Manning-Great Lakes Focus i114

Feature Story The Downstairs Cook

August 2016 // issue 114

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | COOPERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU | HELLO@COOPERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU

focus

Captured by Raw Edge Photography

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf St, Forster 2428 PHONE: (02) 6555 3381 FAX: (02) 6555 7338 EMAIL: jo@focusmag.com.au WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au

contacts.

EDITION COORDINATOR / ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Jo Robinson jo@focusmag.com.au

SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT / EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Chrissy Jones JP chrissy@focusmag.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Michael Marchment

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

A

ugust marks not only the last month of winter (are the end of those chilly early mornings

finally in sight?) but also our annual Men in Business feature.

michael@focusmag.com.au

This special feature showcases

PHOTOGRAPHER East Coast Photography

some of the amazingly talented,

http://www.eastcoastphotography.com.au/

hardworking and entrepreneurial

COPY EDITING: Rite ‘n’ Rong Media Services

men we are fortunate to have

ph: 0411 846 084

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.

living and working in our area.

We’re always proud to highlight the wealth of skills in the Manning-Great Lakes, so whether you’re looking for a business professional, a health and wellness

expert, a talented creative, or a “tradie”, you’re bound to find someone who can help you in this edition.

and watches.

about the inspiring Vickie Farrow,

Last but not least, our four wonderful “models” - Morgan, Chris, Alex and Josh.

who’ll be travelling to the U.K. this

ON THE COVER Every man loves dressing up in fresh suits, snazzy watches and hanging out with brand new cars, am I right? Well, this month our local businessmen got to do just that. A massive thank you to Taree Motorama for lending us one of their very luxurious Mercedes Benz, to Club Taree for the use of their car park and Yarads Menswear Taree for the loan of some fabulous suits, sunglasses

IN THIS EDITION The work of highly skilled sculptor Michael Kolbe graces our pages this month - his metalwork takes on a life of its own. The Great Lakes sub-branch of the Nashos tell us about an important anniversary that’s happening this year, and we meet the two “Naomis” behind an innovative project called the Natural Deodorant Company - Naomi Freuden and Naomi Patton. Read

fills us in about her new book, The

month to compete in a very special competition, while Leigh Denton Downstairs Cook.

As always, our wonderful regular contributors keep us up to date with what’s happening locally in business, tourism, and in the food, wine and social scene.

FINAL SAY “There are no secrets to success.

It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure” Colin Powell.

The best in luxury is coming to Taree The Mercedes-Benz Precious Metal Roadshow will be arriving in Taree on 11th of August.

This is an exciting opportunity to experience some of the most exclusive and captivating models from the Mercedes range at Taree Motorama. Amongst the collection of precious metal is the Mercedes-AMG GT S, GLS 350d, GLE 450 AMG Coupé and S 400 L. The much anticipated Roadshow will be in Taree for a limited time only at Taree Motorama.

DL050223

Visit Taree Motorama to find out more before it hits the open road again.

Taree Motorama 46 Victoria Street, Taree Phone 6539 3300 www.mbtaree.com.au manning-great lakes focus.

3

D O W N S TA I R S focusinterview.

LEIGH DENTON

DELVING INTO YOUR FAMILY HISTORY CAN USUALLY BE COUNTED ON TO BE A FASCINATING EXPLORATION, AND SO IT WAS FOR LEIGH DENTON! LEIGH FOUND HER MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER, “LILY MAUD”, TO BE AN INTERESTING CHARACTER - A COOK WHO CAME TO AUSTRALIA IN 1908, AND LEFT A BOOK, CLEARLY MARKED WITH SOME NOTES ABOUT HER FAVOURITE RECIPES, AS A LEGACY TO HER FAMILY. LEIGH HAS SINCE PRODUCED HER OWN

BOOK, THE DOWNSTAIRS COOK, WHICH SHARES LILY MAUD’S FAVOURITE CULINARY CREATIONS WITH THE NEXT GENERATION …

H

i Leigh. Tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to the Great Lakes area ...

I’m from Sydney originally and moved to Smiths Lake four years ago and still work part-time from home as a lawyer, in addition to attempting to master the art of stand-up paddle boarding and engaging in beach going when the weather is fine. I live opposite Smiths Lake itself and feel blessed to live in such a beautiful, peaceful place after the hurly burly of Sydney.

Introduce us to Lily Maud, your grandmother. What was her history and background?

Lily Maud was my maternal grandmother, born in a workhouse in London on the “wrong side of the blanket”. As such, she was admitted into the Foundling Hospital, as since both her parents were living, she was classed as a foundling rather than an orphan. At the Foundling Hospital she was trained to enter domestic service as a cook and when she left there in 1897, aged 16, went to work for an upper-middle class family in Clapham Park.

She sailed for Sydney in 1908 and worked on assignment as a cook on farming properties in New South Wales, using a boarding house in Randwick as her base. She later married a stockman and lived with him and their two children on a property near Warialda, before

4

manning-great lakes focus.

moving to the town of Inverell, where she lived year of birth is 1881, but when she married it for the rest of her life. was 1885!

She cooked throughout her life, taking in You’ve compiled some of Lily’s favourite boarders after she left her husband, always recipes in a book, The Downstairs Cook using the fine china she collected. Her specialty Favourite Recipes. How did you come up was “afternoon tea”. with the idea to create this book?

I was led to believe by my mother Do you have any memories and a family friend, who was the of Lily personally ... daughter of Lily Maud’s best and if so, what are friend from Sydney, that she some of your The savoury s recipes use herb was a governess. It always favourites? ire puzzled me, however, that Unfortunately, and Worcestersh g, in sauce as flavour y she left a copy of Mrs Lily Maud died an and there are m Beeton’s Household before I was as such seafood recipes, ter born. I have Management to my mother bs oyster patties, lo uffed discovered, when she died, as this did st d mayonnaise an e ad m however, that she not seem to be something a ve ha I trout, which governess would need. played fast and .” ly successful It was only once the U.K. loose with her age census records came online that I during her lifetime, due was able to find out the truth. When to the absence of a birth I delved into the battered and much-used certificate in the name she was copy of Mrs Beeton, I found many recipes had given upon entering the Foundling Hospital. been marked by Lily Maud and that she had “Lily Maud Boyt” is the name on also left handwritten copies of her favourite her official birth certificate, but she was known and tried and tested recipes. throughout her life as “Edith Irwin” - the name Describe a few of the recipes in the book given to her by the hospital. I don’t think she in detail for us please ... ever knew her real name, and as passports A lot of the recipes are simple, in that they were not required for travel in 1908, she was have few ingredients and require minimal able to arrive in Australia as “Edith Irwin” and preparation. The savoury recipes use herbs reduce her age officially by some years when and Worcestershire sauce as flavouring, and her marriage certificate was issued. Her actual there are many seafood recipes, such as oyster

“

patties, lobster mayonnaise and stuffed trout, which I have made successfully.

There are also cakes and delicacies such as Turkish delight. One of my all-time favourites is her lemon cake, flavoured with orange flower water, which gives the cake a unique and luxurious flavour. Despite being simple, the recipes are beautifully flavoured and fulsome, although sometimes the number of eggs can be excessive!

You’re launching the book in August.

When/where will the launch be held?

The launch will take place at 11am on Tuesday 23 August 2016 at the CWA Rooms, Little Street, Forster (next door to the Information Centre). Cakes, tarts and sandwiches made from recipes in the book will be served.

How do readers register their interest in attending the launch (and is there a fee/ charge?)

Readers may contact me about attending the launch via downstairscook@gmail.com or on 0418 431 244. There is no attendance fee.

Where will copies of the book be available for purchase/reading?

Copies of the book will be available at the launch for $10. Fifty per cent of the proceeds will be donated to Forster CWA, which in turn donates to local charities. Copies will also be available from me directly.

Thanks Leigh.

issue I S S U E

1 1 4

8 -

A U G U S T

2 0 1 6

MICHAEL KOLBE.

Using artistic flair, a love of nature and a craftsman’s skill, Michael Kolbe hammers, welds and shapes metal, old tools, nuts and bolts into fantastic, amazingly lifelike creations … A sculptor with a very unique vision, Michael’s work would be a talking point in any environment.

8 14

BRODIE RITTER.

Brodie Ritter is a 17 year old Freestyle BMX rider from Taree who has developed some amazing BMX freestyle skills whilst riding at our local skateparks in Taree, Old Bar and Tuncurry.

26 102

THE NATURAL DEODORANT COMPANY. Meet the dynamic duo behind innovative project, the Natural Deodorant Company. Blending ingredients from the earth to create a pure product that works, all natural, all local ...

R EGU L A R S 11.

40.

WHAT’S ON FOR AUGUST TOURISM INSIGHT DONNA HUDSON

42. STAR GUIDE

WITH TERRI HALL 57. BUSINESS MINDS JEREMY THORNTON

44

follow us on

facebook.com/coffscoast.focus www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

No matter where you are in the world, read Focus for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au manning-great lakes focus.

5

focusinterview.

THIS YEAR IS THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL SERVICE, AND SIX OF OUR LOCAL NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION AND AFFILIATES MEMBERS (NASHOS) WILL TRAVEL TO HOLSWORTHY BARRACKS IN SYDNEY, WHERE OUR FIRST CONSCRIPTS ARRIVED BACK IN 1951. THE GREAT LAKES NASHOS SUB-BRANCH IS AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY GROUP, WITH SEVERAL LONG SERVING AND LIFETIME MEMBERS …

P

lease introduce us to the National Servicemen’s Association and Affiliates (Nashos) organisation.

When was this organisation founded nationally, and what are its aims?

Keith McNeil: I have done some research on National Service and have found a brief statement explaining why National Service was re-introduced.

The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, coupled with the Malayan Emergency and the Viet Minh uprising against the French in Vietnam, appeared to threaten Australia directly. Recruiting for the regular Armed Services proving insufficient, the Menzies Government re-introduced conscription, which had ended in 1945. The legislation had bi-partisan support.

John McNeil: Introducing the Great-Lakes sub branch committee; I am the latest addition, accepting the position of Publicity Officer for 2016.

The tenure of office has been reduced from two years to one year. This was with the thought that the sub-branch was ageing and may get a variety of delegates with new ideas to move the sub-branch forward into the future.

However, the members have so much confidence in this committee, they keep voting them in, and the holders of office positions keep standing and accepting the nomination. Some officers, like our President, have many years of continuous time served on the committee and have been rewarded by receiving the highest appreciation, that of life

6

manning-great lakes focus.

members of Great-Lakes sub branch.

President: Keith McNeil (Life Member), Vice President: Eric Janes, Secretary: Bob Russell (Life Member), Treasurer: Judy Russell (Life Member), Assistant Secretary: Marlene Meyer, Publicity Officer: John McNeil, Welfare Officer: Gloria McNeil (Life Member), Quartermaster: Kevin Dwyer (Life Member), Social Secretary: Kim Dwyer (Life Member), *SWONS Coordinator: Pat Janes, Librarian: Paul Welch. *(Supporting Wives Of National Servicemen).

On a local level, in the Great Lakes, the Nashos have a very active sub-branch.

When was this sub-branch formed, and how has it grown over the years?

Keith: The National Servicemen’s Association NSW was formed in mid 1995.

Soon after, I was elected NSW State President.

The next year we purchased a property in Forster, at the next annual election for The National Servicemen’s Association Sydney I stood down and moved to Forster.

Soon after moving to Forster, I was approached by Nashos in Forster and asked to start a National Servicemen’s sub-branch. We did this in 1997. I was elected first President and have retained that position to this day.

Our Great Lakes group was made up of many Nashos from Taree, Dungog, Gloucester, Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Tea Gardens, who were looking for a place to meet and to be with other Nashos at a regular monthly gathering. We had a big membership in those days. Other Nasho sub-branches up and down the coast were subsequently formed from our recruitment drives over the past years.

The best outcome for our National Servicemen’s Association has been in 2001;

All serving or ex l ne on service pers y an n can join , as ca ber of interested mem embers , m ll A . ic the pu bl e, male and femal ce or vi er -s ex or e ic rv se deemed e ar e, non servic rs with be em m ll to be fu voting rights .”

“

the Australian Government finally recognised our service to the defence of Australia by awarding all Nashos, over 300,000 men in total who completed their term of enlistment, with the Anniversary of National Service medal and then The Australian Defence medal.

The primary aim of our association is the welfare of all National Servicemen.

Another achievement for our Great Lakes sub-branch was the approval for our memorial plaques to be placed on the Little Street and Tuncurry war memorials. National Servicemen’s Day is held on the 14th February each year; our Padre Daryll Moran conducts the service at these memorials.

If you are travelling to the War Memorial Canberra, you can view the National Servicemen’s memorial fountain at the entrance steps, dedicated to the 202 National Servicemen killed in Vietnam.

The Nashos will celebrate their 65th anniversary this year on a national level.

There are some special celebrations planned, and some local members will be heading off to Sydney on August 6. Could you tell us more about the activities planned?

John: We have the 65th Anniversary of National Service this year. In 1951 the first conscripts arrived at Holsworthy Barracks.

The State Branch will commemorate this with a service on the 7th August, at Holsworthy

Barracks, Sydney, from 11am. Representatives from sub-branches throughout NSW are invited to attend.

Great Lakes sub-branch will have six members attending.

Where and when do local

Nashos meet - and who is eligible to join the organisation?

Kim Dwyer: We meet on the second Friday of every month except December, at 10am in the auditorium of Forster Bowling Club.

All serving or ex-service personnel can join, as can any interested member of the public.

All members, male and female, service or exservice or non service, are deemed to be full members with voting rights.

After every second meeting, together we enjoy a BBQ lunch or roast lunch, or soup and damper lunch, all with dessert and all home made. At the other meetings we have a delicious morning tea, usually scones, cakes etc. We find this is a great way to socialise with other members.

During the year we hold several functions, outings and bus trips, and we have a huge Christmas party on the second Sunday in December. Everyone is welcome.

Where can readers find out more info?

PaulWelch: By going to our website: http:// home.exetel.com.au/nashos/index.html which has all of the current contact information, newsletters, etc.

Thanks everyone.

Love Welcome to our community of love, companionship and warmth.

24-hour onsite nursing care

Please visit our website to view extensive floorplans or call us on 6554 8424 to arrange an inspection. manning-great lakes focus.

Tuncurry Village 11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au

7

focusinterview.

USING ARTISTIC FLAIR, A LOVE OF NATURE AND A CRAFTSMAN’S SKILL,

MICHAEL KOLBE HAMMERS, WELDS AND SHAPES METAL, OLD TOOLS, NUTS AND BOLTS INTO FANTASTIC, AMAZINGLY LIFELIKE CREATIONS … A SCULPTOR WITH A VERY UNIQUE VISION, MICHAEL’S WORK WOULD BE A TALKING POINT IN ANY ENVIRONMENT.

i Michael. What led you to Old Bar ... are you a born and bred local, or a sea-changer?

No, I am not a local. We moved to Old Bar six years ago after ten years in Bobin and 20 in Inverell. So, slowly we have been moving closer to the coast, after having been born and lived for thirty four years in land locked Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Tell us a bit about your work/family life ... What is/ was your trade, and how big is your family?

I am married to Carol, and we have three sons and six grandchildren, all living, working and schooling in Sydney.

We came to Australia from Zimbabwe in 1979, when the boys were aged six, four and two, where I was farming at Trangie, but soon moved to Inverell, where I worked for myself doing landscaping, tree lopping and garden maintenance for six years before becoming the grounds maintenance man at the local district hospital, where I stayed for eleven years.

We then moved to Bobin, where we lived for ten years, during which time I worked at various schools in the Taree area as general assistant, before settling near Old Bar. Having been a farmer, part-time soldier, policeman, builder and maintenance man, I am a multi skilled jack of all trades!

How (and when) did you discover you had a talent 8

manning-great lakes focus.

for metalwork and sculpture?

In 1995 we returned to Zimbabwe on holiday, where I bought a small metal bird made from scraps of metal, and this triggered my creativity. I began making garden sculptures and tentatively took a load to Armidale markets, where to my great surprise, I sold nearly all of them.

A gallery owner in Bellingen encouraged me to place my work in galleries, so the adventure began - with galleries in Alice Springs and Darwin accepting my work, as well as galleries closer to home.

You use an astonishing array of metal components in your sculptures ... I can see hammers, nuts, bolts and screws in your work! Where do you source all of the materials you use?

I need a wide range of tools and materials for my work, so visit garage sales, markets and clearing sales, as well as putting the word out there to any friends and people I meet.

How do you come up with your ideas about what to create next?

Often something I see and want to make sticks in my head, and I make a sketch of it. Books, magazines, Pintrest, Facebook are all sources of information and creativity for me.

Describe your creative process for us, once you have an idea. I.e. do you work from photos or using models - do you make sketches?

To build a sculpture, I first draw a chalk outline on

“

Often something I see and want to make sticks in my head, and I make a sketch of it. Books, magazines, Pintrest, Facebook are all sources of information and creativity for me.”

my workbench of the chosen piece, choose the exhibitions in Framed Gallery in Darwin, Gallery tools or materials for the outline, and weld them Gondwana in Alice Springs, as well as in together.

Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, The Moree Gallery, Further items are selected to make the and Manning Art Gallery. work three dimensional. Each item needs to I have also exhibited a number of times at the be duplicated, so as to have two legs, feet, Royal Easter Show in Sydney and entered a full wings, etc. Getting the piece standing, sized Wedge-tailed Eagle in the Dame balancing and giving it a bit of Mary Durack Outback Craft award “attitude“ is extremely difficult in Brisbane. and frustrating at times, I have had successful wins but when I complete the in the Taree Art Exhibitions A gallery owner work, stand back and and the Taree Waste to in Bellingen tell myself it is good, Art exhibition. Exhibits to place encouraged me es , so the feeling is difficult at George Hoad’s Art ri my work in galle n - with to explain. in the Garden have ga the adventure be ring s Any gaps need to proved successful Sp e galleries in Alic y m g in pt be tastefully filled with also, with George’s ce and Darwin ac es ri lle ga as l appropriate materials, invitation re-igniting my el work, as w ” e. m ho without overdoing it. present sculpting to closer Every great artist enthusiasm and drive. has a workspace that’s Where can we purchase uniquely theirs. If we were your creations, or read more to walk into your shed, what would we see? about your work?

My workspace is uniquely mine, in as much as I My work can be purchased at can place my hand on what I require most of the Gannon House Gallery in The time. In my shed you will find my bench in the Rocks, Sydney and locally at Salty centre with a mig and stick welder in attendance, Dog Gallery at Coloongolook. a small vice and an assortment of hammers and I have an exhibition coming tools that I use. up at Warringah Creative Spaces, You will also find a huge anvil, leg vice, and Sydney, from 31st August to 11th a forge I made from an old truck brake drum September 2016, with 40 works mounted on wheels. completed over the past eight months On the far wall is a bench with a large vice and ready to exhibit. seven assorted power tools for various jobs. There My work, past and present, can are shelves and racks containing all manner of old be viewed on Facebook as Michael Kolbe tools and interesting items to draw on.

Sculptures or alternatively, contact me What exhibitions of your work have you held on michaelkolbesculptures@gmail.com.

Thanks Michael. ... and what recognition have you received?

Photos courtesy of Mark Kolbe.

Over the past seventeen years I have held

“

manning-great lakes focus.

9

10

manning-great lakes focus.

s oth ng the

e, t

Classes begin from 3 years of age, introducing them to the wonders of dance. These focus _What’s On Manning Great Lakes preschool aged classes encourage movement to music, co-ordination, expression and musicality.

Other classes include: R.A.D Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz/Funk, Tap.

August 2016

If your child is showing an interest in dance, come along to the registration days at the ay Studio at 61 Pulteney St, Taree on Tuesday 29 January from 3pm - 6pm or Saturday 2 February at 11am - 2pm. For further enquiries, please call Andrea on 6553 3122.

14

JAMES BENNET LIVE When Sun 14 Aug 2016; 3pm - 6pm.

Where 1 Palm St, Tuncurry NSW 2428.

Phone (02) 6554 8245.

Website www.hamiltonsoysters.com.au

COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP CARNIVAL Join us for the biggest day of the year for Coffs Harbour, the Carlton Mid Coffs Harbour Gold Cup. A fantastic eight race card, with all the facilities. Bookmakers, tote and big screen vision for all the action and of course, we want you to dress to impress and maybe enter our Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field competition. When Thursday 4th August. Where Coffs Harbour Racecourse. Tickets available from the club.

6

PRESENTATION DAY PERFORMANCE 2016

Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance presents the annual Presentation Day concert featuring performance and the presentation of awards.

When Saturday 6 August; 2pm.

Where Manning Entertainment Centre.

Tickets Friday 1st July (from 9am online and at Stockland Forster. Manning Entertainment Centre Box Office open from 10am - 1pm, Tuesday - Friday.) Adults $24; Concession $18.

CARAVAN, CAMPING, 4WD, FISH & BOAT SHOW When August 12, 13, 14, 2016.

9am - 5pm Friday and Saturday; 9am - 4pm Sunday.

Where Wauchope Showground, Beechwood Rd, Wauchope.

TAREE CUP WEEKEND Taree Wingham Race Club’s premium racing event is the Taree Cup weekend, which is held in August each year. The first day of the Cup weekend on the Friday features an eight race programme with full food and beverage facilities, TAB, and bookmakers available in the race club’s air conditioned Winning Post Grandstand - a great start to the weekend.

Sunday is Taree Cup Day and sees all the club’s facilities open, with special race day packages available.

When Friday 19 August to Sunday 21 August 2016.

26 NOICE DIFFERENT UNUSUAL Can Assist Manning Valley Proi-sents Noice Different Unusual featuring the Foxy Hornbags: A Kath and Kim Tribute Show. We are delighted to once again be hosting their major fundraiser for 2016. We just know its going to be a whole lot of fun, so don your most favourite parrot earrings (or the gumnut babies), dust off the man bag and head into Club Taree to get your tickets toot sweet.

Ticket includes themed nibbles, two course menu and show. No members’ price available on this show.

When Saturday 6th August 2016.

Tickets $65. Doors 5:45pm for a 5:46pm start.

STREET ROD & CUSTOM CAR RUN Manning Valley Cruzers Mountains to the Sea Street Rod and Custom Car Run celebrates its 14th anniversary this year, with a massive three-day event.

When Friday 26 August to Sunday 28 August 2016.

Where For more information, visit www.manningvalleycruzers.com

manning-great lakes focus.

11

12

manning-great lakes focus.

manning-great lakes focus.

13

focusinterview.

BRODIE RITTER IS A 17 YEAR OLD FREESTYLE BMX RIDER FROM TAREE WHO HAS DEVELOPED SOME AMAZING BMX FREESTYLE SKILLS WHILST RIDING AT OUR LOCAL SKATEPARKS IN TAREE, OLD BAR AND TUNCURRY.

I stop in D enver, Colorado on t and the 30th Augus in n to on m then Ed h; 7t e th on da Cana ns io tit in both compe g tin pe m I will be co BMX in the freestyle .” ts even

“ nd in the last couple of years he has started to compete and to do BMX freestyle shows. In 2014, Rhys Kember, a pro BMX rider from Sydney, selected Brodie to ride for his freestyle BMX company (Unchained BMX) performing freestyle BMX shows up and down the East Coast of Australia.

This has helped Brodie to further develop his skills to the highest level. He has started to win BMX competitions. Brodie has won the King of the Krater comp at Tuncurry for the last three years now, beating pro riders including Rhys Kember.

Brodie has quailified to compete in the amateur division of the FISE world series for BMX, which is a UCI international series of events. He will be competing against the best amateur riders in the world, with a chance of qualifying to ride in the pro division.

Brodie will be heading over to America at the end of August to compete at FISE Denver in Colorado and then will be travelling to Canada to compete at FISE Edmonton. This will be a huge opportunity to show off his incredible talent, with a chance of being snapped up by an abundance of sponsors as well as gaining invites to future events on the world circuit of BMX freestyle.

FOCUS caught up with Brodie pending his big adventure …

Hi Brodie. How old were you when you 14

manning-great lakes focus.

started to BMX, and what motivated you to start?

I started riding a bike when I was three with my dad and brother, who loved to race BMX. I always looked up to them, and I started racing BMX too when I turned 4. I loved it. I met a few new friends at racing, and we started riding all the time and building freestyle dirt jumps up the road from the track. Gradually we also started going to the skatepark, where I began to develop some freestyle skills.

Freestyle skills require a huge amount of practice and courage. I started on the scooter, and after a few years I transferred my tricks onto my BMX. I have loved the travelling to different parts of Australia, all the different skateparks and all the new people I have met through the sport. A major highlight has been the shows with Unchained BMX. It’s crazy doing something you love and seeing kids smiling all around you!

What bike did you start out on, and what do you ride now?

I started off on an old Mongoose my dad and mum bought for me. Thanks to Deano’s bike shop in Taree, I now ride a Colony Sweet Tooth. It is a top of the line BMX designed especially for BMX freestyle.

Favourite trick?

To compete at BMX freestyle, it is important to develop some big tricks to fit into each run that show off a wide range of skills. My favourite big trick that always gets a

huge cheer from the crowd is the front flip.

I did one at the King of the Krater, where I front flipped out of the skatepark, over a railing the crowd were standing against and landed on a grass slope to the applaud of everyone. It was a great feeling.

Are you working on anything new?

With the big competitions coming up in America and Canada, I am not developing any new tricks at the moment. I am just trying to perfect everything and working on some little things.

You’ve had some great triumphs, and one of those is you’re about to head off to compete overseas … Tell us about the process of achieving the opportunity to compete in high calibre events and where you’ll be competing?

Competing in a few local events and performing in BMX shows in front of large crowds motivated me to reach for higher goals. Earlier this year I was presented with the opportunity of travelling overseas and entering the FISE World Series. With the help of the community and my family, I did some fundraising events and managed to raise the funds required to allow me to travel to America and then Canada to compete in these competitions. I stop in Denver, Colorado on the 30th August and then Edmonton in Canada on the 7th; in both

competitions I will be competing in the freestyle BMX events.

At the first two legs of the FISE world series there has been huge crowd, with 500,000 attending the week of FISE Montpellier.

Who do you look up to for inspiration in the sport?

I’ve always looked up to Dave Mirra, even when I first started; I think he was an inspiration. Dave Mirra held the record for the most X games medals until being passed

by Bob Burnquist in 2013. He medalled in every X games from when they started in 1995 to 2009.

Explain the thrill of being on your bike…

Definitely when you are out of your comfort zone. It’s scary, knowing that your hands or feet aren’t on your bike and the ground is a fair way down.

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not on your bike?

Hanging with friends and spending time with my girlfriend, but it’s not very often that I’m off my bike.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom to share with our younger readers keen to have a go at BMX? Just go for it. Don’t give up, no matter how hard it seems. You will never know unless you try!

Thanks Brodie.

manning-great lakes focus.

15

BRAT • CELE

ING 30 YEARS •

Daffodil

Matters. [ wit h A la n T ickle ]

Day

DAFFODIL DAY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS ON FRIDAY 26 AUGUST. CANCER COUNCIL NSW ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO WEAR A PIN THIS DAFFODIL DAY TO SUPPORT SOMEONE THEY KNOW.

D

affodil Day, a national day of hope, takes place on Friday 26 August this year. Locals are encouraged to wear a daffodil pin to show support for someone they know who has been affected by cancer.

This year marks 30 years of Daffodil Day in NSW. As the largest national fundraising event in the southern hemisphere, this year Cancer Council hopes to raise $2.6 million in NSW. Since its inception, Daffodil Day has raised over $133 million for life-saving cancer research, support services and prevention programmes.

This year’s theme is “For Someone I Know” - by showing support for someone you know, you can help beat cancer and create a better future for all. In addition to buying and wearing a daffodil pin, you can support someone you know in the following ways: Sign up to volunteer on 26 August Purchase merchandise online, at select shops or at stalls on Daffodil Day Donate online Buy fuel from Coles Express on Daffodil Day* Text HOPE to 1999 8877 to donate $5/sms and dedicate a virtual daffodil to someone you know** Across Northern NSW, it is predicted that in 2016, 2,551 people will be diagnosed with cancer[1]. By supporting Cancer Council this Daffodil Day, people will be helping to beat cancer by funding vital cancer research, support services and prevention and advocacy programmes.

For more information on how to get involved for Daffodil Day 2016, visit: www.daffodilday. com.au or contact your local Daffodil Day Coordinator 6639 1303 / sarahro@nswccorg.au How to get involved Buy a pin on 26 August 2016. Daffodil Day stalls near local shopping areas, train and bus stations and other major locations will be selling Daffodil Day pins and other merchandise. Find a location near you: www.daffodilday.com.au/get-involved/where-

16

manning-great lakes focus.

to-buy/ Volunteer Volunteers can give their time to help set up Daffodil Day stalls on 26 August 2016 and sell Daffodil Day pins and merchandise in locations across Australia. To register as a volunteer, visit www.daffodilday.com.au/volunteer Order a merchandise box Merchandise can be ordered by individuals, clubs, schools or workplaces. To order, visit www.daffodilday.com.au/get-involved/buymerchandise Donate online To donate online, visit www.daffodilday.com. au/donate Buy merchandise Items from the Daffodil Day range can be purchased in July and August from Coles Express sites, and on 26 August across stalls in NSW. Buy fuel from Coles Express on Daffodil Day* Fill up your vehicle at any Coles Express site across Australia on Daffodil Day (26 August 2016 only) and Coles Express will donate 2 cents from every litre of fuel sold to Cancer Council.

Text to donate and dedicate a daffodil** Text HOPE to 1999 8877 to donate $5/sms and dedicate a virtual daffodil to someone you know *For full terms and conditions, visit daffodilday.com.au. **$5 donation charge will appear on your mobile bill or usage history. Each donation cost $5 per sms. Donations are available on eligible plans, except Optus prepaid.

We may keep you updated by phone/email. To opt-out?

Call 1300 65 65 85 or for more information, please visit daffodilday.com.au

the plug!

Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day Friday, 26 August 2016 Open to everyone in NSW and Australia who wants to show support for someone they know who has been affected by cancer. daffodilday.com.au #DaffodilDay

Don’t be alarmed…..Check Your Balance Now NOT as at June 30th.

from cash and fixed interest, could have been countered.

While the June 30 th 2016 returns on diversified investment and superannuation funds struggled to beat the return on bank deposits by much, the bounce back of markets in July, has lifted the last six months returns, to put a smile back on investors and superannuation members’ faces.

However, it has not been an easy task to allocate assets as there has been extreme volatility on markets, sometimes with no logic behind it.

Those returns however are going to vary greatly between funds for the following reasons.

Investors or fund managers who have the majority of their portfolio in the blue chip or top 20 stock such as banks, Telstra, BHP, Wesfarmers, while receiving attractive dividends that well exceeds fixed interest, have not fared that well over the last financial year on a total return basis.

This is because the share price of resources and banks in particular have plummeted over the past year, with their total return likely to be negative.

Comparing that to the returns from managed funds that specialise in small companies or those outside the top 20 companies on the stock exchange, is staggering.

Without naming managers amongst the suite that I use, Small Company funds have returns in the range of 17 to 50% for the year and the mid cap specialists also producing returns well over 20%.

Combine that with the returns on Australian listed property funds of around 24% then it’s not hard to work out that if the asset allocation had been tilted towards those assets, then the negative return that has also come from some international share funds, and low returns

Take the case of England’s move to exit the European Union as an example.

The Australian share market plummeted even though our trade with England and Europe is not as significant as it is with Asia and the USA. Then as the federal election results became clearer, the Australian market lifted to its highest level for 12 months within a matter of weeks after the England and UK turmoil.

Partway through last year, the Australian share market on the back of a dive in resources such as BHP, fell to the lowest level it had been for a decade and then in a matter of days, bounced back.

What can you take away from all of this?

You will get a lot of difference in quoted returns from managers and superannuation funds for the past year but the difference can level out very quickly. It highlights that spreading or diversifying assets can smooth returns but having a professional tilt the mix within the asset classes to where there is a likelihood of a better result, can add a significant lift in overall returns.

At a time when interest rates are low, this can be very welcome to investors.

Understanding that market volatility will have traders and fund managers chasing bargains which adds to the wild swings in a day’s trading, and remaining calm when there are over reactions to world events, is the key to the reward for patient longer term investing.

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.

focuseditorial.

focuseditorial.

Honeybees GOSPEL CHOIR ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST ACCOMPLISHED AND BEST LOVED A CAPPELLA CHOIRS, THE HONEYBEES, WILL LEAD A WORKSHOP AND PERFORM IN A CONCERT IN TAREE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 27.

T

he event will be a fundraiser for the charity Manning Valley Push for Palliative, a community group formed last year to lobby and raise funds for increased palliative services in the Manning.

The workshop and concert will take place in the Taree Christian College’s theatrette in Kolodong Road.

The Honeybees are a non-profit community choir, who say their main aim is to encourage a capella singing, in particular gospel music, in Australia - because of the “uplifting and passionate quality of the gospel genre”.

The Honeybees were set up 20 years ago as one of two Sydney gospel choirs led by the legendary Tony Backhouse.

Judy Hollingworth, chairperson of Manning Valley Push for Palliative and a former member of the choir, says their current musical director, Stephen Clarke, has given “a magical quality” to the Honeybees performances.

The choir performs about 12 times a year, often to raise funds for charity.

Their August 27 workshop will run from 1pm to 5pm, with the concert that evening at 7.30pm. Tickets are $40 for the workshop, $15 for the concert, or $50 for both.

Tickets can be bought from Lyn Stewart at Macs Mini Storage (43 Muldoon Street, Taree) during business hours, or Shirley Perrin on 0434 341 492 or Judy Hollingworth on 0409 558 652.

Trivia NIGHT

FORSTER BOWLING CLUB ARE HOSTING THE 2ND ANNUAL RONALD MCDONALD FAMILY RETREAT TRIVIA NIGHT ON SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST.

T

his year’s night is themed as Super Heroes and Villains, and there will be several prizes for the best dressed!

Groups are also able to come along to the club during the day to decorate their table for a chance at even more prizes!

Throughout the night there will be plenty of chances for everyone to walk away with a prize through raffles, a silent auction, lucky door prizes with CASH prizes up for grabs for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

To add to the fun, there will be marshals on hand to make sure everyone is playing by the rules and watching their Ps & Qs ... with fines

being issued on the spot for anyone misbehaving, all going to the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat Forster.

The funds raised will help us provide more than 150 families with a much needed break away in the coming 12 months here in beautiful Forster.

Tickets are available from Forster Bowling Cub reception until Friday 26th August. Last year’s night was sold out, so get in early to make sure you don’t miss out!

Doors open at 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Tickets are only $20 per person, and tables are for eight people with finger food included.

Class Schedule • The Harvest Lunch is on four times a year: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

What You Will Learn • To enjoy the taste and flavours of seasonal, organic food prepared by Chef Sarah • About a Permaculture Edible Garden • How to harvest vegetables What You Get • Three course Harvest Lunch and Edible Garden Tour • Edible Garden Tour with Permaculture Teacher Megan Cooke • A delicious dessert, including Organic Tea and Coffee For lovers of great food … What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Join us for a local Organic Harvest Lunch prepared by Chef Sarah Wilton. Enjoy the delicious flavours of the Summer Harvest, where our focus is on local, seasonal, organic, sustainable, whole foods. Our philosophy is all about using in season produce that will be harvested from the garden at Pacific Palms and enjoyed around the table with friends …

After the starters, you’ll be guided around the garden by Permaculture Teacher Megan Cooke, to harvest some produce for lunch, and hopefully you’ll leave inspired to start growing your own produce.

If you are passionate about eating organic food and love meeting like minded folk, then this Harvest lunch is not to be missed!

On arrival A platter of seasonal dips House made pepita, linseed and sunflower dukkah spiced seed crackers Roasted pumpkin hummus Garden greens pesto Grated green papaya, carrot and coriander dip Crudities (raw vegetables)

A stroll through the Food Forest and garden to harvest the salad To start Roasted pumpkin, orange and herb salad with cashew cheese, avocado and dukkah Main Glazed roast saddle of lamb stuffed with caramelised onion and silver beet, red wine jus, winter vegetable puree and French lentils Or Main Vegetarian/Vegan option (please let us know when booking in) Sweet potato gnocchi, rocket pesto and kale chips Dessert “A Taste of Lemon” Lemon panna cotta Lemon curd, mini meringues Lemon jellies, poppy seed crumble To drink House made lemongrass tea Filtered rainwater with lemon and lime A selection of organic herbal tea and Fair Trade organic coffee Please note our menu is: *gluten free/refined sugar free; *all grains fermented or sprouted; *local/organic/free range/ where possible; * subject to change due to seasonal availability of produce.

the plug!

Garden to Table Permaculture’s Seasonal Harvest Lunch Sunday 14th August 2016 Tickets $65 74 Coomba Rd, Charlotte Bay NSW 2428 Australia 0413 769 530 megan@gardentotable.com.au www.gardentotable.com.au

manning-great lakes focus.

17

Spicy Calamari from two hans.

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

18

manning-great lakes focus.

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 every day people choose Club Taree as their preferred dining option.

Introducing the Secret Garden, a new and unqiue way to entertain.

Head Chef Murray Phillips.

121 Wingham Rd, Taree 6539 4000 Lunch from 11:30, 7 days. Dinner from 5:30pm.

Green Curry

kEnny’s thai kitchen Enjoy a taste of Thailand! $11 Lunch Specials.

Entrée and your choice of one main meal; entrée includes a spring roll 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 (chicken or prawn or beef), mango chicken, Pad Thai or Pad Mee Mao Drunken Noodles.

Head Chef Kenny.

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

Dinner: 5:30pm until 8pm. manning-great lakes focus.

19

focus_winetime

with Steve Attkins from Great Lakes Paddocks

watch.

Mustang (M) Monday 22nd August; 7pm at Fay’s Twin Cinema.

In a village in northern Turkey, Lale (Gunes Sensoy) and her four sisters are walking home from school, playing innocently with some boys. The immorality of their play sets off a scandal that has unexpected consequences.

The family home is progressively transformed into a prison; instruction in homemaking replaces school, and marriages start being arranged. The five sisters who share a common passion for freedom, find ways of getting around the constraints imposed on them.

WINES OF POMPEII I HAVEN’T BEEN THERE YET, BUT IT IS A DESTINATION ON THE LIST OF MUST DOS ... THE ANCIENT CITY OF POMPEII.

T

his ancient city was preserved It also appears the people of Pompeii had for centuries, when in 79AD a discerning palate for wine, as it seems not Mount Vesuvius erupted, only was the locally produced wine enjoyed, capturing daily life in fascinating but also wine from other wine growing regions detail. An horrific event that has and countries including Sicily, Crete and Turkey. provided us with a unique window into Roman Quite the cosmopolitan crowd with a wine list history. Not only is it a fascinating snapshot of worthy of a fine dining restaurant. the sophistication of ancient Romans' lifestyles, Viticultural and winemaking techniques it also validates to me how enduring the art of have not changed that dramatically, with the winemaking is. exception of the introduction of modern On the fertile soils at the base of technology, and it is apparent the Mt Vesuvius was this vibrant, same challenges were faced productive, cosmopolitan as winemakers do today. city. It is believed Oxidation presented On the agriculture was a key the biggest challenge, fertile soils contributor to the as it still does today. t at the base of M wealth of Pompeii, with Winemakers of Pompeii is Vesuvius was th e, evidence of a variety of used additives such as tiv vi brant, produc .” agricultural pursuits. honey and spices to ty cosmopolitan ci It seems there were enhance the flavours of "wineries" on the the wine; whereas today, outskirts of Pompeii, with winemakers are more evidence of buildings with likely to use other types of large rooms containing wine additives for this purpose when presses and storage facilities, with the flavours aren’t favourable. separate rooms that would have served The ancient wines of Pompeii are the purpose of entertaining, as opposed being brought back to life, as the actual to domestic living. Large stores of ceramic grape varieties grown in Ancient Rome have vessels submerged in the earth have been been identified, some of which were still being discovered in these buildings, similar to how grown in the diverse winegrowing regions we would store wine today in a temperature of Italy. Vineyards have been re-established controlled environment. The vessels themselves within Pompeii itself, and these wines are also have unique markings, indicating their commercially available today. origins. Within the city itself, it appears there It is not surprising to me that the intrigue were numerous Inns that also had their own and enjoyment of wine dates back to these small vineyards within their allotment, with ancient times. The enjoyment of socialising, evidence of their own “labels” with specific good food and wine creates a strong markings on the ceramic vessels used for wine connection between ourselves and the ancient storage. folk of Pompeii.

“

20

manning-great lakes focus.

Unbridled like wild horses, the five young girls at the film’s centre exude a contagious enthusiasm for life. It’s catching, as is their wonderful camaraderie. Spontaneous laughter, long legs and even longer hair all seem to meld

focus_inseason

together as the orphan sisters rebel against everything in Deniz Gamze Erguven’s debut film. In the context of conservatism, overstrict moral codes and arranged marriages, the film explores female sexuality: innocence and corruption. We jump into the saddle and join the girls in their journey from euphoria to dismal disillusionment. Beautifully realised, it’s a sobering journey and one that reveals much about the blinkered views in the remote Turkish village, where the girls’ strict upbringing squashes their spirits cruelly and violently.

Tickets are $16 including coffee cakes and chatting. 2016-17 membership is $120.

Visit tareefilmsociety.org.au or phone 6552 3476.

with Horticulturalist Neville Donovan - Greenpatch Organic Seeds

Sweet Potato

WH

AT ’ S I N

THE SWEET POTATO IS NATIVE TO TROPICAL REGIONS OF THE AMERICAS AND HAS BEEN IN CULINARY USE FOR AT LEAST 5,000 YEARS. IT HAS BECOME A POPULAR FOOD STAPLE FOR MANY CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD AND IS A VERSATILE VEGETABLE. Try it steamed, baked, mashed, as a soup, fried, or as dessert. The leaves can be picked fresh and steamed lightly for up to 5 minutes and used similar to spinach.

There are several main colour types of sweet potato that refer to the internal flesh: white, mauve, purple, and the popular orange. The New Zealand sweet potato variety is called Kumara. Although it is called sweet potato, it’s only distantly related to potatoes or yams.

The plant grows as a ground cover; it’s easy to grow and produces an abundance of leaves, producing underground tubers.

Tubers with shoots on them or rooted cuttings are used for planting in a well drained, reasonably fertile soil with a mostly sunny aspect. The use of compost or animal manure in small amounts is beneficial for

the plants' growth. Spring is the best time to plant after the last frosts, allowing a spacing of 50 cm apart per plant.

During the growing season, redirect the larger vines towards the centre of the plant and cover the stems lightly with soil. At the same time, contain one plant to within a square metre, making it easier to know where to dig during harvesting.

The tubers can be harvested in 4 - 6 months after planting. Dig around the main stems for tubers during autumn and early winter for the best harvest.

Wash and dry tubers for three days, then store these in a dark place, possibly the pantry. Set aside the best of the smaller tubers for next season’s plantings.

Happy planting!

focus_eat

Gabriel Darzi - Executive Director The Sicilian Bar & Restaurant

Woolgoolga Curryfest As if the lure of sun, sand and beautiful beaches wasn’t enough, there’s another reason the little coastal town of Woolgoolga is garnering more and more attention from residents all over Australia.

Just 15 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, a cultural extravaganza is brewing.

Gabriel DARZI

FREE RANGE EGGS. WE ALL TRY TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BY BUYING LOCAL, BUT DO YOU KNOW HOW OFTEN A HEN LAYS AN EGG?

O

ne of the larger local comemploys many local people, who work on panies around the Manning their farms or in the packing sheds and even Valley is Manning Valley Free in distribution, so you can choose to buy local Range Eggs and in speaking to help support the local economy. with Peter Matuszny, who is I feel like their story is similar to mine known as the amazing egg boy, he loves eggs when I first opened the Sicilian in Taree and I just as much now as he did when he was a didn’t know what was going to happen, so I child. just had to keep going with where everything For anyone who has grown up took me! We currently have two on a farm or even a small locations, one in Taree and one hobby farm as a child, it was in Forster, while I am still always your job to collect in the planning stages Manning Valley the eggs for breakfast. of a third, which will Free Range This is the same all be in Port Macquarie. h uc m d te ar Eg gs st over the world. For me ith w , I have always tried to ay w e m sa the growing up in Italy, it y support local business, e whole Matuszn th was my grandparents g eg g and Manning Valley family becomin who lived on property ers Free Range Eggs is no collectors, pack .” and when I was there, I and distri butors exception, as these are would always have to go the eggs that we have and and collect the eggs, feed use in all of our meals here the hens, and let them out at The Sicilian. of their hen house so they could Here are some simple tips on walk around. how to poach the perfect egg. First put Manning Valley Free Range Eggs started on a pot of water and bring it to a simmer much the same way, with the whole Ma(small bubbles flowing to the top, not large tuszny family becoming egg collectors, packones). Add a small dash of vinegar to the ers and distributors. When they bought some pot of steadily simmering water. Crack eggs hens, so they could have fresh free range eggs individually into a ramekin or cup, then create at home whenever they liked, the hens thrived a gentle whirlpool in the water to help the at their new home here in the Manning Valley egg white wrap around the yolk and slowly under the perfect conditions and in gratitude tip the egg into the water. Leave to cook for for their new lease on life, produced eggs at three minutes, before removing with a slotted a phenomenal rate. In the beginning, the prospoon, cutting off any wispy edges using the duce was distributed to local quality outlets in edge of the spoon. Drain onto some kitchen the Manning, Great Lakes and Hastings areas, paper and place top of some warm toast and before expanding so that they supply to large serve. chain supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles Hens only lay an egg every 23 hours, each and IGA thoughout NSW and ACT. of which are packed full of Vitamin D, Vitamin Having five farms ranging in size from 36 B2 and B12, as well as folate, which is good hectares to 243 hectares and having on averfor your health and wellbeing. So enjoy your age 5,000 hens per hectare laying eggs every day, means Manning Valley Free Range Eggs eggs, and buy local.

Woolgoolga Curryfest is celebrating 11 years of culture, cuisine and good community fun and as things heat up towards the September festival, organisers are promising one of the biggest and best events to date.

The event, which is one of Destination NSW’s celebrated flagship events, has seen as many as 13,000 people flock to the seaside village, and this year it is expected that more than 15,000 will come and help celebrate their 11th anniversary.

On the northern reaches of the Coffs Coast, the town of Woolgoolga is home to the biggest Australian Punjabi Sikh population outside

of capital cities. This year the fun begins with the “Flavours of Curryfest” restaurant experiences. Starting on Saturday the 3rd of September at the Seaview Tavern. The flavours event has grown from the original “Tastes of Woolgoolga” into a full calendar of dining events from Grafton to Coffs Harbour, for all the details on the Flavours, Bollywood Movies, and Festival events follow us on facebook @ Woolgoolga Curryfest. On September 24, the whole town celebrates its unique heritage with Curryfest, a food and cultural festival that has grown into a flagship event.

Curryfest features curries from all over the world, ethnic foods, Punjabi music, dancing and other cultural displays … a feast for the eyes, ears and for the stomach. We have two special guests joining us at Curryfest this year: the very popular Nidhi, from this season of MasterChef; and the incredibly talented Sukhjit, a crowd and judge favourite who wowed the country on Australia’s Got Talent.

“

manning-great lakes focus.

21

focuseditorial.

Great Lakes

The Manning-Great Lakes is rich with market culture, from food providores to jewellery, furniture and handicrafts. Unearth treasures at one of this month’s local markets ...

ULAHDELAH MARKETS Located next door to the Visitor Information Centre, this small market focuses on native plants, vegie seedlings, fruit and veg, great home made cakes and delicacies, crafts, jewellery and clothing. Plenty of parking available.

When Sat 6 Aug 2016; 8am to 1pm.

Location Visitors Centre Grounds, Bulahdelah.

Phone 0401 438 931.

WINTER MARKET This market will be in the View Room at the Stroud Country Club; enjoy the warmth of the wood fire while you shop.

When Sat 6 Aug 2016; 8:30am - 12pm.

Location164 Bucketts Way, Stroud.

FORSTER TOWN MARKETS

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. There is a variety of fruit and vegetables plus eggs, gourmet sauces, jams, preserves, pure honey, plants, goat's milk soap and much more. Our market is a “rain, hail or shine" event. The Forster Farmers’ Market is always looking to attract more produce stalls - especially those produce items that are currently not included at our regular market. The Forster Farmers’ Market is a project of the Forster Neighbourhood Centre.

Contact Linda.

When Sat 20 Aug 2016; 8am to noon.

Location Forster Visitor Centre, Little St, Forster.

Phone (02) 6555 4351.

KRAMBACH MARKETS

Your chance to experience a true-blue coastal market with a veritable array of stalls. You'll find around 50 stallholders selling handmade, homegrown and pre-loved wares to holiday makers and locals. The market more than lives up to its mantra of "homemade, homegrown and home-baked" - with a diverse selection of handmade craft, jewellery, clothing, homewares and art works.

When Sun 14 Aug 2016; 8am to 2pm.

Location Town Park, Forster.

Phone 0437 634 056 Contact Anne Starkey.

Krambach Markets are held on the third Sunday of every month. They feature local stallholders selling country crafts, preserves, produce, plants, bric a brac, chocolates, lavender, cakes, woodwork, handmade soap, gingerbread, silk painting and much more.

Come early for delicious morning teas.

When: Sun 21 Aug 2016; 8:30am to 1pm.

Location: School of Arts Hall, Bucketts Way, Krambach.

Phone 0425 246 916.

Contact Marion Thomas.

FORSTER FARMERS’ MARKET

TUNCURRY MARKETS

Forster Farmers’ 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 22

manning-great lakes focus.

This is a popular market located harbour side near the bridge and has the added advantage of being seen from the main street in Tuncurry. This is totally open air with use of

the under cover Podium for entertainment.

Many of the stall holders come from the local North Coast region and sell a diverse range of products, from handmade wooden toys to handmade organic skincare. A good variety of clothing, lots of plants, plenty to suit all tastes. Also available at the market is face painting and the famous Marine Rescue BBQ. When Sat 27 Aug 2016; 8am - 1pm.

Location John Wright Park, Tuncurry.

Phone 0417 400 994 Contact Anne Starkey.

NABIAC FARMERS’ MARKET Local producers supplying quality fresh food to the community on the last Saturday of each month. Come along to buy really fresh local produce at the Nabiac Farmers Market. Locally grown organic vegies, free range eggs, local fruits, cakes, chocolates, gingerbread, olive products, honey, natural skin care, gourmet goodies, wines, sourdough bread, a variety of plants, locally made crafts, gifts for friends and family, seedlings, chooks and lots more! A bit of yesteryear with today's produce.

So bring a friend and come along for a bite to eat, a chat and enjoy an old-fashioned shopping experience. Don't forget your baskets and reusable bags!

When Sat 27 Aug 2016; 8am to 12pm.

Location Nabiac Showground, Nabiac.

Website www.nabiac.com/events/nfm.php Phone (02) 6550 2130 Email:a_arnoux@ bigpond.com Contact Julie 0422 177 122.

PACIFIC PALMS MARKETS On the last Sunday of the month, with extra markets in the holidays, the Community Centre comes alive with vibrant colours, textures and a really great vibe here ...

Come and experience it for yourself! The Palms Markets showcase quality handmade, home grown and home baked products from around the Great Lakes region and beyond. Sample some of our fabulous food from around the globe including organic vegetarian curries, Asian noodles and Aussie style barbecues!

See the colourful stalls, including eco and fair trade products, jewellery, art, craft, clothes, plants, fruit, veg and beautiful body products.

A jumping castle and pony rides will keep the children entertained whilst you can enjoy an organic coffee and cake on the alfresco deck.

Contact Yvonne Ballard When Sun 28 Aug 2016; 9am - 1pm.

Location Pacific Palms Community Centre, The Lakes Way. Website www.palmsmarket.com.au/ Phone 0401 968 516 Email info@palmsmarket.com.au More more information on events around the Manning Great Lakes, visit www. greatlakes.org.au/events

PORT MACQUARIE Beer & CIDER FESTIVAL Say cheers to the Port Macquarie Beer & Cider Festival 2016 ... For the second year, the country’s best boutique and craft brewers will be taking over the idyllic coastal town of Port Macquarie. At 11am on Saturday 24th September, Westport Park will play host to the Port Macquarie Beer and Cider Festival, offering unprecedented access to the most exciting brews, tunes and food Australia has to offer.

The family friendly event will see the kids’ games arena blown out of proportion, with a giant double slide, mechanical bull for kids of all ages and countless games and activities to keep the small humans occupied while mum and dad enjoy all things beer and cider.

2016’s festival will showcase at least 20 local and national brewers, jostling to take out the inaugural People’s Choice Award and the coveted notoriety that comes with being crowned Port’s favourite brew. The Stunned Mullet VIP Marquee is also a new introduction, offering an exclusive experience for those with a taste for the finer things in life. The Port Macquarie Beer & Cider

Festival has teamed up with Port Macquarie’s finest restaurant, The Stunned Mullet, to offer a trendy pop up restaurant and the ultimate festival upgrade. The first round of brewers have been announced, offering an unprecedented opportunity to engage with some of the country’s best and most passionate brewers, boasting Black Duck Brewey, Murrays Craft Brewing Co, Stone & Wood Brewing Company, New England Brewery, MooreBeer, Wayward Brewing, Pagan Cider, Dusty Miner Craft Brewery, Hopdog Beerworks, Four Pines Brewing Company, Frank’s Cider, and Hops And Tales Brewery.

The best of local food vendors will be on hand to ensure bellies are full; and after the raging success of last year’s inaugural Keg Toss, organisers have also introduced a far less physical option: “The Keg Roll”, offering prizes for individuals and taking registrations for corporate teams. A great opportunity to address any friendly rivalry that needs levelling.

Information on tickets, buses and VIP tickets available at portmacbeerandciderfestival.com

LIVE BABY LIVE! INXS Tribute show Live Baby Live! The INXS Tribute Show is Australia’s premier rendition of one of the most iconic bands in Australian history.

Live Baby Live! brings together a group of musicians who have a combined 40+ years’ experience playing music and performing live.

Live Baby Live! delivers a stunning replication of all the classic INXS tracks, performing songs from their first album all the way through to their latest hits. Frontman Guy Collings is a natural born performer and brings the late great Michael Hutchence to life on stage, bearing a striking resemblance to Hutchence in sound.

Guy is joined by Matt Porter on keyboards, harmonica, rhythm guitar and backing vocals,

Lucas Collings on lead guitar and backing vocals, Josh Bowen on saxophone, acoustic guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Justin Miranda on bass guitar and Jackson Collings on drums and percussion. Bringing all these elements together, Live Baby Live! produce what can only be described as an amazingly accurate tribute to the mighty INXS. With meticulous attention paid to the unforgettable INXS Live at Wembley performance and swagger to match, let Live Baby Live! take you back to a time when Rock and Roll ruled.

INXS TRIBUTE SHOW Saturday 20th August @ 8pm All tickets only $10 each.

18+ years show.

General admission.

WESTPORT PARK • PORT MACQUARIE

FOR A LIST OF BREWERS, TICKETS BUS TIMETABLES VIP & ACCOM INFO VISIT...

manning-great lakes focus.

23

living at Calvary st paul’s Calvary St Paul’s Retirement Community is a fully accredited residential aged care facility providing quality care within a rural 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 holistic, resident focused care. We take time to get to know you, your history and your medical concerns. We meet not only your physical requirements, but also your social, emotional and spiritual needs.

Our leisure and lifestyle programme is diverse. It involves both group activities and 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 of self-esteem.

To arrange a visit or to find out more about Calvary St Paul’s, please call (02) 6553 9219 or email: retirement@calvarycare.org.au

24

manning-great lakes focus.

Come and Run Forster The sixth Brooks Forster Running Festival will be staged on Sunday, September 11, 2016 from Forster Main Beach.

Enjoy a family day out of fun and fitness, where an expected 1,100 plus competitors will choose from the kids’ fun run, 4 km walk and talk, 5 km fun run, 10 km run, or a 21.1 km half marathon.

You will be surrounded by ocean and the stunning Wallis Lake, as you make your way running over the Forster Tuncurry Bridge, along both breakwalls, where all this beauty will form an amazing backdrop to one of the most picturesque run courses you will experience.

All competitors will receive a finisher’s medallion, whilst the kids will also receive a fun pack.

There will be jumping castle, BBQ and plenty of random prize draws.

DONNA CARRIER

from Bent on Food

Bridal Fair.

Bridal Fair.

Christmas in July.

Christmas in July..

Keith and Jo’s wedding.

Keith and Jo’s wedding.

Ministers’ visit to TAFE.

Donna, Simon and Matt Golinski.

Ministers’ Visit to TAFE.

SOCIAL/SCENE

W

e are situated right alongside another cool vintage van that acts as a photobooth, opposite is a stretch limousine and Lovebus kombis. Inside, the room is buzzing with a room full of brides and suppliers, including photographers, caterers, celebrants and wedding hire services. Makes me want to get married. And our fabulous editorial contributor, Jo Atkins now Robinson, recently did just that!

Jo married Keith on June 4 at Glen Innes Showground, which was a very last minute change of plans, because the beautiful winery they had planned to be married at burnt down three days before the wedding! Jo was really impressed with Wright Robertson Winery, who despite their tragic week, still catered the bar.

The Glen Innes Showground committee were wonderful; quickly providing an alternate venue at short notice. It was a drizzly day, so Jo and Keith were married in a stable. Around 40 close friends and family travelled from as far as Brisbane in the north and Albion Park in the south to make the day special. The wedding was Celtic inspired, and the tartan worn was the Spirit of Scotland. Flowers were provided by Sarah J. Hudson, and the Macleay Valley Pipes and Drums attended to make the atmosphere even more special. Thanks to Jenna Dean Photography for the beautiful photos!

I AM WRITING THE SOCIAL SCENE FROM TRAVELLING MILLIE, WHERE WE ARE HANGING OUT AT CLUB TAREE WITH ALL THE OTHER BEAUTIFUL WEDDING SERVICES THAT ARE EXHIBITING AT THE 2016 MANNING VALLEY BRIDAL SHOWCASE.

local produce and included Burrawong Gaian On 22nd July, Bent on Food held its first ever Poultry, Near River Produce ham, Mooral Creek Christmas in July dinner. We held the event Mushrooms and my very own Wherrol Flat because of an enquiry a few months ago from mandarins. a local lady by the name of Annette Fisher, who I may have mentioned that I have been was hoping to organise a 25th anniversary back working at TAFE and we event for her and a number of have been busy developing her friends. She agreed to me a student enterprise café inviting others to come at Taree campus, which along, and we booked the e We are fortunat began trading last place out. be in this region to week, with students What I didn’t know of e m able to source so and I starting their training until the night of the e, the finest produc e can this week. We were event, was that this w at th fully believe on gi re r thrilled to host NSW group was originally ou of y tell the stor our on od Minister for Skills, 20 people, and they fo e th h throug Regional Development met 26 years ago when .” es plat and Small Business, Mr living in Washington John Barilaro and our local DC. They came home MP Mr Stephen Bromhead to Australia and started on Wednesday 6th July to their ritual of a different venue launch the construction phase of the every year for Christmas in July.

Capital Works programme for the nursing The first one 25 years ago was in the Blue upgrade. They were given a tour of the new Mountains, and the ritual has continued. café and enjoyed a light lunch, along with a They were dressed immaculately, staying at beautiful welcome to country in Gatang by Luca the Bank Guesthouse, where they began the Saunders. We look forward to welcoming them night with Santa Claus and gift exchanges. It back to see the progress of the student enterprise was an unseasonably hot night, no chill in the café later in the year. air whatsoever, but Christmas decorations, music On 25th July, my head chef Simon Livingston and a traditional meal including plum pudding and I travelled to Port Macquarie to take part in put everyone in the spirit. the Produce to Provedore Industry Development Of course, the meal was centred around

“

Programme hosted by Marketplace Events. Guest speaker was chef Matt Golinski, an advocate for using local produce on the menu, and this year’s Tastings on Hastings ambassador.

We are fortunate in this region to be able to source some of the finest produce, and I fully believe that we can tell the story of our region through the food on our plates. Simon and I were thrilled to listen to Matt’s experiences and felt that we had it pretty much right in what we were doing, but there is always more we can contribute to get this wonderful local produce on the plate. It is motivating to be in a room of passionate foodies who are strengthening partnerships and working towards giving the consumer a better understanding of food miles.

I am thrilled to announce that Bent on Food will be joined as finalists in the 2016 Legendary Pacific Coast Tourism Awards by Wingham Akoostik Festival, Boogie Woogie Beach House and Big 4 Great Lakes. I wish all the Manning Valley/Great Lakes finalists the best of luck and congratulate them on doing the region proud.

See you at the awards on 30th July, and I hope I can report some wins on this page in September.

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.

25

focusinterview.

26

manning-great lakes focus.

focusinterview.

M E E T T H E DY NA M I C D U O B E H I N D I N N OVAT I V E P ROJ E C T, T H E NAT U R A L D E O DA R A N T C O M PA N Y. B L E N D I N G I N G R E D I E N T S F RO M T H E E A RT H TO C R E AT E A P U R E P RO D U C T T H AT WO R K S, A L L NAT U R A L , A L L L O CA L .. .

H

i ladies. Introduce us to yourselves and how you came to call the Manning-Great Lakes home?

We are a business partnership, and both of us are Naomis. We are Naomi Freuden and Naomi Patton.

Naomi Freuden: I am originally from Sydney.

I moved to the Manning-Great Lakes area five years ago with my partner and then six-month old son, as I have always loved this area.

Having worked in a stressful environment in Sydney, the birth of my son made me realise that I wanted our family to live in a more simple and aware environment, surrounded by nature.

Naomi Patton: I am originally from Melbourne. After years of travel, and having given birth to my first child in Sydney, my partner and I bought a rural property in the Great Lakes, as we wanted our kids to have a simple outdoorsy upbringing in this stunning area.

In terms of work life, what backgrounds did you come from before The Natural Deodorant was born?

Naomi Freuden: My background is originally in massage, kinesiology and natural health. Over the years, and after many years travelling, my career moved into International Development and public health, where I developed public health projects in developing countries.

Naomi Patton: I spent 20 years working in the fashion and beauty industry in Australia and abroad, so I have clear understanding of the toxic substances that go into a lot of

important

It is really cosmetics. Along to us to be the way I studied ul . nmentally mindf tic ro vi en yoga and natural as pl used We could have therapies and Natural Foot Balm and stainable su nno r he ot and ld became a remedial ou w The Natural Lip Balm. ch hi packaging, w tion op r massage therapist. pe ea We love planning ch a have been t ns ai ag es With so many go it t new ideas to make for us , bu d our an y ph hidden nasties and so ilo interesting products to ph our preservatives in .” es add to our range, and it’s lu va our world, you have very exciting as we see our developed a series of business grow. all natural products. Please There must have been an share with us your journey to element of trial and error in creating your range … perfecting each product. What It is part of our ethos to create simple processes do you go through before you and 100% natural products that work, know they’re ready to be bottled? and we have found that using minimal Yes, there have been many a trial and error ingredients gives the best results. with our products; however, we make sure Our journey really began when Naomi they are tried and tested before we put them Patton fell pregnant with her first child in out into the market place. We usually test our 2009; she couldn’t find a natural deodorant products in varying temperatures to mimic that worked effectively throughout the day, so the seasons, and on family and friends. When she began making her own. Naomi Freuden we are happy with our products, we ask our teamed up with Naomi, recognising the customers for feedback, which we always take fantastic potential to build the product into a on board. We have found this process works business. Together we hope to inspire people really well for us. into believing that “everything you need to live Where/how do you source ingredients for a healthy, fulfilling happy life, can be found in your products? nature”.

In our area there are many small producers We had such an overwhelming positive with high quality raw ingredients. When response to our Natural Deodorant, which was we started selling our products at local in a glass jar, that we started working on our Farmers’ Markets, we met many more local new Natural Deodorant Stick, which we are producers with a variety of ingredients, so we excited to say has just been released. We’ve source what we can locally. All of our other added a body product line to our range, which ingredients and packaging are sourced from have simple, local and organic ingredients. other Australian suppliers and businesses.

They are The Natural Body Oil, The Natural We believe that shopping locally and Body Butter, The Natural Hand Butter, The supporting local small producers is the way

“

forward, so we support them as much as we can.

Your packaging is 100% recyclable; what does being environmentally mindful mean to you?

It is our mission to tread lightly in all that we do, and we endeavor to create and deliver our products in the same way. We have been mindful to use reusable glass jars for our products where possible, to maintain an environmentally sustainable footprint.

Our area, Pacific Palms, is proudly “plasticfree as can be” and we subscribe to that as much as we can in our packaging.

It is really important to us to be environmentally mindful. We could have used plastic and other non-sustainable packaging, which would have been a cheaper option for us, but it goes against our philosophy and our values.

Where can we purchase your products?

Locally, you can purchase our products at Go Vita Forster and Taree, Forster Health Solutions, Priceline Forster, TwentybyTwelve at Blueys Beach, Earth, Body & Soul in Nabiac, Gloucester Health Foods, Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre and at the Pacific Palms, Nabiac and Gloucester Farmers’ markets.

We have many stockists in Melbourne, Sydney and Regional NSW, and we are expanding to other states.

You can also purchase our products online at: www.thenaturaldeodorant.com.au Thanks ladies. manning-great lakes focus.

27

Locally made F O C U S F E A T U R E

GREENPATCH O R G A N I C S E E D S .

VIISON K I T C H E N S .

Locally owned and flying the “flag of success” by producing many HIA award winning designer kitchens, means the Viison team are rightly proud to be part of a fantastic local business story.

We first opened our beautiful showrooms in Forster and Taree in 2007-8, and we now look back with pride in the knowledge that by nurturing and utilising local talent we have created an amazing team to assist you with all your kitchen planning.

To keep ahead of the rest is to remember that our wonderful clients are our main priority and by listening to them and offering our exclusive, professional assistance in a calm, step by step manner, lets us concentrate on what we do best - that is, to provide stunning kitchens to suit everyone’s lifestyle and budget.

Proven, expert advice on design, material and colour selections and having our own manufacture, delivery and installation teams enables us to cover all aspects of the project and make the experience much less stressful, by coordinating all the necessary trades on site from one complete team of experts.

28

manning-great lakes focus.

Greenpatch Organic Seeds is a family owned business that was pioneering seeds and plants as certified organic in 1993. Greenpatch was started amongst the hills in Wherrol Flat and has since moved to Old Bar Road. From the beginning, Greenpatch has had a unique approach to not only selling seeds, but growing seeds and plants organically onsite.

We are dedicated to organic principals in all aspects of our farm/ lifestyle and making it as sustainable as we possibly can. Our shop is located on Old Bar Road, just 1km from Taree Service Centre.

We have the largest range of organic heirloom seeds in NSW and a huge range of herbs, fruiting plants, vegetable seedlings, bamboo and succulents in our nursery. Vegetable seedlings for spring plantings will be available mid August.

Greenpatch runs workshops throughout the year, with August and September being no different: Organic Gardening Workshop - Sunday 14th August. Come and learn a broad range of skills in our hands on organic gardening workshop.

Growing and Using Herbs - Sunday 4th September. Become an expert at growing prized herb plants, correct planting position, soil type and how to dry and use your herbs!

Bookings essential - 6551 4240 or visit our website: www.greenpatchseeds.com.au

We’re looking for some very special people to complete our beautiful, beachside world.

Let us introduce ourselves. We’re the people you see in the photo and we live in the best retirement community in Australia.

we said we wanted a say. We wanted those who came to experience for themselves that this isn’t just a place.

You can’t see from here, but there’s a beautiful beach and shops just metres away. And our houses and amenities are amazing.

It’s an incredible community of the most friendly, fun-loving, happy, wonderful, interesting, good-looking people you could ever hope to meet. (See pic). We’re sure once we got to know each other a little, the beach, beautiful as it is, wouldn’t be the reason you retired here.

But that’s not what makes this place so special. What makes it special is us – the 260 residents who call this little piece of paradise ‘home’. And that’s why, when Mark, the owner, said he was holding an Open Weekend to sell the last few homes,

OPEN WEEKEND - SAT 13 & SUN 14 AUG, 10AM – 4PM 90 High Street, Hallidays Point, NSW 2430. Call 1800 223 733. manning-great lakes focus.

29

WELLBEING WITH JOHN FROM KINETIC MEDICINE

Pain

BRAIN

Nutrition

PUT

SIMPLY

SO IF YOU’VE HAD PAIN FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME, YOU’VE PROBABLY FELT LIKE YOU’RE GOING A LITTLE CRAZY. YOU MIGHT HAVE EVEN BEEN TOLD BY SOMEONE THAT IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD. MAYBE YOU’VE RESOLVED TO YOURSELF, AT LEAST FOR ONLY A LITTLE WHILE, THAT IT’S A CASE OF “MIND OVER MATTER”.

W THE CONCEPT OF NUTRITION HAS CERTAINLY BECOME A CONFUSING ONE! THERE IS NUMEROUS CONFLICTING ADVICE AND CONTRADICTORY DIETS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE, AND IT CAN BE FRUSTRATING AS A CONSUMER TO KNOW WHAT TO EAT AND DO FOR YOUR HEALTH.

T

o put it simply, here are some top tips for eating well: Eat a variety of foods from each of the five food groups every day.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Most Australians eat only half the recommended quantity of fruit and vegetables per day.

Choose wholegrain. Most Australians consume less than half the recommended quantity of wholegrain foods, and too much refined grains.

Nutrient density - select foods that

provide the most nutrients for the least food energy (Kilojoules). Tip - primarily shop in the outside perimeters of the supermarket.

Limit discretionary foods i.e. those higher in added sugar, salt, saturated fat and alcohol. Tip - check your food labels.

At meal times, fill half your plate with non-starchy fruits and vegetables, a quarter of your plate with lean protein and a quarter with quality carbohydrates.

Eat regularly, plan ahead, and establish a morning routine that fits with your lifestyle.

Coconut Oil HAIR TREATMENT

30

manning-great lakes focus.

IN THE

ell, the only thing about any of these ideas that carries some shred of truth is the fact that they all have to do with your brain - possibly the most beautiful and fascinating part of your body.

Your brain is actually far more than the place where you think and imagine; without it, your body isn’t able to do much at all. Considering that your brain without its nervous system is just some grey matter locked in your skull, now you’ve really got something to be nervous about.

We really need to start giving our brain and nervous system a little credit. Everything we see, feel, hear or smell actually happens in our brain.

So this article you’re reading is not something you’re doing with your eyes; it’s something you’re doing with your brain. The same goes with pain. What you feel when you hit your thumb with a hammer, get sunburned or even when you hurt your back is not something you feel in that body part; it is entirely experienced in our brain. It’s your nervous system’s incredible way of telling you about danger, and you’d better listen to it. This means when you’ve got

B

ecause it is comprised mainly of smaller medium-chain fatty acids, the oil of the coconut penetrates hair more deeply and faster than other conditioners. To use coconut oil as a leave-in treatment to repair split ends, moisturise your scalp, and add a healthy glow to your tresses, just follow these easy steps: First make sure you have at least an hour or two for this treatment. (The longer you leave coconut oil on your hair, the more effective it will be!)

Wash your hair and let it air dry while you prepare the next steps. Gather your materials: a comb or hair pick, shower cap or small towel to wrap your hair in, two small bowls of different sizes (one should fit inside the other), and of course your jar of organic virgin coconut oil. Scoop a small

pain, you’re not broken - in fact, your body is trying to keep you safe. Google “kids who can’t feel pain” to see what a cursed life it is to not have this protection.

If you’ve got pain, remember it’s not usually healthy to “push through it” (though there are exceptions). If you’ve got pain, although it might be figuratively driving you crazy, you are not actually losing your mind. In fact, your mind is working pretty hard at trying to look after you.

But we need to act swiftly. Since the body is always adapting, it is possible that it can adapt to conditions of persistent pain in such a way that it becomes more sensitive to threatening nervous system messages. This process is called “central sensitisation”, and it means that pain is more readily experienced, almost as if the message is, “Well, you wouldn’t listen to me before!”

So, because pain is so important, so vital to the survival of the human race, it’s important we look after those in pain. We must be prepared to listen. We need to help them get treatment with a basis in robust evidence, so that suffering is as brief as possible.

amount of coconut oil into the smaller of the two bowls. Set the smaller bowl in the bottom of the larger one. Fill the larger bowl with hot water so the smaller bowl is partially submerged, but not floating or taking on water. Once your coconut oil comes to temperature and is completely melted, use your fingers to gently massage the oil into your hair, then work through with a comb or hair pick. After you’ve finished applying the oil, wrap your hair up in a shower cap or small towel and allow it to soak in for thirty minutes or longer.

Shampoo to remove oil. Optionally, you may reapply a small amount of coconut oil to the ends of your hair and/or work a small amount through all of your hair again - just enough to give it a healthy shine.

Bringing a smile to Taree

• Crowns can be milled and placed in one appointment, without the need for impressions.

• New German laser technology allows for the early detection of tooth decay, eliminating the need for needles or drilling (unique to the region).

• 3D X-rays can be carried out in-house, providing a more accurate assessment and treatment plan. (unique to the region).

Ralf & Barbara would like to thank Trent & Marie Jennison, Paul & Anthony Hogan, Gary Basham, the Well Creative Team in Wingham and all the wonderful trades people who have brought their Practice to life.

Call the office today to make an appointment and discover the re-assurance of a friendly, experienced and modern practice offering you the best possible assessment and treatment to cover all your dental needs.

Dentist Ralf Freier’s brand new practice, A Smile York St Dental, has just opened its doors. His friendly team, including wife Barbara, can be found in their sparkling new, totally renovated premises in York St, Taree. Ralf brings over 20 years of dental experience in both Australia and Germany to the Manning Valley, along with the latest advances in Dental Technology.

• Crowns can be milled and placed in one appointment, without impressions.

• New German laser technology allows for the early detection of tooth decay, eliminating the need for needles or drilling (unique to the region).

• 3D X-rays can be carried out in-house, providing a more accurate assessment and treatment plan. (unique to the region).

Call: 6551 0427 Email: info@asmiledental.com.au 31 YORK ST, TAREE Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am to 5pm

Call the office today to make an appointment and discover the re-assurance of a friendly, experienced and modern practice offering you the best possible assessment and treatment to cover all your dental needs.

Ralf & Barbara would like to thank Trent & Marie Jennison, Paul & Anthony Hogan, Gary Basham, the Well Creative Team in Wingham and all the wonderful trades people who have brought their Practice to life.

manning-great lakes focus.

31

focus_health

with Dr Linda Dade - Chiropractor

FALLS. REDUCE YOUR RISK FA L L S A R E A M A J O R P RO B L E M . A S I G N I F I CA N T CAU S E O F D E AT H A N D I NJ U RY I N O L D E R A D U LT S, T H E Y M A K E L I F E V E RY D I F F I C U LT F O R T H O S E W H O H AV E E X P E R I E N C E D T H E M .

M

ost of us will know someone whose life has been seriously impacted by a fall ...

The stats are not good.

Almost half of older adults who still live independently suffer from at least one fall a year, and the figures rise significantly with increasing age. What can chiropractic do about fall prevention?

A young chiropractor and researcher, Kelly Holt, did his PhD studies on neurological function related to fall risk.

He commenced a study that compared the effect of chiropractic care to “usual care” for 60 “community dwelling” older adults.

He recorded ankle joint position sense, postural stability and also measured participants’ ability to move their feet, as well as their own self-perceived health related quality of life.

We know that older adults that find stepping more difficult are more likely to

fall, because they potentially will find it harder to respond to any challenge to their balance.

Here is the good news! Kelly’s study showed that 12 weeks of chiropractic care improves balance function in older adults, which may mean chiropractic care can help to reduce the number of falls that older adults suffer. Participants also reported improvements in reduced dizziness, less hip pain and improvements in chronic migraines, amongst others. Even a report of being better able to swallow their food was shared!

If this piques your interest, give us a call.

REDUCE YOUR RISK OF FALLS TRY CHIROPRACTIC

We find the solution

• Increase mobility, reduce pain • Neurological rehabilitation • DVA, EPC

54 The Lakes Way Forster 2428

p. 6557 6333

e. linda@bdfchiro.com w. www.banksanddadechiropractors.com.au 32

manning-great lakes focus.

manning-great lakes focus.

33

CALL

6551 2601

today for your Invisalign consultation

sMiLE cOnFidEnTLY

WiTh inVisALiGn The clear Alternative to Braces

The Invisalign System is the nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth and improve your smile – without braces. Invisalign treatment works through a series of clear, comfortable and removable aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth gradually into the desired position.

So if you want to show off your smile and not your braces, find out more about Invisalign – the nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth.

6551 2601 TAREE ORThOdOnTics Suite 2 Level 1 7 Macquarie Street Taree, NSW 2430

34

manning-great lakes focus.

A L L A B I L I T I E S feature.

VICKIE Farrow VICKIE FARROW IS LEGALLY BLIND, DUE TO MACULAR DYSTROPHY, AND HAS ALSO SUFFERED FRACTURES TO TWO OF HER VERTEBRAE ... his would be enough to faze most people, but powerhouse Vickie discovered Strongman competitions … and what’s more, she’s very, very good at them! Vickie’s mental and physical strength and fortitude will play a great part in her next big competition - she’s heading off to the U.K. this month to compete in the WSDM (World’s Strongest Disabled Man) competition …

Hi Vickie. Fill us in about your background ... How long have you called the Wingham area home, and what led you live there?

I’ve lived in the Manning area most of my life. I left for a short time, returning just before my daughter was born.

You’ve had a challenging medical history, as you suffer with macular dystrophy.

How has this condition progressed, and how has having it affected your everyday life?

Macular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that affects sight. I’ve never had great eyesight, but since 2009 I’ve been unable to drive. I have been legally blind since 2011, which means I had to give up my job and a lot of my independence. What someone with good sight can see at 20 metres, I may see from a metre. Sunlight, light and glare affects me as if someone is shining a torch in my eyes.

You also suffered fractures of your L4 and L5 vertebrae in 1995. How difficult does this make your training regime - how have you had to adapt your training to allow for your body’s capabilities?

It was actually rehabilitating my back injury that introduced me to resistance training.

After a few months of hydrotherapy, I was strong enough to start using light weights. I

strengthened the muscles around my spine to hold it together, then my core and leg muscles to save my back from doing all the work. Basically, I had to teach my body to work properly and all my body parts to work together.

Training nowadays is better. I’ve learned to stop or change exercises according to pain.

I’m very strict with post exercise stretching, massage and recovery and if my back has been aggravated, I ease back or stop training, but I feel stronger now than I ever have.

What are “strongman” competitions ... and how did you first discover them?

Strongman comps are designed to test individuals’ strength and speed. Events may include deadlifting cars, pulling trucks, lifting or flipping logs, carrying heavy objects from point a to point b as fast as possible, and throwing big round cements balls (atlas stones) over a bar. There are many varied events; each comp usually has up to six events.

I heard about Strongman purely by accident.

I sent a pic to a friend in the U.K. of a huge cement ball that had been loaded into the boot of and ruined a very small car. He wrote back, “Atlas stone”. I replied. “???” He wrote back, “Strongman”. I Google searched and through Facebook asked anyone and everyone to help me. Eventually, I was introduced to Phil Burgess from Viking Strength, who met me at Forster, filled me in on Strongman and invited me to my first comp ... NSW’s Strongest Man 2014. I was hooked.

What other competitions have you competed in over the past year or so, and what have been your results?

Since then I’ve competed in many comps, including AUSTRALASIA’S Most Powerful 2015 and 2016. I competed in masters and under

I’m very strict with post ng , exercise stretchi very co re d an massage s ha ck ba y m and if ease I , been ag gravated ng , ni ai tr back or stop er now but I feel strong .” than I ever have

“

63.5 kg; I placed 3rd and 4th.

ISF Aust National Masters I placed first a very enjoyable comp, with some challenging events, including car deadlift and car pull on grass. Oh, and I overhead pressed an engine block (highlight)! The heavyweight boys flipped a car.

Gold Coast Strongest 2015 I placed 2nd in the lightweights, qualifying me to compete in Singapore championships in the open weight division - my first time out of Australia, and WAY out of my comfort zone. I nearly pulled out; the weights were VERY heavy and I was VERY scared. Luckily, the flight tickets were non refundable; it was a life changing experience. I’m really pleased I went, and I actually managed to lift some of the weights.

At Arnold Schwarzenegger’s event in Melbourne this year, I was pleasantly surprised when I came in at equal 4th on points and 5th on count back, behind some VERY strong girls.

All comp organisers are very understandable about my vision impairment and allow my husband into the athletes’ area to help me out and allow help via voice queues to help me carry out the events.

You’re travelling to the U.K. in August, to compete in a very special event. What’s this event called, and when/where will it take place?

WSDM (World’s Strongest Disabled Man).

This year is the first time women and Aussies will compete; it’s being held in Manchester in the U.K. Events, for standing athletes, are yoke, dumbell medley, deadlift, log press, atlas stone loading, and car pull. We don’t find out

what the weights are until a week before.

Before discovering Strongman, I thought I was happy and doing OK, but Strongman has provided me opportunities to strive for things that forced me to leave my comfort zone. As a result, it’s given me back my confidence, opened my eyes and allowed me to see (pun intended) things from a different perspective. The strongman community and competition has helped me appreciate the things I CAN do, the things I HAVE and the GOOD things in my life, so even though I may not be able to keep training as hard as I am now or compete at this level, I intend to stay involved in the sport somehow.

Future plans?

I’m running a strongman event in September to raise money for PCYC, who help troubled youth by getting them off the streets and out of trouble with the law through different sports, activities and programmes. I hope to run more events in the future, including some for people with disabilities.

I intend to raise funds for guide dogs as well through these events, and I have some other ideas up my sleeve.

Final say …

Loving thanks to my beautiful daughter Mikaila and amazingly strong husband Michael, ALWAYS encouraging and supportive, helping me achieve what I have. Michael and Mikaila made ALL the hard times much easier to get through and helped me enjoy the good times. I’m so pleased Michael can enjoy the trip to the other side of the world with me; I couldn’t do it without him, and he’s earnt it.

Thanks Vickie. manning-great lakes focus.

35

A L L A B I L I T I E S feature.

Robert M Curtis & Associates

Freedom of speech “My ability is stronger than my disability” Kerry Erle …

At Freedom of Speech, our goal is to help each and every person who sees us communicate to the best of their ability.

Whether it be helping a child talk for the first time, or helping an adult re-learn to talk after a stroke, we’re here to help.

Karen and Kylie both have extensive experience in helping people with a range of conditions, including childhood disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy or Down’s Syndrome; degenerative conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s; and all learning difficulties which can affect speech, reading and writing.

We teach children on the Autism Spectrum how to communicate their feelings and resolve conflict using their words, and those with unclear speech to be understood. For those who have trouble understanding the world around them, we help them find a way to comprehend it.

Our therapists can provide assessment, individual therapy, programmes for schools, recommendations for teachers and employers, and advice on a range of assistive communication tools. We are fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact us on 6584 4554 to discuss how we can help you or someone you love communicate better.

36

manning-great lakes focus.

Ageing & Disability services Here at Ageing and Disability Services MidCoast Council, we work in partnership with you no matter what your abilities are, to support you to live the life you want to live. Our highly trained and skilled staff are here to assist you to explore your goals and aspirations.

We have over 20 years’ experience in providing person centred services to individuals and the community. Our service is managed by local government, with robust governance and financial management processes in place.

There are new exciting opportunities that commenced from 1st July 2016, when the National Disability Insurance Scheme, commonly referred to as the NDIS, began to roll out. Ageing and Disability Services are here to support you in learning all you can about what is on offer through NDIS. We can also help you with identifying the services and support you need now and after your NDIS plan is developed.

“We really want people to come and see the fun and friendship that is enjoyed by everyone who is involved with our services,” said Liz Green, Council’s Ageing and Disability Services Coordinator.

Learning Curves Psychological welcomes the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

A registered provider to NDIS, we will undertake assessment of skills and abilities, and offer behaviour support and therapy services.

Kids between 8 and 12 on the spectrum will have access to our new programme, The Secret Agent Society (SAS).

SAS is a highly interactive, spy-themed small group programme giving children a step-by-step code for making and keeping friends, coping with bullying and dealing with emotions. Home and school actively work together to nurture the social skills.

Using animated technology, spy gadgets and games, new social and emotional skills are taught to children struggling with friendships and feelings.

Internationally acclaimed, SAS is available through 500 trained practitioners worldwide.

A university study found the social skills of 76% of children with Asperger’s went from significantly impaired to within the range of typically developing children after doing the SAS. Learning Curves offers assessment and treatment across all ages and abilities, helping everyone to Learn Well Live Well.

Contact us for help and ask for your free SAS e-brochure.

A L L A B I L I T I E S feature.

About Inclusion Creating Opportunities | Strengthening Communities

activities for individuals and respite for carers in the Manning and Great Lakes areas.

About Inclusion is focused on supporting individuals with disability to achieve their best outcomes, both now and in the future. If you are preparing for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) they can assist with individual one to one planning meetings.

Rob Harrington, in Community Relations, says, “We have developed activities that provide ongoing support to participants, always ensuring inclusion in their local community. Our services include recreation and leisure activities, teen time after school programmes, skills development, community participation, day programmes, social support and respite care.”

About Inclusion was established as Manning Valley Respite Care Services in 1986 and recently began to trade as About Inclusion to reflect its inclusive community philosophy. General Manager Donna Ballard affirms, “We have a staff of 50 employees and many volunteers, governed by a committee of six experienced local community members to ensure we meet our strategic plans for the future.”

About Inclusion provides trusted flexible and adaptable community access and support

About Inclusion is supporting families preparing for the NDIS. The NDIS delivers a scheme that gives choice and control and aligns with the vision of a diverse, inclusive and connected community providing richer lives for people living with a disability. The NDIS in Manning and Great Lakes commenced 1st July 2016. If you would like assistance in preparing for the NDIS, contact us today; phone 6552 7374 or email info@aboutinclusion.com.au

manning-great lakes focus.

37

Travel Writer Jasmin Johansson.

Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

AmaZEN p l a c e

A A H … BA L I S U N S E T S. T H E R E ’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE S I N K I N G BAC K O N A B E A N BAG WAT C H I N G T H E G L OW O F T H E A F T E R N O O N S U N S L OW LY D I SA P P E A R OV E R T H E B E AC H A N D H O R I Z O N. A F T E R A L M O S T A W E E K AT N UA L A R E T R E AT, I ’ V E A C L E A R M I N D AND RADIANT COMPLEXION A N D I T ’S H A R D T O R E M E M B E R W H AT S T R E S S F E E L S L I K E .

n our busy everyday lives, sleep deprivation, stress and occasional reckless over-indulgence are often the norm. Yet, do you find yourself returning home after a holiday with the feeling you already need another one? You plan your getaway, researching the destination and every possible sight to see, place to visit, and activity. Before you know it, your itinerary’s jam-packed and you’re running from one tourist attraction to the next, only to arrive home to reality with less energy and enthusiasm than you left with.

Instead, I recommend: take a fresh tack and engage in the smart travel trend by booking

in to an all-encompassing health retreat. My companion and I found the ideal escape for a well-deserved mind and body rejuvenation, achieving a calming inner peace and life rebalance - but not short on fun games either - at intimate Nuala Retreat, tucked away in splendid surrounds near Seminyak, Bali.

Well removed from the concentrated tourist hub of Kuta and 10 minutes on from the heart of dynamic Seminyak and picturesque Canggu, the retreat offers a relaxing, reinvigorating experience with fresh healthy menus, daily yoga, and massages. We’re greeted into its serene atmosphere by welcoming staff and shown around its cluster of just six modern

The team at Nuala aims to kick-start new habits and establish a healthy lifestyle... adjoining villas, all with poolside frontage and bright, cheery decor. The main dining area features an open living space with traditional Balinese architecture, dark wooden accents and that signature sophisticated Bali style.

We’re overcome instantly by a soothing sense of calmness, immediately immersed in a balmy tropical oasis far removed from everyday cares.

As a dedicated wine and carbs lover, though, I have to admit the idea of “detoxing” makes me apprehensive. Happily, Nuala’s menus can be adapted to suit individual dietary requirements - or preferences. We took the less rigorous approach and chose the full menu. Bali has abundant nutritious and flavoursome fruit, vegetables and fresh seafood, so we enjoyed fresh fruits for breakfast, power salads for lunch ... and by dinner any detox dread was entirely banished by delicious - and wholesome - fish

Organise a full body massage as part of your schedule. In the private bale surrounded by tranquil gardens, sink right into holiday mode and release any travel stress and muscle tension. A massage a day keeps the doctor away!

38

manning-great lakes focus.

tacos.

Guests keen to lose weight or do a serious detox can opt for a raw food menu or a weight loss, detox and cleanse program with an emphasis on vegie- and plant-based juices, soups and smoothies to fuel the body with superfoods. Charming Nuala host Varney imparts a wealth of knowledge on healthy eating ideas and creating delicious flavour combinations from the simplest of ingredients. We don’t feel at all deprived when we’re eating the right foods, and in fact find it a “snack” to enjoy mealtimes while effortlessly banishing toxins, re-energising from the inside out. The team at Nuala aims to kickstart new habits and establish a healthy lifestyle, so whether for a single day’s detox or a sustained weight-loss effort, it’s an ideal destination for individual travellers, girls’ getaways, couples, families or groups.

A great way to start the day is with an energising beach walk taking in the laid-back ambience of the Seminyak shoreline, followed by

a yoga session back at the retreat. Even those who aren't experienced “yogis” still enjoy a morning session with Nuala’s resident yoga guru, Rae, as she leads our group through a Hatha yoga session: a series of slow movements, stretches and poses said to open up the heart and inner recesses of the body. With each deep breath we become more acutely aware of our muscles and movement, and areas of pain or weakness, and naturally allow tightness, stress and tension to slip away. Overlooking the pool in the private bale (thatched roof pavilion) there’s an intense sense of calm as the group finishes with a short meditation, sensing the soft sounds of nature bringing us back to the present. Afterwards we’re rewarded with a vibrant breakfast: energising green smoothie, fresh colourful fruit and yoghurt and glutenfree lemon and blueberry pancakes prepared by our in-villa chefs.

It’s soothing to know the only thing on our agenda today is to find a sunny spot to soak up the peace and quiet. Officially on “Bali time”, we’re intoxicated by the heavenly scent of frangipani filling the air as we recline in the luxe poolside cabana. We don’t want to leave the cool inviting pool right now ... but one of the best things, we decide, is we can choose to do as much or as little as we like. There’s an abundance of - truly cool - activities on offer to keep us entertained, including aqua-spin (waterbased spin classes) and stand-up paddle boarding.

Wonderful, willing staff will organise our activities and transport: we don’t have to worry about a thing.

And so on Day 2 we prompt ourselves to venture out paddle boarding. A scenic 30-minute drive to the sands of Jimbaran brings us to an oasis of crystal blue water, the coastline stretching far into the distance. Rainbow-coloured fishing boats dot the scene and we quickly strike up a gentle rhythm on our boards, waving as we pass by the fishermen hauling in their catch. A deceptively energetic, effective, workout, stand-up paddling is great for improving stability and strengthening the body core. Afterwards we wind down on the beach, enjoying refreshing draughts from fresh-carved coconuts. Slightly more adventurous fellow guests have taken a day trip into the foothills to Ubud to visit the sacred Monkey Forest and browse the centre’s popular traditional markets in a hunt for gifts and souvenirs.

But we’re up for some pampering. Options include two venues that offer Nuala guests halfprice treatments: and the manicure and pedicure at Think Pink Nails comes with chocolates and champagne included. (After all, who’s to know?)

And then, there’s Cocoon - for luxury facials and treatments ...

COCOON M E D I C A L S PA

WAY TO GO Virgin Australia flies direct to Bali (Denpasar) daily ex Sydney.

Nuala Retreat is approximately a 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai airport and transfers are provided.

STAY Nuala Retreat Seminyak, Bali Book your 4-night 5-day Nuala Retreat Yoga, Spa and Meditation package and bring a friend for free.

Corporate retreat packages: Stay in luxury 5-star beach front villas, with morning yoga, meditation, healthy meals and daily massages. Group rates start at $1500 for five nights.

Large groups: Stay in a luxury fivebedroom villa that sleeps 11. Create your own retreat programme focused on yoga, surf or health with in-villa chef catering. Rates from $60 a night per head based on 11 guests. nualaretreat.com

SPA & WELLNESS Cocoon Medical Spa cocoonmedicalspa.com Yoga at Desa Seni: Guests of Nuala Retreat can get a pass to experience a yoga class at this eco village resort. www.desaseni.com

ACTIVITIES Ocean Tribe Retreat, Canggu oceantribetretreat.com Priority SUP Rental Jimbaran Beach www.facebook.com/ suprentalinbali

EAT La Laguna tapas bar & restaurant www.facebook.com/lalagunabali Sardine Restaurant for superb seafood www.sardinebali.com

APTLY NAMED FOR ITS NURTURING ATMOSPHERE, COCOON MEDICAL SPA IS SAID TO BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN INDONESIA, CENTRALLY LOCATED ON SUNSET PARADE IN SEMINYAK.

Luxury facial rejuvenation packages boasting intriguing names such as Vampire 2.0 and Cleopatra 24-carat Gold are promoted as innovations in non-surgical aesthetic treatments aimed at boosting skin health, resulting in a “younger, smoother, brighter” complexion. Cocoon’s founder, Australian Louise Cogan, has utilised more than ten years’ experience in medical tourism in Malaysia and Thailand to now create a calm, private beauty enclave here in Bali.

Efficient, experienced cosmetic therapists assess the client’s skin type and offer a complimentary consultation before treatments are begun. I selected a Snail Serum Facial with hopes of diminishing some of the fine lines and freckles I’ve been accumulating (and was glad to find no live snails were involved!) Snail serum, I was told, is in fact a nutritive product harvested and produced in Japan, reputed to be beneficial in firming and tightening skin, boosting collagen production and reducing discolouration.

First, needle-free warm and cool mesotherapy - a safe alternative to more invasive procedures - is performed. The

serum is applied and stimulated to penetrate the pores by low-current massaging with a gentle palm-sized pad. Warm heat first opens up pores, then the cooling process is used to calm the skin. Next, painless LED therapy is used to plump up fine lines, followed by a rich collagen-generating mask.

Finally, soothing layers of snail serum and then snail moisturiser are applied for a bright, glowing result. The service and attention were wonderful, with Nurse Elis carefully explaining each step of the process in detail, and its benefits. Afterwards, my skin felt smoother than ever and, on arriving home, the outcome was confirmed by equally glowing compliments from friends on my newly radiant appearance.

The spa also offers a range of therapeutic massage and body wraps, and detox and wellness treatments including intravenous vitamin therapy, infra-red sauna and fatblaster slimming packages. On my short sampling of its treatment, the effects are truly wonderful: restorative and re-energising, and a boost to the wellbeing and self-confidence as well.

Focus was a guest of Nuala Retreat and Cocoon Medical Spa. manning-great lakes focus.

39

focus_tourism

with Donna Hudson from Manning Valley Tourism

focus__editorial Robyn Buttler Travel Editor Susie Boswell. focus Travel withwith

Photo courtesy of Manning Valley Tourism.

Photo (c) Todd Smith

Tourism WHILE WE’RE WELL KNOWN FOR OUR LONG HOT SUMMERS, PRISTINE BEACHES AND SPARKLING WATERWAYS, THE FRESH BITE OF WINTER AND OUR CRISP BLUE-SKY DAYS PROVIDE THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR EXPLORING OUR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS.

F

pleasure in sharing his wines and explaining traditional techniques. Featuring chardonnay, chasselas doré and chambourcin grapes, Villa d’Esta places emphasis on easy-drinking wine styles that are ready to be matched with your Many are often surprised to find out we have favourite meal. a range of boutique wineries sprinkled across Just down the road is Wallambah Vale Wines, our picturesque landscape. And what better where the team picks, blends and bottles a time than winter to rug up, jump in the car superb range of quality wines on the premises. and tour the region to experience our Talented winemaker Stephen Heap local vineyards! There are plenty recommends the light and of options right here on crisp chardonnay which our doorstep, and each of course, when paired experience is unique. with a cheese platter A trip to Villa Getting out overlooking the vines, d’Esta Vineyard and exploring our makes for a perfect Ro ad , on Wallambah wineries is not just afternoon treat! is , ng si Dyers Cros r about the wine. la Travelling further pu po r anothe be to t no It’s about meeting ce afi eld, the well en ri expe the passionate established Bago missed.” winemakers, Vineyards in Wauchope understanding their is a winery with a history, and learning their difference and fun for the techniques. It’s the musky whole family. As well as wines aroma, the mystique and the to tantalise the tastebuds, Bago elegance of the wine cellar, the beauty Vineyards presents Jazz in the Vines on of the vines, and the distinctive character the second Sunday of every month, and plays that each vineyard exudes across all its host to many other music events throughout touchpoints. the year.

For those with a leaning towards liqueurs and And while many will simply soak up the mead, you can’t go past a visit to Ghinni Wines, atmosphere on the viewing deck, the young-atas this is their absolute specialty. Ex dairy farmer heart may choose to get lost in largest hedge and owner Tony Hammond has been making maze in NSW, with 2,000 metres of pathways ale, wine and liqueur since 1976, and in this to meander through. time has perfected the recipes that give Ghinni Heading east before making your way home, Wines their unique flavour and aroma. Situated a visit to Cassegrains Winery is a must. Its north of Taree, just off the Pacific Highway on extensive grounds boast over 2,000 rose bushes the mighty Manning River, Ghinni Wines also lining its entrance, and with a French heritage offers a scenic outlook and laid back charm. dating back to 1643, you’ll enjoy some of the A trip to Villa d’Esta Vineyard on Wallambah finest wines our local region has to offer.

Road, Dyers Crossing, is another popular So make the most of our winter by planning experience not to be missed. This charming a local winery tour. You’ll find each one has a or many, winter in our beautiful region is about bushwalking in our National Parks, stargazing by an outdoor campfire and snuggling up with a glass of red.

“

vineyard is spread over 12 acres, and its passionate Hungarian vintner takes great 40 manning-great lakes focus.

unique flavour and atmosphere, with the added bonus of supporting our local winemakers.

F

or many, a Scenic European cruise of two weeks meandering through multiple countries via the Continent’s network of grand river-boulevards is an enticing holiday or retirement dream. Perhaps the controlled cocoon of a cruise ship is alluring in these uncertain times, too. Currently, a rare opportunity worth jumping at cuts prices for some Scenic itineraries, offering cruise-only rates.

Until sold out a number of 2017 cruises, usually with flights included, are being offered exairfares: allowing travellers greater flexibility by taking advantage of booking flights separately, utilising their own or family frequent-flyer points or selecting their own carrier/s, class, route and time of travel from a competitive field, or adding a cruise into a longer sojourn when already landed in Europe.

At $9190 a couple (from $4595pp twin share) the 15-day Jewels of Europe explores waterways from Amsterdam to Budapest, discovering castles, vineyards, historic towns and charming villages along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Gems of the Seine, an 11-day cruise (from $4195pp twin), is a round trip from Paris to the achingly picturesque harbour of Honfluer (adjacent to Le Havre and the Channel in the country’s north-west and a favourite locale of Claude Monet’s), taking in postcard scenes of rural France, historic wartime locations and architectural landmarks. Scenic tours, a solid Australian-based operator, features vessels with spacious suites, fine dining and a range of onshore excursions. “Leave the wallet at home” is their catchcry, all meals, complimentary beverages 24/7, activities like use of e-bicycles with GPS touring guides, and tips included. For this limited offer, available only until all sold, call Scenic on 138 128 (prices may differ on website).

NEW HORIZONS: Certainly the Western world traveller’s map is being redrawn, a revision that happens periodically for a range of reasons but especially so now as a consequence of random violent and terrorist incidents. France, perennially the most sought-after country with seven million visitors a month, is suffering not only the tragedy of the strikes but facing a downturn in its important tourism industry; the city of Nice, centre of the Cote d’Azur, is that nation’s most visited centre after Paris, the two the focus of most recent alarm. But while some prospective tourists postpone their plans, and many airlines and tour operators offer discounted packages to

encourage trade, by far the majority of visitors to France are from neighbouring European states: the Germans will keep on driving to the French skifields, the Dutch and Belgians continue to use the economical high-speed train.

Nevertheless, travellers around the globe are reassessing their aspirations, the bonus the discovery of new horizons distinct and distant from conventional destinations. Other impetuses are a “wider world” to choose from thanks to expanded airline options; internet marketing offers; the fluctuating A-dollar and so on. Qantas’s partnership with Emirates saw its revised routes via Dubai rather than former hub, Singapore, alter passenger choices; this month’s Olympics have, over the past four years’ lead-up, heightened Rio de Janeiro and South America generally in the public awareness, destinations now being considered by a bigger market.

While flights to Central America (via LAX) are prohibitive as a single-purpose destination, travellers coincidentally in South or North America might consider an add-on adventure cruise in Costa Rica and Panama, including a sightseeing sector on the Panama Canal, from Pacific to Caribbean. An eight-day Uncharted Isthmus: Sloths, Moneys & Mangroves passage on 62-guest Safari Voyager offers abundant wildlife immersion: lush jungles with macaws and monkeys, a butterfly- and flower-filled tropical botanical reserve and the chance to explore by hiking, skiff, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling in crystalline waters. Luxury vessel, fitness equipment, individual air-con; singles accommodated.

Current discounts and incentives. See: www. adventuresmithexplorations.com TRAVEL BOOK OF THE MONTH: All This in 60 Minutes, by Nicholas Lee. The perfect traveller’s companion, in handy paperback.

Longtime 60 Minutes cameraman Nick Lee sees the world through not only his camera lens but the prism of a wry but generous-spirited personal perspective. Each self-contained chapter makes for a witty, uplifting delve into exotic locations, with candid authentic goss on lots of stars (but frequent four-letter word overload). I was a colleague of Lee’s for two years on the show’s production team, creating compelling original stories. Lee had 30 years there, with commensurately greater adventures.

Interestingly, written with a real journalistic discipline and flair. Allen & Unwin, $32.99.

© Jeff Busby 2016

TOURISM IN AUGUST

C H A NGI NG WOR L D PROM P TS N EW V I EWS

focuseditorial.

1 2 - 1 4

A U G U S T

LOVETHEOUTDOORS The Mid North Coast Camping, Caravan, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show will be held at the Wauchope Showground, Wauchope, on Friday the 12th, Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th August 2016.

The show has evolved, and organiser Loretta Payne tells us more.

“When we first started the show, we had about 100 sites; there are now over 188 sites. Our exhibitors are constantly evolving in themselves too with what they offer - we are very inventive people. They’re adjusting and expanding their products, so that it is easier for people to enjoy the outdoors.

“Our attendance now is so much more diverse, and whereby you used to see more of

the grey nomads attend, these days and over the last five years we have seen a large shift to the families market.

“Families with young children are choosing outdoors holidays, where they can play outside and interact with other kids.

“The 35 - 50 year old market are also choosing to look at the caravan style holiday and explore the outdoors.”

The Mid North Coast Outdoor Show offers plenty of great free entertainment for

everyone.

Not only is it entertaining, but educational as well. Reptile Awareness Display do a fabulous show for young and old. The kids get a chance to get up close and personal with some of the reptiles. Alan Burnett, the principal of Reptile Awareness, gives you valuable information on what to do and what not to do if you have an unfortunate encounter with a reptile.

Brett Thompson, one of the principals of the Australian Travelling Fish Show, not only provides a great lure fishing show, but also provides wonderful tips on fishing, whether it’s on the beach, out at sea or in the local fishing hole.

Plus, you have World Champion bike rider Jack Field from Flair Action Sports. Jack has worked in several movies, at the present doing stunts for Vin Diesel’s new movie, plus travels around the world competing and doing shows.

We are incredibly lucky to have someone of Jack’s talent and ability doing shows for our local events.

The young and the young at heart all get a kick out of watching Flair Action Sport Bike riders doing their amazing stunts on Saturday and Sunday.

Too much to see and do in one day? Then purchase a second day pass for just $10 from either the site office or the entry/exit gates as you leave the Mid North Coast Outdoor Show.

Visitors to the event have the chance to win a wonderful prize that will be available just by attending the show. Mid Coast 4WD Centre and Ironman 4x4 have kindly donated a $9,000 4WD/Camping Package; every visitor receives an entry form.

The prize will be drawn at 4pm on Sunday August 14th, and you don’t have to be at the show when they are drawn to win.

For all visitor information, go to our website, www.ruralscene.com.au where all up to date news, exhibitors and product listings will be posted, plus follow us on Facebook for a chance to win passes.

at the Mid North Coast’s number one outdoor event OVER 175 EXHIBITORS

Wauhope Showground, Wauchope

12, 13 & 14 August 2016 9am - 5pm Friday & Saturday / 9am - 4pm Sunday Adults $15 • Aged Pensioners $11 • Kids Free with Adults

CAMP OVEN COOKING CONTEST (SAT) • FISHING SHOW 4WD DEMO TRACK • REPTILE AWARENESS SHOW FREESTYLE BIKE SHOW (SAT & SUN) LTPS/16/04933

from

Valued at $9,000 Phone: (02) 6769 4132 Fax: (02) 6769 4140

41

manning-great lakes focus.

facebook.com/RuralScenePromotions

www.ruralscene.com.au

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

AUGUST 2016

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Your higher awareness is waking, and this aligns you with reaching or striving for your highest potential.

Set your sights on a gift or talent, and develop it as much as you can. Be kind to yourself in thought, and avoid worrying about what people think.

Selenite shatters negative thoughts.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 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.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 You have carried a dream from a long time ago or for a long time, and you are aligning for another chance to access it. Be prepared and give yourself permission to try it; the confidence it will offer will heal any esteem issues.

Rose Quartz is great for self love.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21 Your thoughts have lately been focusing on cycles that repeated in your past, although when you reflect on these things, they don’t seem to have the same effect on you as before. You have healed or changed your views.

Thank yourself for your growth, and watch what comes.

Malachite brings past hurts to the surface for release.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

As your beliefs and foundations in life have recently been in question, it is a great time to establish new ones to cater for your future. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to achieve them. Enjoy!

Citrine attracts abundance.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Listen to your wise words when you are giving advice, as you will hear some wise words also meant for yourself. This is how your divine self talks to you. Avoid any self-degrading thoughts or what you think other people think of you.

Turquoise is great for self-worth.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 You will benefit by practicing patience at the moment. The universe has the bigger picture in mind, and it’s easy to be caught up in impatience.

Just relax and set some goals and try using some visualisation to see yourself walking the walk.

Citrine shatters frustrations.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 You may be feeling a little suspended at present. This won’t last long. You are discovering what your role in the bigger scheme of things is. Take some comfort, and free yourself from any undigested emotions from the last 12 months.

Citrine is great for clearing.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 Self worth and self-approval are subjects that may benefit from a little empowering. Life has been a bit challenging for you in these areas of late, and it is likely that these qualities need to be restored.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 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.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

You are aligning with reaching full potential where career is concerned. Expect a promotion or transfer, or even a new position. Set some fresh goals concentrating on how you wish to feel in the workplace.

Citrine shatters self doubt.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Self worth and self approval are subjects that may benefit from a little empowering. Be kind to yourself, and avoid sharing your personal mistakes or imperfections with others.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

manning-great lakes focus.

42

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

Selling Fa st!

Inspection Appointm by ent

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

02 6528 0442

www.evermoreliving.com.au

manning-great lakes focus.

43

44

manning-great lakes focus.

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

MORGAN STEWART - CLUB TAREE -

What mindset or values do you carry with you in order to be a good leader?

Never forget where you came from. I’ve worked almost every job in this industry, so I don’t forget what it’s like to work an overnight shift, away from family, loved ones and their social networks. I can empathise with my people, and I think I have a really grounded understanding of life and the relationship between people, community and business.

How has your business changed in the last three years? It’s fair to say it’s moved from a very traditional and ageing club into a much more modern offer targeting women as our key demographic. Our premises and product offer are very contemporary, and we’ve recently introduced lunch offers for our

social seniors and more traditional customers

something very different to the club that their

looking for a more reasonably priced lunch

parents like, for example.

option. We are more agile in that we respond

If we don’t do this, we end up catering to a

quicker to change, and under my leadership

decreasing pool of customers, and we don’t

we will communicate change simply and

grow, which means we won’t be around

clearly to our customers when required.

in the long term. It’s my responsibility as a

What is one of the current challenges for

guardian of our members’ assets to ensure

local business, and how do you think it

that this doesn’t happen.

can be tackled? Attracting new customers is

If you could be mentored by another

our biggest challenge. As a club we fight the

business leader or person of influence

traditions of very cheap drinks and a race to

for one day, who would you choose? I’d

the bottom of the market in food pricing, all

like the opportunity to listen to Steve Wynn,

supported by gaming machine trade.

as he has been at the forefront of creating

We choose not to do this and choose instead

destinations with hotels and entertainment,

quality over quantity and value over a cheap

not just gaming rooms, and that is our future

price point for all. We have to attract a

in a nutshell.

new generation of customers who want

We’ll endeavour over time to create a

club that is multi-faceted with multiple entertainment offers, so that we can become a destination for different customers into the future.

When it comes to creating (new ideas, products or processes) where do you get your inspiration? I’m inspired by lots of different things, experiences and people I meet. I try to listen more and talk less. I like to collaborate and let others participate, no matter who they are. I try to take in experiences and bring back the little things I enjoyed from those experiences, so I can put them into use at our club to provide our members and guests with their experience.

It’s about imagining the only roadblock to success was ourselves and seeing how we get around it to deliver a result.

manning-great lakes focus.

45

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

PAT CALABRIA - ELITE BARBER CREW -

What is one of the current challenges for local businesses, and how do you think it can be challenged? I think one of the current challenges in local business is growth. Since I’ve moved here from Sydney, I’ve noticed a lot of small businesses open, then close only months later. I find from visiting these establishments a lack of consistency and customer service. In business, you must maintain your skills, better yourself and do things the competition isn’t doing to make sure your work is perfect every time - and most of all, abide by your trading hours. If the sign says 8:30 to 5:30, open at 8:30 and close at 5:30; if you’re inconsistent with your hours, you will lose customers. I have abided by these simple rules and have already reached my yearly goal in six months.

When it comes to creating new ideas, where do you get your inspiration?

46

manning-great lakes focus.

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

MARIO TOMLIN

- MID COAST AUTOMOTIVE GROUP -

I get a lot of inspiration from other successful people in my industry, following their work, seeing what’s trending and learning from it. I put my own spin on things, but I would have to say most of my inspiration comes from my customers. Being hands on with them teaches me a lot about their grooming needs, so I use customer feedback to create new easy to manage styles and source the best products and the best prices, which in turn makes the customer feel like they are part of the business.

Do you think businesses need to take risks in order to be successful? Yes, I do.

Business can always be a risk from the first day you venture out on your own. The costs involved in running a business, including staff, inventory, marketing and property can be daunting and stressful enough alone. If you want to stay ahead of the game and your competitors, then extra risks are involved. But the old adage, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” comes to mind.

Do you think businesses need to take risks to be successful? I highly believe in taking risks in business. Having owned businesses in Sydney, I have taken many risks; some work, some don’t, but it teaches you a lot about what works successfully and efficiently in your business. Without taking risks, I believe you really don’t know the potential of your business.

What creative things do you do to develop a likeable company culture? Since taking over the business, I have worked non-stop to create a win-win culture for customers and staff alike. Our goal is for all our customers to be treated in a warm, friendly, respectful and professional manner. As a team, by treating each other with the same values, the culture

automatically extends to the customer, who at the end of the day is the real boss. Our staff show up every day and embrace the values we have instilled. We are all “living the dream”.

How has your business changed in the last three years? The motor industry has changed a lot in the last three years. It is far more competitive than it has ever been.

Customers’ expectations are higher, and every manufacturer wants to increase their market share. Margins have been reduced by the manufacturers, and cars always seem to be on sale. The amount of information available to a customer is at an all time high and can be sourced from the internet before a dealer is officially informed by a manufacturer. At the click of a button, a customer can get the best prices available Australia wide.

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

CHRIS BRYANT - NOELEDGE SYSTEMS -

Do you think businesses need to take risks location, and the separate focus teams on in order to be successful? YES. Just by retail and business. This allows the teams being in business you are taking a to focus on their core strengths. The risk. Always thinking about the retail team in downtown have next sale, expenses, staff and the latest products on display There are customers ... How you can many guides in a bright new showroom, do better, what is urgent, on how to, but it so that people can touch, ’ is the ‘calcul ated what have you missed. So try and play. It’s a real hands at risk s you take th many things you need to on approach in a relaxed, t es make the bigg balance, juggle and action if friendly environment. Any changes.” one item slips. tech issues you have, these

“

Like most things in life, there is no “one way” in business. There are many guides on how to, but it is the “calculated” risks you take that make the biggest changes.

How has your business changed in the last three years? We have had massive changes in the last three years - a new downtown

guys have the knowledge and expertise to get you running again - removing viruses, setting up new computers and moving all your data across, to showing you how to use your iPad. This was just recognised by winning the Manning Gloucester Great Lakes Business Awards - Excellence in Retail 2016.

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

NATHAN COOPER

- COOPERS PHARMACY (TAREE AND WINGHAM) Do you think businesses need to take risks in order to be successful? Risk is part and parcel of today’s modern business world, with consumers rightfully demanding better products, better service and better advice.

My industry is experiencing unprecedented change and disruption with significant cuts to health spending and increasing corporate style pharmacy. If just being in business requires taking risks, then in order to be successful business people need to be conscientious, tenacious and most of all; take the right risks at the right time and minimise those risks.

If you could be mentored by another business leader or person of influence for one day, who would you choose?

I am fortunate enough to actually already have an outstanding group of business mentors and coaches. The ONE standout for me is my previous

business partner - Tim Murray. Tim was primarily responsible for giving me the opportunity to begin my business ownership career. Tim is supportive, selfless and wise with all aspects of personal and professional advice. After stepping out of the comfort zone of having such a wonderful business partner, Tim is now a mentor and friend whose wise council I seek regularly.

What is one of the current challenges for local business, and how do you think it can be tackled? Defining local business today is as difficult as identifying a business that is truly local. Whether you are a tyre retailer, electrical store owner, own a chicken shop or pharmacy, I think the challenge is distinguishing yourself from the faceless corporate competition. This challenge is tackled by successful local business owners who offer a better level of service, advice and support for their customers and their community.

manning-great lakes focus.

47

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

MACKIES ELECTRIC & REFRIGERATION

- M ARK HARDY OPE RATIONS MAN AGER, ADAM H O LT SERVICE MAN AGER , M A R K D R EY ER SOL A R SOL U T IONS M A NA G ER MARK HARDY What creative things do you do to develop a likeable company culture? Our creativity really shows through in our approach - people are our business, in particular, making sure that they are happy. If you take the technical side away from any business, it is the people that remain. Ensuring the happiness of our staff extends through to the happiness of our customers.

ADAM HOLT What mindset or values do you carry with you in order to be a good leader? I have always believed that to be a good leader, the most powerful leadership tool you have is leading by your own personal example, and I quite often reflect on the quote: “As a leader, your every action has a consequence; make sure it is the one you intend on”. I aim to ensure that my team is supported, upskilled and well resourced, so as to provide a safe, productive and enthusiastic workplace. It

48

manning-great lakes focus.

is imperative to be approachable and solutions focused, but also passionate about providing an industrious and enjoyable space to work in, and I feel that those values then trickle down to ensure that my team are thriving in their roles.

MARK DREYER When it comes to creating (new ideas, products or process), where do you get your inspiration? Wanting to quote and install equipment that is better, more efficient and more reliable than the average is what gives me the inspiration to research products and find the latest and best ways to do things! The industry we are in is very fast moving; whether it be solar technology and lithium batteries, refrigeration equipment with significant efficiency gains or the latest electrical products and LED lighting, we need to keep up with the times, and the internet provides all the resources you need to explore these advances and roll out this technology in our installations.

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

JOHN FITZGERALD - YOUR ENTERPRISE STRATEGY -

Do you think businesses need to take risks in order to be successful? Well, simply being in business is a big risk itself. I believe that taking risk has to be part of business and a requirement of success, but in the end, results are determined by the degree of risk taken and strategies in place to manage the potential impact. Sounds easy, but it can take a lot of work, and also planning. For me, this is a major consideration when I’m working with business owners to develop their exit or succession. The better that risk is managed, the greater potential the business has, which translates to safety for investors/successors and higher returns, let alone the “sleep at night” factor for owners.

What is one of the current challenges for local business, and how do you think it can be tackled? Being and staying profitable is the constant challenge, particularly in recent

years. How do I tackle this? Work from inside the business out. Begin by looking to improve cashflow and the way business is done, then overhaul inefficient and out of date processes that “leak” money. Finally, train and properly resource the people, so that they can do what they need to do in the best way possible.

The flow on effect to the business culture is enormous, and this boosts profit like magic.

Growing the outside now becomes much easier.

If you could be mentored by another business leader or person of influence for one day, who would you choose?

For me without doubt, Tony Robbins; he would take me so far out of my comfort zone, I’d never be able to get back. I reckon everybody needs a good shake up once in a while.

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

ANTHONY PAULSON

BIRIPI ABORIGINAL CORPORATION MEDICAL CENTRE Mind set or values you carry in order to

has taken very considered risks moving

be a good leader: I, as a leader, always try to

forward to ensure that we have a sustainable

be inclusive, open, honest and respectful to

future. We have purchased infrastructure

all clients, community, staff and stakeholders I

in the Bushland community, where a large

engage. It’s always a challenge to lead people

proportion of our clients live. We also own

to places and spaces that they may not know,

an Aged Care facility near Purfleet and are

but having a strong strategic plan makes that

building a new clinic at our site at Purfleet. As

easier. Community controlled, not for profit

a not for profit, we utilise revenue generated

organisations are all about finding the balance

from Medicare to fund these type of

of good governance between good corporate

infrastructure projects. To ensure sustainability

governance and good clinical governance and

and good business arrangements, the

community control. Aboriginal organisations

organisation has entered into business

have a constitution which is led by Aboriginal

partnerships with various Indigenous and non-

people (members) to ensure that they are in

Indigenous groups.

control and understand the direction of the

Has your business changed in the last

organisation.

three years? Biripi, within the last three

Do you think businesses need to take risks

years, has had to make significant changes

in order to be successful? This organisation

due to issues that we faced two - three years

ago in order to create a If you could be mentored by sustainable business and another business leader or to increase services person of influence for to our community. one day, who would Community for t no Biripi ACMC has you choose? It’s hard for d, lle ro nt co ns are all tio sa 3,129 clients, me to select one person ni ga or it prof e balance th ng di and this service that I would choose as a fin t ou ab ce is continually mentor for one day. I’m of good governan orate rp between good co od evolving to the lucky enough to have go governance and needs of the a number of different ce and clinical governan l.” community. Some mentors in my life ro community cont of the significant that I use regularly, and changes made are in they are elders within our the governance model, community. I have a number to ensure the balance of different mentors; I have of good governance between cultural mentors, professional mentors, good corporate governance and good community mentors, and they all shape the clinical governance, whilst maintaining kind of person that I aspire to be. My closest community control. mentor is my father, William.

“

manning-great lakes focus.

49

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

Jeremy is a creative entrepreneur … he’s not only a talented photographer, well known for capturing the fast-paced action of rally cars, but he also specialises in commercial and industrial photography AND he’s the inspiration behind local business Port Macquarie Web Design. With over 200 websites already in his business portfolio, Jeremy and his team are leaving their mark in the I.T world …

KEN GOULDTHORP M I D C O A S T

W A T E R

FOCUS CATCHES UP WITH THE NEW CEO OF MIDCOAST WATER IN OUR SPECIAL MEN IN BUSINESS EDITION ...

H

i Ken. Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit about yourself ...

I have experience in both the private and public sector with an extensive background in finance and commercial management. I have formally undertaken the role as General Manager/CEO of a number of regional Councils on the eastern seaboard, including Newcastle, Toowoomba and Mackay. I was also the state wide chief operating officer for Sun Water - the corporation responsible for all major dams and irrigation in Queensland outside of the metropolitan area of greater Brisbane.

I have a rural background, initially hailing from the central wheat belt region of Western Australia and have made a conscious decision to pursue a career in regional Australia and avoid the capital cities.

With personal interest in keeping fit and enjoying everything outdoors, I have revelled in the diversity that the Mid Coast region offers.

The natural environment from Barrington Tops and the highlands, through to the rural hinterland, lakes and ocean provides a fabulous playground to enjoy my outdoor interests, including hiking, kayaking and wave ski surfing.

As the new CEO of Midcoast Water, what does your role entail?

Providing strategic direction and overall management to the third largest water and sewerage utility in NSW after Sydney and Hunter water. The principle roles for CEOs of large or small corporations is similar - ensuring the organisation is delivering a high quality product/service, maintaining the financial viability and profitability of the business, establishing its future direction in collaboration with the Board and implementing it.

What are you looking forward to the most about this new role?

One of the major strengths of MidCoast Water is the fact that it is essentially locally

50

manning-great lakes focus.

owned by the Mid Coast community. It has therefore developed strong local corporate citizenship, and all revenues from the business are allocated directly to providing essential water and sewerage services to the community, re-invested in expansion of the network to facilitate growth or invested in the community through MidCoast Water’s MidCo ast Water community development has been able ity of programme. This strong to provide a qual envy e th is water which sense of local corporate er and at w r he ot of many citizenship is one of the providers, sewerage utility factors that make the ugh the ro particularly th heme Sc role attractive to me. I er at Manning W rster Fo e, re am looking forward to Ta g servicin the ever engaging with the business and surrounds.” increasing and broader community across environmental the region and building on standards for MidCoast Water’s local identity and sewerage treatment the essential role it undertakes within the and discharge comes at region. a significant cost, without What current projects are in place to necessarily expanding the number of ensure that we maintain our water paying customers. quality?

How can we as a community ensure MidCoast Water has been able to provide that we are saving water in, around and a quality of water which is the envy of many outside the home correctly? other water and sewerage utility providers,

“

particularly through the Manning Water Scheme servicing Taree, Forster and surrounds.

Subsequent to the completion of the Bootawa Water Treatment Plant in 2012, MidCoast Water won awards for the best tasting water in NSW and best tasting water challenge between NSW and Qld (2013).

The major water infrastructure project currently underway is the development of the Nabiac Aquifer Scheme. This $35 million investment will provide a second water source and treatment facility to the Manning River/ Bootawa Treatment Plant, providing security of water supply for many years to come.

A major challenge for MidCoast Water is providing this additional infrastructure while managing the associated costs passed onto customers. The additional water security for existing water consumers, together with

MidCoast Waters education and water

Water is escalated as a result of the population increasing significantly during holiday periods and this coinciding with the hotter months of the year.

How does your business give back to the community?

In addition to providing essential water and sewerage services that are such an important part of our health standards and the amenity we enjoy, MidCoast Water is a very active corporate citizen through its community development programme. Earlier in July the

efficiency programme and the overwhelming

Board approved funding support to eight

response from the community has seen

community (8) organisations across the region,

water demand drop from 12 giga litres per

from Harrington and Wingham in the north, to

year in 2001 to 8.7 gl per year in 2015,

Tea Gardens in the south. MidCoast Water has

notwithstanding the number of customers has

also been a proud sponsor of major community

increased by approximately 6,000 (including

events across the region, including the

Gloucester) over the same period. The major

Lakeside, TasteFest and Chill Out Festivals.

challenge to MidCoast Water is providing water and sewerage infrastructure that can cope with peak demands during the summer and Easter holiday season, while keeping the cost of services during the majority of the year as reasonable as possible. Attempting to

What’s the best part of working and living in the Manning-Great Lakes region?

Enjoying the fabulous natural environment that this region offers - whether being active, hiking in the highlands, paddling a kayak in the

minimise costs associated with normal demand

waterways or enjoying a coffee with friends on

while providing infrastructure with the capacity

the waterfront - not to mention avoiding the

to meet peak demand is a major challenge for

traffic congestion of the cities and living and

all utility providers, including water, sewerage

working in a regional area, where there is a

and electricity. The challenge for MidCoast

very real sense of community.

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

JEREMY THORNTON - INSURANCE ADVISERNET -

What mindset or values do you carry with you in order to be a good leader? Lead by example. Be the one who knows and appreciates all roles, from mail/reception to technical and management, to get a better feel and understanding of your business and to effectively mentor your team.

How has your business changed in the last three years?

We’ve been on a steady growth phase since starting in 2011, but this accelerated in 2014 when we acquired Bowen Insurance Brokers of Stroud. Since this time we have doubled our staff and floor space, and we’ve now got a second office in Dungog. It has allowed us to diversify our portfolio and spend more time focusing on individual client needs.

What is one of the current challenges for local business, and how do you think it can be tackled? Local business doesn’t have the size or scope of major capital city or multinational companies. This affects all industries. We need to rely on our local relationships and excellent customer service ethos to retain and expand our client base.

If you could be mentored by another business leader or person of influence for one day, who would you choose?

Always been a fan of Sir Richard Branson. He took a small idea and has turned it into a multi-faceted diverse business. His charity work has also been appealing and is important for all in business to remember that being focused on those in need in our community should be front of mind.

L A K E S

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

ROB HURLEY

- FORSTER TUNCURRY PROSHOP How has your business changed in the last three years?

My business is nearly three years old now, and we are always looking to improve. We have better facilities and technology available to improve our customer experience in lessons and golf club fitting. I am confident we have the tools and knowledge to assist anyone who currently plays golf or is thinking about take it up. We are also getting some real growth with our junior programmes, which we hope will continue to develop, ensuring the future of golf locally and as an industry.

What is one of the current challenges for local business, and how do you think it can be tackled?

The challenge in my business is stabilising through the nonpeak periods. The seasons have a great effect on my business, like many of our local businesses. I think we can tackle this by ensuring we are focusing on the local support we already have. We try to do this through after sale service and follow ups, making sure our customers are happy with their purchase and offering rewards for their loyalty.

When it comes to creating (new idea’s, products or process) where do you get your inspiration? I am a little addicted to audiobooks and podcast of successful business and people. I look at what other industries are doing well and try and make something that will work for my business and industry.

ALEX COSWAY

- REDSAND COMMUNICATIONS Do you think businesses need to take risks in order to be successful? I haven’t yet met a successful business and/ or business owner who has not taken risks. Calculated risk taking allows untested ideas and goals to be nurtured, with the end result one that is vastly different than maintaining the status quo. Common examples of risk taking that businesses and leaders take on include developing and prototyping new products or services, expanding into new markets or additional locations, and more commonly, taking on new employees.

What is one of the current challenges for local business, and how do you think it can be tackled? The most significant challenge I see local businesses having to take on this year is taking advantage of NBN. The opportunity to save $$, improve efficiency, and adopt new technology has never been so great. My goal is assisting business leaders turn this challenge into increased profitability. When a business is more profitable, it allows further investment, which drives growth.

When it comes to creating (new ideas, products or processes) where do you get your inspiration?

For me, inspiration comes from fellow successful businesses and leaders. Attitudes are contagious, so surrounding yourself with successful people with bold ideas that conquer risks is a great start. As a young business owner, I’m always looking out for successful mentors who share their intrinsic innovative and inspiring aspirations.

manning-great lakes focus.

51

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

DYLAN, KYLE & JOEY

L A K E S

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

- TWO MINDS CREATIVE -

- EAST COAST PHOTOGRAPHY -

CRAIG MASON

JOHN STEVENS

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? We are lucky to be able to have fun every day working with clients from all over the country and seeing our work out in the real world.

How has your business changed in the last three years? East Coast Photography is constantly evolving.

The photography market is constantly changing, so you need to keep abreast of change and the evolution of the market.

What mindset or values do you carry with you in order

The widespread adoption of digital imaging technology has dramatically changed the way professional photographers and the industry as a whole operates.

everything in life you want, so long as you’re willing to help

Whilst digital technology has increased the quality and range of services provided, it has at the same time exposed it to greater competition from amateurs.

be successful? Risk is a bit of relative term, so I guess that’s

Focusing in on assignments that amateurs can't access or perform without stepping out of their current employment is just one thing East Coast Photography has undertaken.

rationalise some seemingly risky activities, then business

ECP is also looking into other avenues of the photography market that has yet to be tapped into in the local districts.

enable some unique flexibility; as a result, that means

Business/personal goals for this financial year? We want to keep working and growing the business in every way possible. This year, we are looking to build relationships with local real estate agents and developers, to help brand any developments during this massive real estate boom we are having at the moment. We have just taken on 3D architectural rendering as one of our services, so we can now offer a complete package to the market.

How does your business give back to the community?

We have helped out by providing promotional collateral to charity events and foundations in the local area. Further to this we are a local business, and have great working relationships with local signwriters, photographers and illustrators. We sort of bounce off each other, so we have a great little creative community going.

Best advice for someone starting out in your industry?

You have to love what you do, and surround yourself with talented people, as it’s truly the best way to learn. It’s very taxing being a new designer; it will test your patience. If you don’t take criticism well, it will stunt your growth, so I suggest looking into a career in insurance. Ha ha.

52

manning-great lakes focus.

Constantly keeping abreast of social media marketing and trends is just another avenue that requires dedication in time management - gone are the times of creating ads for yellow pages and letting that be the annual advertising.

Being in business for oneself demands that you wear many hats.

- KINETIC MEDICINE -

to be a good leader? You can’t solve problems you don’t know about, so I think it’s vital to begin with a clear vision of the end in mind. That purpose has to be for the benefit of others as well. The great Zig Ziglar once said, “You can have enough other people get what they want”.

Do you think businesses need to take risks in order to hard to answer, but I do think businesses need the courage to act on their convictions. If you’ve got good metrics to leaders need to be brave enough to back themselves.

What creative things do you do to develop a likeable company culture? We use technology pretty heavily to we get to have a lot of fun too. We have a unique ethos of unwavering personal accountability that keeps it all sustainable.

If you could be mentored by another business leader or person of influence for one day, who would you choose?

I’d have to say Elon Musk; is there any sector of business that guy can’t revolutionise!

Electric Sunglasses www.loveiguana.com

Nixon Watch www.nixon.com

Suit from www.yaradsmenswear.com.au

Acqua Di Gio For Men EDT 100 mL www.priceline.com.au

Socks www.target.com.au

R.M. Williams Leather Belt www.yaradsmenswear.com.au

Windsor Smith Shoes www.manningshoes.com

manning-great lakes focus focus.

53

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

•

M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

Jeremy is a creative entrepreneur … he’s not only a talented photographer, well known for capturing the fast-paced action of rally cars, but he also specialises in commercial and industrial photography AND he’s the inspiration behind local business Port Macquarie Web Design. With over 200 websites already in his business portfolio, Jeremy and his team are leaving their mark in the I.T world …

DAVID EMBURY L O G A N

L E I G H

MA JOR AWARD WINNERS AT THE MANNING GLOUCESTER GREAT LAKES BUSINESS AWARDS. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY - EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION

C

hrissy Jones chatted with founding owner David Embury of Logan Leigh about the awards, his business now and into the future. Congratulations, David, on the success of Logan Leigh at the Business Awards night. You must be very proud of the achievement.

Thank you very much, Chrissy. Yes it was an amazing night for Logan Leigh to be announced winner of two awards, but to receive Business of the Year was truly a great surprise and overwhelming experience given the quality of businesses in our area. My wife and I give all credit to the wonderful staff at Logan Leigh for these awards.

What do you think has led to the success of your business, especially over the last few years?

Logan Leigh has been established for over thirty years, supplying benchtops and doors to the kitchen industry. Our turning point came three years ago when we recognised a very good opportunity to add Bamboo benchtops to our range. Through the development of a good website, we now have the Bamboo benchtops being supplied to all areas of Australia.

Can you tell us about your work in connection with receiving the awards of Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Innovation ...

Sustainability is easy to talk about, as Bamboo is fast becoming the most eco-sustainable natural fibre the world has known. Its fast growing capabilities from planting to harvesting of five years, place it ahead of comparable products. It’s claimed that an area of Bamboo

54

manning-great lakes focus.

forest has twenty times more environmental benefits than a hardwood forest, because of this fast growing. There are also many other environmental benefits associated with the Bamboo industry. The technology to process the natural Bamboo into a laminated product has only been available in recent years, and the building industry are now demanding these “Green” products.

The innovation aspect has been the interesting and challenging part of the Logan Leigh journey. Two years ago we recognised further opportunities with the laminated Bamboo and started developing a Bamboo structural beam in conjunction with the Engineering Testing Facility at Newcastle University. It became a very costly exercise, but finally in June this year we were given final approval, and span tables are being compiled so we can eventually release these beams to the Australian building market.

Can you tell me about the Bamboo staircase I have seen in your showroom?

One idea seems to lead to another. While we were developing the Bamboo structural beam, the idea came that we could use the beam to be part of a mono stringer or single beam open staircase that are very popular in today’s modern homes. The Bamboo stair treads were easy for us to produce, but we had to face another challenge in that there was no steel bracket available world-wide that would connect our beam to the stair treads. Much development and many prototypes were tried and with the help of a local drawing designer, we came up with a very strong and aesthetically pleasing bracket that has now been patented.

The prototype of our Bamboo staircase as well

as all the Logan Leigh months pass in this process, s Bamboo products and it is very frustrating er ag The man were featured at given that Taree’s f and staf the 2015 HIA employment figures continually r fo s ea home show in id d especially amongst contri bute uct Sydney. We had young people, are the our bamboo prod I d an outstanding worst in the state. I’d development, an te response from the greatly appreciate any greatly apprecia ts public, with our support or ideas from their achievemen five staff members along the way.” anybody, as we have to exhausted after the make decisions on our future four day show. very soon.

What does winning What would you say are the these awards mean for your main characteristics of your business business? and business life?

First and foremost it is recognition Honesty and integrity are the number one for the managers and staff at Logan requirement in everything about business and Leigh for all the hard work they have put in yourself. Our 34 years of trading under one over many years. As the owners, Gay and I very owner is testimony to this. much appreciate them, particularly as we have Flexibility is important when needing to a part-time role. The awards also recognise the diversify as markets change. We’ve had to amazing Bamboo material that I believe will be introduce new products such as the Bamboo a much larger part of our lives over future years. and others over the years. If we were only The credibility for our business that comes out producing what we first were doing, then we of receiving these awards and finally we greatly would not have survived the long term that we appreciate the publicity that follows.

What does the future hold for Logan Leigh? have.

Perseverance. You have to keep going if A very good question, Chrissy. Our vision is you believe in what you are doing. Embrace to establish a viable long term industry here in the opportunity of seeking advice from others Taree based around the Bamboo products we wherever possible. have developed. We have the current Logan Thank you, David, for all of this about Leigh factory in Taree running at full capacity Logan Leigh, and congratulations again for and are applying to both the State and Federal your awards.

Governments via their grant programmes to Thank you Chrissy, and thank you to the build a large factory in Taree to house the new Manning Business Chamber and all of the ventures. We have proposed that we cannot sponsors and organisers who have worked so afford to go this alone, but have offered to hard for the awards night. match any grant dollar for dollar. Many, many

“

focus_business

with Jeremy Thornton from Manning Valley Business Chamber

BUSINESS

JEREMY THORNTON

WHAT A NIGHT! THE MANNING GLOUCESTER GREAT LAKES BUSINESS AWARDS HAVE BEEN RUN AND WON. CONGRATULATIONS TO BAMBOO BY LOGAN LEIGH, WHO WERE NAMED THE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, AND TO LIFE SKILLS FOR KIDS ON BEING RUNNER UP.

T

he evening was a resounding success, with over 180 business people from all corners of MidCoast Council area coming together to celebrate.

All finalists should be very proud of their achievements and continue to strive for higher success next year. We look forward to seeing how Bamboo by Logan Leigh and Debbie Hopper go at the regional level in coming months.

I mentioned at the awards that nights like this show that the business community is united. With Council amalgamations it’s important that our business community work closer and think regionally. Small town parochialism should be extended to our region, as survival is crucial without it. If you are a Taree business and don’t consider extending your network to Forster for example, then you are missing out on major opportunities. When we can do business with the USA and China from the comfort of our own home, the need to work as a region has never been more important. In my own business we support a number of local chambers and groups and have been since starting IA five years ago. This is not just to get our name out there, but a genuine desire to connect and support local business.

At Chamber level we have informally been strong communicators with Forster Tuncurry and Gloucester Chambers for some time, but this now needs to be formalised. Manning Valley Business Chamber has a Memorandum of Understanding with the former GTCC on Economic Development. This has proved to be very fruitful, with our Economic Development Manager bringing a number of investors and opportunities to the table. The funnel is full with ideas and concepts that can potentially

change our region in a very positive way. This now needs to be embraced by MidCoast Council and extended to encompass the whole Local Government Area. Major opportunities exist in agriculture and food production plus training. Then there is the transport and wholesaling that will produce hundreds of jobs for our local community. If we do not extend this to the other Chambers, we sell ourselves short. It does, however, need the support and encouragement of these groups plus the newly formed council.

Economic development and tourism are key to driving our region forward. Cliché, yes. But 100% true. We cannot continue to let industry fall away without a plan to reinvigorate and change the dynamic. Our unemployment rate is nearly double the national average, and only new ideas can stop this and turn it around. Our state and federal members know our position on this, but it now requires a formal commitment from the new council to bed down the long term future of economic development for the good of the community. We look forward to discussions with council and Forster Tuncurry/Gloucester Chambers on progressing this.

Finally, I must congratulate Dr David Gillespie on being returned as member for Lyne. This campaign was a draining one for the candidates, and I first hand saw much of how they handled themselves. Having seen a number of community meetings with the candidates, I was privy to much of their commentary. The feedback was that local issues must be at the forefront of their minds and not three word slogans via Canberra. We trust this will be embraced and championed

by Dr Gillespie over coming years and look forward to working with him once more. manning-great lakes focus.

55

focuseditorial.

M E R C E D E S

B E N Z

E-CLASS TOUTED AS ONE OF THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED VEHICLES TO HIT THE MARKET IN 2016, THE NEW MERCEDES BENZ E-CLASS HAS A REPUTATION TO LIVE UP TO.

nitially available in three variants, one turbo petrol E200 - 2.0 L and the choice of two turbo diesels, the all new E220d - 2.0 L, 4 cylinder and the E350d - 3.0 L V6 unit seen in various other Benz applications.

Today, I am sampling the E200, which forms the basis for the new E-Class range, though, I have to remind myself that I am in the most basic model available in Australia.

Everywhere I touch, and see for that matter, are sumptuous touches and a depth of sophistication that almost have me convinced I am in an S-Class that has been put in the dryer. Which brings me to this. Is it an enlarged C-Class, or a shrunken S-Class? In keeping with the beautifully elegant design mantra Benz has produced over the last few years, there is certainly a family resemblance between all three core saloons on offer from Mercedes. Like a pair of designer shoes, you simply have to choose which size fits best.

Step in to the driver’s seat, and you are greeted with what has to be the largest display screen I have ever seen in a car. Available as an option overseas, the “Widescreen Cockpit” is pleasingly standard on all E-Class models.

It features not one, but two 12.3 inch, high resolution displays, and they aren’t joking. The screens are impeccably crisp and clear. Should I be surprised?

Both screens are configurable to allow the drive to choose different layouts for all the vehicle information, and also infotainment on the other screen.

One thing Benz is renowned for is their safety technology. And the E-Class doesn’t shy away from tradition here either.

Standard features include the Drive Pilot

56

manning-great lakes focus.

I wasn’ t keen to try it myself, sed ha but I ve witnes it it and must say ve ha was seamless . I level of is th en never se vehicle. autonomy in a ars, ge It starts , shifts s and te ra le steers , acce f.” el brakes its

“

system, which is a new generation of semiautonomous driving.

However, if the steering wheel doesn’t detect any connection from the driver, the vehicle will then reduce its speed and warn other motorists that something is amiss by activating the hazard lights. As well as Active Lane Assist, the incredibly intelligent system also has a new Active Lane Change Assist function which, with a tap of the indicator stalk, will perform a passing maneuver autonomously. This system also utilises the plethora of cameras, radar and blind spot information system; in the event you attempt to change lanes, the vehicle will simply wait for passing traffic before performing the task at hand. Clever stuff!

Benz has also future proofed the new E-Class by including cloud based information sharing with other vehicles. This allows the vehicle to interact with other vehicles for situations or events that the driver may not yet be aware of, whether it be a breakdown, a collision, or prevailing weather conditions ahead. This feature is not yet available, but the E-Class is armed and ready.

In addition to all of the other new features, the E-Class also features a remote Park Assist, effectively turning your $100,000 luxury sedan into a remote controlled car, controlled by a smartphone based app. I wasn’t keen to try it myself, but I have witnessed it and must say it was seamless. I have never seen this level of autonomy in a vehicle. It starts, shifts gears, steers, accelerates and brakes itself. Even with

a driver at the wheel reversing out of a parking bay using the rear cross path detection and sensors, in the event the vehicle senses an impact is imminent, it will apply the brakes.

I’m now becoming convinced the vehicle has more smarts (and party tricks) than myself.

With sweaty palms, I take to the road in the E-Class. One thing I notice immediately is how quiet the cabin is, even with the optional panoramic glass roof. The seating is another highlight - well sized and shaped, yet still quite supportive. And this is even before you option the $6,900 Active Comfort Pack - including heated and cooled, active multi-contouring front seats, heated armrest and heated rear seats, or the AMG Line Pack at $6,300, which includes sports seats, among a vast list of sporty touches such as AMG body kit, 20” AMG wheels, AMG brushed alloy pedals, flat bottomed AMG Steering wheel and either AGILITY Control adaptive damping (E200 and E220d) or Mercs AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension (E350d).

There’s no denying that the Benz has been designed with comfort in mind. It is not the sportiest vehicle in its class, nor does it want or try to be. We are talking genuine comfortable cruising, at any speed and on any surface.

This itself presents a stark contrast to a few

of the other game players in this segment.

Some suffer from a harsh ride, in the pursuit of handling prowess or even just to be noticed in the crowd by having larger alloy wheels, lowered suspension and over-styled body kits.

Other manufacturers take it to the other end of the spectrum with spongy suspension and QEII like dynamics. In this writer’s humble opinion, a fine balance of comfort and dynamism has been struck in the new E. This was highlighted in particular on the varied (and somewhat unforgiving) surfaces around the Mid North Coast’s roads and highways.

The E200, with its 135 kW/300 Nm sampled here, is by no means a performance car, but you don’t expect it to be either. The 2.0 L Turbocharged engine is quiet and refined; paired to the Merc’s 9 speed G-TRONIC transmission, its power delivery is smooth and effortless. It never feels like you’re driving a vehicle with a smaller capacity engine, and as I’ve mentioned before, not to mention a base model.

So, is this a large C-Class or a small S-Class?

The answer doesn’t really matter. The E-Class combines all of the modern, understated style and quality of its two siblings, and has packaged that (along with exciting new technology) into an absolutely stunning medium sized prestige sedan.

focus_interview

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

BUSINESS minds

T

H OW I M P O RTA N T I S T H E RO L E O F A P H A R M AC I S T I N O U R L I F E ?

hey are a vital source of information and advice and a trusted partner for your family.

It’s probably a role many may take for granted, but our pharmacists need to be on top of technology and maintain a strong knowledge to effectively serve our community.

Being Men in Business month, we thought we would get inside the mind of one of our local men in health, pharmacist Gavin Hodges of Priceline Pharmacy Forster. Gavin and his team are located within Stockland Shopping Centre and are a crucial part of our local community. Gavin is going to tell us about his story in business and life and what it is that makes the team at Priceline Pharmacy Forster tick.

Gavin, you’ve been working your way up and down the coast and dropped anchor in beautiful Forster. Tell us about the journey?

I grew up on the Gold Coast and went to university in Brisbane but worked in a pharmacy as an assistant from age 16. Having started on the floor, it gave me a great sense of the needs of pharmacy customers and the role we play in the community. After graduating, I went to the U.K. on a two year visa and worked as a locum in some of the bigger hospitals and specialist departments like St John’s Dermatology and the chest clinic at Royal Brompton.

I met Narelle - my now wife - there and on return to Australia, we moved to Sydney, where I worked for Webstercare, running their nursing home department. An opportunity to become a pharmacy managing partner arose at Ballina, which we jumped at and ran for five years. It was a great experience in a great

protect the women we love! Our commitment town, and we learnt some valuable lessons. is to supporting four charity partners to help I came to work for Bob Crane in Forster over the women who are affected by serious Christmas and got talking, as he was looking illness. These charities are Look Good Feel to retire. We struck a deal, and I bought Better, PANDA, Children First and Alzheimer’s Priceline Pharmacy from Bob in July 2011.

Australia. We donate 100% of the proceeds Now here we are! raised via the Priceline Sisterhood directly to In that five-year period you have our nominated charities. Since its inception, implemented some major changes. Tell us we have raised more than two million more about some of the philosophy dollars through the Priceline behind this.

Sisterhood!

Convenience is the factor Wow! What a we have focused on, The Health contribution. It’s a great whether it be extending Tracker is a team you have as well. our trading hours, now th free in store heal ing In fact, quite a big 8am to 6:30pm, or az station! This am team! How do you go making the pharmacy ur yo device checks t with communication easier to navigate ar he , re su blood pres t, and training of such a with wider aisles and gh ei w , ht ig rate , he t fa diverse group? space them out more. dy bo d an I BM We work hard During the shop fit, percentage .” on getting the right we installed a Willach knowledgeable staff in the stockhandling robot, which right places at the right times helped significantly reduce to empower patients about their our script times and enabled us health, wellness and beauty. We have a to spread the roster out, facilitating blend of youth and wisdom and have trained extending trading hours. hairdressers, a beauty therapist, a naturopath They seem like practical things that and great pharmacists who are passionate obviously make the process easier. What about health. Regular staff meetings always about some of the community initiatives have a training component and often guest you run? Tell us about the Priceline speakers. Investment in training and staff Sisterhood Foundation. development is critical.

With many health concerns affecting What is new that Priceline Pharmacy Australian women today, we sisters (and Forster is doing, and are you big on brothers) have to stick together! It all started in 2010, when we conducted Australia’s technology?

Biggest Health Check, a ground breaking We have two great initiatives at Priceline survey in which over 25,000 Australian Pharmacy Forster. Firstly is our Health Tracker. women told us what concerned them most The Health Tracker is a free in store health station! This amazing device checks your about their health. We decided it was high blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, time that someone started giving back to

“

BMI and body fat percentage. All of this is then conveniently emailed to you to track your health. It just takes four minutes to complete, and you can log in to keep an updated diary of your results.

Our other customer care programme is our Sisterclub Health Plus. This programme looks after our customers, especially those who might be time poor, by sending free SMS reminders when your scripts are due, having your scripts ready when you arrive at pharmacy, letting you know when you need to get new prescriptions and also medication reviews by our pharmacist.

You are big community supporters. How important to you is giving back to your local area?

Our customers are the most important thing to us. Every decision we make always comes back to them. Our philosophy is to give back to the community that supports us.

Our business contributes to the success of the local community by helping its members through sponsorships and donations where ever we can. We get letters every week asking for community support, and we do our best to contribute to all of them. This way our customers know that by shopping at Priceline you are also contributing to our local community.

For you, what is the best part about being in business in the Manning-Great Lakes?

Seeing the difference you can make in people’s lives. A lot of people come to the Great Lakes/Manning to retire, and we help with their health and wellbeing so they can enjoy our beautiful area. Being a part of this and seeing the locals enjoying the area is very satisfying.

Thanks Gavin. manning-great lakes focus.

57

focus_realestate.

with Amanda Tate form LJ Hooker

MARKET FEEDBACK CONSIDERING IT’S COLD, DAMP AND THE MIDDLE OF WINTER, OUR REAL ESTATE MARKET IS CHUGGING ALONG NICELY. PROPERTIES THAT ARE LISTED WELL AND MARKETED IN THE RIGHT PRICE RANGE ARE SELLING WITHIN A MONTH ON AVERAGE. OUR PROPERTIES FOR SALE ARE STILL THINNING OUT, SO WHEN NEW PROPERTIES COME TO THE MARKET, THERE IS A FLOOD OF BUYER INQUIRY AND USUALLY SOME QUICK OFFERS.

T

here have been some interesting high end sales in the last couple of months, with a house on the beach at Blueys Beach topping the list for an undisclosed amount, but it would appear over $2,000,000. There have actually been four sales over the magic million, including a four bedroom house overlooking the ocean in Forster for $1,330,000 and a beautiful penthouse in Forster with magnificent ocean views from the expansive windows and wrap around balcony for $1,425,000, featuring three bedrooms, three bathrooms and double garaging. The fourth was a 102 acre property on the Manning River at Mondrook, a beautiful part of the world.

58

manning-great lakes focus.

Great Lakes/Manning Valley, or should I say MidCoast Council area, can cater to all walks of life and all budgets.

Land sales are still proving popular, and it is interesting to note the various prices in the different areas.

Excellent budget buys included $120,000 for a tidy two bedroom unit in Wingham, $171,000 for a two bedroom unit in Forster, a great step into the property market, with the cheapest unit still in Taree at $90,000 for a bedsitter close to the CBD. It is also still possible to purchase a three bedroom brick and tile home for $250,000, with an expected weekly rental return of $330. When you consider the current repayments on an 80% lend ratio could be as low as $213 per week, you can fully understand why investors are still scouting our areas for that perfect positively geared property. If home buyers are on a tight budget, there is always the leisure parks, where a cabin recently sold for as little as $108,000 with just a short stroll to the beach.

$141,000 bought you a 970 m² elevated block in Taree West, $185,000 a 913 m² in Diamond Beach, $143,000 for 524 m² at Old Bar, $68,500 for 717.5 m² at Tallwoods, $157,000 for a level 665 m² at Wallabi Point, $250,000 for 684 m² in Harrington and $270,000 for 816 m² block in Forster. If you like something different, how about your own 55 hectares of rainforest at Elands selling for $150,000 that you can even access with two wheel drive, or 40 acres of timber at Mt George for $67,000?

For the more conservative, $208,500 for a 5.2 acre fully serviced property at Hannam Vale and a large 1,802 m² across the road from the lake at Smiths Lake. Just goes to show that the

Sales have also proved favourable for our lifestyle properties, with a rural 73 acre block at Dyers Crossing with the four bedroom house, the sheds, the cattle yards and all the extras for $850,000, a similar one at Firefly on 167 acres for $900,000, or an up market holiday house at Smiths Lake with views from every room for $820,000. $850,000 also bought a spacious four bedroom home with three bathrooms, three garages on the Manning River in Taree’s north, or if you prefer ocean views, a similar home for $775,000 at Diamond Beach. Proof in itself that as locals we should have confidence in investing in our own backyard.

A lifestyle village for the young at heart

AFFORDABLE LIVING FOR THE OVER 50s ✓ No entry or exit fees ✓ No stamp duty ✓ No council rates or taxes ✓ Shared equity finance available ✓ New & pre-loved houses for sale ✓ Low maintenance homes ✓ Secure living environment ✓ Friendly community ✓ Resort style facilities ✓ Pet friendly

New Display Home Just Listed!

Call Lorraine on 6554 7447 to arrange an inspection today!

Crystal Waters Estate 56

www.crystalwatersestate.com.au 133focus.

South Street, Tuncurry • 02 6554 7447 • info@crystalwatersestate.com.au

manning-great lakes

56

manning-great lakes focus.