Manning-Great Lakes Focus i122 by Focus

Trevor White

April 2017 // issue 122

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

pril … a month chock full of activities and special events. Just to name a few, we celebrate Easter and Youth Week, and we also take the time to remember our brave servicemen and women on ANZAC Day. On the Cover As NSW Youth Week will be held from March 31st to April 9th this year, our cover features one of our well known and extremely talented young sports stars. Millie

Chalker is making a name for herself in bodyboarding, where she often has to compete against the boys in a tough, challenging sport. Millie’s photos were supplied by her dad, photographer extraordinaire Shane Chalker. We’d like to thank the Chalker family for being a part of our publication this month. In this Edition Speaking of talented youth, we also feature football player Xanthe Parsons, who’s been invited to

play with the Newcastle United Emerging Jets Squad. Go Xanthe! Local band Mum Says Rock stop by for a chat - these guys are loads of fun - and Tuncurry based resident Trevor White shares with us what it meant to be recognised by BusNSW as Coach Driver of the Year late last year. Trevor has recently retired - but has future travel plans on his horizon! Business Awards The 2017 Insurance Advisernet MidCoast Business awards are just around the corner. We are once

again so excited and honoured to be involved as not only a sponsor, but as a media partner. The Awards Gala Dinner is at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club on Friday 5th May. To nominate your business or a business you think deserves to be in the running, visit www. midcoastbusinessawards.com.au Tickets for the dinner can also be purchased from the website. Final Say “Age considers. Youth ventures” - Rabindranath Tagore. A Daimler Brand

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COACH DRIVER of the YEAR AFTER 30 YEARS OF DRIVING COACHES, TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA AND BEING HONOURED WITH BUSNSW’S COACH DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD LATE LAST YEAR, TUNCURRY RESIDENT TREVOR WHITE RECENTLY DECIDED TO RETIRE. AND HIS FUTURE PLANS? NO TAKING IT EASY FOR TREVOR … HE PLANS TO GET BACK OUT AND DO SOME MORE TRAVELLING. IN A 4WD THIS TIME!

i Trevor. How long have you been a Tuncurry resident? I’ve been in Tuncurry since 1974. I moved down from Kempsey - I was actually born in Smithtown. Where did your career as a coach driver begin? I’ve been driving coaches for 30 years. I’m a motor mechanic by trade, but when I started to have trouble with my back, I switched to coach driving. My wife (Therese) and I bought our own coach and started to offer day trips to places like the Barrington Tops, Ellenborough Falls and other local areas. We ran these trips for around three years, and then our clientele asked why we didn’t offer trips that travelled further afield … So we began to offer camping tours - travelling to places like the Warrumbungles. Our business grew to the point where we were offering 75 day trips around Australia. We owned our coach business for 17 years, but we found it harder to keep up with demand as we grew older. We sold our business and vehicle and went to work for other companies. We spent four years working in the Kimberley - we looked after a base camp in the Bungle Bungles, and then we moved back home and began working for All Australian Journeys. Back in those days, they were known as Northern Highland Travel, before they changed their name. I was with All Australian Journeys for nine

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years. What have you most enjoyed about being a coach driver for the past 30 years? The comradeship with the passengers has been the best part, and being able to take people out to the Australian outback, so they can see the scenery first hand. You’ve no doubt covered quite a lot of territory with your travels in 30 years of driving. What are some of your favourite parts of the country? Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland, and I love the desert areas and the Kimberley. The Kimberley in particular is a really special area; I’ve done a lot of work around there. Australia in general, really - I love it, but those spots would be some of my top picks. What’s a funny story you can share about your driving days? When we ran our own coach business, we used to do a lot of work with universities and students. For example - we’d take fine arts students out to the Broken Hill area. We had a week’s camp at Mutawintji National Park, and on one cold night in July, we were all sitting around the campfire when a student - she was probably around 20 years old - stood up and sung out, “Trevor! What can we do about this smoke! It’s always getting in my eyes!” I said, “Easy, we’ll just get some smokeless wood next time!” She sat down, quite happy with that (while others around the fire had a little giggle to themselves). The next day, when we were collecting some firewood from neighbouring properties, she came up and asked which

The award was presented in er Sydney in O ctob dn’t ul co I t bu , ar last ye to it e ak m ly al actu ately Sydney, unfortun oree M in ed nd I was stra use of at the time, beca the floods! ”

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pieces were the smokeless wood, so she wouldn’t collect the wrong pieces! You were named BusNSW Coach Driver of the Year for your role with All Australian Journeys late last year. Congratulations! How did it feel to be acknowledged in this way? I was very flattered. I’ve since retired from coach driving, and to receive this award just prior to retirement really makes me feel the journey was well worth it. The award was presented in Sydney in October last year, but I couldn’t actually make it to Sydney, unfortunately - I was stranded in Moree at the time, because of the floods! The Manager at All Australian Journeys went down and accepted on my behalf and attended the presentation and luncheon. Two of the criteria you were recognised for in receiving this award were your customer service ability, and your knowledge of Australia. What did you most like about working with other people - and how much research was involved in your trips before you travelled? I think you just need to take people as they come. People can be difficult sometimes, but you also find there are people who are just genuinely interested in travelling and learning. I learnt a lot from people … and I like to speak to “locals”. When we were in

the Kimberley, I’d speak to lots of residents - including the local Aboriginal residents, and I received so much information I could pass on and share with others. I also learnt a lot from books. Therese did lots of

research for me too, so I can’t take all the credit for that! This really helped with planning and itineraries. Now that you’ve recently retired, what are your future plans … more travel? Yes! In the last couple of years we’ve bought a 4WD vehicle, and we’ve set it up to suit ourselves. We plan to venture back out and have a good look at Australia. Previously we’ve always looked after passengers, and of course their comfort was always first and foremost, so we never had much chance to explore and see all of the areas we visited. We were often busy with things like cleaning the coach, or shopping. Now, we’re going to take the time to have a proper look! Where will you go visit first? Ha ha! Australia! Well, we’d like to go out and visit the desert again, while we still can … but in general we just want to explore as much of Australia as we can. We might eventually buy a caravan and explore more of the coastal regions too. Thanks Trevor - enjoy retirement!

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THEY’RE LOUD, THEY’RE FRIENDLY, AND THEY’RE AWFULLY FUNNY TO BOOT … MUM SAYS ROCK IS A LOCAL BAND THAT AIMS TO GET PEOPLE “OFF THEIR BUMS” AND ON TO

THE DANCE FLOOR. DON’T MISS THEM AT THEIR NEXT GIG AT THE MANNING RIVER HOTEL …

hear there's a funny story behind how you all decided to get together and form as a band. Tell us about this ... According to our biography, the story goes ...”Once upon a time there were some old jeans, a black shirt, some guitars and amplifiers, a drum kit and a carton of beer. They thought it would be a good idea to call some mates and have a party. Lee, Craig and Matt were the first ones to turn up. “After a few games of Twister, Lee struck up a conversation with the black T-shirt and the left-handed guitar and soon was exchanging phone numbers. “Meanwhile, Craig got in a heated argument with a mean looking Bass Guitar about the song playing on the jukebox (it was 500 Miles by the Proclaimers). The Bass was getting a bit punchy, so Craig slapped it. From that moment on, they became the best of friends. “Matt and the pair of jeans were getting real close, until Matt got a text message and disappeared. The next morning they found out he’d been banging the drums. “They all met up a few weeks later at the local pub. “Everyone decided that it was one hell of a party and swore that they would re-create it every weekend until the end of time. “They named this party ‘Mum Says Rock’, and all gave the rock salute. “There are on-going investigations into the disappearance of the beer.” Matt: I’m not sure where that story came from? If it did happen, it must’ve been a good party, because I can’t remember it. I do have a hazy recollection of waking up next to those drums though. Craig: I still hate playing 500 Miles. Lee, please never ask me to play that song again. If that

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story is true, we’ve really got to find out what goes over well. happened to that beer. Craig: I love playing anything with an interLee: Yeah, that story mysteriously turned up esting bass line, but yep, I agree with the other on our Facebook page many moons ago. Seems guys; the high-energy songs are the ones that legit though. I agree with Craig; something bring the band alive. needs to be done about that beer. Lee: I thought you liked playing 500 Miles, One would surmise from your band's name Craig? that you love rock music. Would this be far Craig: Shut up Lee. off the mark? Bands always have funny stories to share Lee: You have incredible powers of percepyou guys more than most, I suspect! What tion! (Laughs). It was actually a conscious deciare some of the strangest or most random sion to name the band with “Rock” in the title things that have ever happened while … Pretty much so we don’t have to repeatedly you've all been up on stage together? answer drunken questions of, “What kinda of Lee: Hmmm, we played at a wedding once music do youse play!” I just point at the and during the speeches, the father banner now and walk away. of the bride called the groom a Craig: It also helps the (unmentionable) and stormed venues that book us know out. We were on stage secEveryone what type of band they’re onds away from playing decided that getting. Nothing worse the wedding dance song. it was one hell of than getting booked for It was quite awkward, to e a party and swor a gig, only to turn up to say the least. Weddings that they would a crowd expecting polka are usually the weirdest y er re-create it ev tunes all night. gigs. e th til un weekend Lee: Yeah, I hate that. Craig: Agree! At end of time.” Maybe we can expand our another wedding we had repertoire? Mum Says Polka? gone past our allocated finMatt: We actually do a ish time, and the father of the stripped back really quiet acoustic bride started giving us $100 bills set under the name of “Mum Says Shhfor each additional song we played. hh.” Keep an eye out for it. Matt: Yeah … wait, what? I don’t rememHa ha! What are your favourite songs to ber that! play - and why? Lee: Shhh Craig! Umm ... yeah, Matt. I might Lee: Pretty much anything that’s loud and owe you some money ... gets people up off their bums. I’d have to say What do you most love about performing anything by Foo-Fighters, but I love the ‘80s stuff together as a group? Lee: It’s about good mates getting together we play too. As long as both the crowd and we doing what we love, and having other people are having a good time, it’s all good. join in the fun! It’s the equivalent of playing a Matt: Yeah, I love playing the Fooeys stuff round of golf with your mates, cracking lots of too - anything that’s high energy. Stuff with a “your mum” jokes, having a bunch of happy rockabilly feel too like The Living End always

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people follow you around the golf course cheering and dancing when you take a shot and then getting handed money when you get back to the clubhouse for a few beers. It’s pretty good. Craig: We’ve been together doing this for over 10 years now. Mum Says Rock is like a pair of comfortable old slippers. Matt: Old and smelly? Lee: Particularly smelly. Especially on road trips. Matt, I think you need to see a doctor. What do you all like to do other than play music - in your “spare time”? Matt: I love spending as much time as I can with my family. I have three kids under five that keep me busy, but I’m loving being a dad! I’m also currently restoring a 1971 Valiant Charger with my dad, which is an ongoing project. Craig: We all have families and day jobs, so “spare time” is hard to come by, but spending it with family for sure. I’m into cars too. I have a 1962 Studebaker Lark I try to spend time on, keeping it in good condition. Lee: I also have two awesome teenage boys who keep life interesting. My car is a Nissan Tiida. Craig and Matt: (Laugh). Where are your upcoming gigs? Lee: Our next gig is at our old stomping ground, The Manning River Hotel on the 6th May from 8:30pm. It’s the weekend before Mother’s Day, so everyone should bring their mums out for a night on the town! Where can we find out more info about the band? Search “Mum Says Rock” on Facebook, or email us at msrentertainment@gmail.com for any booking enquiries. Mum Says Rock is Lee Murray - Guitar/Lead Vocals, Craig Thompson - Bass/Vocals and Matt Bevitt - Drums. Thanks guys - you’ve been a lot of fun!

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Xanthe

Parsons

i Xanthe. Whereabouts in the Manning area do you call home? Last year my family bought a house in Cundletown. It’s great; there’s a reserve nearby that is perfect for practicing football when I am at home. Before living there, we lived at Moorland for nine years. Tell us a bit about yourself, your family and school life ... I am the third of four children for my parents, John and Rebecca. My siblings are Tyler, Jack and Azariah. I was born in Mudgee in 2004, before Mum and Dad decided to move back to the coast in 2006, where we had a 70-acre property and plenty of room to learn how to play football with my siblings. I attended Moorland Public School and was elected school captain in 2016, which helped me a lot with public speaking. I currently attend Camden Haven High School with my two brothers and have just been selected to play in both the Junior Futsal and Football teams as goalkeeper. How/when did you become interested in football? My family has a huge passion for football. Both my parents used to play, and my older brothers do as well. My mum has been a coach with the Moorland Soccer Club since 2008, so once I turned five and started at school, I was registered to play as well. I have always played two years up, so I could play in the same team as Jack; it was easier for Mum and Dad. It wasn’t until I was about eight that I realised I really enjoyed

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Cundletown local Xanthe Parsons dreams of one day playing for the Australian Matildas, and she’s off to a flying start! This extremely hardworking young goalkeeper has notched up some impressive football achievements already, and has been asked to play with the Newcastle United Emerging Jets Squad … playing goalkeeper. I haven’t played out on the field for two You've played the position of goalie for years, but previously I have played as midFootball Mid North Coast's representafield or in the backs. tive side for three years now. How much You've notched up some incredible pressure is it playing at this level - and sporting awards. What acknowledgehow do you cope on match days, with ments are you most proud of (and why)? everything happening on the field? My FMNC South U12s Metro team nomiI have been very lucky during my time with nated me “Player’s Player” in 2016. We had FMNC. I had two fantastic coaches, Troy a long demanding season, and the whole Modderno and Michael Grass, who have team tried hard. I was pretty honoured that been very encouraging and supthey thought I was a good role portive throughout this time. model. Troy has taught me how I was also selected to to remain calm under play in the Under 12 ng vi I enjoy sa g in be pressure and to relax Girls state team, where d an go als is t ha with the ball, whether we played in Coffs w e able to se the ng ri du g it is at my feet or in Harbour over four in en happ line na re ad he my hands. He not only days in September e.T m ga ving believed in me, and 2016. After playing at rush I get from ha ds ar w to e m co what I can achieve, but the ball the tournament, the me is exciting.” he also encouraged me Emerging Jets invited to have confidence in me to start training with myself as well. Michael has them on a regular basis, encouraged me to talk louder and then I received an email to my team during the game and in January asking me to join the to come out of my box into the field of Under 13 Girls team full-time. play. Playing goalkeeper feels natural for You mentioned you’ve been asked to join the Newcastle United Emerging Jets me now. Squad - such an honour!What does this What do you most like about being a involve for you and your family ... I'm goalkeeper? Do you play other positions assuming a lot of travel? as well? Yes, a lot of travelling and a lot of training. I enjoy saving goals and being able to see My family, especially my siblings, have had what is happening during the game. Being to sacrifice a lot for me to have this opporthe last defender means I have the added tunity. Mum and Dad don’t have much time pressure to not let the ball past me (except for anything else, because of how full on my for when this is a one on one situation). The schedule is. adrenaline rush I get from having the ball We have a very strict routine that we have come towards me is exciting.

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to stick to, which includes goalkeeper and team training sessions every Friday night, along with alternate sessions of Intensive Goalkeeper on Tuesday and team training on a Wednesday, all at Speers Point. I’m fortunate that FMNC have agreed to allow me to do two training sessions with them on a Monday and Thursday night each week. Then I have game days, which are alternate Sundays in Sydney or Newcastle. What are your future dreams and goals (pardon the pun!)? My ultimate dream is to play for the Australian Matildas. How can FOCUS readers help you achieve your dreams, or follow your football career? For me to be able to have this opportunity, my family has had to make a lot of financial sacrifices, but I still need help from my local community. All funds raised will be used to help cover my goalkeeping gear (gloves, boots and goalkeeper pants; I go through several sets of these each year), registrations for all special representative tournaments (State and National Championships) and to help with travel costs to get to training and games. They can donate through my GoFundMe page www.gofundme.com/xanthe-parsons-rising-football-star They can also follow my journey on Facebook @ xantheparsonsofficial Any contribution would be greatly appreciated, and I would be ever so grateful for the support from FOCUS readers in helping me achieve my dreams. Thanks Xanthe.

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Discover treasures of our beautiful region on the Great Lakes Food Trail - 15th and 16th April. Megan from Garden to Table Permaculture and one of the organisers behind the concept chats to FOCUS about what's in store … e are excited to chat to you about the Great Lakes Food Trail. What inspired the idea? It was inspired by a group of local ethical producers to connect producers with the community, with support from the Great Lakes Council and Karuah and Great Lakes Landcare. Why do you think "Paddock to Plate" is so important? In the modern era of supermarket convenience, it is easy to become disconnected from how our food is produced and sourced. It is important for the community to be able to eat fresh, chemical free produce with low food miles to support good health and the local economy. The food trail provides an opportunity for people to meet with producers to gain an understanding of where their food comes from. Will this be a guided tour, or are participants free to guide themselves? It’s a self-drive tour with both guided tours and open farms/gardens, cafés and wineries, where people can explore and get close up to animals, meet producers and of course, taste the region's produce. Will there be costs incurred? There will be a mix of free and ticketed events. The ticketed tours and tastings include an Edible Garden tour at Garden to Table Permaculture, Pacific Palms; The Edible Acre Farm Tour at Limestone Permaculture, Stroud; Burraduc Buffalo Dairy and Artisan Farm, Bungwahl; and The Farm From Beyond at Wootton. Bookings are essential, and all details can be found on The Great Lakes Food Trail Facebook page. Are participants able to purchase goods from the farm gates and cellar doors? 10 manning-great lakes focus.

Yes, visitors will be able to purchase organic eggs, free range pork, merino wool, wine and cakes. Taste local Water Buffalo milk and mouth-watering mozzarella and enjoy locally sourced and produced gourmet meals at the cafés on the trail. The kids will love hand feeding lambs and chickens, collecting eggs and picking fruit. Taste the region’s artisan cheeses, honey, seasonal fruits, sourdough, oysters and wines. Learn about the principles of permaculture gardening and ethical farming, straight from the producers themselves. Tell us about the wonderful farms and producers taking part in the Great Lakes Food Trail. What do they have on offer? FEATURED FARMS … In Bungwahl, visitors can see Burraduc Farm, with a Water Buffalo Dairy producing fresh milk and artisan cheeses using traditional methods. Just around the corner you can visit Topi Open Range Farm, where visitors will be able to feed the pasture-raised chickens and purchase organic eggs. Free Range Pork from Hidden Valley, cakes and desserts from Nadine, the Cake Queen, and fresh handcrafted bread from the Palms Sourdough will also be on sale at Topi Open Range Farm. Lucy Land Merino Farm at Bulahdelah is where visitors can feed the chickens and sheep and buy Merino lambs wool, meat, and eggs. Visit the alpacas and purchase balls of alpaca wool and raw fleeces at Surilox Alpaca Farm at Coolongolook. CAFÉS … The Brush Turkey Café at Wootton is open for morning and afternoon tea and lunch, featuring local artwork. The Kingfisher Café at Bluey’s Beach will offer diners a specials menu with local produce featured, as well as their à la carte menu. EDIBLE GARDEN & FARM TOURS …

It is important for the able community to be al ic em ch h, to eat fres low ith w e uc od free pr ort pp food miles to su e th d an good health ” local economy.

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THROG: The Farm From Beyond at Wootton are offering an unusual fruits tour, including tastings. Enjoy an Edible Acre Farm Tour at Limestone Permaculture, showing practical examples of organic market garden, farmgate produce, poultry and goat breeding. Garden to Table Permaculture at Pacific Palms are offering a Trio of Dips Platter and Edible Garden Tour showcasing an organic vegetable garden, food forest and the outside of a sustainable Rammed Earth home. WINERIES … Wine lovers can stop in at The Old Inn Road Vineyard at Bulahdelah to sample some local wine, olives and cheese. Visit Alderley Creek and Gap Hill Wines at Stroud. Savour a glass of local wine with a delicious grazing board and taste some local oysters in the back paddock at Great Lakes Paddocks, Wootton. (All producers are open on Saturday and Sunday, unless otherwise marked) BULAHDELAH Lucy Land Merino Farm, Bulahdelah - 9:30am - 5pm. Old Inn Road Winery, Bulahdelah - 10am 5pm. WOOTTON Brush Turkey Café, Wootton - 10am to 3pm; Saturday only. Great Lakes Paddocks, Wootton - 10am to 4pm. Elkins Oysters, at Great Lakes Paddocks 1pm to 4pm; Saturday only. THROG: The Farm from Beyond, Wootton. Tours at 10am and 2pm. $10 per head or $30 per family. Wootton Guest House - located in the heart

of the Food Trail and featuring local produce on the menu. BUNGWAHL Burraduc Buffalo Dairy and Artisan Cheese, Bungwahl. Tours 10am, noon and 2pm. $10 per head or $30 per family. Topi Open Range Farm, Bungwahl - 9:30am to 4pm. Nadine, The Cake Queen, at Topi Open Range. The Palms Sourdough and Coffee at Topi Open Range. Hidden Valley Free Range at Topi Open Range. PACIFIC PALMS Garden to Table Permaculture, Charlotte Bay. Edible Garden Tour and trio of dips platter. 10am and 2pm. $20 adults, $5 children or $40 family. The Kingfisher Café, Blueys Beach - local produce featured on the specials menu. STROUD Alderley Creek Wines, Stroud - 10am to 4pm. Stroud Pop Up Market at Alderley Creek Wines, Stroud;10am to 2pm Sunday only. Limestone Permaculture, Stroud. Farm Tours 9am and 1pm; Saturday only. $20 adults, children under 10 free. Mill Creek Winery, Stroud -10am to 4pm. Gap Hill Wines, Stroud - 10am to 4pm. How can our readers find out more? For more information, visit The Great Lakes Food Trail Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thegreatlakesfoodtrailnsw or check out the April events page at www.greatlakes.org.au or call Sue Wiliams on 0438 433 063. Thanks Megan.

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Raw

EDGE P H O T O G R A P H Y

KIAN BATES’ PASSION FOR THE OCEAN IS EVIDENT IN EVERY SHOT HE CAPTURES ... DESCRIBING HISMELF AS AN OCEAN AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER, HIS SPECIALITY IS WAVE ART. SEE THE WAVES AS YOU’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED THEM BEFORE - THROUGH KIAN’S EYES ...

i Kian. Where/when before daybreak, hoping to capture the ever did your interest in changing light during the sunrise. photography begin? I am constantly watching the changing My first waterproof condition of swells, winds and sandbanks camera was given to me by in order to know the best conditions to my mother back in 1998. photograph. Learning from mistakes, I’m always I was finishing my final year of high school and looking for new angles to capture waves from had wanted one for a few years, so it was a above and below the surface to show my great surprise. interpretations of ocean art. I have been surfing most of my life and always Before entering the water, I generally know wanted to capture and document our surf trips what images and compositions I want to up and down the East Coast of Australia and capture. overseas. With huge support from my wife, Ashley, The problem back then was being Iimited to family, friends, clients and sponsors, I have been 24 photos in the water, paying and waiting to able to turn my hobby into a part-time job doing have the roll of film developed. The chances of what I love. getting a good shot were slim. What type of photographer would you call When digital cameras were released, yourself, and what do you specialise in? I developed more of a passion I would describe myself as an ocean for ocean and landscape and landscape photographer. photography as the Wave art would be my equipment became more speciality. es av No two w advanced and less I capture images of e th k ea ever br er w limited in the number waves that most people po w ra e same. Th e th of photos you could may never have seen of gy er and en and ue iq capture. or known existed. One un is n ea oc excited With the equipment example of this is my always gets me oduce I use today, I can take underwater vortex images. to capture and pr t.” up to 500 plus photos new forms of ar No two waves ever break in a four hour session and the same. The raw power view them while floating in and energy of the ocean is the ocean. unique and always gets me excited How did you get to where you to capture and produce new forms of are today? art. I am a self taught ocean photographer, We live in one of the best places in the world, and over the last four years I have spent with dramatic coastlines, amazing beaches, countless hours in the ocean experimenting with lakes, national parks and crystal clear water. an array of lenses in all conditions. These are just some of the reasons why I really While most people are sleeping in on icy cold enjoy photographing this region. winter mornings, I am usually putting on a damp My hobby has developed into a profession, wetsuit to swim out and photograph waves with a successful gallery and online store selling

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“ images worldwide. What’s been the most exciting shoot you’ve been a part of? This is a difficult question, as my photography has taken me to some amazing places. My encounter with a Great White Shark was exciting and had the adrenalin levels high. I was offshore fishing with a friend and due to the water being dirty, I decided not to go spearfishing. We were line fishing for about five minutes, when I noticed the Great White off the back of my boat. I grabbed my waterproof camera gear and leant over the side of boat to capture photos of this majestic animal. I have a huge respect for the ocean and marine life within. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome on a shoot? This would have to be when taking photos of waves at night. The camera and flash in the waterproof housings would weigh around 4 - 5 kg. To get great results, you have to pre-set your focus and zoom length, as well as change camera and flash settings constantly, all while swimming in darkness. Timing is also crucial, as you only get a few shots before the flash overheats and has to cool

down before taking any more images. When the flash reflects off the white water of a wave, it can over expose the white areas very easily. It was probably 18 months of trial and error before I was happy with any of my results, and even now they are few and far between. Where are some of the most amazing places you have shot? The South, East and West Coast of Australia, Sri Lanka, South America, Samoa, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Tonga. In September this year I will be returning to Tonga, instructing photography tours focusing on swimming with and photographing the Humpback Whales. Humpback Whales migrate to Tonga for three months annually to give birth, mate and rest before their great journey back to Antarctica. This ensures amazing encounters snorkelling up close and personal with these beautiful and inquisitive mammals. If anyone is interested in joining me to advance your photography and post processing skills, there are a few more spots available. All levels of photographers are welcome to join me for the experience of a lifetime. For more

information about this trip, contact myself or Quest Tours. What areas/locations do you cover with your photography services? I mainly cover the Great Lakes region. Generally when travelling, I take my camera gear, which usually results in some surprising images. However, contract work has taken me to The Cook Islands, Tonga and around the Australian coastline. I have done shoots for surf magazines, tourism companies, private contracts and holiday houses. I have sold many of my images in Australia and overseas to private collectors and businesses. Why do you think landscape and scenic photography is so popular? Images of nature are soothing for the eyes,

as well as reminding us of the sense of freedom in the outdoors. My images remind people of memorable experiences and locations they visited when on holiday. Where can we find out more about you, or see samples of your work? I have a gallery at Boomerang Beach, with my images printed on all media ranging from canvas, framed prints, aluminium and acrylic to yoga mats and surfboards. You will also find me down at the Pacific Palms markets during the holiday periods. All of our products are made here in Australia, with the highest quality materials available. My website and online store is www.rawedgephotography.com.au Thanks Kian. manning-great lakes focus.

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EASTER POWER BOATS SPECTACULAR

KING OF THE KRATER This fantastic annual event is run by young people for young people as part of the state wide Youth Week celebrations. Scooter/skate/BMX competition for U12s/U17s/Opens. Competition will be from 10am - 4pm. Registration open from 8:30am. Entry is a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Registration forms available at Homebase Tuncurry or on the day between 8:30am - 10am at the Tuncurry Skatepark. When Sat 8 Apr; 10am 4pm. Where Tuncurry Skate Park, Point Road.

to10 MANNING VALLEY QUILT EXHIBITION Where Taree Craft Cottage, Cnr. High and Pulteney Streets, Taree. When April 8th, 9th and 10th. Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 10am - 4pm, Mon 10am - 3pm. Cost $3.00. Raffle Win a beautiful quilt. Proceeds towards establishing an Orange Sky Laundry Van for the homeless. Enquiries to Kerry Wakely: 6556 0265. 14 manning-great lakes focus.

UNDO & RENEW SUP WORKSHOP

Expresso Workshop - Stand Up Paddle Board and SUP Yoga Workshop. Includes Equipment Hire, Stand Up Paddle Boarding Basics Workshop + Intro SUP Yoga session + Coffee +TPL Goody Bag. Minimum Numbers 7 / Maximum 14 per workshop. A second workshop can be added should there be enough interest. When Sun 9 Apr; 7am - 9am. More info www. travelplaylive.com.au/play/ Location Forster-Tuncurry - specific venue TBA depending on conditions. Cost $75. Age: 16 and up. (Younger participants are welcome, but must be accompanied by a supervising adult.)

Every year, the town of Taree on the Manning River plays host to the Easter Powerboat Spectacular. The event attracts both local and international drivers, with some of the best racing on offer, right on the banks of the picturesque Manning River. Starting on Good Friday, the event runs until Easter Monday, with great viewing along the foreshore of Taree from Fotheringham Park to Endeavour Place. When Fri 14 - Sun 16 Aprril. Where River St, Taree. Contact 0412 605 953.

TOGETHER DAY (TAREE) Together!Day is a free event that celebrates community and inclusivity and aims to bring everyone together for a fun-filled day. Kicking off at 10am and running through to 1pm, everyone is invited to come along and enjoy a free BBQ lunch, face painting, live entertainment, arts and craft activities, giveaways, and there will also be lots of information about the support Ageing and Disability Services can offer! When Tue 11 April; 10am - 2pm. Where River St, Taree. Website www.midcoast. nsw.gov.au/TogetherDay Phone 1300 658 830.

WOLFMOTHER “Gypsy Caravan” tour + special guests Davey Lane and Immigrant Union.When Wednesday 3rd May at 8pm. Tickets PRESALE $35 | ON THE DAY $40 | General Admission | 18+ yrs. More info www.clubforster.com.au

Matters. Matters. [ wit h A la n T ickle ] [ wit h A la n T ickle ] Investment Philosophy Financial Coaching and Facilitating There are many fund managers or superannuation My son Jonathon, who is my fellow director of funds that might label their investment mix busy Your Heritage Financial has been Financial Coaching andPlanning, Facilitating amongst a variety of descriptions such as of late and director couples of in the My son assisting Jonathon,young who families is my fellow conservative, secure, defensive, moderate, Mid Coast andcapital Newcastle - Hunter secure Your Heritage Financial Planning, hasarea been busy balanced, diversified, growth high growth. and protect their financial andorand family wellbeing. of late assisting young families couples in the Generally, the labels reflect the relative proportion Mid Coast and Newcastle Hunter area secure The role of financial planner extends to being growth to the more assets and protectassets their financial anddefensive family wellbeing. aoffacilitator and with couples who both work, such as cash and fixed interest. finding time to organise financialtomatters The role the of financial planner extends being and For example, a conservative orwho defensive fund home and loans cancouples be a stressful experience. aeven facilitator with both work, might have around 80% of their assets invested finding the time to organise financial matters The following are activities Jonathon has beenandin cash home andwith fixed whereas, growth even loans can be a names stressfulahave experience. involved ofinterest; late. The beenor high growth fund might have the complete opposite, changed obviously, but circumstances are real, The following are activities Jonathon has been where 80% of the assets are spread amongst which young families cannames relate to: involved with of late. The have been Australian shares, listed or direct property and changed obviously, butwork circumstances are real, Sandy and John both and have great international shares. which young families can relate to: difficulty getting time during work hours to seek An adviser should help a client determine their financial Theywork wanted purchase Sandy andadvice. John both andtohave great a objectives when discussing and agreeing on house, but needed help in obtaining a loan and a difficulty getting time during work hours to seek the proportion that is invested in growth or total review of their They financial advice. Theyfinancial wanted situation. to purchase a had conservative assets. saved enough for ahelp deposit but had not sought house, but needed in obtaining a loan and a Fundreview Manager Labels andnor Variances in pre-qualification forfinancial a loan, had any ideahad on total of their situation. They Returns how much they spendbut onhad a home. saved enough forcould a deposit not sought pre-qualification for aafter loan, nor had any idea on There can saw be significant variances returns Jonathon them hours in in their home and how much they could spend on a home. between managers, even though be completed details needed to referthey to a might mortgage labelledwho the broker, informed them justinhow Jonathon sawsame. them after hours theirmuch homethey and could borrow, as well as costs associated. completed details needed tothat refer mortgage It is the allocation to assets is to thea major influence on returns. broker, who informed them just how much they The loan was arranged to purchase their first could borrow, as well as costs associated. home at an interest rate way thananwhat For example, a balanced fundlower that had

ratio.had no Wills in place and while it is often a They The lower ratio, then higher subject putthat to the back of the one’s mind,the it really is value. They had no Wills in make place and it is often a aperceived responsible act to sure while that there is some subject put to the back of one’s mind, it really is estate planning strategy, which can even include To put that in perspective and compare it to a aprovisioning responsiblerental act future toproperty, make sure there is some for children. commercial if athat tenant is paying estate planning strategy, which can even include more rentco-ordinated for a similar asset, it logically Jonathon this aspect with produces a solicitor. provisioning forand future more income, thatchildren. is a determinant in valuing The clients felt secure in the knowledge that their that property. Jonathon co-ordinated with against a solicitor. new house and family this wereaspect protected To compare this analogy further, owning a parcel The clientsfinancial felt secure in the knowledge that their potential catastrophe such as sickness, of shares either locally of overseas, or investing new houseor and family were protected against disability death or permanent disability. in a fundfinancial that manages such asuch portfolio, enables potential as sickness, Because John wascatastrophe very active in sport, there was part ownership ofor many businesses which are disability or death permanent disability. cover included to provide extra benefits in the motivated to produce a profit. Because wasaccidental very activeinjury. in sport, there was event ofJohn specific That profit is either returned to benefits investors as a cover included to provide extra They had a clear budget, so that home in the dividend, or retained for future capital acquisitions event of specific accidental injury. maintenance, rates and insurance were all or expansion. They hadeach a clear thatWills homeand Powers covered paybudget, day andsotheir That leads to the categorising of companies to maintenance, andheld insurance were all with of Attorney allrates neatly in a safe packet being in a growth phase, where there is the covered each pay day and their Wills and Powers their solicitor. likelihood of expansion and higher expected of Attorney all neatly held in awith safeno packet with This assistance all took place interruption longer term earnings, versus a mature company their solicitor. to their work hours. that is paying solid dividends. This assistance alltotook placethat withtheir no interruption They mention parents Fund happened managers that have a growth bias tend to theirconcerned work hours. were about retirement and of concern to identify companies that have a potential to They happened to mention that their parents was that their grandparents were facing aged expand and produce a growing profit. were care. concerned about retirement and of concern While a manager who exhibits a value style may was that their werewhole facing aged in a Jonathon wasgrandparents able to assist underperform a growth stylethe manager family in a bull care. diverse of needs generations, or risingrange market, it tendsacross to notfour suffer the same Jonathon able assist family in a including the future children of whole John and degree ofwas price fallto that canthe occur when aSandy. market diverse range of needs across four generations, gets overheated and corrects its pricing. Centrelink including thebemusing future children John and ItUnderstanding has been toenable hearofmedia comments this will investors toSandy.

extra 10% allocated toto listed property, the clients had researched. The loan was arranged purchase theirand first international shares and smaller companies home at an interest rate way lower than what As part of Jonathon’s role, he also reviewedlast their year, might have produced a 3%risks. better return the clients had researched. Centrelink and shock this week fund regarding changes to accept thatjust their chosen or superannuation financial situation and personal compared to a fund that this year had moretheir in the Itasset has been bemusing to hear media comments test limits for Centrelink. manager might be a leading performer one year, As part of Jonathon’s role, he also reviewed He found their insurance cover very basic, blue chipsituation end of the Australian share market. and shock just this week regarding changes to but fall behind another fund the following financial and personal risks. This information has been out now for wellyear, over which would have left them vulnerable due to asset test limits for Centrelink. then be at the top the next. Fund managers may also have a difference in 12 months. It is certainly not new information underinsurance that reduced as they got He found their insurance coverfurther very basic, style, where one may have avulnerable philosophydue of was value It really back agreeing from the This information has been out now for well over and thiscomes column hasto addressed the issue astart older. He found that superannuation which would have lefttheir them to and another a growth bias. what your and priorities are 12 months. It is certainly not new information number of investment times. Last objectives month’s column in in a default fund that really did not address underinsurance that reduced further as they their got andthis notcolumn comparing performance of another A fund manager thattheir has superannuation a value style will was and has the addressed the issue a particular dealt with this. longer term goals. older. He found that fund that a different set ofcolumn objectives consider thefund pricethat of an asset the income number of has times. Last month’s in or in a default really didversus not address their This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice philosophy. it produces. This isand described as price to earnings from a Financial Taxation Adviser to ensure the appropriateness to individual circumstances. Alan Tickle and Your Heritage particular dealt with this. longer term Planner goals. Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.

Thisinformation informationand andadvice adviceisisofofaageneral generalnature natureonly onlyand andno noreliance relianceshould shouldbe beplaced placedon onthe theinformation informationbefore beforeseeking seekingindividual individualadvice advice This fromaaFinancial FinancialPlanner Plannerand andTaxation TaxationAdviser Advisertotoensure ensurethe theappropriateness appropriatenesstotoindividual individualcircumstances. circumstances.Alan AlanTickle Tickleand andYour YourHeritage Heritage from FinancialPlanning Planningare areboth bothauthorised authorisedrepresentatives representativesofofSecuritor SecuritorFinancial FinancialGroup GroupAFSL AFSL240687 240687ABN ABN48009189495. 48009189495. Financial

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G r e at L a k e s

Swimathon International

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NORTHERN NSW HELD THEIR FIRST INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON ON MARCH 8TH, WITH THEIR EVENT PARTNER CLUB TAREE.

20 people attended Club Taree to hear three inspiring speakers - Tracey Webster from Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, Kim Elliott from NBN’s The Block and Jennifer Wendtman from 360 Connections. These talented and engaging women shared their experiences and knowledge on setting and achieving goals, balancing the pressures of life and work and the importance of self care and boundaries. As well as enjoying an amazing lunch, everyone who attended received a gift bag and was spoilt with an arrival drink sponsored by Robert Oatley Vineyards. Plenty of prizes were handed out, including Thomas Sabo jewellery, Jeanswest vouchers, a weekend at Townbeach Beachcomber, wine and haircare packs.

The event raised $6,500 with thanks to the extremely valuable support of sponsors This & That Unique Homewares, UpBound, FOCUS, and AE Interiors. All funds raised will go to the Ronald McDonald House programs that support hundreds of Manning-Great Lakes families who have a sick or injured child at John Hunter Children’s Hospital throughout the year. Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW would like to whole heartedly thank all who attended our event and all the gift bag and prize donors and sponsors who contributed to make the day so special. A special thank you to Club Taree for not only being our Event Partner but also for going above and beyond to ensure the event was a success and ran so smoothly.

Colour IT’S TIME TO LET YOUR INNER COLOUR SHINE! COLOUR YA WORLD IS HERE TO HELP YOU PAINT YA MATES, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR TOWN!

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lec and Oli have been enrolled in raiser. The funds are vital in assisting local the SwimAbility program since children with special needs to learn to swim 2014, in that time they have and without the generous support of the made excellent progress. The community, many of these kids may never twins now love the water, they can float and get the opportunity to learn how to swim.” tread water, back scull, are learning freestyle, The most laps swam on the day was by backstroke and breaststroke. In their four Claire Newham, who completed an extraorlap swim they alternated between freestyle, dinary effort of about 90 laps - that’s over sculling and backstroke. Their mother, two kilometres! Claire said she wasn’t sore Suzie Robertson, and swimming or tired and could do more, but she teacher Sharon Bourke were had to stop to participate in extremely proud of their the presentations. Claire reas w ce achievement. ceived a Speedo pack for ra e Th d The fundraising is her great effort. Gary fabulous , fun an azing am ’s It s. on target to reach Jones, the lifeguard ou ri la hi me of this year’s goal of team leader, was the how difficult so are to those inflatables $12,500; currently highest individual ddle on . balance and pa how the total is sitting at fundraiser for the e It was great to se $10,279, with fundevent, with his hard e th ident happy and conf e raising continuing work reaching close to ar ts en SwimAbility stud through until the end $3,000. in the water.” of the financial year. Another highlight of This money will provide the day was the inflatables one-on-one swimming relay race. lessons through the year for 25 The race was fabulous, fun and students in the SwimAbility program hilarious. It’s amazing how difficult and also fund specialist equipment some of those inflatables are to balance purchases when needed. and paddle on. Centre manager Len Newman and It was great to see how happy and conex-mayor Jan McWilliams made a short fident the SwimAbility students are in the speech at the opening ceremony, commendwater. There was no clear winner but it was ing the value of the program. lots of fun. Len said, “Our local YMCA, under the Great Lakes YMCA would like to thank great leadership of Sharon Bourke, has once the community for their support and hope again done an amazing job in surpassing to get everyone behind next year’s event to $10,000 for our annual Swimathon fundmake it even bigger and better.

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un, walk, dance and laugh your way through a simple course of family friendly colour madness. At the finish line the real party kicks off, where our DJ will spin up the latest tunes whilst you use your colour bomb to cover your fellow runners in colour! Each participant will receive a Colour Ya World T-Shirt, Headband, and Colour Bomb.

THERE WERE MANY HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR’S SWIMATHON HELD AT GREAT LAKES AQUATIC AND LEISURE CENTRE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 5. THE ONE THAT STANDS OUT THE MOST IS THE AMAZING AND FANTASTIC EFFORT BY ALEC AND OLIVER ROBERTSON IN SWIMMING FOUR LAPS OF THE 25 METRE POOL.

Enter as an individual, or get a discount for a family or a team, so gather your friends, your neighbours and your granny and get ready to have fun! Crazy outfits and multicoloured TuTus welcome! Saturday, May 6 at 1pm - 4pm. Oyster Pde, Forster NSW 2428. Purchase your tickets from http:// colouryaworld.com.au/location-forster/

THE PERFECTIONIST. THE ALL NEW BMW 5 SERIES. McGuigan BMW 140 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Ph 6588 8500. www.mcguiganbmw.com.au DL7571 manning-great lakes focus.

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Owners of SOULitude farmstay in Hannam Vale and talented creatives Dave Byrne and Beth Clarke have their beautiful surroundings to inspire them. Dave and Beth have produced some striking photographs and paintings respectively, and they’re just a couple of the skilled artists who’ll be presenting work in this year’s Art in the Vale exhibition…

i David and Beth. Please introduce yourselves to our readers, and share with us a little about what brought you to the Hannam Vale area. Beth - I remember sitting at my girlfriend’s farm at Moorland, where I retired my horse, looking out across her magnificent views of the Brother Mountains, having some sips and thinking, “Wow, I'd love to explore over there!” We began the journey and truly fell in love with the valley. When SOULitude came up for sale, we were all over it like a rash, as we had admired it previously before it came up for sale. We have owned it for six and a half years now and love the people - some whom are our closest friends. Dave - Beth and I have been, I guess, travellers in life, who were initially on separate journeys who came together later in life. I think we’re both fun loving and lovers of life in general. But don't worry, we do have our serious side, but in the big scheme of things 18

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we find an absolute joy in just being on this Dave - Having an outdoor childhood was small planet. Why did I find Hannam Vale such great, but spending my adulthood working a connection? Because I have always been in firstly in civil engineering and later technology one way or another connected to the country, consulting, I essentially lived in a technical the outdoors (and the ocean). The Valley world. During my mid 30s I discovered is one of the most special places a strong yearning and some between, say, Noosa and unrealised passions; my Tasmania. Being close to photographic images plus th I think we’re bo everything I cherish, it has also cooking and playing fun loving and definitely felt like I have with flavour palettes neral. lovers of life in ge e do finally found home. have definitely become ,w But don't worry de , Where/how did my right brain outlets. s si have our seriou me you both begin What subjects most he but in the big sc your individual inspire each of you d an of things we fin g in be passions for art and to create? just absolute joy in Beth - I'm inspired photography? anet .” pl l al sm is th on by so many things, but I Beth - I've always would have to say the main had a passion for art and thing is nature, and especially started painting at school and animals. art retreats in Bathurst, Orange, Dave - Appreciating life’s energy the the Central Coast. I have a little studio, way that Beth and I do, it's probably natural which I call the Tardis. I truly love it, as you that every small nuance of the day’s cycle get totally immersed and time just slips can potentially capture our interest. From the away. I think this happens when you are truly change of seasons and extremes of weather, passionate about something.

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the surf and ocean are always front of mind. For me, photography is simply painting with light, and the interaction of how light affects the different parts of our lives is critical. It can definitely distil and capture something into a pure and somewhat focused moment. What acknowledgements/recognition have each of you received for your artistic achievements? Beth - I have been lucky enough to sell quite a few of my artworks via commissions. I have also displayed them in cafés, and they can be found on display also at SOULitude Farmstay, which in itself has generated several commissions. Dave - I've been fortunate to have had images of my own featured in joint exhibitions held at the Australian Centre for Photography. I've also had a couple of awards from online global photographic groups “Photo of the Day” over the years. Other than that, I tend to scoot under the radar mostly, compared to my beautiful partner in crime. You mentioned you own the beautiful farmstay in Hannam Vale, called

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st Well for us , it's ju h. rt Ea on Heaven rolling The uber green e th , sh bu hills , the place is Th … st re rainfo me of so represents just in a ts en om the best m ” lifetime.

“ SOULitude. Tell us a bit about this property and what you can offer guests. Beth - SOULitude is a truly magical place … Somewhere where you can really connect with nature, chillax and just spend good family quality time. Dave - Well for us, it's just Heaven on Earth. The uber green rolling hills, the bush, the rainforest … This place represents just some of the best moments in a lifetime. As to “What guests can expect?” Here’s what the wider media who have discovered us in the last few years have said. Sunday Telegraph, Sydney full page article - “We were desperately in need of a bit of peace after a tough month, SOULitude didn’t disappoint”. Fairfax National Syndicated - “An altogether refined country squire experience”. Bed Nest Blog (featured - Home Beautiful, Vogue Living and House & Garden) - “The best

holiday I think we’ve ever had as a family of 5”. You'll both be displaying work in the popular Art in the Vale exhibition this year. Describe some of the pieces you'll have on display? Beth - I will have my massive Kelpie red dog for sale. Hoping some Kelpie lovers like him! I will also have a gorgeous painting of a Ewe and a little landscape. Dave 1 B&W Portrait - Sleeping - a study of tranquility 2 B&W Landscape - Main Ranges Kosczi Brutal & Beautiful 3 Colour - Winter Ice Cylinder Byron - A favourite place. How much does it mean to be able to showcase your work in a local exhibition such as Art in the Vale?

Beth - We feel truly blessed to be able to showcase some of our work. It is a very popular exhibition locally and in the region, and we are both just thrilled to bits to participate. Dave - Ditto Beth. Where can we find out more about you including seeing samples of your work? Beth - Local cafés, such as Hannam Vale. People can hop on to our Facebook Page “SOULitude Farmstay” and see some of my latest pieces; you can also find out a bit more about the farm and see what Dave and I have been up to. Please message us on the SOULitude FB page if you are interested in commissioning a painting. We are also on Stayz website property id #26220; hopefully we’ll see you soon. Dave - Instagram @burnervision Thanks guys.

plug! See the 5th Annual Art in the Vale exhibition at the Hannam Vale Hall, 1205 Hannam Vale Road. The exhibition is a fundraiser for this important community building. Opening Night - Friday 28th April 2017 - from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Official Opening at 7:30 pm by The Hon. Stuart Fowler, AM. $8 per head, includes refreshments and lucky door prize entry. Exhibition - Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April 2017 - from 10am to 4pm. Entry by gold coin donation. If you are an exhibiting artist and would like the opportunity to display your work, or just an art lover interested in attending the opening night, please contact Jocelyn Strong on (02) 6556 7796 or studio24@bigpond.net.au for details. manning-great lakes focus.

hot & cold seafood platter for one from 242ate cafĂŠ at club forster

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

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focus_local recipe

Garlic Prawns with sweet potato chips and topped with aioli.

242ate CAFÉ Bar & Grill 242ate Café at Club Forster serves Modern Australian Cuisine, with fresh seafood, quality steak, and traditional pizza and Italian dishes. Executive Chef Steve Curlew focuses on colour, texture and taste in his dishes, and the flavour to match. Try the Whole Lemon Sole or the Hot & Cold Seafood Platter with local Rock Oysters, King Prawns, smoked Salmon, crumbed Whiting, prawns and calamari, chips and salad. With an Australian and international wine and beer list and award winning coffee, you are sure to enjoy your dining experience at 242ate Café.

Executive Chef Steve Curlew.

G L U T E N

F R E E

Pistachio and Almond Cake

Club Forster, 19 Strand St, Forster 6591 6591 www.clubforster.com.au Open Lunch & Dinner 7 Days

INGREDIENTS (Serves 2-3) 125 g pistachio kernels 3 cups almond meal 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 5 eggs 1 teaspoon orange blossom water 250 g butter melted, cooled ¾ cup raw sugar 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup water 1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten free) Oil for brushing pan

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

121 Wingham Rd, Taree 6539 4000 Lunch from 11.30, 7 days. Dinner from 5.30pm

Recipe supplied by Donna Carrier from Bent on Food www.bentonfood.com.au

method Head Chef Murray Phillips.

Preheat oven to 180°C or 160°C fan forced. Grease cake tin around 250 mm x 150 mm in size. Grind pistachios (keep around 30 to place on top of cake). Using a whisk combine ground pistachios, almond meal, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl. Beat eggs lightly, melt butter and combine.

Pour into almond mixture and stir to combine. Pour batter into greased pan. Place pistachios on top of batter. Cook for around 35 minutes. Meanwhile, place raw sugar, honey and water in saucepan and heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil, uncovered for about two minutes. Pierce cake with toothpick and pour hot syrup on to cake. manning-great lakes focus.

focusinterview.

FORSTER B O W L I N G C L U B

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD F OR THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF F ORSTER BOWLING CLUB! WE CATCH UP WITH CEO DAMIAN CLEMENTS, TO SEE WHAT’S NEW F OR THE CLUB. i Damian. You are the General Manager and CEO for the Forster Bowling Club Group. What does a typical day look like for you? At the moment, very busy overseeing all the department heads and keeping track of every cost centre, handling all the corporate governance of the group to ensure we are meeting our commitments and responsibilities. I hold regular meetings with staff, various committees, trade representatives, community representatives and members. How long has the Forster Bowling Club been established, and how long have you been involved with the club? Forster Bowling Club was established in 1954, and I have been the CEO since 2008. What are some of the popular services the club offers their patrons? The club has a buffet restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner seven days a 22

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week. heaps of kids’ parties from $8.50 per child The club also has a coffee shop, which (includes Putt Putt, drink and nuggets). offers a range of cakes and light meals; The club has recently expanded their our burger and beer deal for $10 portfolio and purchased the is going extremely well, and Palms Motel; how did this also on Thursday nights all come about? we have a $5 roast d The club has wanted We have starte d an , or chicken schnitzel to purchase the renovations ing. go (excludes school motel for many on be ill w is th er holidays). years, and finally When we took ov ry ve The club has raffles we have had the the motel , it was s tired , and it need on Thursday and opportunity. The We a good face lift. Friday nights, and motel has 36 new have appointed Sunday afternoons. rooms and a 50 seat are managers, who ” We have a courtesy bus restaurant. b. doing a great jo for those who do not What plans does want to drive, which covers the club have for the the area from Forster Keys to motel? Tuncurry; bookings are essential. We have started renovations, At the Entertainment Centre we have a and this will be ongoing. dinosaur themed 9 hole putt putt course, When we took over the motel, it was New York street styled laser skirmish, very tired, and it needs a good face lift. 12 lanes of tenpin bowling and some of We have appointed new managers, who the latest amusement machines. We have are doing a great job.

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I am currently putting together different packages; some of those already created are for families, seniors, and bowlers, which will bring more visitors to our town. Most packages include accommodation, all meals and entertainment for one low price. Members of the club also receive a 10% discount on any bookings made in their names. The club also has the Forster Entertainment Centre, which has the tenpin bowling centre in its portfolio. How will the motel be included to benefit the members and their guests? Everyone who stays at the motel gets a free 9 holes of Putt Putt. The club is looking at putting walkways direct from the motel to both the club and Entertainment Centre, subject to council approval. Thanks Damian.

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ROCK 'N' ROLL HEAVY HITTERS WOLFMOTHER ARE BACK ON HOME SHORES, PLAYING A LINE OF REGIONAL SHOWS. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH FRONT MAN ANDREW STOCKDALE … i Andrew. Your new album,Victorious, has received a lot of hype. How did you find the process behind writing this album, as opposed

to earlier work? Well, with this one I went into my little studio in Byron Bay and just played everything. I jammed out on the guitar - I'd play for like half an hour and then cut it up into verses and choruses and intros. Whereas before, I’d write a verse and chorus with a guitar and then kind of flesh it out with the band ... But this time I thought maybe I should take responsibility for it and do the whole thing. The album title, Victorious ... There was a toss up between that and Gypsy Caravan. What drove your decision? Well, there is a lot of gypsy stuff going on at the moment - there’s gypsy everything and I thought, I don’t want it to date with this trend. But maybe I was overthinking it, because when we came up with the name "Wolfmother", I thought, "Oh, there’s wolf everything at the moment; this is really going

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to date"- but it didn’t! So maybe the gypsy to different countries, playing a different thing is going to stick around for a while? festival every day. Some photographer took a Well, you’ve called the tour after the photo of me with infrared photography, and I song Gypsy Caravan. Is this song and looked awful; I had bags under my eyes,and title a reflection of what you it made me look like I was blind. anticipate the tour to be Anyway, these people were like? all like, "Man, you’ve gotta I’m also There are similarities stop drinking so much!" working on new with Carnies, as they Everyone thought I was ta material. I put ou call them - I guess a partying and living on was song , actually. I group of people that the edge! I wasn’t and mucking around put on a show in a drinking, I was on a ng I did this disco so ', different town every good diet, working out dy called 'Special La night. It is sort of a and all that; it made a you should have ” e! transient lifestyle, so, me look the worse for look on YouT ub yeah, there's a bit of a wear. I got this message comparison there. The only from Dave, and he said, difference is, we get to stay in "Man, don’t worry about nice hotels. what people say about the photo You’re bringing along fellow musician ... Someone took a photo of me and and pal Davey Lane for your regional painted me in a bad light". shows; what's your connection with Anyway, we were hanging out in London him? together, and I met Noel Gallagher from I put this post up a while ago when I was Oasis. He asked me to go along to his show in Holland. We had three shows and we’d and I asked Davey to come along, as he’s an get back at like 2am and then have a 4am Oasis fanatic. I am too - you may not know lobby call; I did that three days in a row, flying from what I play, but I can play a lot of Oasis

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songs. So, we were hanging out in London having pints, going to Noel Gallagher’s gig and when this tour came up, I thought rather than getting bands that are suggested by the promoter, I should bring along some mates! What are your plans after this tour wraps up? We have some shows in Europe, another two weeks of festivals in Switzerland and Germany, and then a month after that another two weeks in Europe. Europe is one of our biggest markets now; it's three times bigger than our following in America - it's insane. I’m also working on new material. I put out a song, actually. I was mucking around and I did this disco song called Special Lady. You should have a look on YouTube! Thanks Andrew.

plug! WOLFMOTHER + Guests National “Gypsy Caravan Tour” 2017 Date Thursday, May 3rd, 2017 Venue Club Forster. Tickets $35 Doors 7pm | Show: 8pm.

Club forster In march MELINDA DOES DORIS Tribute to Doris Day with Melinda Schneider Saturday 1st April at 8pm After forging a dazzling country music career that has won her six Golden Guitars, and stunning audiences on Dancing with the Stars, Australian favourite Melinda Schneider steps back in time to pay homage to one of her musical heroes, Doris Day. Following on from hugely successful capital city seasons of her theatre stage show DORIS, Melinda is bringing the songs from the show that audiences love so much to new territories in a concert format called Melinda Does Doris. Elvis: An American Trilogy Direct from Las Vegas Thursday 13th April at 8pm â€œThe Complete Storyâ€?, direct from the United States. Starring Vic Trevino jnr, Gino Monopoli,

Steve Michaels. Take three of the world's leading Elvis Tribute artists then start from the very beginning; Vic Trevino Jnr embodies the Rockabilly sound and raw dance moves of the Young Elvis. Gino Monopoli recreates the sophisticated feel and sound of the movie years, taking in tracks from the most iconic movies: GI Blues, Kid Gallahad, Speedway and many more. Gino is magnificent, as he recreates the iconic 1968 comeback special. Elvis is channelled through Steve Michaels in the famous White Eagle Jumpsuit, as Steve passionately recreates the seventies era - the moves, the songs and the nuances that made Elvis the most recognisable figure in history. Live on stage and living through three of the world's leading Elvis tribute artists - An American Trilogy.

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with Steve Attkins from Great Lakes Paddocks

watch. Burn Burn Burn (MA) Monday 10th April Manning Valley Visitors Information Centre, Taree North.

EXPLORING NON-TRADITIONAL GRAPE VARIETIES. GRENACHE - IT IS THOUGHT GRENACHE ORIGINATED IN SPAIN AND SURPRISINGLY, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST WIDELY PLANTED GRAPE VARIETIES IN THE WORLD. IN SPAIN ALONE, THERE USED TO BE OVER 400,000 HECTARES OF GRENACHE, WHICH WAS REDUCED TO APPROXIMATELY 200,000 HECTARES WHEN VARIETIES SUCH AS TEMPRANILLO GREW IN POPULARITY. FRANCE NOW LEADS, WITH APPROXIMATELY 250,000 HECTARES.

ne of the most famous wines in the world, the Chateauneuf-du-Pape produced from vineyards of a specific region in France is predominantly made from Grenache. As are other famous wines from Rioja in Spain, which are again a Grenache blend, typically with Tempranillo.

Plantings of Barbera are growing worldwide. It is the third most planted variety in Italy and is also found in Argentina, California and is building in popularity in Australia.

I really didn’t take Zinfandel seriously for many years, as the only time I’d ever had it was in parts of the US where wine drinking was not that common, so all you could really get was this insipid pale, sweet drink that was called Zinfandel. I didn’t think much of it Barbera is an at all. It wasn’t until Italian variety much more recently, rgence enjoying a resu e when I tried a deep in popularity. Th wine ng ki in red medium bodied dr ay yd er ev lly Zinfandel from in Italy is typica for Chianti, but look rs Rutherglen in Victoria, fe the Barbera; it of more that I realised there something a little was so much more to interesting.” this varietal than I had experienced.

Grenache has typically been used as a blender, bringing fruitiness and body, without the added tannin. A popular blend in Australia is GSM Grenache, Shiraz and Mouverde. While it is not common to see a straight Grenache, there are a few straight varietals out of South Australia that reward deliciously with ageing. Grenache is also popular for making Rose and fortified wines.

Taree Film Society screens the dark and deadly funny Burn Burn Burn (MA) at 7pm Monday 10th April at the Manning Valley Visitors Information Centre, Taree North. Dan is dead. He was only 29. Alex and Seph (Laura Carmichael and Chloe Pirrie) loved Dan (Jack Farthing) like a sibling. And now he’s left them his ashes to scatter across the UK, along with elaborate video instructions for doing so. London, Stonehenge, Cardiff, York, Ben Lomond: road trip! Burn Burn Burn is a dark comedy with a warmth at its heart. Alex and Seph are in the eye of a storm, with decisions to make in every corner of their lives; and the

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one helping them make those decisions is dead. It’s just like Jack Kerouac’s On The Road. In a Volvo. With a dead friend’s ashes in some tupperware in the glove compartment. Often very maudlin, the film has a nice line in eccentric, screwball humour. It also benefits from the very lively performances by Carmichael and Pirrie as the two friends try to make sense of their own muddled lives, even as they grieve their friend. Casual tickets are $14, including coffee, cakes and chatting. For further information, visit www.tareefilmsociety.org.au or call 6552 3476.

with Horticulturalist Neville Donovan - Greenpatch Organic Seeds

AT ’ S I N

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Barbera is an Italian variety enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The everyday drinking wine in Italy is typically Chianti, but look for the Barbera; it offers something a little more interesting. This grape has a beautiful deep, rich colour, low tannin and high acid. Traditionally the high acid has made it not-so-popular, but the combination of low yielding vines coupled with storage in French Oak results in lower acidity and the resulting wine being well worth the effort. It is a wine to be drunk young and is rich, yet light bodied - an unusual combination. 26

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The real home of Zinfandel is California, where it has been grown since the 1800s and thrives in the warm climate. It has proven to be a versatile variety, being used for “white” Zin, Sparkling Zin, blended, and lovely big reds. Zinfandel from California’s old vines have complexity and are well worth checking out. Zinfandel isn’t very widely grown, with 50,000 acres in the US and 20,000 acres in Italy, and a small amount elsewhere. Zinfandel and the Italian Primitivo are the same varietal, with its origins in Croatia and as vines do, they have adapted to their respective environmental conditions and have developed personalities of their own. These three varieties are worth seeking out, particularly as we head into the cooler months.

GLOBE ARTICHOKE GLOBE ARTICHOKE IS NATIVE TO SOUTHERN EUROPE AND WIDELY GROWN ELSEWHERE AS A VEGETABLE FOR ITS YOUNG FLOWER BUDS.

he leaves are green, large and dissected to 60 cm long, making this plant an interesting feature to watch growing during the cooler months.

The prized globe artichoke is an immature flower bud, conical in shape and can grow to the size of a tennis ball. It is made up of large green sepals, of which the tender middle section is eaten, plus the base of the flower well before the petals have formed in spring. The flower stalk emerges in spring and grows from the middle of the plant to 1.5 metres high. The brilliant purple staminate flower is absolutely exquisite and a fantastic bee and insect attractant. It is beneficial to prepare the garden bed well before planting Globe Artichoke, as they are heavy feeders. It prefers a moist well drained soil, organic matter in the form of compost and composted animal

manure dug into the soil prior to planting. Select a mostly sunny and wind protected location, that may help to conserve soil moisture. Crowns, seedlings, or seed are all suitable to use. Mature plants can be lifted with their crowns, divided and replanted in the prepared garden. Allow spacing between crowns or seedlings of 50 cm. Autumn is the ideal time to sow seed directly into the garden or to start seedlings in pots. Water plants well after planting, and the addition of mulch on the surface will reduce evaporation. The best stage to harvest the flower bud is approximately when 6 - 8cm in size at the base. Globe Artichokes may be steamed or boiled in water for 20 - 40 minutes and served hot or cold as a vegetable. Add to salad with tomato, zucchini and dill. Happy Growing

Manning-Great Lakes locals

Kim MacDonald Well Creative

JOHN STEVENS here in the Manning-Great Lakes do you call home? I live in beautiful Taree West.

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Most humorous memory/experience? My wife and I have known each other since we were teenagers and long before we were together, I remember us sharing dinner together with some friends and after I had How long have you been a regular finished, I left the table with my plate FOCUS advertiser? I’ve been and Lizzie had kindly asked me to lucky enough to contribute take hers as well. I jokingly to FOCUS now for a refused (clearly I wasn’t whole year; wow the gentleman I am I love the that’s gone quick! now) and began to ality of the qu walk away, and she What do you like uction. It look s od pr a threatened to throw most about being ays great and it’s alw er it’s her plate at me, th involved with good read , whe aiting w which I ignored. She FOCUS? I love at a café , in my at g the quality of the wasn’t joking though, room , or chillin production. It looks and threw the plate at home.” great and it’s always me with her unfinished a good read, whether desert, and it missed me by it’s at a café, in my waiting millimetres! I’ve never doubted room, or chilling at home. her ability to follow through on her threats since. Favourite thing about our area? I

How long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes? I escaped Sydney in 2009 for the tiny village of Bobin. Favourite hobby/pastime outside of work? Creating leadlight windows and camping with my partner. Best thing that’s happened to you so far this year? Having heaps of space in our beautifully renovated studio in Wingham, which was originally a 1957 bank!

What’s a skill or talent you have that you’d like to develop more? Talking to people and getting to know more locals and hear their stories. If you were to win a multi-million dollar lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d buy with the money? I’d buy lots of dogs from Manning Valley Animal Rescue and provide them with a happy home for life!

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love how ubiquitous spectacular places are around here and that most of them are a little off the beaten track. You feel like a real local when you show visitors around to all these places that they just don’t expect. Favourite food/drink? Can’t go past coffee, and I’ve become a big fan of Middle Eastern cuisine. Favourite musician/band? Tough question, but I’d have to say The Beatles is the simplest

Who/what is your biggest inspiration? My grandfather probably still stands as my greatest influence/inspiration. He was an engineer, so he showed me how to fundamentally solve any problem. I fondly remember him telling me that “the moment you stop learning, you’re dead”. I live by that. Where are you answering these questions? I’m sitting at my desk in our Wingham Clinic!

Image of the month. Title: South Crowdy Heads. Photographer: Roland Anderson. Camera: Nikon D5200 with a 18 to 60 zoom. Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email jo@focusmag.com.au

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Greenpatch Nursery

day & overnight trips

Greenpatch’s Nursery is uniquely different, producing all of our plants onsite, and one of the only organic nurseries in Australia. Our shop is located on Old Bar Road, just 1 km from Taree Service Centre. Greenpatch members save 10% off all our nursery plants and books year round.

Facilities Our specialty is senior groups, providing personal and caring service for holidays that are either organised by us, or as a charter organised by the groups.

After finally getting much needed rain, it’s time to think about autumn vegetable gardens. Greenpatch has a big range of seedlings available, plus winter tomatoes for April planting. We even have a new Black Cherry Tomato Variety available!

One Day Trips We also travel to the live shows in Sydney and Newcastle, as well as local shows in Taree and Port Macquarie. We can offer a coach booking and itinerary planning service to help you organise your own tour or day trip.

April is the time to plant garlic - if you would like to give it a try at home, then you need some organic garlic as seed stock. We have four varieties available, and they are all grown in our region.

Upcoming Day Trips Thursday 20th April Bago Winery & Lorne Valley Macadamia Nut Farm morning tea and lunch $50.00 per person

Greenpatch has been developing the gardens on the property since 2002 and thought it was time to share the diversity with you! Different areas have been selected and named to suit garden types, such as seed production, fruit orchards, cottage perennials, herbs and other ornamental gardens. We have discovered by creating a garden with similar plant requirements results in having healthier plants thriving in their own micro climate. See for yourself on our New Self Guided Tour. www.greenpatchseeds.com.au or (02) 6551 4240.

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Saturday 22nd April Visit to Comboyne Plateau 3 course lunch at club visit avocado farm on way home $55.00 per person Saturday 8th July Eungai Creek Buffalo Farm with morning tea and lunch included $60.00 Overnight Tours We tour extensively over areas from Tasmania in the south to Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland, west to Cameron’s Corner, Broken Hill and down to Adelaide and the Great Ocean Road.

LOVED

THE

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Manning-Great Lakes Wedding Edition

Cooper Photography Gordon and Niki are partners in both life and in their photography business. Their creative skills blend effortlessly to ensure those magic moments on your wedding day are preserved forever ...

... You will find me d, in the backgroun real capturing real smiles, emotions and moments people.” shared between

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OF ANZAC Niki: I have always When two people to painted, and from very decide they want together early on I found myself spend eternity surrounded by oils and and share this moment their of celebration with it is canvases. However, it families and friends, wasn’t until 2009 when decision we have ever in the my favourite thing I met Gordon that he made. We love it. world to capture.” showed me the workings Who or what sparked of a camera, and my interest your interest in took a turn. I found myself photography originally? telling people's love stories through Gordon: My father, Gary Cooper, the lens of a camera. I have been was a motorsport photographer, so I incredibly lucky over the past 10 years to be started learning the craft alongside him working alongside a person as enthusiastic as (he also inherited his love of photography Gordon. from his father). Whilst I loved taking Your wedding pictures are truly stunning. motorsport photos, I found myself drawn to Why do you love doing weddings? the personal shots of the drivers - capturing Gordon: Love is the most powerful thing the emotion of the drivers out of the cars in the world. When two people decide they and through the visors of their helmets. The want to spend eternity together and share this human eyes can show so much! After that, my interest and passion for photography had taken moment of celebration with their families and friends, it is my favourite thing in the world over my life, so I decided to study portrait to capture. The day has so many emotions to photography and expanded the business to it - from the bride and groom, who have been weddings and portraits. I am lucky to say planning the day and are now living it, to the twenty years later, the interest for photography parents watching their children start another still grows every day.

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TUESDAY 25TH APRIL 2017 CLUB TAREE

i Gordon and Niki. Share with us a bit about yourselves and how you came to call Forster your home? Gordon: I was lucky enough to grow up in Forster. Shortly after school I moved to Sydney, where I studied and worked to build a career in photography. I met Niki, my partner in life and business and we’ve had three beautiful children together. We always talked about raising them outside of Sydney, and eventually made the move. I am happy and lucky to call Forster home again; it really is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Niki: From the moment I met Gordon, we spent a lot of our holidays in Forster. Once we decided to have a family together, we loved the idea of raising our children in Forster. Since moving here, I have always said it was the best 34

chapter, to the guests who can remember their own special day, or are still looking forward to planning this day one day themselves. The excitement and nerves of the bride and groom preparing for the ceremony with the closest people in their lives ... The love shared with all of the guests during the ceremony and the fun of the reception afterwards. It all comes together for such an amazing celebration. Joan Miro once said, “You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second, and think of it all your life”. On our clients’ wedding day, we try to capture pictures they will think of for all their lives. Niki: In some ways, weddings are very orchestrated events; you know where people are going to be at what times and what is going to happen. However, in some ways - you know nothing. Every wedding is completely different, and everyone has a unique and wonderful love story to tell. It is our job as the photographer to tell the story of your day honestly and naturally as it unfolds. You won't find me at a wedding telling people how to stand or where to look or making sure the

father of a bride kisses his daughter before he walks her down the aisle. These moments are real and will happen. Instead, you will find me in the background, capturing real smiles, real emotions and moments shared between people. What tips do you have for couples when they are looking for a photographer to shoot their wedding? These are my top three: 1. You need to have a photographer who you have a good rapport with - they spend so much time with you on the day, you need to be comfortable with them and be sure you have a connection with their vision for the day. 2. Pick someone who respects your ideas and style and can build on them - who will place importance on all aspects, both the big details and the little ones. 3. Someone who will give an honest cost evaluation. Some photographers you hire by time and some by the number of images you will receive. A passionate photographer will not put limitations on the day, but will work with the couple prior to the wedding so the day runs smoothly and everything can be captured from the day, start to finish. What have been some of your most

memorable shoots? There have been so many over the years. The Channel Ten Bondi Rescue boys were probably the most popular photos we have taken on social media. Through Runners Magazine we photographed a lot of people who were running for good causes, raising money for illness or picking up rubbish for the community. It is always so inspiring meeting amazing people committed to helping others. Weddings vary so much; it would hard to single one out. We have photographed beautiful weddings in Tasmania and even Europe. One that comes to mind right now is the last one we did for 2016 at Mansfield on the Manning, because it really was such a beautiful local venue with an amazing countryside as the backdrop. You don’t only photograph weddings ... can you tell us about the other photography services you offer? We can shoot anything you need. We love doing portraits as well, whether it be couples, families or newborns. We also photograph Santa on the Beach - Forster, which people from the community and outside love. This year we had so many people from the local community excited about getting their Santa

picture on top of Forster’s iconic sand dune. We even had people from the UK, Newcastle, Tamworth and Sydney travelling up to Forster, just to get a photo with the big guy. I often joke that the motor sport photography was a good start. Once you can shoot something travelling at 340km/hr, everything else is easier to capture! Some fast facts about you: The camera you use? Canon 1D X: it's the best. Favourite time to shoot? Anytime. When the camera is in hand, we are having fun and doing what we love! Prefer indoor or outdoor? Depends on the

subject. We love the outdoors, but the studio is also fantastic. Something you can’t live without? 85 mm 2.8 lens. It's an amazing portrait lens. Your favourite place to take photos? Burgess Beach: it has the water, sand and beautiful rock formation, so a lot of variety in the one area. Where can our readers find more information about Cooper Photography? Our website is www.cooperphotography. com.au Facebook - @CooperPhotographyForster Email - hello@cooperphotography.com.au Thanks guys. manning-great lakes focus.

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Dawn Service In Taree, the Dawn Service will be conducted at the Memorial Clock in Fotheringham Park. The Service begins at 4:45am. Veterans and the community will gather in the pre-dawn darkness to pay their respects and lay wreaths in honour of fallen soldiers. March & Commemoration Service The Centenary of ANZAC March will begin at 9:45am on the corner of Victoria and Macquarie Streets. The March will journey down Victoria Street before ending at Fotheringham Park, with the Commemoration Service commencing at 10:30am at the Memorial Clock in Fotheringham Park. For further information on this year’s Taree ANZAC Day arrangements, please contact the Taree RSL Honorary Secretary, Mr Dennis Lawrence on 6552 1541. TUNCURRY 6:00am Forster Tuncurry RSL Sub Branch Dawn Service. Conducted at the Lone Pine Memorial Park, Tuncurry. 6:45am ANZAC Day Breakfast at Club Forster (Ex-Service personnel only). 10:30am ANZAC Day march commences from Parkes St in Tuncurry. March will head south down Manning Street, Tuncurry, to Lone Pine Memorial Park. 12:45am Lunch in the Wallis Lake Room @ Club Forster (Ex-Service personnel only). PACIFIC 6:00am 6:30am

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PALMS Commemoration Service at the Community Centre, The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms. ANZAC Day Breakfast at Pacific Palms Recreation Club.

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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The Cat Stevens Story Darren Coggan celebrates 50 years of Cat Stevens as he presents Peace Train at the Manning Entertainment Centre in Taree, Friday, April 21. Peace Train is a night of music and story-telling which will strike a chord deep inside the heart of anyone who longs for something more, a journey back in time, recreating the sights and sounds, seeking out the man in the music and telling the story behind the songs. Hear twenty-five hits that defined a generation, songs that the whole world sang along with, including Moonshadow, Wild World, Peace Train, Where Do the Children Play, Father & Son, Morning Has Broken and many more sung with remarkable authenticity by one of Australia’s most exciting artists. Darren Coggan takes the audience on a ride of discovery, back through the joys and the sorrows, the triumphs and the pain, in a celebration of the life of one of the most inspiring and prolific singer songwriters of our

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time, Cat Stevens. “I had the privilege of being invited to London to meet with the great Cat Stevens in 2007 and I heard first hand some of the many anecdotes and stories that we share with the audience throughout the performance,” said Darren. “Cat’s songs and his messages of peace, tolerance and understanding are still just as relevant as when they were first written, perhaps even more so. Our audiences obviously come expecting to hear those timeless songs, but I think they walk away with so much more. It’s a very positive, uplifting show, with the underlying theme that we all have the ability to make changes in our lives should we not be content,” commented Darren. FRIDAY, APRIL 21. MANNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, TAREE. Tickets: www.theMEC.com.au ph 6592 5466 and Stockland Forster.

gan’s birthday 2

DONNA CARRIER

from Bent on Food

Ashlea Road 20 Years

2017 Myall Lakes Woman of the Year Award

Local Government Tourism Conference

Seniors Concert

Farmers Market Dinner

Morgan’s 18th

SOCIAL/SCENE

esterday I experienced a day off, first one in three or four weeks, but who is counting? I had all the normal household things to do, but it was so nice to wake up and not have to go to work. There was so much going on in the region, but I honestly could not find the energy to leave the house. I am certainly not complaining about being busy; after all, it is what every business owner wants. Our new menu has made our days busier, and we thank all our lovely customers for coming in to try it out. Yesterday as I was painting a few more chairs, I thought about how I spend a lot of time practicing time management and came to the conclusion that I am pretty bad at it. Because I tend to “wing it” through life, I can make the odd mistake when under pressure to get things done. It seems last month I took 10 years from Joyce Fitzgerald’s life when I wrote about her birthday party. Maybe I just couldn’t believe that someone that spritely could be 90 years old! I am sorry Joyce, wishing you a happy 90th birthday. On the 12th and 13th of March, 180 Local Government delegates congregated in the Manning Valley for the NSW Local Government Tourism Conference. This was a fantastic chance for us to highlight the assets of the region. We were thrilled to cater for the welcome event on the Sunday night, where we worked with local suppliers including Stones Oysters, Manning Valley Natural Smokers and Wingham Beef Exports, Yvettes

MARCH HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BUSIEST MONTHS WE HAVE HAD FOR A LONG TIME WITH WEDDINGS, PARTIES AND EVENTS TAKING UP ALL OF MY FREE TIME.

Bent on Food on March 23rd for the seasonal Raw Kitchen, Kingston Creek Creamery and so many more of our wonderful local Wingham Farmers Market dinner. The menu producers. We organised a local antipasto included Char Sui Pork Ribs with pork from table, where we highlighted the beautiful The Edible Forest, complemented with salads produce of the region. Millie came along made from produce grown by Meaghan to make coffee, and local wines were Lewers. Jonathon Lee from Meadowridge showcased. It was a perfect evening, with the provided lovely limes and great greens for our full moon rising over the river just tarts made with Idlewilde eggs. Susan in time for the dragon boats Duncan made some fabulous to row past. Crème Caramels, and Brian I was thrilled to be and Chris Willey provide oduce there to witness a Another local pr the guavas for my at Bent event was held moving smoking guava and lime baked ch 23rd for the on Food on Mar ceremony, cheesecake. Wines s am Farmer seasonal Wingh e menu a warming from Old Inn Wines Th Market dinner. Welcome to bs Ri were on hand, and rk i Po included Char Su e Edible Country and the talented Afro Th with pork from ith w d great music te en Moses played us a Forest , complem produce from Jay Davis om fr few tunes. It was a e salads mad wers.” Le an gh and his band, ea M lovely night shared grown by sounding even by 30 very appreciative more awesome with locals. Hamish McDonald Ashlea Road Boutique in mixing. We are so incredibly Wingham celebrated 20 years lucky to have this riverbank in business with a birthday party on our doorstep, and the visitors on Friday 17th March at the new look were really impressed with it too. boutique. We had a lovely get together with The conference dinner was held the yummy food, a few glasses of wine and some following night at The Winning Post Function fabulous company. Congratulations to Marcia Centre, Taree-Wingham Race Club, where and her staff for providing great clothes and delegates enjoyed a three course meal and wonderful service to the people of Wingham music by Brunette Mischief and The Trapps. and the entire region. Happy 20th birthday, Wingham’s Circartus provided some fabulous Ashlea Road! entertainment as the guests arrived. Morgan Coleman’s 18th birthday party Another local produce event was held at was held at a fantastic venue, “The Garden

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Barn”. Of course, once again I was winging it, probably not listening or reading the invitation properly and thought that we just had to wear red if in a relationship or yellow if single. I didn’t realise that it was a fancy dress party, so we were a little underdressed - much to Grahame’s disappointment, as he loves a fancy dress. There were some great outfits and the food was sensational, with smoked meats and salads and a fabulous cake made by the talented Ella Hartcher. A spot of beer pong was played and when we left, they looked like they would be partying into the wee hours. Morgan works at Bent on Food and I was taking Morgan’s shift the next day on the coffee machine, so needed to get home. Morgan is part of the Bent family, and we all wish her a happy 18th birthday. I was invited to the Seniors Concert at Club Taree on March 14th, where I was honoured to accept the 2017 Myall Lakes Woman of the Year award from Stephen Bromhead MP. I stayed for some of the concert and have to say, it was really well done with some great talent and excellent attendance of 650 people. These events are free and provide excellent entertainment for seniors. I found myself doing a bit of toe tapping to a few old favourites and fitted right in with the rest of the audience. 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.

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B O D Y B O A R D E R

Millie Chalker loves bodyboarding and what’s more, she’s extremely good at it! Millie’s also not frightened to compete with the boys in this male dominated sport, and would like to inspire other girls to take to the waves. With several sponsors now helping back this skilful athlete, there are a few more comps planned for the future … i Millie. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family ... I am 14 years old and was born in Port Macquarie. I’ve lived by the ocean in Forster Tuncurry for my whole life. My family and I are always at the beach; we also love travelling in our caravan, which is usually going to other coastal towns, so we can spend some more time by the beach. When/how did you first become interested in bodyboarding? I first started to become interested in bodyboarding when I was about 12 years old. Dad started to teach me how to trim along the waves for the first time at Park Beach in Coffs Harbour, while we were there on a family holiday. I became interested in learning to bodyboard because of my dad, Shane; watching him out in the surf shredding my whole life made me want to give it a crack. 32

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My most recent comp was on the 18th and 19th March. I competed in the Central Coast Beach Fest at Avoca. I went in 14s against the boys, and I was the only female bodyboard competitor.”

What do you most love about the beach and catching a wave or two? This is a hard one, because I absolutely love everything about the beach and ocean; it’s just so pretty. I especially love seeing the dolphins when having a surf - to see them launch themselves right out of the water is just so amazing. I also love that you will never catch two waves the same; every single wave you catch is unique, and no one will ever catch a wave the exact same as yours. It’s just so great to be in the water catching waves and having a laugh - that’s what it’s all about. What bodyboarding/surfing clubs are you a member of; how have they helped you develop your skills? I am a member of the Forster Bodyboarding Club, and this is my second year of competing in the local club. It has helped me improve my surfing so much; it has taught me how to surf in heats and how to deal with bad conditions. Competing in the juniors and groms against the guys and occasionally beating them has pushed me along so much. This year I have also joined the Newcastle Bodyboarding Club to help develop my skills and gain more experience, plus there are a few girls in the club down there who have encouraged and inspired me, so I look forward to catching up with them too. What are some the comps you’ve entered in the past twelve months and how did you rank in the results? Dad started to I only started competing at the teach me how to aves beginning of last year, by joining the trim along the w Park at e tim local Bodyboarding Club. I then wanted for the first arbour, H ffs Co in Beach to give some of the bigger comps a go. ere on a while we were th In the last twelve months I have .” ay family holid competed in the 2016 Jeff Wilcox memorial in July, where I went into Open Women’s, coming equal 7th. youngest world champion in the I also competed in the Boogie Youth Tri history of bodyboarding, winning the Series event in Port Macquarie, coming in 5th world champion when she was only 16, place in Open Women’s. getting her second world title at 17. My most recent comp was on the 18th and 19th March. I My last and biggest inspiration is my dad, Shane; competed in the Central Coast Beach Fest at Avoca. I went in he has been there from the very beginning. He was the 14s against the boys, and I was the only female bodyboard one that got me into this amazing sport, and I couldn’t be competitor. At the comp the waves were 4 - 6ft and some of happier. He is such a legend and is always pushing me to try the heaviest conditions I’ve ever surfed in, but I still managed my hardest. He always supports me in bodyboarding - if it’s to get 4th in the final. I was surprised and amazed by how from shore, behind the lens or when he is out in the surf with supportive the boys were, congratulating me on making it to me, he is always encouraging me. the finals. This experience has encouraged me to push myself Do you have any sponsors who have supported you on further in this male dominated sport. your Journey so far? Who are your biggest inspirations when it comes to Yes, I’ve been so lucky to have QCD Bodyboards, where surfing - or anything else in life? owner Todd Quigley has helped me in board design. Also One of my biggest inspirations is Lilly Pollard. She is a world Reeflex wetsuits, which are owned by Bodyboarding legend champion bodyboarder from Cronulla, and I am lucky enough Ryan Hardy, and my most recent sponsor, Limited Edition, to have had a few coaching sessions with her, which has who supply fins and accessories. I’m so thankful for their helped me improve so much. support in my journey so far. Another of my inspirations is Alexandra Rinder; she is the

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What are your future dreams/goals? I’d love go for a surf trip overseas and surf all the famous surf breaks, like Pipeline in Hawaii, Teahupo’o in Tahiti, or even get brave enough to surf Shark Island in Cronulla. I would also love to become a stronger competitor and maybe even win a National Title one day. I’d love to get more girls involved in this amazing sport, so they can also discover a love for the ocean like I have. What comps do you have your sights set on in future? This year I am going to compete in State at Kiama in May, which I’m really looking forward to. I would also love to make it to Nationals at Tweed Heads. Another comp I plan on competing in is the Jeff Wilcox Memorial, which is held locally in Forster. What do you like to do when you’re not at the beach? When I am not at the beach, I like to hang out with friends, shop, and just chill out. Thanks Millie. Photos courtesy of Shane Chalker Photography. manning-great lakes focus.

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INOSITY• •LUM

Sam Webb YOUTH SUMMIT

ACTOR, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF CHARITY LIVING, MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATOR, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER.

s opening speaker at Luminosity Youth Summit 2017, how will you pump up the crowd and get them inspired? I’m going to get them inspired by creating real conversations around the mantra of the entire conference, “Courage”: taking risks and going on scary ideas, but also movement; movement is a big part of it. Motion creates emotion; if I can pump up the crowd and inspire them, and then go the next step and motivate them, I think it’s going to be a successful day for all. Why are you passionate about engaging and motivating youth? When I was young, I never really had access to speakers, nor information in areas that I speak about in my life. I think these areas are extremely important, not only for mental health and wellbeing space - I guess it’s more so around change and around emotional intelligence. I think it’s more important than IQ these days; if you have a little bit of emotional intelligence and you can relate to people and you’ve got compassion, it goes a long way in building really good relationships and being a true leader in your own right. What does the theme “Courage, Collaborate, Create” mean to you? To me, everything I do in my life is not all about that one person can be a great achiever. It’s about working together and collaborating collectively as a team or a network. To collaborate, I feel, is in one of the most important things. Without courage, people won’t take risks, get outside their comfort zone and give things a go ... This is really important, because you can have

From experience with speaking , I go away want people to ue values tr r and own thei ner self, and their true in hat tw not worry abou ink, and th le op pe r he ot t failure not worry abou may not or ay m or what happen.”

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great ideas and really good people around you; you could be an awesome visionary, but if you’re not willing to take the risk, take the plunge and trial something, or have the potential of being vulnerable and opening yourself up to failure, I think it’s going to be hard for you to ever step out of that comfort zone. Having that courage and willingness to step outside that box; it shows a lot about someone. What do you hope young people will take away from your Luminosity appearance? From experience with speaking, I want people to go away and own their true values and their true inner self, not worry about what other people think, and not worry about failure or what may or may not happen. I think if someone has a really good idea or they’re very passionate about something, look at the passion as a driving motivator. Don’t always look at the monetary or the materialistic things that could potentially come with making decisions in our lives, because if you’re good at something and you’re passionate about something, if you follow your heart, take a risk; all that other stuff comes with it anyway. Who have been some of your role models or people you have looked up to in life? I’m just an everyday person. I’m in the same boat, same level as everyone else. I look up to everyone; I learn something new every day from a normal person walking down the street, from a conversation with someone. I don’t know everything - far from it; I don’t think anyone

knows everything. As far as role models and inspiration goes, I did a talking session last night to a small community in Dubbo, and speaking to families that have lost their loved ones in recent months, they were inspiring me. That helps me deal with some of my problems I deal with on a daily basis. I look up to everyone, and I think that’s the beauty of my outlook; I don’t have one figure, a mentor or a role model I find better than others. I keep an open mind; and I think if you don’t have an open mind, things are going to be challenging. Having been a competitor on the hit TV show Survivor, what are some of the lessons you took from that experience? A lot of time to myself in my own mind. You spend a lot of time in your own head and thinking about what’s important and what isn’t important. The biggest things I got out of Survivor are gratitude, appreciation and resilience; it’s not something you can teach. I felt like I was in a very vulnerable situation - I’d never camped, I’d never been sleeping outdoors like I did on that show, and to do it with a bunch of random people I’d never met - it was hard. I was very appreciative of not having phones, and not having access to accommodation. People live that life 24/7; I at least chose to live in that situation, yet I was fortunate enough to come back to my life. What are some things you wish you knew when you were younger that you know

now? For me, I would have given myself the permission to not succeed. I placed a lot of pressure on myself, and a lot of the time it was to make sure other people were happy and to impress other people. Really, you have to live your own life; everyone is on a different journey. I was always worried about what people may think and why I was doing this or that; that stuff is very irrelevant in this day and age. At the end of the day, you’re on your own, really. Failure and setbacks, things that get in the way, obstacles in life are always inevitable; they’ll always happen, and trying to think about things or worry about things that are outside your control can cause so much unnecessary wasted time and wasted anxiety, and you can become extremely ineffective and unproductive. You just have to roll with the punches, give things the best you can and be positive. I wish I lived in the moment a little bit more; the school years were some of the best years of my life. Everyone tries to have the perfect plan: “I’m going to do my HSC, I’m going to graduate and I’m going to have my gap year” or, “I’m going to go straight to uni; I wanna be a doctor… “ Something will pop up, and a lot of times we get let down, we get disappointed, because we think there’s already this perfect plan that’s in place. But, if you can be flexible in your life and adapt to different things, you can become more resilient and better at taking on life’s challenges. Thanks Sam.

plug! Luminosity Youth Summit 19 - 21 July - register now. www.luminosityyouthsummit.com.au manning-great lakes focus.

M a n n i n g va l l e y A n g l i c a n c o l l e g e What could be more important than the happiness and wellbeing of your child? In today’s crazy world of mobile phones, social media and cyberspace, it is crucial that schools stand ready to support students in times of need. How does Manning Valley Anglican College do this, and what makes us different from other schools? MVAC offers a range of formal and informal support networks. Peer support, counselling and chaplaincy form the foundation of a unique approach to welfare, which provides each child with easy access to support, overseen by Eamonn Lawless, Director of Student Welfare. “Students in the Secondary School spend time in daily ‘pastoral periods’, which allows them to build trust with their teacher and peers from other year groups,” Mr Lawless explained. “This enables a close relationship with their mentor teacher throughout their schooling and gives students the opportunity to support one another.”

College Chaplain Greg Anderson has an “open door” policy, encouraging students of all ages to seek out emotional and spiritual support. “The role of the Chaplain is to ensure the wellbeing of our community,” Mr Anderson says.

B i l l a b o n g z o o : N e w a r r i va l s

“Chaplaincy builds upon the support provided by our classroom teachers every day.” The Welfare program expanded in 2017 with the introduction of counselling services by Mr Peter Sanders, whose experience is available to students and families in need of a more structured support program.

New to Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie - two adorable Fennec Foxes - now in residence in their purpose-built enclosure. With a huge glass undercover viewing area, you get up-close and personal to these very special animals.

“This is a complement to the College’s existing welfare efforts,” Mr Sanders explained. “It’s fantastic to see students offered a formal, clinical approach to dealing with issues which concern them.” MVAC continues to support the educational, emotional and social needs of children across the Manning and Great Lakes.

Billabong Zoo - Koala and Wildlife Park - is a multi-award winning zoo with over 80 species of animals in their ten acre shady wildlife park. As “Ambassadors for Wildlife”, they care for 13 endangered species, including lions, snow leopards, cheetahs, red pandas, spider monkeys as well as Australian animals such as koalas, wombats, crocodiles and reptiles.

Set in 10 acres of lush gardens with over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Rain or shine, Billabong Zoo is a great day out where you can get up-close to Australian & exotic animals.

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Delicious hot food (breakfast and lunch), snacks, ice-cream, coffee and drinks at our great Zoo Food Café. Souvenirs, gifts and retail therapy in our popular Zoo Shop. Billabong Zoo. Fun for the kids, education for everyone. Open every day - 9am - 5pm. Rain or shine. Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie - it’s more than a great day out. It’s the best value zoo in Australia. Located at 61 Billabong Drive, just off the Oxley Highway (two minutes from the Pacific Highway). For full details, visit www.billabongzoo.com.au or call 6585 1060.

ZOO TALK FREE presentations throughout the day. UP-CLOSE Book a personal animal encounter. ZOO CAFEÉ ZOO SHOP

D A R W I N

M O N T E S S O R I

Darwin Montessori is an early childhood service that provides a complete two to five year old Montessori programme with trained Montessori teachers. It is an accredited service

that follows the National Quality Standards and Early Years Learning Framework.

he Montessori environment allows children to learn through hands-on experiences in a structured, wellprepared, and calm environment. We offer an education for life. The Montessori approach to education requires that children are placed in a well-planned and structured environment which will meet their individual educational and cultural needs. The children are free to follow their own interests within this planned environment, rather than being forced to learn something that is inappropriate to their developmental stage. The result is that children develop in a natural way and are highly motivated. They develop good discipline and master basic skills, and in many cases earlier than in a more traditional system of education. To bring about these results, the teacher is trained in specific skills, the curriculum

is carefully planned to reflect the children’s own culture and educational needs, the support materials for the curriculum are specifically Montessori, and the outcomes for the children are unique. The prepared environment includes a Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural areas. This allows the child to move at their own pace of learning, which is child directed, as opposed to teacher directed. All the learning experiences in the Montessori environment focus on hands-on learning; children learn for themselves. Often in mainstream services, children are required to listen and watch. In the Montessori classroom, teachers try to avoid interrupting children when they are working, to further their development and concentration. Children work in a mixed-aged classroom and interact with others of different ages. Younger

children learn from older peers, and multi-age classrooms help children to learn from and support each other. A Montessori classroom provides a prepared environment, where all the children are able to develop independence. Montessori is based on a lifetime of learning and not just a tradition. Darwin Montessori, right here in Taree, is a 28 place per day service, currently with five team members. Lim Shih and Kevin are the owners, who have moved from Darwin. Lim Shih is the Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader, who holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood, Diploma in Montessori, Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning majoring in Early Childhood Education, and 10 years’ experience in the childcare industry. Kevin has a Certificate 3 in Children’s Services, Graduate Diploma in Business Intelligence and is the assistant and account manager. Michelle is the Director, Certified Supervisor with a Diploma in Children’s Services, with 9 years’ experience. Alicia and Tamica are working towards their Diploma of Children’s Services and both have completed their Certificate 3. All team members have had years

of experience in the early childhood industry and are qualified first aid, asthma, anaphylaxis and CPR persons. The Montessori environment is calm and relaxing, where children choose an activity from the shelves and either sit at the table or on a mat and work independently. The children learn to pack away their own work. The educational leader will conduct group times and then will ask a child to do one to one activities; these have been sounds. The children are able to take home their sounds and practice them with family. The children are also welcome to take home a story from the mini library. We have a large outdoor space with bikes, swing, sand pit, and seesaw, which the children love to play on. Maria Montessori’s principles are: Independence, Responsibility, ProblemSolving, Critical Thinking, Observation, Following the Child, Correcting the Child, Prepared Environment and Absorbent Mind. Follow the child’s interest, show them how the equipment is used, observe without interruption, to allow the child’s mind to create and develop concentration and perseverance.

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WELLBEING L I S A M I C H E L E ’ S E V E RY DAY N U T R I T I O N

W I T H S U N D I A L D E N TA L

Nutrition PUT SIMPLY 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. To put it simply, here are my 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

(Kilo-joules). 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 nonstarchy 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.

B Y R A FA AT M O D E R N W I S D O M

Salt Water PRODUCTS

ealth is balance; our body is naturally healthy. External factors and imbalances such as stress and wrong nutrition are the causes of disease. In modern times, this is ever more relevant. To help rebalance, one can periodically undertake a Detox of the mind, body and spirit. For mind and spirit, meditation and relaxation should become part of our daily routine. There are plenty of great books and CDs available to guide on this journey. Crystals and aromas such as incense also help. For the body, there are plenty of things to help balance. One of them is to take a relaxing sea salt bath, full of important minerals. Bathing in salt

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THE ANCIENT WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PLACES EMPHASIS ON ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING BALANCE AND HARMONY OF THE BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT. water is effective in eliminating toxins, relaxing and rejuvenating the skin, while balancing the body’s energies. It contains minerals which helps the body remove toxins and by-products of metabolism through the lymph system. Salt water minerals are also known to be beneficial for many skin conditions. In ancient Greece, it was regarded as a therapy for chronic inflammatory skin conditions and Hippocrates, father of medicine, healed patients by encouraging them to immerse in sea water. Modern Wisdom is now bringing a great new line of salt products from Saltie Soul, an Australian Natural skincare Brand focused on ocean friendly therapeutic products using salts from the Dead Sea.

T H E S I L E N T D I S E A S E T H AT YO U ’ R E G O I N G T O WA N T T O TA L K A B O U T

ou would not live with a chronic eye or ear infection. Yet 45% of the population over 65 years live with a chronic infection known as Gum Disease or Periodontitis. Literally millions of people don’t know they have this serious, treatable infection. Gum Disease, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and spread throughout the body. Research shows that Gum Disease is associated with Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer, Diabetes, Arthritis and Pre-Term Delivery in Pregnancy. From these studies, it has been shown that men with Gum Disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers. The Good News is Gum Disease Can Be Treated! For years it was thought that bacteria linked Gum Disease to other disease in the body. Current research now demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association. Therefore, treating Gum Disease and the inflammation will not only help manage periodontal diseases, but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions. Gum Disease is often silent - meaning symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced to a more severe stage. Warning signs of Gum Disease include the following: • Red, swollen or tender gums - or other pain in your mouth • Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food

• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth - causing your teeth to look longer than before • Loose or separating teeth • Pus between your gums and teeth • Sores in your mouth • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite Treatment for Gum Disease depends on the severity of the case. Visiting your dentist and having a full periodontal chart and X-rays, with your dentist, oral health therapist or your hygienist is a great way to assess your current periodontal health. If you have mild to moderate Gum Disease, it can be treated with regular brushing, flossing, regular visits to your dentist, frequent dental cleanings by a hygienist as well as adjusting your diet and/or lifestyle choices. With more severe cases, specific treatment is required. The treatment can vary from sub gingival cleaning, to treatment with a specific laser called LANAP that treats the area of infection quickly and gently. If Gum Disease is not caught soon enough, it may be necessary to replace natural teeth with implants, restorations, bridges or even dentures. Gum Disease is preventable. If you are concerned, please call our office for more information or for an assessment at one of our four locations. For further information on Periodontal health, visit www.lanap.com.au or ring our caring team at Sundial Dental: 6583 3533.

KINETIC JOHN STEVENS

NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES ARE DEVASTATING; THERE’S NO POINT MIXING WORDS. FROM DEMENTIA TO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS), THE GRADUAL DETERIORATION OF THE BRAIN AND ITS SYSTEMS IS DEVASTATING TO WITNESS.

ou might be surprised to know of the amazing wonders of the human brain and that Parkinson’s Disease (PD) its adaptability, specific movement and exercise is the second most common strategies can contribute in a major way to slow neurological condition in the deterioration of the disease and even help Australia, with nearly 32 those with more advanced PD enjoy a greater new diagnoses made every single day. For quality of life. comparison’s sake, this is greater than There are a few different ways the number of people affected by in which this is achieved. prostate cancer and four times Aerobic-based exercise more common than MS. s tie ul at an appropriately ic iff D Not just a condition for prescribed intensity with speech are in d the ageing population an on m m can help optimise co very the 20% of these cases are of ss lo e th , neurotransmitter ct fa n be in people under the age sense of smell ca function. Large and r, of 50. an early indicato dynamic movements

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acte d

which , if More than just a case of that create the right on , can improve the “shakes”, Parkinson’s stimulus on the motor prognosis. ” Disease affects sufferers in cortex of the brain may many varying and different also have a positive effect ways. Difficulties with speech on signal messaging and the are very common and in fact, the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Dance loss of the sense of smell can be an early can also be delivered as a specific indicator, which, if acted on, can improve strategy for PD sufferers with the use of prognosis. All of these symptoms are evidence music, movement and the following visual cues of the deterioration of the cells in the brain behind its benefits. that produce dopamine, an essential chemical April 11th is World Parkinson’s Day and as a messenger in the brain otherwise known as a result, there’s no better time for us to be talking “neurotransmitter”. about and thinking about this condition and Now, whilst the process of PD is degenerative, modern science has revealed some amazing treatments. The use of drugs that help dopamine production to continue is one common strategy, and deep-brain electrical stimulators have shown promise in later stages of the disease. Believe it or not though, one Parkinson’s specific treatment strategies doesn’t involve drugs at all. Because

those affected in our community. For more information on Parkinson’s Disease or how you can support people with Parkinson’s, visit www. parkinsonsnsw.org.au. If you would like to know more about specific exercised based therapies for PD, connect with me through the Kinetic Medicine Facebook page or via email to info@ kineticmedicine.com.au

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with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

APRIL 2017

with Terri

About Inclusion Photo credit: Will Eades Photography

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Your mind is very clever, but is it satisfied? Look for a topic you can learn about or find some good intellectual stimulation. Perhaps you would benefit from discovering a new gift or talent at present. Your mind will stop playing with you as soon as your intellect is satisfied. Blue Lace agate is great for intellectual stimulation.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 If you can, change the effect conflict is having on you. You are naturally a positive person; however, conflict is weighing you down, and most of it is not even yours. Try to focus on the beneficial outcomes for other challenges, and you will be freed from the negative influences. Aquamarine cleanses negativity from our energy.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 You may be a little frustrated at present, as result of feeling trapped in old beliefs that no longer serve you. Try debating your beliefs, to isolate and change the ones you have outgrown. Expect some exciting new social influences this month. Ruby shatters antiquated beliefs and gives us a sense of security.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

If you are feeling suspended at present, don’t despair. Focus is highlighted on you discovering your role in the bigger scheme of your life at the moment. Try reflecting on the last twelve months and digest any emotions you may not have processed but held on to. Malachite helps release old emotions and enhances change.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

You have very strong healing energy surrounding you at present. This is why you have recently been reflecting on cycles that repeated in your past. You have changed somewhat since these things originally occurred; this is why they no longer effect you as they once did. Keep progressing with self gratitude. Rose Quartz is a powerful loving healing crystal.

CANCER.

June 23 - July 23

Complete contentment can be expected where love is concerned. It will benefit you to keep gratitude for loved ones as a main focus. Break mundane energy by doing new activities and exploring new destinations. Your inner child will benefit from exciting influences. Aventurine is great for new beginnings.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23

If you have been feeling unsupported lately, try identifying the emotion you hope to feel from someone to give you security, but wake it up internally, instead of relying on an external source to fulfil your internal need. Be kinder to yourself in thought as well. Turquoise is great for self love and confidence.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Some big changes can be expected, bringing self appreciation and confidence back to a higher level. Be aware of destructive thoughts and patterns, as these will only hinder your personal success. Try being as kind and complimentary to yourself in thought as possible. Rose Quartz is a nurturing crystal.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 Justice will prevail. Any challenge that left you depleted in the last twelve months is needing to be freed from you. Think of the opposite of what took place, and become the answer to the conflict. This will ensure no insecurity or scaring from the experience will be a future influence. Citrine shatters negativity.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 You have carried a dream for a long time, but may not have had the opportunity to pursue it. Set your sights on the outcome you want to achieve, and give yourself permission to succeed. Laugh at fears or potential challenges and have fun. Any task you are undertaking needs your nurturing energy to succeed. Citrine shatters negative energy.

We‘ve been thinking about change and how it continues to impact every part of our life ... how the only way forward is to plan for it, embrace it and deal with it! When I attended the 40th anniversary celebrations of Ability Options, an organisation we partner with, I was moved by a powerful speech from Emily Dash, a Front Up Emerge Program Artist. Her speech was delivered to more than 100 family members, support workers, and executives and His Excellency General The Honorable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New South Wales (pictured with Emily). Emily titled her speech The Changemakers; this is an excerpt: Yes, here’s to the dreamers, then - The ones who will not simply bend to circumstance, who remain Unafraid to make to make a few waves, Brave enough to stand up and say, “How it is isn’t how it has to stay”. They never see in black and white, and They know when it’s time to embrace each shade of grey, with an open mind and take a chance on the dawning of a different day. This is how progress is made. And while there are still battles left to fight, What matters is hope, and the strength of those who stand by your side. The full poem is on About Inclusion FaceBook page, or contact us ndis@aboutinclusion.com.au, or find Emily Dash on Facebook.

S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21

Your self worth needs to be valued at present. You are aligning with receiving great things, but need to know you deserve these things or you could easily sabotage them. Look for a restricting belief that stops your reward and release this belief. Quartz amplifies self worth.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

It’s time for you. Set some fresh goals and release any fears of being able to support yourself in the future, and allow yourself to receive the best of the best. Put some thought into emotions you would like to experience and pray for the opportunity to live them. Turquoise is great for enhancing self worth.

manning-great lakes focus.

focus_interview

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

BUSINESS minds

Tebbenhof f H E A T H

H O F F

B RO O K E T E B B E N H O F F I S H A L F O F T H E “ H E AT H & H O F F ” T E A M . C I T Y S L I C K E R S T U R N E D L O CA L S, T H E I R S I S T H E C L A S S I C OZ Z I E S E A C H A N G E S T O RY. T H I S M O N T H W E F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T T H E M OV E F RO M “ T H E B I G S M O K E T O B O O T I B O O T I ” . rooke, tell us about the reason you and Benny joined us here in God’s own backyard? It’s been a real adventure! Benny and I were working for big ad agencies in the city and were tired of working on big briefs where the work was ultimately meaningless. Harsh, but true! We love our jobs, and the ability we have to help illicit change in a business’ success, but wanted to do it on our own terms with businesses where we could make a real difference. Fortunately, we had bought a holiday house up here, so we threw caution to the wind and said, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Here we are a year later, and haven’t looked back. So, the name Heath & Hoff. Where did it come from? Testing out our own branding process, we were focused on getting to the core of our offering - which is us, Benny and myself. We want to meet clients face to face and build a relationship with them, so we’re a part of their business. We feel strongly about winning the trust of our clients and about being transparent and honest with them - even when sometimes that can be tough. The best way for us to achieve that is for our clients to get to know us personally, and for us not to hide behind an arbitrary brand name. So, we combined our surnames, and “Heath and Hoff” was born. Selfishly now, being short on a good head of hair myself, how does Benny get such a killer beard? Benny’s impressive facial hair makes up for 43

manning-great lakes focus.

him being follicular-challenged up top, so he the eclairs and so that he feels comfortable and feels your pain. He receives a lot of beard love natural in this new skin. It’s been a pleasure, and admiration. and there’s still plenty more to come from this Business nowadays doesn’t need to be partnership. confined to an office in the big city. How Clients should expect to get deeply do you communicate to maintain larger involved if working with you, then? clients, yet work closely on smaller, more Expect to be part of the process. Whether it’s niche projects? designing a new website, developing branding In the digital age there’s no need to be for a new business, or launching a marketing sitting in the same room in order to achieve campaign, Benny and I feel strongly about your goals. We use many digital project working collaboratively with our clients. We’re management tools, such as Trello or more than just designers; our process is Slack, to keep on top of projects very thought-led, focusing on the with our more remote strategic and creative thinking clients, manage remote up front, before we start resources (because our looking at pixels. We can ve The people we’ staff don’t necessarily achieve a better result en met have be have to be sitting in by taking our clients on e w d an g, very welcomin eeting our studio either), and the journey with us. We m to d ar look forw at th w Skype, Facetime or don’t believe in using no le op pe more ng off.” the good old phone is pretentious industry business is taki always handy too. language - buzzwords are Is there a favourite a pet hate. We want to project you’ve worked have real conversations, so on? we’re all on the same page. No It would have to be the advertising industry fluff here! branding work we have done for Choux Are there common errors you see Patisserie. They were one of our first businesses make in their overall brand / clients, and over that time we’ve grown marketing? to know Nic and Tara Poelaert well. They came A big one is trying to say it all with a logo. to us with a logo, and we built upon that This is one small part of what makes up your to develop their branding, website, menus, brand, and it’s easy to lose sight of that when leaflets, and we’re currently designing the you’re trying to attract new business. Planning branding for their mobile éclair truck. It’s been a is key, so businesses should be thinking about real collaborative process with them, to ensure the role of each of their channels - their that the branding truly reflects Nic’s vision for website, Facebook page, advertising, emails,

“

brochures, etc. and how each one of these channels is working together to contribute to an overall business goal. If they’re not, then it’s time to stop and take stock and make a plan to realign your efforts, as this can end up being a costly venture that garners very little returns. Efficiency is paramount. It’s always tough moving to a regional area. How are you going creating those networks and friendships in the community? It’s been challenging, but not for the reasons you may think! Socially, we’ve had very little opportunity to get out and make some new friends, as we have had a revolving door of guests since we first moved up here. The people we’ve met have been very welcoming, and we look forward to meeting more people now that business is taking off. Word of mouth has unsurprisingly been key to driving new business for us. We both love a coffee, and Benny loves going fishing, so if you have an idea you’d like to chat about or we sound like your sort of people, then please give us a shout. For you, what is the best part about being in business in the Manning-Great Lakes? Apart from the obvious answer of “lifestyle”, for us it’s having the ability to make a difference to our community. We are committed to seeing local businesses thrive, and with that comes greater buoyancy for the wider community. We see the potential this area and its talented business people have to offer, so we’re looking forward to a future of helping to drive other people’s success. Thanks Brooke.

focus_business

with Jeremy Thornton from Manning Valley Business Chamber

sponsors cross over all areas of the LGA, and we have such great new names joining some of the long-time supporters. The interest from Gloucester to Bulahdelah and all points in between has been amazing. This will be big, and we encourage you to be a part of it.

BUSINESS

JEREMY THORNTON

WHAT A SUMMER SEASON! I’VE NOTED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS THAT 2017 IS GOING TO BE A HUGE YEAR OF CHANGE IN OUR REGION. IT’S RAMPING UP ALREADY. BUSINESS NEED TO BE LEADERS OF THIS CHANGE AND BE A POSITIVE DRIVING FORCE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

ne of the big ways business has shown this is with the newly named “MidCoast Business Awards”. This is effectively the new name for

different though. It’s the first time we truly have engagement throughout the entire Local Government Area (LGA). The organising committee features members from Taree, Wingham and Forster Tuncurry Chambers working

the Manning Gloucester Great Lakes Busi-

together on a stellar awards programme and

ness Awards that MVBC has run for the past

networking evening. The venue is, for the

five years for the combined area. This year is

first time, Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club. Our

44 manning-great lakes focus.

I had the privilege recently of meeting with Deputy Premier John Barilaro alongside members from Gloucester Chamber and Advance Gloucester. It was great to see the results being achieved and the interest Minister Barilaro has towards the MidCoast region. He was also impressed that supposed local factions were working together on regionally beneficial projects. We put the past behind and focused on jobs for the region. Business leading the charge for our new community. We also put in a detailed submission to the Senate Enquiry into Decentralisation. This was done in consultation with RDA & MidCoast Council, plus several our members. The response to our submission from within this working group was extremely positive. It may or may not lead to any change, but it has put our name in front of The Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who received a personal copy to review. If Decentralisation of Government Agencies does occur, we have the connectivity through our NBN and the living costs to be front and centre of any movements. It’s all about creating opportunities and approaching these with a positive and all-embracing concept. We are pleased with the

submission, and hope it will hit the mark. Chamber was also in the thick of it during the recent NSW LGA Tourism Conference. What an incredible couple of days showcasing the Manning Valley! Delegates from across the state were impressed with the innovation being shown in our area and the council embracing ways to make doing business easier. Our local produce and landmarks were highlighted, with such positive feedback from our guests. Chamber members chaperoned delegates and promoted the region during some key functions. The welcome function on the shores of The Manning exceeded expectation, with even the full moon hitting the sky right on cue during the entertainment. Congratulations to Donna Hudson and her team for a memorable conference. So, Insurance Advisernet MidCoast Business Awards nominations are now open! Go to the web page and put your submission together with your team. www.midcoastbusinessawards.com.au is where you can nominate and buy your tickets for the gala at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club. We think it will be a sell out this year, so please book in early. Forster Chamber are challenging Taree on numbers, so come on Manning Region - take up the offer of the Eggins Coach trip and let’s show them how we party. Look forward to celebrating MidCoast business with you at the awards on Friday, May 5th.

Tourism sharon bultitude

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD! AUTUMN FOREST FUN. Want to know a secret? NSW State Forests cover 2 million hectares of forest across NSW, offering a range of experiences that few others can match. There are roomy campsites, shaded picnic areas, treelined walking tracks and spectacular lookouts. The natural environment is centre stage, showcasing an abundance of unique Australian flora and fauna within spectacular landscapes. You can swim in a creek, hike up a mountain, chat around the campfire or simply listen to the sounds of nature. You can bring your car, caravan or campervan, you can pitch a tent anywhere you like, explore forest tracks on trail bike or mountain bike, ride a horse cross-country, 4WD and bring your dog too - yes, that’s right, dogs are welcome in NSW State Forests.

Your local State Forest is an unmissable stop on your autumn self-drive outing, whether it’s for a few hours, a picnic or an overnight stay. An extensive network of roads and trails provide easy entry to State Forests, whilst walking tracks allow visitors to experience special places and nature at its best.

WE ALL LIKE FOOD, RIGHT? BUT HOW MANY OF US WOULD CONSIDER OURSELVES A FOODIE TRAVELLER? PROBABLY NOT MANY. BUT YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO FIND THAT YOU ACTUALLY QUALIFY!

With great places to explore, rest, learn, play or just get away from it all, come and experience a forest playground!

ood tourism isn’t only about savouring gourmet food created by chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants. In fact, gourmet foodies don’t even make up 10% of foodie tourists. Other types of food experiences that surpass gourmet interests include farmers’ markets, home cookery, pub food and farm-gate tours.

Visit us on the web: www.forestrycorporation. com.au/visit And share your experience: Facebook: Visit NSW Forests Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests

Today, food is fuelling tourism like never before. Food inspires travellers. It lights up social media. It connects visitors to the heritage, culture and people of a destination in electrifying ways. Food puts place on a plate. So much so, it is now an important driver of visitation to a destination. Globally, the average tourist spends around a third of their holiday budget on food. Here in Australia, food and wine accounts for one in five dollars spent by international tourists, and the industry as a whole has seen a $1 billion incremental increase in spending over the past two years. Tourism Research Australia also recently reported that great food, wine and local cuisine is a major factor influencing holiday decision making, ranking 3rd ahead of world class beauty and natural environment. Leading Travel Research Company, Skift, in its annual “Megatrends Defining Travel” Report, went even further by declaring that food was now the leading hook of travel. “Food tourism is nothing new, but its exponential growth is remaking how destinations position themselves in the global marketplace.” The success of this sector is undoubtedly linked to travellers’ increasing desire for authentic experiences. We all have to eat, no matter where we are in the world, and local cuisine is one of the most direct ways to experience a culture. When you’re sipping a pho for breakfast in Vietnam or noshing baklava in Istanbul, you’re experiencing not only the taste of a place, but also part of its history. You’re connecting with the daily life of the locals. So what does this mean for our destination, its producers and providers? As a destination: • Food tourism must be a core part our destination strategy. • Successful delivery will require collaboration and

dialogue between every “agent” in the process - food producers, food providers, tour providers, destination team etc. • Innovative use of digital and social media is critical in connecting consumers with producers and business owners. • High quality local producers and products that relate directly to our region’s identity need to be identified and promoted as our “Regional Heroes” and “Ambassadors”. • Storytelling must be central to our marketing and connecting our food to our culture, adopting the “Paddock to Plate” philosophy to tell the story of our food and wine production, explaining where ingredients come from, how they can be used and sustainable practices. Local producers and providers: • Must grasp the opportunity to create new products such as food tasting, workshops etc. Why only sell the cheese in store, when you could also invite people to learn how to make it? Offering a gastronomic experience instead of just food increases the value of your product. • When you transform your business into an experience business, you become unique. You not only have a product to offer - you also have a story to tell. • Ensure wait staff are knowledgeable (and passionate) about the produce and its origins. Our new MidCoast region offers an enviable array of wonderful local producers and eateries. With a cohesive vision and strong collaborative partnerships, we have the potential to deliver a seriously powerful regional food story to visitors. This then, will increase the visibility and attractiveness of our region, help to protect our identity and culture, boost visitation and promote year-round tourism, and increase spend by attracting a higher-yield visitor who will pay a little more for a meaningful food experience. Food for thought! Find your inner Foodie this Easter weekend by taking a self-drive food and wine tour in the Great Lakes. On Sat 15th and Sun 16th April, The Great Lakes Food Trail will launch, with passionate local producers opening up their “doors” for a unique and not to be missed food experience. For full info, head to: www.facebook. com/thegreatlakesfoodtrailnsw manning-great lakes focus.

Magnificent, magical

Maldives

Susie samples the barefoot luxury of the Indian Ocean’s finest resorts

classic tropical island, essential elements: Talcumpowder sand. Froth-tipped waves flashing frivolous white frills, tickling the shoreline. Transparent babyblue tinted water, like looking into a clear sky to infinity. Swaying palms curved in graceful arcs. The sun’s warm, just perfect for drinking its rays deep down into the soul, for frolicking in the lagoon, for developing the feel-good patina of a light bronze tan. A G&T; a frozen pineapple daiquiri. Peaceful, sublime isolation in the world’s premier water playground, the Maldives. Then, like a mirage, a shimmering glass-faced cavern - a glamorous, see-through cool room, in fact - looms up. The full-height window that forms its entire front wall and portal is chilled, frosted inside with patches of icy, gel-like condensation, melting slowly, dripping temptingly at the edges, luring us inside to discover the deep cocoa shades of thousands of hand-made chocolates arranged in rows on silver salvers on timber tiers, moulded in the shape of turtles, cupcakes, logs, fish ... and displayed on decorative dark chocolate “branches”, where chocolate sand crabs cling, and chocolate olives hang down among the leaves. It’s a visual wonderland: an indulgent gourmet counterpoint to the natural simplicity

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of this beautiful island, Soneva Fushi. Such is the place that we dwell in this week: uber-luxurious accommodation, just 57 villas in all, enveloped in a glorious natural coral-reef environment, flecked with unexpected lavish touches like the chocolate cave. Or, lying nearby on the palm-dotted sandy shore, a similar crystalline oasis holds in its refrigerated galley a maze of wondrous ice creams (e.g, honeycomb; orange & Campari) and sorbets (limoncello; rocket leaf) made here by hundreds of chefs and patissiers in the island’s massive, discreetly hidden, kitchens. And, next: another glass chamber, of delicatesse: jamon, prosciutto, salamis and exquisite cheeses, not made on-site, these; instead, air-expressed from the finest food centres of Italy, France, Spain and beyond. Delicious, taste-tempting experiences are just one trademark of the luxury and style that envelope guests on Fushi: your white stucco villa - vast sleeping and sitting spaces, bigger than many homes. Mine: at 400sq m, one of the smallest; tucked at the end of a sandy pathway just wide enough for bicycles and a golf buggy. White mozzie-netted canopies on tall timber four-posters set with crisp white linens under a lazy ceiling fan (plus air-con, of course) and colourful Indian cotton kasbah cushions set around wide sofas in the entertainment arena. The Indian Ocean on your beachfront

doorstep, the watery leitmotif further embellished by your private swimming pool with sultan-style daybed, sun lounges and a hammock. Then, to the rear, a high-walled jungle-pond enclave with deep open-air spa bath and shower. Bose speakers run throughout, inside and out; there’s a personal bar and Vintec refrigerated cabinet brimming with champagne, top-line wines and beers and the world’s most exotic tea and coffee, and a spacious dressing room, generous luggage storage and wardrobe reserve. Special thoughtful touches include, but aren’t at all limited to, binoculars in the desk drawer and fragrant sachets in your choice of lemongrass or a suite of similar fragrances placed under your pillows in the evenings. Then there’s your personal butler. Don’t feel like stirring for tennis, cycling, spa or scuba

from your cushioned nirvana beside the villa pool? Your Mr Friday will summon up ice creams, chocolates, charcuterie, all unlimited, included in your tariff, or your choice from the in-room dining, or a la carte menus, around the clock. Butlers on Fushi, it seems, never sleep. The marvellous marine activities on offer comprise some stunning experiences: dive excursions to select secret spots, a romantic secluded dinner on an isolated sandbank. And then there’s the opportunity to simply bathe in the Soneva brand of sheer solitude, equally breathtaking. Choose a villa on the sunrise side of the island. Also check Fushi’s “Residences”: absolute indulgence, designed for groups. Explore the possibilities at: www.soneva.com

Ever so, never so,

perfect...

Just launched: the world’s newest, most exclusive overwater villas

oneva Fushi was the first uber-luxe resort in the Maldives. Soneva not only pioneered and stamped its brand on this sublime style of escape but pretty much holds the copyright for desert island indulgence. While many others have followed Soneva into this Indian Ocean paradise, most are mere repeats of resorts everywhere, attempting as an aside - inevitably failing - to copy the Soneva recipe. Most are too crowded with too many villas, for profit’s sake. Some are simply shabby, so beware. The exquisite appeal of the Soneva brand is its signature barefoot luxury attitude - “No news; No shoes” - the slow life, or Robinson Crusoe done with ultra-chic finesse. The moment we step aboard our seaplane (after dark, transfers are by luxury speedboat) on arrival in the Maldivian capital, Male, we’re handed a silk drawstring bag and our private butler invites us to stow our shoes for the duration: it’s the beginning of the ineffable, carefree feeling of freedom experienced during barefoot suppers in dining rooms with softly caressing sandy floors, ditto the bars, and in the chocolate, ice cream and charcuterie stores ... as well as in and on the pure blue heaven of the Indian Ocean. Soneva is an amalgam of the founders’ names: Sonu and Eva – he an alumnus of Eton and Oxford and the earth’s most prominent ecohospitality developer; she a former top Swedish model whose impeccable taste in design gives the world’s four Soneva resorts their exclusive, incomparable flair. Soneva experiences include innovations such as dinner suspended above a herb garden; open-air cinema with the screen rising out of the ocean; sumptuous beachside breakfasts with oranges and watermelons squeezed to

order, every possible tropical fruit carved ready for plucking from a dazzling, fresh and fragrant display, and bacon and eggs at the snap of your fingers in whatever style you command. At dinner, the cornucopia of offerings must surely be the world’s most magnificent: on top of a 20-metre long buffet of tiers of sushi, curries, grilled lamb cutlets, lavish salads and – truly – around 50 other dishes, there’s a wood-fired pizza oven awaiting your individual invention and a massive a la carte menu as well. Two months ago I was the lucky first Aussie journalist invited to visit the couple’s newest iteration – the ultimate castaway experience of sublime Soneva Jani (pictured left) – at present, just 15 deliciously private, vast, overwater villas with outstanding, astounding appointments in one of the world’s lowest-density luxury resorts: boom nets for lolling above your private pool (and, at whim, sliding over the side into the water); water chutes for the fastest route from your top floor alfresco terrace into the lagoon; lounging pods elevated mid-air at the end of your private “jetty”/walkway; overwater swinging seat-shells and hammocks; a gliding retractable rooftop: lie in bed at night and gaze at the oh-so-miraculous star-studded sky. At The Gathering, the central restaurant and spa complex (though you need never go near it if you prefer total seclusion: your butler awaits) the wine selection’s so extensive the sommelier abseils up and down its sheer glass facade. There’s Thai by a leading Thai chef; teppanyaki by a top Japanese exponent, and so on. This is a resort dedicated to ultimate intimacy, the best place on earth to spoil yourself (or, parents, to surprise and delight a honeymoon couple.) As the Sonevas’ motto says: Eva so neva so perfect.

Millionaire for a moment Our travel editor steps aboard a private 20m luxury yacht

he’s my own private 20-metre luxury yacht with, just for now, my own crew and chef, ready to sail solely at my will across the glorious Indian Ocean. She’s Soneva in Aqua, a “floating villa” launched just a year or so ago. So totally exclusive. Something for a Packer or a Gates? Yes, for the level of ultimate refinement. But otherwise she comes at merely the approximate cost, meals included, of a two-bedroom villa on her mooring-island base, Soneva Fushi. Her two cabins (up to four adults, two children) are augmented below decks by a superb galley where your chef, butler and steward create and deliver dream cuisine, snacks, and fresh-caught fish dinners right from the deep, served on the open deck as the elite vessel offers peaceful vistas across the ever-mutating blue-hued atolls. For me, the piece de resistance was not the main stateroom with its polished timber floors, tanned fine leather-clad cupboards and gleaming his ‘n’ hers basins but the romantic appointment of the Jacuzzi at the foot of the bed - moreover, with a glass-bottomed viewing portal revealing the ocean floor, allowing guests to marvel at tropical fish, rays and other sea life by day and, illuminated, at night. Sheer heaven. Another standout of Soneva in Aqua is her spacious interiors, not yacht-like at all, most especially her large bathrooms with proper showers and loos. Crew variously comprises captain, first officer, Mr Friday butler, chef, interior steward and, on request, a dive master, therapist and astronomer, dependent on the

duration and design of the charter, for from one to seven nights. Soneva Resorts, the three Maldivian retreats featured on this page plus the Thai destination, Soneva Kiri, are world environment award winners for avant-garde, genuine eco-awareness. Their SLOW life ethos, they say, doesn’t refer only to the muted Soneva pace of living: it stands for Sustainable, Local, Organic and Wellness – “a cleaner, healthier way of living, beneficial for both guests and the environment”. Try, for example, Fushi’s fresh picked-from-the-garden rocket salad, crisp lettuce, organic vegies and multiple mushroom varieties. Sun-kissed days are filled with soothing pursuits from, for instance, a sunrise breakfast on Fushi’s sandbank, morning yoga among the treetops, snorkelling the gentle transparent house reef with a marine biologist, worldclass diving, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, picnicking on a deserted island, sunset champagne dolphin-spotting cruises, evenings watching the stars on the outdoor cinema screen or, with its resident astronomer, from the Fushi Observatory. Despite the Sonevas’ adult delights, children are not the least neglected: both Fushi and Kiri feature a tropical fairyland, a kids’ personal compound known as the Den. The dens offer music rooms, games rooms and dress-up rooms, pools and cinema. The philosophy: to inspire children and create lifelong happy memories.

Focus Travel Editor Susie Boswell travelled to the Maldives via Singapore, courtesy of British Airways. She was hosted courtesy of the Sonevas: Soneva Jani, Soveva Fushi and Soneva in Aqua. Photos: Main, Soneva Jani, and waterslide – Stevie Mann; Sandbank picnic, Sandbank dinner, Yacht stateroom – Richard Waite; Open-air bath – Cat Vinton; Chocolatier – Antonina Gern; Chocolate display, Mr Friday butler – Susie Boswell.

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manning-great lakes

property guide

manning-great lakes focus.

focusreal estate.

TRACEY DRAYSON

Agent from Professionals Forster Tuncurry

have been with the Professionals since July 2007 and have had the pleasure of helping numerous sellers and buyers achieve their property goals. 2017 has been a very busy and productive year, and we were all very excited to see Ratemyagent.com.au rate The Professionals office as the agency with the highest market share of 23% in the Forster Tuncurry area for 2017. It is an excellent market to be selling in, as we are consistently achieving exceptional results for our vendors, with strong buyer enquiry in all price brackets across the area. The Professionals have a wonderful office culture and a lot of local loyalty, and it is a daily pleasure working with such a proactive sales team. I find that new business comes from a variety of avenues. In the past eight years, the Professionals have been a member of our local Business Networking Group BNI, and networking as an agent is very important to me, as I continue to search and explore new ideas for sourcing seller and buyer leads. However, what I find most rewarding is personal recommendation and repeat business. A past client who bought a particularly rundown property a year ago recently invited me round for a cup of tea, so they could show me all the improvements they had made to their home. This reminded me of many other clients who would welcome me into their houses that have become friends and would loyally recommend me

if given the opportunity. It is these relationships that you build with your clients that I value the most, and even if it’s just a passing, “Hi Tracey” in the street, it’s nice to know they remember you and are interested in how you are going. An example of this was the recent sale of a penthouse in “Waterline” apartments. Why did you list your unit with Tracey Drayson at The Professionals? We actually bought the property through Tracey Drayson and the Professionals nearly nine years ago. We fell in love with this beautiful two-storey penthouse and its fantastic views and have loved every minute of our time spent in Forster. I would often see Tracey on my walks along the foreshore, and Maureen would pop in and say hi occasionally. When it came time for us to think about selling and moving closer to our families, we automatically turned to Tracey for an appraisal. How would you rate your experience with The Professionals? Tracey has been honest with us at all times, and we had the utmost confidence in her ability to find a buyer who would see the value of our unit and achieve a great sales result for us, which she has done very successfully. Would you recommend Tracey and The Professionals? We have found Tracey and the sales team at The Professionals to be courteous and helpful at all times and would highly recommend them to anyone thinking of selling or buying.

manning-great lakes focus.

Exclusive new service a success for residents at

TAREEGARDENS SURROUNDED BY FARMLAND AND BOASTING A RELAXING COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE, TAREE IS A HAVEN FOR ACTIVE INDEPENDENT SENIORS. AND NOW IT ALSO PROVIDES SENIORS WITH A NEWFOUND PEACE-OF-MIND - THANKS TO AN EXCLUSIVE NEW SERVICE, INGENIA CARE PLUS.

he program, being trialled at Taree Gardens, provides residents with tailored homecare services and the majority of living expenses taken care of, which allows residents to remain in their own home longer. Partnering with trusted aged care provider Feros Care, Ingenia Care PLUS offers residents increased on-site support, including 24 hour telehealth monitoring, daily evening carer between 8pm and 10pm, daily sleepover carer between 10pm and 6am and daily nutritious home-style meals in addition to accommodation services. As part of the peace-of-mind package, Ingenia Care PLUS residents have the added benefit of knowing all electricity bills are included, as well as exclusive access to mobility and exercise

programs, preventative educational talks and tailored homecare services provided in the comfort of their own homes. Seniors are flocking to join Ingenia Care PLUS to reap the benefits of its comprehensive package and experience a dignified alternative to residential care, whilst enjoying a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals.

Already taking e advantage of th e, ag Care PLUS pack resident ’ ns de ar G e re Ta our has Margaret Seym own r he d maintaine ith the w ce en nd indepe tting pu t program , whils at ns er nc her son’s co ease .”

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Already taking advantage of the Care PLUS package, Taree Gardens’ resident Margaret Seymour has maintained her

Taree Gardens is proud to offer Ingenia Care PLUS – an exciting new supported living service, offering a dignified alternative to residential care.

own independence with the program, whilst putting her son’s concerns at ease. “I joined Ingenia Care PLUS after my son became concerned with my health, but knowing that I could still remain independent, I was excited to be part of the program.

“One of the benefits of being part of the program is feeling safer and more confident, knowing that there is someone here at night, just in case I fall or need help.

“I jumped at the chance to live at Taree

Gardens. After a tour of the village I was so impressed with the units, community and the Care PLUS program, I moved in almost immediately,” Ms Seymour said. Local seniors are encouraged to get in quick and visit Taree Gardens today, as only a handful of ground-level units remain. Taree Gardens invites local independent seniors to its upcoming Open Day on Saturday 29 April 2017 from 10am until 2pm. Guests will have the opportunity view a furnished display unit, with the friendly village team on hand to answer any queries about Ingenia Care PLUS, renting in retirement and the range of social activities on offer. For more information on Ingenia Care PLUS, or the upcoming Taree Gardens Open Day, contact Village Manager Amanda Howton on (02) 6550 1599.

Providing you and your family with peace-of-mind 24 hour monitoring and no big up-front fees, you will retain your independence whilst enjoying the sense of belonging to a community of like-minded people who look out for each other. To learn more about Ingenia Care PLUS, register your interest by calling 1800 797 625 or visit www.ingeniacareplus.com.au

Disclaimer: The Ingenia Care PLUS service is being offered initially as a six month pilot at Taree Gardens.

TAREE GARDENS 60 Edinburgh Drive, Taree 50

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C L A R E N D O N

Property of the Month

he huge homestead has five stunning bedrooms with three luxury bathrooms, which all include spa baths. There is a large office downstairs, which could be converted to a sixth bedroom with ensuite, if you choose to do so. Clarendon Farm itself has beautiful verandahs that surround the entire house and pool area. There are massive formal rooms, all opulently furnished with beautiful light fittings and fixtures - they are just exquisite. Similarly, an informal Australian style, with TV rooms, BBQs and beautiful gardens. Exaggerating? We are not!

a half-size tennis court. AND - for all nature lovers, the established Wallaby Sanctuary provides protection for Australia’s unique flora and fauna. The area is famous for its bushland and bushwalks and is a bird watchers’ paradise. Clarendon Farm also has an Award Winning Horse Riding school 50 m from the homestead. There are horses and trails suitable for every type of rider, and experienced instructors are on hand to guide and help on the trails. Bring your own horses - ponies - chooks - your choice!

Alternatively, Clarendon Farm could be a Bed and Breakfast for an astute couple (or more) should you choose to pool your resources.

At Clarendon Farm you have the unique opportunity of being secluded in a rapidly growing coastal community. Take advantage of the 100 kilometres of superb beaches, the beautiful lakes and river systems, a climate free of drought and water restrictions, restaurants, chopping centres, art galleries, theatres, schools and colleges.

The business opportunities also include wedding receptions, business and corporate conventions or nature retreats.

Clarendon Farm is independently owned and operated amongst the award winning Clarendon Forest Retreat.

Clarendon Farm has many, many more features, including a 12 m fibreglass salt-water pool and

The owners of Clarendon Farm chose the scenic location, in the Kiwarrak State Forest,

This property is Ideal for an affluent, nature loving, freedom loving - highly fortunate family.

Set in the Hinterland of The Magnificent Manning Valley, “Clarendon Farm” - a finer property we have not seen. At Tallowood Real Estate, we are totally entranced by this 152-Acre (62 Ha) property of peaceful, undulating hills, lagoon, fully fenced paddocks and rainforest. See the Youtube video here: www.youtu.be/WBgVwGZA_0w for its incredible views, rolling hills and relaxing tranquillity. The farm is surrounded by the Kiwarrak State Forest, which provides a stunning backdrop to this property. With unsurpassed views and sweet, clean air, Clarendon Farm is located 20 minutes to tourist towns Forster/Tuncurry, with restaurants, beaches and the glorious Wallis Lake. It is situated between the Manning Valley and Great Lakes regions - as both are easily accessible. This magnificent property remains your pleasure to inspect by private appointment only with Angie Shuetrim-Milles of Tallowood Real Estate. Phone (02) 6554 3485 or 0407 133 911. angie@tallowoodrealestate.com www.tallowoodrealestate.com About the Kiwarrak State Forest: Kiwarrak State Forest is pronounced “Kye Warrick”. Kiwarrak State Forest covers an area of about around 12,000 hectares and is located in the east of Australia, in New South Wales. Kiwarrak State Forest includes one of the fastest growing mountain bike riding trails in the country. Various trails for all riders (experienced or not) are available, with established groups/ organisations who arrange the trails and rides.

About the Manning Valley/Great Lakes Area: From the coast to the hinterland, the Manning Valley offers nine stunning National Parks, Reserves and State Forests that conceal some of our best-kept secrets. There are so many bush tracks, mountains and lookouts that can be walked on, climbed up, cycled across or flown over. Manning Valley region - Taree is the business centre of the Manning Valley, nestled on the banks of the Manning River. Taree has first class shopping centres, entertainment and sporting facilities, alfresco dining and peaceful riverside parks. Great Lakes Region - a diverse ecosystem teeming with wildlife, the Great Lakes - Myall, Smiths and Wallis - is a wonderful destination. From still lakes and estuaries to white, sandy beaches and National Park wilderness, the region is a haven for water sports, bushwalking and houseboat holidays. Just a few hours’ drive north of Sydney, Forster offers a range of water activities, such as dolphin cruises, fishing, sailboarding and scuba diving. Between May and November, go whale watching with Amaroo Cruises to see Humpbacks on their annual migration.

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dotcom property sales Welcome to Dotcom Property Sales. Kim possesses a strong and extensive resume which highlights his many years of experience within the sales industry, both locally and abroad. Kim has proven that he excels rapidly in these roles, with client satisfaction being his top priority. Kim likes to put himself â€œin the

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shoes of his vendorâ€?, to best understand and meet their expectations, whilst offering guidance and insight into sale process resulting in a successful, timely and enjoyable experience for both the vendor and the purchaser. Kim would like to hear from you and can be contacted directly on 0419 997 700.

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with Amanda Tate form LJ Hooker

APRIL MARKET UPDATE FORSTER CONTINUES TO DOMINATE OUR AREA FOR SALES, WITH FIVE SALES OVER THE MAGIC MILLION DOLLARS. WHILST THAT IS THE AVERAGE SALE PRICE NOW IN SYDNEY, AS LOCALS WE ALL KNOW THAT A MILLION DOLLARS UP HERE CAN BUY YOU A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN.

ith plenty of properties be hitting our shores with abundance. Yes, our coming to market in average wages may not be the same as theirs, January, March saw but it is all relevant and not many people a peak of just over return to the cities once they have settled in to 200 sales in the Great the lifestyle our area has to offer. Lakes-Manning Valley area. Leading the way While we are seeing movement in the highwas a spectacular property with ocean views end areas, our average sale price for a home at Boomerang Beach for a cool $1,800,000, in Taree is just $320,000. There have been followed by two sales at Forster Beach and the plenty of sales around that $400,000, which sale of an exquisite unit taking in the Pacific easily buys the traditional four bedroom brick views at $1,020,000, proving that buyers can home with double lock up garage and possibly see value in investing in our area. a pool - compare that to Sydney. On the With the surge of sales cheaper end of the scale, a small at the beginning of three bedroom home sold in the year, once again Taree for $160,000 and a ont, On the rental fr t limited stock is block of land at $52,500, ar we had a slow st putting upward both to investors. Units plenty to the year, with e pressure on prices. went as low as $215,000 ic pr l al in available re ca ok to A recent sale in for a one bedroom in ch ar M . ranges d an m de Taree at $335,000 Forster and $185,000 ith w , is of th ly, had only just for a two bedroom in exceeding supp ncy rate been purchased bringing the vaca Taree. Sale of residential % by the down under 1.5 seventeen months land has slowed slightly, te r.” end of the qu ar prior for $295,000 with the majority in Old Bar confirming the average averaging $165,000, Tinonee 17% capital growth in $135,000 and Diamond Beach the last two years. Preparing $310,000 for a block backing on to a Comparative Market Analysis just the beach reserve. yesterday, I could not believe the lack On the rental front, we had a slow start of comparable properties on the market to the year, with plenty available in all price and all had just been listed within the last ranges. March took care of this, with demand two weeks, further indication of how fast our exceeding supply, bringing the vacancy rate market is moving. down under 1.5% by the end of the quarter. Acreage lots continue to prove popular, Finishing off the quarter, we had the with Sydney siders still looking for the larger opportunity to auction the Cundletown Scout plots to build their dream home on and move Hall. With strong inquiry throughout the out of the rat race and overpriced market. campaign, we ended up with seven registered There is a lot of talk that the Sydney market’s bidders and the property being sold under bubble may burst and how that may affect us. the hammer for $196,000, well over reserve. Once they realise what our area has to offer, Best news is $50,000 of the proceeds will go the affordability of daily living costs and the directly to the Taree Scouts for improvements benefits of our healthier lifestyle, they should to their hall.

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STAGE 3 OPENS IN APRIL 2017!

hey are doubly excited about utilising the uber designed fourth floor spa and bar with views to Wallis Lake and beyond! “We are on track to complete the 29 luxuriously appointed stage 3 apartments for April 2017,” said Mal Kukus, Construction Manager and Partner of Evermore Retirement Living. “Things are going so well, we started construction of the stage 4 and 5 Basement carparks in January this year. It gives us plenty of time to focus on the craftsmanship that is reflected in the quality of our retirement apartments.” From the 29 apartments, there are three, two bedroom apartments left to sell in stage 3, which can be secured for just a $1,000 deposit. The tradesmen are very busy completing the finishing touches, with amazing results. There are over 75 local tradespeople, contractors and assistants working to complete stage 3. The majority of these people have been working with Evermore since building began. The natural light filtering through the main bedrooms and living areas give all the apartments a sense of openness. A new feature with the stage 3 designs is the direct ensuite access between the main bedroom and bathroom, which has proven to be very popular. Additional lift access will be available in Stage 3 as a third lift will come online, servicing from the carpark basement to 4th floor. Unsurpassed Retirement Living On The Mid North Coast Residents and visitors to Evermore often comment on how beautiful the facilities are and how it reminds them of a 5-star hotel or living on a luxury cruise ship! We thought it was 54

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important to share with you what it is about Evermore that has the locals speaking so highly of the village. For starters, Evermore is centrally located in the heart of town, adjoining y Forster’s medical precinct Stage 4 is alread ng vi and just a stone’s throw underway, gi n and from Wallis Lake. co the nstructio the time s Evermore opened finishing team ality qu e th its doors in the spring to focus on has at th ip sh an of 2015, setting a new always close at hand craftsm k of ar standard for supported become the hallm e.” if they’re ever needed. m the Evermore na retirement living on the With Stage 3 on Mid North Coast. From its track to open later luxuriously appointed one and this month, it appears two bedroom apartments to the the Mid North Coast’s club lounge, sports bar, coffee bar, movie premier supported retirement theatre, hairdressing salon, consulting rooms village is no longer a secret. With for visiting medical professionals, library, heated just six apartments left of the 29 on offer, swimming pool, Al fresco BBQ area, gourmet it appears Evermore has been discovered. restaurant dining, ample car parking and lifts And the Stage 3 inclusions definitely packs a servicing all floors ... Evermore has it all! punch. Residents will be treated to a top floor There are even complimentary scooters for entertainment area that boasts a 20-seater residents to buzz into town and two brand new spa, full bar and a beautiful view to Wallis Lake mini buses and a car to help residents explore around to the bridge! You can also enjoy ocean the region on social outings and shopping trips. views from the sunset bar. From day one, the Evermore community has Evermore certainly isn’t resting on its exuded a family friendly atmosphere of likelaurels. Stage 4 is already underway, giving minded friends sharing their stories, having a the construction and finishing teams the time laugh and enjoying plenty of good times - all to focus on the quality craftsmanship that has sentiments that still resonate today. become the hallmark of the Evermore name. Stage 2 heralded new found tranquility to The 4th stage promises even more, with 40 Evermore, with beautifully landscaped gardens, spectacular apartments and additional lifts for waterfall, fish pond and a Japanese Bonsai servicing every floor of the village with ease. garden for residents to relax and enjoy. “We’ve already received a lot of interest from With 24/7 onsite assistance and night prospective buyers in the 4th stage and they’re managers residing permanently onsite, residents already starting to get snapped up, so if you are enjoy the peace of mind, knowing someone is thinking about a move to an affordable 5 star

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supported retirement lifestyle, now is a good time to talk,” said Braden Graham, Sales and Marketing Manager at Evermore. “When you hear the laughter coming from happy hour at the lounge bar or you feel the comradery of the residents enjoying good times together, you quickly understand why Evermore has earned its friendly family reputation and subsequent popularity.” Last but not least, Stage 5 will add another dimension to care at Evermore, with a High Care Nursing facility planned (subject to approval) and another 25 exceptional apartments scheduled for completion in late 2018. The high care nursing home will ensure Evermore covers all demands and levels of care. And to top it off, Stage 5 will include a billiard room, craft room and a small chapel. That’s all folks ... And if you have been considering a move to an affordable 5 star supported retirement village, now is a good time to talk to Braden on 6528 0403 and secure your unsurpassed retirement future. P.S. - Evermore will be hosting another Open Day on Saturday 29th April and will be participating at the Great Lakes Retirement Expo at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club on the 2nd and 3rd April.

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