA are able to advise you on the most appropriate defibrillator to select for your workplace, sporting group, home, caravan, or boat.

THE FACTS ON CARDIAC ARREST Cardiac arrest claims a life every two minutes.

Often there are no warning signs. Cardiac arrest can strike someone with no heart history, even commonly young athletes.

WHAT IS AN AED? AED stands for automated external defibrillator.

An AED is a small portable device that when used in a cardiac arrest, can analyse a person’s heart rhythm to determine if an electric shock is required. If an electric shock is delivered in time, it is possible to revert a cardiac arrest.

WHO CAN USE AN AED? Almost anyone can use an AED. AEDs can be operated by following simple verbal and visual prompts when a person is in cardiac arrest.

WHY DO I NEED AN AED? Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to any body any time. A sudden cardiac arrest can be treated successfully with CPR and access to an AED. The probability an AED will be available in the community before an ambulance arrives is only 2%.

Where an AED is available and a shock delivered within one minute, the chance of survival is 90%.

An AED is a priceless life saving device for those that matter most to you.

Working in the service delivery section at MidCoast Water has given Tara Zanardi, a business administration trainee, a holistic look at the water industry.

Employed by Hunter Valley Training Company Mid Coast and hosted by MidCoast Water, Tara is learning all facets of administration during her time with the community owned water and sewerage service provider. Tara is gaining experience ranging from customer service and purchasing to dealing with the day to day operational procedures of providing a community with water and sewerage services.

She is being supervised in her traineeship by MidCoast Water’s business support officer, Lisa Motum.

According to Lisa, it is a win-win situation.

“We are teaching Tara valuable skills and in turn she is providing us with hands-on help to ensure we are capturing all the information provided by the field staff in their daily work.

“At the moment we are installing a new business software system, and with Tara’s help we are able to fix issues to ensure a smooth transition into the future. Her enthusiasm and great attitude is noticed by all who are lucky enough to work alongside her.”

Tara commenced at MidCoast Water in August last year and has an 18 month traineeship,

which will take her through until February 2017. She will be rotated through the departments to provide her with both variety and exposure to all facets of administration in a local government organisation.

This experience, along with her TAFE studies, will give Tara a head start in obtaining a position in administration in any industry when her traineeship is completed.

MidCoast Water is currently hosting another eight trainees within its field operations in partnership with HVTC Mid Coast. HVTC Mid Coast are proud of all the trainees’ achievements and acknowledge the excellent learning environment provided by MidCoast Water.

EASY AND STRESS FREE QUALITY APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES We match the right apprentice or trainee to the right business through our Australian Apprenticeship Support Network CareerGateTM assessments.

We efficiently manage payroll and paperwork, plus monitor, mentor and support via our Group Training Organisation.

We can supply casual employment and labour hire through HVTC Employment Solutions.

We provide education and training via our Registered Training Organisation. NC: 90179

Call us today!

02 6583 5355 skills change lives 44

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hvtc.com.au

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UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE.

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE (UON) WE HAVE A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION. WE HAVE A HOST OF EXCITING NEW INITIATIVES ACROSS ALL CAMPUSES THAT INSPIRE INNOVATIVE THINKING AND NEW APPROACHES TO TEACHING TO MEET OUR EVER-CHANGING WORLD. Multiple campuses - inspiring communities.

University of Newcastle isn’t a single place; students have the option of choosing from multiple campus locations across NSW Central Coast, Newcastle and Port Macquarie, depending on where their course is based.

For over a decade, UON has been committed to delivering innovative tertiary education in Port Macquarie and its surrounding areas.

Our degrees in education, midwifery and nursing are playing a vital role in the region’s development, and our multisector campus promotes the availability of high quality university education within regional and rural areas. All students choosing to study at Port Macquarie access the excellence in education that is the UON tradition. Our face-to-face teaching and our local support services ensure your success is our top priority. Our exceptional graduates secure professional roles within Mid North Coast hospitals and schools, helping to meet the growing need for qualified professionals in the local workforce.

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New degrees - preparing you for the future All of our undergraduate degrees prepare our graduates to be global citizens and leaders who are eager for life’s challenges and will change their world for the better. In 2017, we are offering new degrees that respond to the everchanging employment market.

The Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship will enable you to think distinctively, creatively and critically in a business environment. Strong industry connections underpin the programme and offer the practical workplace opportunities needed when starting your career.

The Bachelor of Creative Industries* is an interdisciplinary degree offering you the opportunity to pursue your creative interests through one discipline, or across a range of disciplines. The core courses emphasise innovation, business skills, digital literacy and entrepreneurship, all in a creative context.

NeW Space - built for teaching the future NeW Space is a $95 million landmark education

precinct under development by UON in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD. From 2017, it will be home to our Business, Commerce and Law students. Developed as a technology-rich precinct, NeW Space will provide a unique platform for our world-class academics and students to develop and test innovative ideas and be part of a “next generation” university experience.

New on-campus accommodation - enabling your future We know students need secure, affordable and comfortable accommodation when they are studying, which is why UON has undertaken a $100 million investment in student accommodation.

In 2015, UON opened a new residential precinct at our Newcastle (Callaghan) campus,

which has almost doubled the number of on-campus beds and incorporates new social and recreational spaces as well as formal and informal study areas.

Start your degree and secure your future at the University of Newcastle in 2017.

To see what you can study at UON, visit newcastle.edu.au/study2017.

Or why not come along to one of our Open Days and see UON for yourself? Open Days are held throughout August in Port Macquarie (at the Glasshouse), and at both our Central Coast and Newcastle campuses.

For more information, visit newcastle.edu. au/openday2016. *subject to final university approval

Education &

TRAINING

Education & TRAINING

KRISTIEBANHAM. Coco’s Closet Workshops WE HAVE A WEALTH OF TALENT LOCALLY, AND SOME OF THESE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE ENJOY SHARING THEIR TALENT AND TEACHING PEOPLE NEW SKILLS. KRISTIE BANHAM IS ONE OF THESE PEOPLE - AN ARTIST WHO ENJOYS SHARING HER PASSION AND CREATIVITY WITH OTHERS IN FUN WORKSHOPS SHE RUNS FROM HER STORE, COCO’S CLOSET.

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i Kristie. What brought you to the Great Lakes area?

I have lived in Forster almost all of my life. When I was four, my mum and dad drove over the Forster/Tuncurry bridge, and they were sold.

My husband, Aidan, and I lived in Melbourne for a short time, but decided to come home to raise our family. We have two children - our son, Rourke and our daughter, Mackenzie, and I feel extremely grateful and blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Where did your art journey begin?

I have been an artist ever since receiving my first Crayola Caddy when I was five. I have drawn, painted, sewn and created my whole life. My most recent adventure as an artist now spans almost seven years. I am the face behind Coco’s Closet. I affectionately refer to it as my happy place; I tend to hashtag that a lot! It is a funky little bricks and mortar retail store that houses my creations, inspiring mixed media art and lots of eclectic gifts.

What inspires your art practice?

I am constantly inspired by the beauty of our region. I want to make art with purpose. Art that inspires. Art that moves you and makes you smile. Art that encourages you to be the best you can be. Art that inspires hope. Art that helps you be brave and promotes kindness. Art that uplifts you, so you never give up. Art that speaks to you and reminds you of moments gone by of people and places that fade in and out of our lives. Art that leaves an impression on your heart. Art that makes your soul want to dance. Art that makes you want to do

better, to be better.

Young girls to grown up women, my art I want to live inspired, and I want my almost always carries words of empowerment, children to grow up living inspired. I want inspiration or encouragement on it. Mostly them to know that what they do, who they are though, it›s like I›m talking to myself, reminding and the way they carry themselves shapes our myself, convincing myself. world. It shapes their world. I want them to I often think we women are our own worst dream big dreams. I want them to know that critics; we tend to be harsh with ourselves, and possibilities are endless. I want them it has taken me a really long time to be to see the beauty that surrounds comfortable enough to say this them and know it is theirs is me, this is who I am, this is to be appreciated. I want what I do. them to be courageous You’ve been I want to live in their pursuits, and nominated previously inspired, and I n to my hope is that I lead as Artist of the want my childre ired. sp by example.

Year in the Great grow up living in ow I want them to kn who I believe our Lakes. How did this , that what they do ay messy, colourful, nomination make ew they are and th extraordinary lives you feel? es lv se they carry them matter. Every single I felt really ld .” or w r ou es ap sh one of us. I believe that honoured and very simple kindness makes humbled to stand amongst a difference, and I try to the amazing calibre of artists. teach my kids that. I want my art You’ve been holding some to reflect that. I believe in smiles and successful art workshops recently happiness; when everything seems like it’s at your store, Coco’s Closet, in Wharf falling apart, you should most definitely Street, Forster. What types of workshops colour in, and I do! I do it lots. have you held to date - and what has been Describe your art style … the feedback you’ve received?

I am an indie artist. In the last four years I I have been conducting Adults and Junior have discovered mixed media, and I am totally, Mixed Media Workshops. We spend a lovely totally smitten. I adore combining papers, afternoon of inspired art making a “Joyripping and tearing bits and pieces and mixing filled Wishing Bird Canvas”. All materials are ink and paint and mess, then by adding glue supplied, and I share my creative process, tips and stamps and words, my mess transforms and techniques, applications and my favourite into art that I love. I so love adding words, supplies. phrases or quotes to the girls and paintings I Students create their very own 12x12” create. It makes me smile every day. mixed media canvas adorned with words from My art is predominantly aimed at women. their heart. They are intimate gatherings, a

“

workshop suitable for anyone who wants to explore their own creativeness.

I have had a beautiful response to these workshops; the following is some feedback from the lovely creatives (and their mums) who participated ...

“Sarah has had a fabulous afternoon creating a masterpiece. Thanks so much, Kristie - she had the best time and wants to know when she can go back!”

“Thank you so much for sharing your creative space and talent. Soph just loved it.”

“What a talent you are Kristie Banham, and how fortunate are these lovely girls to have the opportunity to learn how to create their own magic.”

“An afternoon of mixed media, cutting, pasting, sticking and creating. Kristie is a great teacher encouraging and helping the creative process. What a day… thanks Kristie; it was good fun.”

What upcoming workshops do you have planned?

I have a Junior (6 - 12 years) workshop on Saturday, July 23. I have also just begun After School Art Classes in six week blocks that will encompass mixed media, watercolour, sculpture, paint and printing.

How do people register their interest in attending?

Simply call 0410 577 050 or pop into Coco’s Closet, Wednesday to Sunday, after 10am.

Where can we find out more about you and your art?

In person at Coco’s Closet, Shop 1/64 Wharf St, Forster, or www.kristiebanham.com Thanks Kristie. manning-great lakes focus.

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MANNING VALLEY Anglican college Teaching the next generation of explorers and innovators ...

One of the many aims of education is to give people the tools to build a better world in which to live. At Manning Valley Anglican College, students learn to use their unique talents to make a lasting contribution to their community.

MVAC’s Carpe Diem participants from Years 3 to 10 are developing an understanding of the attributes of an effective learner and innovator.

Throughout Semester 1, students were asked to explore the concept of giftedness and articulate their findings through the inaugural “Night of Notables” exhibit, in which they were asked to embody a key figure in history, sport or culture in both costume and personality.

Students have also built a sense of

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teamwork through their understanding of their own strengths and abilities and how they complement those of their peers. This teamwork was put to the test while competing in the “Da Vinci Decathlon” and will be tested again during the “Tournament of Minds”, in which they will attempt to create solutions for both short-term and long-term problems across a diverse range of fields.

As they proceed through the Carpe Diem programme in Semester 2, students will further improve their learning and interpersonal skills and work towards a high level of selfunderstanding and awareness. These abilities will better prepare them for the challenges of the modern workforce, enabling them to become innovators and entrepreneurs who can produce creative solutions as part of a team.

PHOTO restoration Keeping your precious memories. Losing your photos - imagine how terrible you’d feel. It would be a disaster. Your photos have gone and you’ll have missed the opportunity to secure important aspects of your family’s history and hand them on for generations to come. Some old photos are just too precious to give up to time.

Your photographs may be faded, damaged, and seem almost beyond repair and lost forever. Now is the best time to trust us to carefully restore your photographs to their original state. We will

care for your original photo as if it was our very own; your photos never leave our store. We are not an online business working from home; you can visit us six days a week at our Forster studio.

Restoring light and life to your old photos is just the start. We also reduce age damage, take away the cracks and scratches and take out unsightly aspects. I can also enlarge your photos, crop them, balance light and contrast. We scan from 35mm and larger format negatives and colour slides, as well as photographs and artworks.

TAKE A TRIP DOWN

MEMORY LANE THE LOCAL FORSTER COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER IN JUNE TO CELEBRATE THE MEMORIES OF TWO BAPTISTCARE KULAROO CENTRE RESIDENTS - 90 YEAR OLD PAT DAWES AND 84 YEAR OLD WINN KESSEY.

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he two residents took centre stage at “Memory Lane” - a special event showcasing their stories and honouring the contributions that older Australians make throughout their lifetime.

More than 100 guests came along to hear Pat wax lyrical about his adventures working as a Sydney tram and bus driver, before Winn told tales of her life in singing and theatre.

Pat said he was delighted to share some highlights from the 32 years he spent working for the NSW Department of Public Transport.

“I began working as a tram conductor in Sydney in 1952. I worked on the old style trams that had foot boards on the sides of the trams, and I walked up and down both sides to collect fares. It was cold, windy and wet in the winter, and in the summer time it

was just plain HOT,” he recalled.

When the Sydney tram system closed in 1961, Pat was transferred to Waverley Bus Depot, where he took on dual roles of both conducting and driving.

“I found very quickly that it took twice as many buses to transport half as many people than it did on the trams, and it was a lot slower driving in traffic. In those days, the majority of buses were old green double deckers that wouldn’t do over 30 mph,” he said.

Pat also recollected the time he was driving a bus to Watsons Bay with two American tourists on board.

“I stopped the bus on the way out of Rose Bay, so they could get out and take photos of Sydney Harbour. They were so thrilled that I had done that for them, they wrote

to the Department to let them know how accommodating I had been and how much they appreciated my kind act.

“Little did they know that I would then be reprimanded by the Department for stopping the bus and impacting on my timetable schedule!”

Winn Kessey also entertained guests with her stories of singing and performing from an early age.

Winn began singing as a 13 year old at Sunday school and loved it so much, that she began entering eisteddfods and singing at weddings from the age of 15.

Her talk culminated in her joining Forster community theatre troupe, “Girls Night Out”, for a special musical performance.

Following the talks, guests perused some imaginative displays created by Forster

Kularoo Centre Affordable, Locally Respected Care • 24/7 Registered Nurse • Friendly, modern community • Chef prepared meals

“I am very happy and content to spend my life amongst friends at Kularoo”

Bunnings and featuring a colourful array of theatre costumes and memorabilia on loan from the Sydney Bus Museum.

BaptistCare Kularoo Centre Residential Manager, Deidre Moylan, thanked the local community for their support of the special event.

“We really wanted to try something new to bring our residents, their family and friends together,” she said.

“Pat and Winn had a wonderful time, as did all of our guests, who really enjoyed a little trip down memory lane.”

Following the event, the residents’ Memory Lane stands were put on display at Forster Library for a fortnight.

For more information on BaptistCare Kularoo Centre, visit www.baptistcare.org.au/ kularoocentre or call 1300 275 227.

Discover the BaptistCare difference today 1300 275 227 baptistcare.org.au/ KularooCentre Cnr Kularoo Drive & Boundary St, Forster

• Care that works around you

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Sharon Bultitude - Tourism and Marketing Coordinator, Great Lakes Tourism

focus__editorial Robyn Buttler Travel Editor Susie Boswell. focus Travel withwith

Photo courtesy of Manning Valley Tourism.

Tourism WHAT’S IN A STORY?

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“TRAVELLING - IT LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS, THEN TURNS YOU INTO A STORYTELLER” - IBN BATTUTA.

t seems that everyone - from corporate marketers to non-profit campaigners - is talking about how important storytelling is nowadays.

It’s stories that persuade people, and we’ve been telling stories for a long time. A traditional ad tells a story. A TV spot tells a story. Newspaper articles tell a story. A Facebook post tells a story. A word of mouth recommendation is a story. We’ve been telling each other travel stories since the Greeks.

In the last decade we’ve moved our storytelling online, and the amount of stories that now exist has exploded.

For a destination, storytelling is critical. Not long ago there were only two destination story tellers - the destination itself and journalists.

Now the bank of storytellers include our residents, visitors, industry partners, staff, journalists, influencers, third parties, niche communities and many others. These groups are often seen as being more credible, more persuasive, more creative and can have an even larger reach than we can buy through advertising.

According to Think With Google: 83% of people turn to social media sites for their travel inspiration and probably the reason they do this is because of this issue of trust and credibility.

People trust the opinions of their friends, relatives and others above any other. It’s about what’s the best experience for YOU - and this is what we expect the people on our social media networks to tell us. And we TRUST them.

“Some marketers like the idea that ‘the brand is the hero’. In other words, the company is the star of the show. But you’re almost always better off making your customer the hero of your story,” Sonia Simone, Copyblogger Media.

Which means that today, destination storytelling is not about a special hotel offer or our newest attraction. It’s about activating and enriching an ongoing marketplace conversation with content and perspective, rather than trying to control it.

Authenticity is another concept that is often

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talked about in the context of storytelling and destination marketing. Increasingly, travellers are looking for authentic local experiences in the destinations and communities they visit, and this naturally translates to the type of stories that resonate with those travellers.

Good stories can help people feel as though they’re sharing your experience in person, and this offers a destination an exciting opportunity to differentiate their stories from other destinations. We need stories that go beyond just a list of must-do highlights; we need to share emotions and feelings to help visitors build deeper connections with the people and places in our destination.

Bryan Smith, an award winning filmmaker, believes that if destinations want people to feel the culture, place and soul of their location, they have to look at getting people immersed in the place and create a sense of exploration.

The challenge for a destination is to tell the real stories in a way that overcomes the preconceived ideas that are typically a surface layer of a destination.

We therefore need to make the development of stories that engage our customers our primary vehicle for creating inspiration and activating conversations about our destination.

Motivating others to tell stories while enabling and encouraging them to do so just like we’ve been working with travel writers and journalists, is more important now than ever before. So people might be more likely to get inspiration and information from other sources - BUT we can help enable this.

It’s an incredible shift to consider. It turns the entire traditional marketing approach on its head. A brand cannot be built the way it used to be. It would be too expensive, too ineffective and too limiting. But by activating the right storytellers, we can reach more people, hit the right targets and showcase more authentic stories.

“It’s no longer about the offer. Or the product. It’s about the story. And the conversation.”

T E C H & T O Y S B O O S T H O L I D AY J O Y S

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nce it was a boogie board, flippers or just a pair of water wings that constituted an aid to enjoying watery frolics. Today there’s stand-up paddleboards, kite-surfers, mini subs and other hi-tech aquatic paraphernalia. On the Cook Islands’ Rarotonga lagoon, terrific little machines, sea scooters, perform like a fat motorised kickboard: hang onto the handles and the powered “scooter” glides you through the water with minimum effort at just 3kph, perfect for observing marine life in the crystal clear depths.

Then, wearing snorkel and mask, a swift dolphin kick propels you and scooter beneath the surface, powering along effortlessly. Kids as young as 9 and even couch potatoes find the scooters a super substitute for stamina. Sea Scooter Safaris, offered by Ariki Adventures, are led by an experienced marine tour guide.

Meanwhile, penguin skating aids help kids gain confidence on the pop-up ice skating rink at Parramatta’s school holiday Winterlight Festival.

Like an old-fashioned hobby horse, both aid and child propel themselves along independently but together; penguin figurines hold steady on the ice, sliding along, supporting youngsters with an “anchor” to hold onto as they learn to balance on blades. Winterlight has Sydney’s biggest open-air rink, a special kids’ rink, an ice slide and 22m illuminated ferris wheel. There’s also vintage carnival rides, roving entertainers and Europe-inspired winter fare like mulled wine, crepes, German hot dogs, pizza and hand-made chocolates. Novotel Parramatta is offering special hotel rates: www.winterlight.com.au Technology too is a trademark trend embellishing leisure-time experiences: viz, Sydney’s annual Vivid Festival, just wrapped for 2016, having more than come of age and attracted a record attendance of 2.3million people this year. When

the festival launched in 2009 many wondered what it was all about. Boost winter tourism, sure - but, essentially, a few uplit buildings? It seemed a trifle off the wall. Yet this year we couldn’t get enough of it: the lighting technology applied to the city’s Bridge and icons across the CBD had crowds gasping. The magic of ancient trees illuminated in the Botanic Gardens drew in romantics; life-size bright-lit elephants and other beasts at Taronga Zoo awed children. Many overseas visitors are drawn by the Vivid Ideas program spanning creative industries: technology, design, architecture, film, visual arts, advertising, marketing, animation and events. Then there’s cutting-edge Vivid Music, some 200 eclectic local and international performances everywhere from Opera House to intimate bars. Mark the diary for 2017.

Speaking of the Cooks, my prediction that airfares would fall has been realised, in part anyway.

The competitive impetus of Jetstar’s recent entry to islands gateway Rarotonga has now seen a drop in some AirNZ-Virgin economy class fares, on sale until July 12 for dates as far out as departing March 25 via Auckland next year, an excellent opportunity for holidays and weddings and honeymoons too. Forward and return date validity restrictions apply to both direct (“nonstop”) AirNZ flights SYD-RAR-SYD (the cheaper and faster option), also to services via Auckland.

A sample non-stop fare in early August, economy with one bag, is $649 return, leaving Sydney on Saturday night and returning a week later.

(The current non-stop schedule sees passengers arriving on Raro early Saturday local time, thanks to the Dateline. From November these direct flights move forward one day, departing Friday night and arriving home Friday night, so into Rarotonga on Friday mornings local, a better option for Saturday weddings). Visit the Cook Islands at www.sale.cookislands.travel

© Jeff Busby 2016

sharon bultitude

focus_interview

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

BUSINESS minds

WAYNE & DAN

SHULTZ

Longevity in business is something we all strive for. The Shultz name is synonymous with real estate in the region and is about to celebrate 50 years in business. Let’s find out the history behind this successful family empire, by catching up with Wayne and Dan Shultz.

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ell us about the history of Shultz First National.

Our family business was started by father and grandfather Max Shultz in 1967 and soon incorporated both Mal Shultz and Wayne Shultz, who have carried on the business. Over the years the business has developed in both staff numbers and areas of specialty and now employs a total of 19 staff.

Dan, for you personally, real estate was obviously in the blood, yet you went away to Sydney to make your career first.

Was this a purposeful decision to gain the experience?

Yes, very much so. In 1998 I relocated to Sydney to both study and work and gain new experience outside our area in Commercial Real Estate. I was based in Chatswood on Sydney’s busy North Shore area for 10 years and was fortunate enough to work within a large commercial firm and develop great relationships with many national and international clients and financial institutions. These relationships have now helped secure various new businesses to our area.

Like many of us, family is a huge driver in our business; what was it that bought you back home to the Manning-Great Lakes?

Taree and the Manning Valley has always been home to me. My wife and I are both locals in the area; it was always our intention to relocate back to Taree at some stage. After 10 years in Sydney, in 2008 my wife and I made the decision that family was extremely important to us, and I was really looking

forward to the opportunity of working beside We have a fantastic team of experienced and Wayne and Mal in the business. There was no dedicated Commercial Staff. family influence in our decision at all; you just Our administration team is Leanne Ralph know when the time is right. We have two as Commercial Secretary and Colleen Harris beautiful children, and I could not think of a specialising in our Commercial Accounts. better place for them to grow up that here in Our Commercial Sales, Leasing and Property Taree as I did.

Management Team consists of Jason Tell us about what it’s like to Bowen, Troy McCormack, Les be the third generation Stevens and myself, with Mal in the family business. included as a consultant. y an Mal and Wayne knew What services are in Like everyone; has it been offered by Shultz business , k or w to ve challenging getting Commercial? ha you g the relationships Our firm offers hard on buildin and maintaining your right? specialist services in the ith relationships w It’s exciting to fields of Commercial s.” nt clie continue in the Sales, Leasing, footsteps of my father, Commercial Property uncle and grandfather. Real Management and Business estate was a passion for me Sales. Our department focus is since young and I always spoke as purely on Commercial Real Estate. a child of “working with Dad”.

The team has won a stack of Like in any business, you have to awards over the years. Is it challenging work hard on building and maintaining to keep such a high level of service up? relationships with your clients. In the Over the years we have been fortunate commercial field we are fortunate enough that enough to win various State and National most of our day is spent walking the streets in Awards. In March this year our firm was one and out of local businesses, which gives us a of six finalists in Australia in the Real Estate great opportunity to speak to our owners and Institute of Australia Commercial Agency of tenants on a regular basis. With Wayne and the Year award held in Melbourne. Whilst we Mal both having forged great relationships did not win this award, it was an honour to in our area over the last 50 years, it has have been nominated and be a finalist in this been wonderful to work with many of these category, which is testament to the experienced clients, and I will continue to build on these team we have working in our office. We pride relationships into the future. ourselves on being at the forefront of industry So who is in the Shultz Commercial team? changes and legislation updates and are regular Tell us about them. attendees at all local and metropolitan training

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events.

The ground floor at your office is your residential sales and management department. Wayne and Lyn are involved in this area. What’s it like having the family all together?

It’s wonderful having a family business. We work great together and as we both have busy departments, we often only see each other at the end of the day. My mother still works within the business and keeps an eye on me!

What about the future? As the transition continues, where do you see Shultz Commercial in five years?

Our Commercial Department has evolved and grown over the last 10 years, and we see this trend continuing. As legislation and commercial practices continue to change, our business has adapted to these changes to allow us to grow further and service our clients better into the future. Technology and systems has been, and will continue to be, a priority in growth and provider better service.

What is the best part about being in business in the Manning-Great Lakes?

We have so many great attributes to promote here in our region. The existing long standing businesses that continue to service our area are responsible for making it such a great region to live and work in.

For many people who visit our area for the first time, they all leave with a great impression of what the Mid North Coast has to offer. It is no surprise why so many people chose to relocate to our region.

Thanks Dan, and congratulations on 50 years! manning-great lakes focus.

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with Gary Gersbach from Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber

BUSINESS

Hunter Special vehicles

COUNCIL MERGERS WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD! OR MORE PARTICULARLY, THE NEW MID COAST COUNCIL - A COMBINATION OF THE FORMER GLOUCESTER, GREATER TAREE AND GREAT LAKES COUNCILS.

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hether we like it or not, we are now saddled with an expanded area of responsibility as a result of this merger.

The MCC is now set to settle in with an Administrator and an Interim General Manager to work with an Advisory body of 11 Councillors selected from the previous Councils. John Turner as Administrator has a wealth of knowledge of the Mid Coast and can be relied upon to put this knowledge to good use. Glen Handford, with over 20 years of experience in local government in the Great Lakes, should be able to blend the pluses and minuses of the three areas to achieve positive gains for all areas.

The new Council is to have elections in September 2017, and there will be no change to rates policy for the old Councils for a period of four years. However, within these guidelines I see a great opportunity for the businesses of the areas to work together with the new Council to formulate positive policies to encourage new business, industry, agriculture and education with a strength not previously possible with the three Council areas.

It is to be hoped that the MCC will immediately sign up as a recognised Business Friendly Council, with a view to systemise a rapid response to the needs of businesses, both new and old. Remember, a successful and vital business environment results in increased jobs, which are essential to an area’s growth.

Customer Service How many customers have experienced poor service of some type within our business area, particularly during peak times, when the motto should be “impress, impress, and impress”?

How many of these have bothered to do something about it? It may not be a surprise

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that the Australian way is, more often than not, to avoid the drama, but just don’t return.

Apparently, only one in ten people experiencing poor service complain to the source at all.

However, they will tell other people about their poor experience.

Although the Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber is aware that many of our members have an excellent history of good customer service, others within the business community can improve this aspect of their business and in so doing, can help to enhance the area’s tourist experiences.

None of us are perfect, and indeed it is a wise business owner, while not liking a complaint, will welcome it as an opportunity to do at least three things: • Determine the cause and correct • Thank the customer for reporting the issue • Apologise and attempt to recover the customer, by offering something extra Seems pretty simple, but amazing how many of us do not do this. It costs far more to attract a new customer than to retain your existing one.

The FT Chamber is currently attempting to set up some customer service training for our members and their staff. Whether this will be with the TAFE or other private operators, is not yet determined.

We will welcome any input from our members to help achieve this.

The Glitz and Glamour Ball, sponsored by Evermore Retirement Living, is to be held on the 30th July at the Forster Club. This event has been hosted by the Chamber to give the business community and their staff an opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves. All members are invited to get behind this as an illustration of what this community can achieve.

IF YOU APPRECIATE A QUALITY VEHICLE! We can look after your needs. Hunter Special Vehicles is a family owned and operated dealership with over 22 years' experience supporting your local community.

Our cars are low km, regularly serviced and

We currently have thirty-six 4x4 commercials in stock for your inspection.

Justin and Billy guarantee you personalised

With an excellent reputation and strong industry contacts built over the last 22 yrs, you can be confident when buying your next car from Hunter Special Vehicles. We source our vehicles from Government and Council Departments from inland NSW.

vehicles are inspected by trained technicians.

generally one owner/driver units, meaning we can sell to you with confidence.

Finance is available, helping you get into your next car faster! and professional service every time. All An unlimited km warranty is available with nation wide coverage. Competitive finance also available, and trade ins are welcome. hunterspecialvehicles.com.au

focus_realestate.

with Amanda Tate form LJ Hooker

Clubs & community JULY MARKET UPDATE AS WE TRY TO STAY WARM DURING THE COLDEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, IT IS COMMON PERCEPTION THAT WINTER IS NOT THE TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME.

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o the contrary, our experience is that most people wait until spring to list their homes for sale, believing that with the warmer weather more people are looking to buy. Vendors believe with their gardens in full glory and spring in the air, it is much easier to present their home in its best light, thus attracting the best sale price. Whilst that is true for vendors, buyers are still out in full force searching for their perfect property.

If they are ready to buy, they want to buy now - not wait until the weather warms up. This fallacy actually creates less supply of homes for sale, or competition, so we usually find a good market price is achieved in the winter months.

After all, real estate is all about supply and

demand.

There are plenty of tips for dressing up your home for sale in the colder months, including keeping the home warm and inviting for inspections and ensuring gardens are trimmed and look easy to maintain. Our experience has been that when buyers have had their finance approved, they just can’t wait to purchase. It doesn’t matter what time of the year. With early spring comes a flurry of new properties to the market, giving buyers plenty of choice and more bargaining power. So if you are thinking of selling later in the year, I would suggest speaking with your real estate agent now, as with strong buyer inquiry - now may be the perfect time to sell.

Forestry Corporation of NSW is proud to have maintained close links to community clubs over many years, through agreements to use areas of State Forests for different recreation purposes.

From archery to mountain bike riding, pony clubs to scouting activities, Forestry Corp has partnered with many dedicated community members, who work tirelessly to maintain their State Forest club sites as a safe and fun place to be. The regular events at local and state levels often draw visitors from other parts of the region and as far as interstate, contributing significant amounts to the local visitor economy.

One such group is the Kempsey Sporting Car Club, this year celebrating their 60th anniversary. This passionate and committed car club manage a hill climb course at Mt. Cooperabung in Ballengarra State Forest, south of Kempsey, and have done so for 20 years. The passion and commitment of the club members has seen this site grow into

one which has provided enjoyment for many.

The club has shown utmost professionalism in terms of safety and the standards in managing their State Forest area. Their site has been the playground for motor sport racing enthusiasts from around the state and the country, timing themselves on the CAMS [confederation of Australian motorsport] sanctioned track in vintage and modern day vehicles.

Forestry Corporation is also celebrating a special anniversary in 2016. It is 100 years since the Forestry Commission was formed under the Forestry Act in 1916; a year to celebrate and look forward to many more years of partnerships in our community.

Last year LJ Hooker held over a million open homes, attracting over 115,000 people every week. Every month over 610,000 potential buyers visit our website, making it Australia's #1 agency website*. But there's more to selling well than simply finding the right buyer.

| P 6552 1133 | F 6552 4799 | E taree@ljh.com.au

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- C O M E A N D E X P E R I E N C E E V E R M O R E F O R YO U R S E L F – O P E N DAY 9 T H J U LY -

P H O T O O F T H E F A M I LY L T O R - J U D I T H , T R I S T A N , B A R R Y, B E L I N D A A N D I A N

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vermore Retirement Living will be proudly opening its doors to the Great Lakes community, with an Open Day on Saturday 9th July from 10am to 2pm. The timing coincides with the completion of Stage 2. You are invited to come and experience the Evermore supported retirement lifestyle for yourself. It’s a great opportunity for you to savour a refreshment whilst enjoying the Evermore family experience firsthand, or to take a guided tour of the complex to see everything Evermore has on offer.

Stage 2 includes 23 beautifully appointed apartments, ranging from spacious one bedders, through to stylish two bedroom ensuite designs.

Stage 2 has been in high demand, with just a few of the two bedroom apartments still available. Make sure you get in to see the apartments for yourself before they are all sold.

When you come into Evermore and feel the quality of the apartments, see the exceptional facilities and meet the people that make up the Evermore family, you are certain to understand why the village has quickly gained popularity as the preferred choice for supported retirement living in the region. We’ve heard a number of Evermore residents say that “Moving to Evermore has been the best move they have ever made”, and when you come and see the residents enjoying happy hour in the lounge bar, BBQs in the alfresco area, movies in the theatre, swimming in the heated swimming pool, reading in the library, dining in the restaurant, staying in 54

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shape in the gym, or visiting the hairdressing salon, Forster Private Hospital and the adjoining medical you start to understand why. There’s even plenty of precinct should you require additional care. secure storage space in the basement carpark, which Bates’ family experience of Evermore. has lifts to all floors. For those who can’t make the “Evermore is heaven on earth! That’s what I Open Day, be sure to call Braden to make discovered when I spent a week with an appointment on 6528 0442. To my parents, Judith and Barry Bates, find out more about everything earlier this month. They have that Evermore has to offer, visit recently moved to Evermore www.evermoreliving.com.au and were full of praise for the e’s or Everm re tu 24/7 on site care now wonderful, warm welcome fu d an t en rr cu total y jo available. they have received - but I en n ca s nt reside knowing d, “We are delighted to needed to see for myself! in m of e ac pe site care is announce that Evermore “Evermore is everything it that quality on s a day, Retirement living has promises to be and so much available 24 hour ” k. now gone to 24/7 on site more! It was fantastic to meet seven days a wee management and care,” my parents’ interesting new says Evermore Village and Care friends and the friendly, caring manager, Graeme Roberts (RN, staff who have gone out of their B.Nurs, M.Nurs, MACN). “We have way to make my parents’ move to listened to our residents and have decided to Evermore seamless. And the cruise of the bring our on site management and care strategy lake and vineyard visit, arranged by Evermore forward by 12 months, effective from June for everyone (including me!) was fantastic!

2016.”

“Living far away, as I do, it is very reassuring to Evermore’s current and future residents can enjoy know that my parents are so happy in their new total peace of mind, knowing that quality on site home, that every day for them is fun-filled and care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. enjoyable and that if they need help or support Whether you require the assistance of a registered at any time, it will be provided in a flash. A very nurse, a delicious meal in the restaurant, someone big thank you to the Evermore team for making to help you with a technology query, maintenance, Evermore so special and also to Peter, the Chef, for gardening or cleaning, Evermore has the trained his delicious treats!” person on hand to take care of your every need.

Kind regards, Evermore is conveniently located next door to the Belinda xxxx

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Come & Experience Evermore for Yourself Affordable 5 Star Supported Retirement Living - Forster • • • • •

Beautifully appointed spacious apartments and facilities 24/7 onsite care managed by our registered nurse Next door to Forster’s private hospital Central location - leisurely stroll to shopping and restaurants Independent and supported living options available

Stage 2

Open Day

Saturday 9 th July 10am to 2 pm

18-30 Bruce Street, Forster Next Door to the Forster Private Hospital

02 6528 0442

www.evermoreliving.com.au

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