Manning-Great Lakes Focus i128

Feature Story

Wallis Lake Men's Shed

October 2017. issue 128

Ella Hooper WINGHAM AKOOSTIK FESTIVAL

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COPY EDITING: Rite ‘n’ Rong Media Services rnrmedia@bigpond.com Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as ‘Interview or Contributor’ are non-sponsored content. Manning Great Lakes Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2017 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Fairfax Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation. FOCUS delivery bags can be REDcycled at your local Coles Supermarkets and the paper through normal recycling methods.

team From the

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

T

hings are heating up! Not only has it been an unseasonably hot and windy start to spring, but there’s a lot happening locally…

good time to put one in place. The year’s only

Wallis Lake Men’s Shed in this edition, and he

going to get hotter …

was more than happy to share details about

On the Cover

the amazing work members do. Singer-songwriter Renee Hibbert drops us a

The Wingham Akoostik Festival is set to rock

At the time of going to print, an election

the showground from 13th - 15th October, with

few lines, as she’s just released her new single,

for MidCoast Council’s Mayor was about to

a fantastic line up of entertainment. Ella Hoop-

Listen to the River.

take place. We’ve already welcomed our new

er is one of the talented performers who’ll be

Councillors, so here’s hoping things are on the

appearing live during the festival.

unique skill, ahead of her upcoming show at

move, with a cohesive and proactive team to

In this Edition

Club Taree, and Quota International of Taree

help propel our area forward. Many thanks need to be extended to our lo-

We present our Ultimate Food Guide this

Medium Charmaine Wilson explains her

Inc. celebrates its 70th birthday.

month - a mouth watering showcase of

These are just a few of our interviews this

cal firies for the brilliant job they do … They’ve

our area’s wine, beer, coffee, and food. We

month …

had their work cut out for them already this

don’t lack places to indulge our tummies and

Final Say

season, with multiple blazes to deal with.

tastebuds locally - we’re very fortunate!

Have you got a fire plan? If not, it’s a very

We chatted with John Belcher from the

“The very worst fire plan is no plan. The next worse is two plans.” - Author Unknown.

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*Valid for new and demonstrator Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (non-AMG), ^S-Class (pre face-lift), SL and CLS vehicles which are sold and delivered between 1 September 2017 and 30 November 2017. Finance to approved business customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd ACN 074 134 517 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 247271. Standard credit assessment and lending criteria apply. $450.00 finance documentation fee payable up front. Dealers may charge additional fees including without limitation an origination fee which are in all cases payable upfront and not able to be financed. Subject to availability. Not available with any other offer. Full details available at your authorised Mercedes-Benz Retailer.

Taree Motorama 54 Victoria Street, Taree (02) 6539 3300 50223 www.mbtaree.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 3

focusinterview.

Breast FORSTER /TU NCUR RY

10th Anniversary “Breast cancer” - two words that cause an instant response in most people … The condition affects not only those with the disease, but their families, carers and health personnel, physically, mentally and emotionally. Heather Kelly is the Facilitator of Breast Friends in the Forster-Tuncurry area - a compassionate and caring group that provides support to men and women experiencing breast cancer. The group will celebrate its 10th anniversary this month, and the community is invited to attend …

H

ow and when did “Breast Friends” begin in the Great Lakes area? A small Breast Cancer Support Group was run out of the Oncology Unit of the Manning Base Hospital. I went to a couple of meetings and recognised the need for a group to be run in Forster/Tuncurry. The Breast Cancer Nurse at the time, Rachel Pitt, arranged for me to attend a Facilitator’s Workshop with the NSW Cancer Council. I knew I could not tackle the formation of a group on my own. Rachel Pitt then introduced me to Janet McMahon of Forster, and we met to discuss how to go about setting up a group. In November 2007, we held an inaugural “Expressions of Interest” evening with the local surgeon, Dr David Simons, as the guest speaker, and over 40 women plus some partners were present. That’s how it all started ... and we have met monthly since. What is the aim of the group? The aim of the group is to support women and men who have experienced breast cancer. When and where do you regularly get together, and what generally happens at meetings? We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm in the Committee Room of the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club in Parkes

4 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Street, Tuncurry. At some meetings we have guest speakers related to topics associated with breast cancer, or we just have general discussion amongst our members. We also meet the fourth Monday every month at 10:30am at various local cafés for morning coffee socials. How many members do you currently have, and what is their average age? We have approximately 120 on our mailing list. Each meeting attracts between 12 to 20 women, depending on the speaker and the weather. Our age group ranges from 45 years, the youngest, to 85, our oldest. The average age would be early 60s. On October 23rd, you’ll be celebrating the group’s 10th anniversary at John Wright Park in Tuncurry. This is a fantastic achievement! What time do festivities commence ... And what activities will take place on the day? Monday, October 23 is National Breast Cancer Day, and we hold a Mini Field of Women ceremony on that day each year. This year we are making a bit of a splash of the day to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We welcome all members of the community to attend. The proceedings start at 10:30am, with a welcome by our MC, followed by a touching poetry reading. We will then plant white ladies, representing those of our group who have lost the fight. This is a very emotional time for the ladies of our group, remembering those who

have passed. Everyone is then invited to plant a pink lady silhouette in the marked-up shape of the Pink Lady logo, which represents Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). We will then invite all those present to join us for morning tea in the park. Of course, we are having a birthday cake as well. Given you’ve now experienced 10 years as a community group, what have been some of the highlights/achievements you’d like to share with FOCUS readers? Our annual Mini Field of Women ceremony and supporting the Pink Bun Promotion with Bakers Delight to raise awareness and funds for BCNA who assist women on their breast cancer “journey” is very rewarding. Our major achievement is the creation of satin cushions distributed through the local hospitals for women undergoing surgery. The glossy white bag contains a satin horseshoe shaped cushion for under your arm when you have had a mastectomy, with a matching satin drainage bag. We also include our brochure and a bag to hold X-rays. These items are created at our regular sewing bees. We also distribute gift bags to women undergoing treatment which contain a hand knitted washer with handmade soap and a boxed Pink Ribbon coffee mug. We enclose a small card which reads, “To show we care”. Whom would you like to acknowledge for

supporting Breast Friends over the past 10 years? We have received the support of many local community groups and proceeds from fundraising events over the years, for which we are very grateful. However, special mention must be made of Peter and Vicki Sloan of Bakers Delight at Stockland Village, who have supported us from the very beginning, and we continue to work together to promote BCNA. Of course, the other special mention is Terry Green, the Manager of Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, who allows us to hold our meetings at their club. What’s the criteria to join your group ... And where can we find out more info? The criteria is to be a woman (or man) who has experienced breast cancer. Breast Friends printed brochures have been distributed to all medical and allied health rooms in the area. We have a website www.breastfriends.org.au with details of our group and our Breast Care Nurse, Annette Davis of Manning Rural Hospital (phone 6592 9727) is happy to assist with more information. We look forward to sharing the Mini Field of Women ceremony and our 10th anniversary with as many people as possible. Sadly everyone has been touched by someone affected by breast cancer! Thanks Heather.

issue inside this

Issue 128 - October 2017

Wallis Lake Men’s Shed. It’s often said men can find it difficult to talk about problems or share their burdens … but Men’s Sheds provide a safe, positive environment where male members of our society can meet, talk (if they want to!) share their skills and work on productive projects together. The Wallis Lake Men’s Shed is

6

no exception ...

Renee Hibbert. Having grown up in Forster and played in lots of local bands, Renee Hibbert still calls the area home - despite her world travels.

Renee has been busy working on her new musical project, Arlentide, for which she’s recently released a new single. Listen to the

River is an incredible moving, evocative piece and is available for purchase now. Renee hopes the entire album will be ready to release in early 2018 …

26

16 10

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By appointed and accredited Club Coaches

Wednesday & Fridays 9.30-11.00am (Saturdays by appointment)

Juniors on Wednesdays at 3.45pm For more information call the Club on 6564 6155 or Bowls Office on 6555 6115 (Conditions apply)

All equipment is supplied, all you need to bring is a hat, water bottle, flat shoes and a positive attitude!

Ella Hooper.

Best known as a singer songwriter, Ella’s career has developed from the rock of Killing Heidi, who brought a new edge to classic Australian music. Ella has been celebrating

20 years of Killing Heidi with brother Jesse all throughout 2017.

Regulars

14. WHAT’S ON FOR OCTOBER 16. EAT LOCAL RESTAURANTS 34. SOCIAL SCENE WITH DONNA CARRIER 43. STARGUIDE WITH TERRI HALL 45. BUSINESS VOICE WITH JEREMY THORNTON 54. TOURISM WITH SHARON BULTITUDE

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www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus

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focusinterview.

Men’s Shed Wallis Lake

It’s often said men can find it difficult to talk about problems or share their burdens … but Men’s Sheds provide a safe, positive environment where male members of our society can meet, talk (if they want to!) share their skills and work on productive projects together. The Wallis Lake Men’s Shed is no exception …

P

resident John Belcher is justifiably proud of the new shed building located at the Tuncurry Waste Management Facility, and he’s happy to share details about the many varied and interesting community projects members have worked on in recent times … Hi John. How long have you been involved with the Wallis Lake Men's Shed ... and why did you initially join? I have been a member since 2011. I joined for the company of other men and to try and help others in the community. I have been President since 2012. How can the Men's Shed help men in our local community? The Men’s Shed helps men of all ages, providing support to men with different health issues including, most importantly, mental health. Men are notorious for hiding their emotions, and being around other men and discussing their problems helps all of us. I know of two members in particular who would be, if not dead, in a serious mental state. What are some of the projects the shed has been involved with in recent times? We have helped many charities in the local area, including Ronald McDonald House, The Girl Guides, and CWA. The MidCoast Council has been very supportive of us and has given us a few small jobs, such as making nesting boxes for possums and bats, and tree surrounds. A local businessman gave us a Javelin Class yacht which he had been going to restore, and we

6 Manning-Great Lakes focus

have restored that. It is currently up for sale. Using recycled materials, we have constructed outdoor kitchens for local play groups, croquet pegs for the local croquet club, picnic tables for the Tuncurry Golf Club and the Tuncurry Tennis Club, disabled ramp for wheel chair access, plus a host of other activities. Another project is cutting and recycling gas bottles into portable barbecues. On a typical day, what types of skills would you see shed participants sharing with other members? The skill share in the shed is wide and varied. There are carpenters, electricians, concreters, IT specialists, accountants, bank managers, welders, painters, fitters and turners. You name it, and we seem to have one. Everyone who comes to the shed can find something to do. So, tell us a bit about your new shed which was opened on August 21. Where is it situated, and what facilities does it offer? The shed is located at the Tuncurry Waste Management facility, which gives us access to a great range of recycled materials. It is widely recognised as one of the biggest and one of the best equipped sheds in Australia. At present we are self-sufficient, with support from the local community. Great Lakes Community Services (who originally started us) oversees us, looking after our accounts and insurances, as well as providing advice and leadership. Our recreation room, The Peter McWilliam Recreation Room (named for our major benefactor) provides a place for all to meet and enjoy smoko every day at 10am, as well

as on the last Friday of the skill set? There are carpenters, month, when we have a As at today we have electricians, concreters, barbecue. one hundred and eleven IT specialists, The Men's Shed has so members between the accountants, bank many supporters. Whom ages of 35 and 85, managers, welders, would you like to thank with the wide range painters, fitters and for their assistance to of skills as previously turners. You name it, date? discussed. We are also and we seem to have one. During construction, and hosting weekly two Everyone who comes to the since, we had tremendous young interns, who shed can find something to do. support from several local are spending time at businesses. McNamara’s Resource Recovery Frames and Trusses gave at the Community us all our wall frames at cost and arranged for Recycling Plant. PlastaMasta to donate all the wall cladding. Why would you encourage other men to Others like Cetnaj, Inspirations Paints, Coates join your organisation? Hire, Steve Jansen Tilt Trays, B4 Electrical, Men of all ages, who are unemployed or Great Lakes Ceramics and Carpet One donated retired, would benefit from joining the shed. materials and time. Bunnings have given us When you work shoulder to shoulder, men talk materials and tools as well. to each other and frequently share problems. What's in the pipeline for shed members ... Health issues such as prostate problems are Future plans? talked about often. Those without partners, With the increased membership, we are whether by divorce, death of a spouse or just planning to provide access for disabled and unmarried, benefit from companionship and infirm men in a specially constructed room doing something constructive. A man can only and to continue to provide the same facilities fish, golf or bowl so many days of the week. for men of all ages. Local healthcare providers Where can we contact you, or find out in the area have inspected our facilities and more info? are keen to make use of them. As the ForsterThe shed is open 8:30am to 12:30pm weekdays, and for membership enquiries Tuncurry area is a major retirement area, this people can call on 0417 145 760 or weekday type of facility is needed. mornings on 6515 2249. How many members do you currently Thanks John. have, and what is their approx. age range/

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focusinterview.

70 Years

Quota international OF TAREE INC.

Seventy years ago saw the beginning of Quota International of Taree Inc.’s service to the community. Current President Jeanette Holland shares with us some of the club’s achievement’s over the years, and fills us in on the upcoming celebrations …

T

aree Quota will be celebrating 70 years of service to the community in November. Congratulations! What do you feel have been some of the most significant achievements Quota has achieved at a local level during this period? We've been supporting Taree for 70 years, in small ways - adding up to great achievements. Here's a timeline, outlining some of the club's achievements: 1948: Quota identified the need for a Day Nursery; this was established in Macquarie Street. 1948: Quota established a Rest Room for mothers at the Taree Show. 1954 - 2017: Established the Rose Garden at Manning Hospital. The Elderly Ladies’ Christmas Party has been celebrated for 38 years. Dr Joan Redshaw saw a need for a Women’s Refuge; it was established with the support of Taree Quota. From 1994 to 2007, Quota hosted "The Bridal Spectacular". 1988: Exhibition of Dame Joan Sutherland Gowns. Taree Quota established Vial of Life. We've supported Driver Reviver for 15 years. For 30 years we have provided funding for hearing impaired children to attend Deaf Camp. For decades we have been committed to Meals on Wheels and library book deliveries to the elderly. After years of fundraising, we were proud to present the “All Faiths Chapel”at Manning Hospital. We funded

8 Manning-Great Lakes focus

a Quiet Room, “Ban-mabah", at Taree Library. Someone once said: “Service is the rent we pay for our room in the world”. For many years, members made regular visits to There are some special celebrations/events organBushland Place, providing residents with stimulation and ised for November 4th and 5th to mark the annisocial therapy through discussion groups and interactive versary, including a guest speaker, and a luncheon. pastimes. Please fill us in about what you have planned. Quota joins with local Service Clubs to celebrate Saturday, 2pm: Dr. Angela Jay, Australia Day. We collect hearing with her story of Domestic Vioaids for distribution to the hearing lence. impaired in Fiji. Refreshments courtesy of Club We supported the Dawson River Taree. Donations to White Ribbon. Caravan Park Play Group for many In an increasingly complex RSVP: October 26th to Carolyn years. world, Quota provides 6552 5724. Quota participates with fundraissome of the most basic Sunday, 11:45am: Club Taree "A ing and collection of donated hair human needs: friendship, Celebration Luncheon" - $32. RSVP for the Alopecia Foundation. fellowship and a sense of 26th October to Carolyn 6552 We installed Hearing Loops at self value; we all help each 5724. Ormsby House and the MEC. other, and collectively we We look forward to your comRemember Quota's Debutante pany. Balls! help our community. What does Quota have on their Why would you encourage othagenda for the remainder of ers to join Quota? Quotarians together create year? energy, enthusiasm, new ideas, different perspectives, "A Touch of Paris" Fashionista is planned for 20th October, 6pm, at St John’s Hall Taree. Tickets at Ashleigh personal growth and lots of fun. Road Boutique and Margaret's Underfashions, as they In an increasingly complex world, Quota provides some of the most basic human needs: friendship, fellow- come together to showcase their Spring and Summer ship and a sense of self value; we all help each other, Collection - $25. Welcome drink, fingerfood, slices. Best and collectively we help our community. dressed and door prizes. Quota is an exciting club; it gives a sense of pride and There's also a Christmas Dutch Auction on Saturday, satisfaction by providing that unique opportunity to give December 2nd, 1pm at St. Johns Hall, Taree. back to our community. Thanks Jeanette.

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focusinterview.

Arlentide

H

i Renee. What's been happening since FOCUS last caught up with you? It’s been a while, maybe eight years? Last time I caught up with FOCUS, I’d just completed my first album and had randomly moved to a remote city in Northern China. I lived there for two years and then moved to Jakarta in Indonesia. It was in China that I began sewing the seeds for this new musical project - Arlentide. It was minus 13 outside and the days were short. I desperately needed a creative outlet, so I bought a Macbook Pro. Over the next four years, travelling on planes to Moscow, trains through Vietnam, Thailand or China, sailing through the Indonesian islands and often just lying in bed in my Jakarta apartment listening to the sounds of the call to prayer drift over the city, I began creating this record. Since then, I’ve settled back in Australia in Newcastle, where I’ve spent the last few years gigging in my duo BlackBirdBlue and building on the album. Could you fill us in on your background in the Great Lakes area? I grew up in Forster, went right through school there. My family still lives in the area, so I’m back often. In my teens and twenties, I played in quite a few local duos and bands and was heavily involved in the local music scene. I still consider myself a Forster girl. When you last spoke with FOCUS, you'd released your debut album, Plan B. Now, you've been busy with a second album and have released a new single, Listen to the River. What's the focus of this new song? 10 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Having grown up in Forster and played in lots of local bands, Renee Hibbert still calls the area home - despite her world travels. Renee has been busy working on her new musical project, Arlentide, for which she’s recently released a new single. Listen to the River is an incredible moving, evocative piece and is available for purchase now. Renee hopes the entire album will be ready to release in early 2018 … Listen To The River has a dark, electropop design and build the website. vibe. The music I listen to does not really sound What's the status of your new album at anything like the music I create, yet it still has a this stage? huge influence on what I write. The album is almost complete. I’ve been Listen to The River is about a return to riding out this nasty flu season, waiting to heeding your instincts. It’s about making finish some of the last vocals. choices that sometimes aren’t the best ones Almost all the tracks are done, and I just for whatever reason and coming out the other need to hand them over… I often find it hard end and realising that you knew they weren’t signing off on final mixes and committing right from the start. If them to mastering. I only you’d listened to always feel like there that voice inside your is more to do - more head in the beginning! tweaks that can be made. The right path is often Sometimes knowing I’m happy with the way the right in front of you. when songs are done is album has evolved. It’s much Where was the video an art in itself. different from Plan B for Listen to the River I’m happy with the way in its electronic feel and filmed - and who were the album has evolved. I feel although it’s quite the crew responsible? It’s much different from dark, it sits in a happy The clip was filmed Plan B in its electronic place for me. Probably at around Newcastle and feel and I feel although this stage it’s looking like an in the Upper Hunter it’s quite dark, it sits in early 2018 release. around Allyn’s River. a happy place for me. We headed out one Probably at this stage it’s afternoon in the middle looking like an early 2018 of winter to hopefully release. find some running water and catch some nice How do you feel your new works have light at the end of the day. We ended up at evolved since your first album? Lady’s Well. The water was freezing, but it’s Probably the most obvious evolution from incredibly beautiful up there. Plan B has been the creation of the name If you look hard, you can see my dog in Arlentide. It felt like a natural progression. one of the shots. We were going to edit him These songs are their own entity, and I felt that out, but he’s probably the true star in the end. Arlentide was the blank-slate platform they Every now and then a farmer would drive past needed to be launched from. in his ute and stare puzzled at me standing in Since Plan B, I’ve found that my new music the freezing water, holding a lantern. has taken on a more electronic sound. It’s funny how music takes itself along its own The clip was shot by my brother and myself, path - I don’t remember making a conscious and I edited it and put it together. My need decision to write it that way, but that’s just for creative control is a bit out of hand. I write, how it has come out. record and produce the songs, make and edit The album is shaping up to be quite a dark the film clip, do all the artwork and graphic

record. I have always been intrigued with the idea of teasing out the beauty - using a sweet melody to juxtapose heavy beats or dark sentiment. I find that balance incredibly alluring. How do you manage to find a balance between being a recording artist and other day-time jobs, plus leisure activities? In my other life, I’m a primary school teacher. When I was younger and thinking about a direction other than just music, teaching appealed to me as a profession that I could incorporate my passion for music into. After years as a classroom teacher, I am now incredibly lucky to have landed a rare role as a full-time primary school music teacher at a local school here in Newcastle. I love being able to share my love of music with kids, and this job has led to some amazing opportunities. This month I got to be the musical coordinator and conductor of an enormous ten school choir spectacular, for which I got to play a key role in selecting and arranged the music. Standing in front of 300 kids singing Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun as a tribute to the late Chris Cornell was one of my life’s most special moments so far. Things are always super busy, but I prefer it that way. My leisure activities are all related, so it ties in quite nicely. I usually dedicate my school holidays to working on my musical or design projects. Final say … Listen To The River is available on Spotify, iTunes and Apple music, and you can connect with me on Facebook and Intsagram www.facebook.com/arlentide www.instagram.com/arlentidemusic Check out www.arlentide.com as well! Thanks Renee.

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focusinterview.

Golfday RONALD MCDONALD FAMILY RETREAT

Charity

Mark your calendars - the third annual Ronald McDonald Family Retreat Forster Charity Golf Day is set down for Friday, October 27th. Always a great day out for golfers of all skill levels, this year there are some huge prizes up for grabs … including a Ford Mustang!

G

ather your workmates, friends and family, form a team, and sign up for a day of fun - knowing that the funds you’ve contributed will go to help families with sick or injured children. Rhiannon Curtis from the Family Retreat tells us more ... Hi Rhiannon. When and where will the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat Forster's annual charity golf day take place this year? Hi! This year, our charity golf day will be held on Friday 27th October at Forster Tuncurry Golf Club. We will be at the Forster course for a four man Ambrose midday shotgun start. What skill level is required from participants - are beginner golfers welcome? We really want everyone who comes along to just have fun. We aren’t calling out for professional golfers and put more of an emphasis on the fun and the reason we are all there - raising much needed funds to support families with a sick or injured child. This is the third year the event has been staged. How will it differ from previous years? We have moved the day from March to October this year, hoping for slightly cooler weather. For the first time, we have a Hole in One prize! We have also made some changes to our Snack Boxes and their contents. Every registered

12 Manning-Great Lakes focus

player will receive a Snack Box for while they are out on the course. What has been some of the feedback you've received from players at previous years' events? We have been told how much fun our day is and how much thought we have put into every detail, ensuring all players are well fed and have plenty of opportunity to stay hydrated and sun safe. The majority of our sponsors and players are returning from previous years, and we take that as a good sign that our day is a lot of fun and a success. Who are your major sponsors/partners this year? For the third year, we are thrilled to have TJL Business Advisors & Accountants on board as our Event Partner - who are working overtime with us to ensure the day is a success and everyone attending has a fun day. Forster Tuncurry Golf Club has very kindly come on board as one of our sponsors by generously waiving our green fees and room hire. This will greatly impact the amount we raise on the day. We hear there are some amazing prizes up for grabs ... Can you tell us a little about these? With thanks to our Hole in One Sponsor, Mid Coast Automotive Group and our Event Partner, TJL Business Advisors & Accountants, we will be giving all registered players the opportunity to win a Ford Mustang. We are very excited about this prize, as it is the biggest prize we have ever

had up for grabs. Once the golf day has We will be running With thanks to our Hole in One wrapped up, what's next lots of games on Sponsor, Mid Coast Automotive on the agenda for the course, as well as Group and our Event Partner, Forster Family Retreat? raffles, to increase TJL Business Advisors & We seem to be getting everyone’s chances of Accountants, we will be busier and busier. We have winning something on giving all registered some more events in the the day. players the opportunity pipeline, including our Toy How will funds to win a Ford Mustang. Raffle and Trivia Night with raised from the We are very excited about this event go to Forster Bowling Club. prize, as it is the biggest prize assist the local We are looking at we have ever had up for grabs. community? increasing our volunteer All funds raised team and will be on the on the day will go lookout for people who love towards providing families with a sick or injured to get outside and in the garden. child a much needed break away at the Ronald Something new for us is our Workplace McDonald Family Retreat in Forster. Giving program, where employers provide their Every week we have up to four new families employees the opportunity to donate to us out visiting our Family Retreat, and they all get out and about around the beautiful ManningGreat Lakes recharging their batteries and making wonderful memories together. For these families, it is quite often the first time the whole family has come away together on a real holiday and not visited a hospital or doctors. In some cases, this the first time ever for the family! Where can readers find more info, or register to play? Head to www.proticket.com.au or call TJL Business Advisors & Accountants on (02) 6554 9511 or the Family Retreat on 0428 301 088.

of their pay. We are always calling out for help in stocking out pantries for our families and finding collection points for donations, and we try to host a weekly meal for our families and need more hosts to ensure we can provide that. For more information on the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat, email forsterinfo@rmhnnsw.org.au or call 0428 301 088. Thanks Rhiannon.

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5 7 1 7

OCTOBER

Kids’ Bingo

Both Club Forster and Sporties Tuncurry bring you Kids’ Bingo during the school holidays. It’s loads of fun, with great prizes on offer. Games are called at a slower pace for the children. Games start at 4pm, and entry is $8 per child. When Thu 5th Oct, 4pm. Where Club Forster, Strand St, Forster. Website: www. clubforster.com.au/just-for-kids.html Phone 6591 6591.

15th Annual Jazz Concert

Billed as a salute to “Fats” Waller by Jazz Fine And Mellow. The quartet is comprised of: John Boak, cornet and flugel horn; Keith Bedgood, guitar/ vocals: Garry Smith, guitar: and Dave Morley, bass guitar. Money raised helps fund new books for the library. Over the years the concerts have raised thousands of dollars. Where Great Lakes Library, Breeze Pde, Forster. Where Saturday 7th October, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Tickets $15 at the library, which includes splendid intermission refreshments.

Silver Tones Singers Charity Concerts Manning Valley U3A’s Silver Tones Singers, a choir of mature-aged men and women who just love to sing, will present their annual charity concerts in October. When Harrington, Sunday 15th October, 2pm. Taree, Sunday 29th October, 2pm. Where Harrington, Community Church, Harbour Boulevard, St John’s Anglican Church, Victoria Street. Tickets $10 adults, $5 children - Pam Archer OAM: 6552 4694. Includes afternoon tea. Door opening at 1:15pm.

Art Exhibition

Garden Party by the River

Great Lakes Art Society Members’ Art Exhibition, plus open sculpture and photography. The annual art exhibition by the members of the Great lakes Art Society opened on 23 September and runs until Sunday 8 October. Where Lake Street Gallery, 34 Lake St, Forster. When Sunday 1 October to Sunday 8 October. Time 10am to 4pm. Cost Free entry.

Manning Valley Push 4 Palliative Fundraiser - join us on the riverbank at Bohnock for a fun-filled afternoon of food and beverages, music and entertainment performed by All that Jazz and Hats Lewis, plus an auction with fantastic bargains. When Saturday 21st October, 1pm - 4:30pm. Where 57 Bohnock Road, Bohnock. Cost $20 per person. All funds raised go to our community via Manning Valley Push 4 Palliative. Tickets please pre purchase from Shirley Perrin: 0434 341 492 or Lyn Stewart 0414 521 034.

Sunday Sippers

Forster light the night

Now in its tenth year, Light the Night is a unique event bringing Australia’s blood cancer community together all over the country. When Sat 7th Oct, 5:30pm 8:30pm. Where 99 Aquatic Rd, Darawank. Website lightthenight.org.au/ Email mhynec@leukaemia.org.au

Black Head Surf Lifesaving Club - a favourite among members and their guests each Sunday is the “SUNDAY SIPPERS”. It is an opportunity (or an excuse!) to get together with fellow club members and locals to have a few yarns while relaxing and admiring the panoramic view. SUNDAY SIPPERS is on every Sunday at 4pm. Come along and make new friends or catch up with old ones. Whatever the occasion, you are guaranteed to enjoy Black Head Surf Life Saving Club’s hospitality.

Dan Hopkins live

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Don’t miss Live and Local Acoustic Sessions every Sunday @ Hamiltons. When Sun 29 Oct, 3pm - 6pm. Where 1 Palm St, Tuncurry. Website: hamiltonsoysters.com.au/ Phone 6554 8245.

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A L A N T I C K L E F R O M Y O U R H E R I TA G E

m ney matters. with Alan Tickle

Age Care Complexities covered on October 28th ... The decisions on aged care for loved ones and the financial decision making is often left to appointed guardians or children of the elderly.

Join the Summer League with the Taree Tornadoes A competition is starting called Summer League; what is this all about? This year we will be changing the format and introducing coaching involved with the junior sides. What this means, is when they come to play not only will they be having fun, but they will be learning skills and being coached as well. This will help both new and existing players to extend their skills and knowledge of the game. Do you have to be an existing member of the Taree Tornadoes to join this Summer League competition? No, not at all. We are holding a muster day on the 10th, 13th and 14th of this month. If you can’t attend those days, please just contact us on 6551 7456 or email

Often decisions need to be made quickly, due to sudden deteriorating physical or mental health or the death of a partner.

tareebasketball@hotmail.com to register your interest. Each team will have a coach and the teams will be as even as possible within their age groups.

It can all be quite daunting and emotionally taxing, so getting an understanding of options well before decisions need to be made can better prepare people when that time arrives.

When does the competition start, and how long does it run for? The muster days will be the first week back after the school holidays and the competition will run all of Term Four and Term One next year. We will have a short break over Christmas.

The Age Care Expo at Taree Race Club on Saturday, October 28th brings together an array of service providers and experts under the one roof, to help “Demystify” some of the complexity of choice. The financial aspects and funding strategies will also be amongst the topics covered in the presentations at 10:30am and 2:30pm, but on-site information booths are open from 9:30am to 4:30pm. A specialist Geriatrician will also be speaking at both sessions, giving a great insight into what to look for and how families can manage signs of physical and mental deterioration in their loved ones.

What activities will be run over the school holidays? We will have camps and coaching clinics happening in the break over Christmas; stay tuned to our Facebook page for further information on these.

Preparation for Ageing Tips Choosing a home that is manageable well before it becomes necessary is a good step in preparing for reduced physical capacity. Wide doors and hallways with provision to retrofit to aid the use of the bathroom should also be part of the selection criteria when choosing a home, as we get up in age. Appointing a trusted person or family members to take on the role of Enduring Guardian and Enduring Power of Attorney is also an important step in managing potential mental or physical

THE

NEED

incapacity at a future date. A review of estate planning is also important with a Financial Planner, who can then liaise with the solicitor to implement any proposed changes to Wills. This step can make a difference in avoiding death benefit tax that might be attached to superannuation pensions, or administering assets so that Centrelink pensions or aged care costs can be better managed. Role of the Family Doctor The family doctor is an important confidant who can be intuitive to changes that might indicate need for an assessment by the aged care assessment team. This can open the way to some planning for subsidised assistance in the home, because having support to enable the aged to remain in their own home is considered a far better alternative than permanent care. Financial Advice When permanent care is becoming increasingly likely, getting advice from an accredited aged care financial adviser on the financial aspects of meeting the cost of care can save some heartache and reduce the cost of care when that time arrives. Too often, I see mistakes in form completion and missed opportunities to better structure assets, resulting in less age pension and higher aged care costs, which could be avoided. This aspect will also be covered at the expo. The expo is aimed as much at the 50 year olds who will be faced with decisions on care for their parents, as the elderly, who will soon need aged care assistance.

YOU

The 2017/18 Summer League of Basketball is about to begin and the Taree Tornadoes are looking for new and existing players to take part in what is set to be our most exciting year of basketball ever.

GIRLS Tues 10.10.17 5pm BOYS Fri 13.10.17 5pm JUNIORS Sat14.10.17 9am

Tiny Tornadoes Kids born 2010-2012 Saturdays 9am 1hr Rego $30 Cost per week $6

Super 10’s Kids born 2008-2009 Saturdays 10.15am 1hr Rego $60 Cost per week $6

Super 12’s Kids born 2006-2007 Saturdays 11.30am 1hr Rego $60 Cost per week $6

Girls U14/U16/U18 Born 2005 & prior Tuesdays start 4.20pm Rego $75 Cost per week $6

Boys U14/U16/U18 Born 2005 & prior Fridays start 4.20pm Rego $75 Cost per week $6

MUSTER DAYS:

Matters. [ w it h A l a n T ickle ]

ALL GAMES AT SAXBY BASKETBALL STADIUM For further details check Facebook or call the stadium: 65517456 or 0407517456

The The Legal Legal Lig Light

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

Financial Coaching and Facilitating My son Jonathon, who is my fellow director of Your Heritage Financial Planning, has been busy

J U S T I N

Manning-Great Lakes focus 15 They had no Wills in place and while it is often a subject put to the back of one’s mind, it really is a responsible act to make sure that there is some

Justin Stack

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250 g Diamantina scotch fillet: msa 120 day grain fed scotch fillet, char grilled with romesco potatoes and seasonal greens and added garlic prawns from Dine on 19 - Club Taree. 16 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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Scotch Fillet with Paris Mash and Greens

Pan seared

SNAPPER

MICHAEL

F I L L E T

FINCH OOD BENT ON F

Moby’s on Red Gum Chef Evan and his team have designed a new menu showcasing local produce, from our seafood squid ink linguine, our roasted cauliflower salad with Burraduc Buffalo yogurt, to our locally sourced fish of the day. Breakfast and lunch menus for lazy weekends will also amaze. Dine outside on the pool deck, or enjoy the warmth of the restaurant on these cooler evenings - altogether creating an unforgettable dinning experience. Follow us on Facebook @mobysretreat

CHEFS EVAN AND JESSE

Michael Finch has come home to cook at Bent on Food as its new head chef. His travels over the past years have been long and diverse, but he says it’s time to put down some roots and enjoy the community values and friendliness which only a home town like Wingham can bring.

4 RED GUM ROAD, BOOMERANG BEACH 6591 0095 WWW.MOBYS.COM.AU

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MONDAY & THURSDAY 5:30PM - 8:30PM, FRIDAY 3PM - 8:30PM, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:30AM - 8:30PM.

Angel Prawns

Kenny’s Thai Kitchen Enjoy a taste of Thailand! $11 Lunch Specials. Entree of two spring rolls, plus your choice of one main meal. Choose from a range of delicious mains, including Chicken or Beef Cashew Nut, Chicken or Prawn Laksa, Kenny Chicken, Pla Sam Rod, Chicken or Beef Hot Chilli Basil, Mango Chicken (pictured above), Angel Prawns, Pad See Ew, Green Curry and the very popular Pad Thai.

CLUB FORSTER, 19 STRAND ST, FORSTER 6591 6591 OPEN WED - SUN, LUNCH AND DINNER. LUNCH: NOON UNTIL 2PM. DINNER: 5:30PM UNTIL 8PM.

HEAD CHEF KENNY

restaurants in Nice, Cannes, Paris and Strasburg. fter initially moving from Sydney to Wingham with his From France to a year in northern Italy, from Italy family when he was eleven, to the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, from there to he attended Wingham Public Marriott Sydney, and then to Jakarta, Indonesia. School and then Wingham High, After marrying an Indonesian girl, Vina, and a before commencing a chef apprenticeship at a few years later becoming a father to Nicolas, he little restaurant called Fergies, attached to the worked in various capacities in Indonesia and Australian Hotel. There he was lucky enough to the Middle East, gaining experience not only in work with Fergies’ restaurateur David Ferguson, an executive chef capacity in who launched him in large multinational hotels, the classic tradition but also in the management and was the catalyst field as General Manager for Michael's life long and Managing Director, After dipping his feet in the water passion and pursuit of negotiating business at Taree and Port Macquarie, his dreams. between different cultures, he has taken the plunge From Fergies and languages and companies. in embracing Bent On after completing his Food, the philosophy of Although these experiences apprenticeship in five which suits him to a tee, were amazingly challenging star hotels in Sydney with its focus on local and mind expanding, he had and a year on Hayman , produce and community begun to realise there was Island, Michael left for and he hopes to continue the something missing in the overseas to explore the tradition of inspiring people high powered expat life and world. with honest food with depth and with Vina, started to make Michael first began authenticity. plans to return to his home soaking up what Ireland town to enable their son and had to offer, working themselves to benefit from at the Killarney Towers the Australian way of life Hotel as sous chef with Donal Kean at the helm. which Michael so valued. After a year he moved to London’s Café Royal Grill Room as premier sous chef, where he achieved Michelin Stars together with Herbert Berger, with a few short stages at notorious three starred London restaurants. Then to France, Moulin de Mougins with the three starred Roger Verge, who mentored his tour year in France to two and three starred

After dipping his feet in the water at Taree and Port Macquarie, he has taken the plunge in embracing Bent On Food, the philosophy of which suits him to a tee, with its focus on local produce and community, and he hopes to continue the tradition of inspiring people with honest food with depth and authenticity. Manning-Great Lakes focus 17

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Two hatted Sydney chefs present this region’s best produce in our unique location.

Meals in the Fields

W

Spring 2017

e are very excited to have two head chefs from Sydney leading our team for Meals in the Fields this

spring. Locked in for lunch on Sunday, October 29th are Carla Jones, former head chef at 4 Fourteen, who will be joined by her partner, Richie Dolan, former head chef from Chiswick, to create a sumptuous meal featuring the best produce from across our region. Both chefs are well schooled in the paddock to plate and nose to tail cooking principles, and have recently relocated to Sawtell, where Carla was raised, to raise their own family. We are very pleased to have them at our event prior to launching their café in Sawtell early this summer. Carla and Richie are both looking forward to working with local producers and showcasing their produce, having spent time venturing out to meet local artisans to source suppliers for their new venture. As one of the closing events for this year’s Tastings on Hastings Food and Wine Festival, Meals in the Fields will certainly ensure the weekend finishes on a high, saving the best

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for last. Now in its sixth year, Meals in the Fields is a truly authentic paddock to plate dining experience, set in the fields that much of the food that is presented has been raised in. Previous occasions have seen the likes of Clayton Donovan (Wild Kitchen), Drew Woolnough (Drury Lane Eatery) and Simon Livingston (Bent on Food) man the pans in the kitchen. Partnering Near River pasture raised heritage pork and field grown vegetables will be other award winning fare from Burrawong Gaian poultry, along with a few newer producers from the Mid North Coast. Matched wines from Tamburlaine Organic wines will be offered, along with local craft beer and cider. Tickets for what is certain to be a highlight for foodies, both local and from afar, are $140.00 inc GST, and go on sale Friday, September 8th online at http:// nearriverproduce.com/meals-in-the-fields Further details can be found at mealsinthefields.com or by calling Andrew Hearne on 0412 995 256.

We are dedicated to organic principles in all aspects of our farm, incorporatingg lifest yle, and makin it as sustainable as we possibly can.

Bent on Food’s New Spring Menu Bent on Food has developed a new spring menu filled with local delights to suit everybody in the family. Manning Valley grass fed beef is the hero of our legendary steak sandwich, but it’s not just the meat lovers we cater for; there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians, along with loads of yummy house made and local raw cakes. Your gluten free needs are covered, and we love to look after the children too. Partake in a glass of wine in our fully licensed garden, or enjoy a fabulous coffee on the way to work. Bent on Food loves events, from casual music events, to shared tables, and decadent dinners. Bent on Food may look like a café, but we are much more than that; we are a destination. For breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or just a coffee, we will make you welcome. There are no white tablecloths, just a dedication to seasonal, local produce, sourced, prepared and served in a sustainable manner. Bent on Food is the region’s most awarded café restaurant and also caters for your wedding or event. Our vintage caravan, Travelling Millie, loves events too.Do not hesitate to give Donna a call to discuss catering for your next event.

Greenpatch Organic Seeds Open Day Greenpatch Organic Seeds is a family owned business that was pioneering seeds and plants as certified organic in 1993. There is plenty of time to sow seeds or plant seedlings of beans, cucumber, tomato, eggplant, corn, pumpkin, spinach, zucchini, rockmelon, watermelon. Rejuvenate your flower pots and garden beds with the bright colours of alyssum, marigold, sunflower and petunias. Cottage garden perennials also add a dash of a longer lasting flowering season! Greenpatch Open Day, Sunday 15th October, 10am to 2pm. Greenpatch will be opening up to welcome all local gardeners during October, with our annual open day taking place on Sunday 15th October. A rare chance to visit us on a weekend and take advantage of horticulturalist advice specialising in organics. There will be a range of workshops over the day, including a garden tour, soil health with Lee, history of heirloom corn, plus organic pest and disease management.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 19

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Tucker Patch

In Gloucester there’s a lovely little patch of land where a group of hardworking and cheerful volunteers grow scrumptious fresh fruit and veggies. The Tucker Patch not only produces food - it’s a place to educate, inspire and motivate others in the community! Anne Lawton, one of the directors of the Gloucester Food Hub and Tucker Patch volunteer, tells us more about the Patch …

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hat's a little bit of the history behind the Tucker Patch? The Tucker Patch comes under the umbrella of Gloucester Food Hub Ltd, which itself had its origins in The Gloucester Project. The Gloucester Project conducted a development program designed to demonstrate the value of developing food production, value adding, distribution and a direct marketing approach for the food future of the region and of larger markets, including nearby metropolitan. A demonstration market garden was created at Gloucester to put its concepts into practice. Dubbed the Tucker Patch, the garden has been self-sustaining for almost three years now, and with the help of a dedicated band of volunteers, we hope to remain that way for a long time to come. Describe the land the Tucker Patch uses ... The Patch is situated just a few minutes out of town at 62 Cemetery Road. The land is approximately 11 acres, split into several main areas: • The cottage garden area, an informal garden of exotic and native herbs, trees and flowering plants, with sitting areas where visitors can rest and relax. • Our Farmgate Stall is run every Friday morning just next to this area. At the Stall we sell seasonal, organically grown produce from a variety of local sources, including the Food Forest, the Market Garden area, and growers’ private properties. Produce includes fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, free-range eggs, seedlings, honey, jams and preserves, homebaked sourdough bread and more. • The Food Forest: this is an informal, open growing area with a range of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, run and maintained by volunteers. 20 Manning-Great Lakes focus

• The Market Garden area. This is a more structured area where local growers can lease land at a small cost to grow and sell their own seasonal produce at the Farmgate Stall, as well as for their own use. • There is also a natural bush area, which is currently enjoying a regeneration through a Work For the Dole Scheme. What types of crops are commonly grown at the Patch, and what's currently in season? A wide range of vegetables and fruit is grown at the Patch, with the last of the winter crops currently planted: cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, onions, silver beet, spinach. Summer crops include beetroot, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber and radishes. A strawberry patch has been resurrected, and an asparagus bed is in the making. What agricultural principles are important to volunteers at the Tucker Patch - and why are these principles considered significant? The aim of Tucker Patch is to produce fresh, local, seasonal, healthy food that has been grown using organic, chemical-free and permaculture principles. Biodiversity is achieved by working with nature and the environment to ensure that we attract bird life, bees and butterflies and by including plantings of heirloom vegetables and herbs. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of Grey-crowned Babblers, a species of threatened bird, and we have beehives currently on-site which, along with butterflies, make the most of on-site flowering species such as buddleia (butterfly bush). All of the produce we sell is grown within a half-an-hour radius of Gloucester, making it truly local. What are some of the tasks volunteers can perform at the Tucker Patch? We have a broad-ranging volunteer program, and volunteers are always welcome! Volunteers

can help out by manning Vegetables, Fruit Trees, the Farmgate Stall, our etc. You can also order a ‘Tucker regular Morning Tea and Where can we get our Box’ of available fresh produce Tucker Box programs, hands on the fresh by contacting Tucker Patch taking part in Working produce grown on on the Thursday. We are site? Bees, maintaining the starting a Community The Farmgate Stall Food Forest, growing Information Stall in every Friday morning crops in the Market town in October, which from 10am - 12:30pm, Garden area, helping with will have leaflets about also at the Gloucester recycling schemes, running upcoming activities, Farmers’ Market, second workshops etc. as well as featuring a limited Saturday of every Grow. Eat. Learn. is the amount of produce for sale. month. Tucker Patch's mission You can also order statement/vision. The a “Tucker Box” of growing and eating part available fresh produce by contacting Tucker is self explanatory, but as far as learning Patch on the Thursday. We are starting a goes - what can the Tucker Patch teach Community Information Stall in town in people? Do you offer workshops, for October, which will have leaflets about example? upcoming activities, as well as featuring a Yes, we do indeed! Two recent successful limited amount of produce for sale. workshops were: Why would you encourage people to • Making Your Own Marmalade: an initiative become Tucker Patch Members, and how to encourage people to use their surplus citrus do they do so? fruit, instead of letting it go to waste. We First and foremost, Tucker Patch is all about used citrus grown at Tucker Patch, as well as community. We would encourage people to donated fruit from growers to make a range become members to be a part of something of marmalades, including Seville Orange, Lime, that is valuable, meaningful, friendly and Ruby Red Grapefruit and Mixed Citrus, which supportive - and has ethical values. Membership we have now labelled and are selling at the costs $10 per year, and in return you will receive Stall. current news, information about upcoming • Raising Healthy Tomatoes: a truly events, discounts on workshops etc. You can informative workshop run by one of our download the form at www.tuckerpatch.com or growers, who is a trained horticulturist. It email info@gloucesterfoodhub.org was brimming with great tips and hints and Final say ... everyone left feeling inspired to rush off and I don’t have much else to add, except to grow an abundance of tomatoes, eggplant, say that all of our volunteers are passionate capsicum, etc. with confidence. about what we do. We would like to share that • Upcoming workshops planned for the next enthusiasm and encourage more people to few months include: Drought-Proofing Your become involved and also inspired to grow their Garden; Tips to Save Money in the Garden; own food. The result? A healthier lifestyle and a Making Your Own Passata; plus a series of real sense of reward for their efforts! “Growing Your Own” workshops, such as Thanks Anne Growing Your Own Root Vegetables, Asian

focus_contributor

S T E V E AT T K I N S F R O M G R E AT L A K E S PA D D O C K S

focusCoffee.

The Cellar Door Experience. Some people find visiting a winery a little bit intimidating, believing they will look silly because of their lack of wine knowledge. If you have been made to feel that way at a particular winery, then don’t go back - but don’t give up. Visit another winery.

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he majority genuinely enjoy sharing their love of wine with everyone - in particular those who are beginning to appreciate the world of wine. Wineries much prefer to spend time with people who know nothing about wine than spend time with “wine snobs”, who take delight in asking questions that are designed to make themselves feel clever in the hope of impressing others. The primary purpose of Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors is to educate and sell wine. Wineries want you to learn, and generally the people serving will take the time to share their knowledge with you. For many wineries, the Cellar Door is also a primary place for them to sell their wine. It isn’t a place for opportunists to go for free booze. There is typically a selection of wines available to taste; however, it is not to be assumed that every wine on the list is to be tasted. The person serving will ask the appropriate questions to give them some direction of which wine might suit your palate or you may find interesting. You will be given a tasting pour of approximately 15 ml. Multiply this by four or five wines, and its getting close to a standard drink. One rule to abide by ... NEVER take the liberty of grabbing an unattended bottle

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of wine and pour it yourself. When you have been running a cellar door for a few years, you quickly identify those who come for the wrong reasons. Fortunately, we don’t get many of those visitors. We get great pleasure talking to first time wine tasters in the cellar door. We are currently experiencing an increase in the under 25 age group beginning their wine drinking careers, who have never experienced a Cellar Door wine tasting before. There are also many beer drinkers who don’t go near wine, because they believe it all tastes like vinegar. I often have beer drinkers that I insist try wine with low acidity, and to their surprise, they really enjoy these. There is also a large market segment that have a wine appreciation course under their belt and are out exploring and expanding their wine journey. Then there are people such as us, who always visit wineries because we’d prefer to give our money to the producer than to Coles or Woolies etc. As with any business, customer service is what brings people back to a winery’s Cellar Door. Of course, the wine is important, but it’s the overall experience that creates the memory that sticks with you. When customers make the effort to come visit us, we make sure that effort is appreciated and every single customer is treated well.

At The Sicilian Taree and Forster, we sometimes take our espresso in the way of a martini ... 139 Victoria St, Taree NSW 2430 info@thesicilianrestaurant.com.au (02) 6557 8689 1 West St, Forster NSW 2428 info@thesicilianrestaurant.com.au (02) 6555 2261

The primary purpose of Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors is to educate and sell wine. Wineries want you to learn, and generally the people serving will take the time to share their knowledge with you.”

The Feral Brewing Co “Hop Hog” India Pale Ale 10

Get a good whiff of this Feral Brewing Co beast that explodes with citrusy flavours and hop aromas, rounded out with a solid malt backbone. Reef Bar and Grill in Forster is your local watering hole featuring this well sought after Crafty.

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What’s on in October at Club Forster Direct from the U.S, Michael Jackson - The Legacy Tour - is not only a world class show, but it is the one and only Michael Jackson acclaimed show. It features actual Michael Jackson staff, singers and band members and was created by and stars the dynamic showmanship of William Hall.

Australia's greatest soul voice, Doug Parkinson, presents the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker.

William embodies the voice, the dance, character and persona of the legendary MJ to perfection. The show is engineered by the great Michael Prince, who was Michael’s personal engineer for over 15 years and also engineered in both the This Is It tour and This Is It the movie.

There couldn't be a more appropriate singer in Australia to showcase the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker than the gravelly, soulful voice of Doug Parkinson, often described as exciting and impassioned and also a master of interpreting others’ songs. Doug Parkinson's band comprises some of Australia's most admired musicians and a crack rhythm section. If you love Joe Cocker’s voice and songs, you willnot want to miss this ultimate tribute.

The dancers featured are Kane Silver, Patrick Packing, Malik Colman and Junito Sanchez, who have all worked and work with the biggest names in the business.

A night of soul and rock classics, the electric current runs high, generated by the very talented eight piece band and of course, the powerful and unique voice of Doug Parkinson.

Parkinson

“ H O N O U R S

J O E

Dubbed Australia’s Greatest Soul Voice, Doug Parkinson is back on the road with a special tribute to one of his biggest influencers, Joe Cocker. Doug chats to FOCUS about just how this great has inspired him and what’s in store for the show …

J

oe Cocker is the inspiration behind your latest project, “Doug Parkinson Honours Joe Cocker”. Tell us how he has influenced you musically and why you chose to dedicate this tour to him? I’m a genuine fan of Joe Cocker’s - always have been. I suppose it wasn’t until his unfortunate passing, I guess that was the catalyst where I thought it was the best time to do what I had been planning for some time. I have found a lot of common threads with our careers; we were both born in a steel town - I was born in Newcastle, Joe was born in Sheffield in England; we’ve both had hit records with Beatles songs. We both did really stupid things as young men; we had our time with drugs and drink and all that kind of stuff, but thankfully got sensible towards the end and grew out of it. We are more interpreters of other people’s songs than songwriters. I just love his body of work; it’s an amazing body of work which spans over 40 - 50 years same sort of lifespan as mine. I think the people who have come to see the show - it’s been selling out everywhere (it’s been wonderful, actually) they seem to have some connection to myself and Joe Cocker. The show is divided into two parts, I do all my hits and my favourite songs in the first half, then there’s an interval, then we do all of Joe’s stuff, so they get two sides of the coin. I think it’s valu22 Manning-Great Lakes focus

C O C K E R ”

able; people enjoy it, it keeps rolling on ... and we get to Forster and Port Macquarie. I haven’t been there in so long; this is a wonderful excuse to get up and promote the show. What are some of the classic songs we can expect to hear at the show? Every one that I can fit in with the time available. With Joe it’s just one hit after another; it’s wonderful. I don’t have a favourite - they’re all great - but there’s a great version of Into the Mystic by Van Morrison, whom I also admire. It’s a beautiful, beautiful song with a great message. There are songs that are written by people like John Lennon, Van Morrison, Randy Newman - You can Keep Your Hat On, which is sort of a comedic, very suggestive, sexy song. It’s an incredibly broad palette, and the audiences that have been coming love those songs. My wonderful eight piece band - I’ve got some of the best players in the land. They deliver the songs with great energy and skill; it’s a fantastic night. Thanks Doug.

DOUG PARKINSON “HONOURS JOE COCKER”. When Friday 27th October, at 8pm. Where Club Forster. Tickets www.clubforster.com.au

focus_contributor

H O R T I C U LT U R A L I S T N E V I L L E D O N O V A N - G R E E N P AT C H O R G A N I C S E E D S

watch.

Managing

fly

I Am Not Your Negro (MA)

in the Garden

7pm Monday 9th October at Fay’s Twin Cinema.

T Fruit fly has been a problem for gardeners and growers for many years, but can be managed and controlled by some effective and practical methods.

F

ruits such as stone fruit, citrus, tomatoes, capsicum, figs, guava plus many other soft fruits are prone to fruit fly damage. Veggie Net is an effective and long term solution, excluding insects almost by 100% used on specific plants only. It allows all the above mentioned fruits to be harvested ripe without any fruit fly or bird damage. Exclusion nets are handy on smaller plants or branches laden in fruit. Fruit Fly traps are an excellent method to reduce numbers in your area and also monitor fruit fly numbers. Traps only reduce numbers, and are not a full proof option. The most common species is QLD Fruit Fly, at 8 mm long with a dark body and yellow stripes across the abdomen; the Mediterranean species is all black. The adult fruit fly lands on the fruit and deposits its small stinger into the flesh of the fruit, laying eggs that form into larvae

or small grubs; the fruit is virtually made inedible. With rotten fruit laying on the ground, larvae pupate in the soil and remerge in the warm weather as adult fruit fly. They are easily identified, with the wings moving side to side in a stationary position and sometimes can be seen on the kitchen or dining room ceiling. You can use a small clear, plastic container 12 cm x 12 cm with 1 cm holes drilled on four sides and a lid with small holes drilled to hang on a low branch. A solution of pulped up fruit and a few drops of vanilla essence mixed with water can be added to the container to a depth of 2 - 3cm. Top up once a week as required. Fruit fly can often be found in loquats and Hawaiian guava, being favourite host plants. Removing unwanted or neglected trees is essential. Pick up affected fruit and soak in water to kill larvae. Chooks can also be used to clean up fruit.

aree Film Society will screen the acclaimed I Am Not Your Negro (MA) at 7pm Monday 9th October at Fay’s Twin Cinema. In 1979, James Baldwin wrote a letter to his literary agent describing his next project, Remember This House. The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and successive assassinations of three of his close friends - Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, he left behind only thirty completed pages of his manuscript. Now, in his incendiary new documentary, master filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never

finished. The result is a radical, up-to-the-minute examination of race in America, using Baldwin’s original words and flood of rich archival material. I Am Not Your Negro is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a film that questions black representation in Hollywood and beyond. And, ultimately, by confronting the deeper connections between the lives and assassination of these three leaders, Baldwin and Peck have produced a work that challenges the very definition of what America stands for. Tickets are $16, including coffee, cakes and chatting. For further information, visit www.tareefilmsociety.org.auor call 6552 3476.

Fruit Fly traps “ are an excellent method to reduce

numbers in your area and also monitor fruit fly numbers. Traps only reduce numbers and are not a full proof option.”

image of the month. Title: Sunset Delight. Photo by: Shane Chalker. Taken with a Canon 1D Mk 4 and Canon 28 to

300 mm lens. Location - Onboard the Amaroo. 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

Manning-Great Lakes focus 23

focusinterview.

Joe

Camilleri T H E

B L A C K

S O R R O W S

It’s safe to say that musical virtuoso Joe Camilleri is an Australian icon. Having produced over 48 albums collectively and with another one on the way ... Joe has received a multitude of accolades and is a mentor and inspiration to many. Joe caught up with FOCUS and chatted about his band, the Black Sorrows, as they top the bill for this year’s Forster Tuncurry Lakeside Festival ...

I

n terms of music over the last few decades, you’ve lived through a lot of changes throughout the music industry. What have been some of the biggest changes for you personally? I call it the modern shift. Everything got corroded; everything is available. There was a time you would hear a song on the radio, and you would have your ear to it to hear it again if it was something you found attractive. You would be waiting for music that was coming out, and there was this feeling of anticipation. That all changed; as soon as you were able to record at home, the recording world crumbed with it. The recordable CD killed music; it all of a sudden meant music was for free. It was one of the first industries where you buy a CD and make a cassette, or you make a mixed tape and give it to your friends. It was always something you heard on the radio; it didn’t cost you anything, and then that accelerated to where we are now. The interesting thing is they got rid of vinyl, but that has had a comeback, because people still like the tactileness and it sort of feels like an art piece. Things have changed a lot, especially the way radio and television programme. In the old days, any decent Rock and Roller would not be caught dead on a breakfast show; that was all for cabaret, and the shows they would go on have all dis-

24 Manning-Great Lakes focus

appeared - the midday bring it home. It’s a nice balance. I am more than a weekend warrior show, the tonight shows, I have just worked it out in my and if I’m not playing music, I am the album shows. It has life. There are times when I am with my family. It’s a beautiful almost come back to the playing music, there are times thing to be able to have 45 inch thing, where you when I am writing music, and both, to be able to say I can be famous for one there are times you are with the love my job and as soon song, for that five minpeople you love, and you make as I finish, I can close the utes of that song. sacrifices for each part. door on it; I don’t bring it When it comes to your Do you have any words of home. It’s a nice balance. tour schedules and wisdom you would like to recording, you really share with our readers? haven’t taken a break From a musical point of view, from music. How do don’t take the elevator. If you are you balance your work life with family and a musician and you are looking for somewhere normal life? to go, try to avoid The Voice and X Factor; walk You’ve just got to be what you want to be. up the stairs and enjoy every part of what you Your station in life is really important to YOU, so want to go through. You will have a much better if you get that balance right ... everything else will experience. It might take you longer, but it will be balance in a good way. We all believe we have well worth it. a purpose, so you have got to feel happy within Keep your eyes (and ears) open for The Black yourself - it’s easy to make other people happy if Sorrows’ latest album, due late 2017. you are happy. That’s not a big stretch for me. Thanks Joe. I have five beautiful children, and everybody gets a piece of everybody. Sometimes they don’t get to see me for a little while. I am more than a weekend warrior and if I’m not playing music, I am Don’t miss the Black Sorrows headlining the with my family. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to Forster Tuncurry Lakeside Festival - 4th Nov. have both, to be able to say I love my job and as Tickets www.lakesidefestival.com.au soon as I finish, I can close the door on it; I don’t

Lakeside Festival

Forster Tuncurry - the perfect festival location, with a magic energy radiating from the magnificent Wallis Lake.

Unique from other “ music festivals, Lakeside offers space

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f you’re a chilled out festival goer, the annual Lakeside Music Festival on Saturday 4th November is for you! Awesome music, great food and a bar that won’t send you broke right beside the lake at John Wright Park, Tuncurry. Relax with friends, or dance barefoot on the grass 'til you drop. Unique from other music festivals, Lakeside offers space to relax in, as much shade as we

to relax in, as much shade as we can provide, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.”

can provide, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Kids are welcome, with rides and face painting available. This is a licensed event, so under 18s must be accompanied by parents. Festival hours have been extended this year to 8pm, so our locals who work on a Saturday can still come along after hours. Kicking off at

noon with eight hours of great music by local and visiting acts, The Trapps, Vanderaa, Cranky Duck, Vanilla Gorilla, The Girl Folder, The Swamp Stompers and with Aussie music legends The Black Sorrows headlining. Tickets for sale at www. lakesidefestival.com.au or in person at Stockland Forster or the Manning Entertainment Centre. For just $25, this is an absolute bargain and a

fantastic day out! Before the music festival, start the day with some retail therapy at the Lakeside Create & Grow Market at Lone Pine Memorial Park on Saturday morning from 8:30am to 1pm. This funky market right by the lake will be bursting

with local, handmade, unique pieces of arts and crafts plus a bounty of the best local, fresh produce. With a kids' playground on site and a live outdoor broadcast by MAX FM radio, the market will be a great start to the day. You can also feast your eyes at the Lakeside Art Prize Exhibition open Saturday 9am to 3pm and Sunday 9am to noon in the historic Tuncurry Memorial Hall. A stunning display of over 300 local artworks - this is a great opportunity for our talented local artists to exhibit and be in the running for one of three prize categories, plus a junior category and a People’s Choice Award. For all the details of the weekend, check out the website, Facebook page or subscribe to the newsletter. A must for your diary and a great weekend in Forster Tuncurry. Save the date and tell your friends!

Manning-Great Lakes focus 25

focusinterview.

Ella Hooper

Best known as a singer songwriter, Ella’s career has developed from the rock of Killing Heidi, who brought a new edge to classic Australian music. Ella has been celebrating 20 years of Killing Heidi with brother Jesse all throughout 2017.

H

er solo career has seen the release of two EPs, Venom and New Magic. These follow on from her first solo record, In Tongues. A nod to the ‘90s, New Magic is warm mid-tempo pop and complements Venom, the starkly powerful EP keeping her loyal fan base hungry for more. Being a multi-media talent, Ella has regular appearances on radio and television - ABC (television and radio), and channel 10’s The Project. On top of this, Ella performs her hits for many Australian loved shows, including The Morning Show, and she proudly captained the re-boot of Australia's favourite comedy quiz, Spicks and Specks. She has done two killer performances on RockWiz, singing Divinyls’ Pleasure and Pain, and a duet with Dan Sultan, both RockWiz classics. In her various roles, Ella has been a host, moderator, mentor, and philanthropist. She has worked with APRA, the Push, Mushroom Music and various not-for-profit organisations. Ella also joined the board of Creative State, advising the State Government on the concerns of the Victorian music scene, and has also been

26 Manning-Great Lakes focus

is HAS. delighted to join the board of the Victorian Throughout the years you have had some Women’s Trust, a leading feminist philanthropy amazing encounters, one in particular organisation. with none other than the incredible Stevie Ella has been announced as one of the Nicks, which inspired you in 2014 to reheadlining acts on the bill at this year’s Winglease In Tongues. Tell us about that … ham Akoostik Festival, bringing with her a catIt was such an honalogue of hits both from our and obviously very her solo collection, some exciting to meet Stevie old crowd pleasers and a … Jesse and I both whole lot of Ella Hooper It was such an honour and hold her in such high sass. This year’s festival is obviously very exciting to regard, and the converset to be one of the most meet Stevie … Jesse and sation she had with us memorable yet … I both hold her in such about songwriting and Hi Ella. Most people high regard, and the career advice was a will remember you as conversation she had with pretty special moment the girl rocking the us about songwriting and to share. She also gave dreadlocks alongside career advice was a pretty us these little silver your brother, Jesse, in special moment to share. moon necklaces, which Killing Heidi. Since then I now wear for good you have picked up luck when I feel like I five Arias and penned need it. a bunch of award winning songs; did you 2015/16 saw you back up In Tongues with ever think back then you would have exthe release of Venom/New Magic. What perienced such a successful career? was the inspiration behind this body of In short, no - not really! I would have been work? happy with a career in music, but it didn't speI hate to say it was a big, dirty break up, cifically need to be as wild and up and down and decorated as it has been! But I'm glad that which hit me for six, that was the inspiration

for that double EP. However, the lighter disc, new magic, in which I explore moving through it, coming out the other side stronger, smarter and renewed, is definitely more the direction I'm heading in now, both musically and life wise. You’re sharing the headlining spot at this year’s Wingham Akoostik Festival. What are you looking forward to about being a part of this unique event? Everything! It sounds amazing, and I've heard rave reviews from muso friends … So, I’m really looking forward to testing out some new material in a beautiful setting and enjoying the other bands. Can we expect some old KH stuff as well as your new solo material? No, I don't really mix the two but I do chuck in some covers, so there's definitely a few crowdpleasers that everyone will know. Thanks Ella.

Catch Ella Hooper at the Wingham Akoostik Festival, 13 - 15 October. www.akoostik.com.au www.facebook.com/EllaHooperOfficial

Kasey Chambers • Russell Morris

USA Aus

Ella Hooper • The Turner Brown Band CAN

Eurogliders • Twin Peaks • Bad Pony • Scott Darlow Sara Tindley • Josh Needs • Minnie Marks • Kava Kings

James Bennett • Eagle & the Wolf + Many more C.

MA N

EY LL IN

B

O

ES

GH

Camping, Stalls & more

NG VA

N EI

3 BRILLIANT DAYS of Music,

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UR

H O O D S ER

Wingham Showground • akoostik.com.au • TIX @ oztix.com.au

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 27

focusinterview.

Charmaine WILSON Well known medium Charmaine Wilson is stopping off in Taree for an intimate show. She caught up with FOCUS and opened up about her journey ...

C

an you please give us a little bit of background about when you discovered you had psychic abilities? I actually differentiate between medium and psychic a lot, because psychics actually read people, their aura etc.; whereas, mediums connect directly to spirits. Even though I am very, very psychic, I don't choose to do psychic readings on people. I don't want to tell your future and I don't want to sort out your life; I just want to connect to spirits. I started to do that when I was 38 and now I am 52, so 14 years ago. This all began when I went through a really horrific time with my kids. My daughter passed away when she was four and a half in a car accident, my brother passed away four years before that in a bike accident, and my grandfather passed away the year after that, so by the time I was 23, I had lost three major people in my life. Grief was really hard to handle and while I handled it for a long time, I eventually fell down. I had a build up of intoxicants, and I got to the point in the late nineties where I was just a mess; I basically had a nervous breakdown. My two boys were taken off me by the family law courts, and that was the end of that. When I had the nervous breakdown, that's when I started to hear voices. I got myself sorted out, thinking the voices were going to go away ... But they didn't go; they stayed. I wasn't looking to be a psychic or a medium, I had no training to be a psychic or a medium; it was like the spirit world trained me, and they didn't train me until I understood possibly every aspect of grief, heartache and the harshness of life. It was like I had to understand the harshness of life before I could have any credibility with the spirit world. I know it’s weird, but when I started to hear voices and I knew that these voices weren't going anywhere and they wouldn't shut up, I decided rather than be angry at them or fight against it, I needed to listen to what they were saying. Once I started to tune in, I found they would get louder around people, and I just decided one day automatically to repeat

28 Manning-Great Lakes focus

what I was hearing, and it turned out to be a fella’s mother. At that time I was driving a lunch wagon around, and on this particular day the spirit was very persistent and told me the fella's name, that she had died of a heart attack, and she told me the fella's date of birth. So I just repeated it all, and the poor fella just about had a heart attack himself. That's basically where it started. I realised on the way home that day how weird this was, and one of the voices I could hear constantly spoke up real loudly ... I realised it sounded like my brother, I had a reading and that was very in Melbourne the confronting. It made other night with a me understand that all woman who had two this grief for all these daughters pass away, years was able to be and I got both the girls’ seen, and they knew christian names and how one what I had been doing of them had passed away. and they had given me and she wanted to thank evidence of it over and her mother for painting over again. her toenails pearl pink Once I understood right before she passed they were there, I just had to accept all away, and the mother just about lost it. It responsibility for my past actions and the is the little things, and this was exactly the stupid mistakes in my life; I had to learn last thing she had done for her daughter how to listen to them and also how to stop before she passed. The spirit kids are the listening to them, because they can drive you most rewarding ... to see the light come into mad. someone's eyes when there is so much grief I had to learn how to turn it on and how and when they think there is no life left. to turn it off; that was one of the most So you are touring at the moment and important lessons I had to learn, and then I you are coming to Taree - what can we had to get the word out to everyone that I expect at one of your shows? was a medium. Unfortunately, spirits are not My shows are interactive shows, which advertising in the paper here, so that is what means I will only read some people in the I started to do in 2002; I placed my first ad in audience, not all people, and there is no way the Courier Mail, and I haven't stopped since. I know who is going to be read on the night. What is the most rewarding thing about I basically go to the person I believe I am your special gift? reading and 99.9 percent of the time I am When I am able to reconnect a parent with right; every so often it might be the person a child who is in spirit and tell them things next to them, or just behind them. I identify that there is no humanly possible way can be who I have in spirit, how tall they were, what researched; this is what I really, really love. I their names were, all different things that had a reading in Melbourne the other night mean something special. with a woman who had two daughters pass Then at the end of the night, because away, and I got both the girls’ christian names of my great experience with grief, I do talk and how one of them had passed away. about how the spirit world interacts with us, There was another woman I remember so people in the audience understand it. I also who had a daughter who had passed away,

talk about how to survive the grief process. My new saying is “there is no time limit on grief; however, there is a time limit on life”, and the reason they are grieving for someone is because they feel like they have missed out on life. But my belief is don't grieve your life away, and don't get stuck in the moment of grief too long. I believe it is my job as a medium to prove that the afterlife is there, to let people know it is OK to live their lives after somebody passes. This is what my shows represent - giving people permission to live, and not wasting this physical experience. Anything else you’d like to share with our readers? I have started to a weekly update on Facebook called ‘Sunday Soul Sessions’ with subjects ranging from survirving grief, How to deal with family after loss, the spirit world etc - lots of subjects all focussed on helming after facing the unacceptable - I would love those interested to tune in. Thanks Charmaine.

17th October: Club Taree Tickets On Sale NOW! Show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets: phone 6539 4000.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 29

D L I W NATURE BY

7 1 0 2 V O N 9 1 6 1 , T S A O C S F F CO

RALLYAUSTRALIA.COM.AU 30 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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BOOK NOW AT

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 31 tm

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focus_editorial.

O

Day and Overnight Trips. Our luxury comfortable forty eight seat Volvo coach is fully air conditioned, seat belt and rest room equipped, and features wide panoramic tinted windows with curtains. Special features include a vehicle lowering device for ease on entry and exit and a built in hot water urn. We pick up our passengers at five stops in Forster Tuncurry and on the highway at Nabiac and Bulahdelah. We can provide safe off street parking for your car when you are on our tours. Upcoming Overnight Trips Taronga Zoo and Captain Cook Cruise, 2 Days and 1 Night 30/31st October and 2/3rd November Travel to Sydney. Captain Cook seafood buffet lunch cruise on the Sydney 2000 and see sights around the harbour. Stay at The Great Southern Hotel, with full buffet breakfast included. Full day at Taronga Park Zoo, followed with dinner at Hexham Bowling Club on the way home.

Brushes A R T

with

E X H I B I T I O N

Locals from Manning-Great Lakes contribute to 2017 mental health month’s “brushes with life” art exhibition.

ne of the state’s premier regional art shows - Flourish Australia’s annual “Brushes with Life” art exhibition is back to lead local Mental Health Month celebrations in 2017. Now in its fifth year, Brushes with Life involves a series of art workshops which have been running in The Great Lakes and the Manning since February. Some 60 participants are preparing more than 200 art works, which will go on display in Taree in early October. The works include paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and paper mache pieces. Participants include people who live with mental health issues as well as relatives, friends, carers, mental health professionals and people with a general interest in art and mental health. “We’re showing yet again that art is a

wonderful therapeutic outlet for people living with mental health issues,” Flourish Australia Manager Chris Cassar said. “Art brings people together to enhancing wellbeing and social inclusion, while also reducing stigma and enhancing understanding around mental health.” Supporters of the program include Manning Mental Health Service, Carers Assist, Phams, Subway, Uniting Church and Midcoast Council. The exhibition will be launched at 5:30pm on Friday 6 October at the Sheridan outlet, cnr Victoria and Commerce Sts, Taree and remain on display until Tuesday 10 October - International Mental Health Day. Entry is by gold coin donation; and there will be art for sale. Contact Carolyn Williams on 1300 779 270 for further info.

focus_editorial.

Cost $370 per person. Room on your own extra $85. Deposit $100 at time of booking.

HA

Garden Day

1st - 4th December Travel to Yass and visit Peter Crisp’s Glass Gallery and Gardens. Staying at the Sovereign Inn, Cowra, for three nights. Young Cherry Festival Parade and visit Cherry Orchard. Cowra Breakout site and Japanese Gardens, plus much more. Cost $680 per person. Room on your own extra $174. Deposit $100 at time of booking.

N N A M VA L E

open

Young Cherry Festival & Cowra, 4 Days and 3 Nights

Photographic Society THE AUSTRALIAN

The Australian Photographic Society (APS) will hold their annual conference (APSCON) this year at Club Forster. This is a coup for Forster, as the conference is normally held in major cities. Last year it was in Adelaide and next year in Surfers Paradise.

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he organising committee are expecting one hundred and fifty delegates to attend from all over Australia. The conference features a themed print exhibition by thirty seven APS photographers. Each photographer tells a story using ten images. This creates a wide variety of subjects and tested each photographer’s skills. The photo shown here is from a series submitted by local photographer, Keith Pascoe. Keith’s series of ten photos was taken on Norfolk Island and shows the skill of locals in unloading supplies in difficult conditions. Over three hundred local school children will visit the print exhibition, as photography is very popular in schools. This aspect of the conference is also open to the general public at Club Forster from Thursday 19th October during club opening hours. On the weekend of the conference, 21st and 22nd October, those interested in improving skills are welcome, for a fee, to attend talks by seven qualified and experienced photographers. For keen photographers who want to attend the whole conference, simply go to the APS website at www.a-p-s.org.au and click on the APSCON icon for all the details. Full registration includes a FREE whale cruise or a FREE dolphin cruise. This is an opportunity not to be missed in your local area.

Hannam Vale Open Garden Day will have a collection of private country gardens open for just six hours from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 22 October for you to visit at your leisure.

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estled in the Stewarts River valley in the heart of The Three Brother region, Hannam Vale offers you a delightful day from cottage gardens to woodland gardens.

On the recreation reserve in the heart of Hannam Vale you can collect your program and enjoy our café for coffee, tea and heaps of yummy homemade cakes and slices that will get your blood sugar levels up for a day of nostalgic wanderings. Come back to the reserve and enjoy a satisfying luncheon, whether it’s BBQ, sandwiches, soups or more. Then browse our market stalls for a great variety of quality plants, preserves, bric a brac and much more. Tickets are $8 per person with access to all the gardens, and under 16 years free. Hannam Vale Reserve is located at 1155 Hannam Vale Road, Hannam Vale. Hannam Vale is half way between Port Macquarie and Taree. Exit the Highway at the Hannam Vale road signs and follow the signage for approximately 11 km. For more information, contact Anne Campbell-Cross on 0414 989 776 or Graham Bird on 0403 447 042 @hannamvalerecreationreservetrust Manning-Great Lakes focus 33

focus_contributor

WITH DONNA CARRIER FROM BENT ON FOOD

Krambach Public School Principal, Kayla Gray, on the red carpet.

Forster Tuncurry Cup Day

Forster Tuncurry Cup Day - Winner Most Elegant Lady Shelley Kurtz

Singer and Musician Sami

Forster Tuncurry Cup Day - Halidays Point Physie Ladies

Cooking demonstration by Jane Grover

Social /Scene

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Some people say there is no such thing as climate change. Well, I would like to know what is causing this unseasonable hot weather then? It has been up to 40 degrees, and it is not even October; we are experiencing hot winds instead of lovely spring days, and we look forward to more extreme heat to come ...

uckily, we live in a place where there are beaches, rivers, creeks and waterholes. With Potoroo Falls just a few minutes from my home, I think I will make more effort to go there this year. A few weeks ago Travelling Millie and I were fortunate to spend a few days at Camp Elim, which is another stunning place that I had not visited for some time. This was the “base camp” location for the Travel Play Live Women’s Adventure Summit held on the first weekend in September. The weather was glorious when we arrived on the Saturday, and there were a few ladies in need of a coffee, so we were a pretty popular addition to this fantastic weekend. I did not partake in any activities, as I was kept busy keeping the coffee flowing, but I did get to witness some amazing comradery, and a real sense of achievement amongst the women in attendance, as they pushed through their comfort zones. Activities included mountain biking, white water kayaking, climbing, hiking, bodyboarding, surfing, stand up paddle boarding and more. There were plenty of “how to” workshops, chill zones and activities to choose from. You could build your own adventure or spend some time lazing in a hammock. On the Saturday 34 Manning-Great Lakes focus

night the very entertaining Jane Grover conducted a cooking demonstration with some fabulous local produce, and Coastal Brewing Company sampled their locally brewed beers along with sparkling wine from Great Lakes Paddocks. There was a stunning sunset over the lake, and after dinner we heard some inspiring stories from some of the speakers. Company of Voices has a fine history of supporting local worthy causes and has once again put its vocal muscle behind the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter with a concert titled Bach to the Beach Boys held at the Tuncurry Memorial Hall on 3rd September. Company of Voices is a group of 16 friends who enjoy singing together and sharing the music to raise funds for local worthy causes. Members share a love of choral music and take delight in conveying their enjoyment to their audiences. This concert, as the title suggests, focused a little on the great master J S Bach himself, composer of some glorious choral music, then ranged through a diverse repertoire and completed the circle with such popular jazz classics as In the Mood, Anything Goes and Beach Boys classic God only Knows. The concert was a great success. This concert series was dedicated to their wonderful supporter and patron, Mrs Noelle White, who died suddenly very recently.

Congratulations to Gary, Margaret and the team from the Forster Tuncurry Jockey Club on their recent XXXX Gold Cup. It was a great event, and the weather man turned on a stunner of a day. The FOCUS Fashions on the Field showed off the amazing efforts everyone went to, and special congratulations goes to Shelly Kurtz, who won Most Elegant Lady. The Krambach Race Club’s inaugural Gala Dinner was a massive success. It was well attended and sets the scene for the forthcoming “Bakewell Haulage” Krambach Cup to be held on Friday the 20th October at the Taree Race Track. Bookings can be made for the FREE buses via the club’s website, and the “Book the Bus” page. They are hoping to get four buses to the track for a wonderful eight race meeting - one from Hannam Vale and three from Gloucester, Krambach and surrounds. Talk to your bosses, get them to shut down for the afternoon on Friday the 20th and get yourselves dolled up and off to the track! After a red carpet entrance, the Gala Dinner guests were entertained by Gloucester Band In Like Flynn and the lovely Sami. The beautiful canapés were kindly supplied by Susie Oldfield from Firefly, the Mains were c/- Bent on Food in Wingham and Donna Delaney from the Greenhouse Café in Nabiac took care of

the sweet treats, with committee members doing cheese and fruit platters to finish off the evening. The Krambach Hotel and their staff did a wonderful job with the beverages, and the Krambach Hall committee were a pleasure to work with. All floral arrangements were meticulously created in the theme of race fascinators by Delwyn Thomas of FlowersbyDel, also in Nabiac. A highlight of the evening was the auction of sponsorship of one of the eight Krambach Cup Races, and the Krambach Race Club was very proud to present donation cheques to the Krambach Public School (to help with transport for all families to the annual learn to swim program) and the Krambach Rural Fire Brigade (to purchase helmet torches for their active members). A gallery of photos is up on the Krambach Race Club website. There will be a Calcutta at the Krambach Hotel on the night preceding the Krambach Cup, Thursday 19th October, and we’re looking forward to a good turnout for that event. 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 35

Health Wellbeing focushealth

and

DR. KARIN WELSH D E N T I S T

Spring Clean your skin regime.

N

Why go natural when it comes to skincare?

ourishing our body from the inside natural products available for both men and out is thankfully recognised these women of all ages that can work better than days as a key factor in longevity commercial brands, without the harmful and vitality. However, we should ingredients. These include ethically sourced, also be vigilant with the products that we are cruelty free and vegan options. My advice to you using everyday on our skin. The skin being the when looking for skincare products is to follow largest organ of the body the same rule that you is one that can often would when following be overlooked when it a healthy diet: look for comes to what we are ingredients that are as applying. Skincare does not have to be natural as possible. We use creams, complicated; we can make our Skincare does not have perfumes, oils and own natural soaps, creams, to be complicated; we can makeup daily, and all masks and body scrubs make our own natural of these things can be

using raw ingredients. At

packed with artificial soaps, creams, masks and Nourished Earth we enjoy making fragrances, preservatives, body scrubs using raw this quick face mask using all colours, fillers and ingredients. At Nourished natural ingredients. synthetics. They can often Earth we enjoy making be cleverly hidden within this quick face mask using the packaging and marketing using numbers all natural ingredients. and unrecognisable words. Charcoal Mask A large number of mainstream popular skin 1 tsp Bentonite Clay care and makeup brands can contain harmful 1 tsp Activated Charcoal substances such as lead, parabens, phthalates, 2 tsp Water formaldehyde and nanoparticles. Many people ½ tsp Raw Honey do not realise that these ingredients will absorb 1 drop Tea Tree or Lavender Oil into the bloodstream and can increase the toxic load on the body, which is why it is so important to be aware of what we are using. The good news is that there are plenty of 36 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Mix all ingredients together and apply to the face for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

We speak to Dr Karin Welsh about her profession, her passion and the community we share.

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hat makes you materials, and my own continuing eduction passionate about your keep me interested. I am also very fortunate to work? be part of a great practice with “state of the Definitely the patients! art” equipment and facilities, and a great team But also the fact that I have the skills and of dentists, dental nurses and administration knowledge to help make them happier and staff. healthier. Whether it's relieving the pain of a What is your career goal within the next tooth ache, giving them a nice smile again, or two years? helping them realise that a visit to the dentist To pursue my interest in Dental Sleep need not necessarily be Medicine and to help as frightening or painful educate the public about as they were expecting. sleep apnoea. It has For me, that's incredibly been well established My special interest in rewarding. I'm a "people that oral appliances are Dental Sleep Medicine has person", and I try to forge now the best treatment made me realise the a bond between each and for chronic snoring, and vital role dentistry every patient. a frontline treatment for can play, working What keeps you sleep apnoea. together with the patient’s passionate about your What do your patients GP and a sleep physician. work? say about you? The way dentistry has I wouldn't know what changed and continues they say about me, but to change over the years. the most common thing they say to me is, There's always something new to learn! Now, "You're not allowed to retire!" more than ever, we have an understanding of What excites you about the community you the intimate relationship between our dental live in? health and our general health and overall Living and working in a seaside community wellbeing! as scenic as Port Macquarie is idyllic. I love it. My special interest in Dental Sleep Medicine It's like being on holidays, even when you're has made me realise the vital role dentistry can working. As fast as this community is growing, play, working together with the patient's GP it's still a regular event to run into a patient in and a sleep physician. the supermarket, in a restaurant, or just walking What is the greatest achievement in your down the street, and that's what I like about career? Or what is the most fulfilling aspect living here. It's personal! of your career? For more information on Dr Having a connection with my patients Karin Welsh and her services, visit seeing them regularly, watching the young ones www.sundialdental.com.au or ring our Port grow up, seeing their parents, grandparents, Macquarie, Wauchope or Taree Locations to husbands and wives. It's so rewarding. Dentistry book a consultation. has also changed so much in my 30 plus years For more information visit of practice. The technology, the science of www.sundialdental.com.au

Manning-Great Lakes focus 37

“I asked Wendy, what does she like about Dundaloo?”

Kinetic Medicine

With John Stevens

Many a more “mature” person will know that feeling of being weak at the knees. Not at the thought of swooning over some gorgeous person, but rather because your legs just don’t hold you up the way they used to.

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hether it’s walking on soft or uneven surfaces, stepping up or down a gutter or not watching your steps closely, all of these things you used to be able to manage without a care become cause for anxiety. It doesn’t take a physicist to explain that gravity can be a cruel mistress, and usually these lapses in balance end in either a nerve-racking near-miss, or an abrupt meeting with the floor. As much as we make light of this, this is seriously costly for our loved ones and even by extension our whole society, which is becoming increasingly comprised of older adults than has ever been the case. You would probably be shocked to know that for individuals with hip fractures alone (the most common serious side effect of falls), 5% will die in hospital and 25% will die within one year. 10% are discharged from hospital into aged care, and 50% have ongoing mobility impairments. Grim, right? It doesn’t have to be. Whilst fall related injuries are actually very complex things to prevent, there are some key things that if addressed could prevent a majority of these cases. Keeping trip hazards

to a minimum is pretty important - rugs or lots of clutter around the house are a must to sort out. This is all the more important at night, when most falls occur. While we’re at it, ensuring the availability of a good light source will mean any nocturnal visits to the WC can be uneventful, and if you have blood pressure concerns, taking a moment after sitting up or standing can give you a chance to move without the added difficulty from related dizziness. Now, all of this is pretty simple and worth doing, but what about the glaring obvious problem that comes with the decline of our physical strength? Whilst it might not be a quick fix, specific exercise tailored to you and your many unique needs is a must. Hip extensor strength, that is the strength of the muscles around our hips and buttocks, has been found to be a key determinant of fall risk when environmental controls have been put in place. Ankle stability, too, needs addressing and can only be improved by doing the work required. The big message is that falls can be prevented; if you have had a fall, rehabilitation is crucial, your balance confidence can be salvaged and you can continue to lead a healthy and independent life.

Now consulting in Kinetic Medicine provides innovative, personally tailored health solutions that really work

(02) 6557 7479

www.kineticmedicine.com.au Taree Wingham Harrington Gloucester Forster-Tuncurry

Get Better | Stay Better | Live Better 38 Manning-Great Lakes focus

It’s humanity and a total respect for the clients it supports. Things have changed a lot over the years, but the dedication of the people working with my sister and others like her has always been the constant. My older sister, Janne, began using the services as a day pupil at the little school on Wingham Road around the late 1950s. She then went on to become a user Janne is trying to of residential services, living do more things and is clearly happier. in one of the hostels as a She has been part of weekly boarder and was then a job - the care she is shown is the new NDIS scheme, a permanent resident when genuine, and she is respected as and a huge ‘hats off ’ she was older. For Janne and an individual. to Dundaloo support I, the big change has been services for being so For me, it is peace of mind. I Janne moving two years ago proactive in engaging its don’t live near Janne all the time to a new, purpose built home clients in this important and to know that she is so well new scheme.” on the edge of Wingham, settled and cared for and as a her home town. The change result, so very happy, makes for her has been remarkable. me happy too. I have been She is in a lovely new home with the people she delighted to see the transformation in her since likes most. Janne is trying to do more things and moving to her new home and the growth she is is clearly happier. She has been part of the new enjoying as a result of greater individual care there NDIS scheme, and a huge “hats off” to Dundaloo and also through the NDIS. Families with a child support services for being so proactive in who has a disability carry a lifelong concern for engaging its clients in this important new scheme. their wellbeing and worry what will happen if a

“

For each of us, Dundaloo is important in different ways. For Janne, it is quality of life and knowing that she has people around her she likes and cares for and that they care about her - and not just as

parent passes on before their disabled child. That happened in our case, but I know our parents would be delighted to see where she is and how she is doing.

monique finlay From your School Formal to your Golden years blossom organic Hair Beauty Wellbeing brings you a wealth of experience, helping you look and feel your very best.

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onique Finlay has come to Forster to establish her new organic Hair, Beauty and Wellbeing salon. Monique has been producing blossom eco

skin care for the past 10 years and made the decision that the time was right for an organic solution for hair, as well as beauty and wellbeing for Forster. Monique began her apprenticeship in hairdressing in 1986, enjoying a great career that took her from stylist to salon owner and then on to Technical Educator and Colour Expert for Matrix Professional. After that, Monique trained in makeup, and that led to work in both-

film and theatre. Having enjoyed a wonderful career in theatre, Monique held positions with

Disney as Head of Wigs and makeup for The Lion King, as well as Opera Australia and many others. Monique and her husband, Grant, then started a family and relocated from Sydney to a small farm in Wootton. As Monique’s organic skin care business and family grew, it was time to wrap up all of her expertise into creating blossom organic Hair Beauty Wellbeing. The salon prides itself on offering a tranquil oasis for clients to enjoy an outstanding level of service in a most relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The experience starts the moment you walk in the door, greeted by the sound of the running water feature, the tranquillity music softly playing in the background and the surprising lack of the usual am-

BLOSSOM ORGANIC HAIR BEAUTY WELLBEING monia and chemical salon smell. You even have the opportunity to relax in one of the massaging chairs while you are waiting, and organic coffee or herbal tea is on offer.

treatment room after visiting Carole. With magic

The services available are as you would expect in a hair and beauty salon, but without the chemicals or toxins, making for a healthier alternative for both you and the environment.

welcomes Mary McKinnon to the team. Mary

In the field of beauty, the salon is fortunate to have the company of Carole Johnson, who is a long time beauty practitioner, well respected and cherished in the Forster region. Carole’s extensive experience in all areas of beauty treatments leaves her clients relaxed and insured of a superb experience. Many of Carole’s clients comment on how they feel like they are floating out of the

The salon’s mission is to provide premium,

hands and a discreet, professional nature, Carole is a highly sought after and adored therapist. blossom organic Hair Beauty Wellbeing also is now available for bookings for card reading, energy healing and Reiki. She is a metaphysical practitioner, with over 15 years in the industry. non-toxic services in hair and beauty to care for your physical body, along with a range of healing services to care for the soul. blossom organic Hair Beauty Wellbeing truly is a place to nurture your Mind, Body and Soul. For bookings, please phone 6555 5959.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 39

Dementia-Friendly Communities. A dementia-friendly community is a place where people living with dementia are supported to live a high quality of life with meaning, purpose and value. Often people feel socially isolated and wish they had more opportunities to interact with people in the community and to participate in social or other activities. A Night To Remember for Alzheimer’s Australia is a night sponsored by local businesses to help dispel myths about the disease and eliminate the stigma associated with dementia. The needs are increasing exponentially, so our goal is to invest now in building dementia-friendly communities right here in The Great Lakes. Our goal is to inspire you with a feeling of hope about the ability for people to continue enjoying life. From in-home respite to counselling and educational support groups, there are many ways to improve the quality of life for people at all stages of the disease. A Night To Remember is on October 7th, 7pm at Cape Hawke SLSC. Tickets are $50pp and available from Priceline Pharmacy Forster, Beach Bums and Forster Podiatry. Come along and listen to our guest speakers from Alzheimer’s Australia while enjoying champagne and canapes as the sun goes down. After our auction, enjoy supper and dance the night away to HumpDaay. Enquires PH Narelle 0412 173 755. NATIONAL DEMENTIA HELPLINE 1800 100 500.

40 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Inner Sense Health. Simple solutions to heal your Life, Health and Emotions ENAR Therapy: there was a university study done for pain using the ENAR (Energy Neuro Adaptive Response) a Bio-feedback device brushed over the skin to locate key points adjacent to and on the area of pain, then along the energy pathways of the spine. Very effective for: chronic and acute pain, injuries, nerve damage, emotional and mental stress, scars, skin disorders, lymphatics and circulation, digestive issues, faster recovery from surgery, beauty treatments for reducing lines, wrinkles, toning and anti ageing. Genome Healing: is about communicating and transforming distorted information in the organs, chakras, blood, glandular systems and hormones, digestion, DNA, stem cells, chromosomes for regeneration back to the Creator’s Norm. We can clear any unresolved trauma from past negative experiences like divorce, separation from family, abusive relationships, family violence, death of a loved one etc, which can affect your health. BSFF (Be Set Free Fast): This is the missing link for your subconscious mind, enabling you to live joyfully and free of so many emotional and mental sufferings like guilt, shame, anger, sadness, grief, limiting decisions, negative beliefs and emotions that cause you harm. You can Heal Your Life.

We pride ourselves on servicing you with the latest treatments in an eco-friendly, toxin free atmosphere.

Welcome to The Haven. “Come and relax with us in our organic and toxic-free paradise.” Our aim is to take away some of the day-to-day stresses by providing you with a relaxing environment to focus on your wellbeing. We pride ourselves on servicing you with the latest treatments in an eco-friendly, toxin free atmosphere. Whether it be a deluxe pamper treatment as a gift or general beauty maintenance for yourself, our therapists are here to make you feel better whilst achieving the results you’re looking for. Feel free to discuss tailored packages for yourself or a group booking for weddings or functions. We also warmly welcome feedback. Popular treatments include all waxing, tinting, lash extensions, tanning, manicures and pedicures, facials including microdermabrasion and peels, massage and body treatments. Nail and ear piercing also available. Enquire about our seasonal specials or view our Facebook page for more information. We are located within Forster Keys Hair Design Studio, Shop 5, Allen Ave, Forster.

focusinterview.

Michelle Parker from Parker & Co Communications

My Day 6:00am A 40 minute walk when our dog taps at the bedroom window.

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OPERATIONS MA NAGER, ABOUT INCLUSION

t’s all About Inclusion for Donna With a strong history providing regional Ballard, Operations Manager at the Ta- respite for over 30 years, the Manning Valley ree-based disability support organisaRespite Care Service widened its scope to tion. The shifting landscape of the dissupport people with disabilities under the ability sector has brought a number of new name About Inclusion. changes in recent years. As a trusted In addition to much needed respite for not-for-profit, supporting inclusive communicarers and families, About Inclusion offers ties is at the heart of their operations. a variety of programs for adults and young “Inclusion looks different for everyone, people with disabilities. Programs include so we work closely with clients and their craft, cooking, daily living and social skills families to build a future they programs, accommodachoose,” said Donna. tion supports and adThe introduction of the ditional help for people National Disability Insurliving in group homes. ance Scheme (NDIS) in the After school care and Our aim is to be person Manning Valley in July 2016 holiday programs centred, inclusive brought about more changes are also available for and connected to the to keep Donna busy in the children with disabilities community. Day to day day to day running of the and support needs. this requires the skills to service. Donna, who grew be able to juggle priorities, Donna and her team emup in Coralville, near remain calm and stay focused braced the scheme and the Moorland, joined on the task ahead. opportunities it provides for About Inclusion in their community. 2011. After volun“We now support over teering for several 175 participants under the scheme. The NDIS community projects, she wanted to get more gives people with disability, their families and involved in the community and connect with carers a chance to advocate for supports that local people. are aligned with their goals, offering people “I manage 51 support workers and 12 with disability greater choice and control,” administration staff. I love managing About said Donna. Inclusion, because we have an incredible

team of dedicated people who do their utmost to improve the lives and outcomes of those we support. That makes working here so rewarding.” Donna’s background in accounting gives her the skills to manage a busy not-for-profit, and a Bachelor of Business in Marketing has helped her navigate new business partnerships. One such opportunity was the recent merger with national NDIS provider Ability Options. “Our aim is to be person centred, inclusive and connected to the community. Day to day this requires the skills to be able to juggle priorities, remain calm and stay focused on the task ahead.” Each evening, Donna looks forward to a coffee on the lounge with her husband, to rewind and reflect on what happened during the busy blur of the day. Outside of work Donna is looking forward to the Wingham Akoostik Festival on 13 to 15 October, a community event she has helped organise. To unwind on the weekends she enjoys our region’s beautiful natural views and surroundings. “You can explore a new road every week and discover a walking trail, or local spot you never even knew existed,” said Donna. www.aboutinclusion.com.au

7:00am Check and reply to my home emails. 7:30am Head for work; run any Akoostik Festival errands on the way.

My Day

8:00am Arrive for work and check emails. Twice a week we have a teleconference with our group from Nambucca Valley to Belle Vista. 9:00am Hear the chatter and clatter as people arrive with their support workers to cook in our group kitchen. Say "G'day" as they pop by my office and tell me their latest news. 10:00am Check in on the admin staff to see what’s on their lists for the day. 10:30am Enjoy something freshly baked from the kitchen with my coffee. We buy leftover goodies and donate to the cooking group funds. Midday The middle of the day is unpredictable - attending appointments with those we support, phone calls, staff meetings or writing progress reports. 5:00pm Tidy up loose ends and send off essential emails. 6:00pm Akoostik Festival planning and progress meeting. Sometimes a yoga session to stretch and unwind. 8:00pm Arrive home to relax with my husband and watch our favourite series on Catchup TV.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 41

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

October 2017

AQUARIUS.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19 You may be feeling a little unsettled lately. A new move or the discussion of moving is likely to be on the agenda. Avoid rash decisions, wait for what feels right, and you’ll have no regret. New friends are coming into the picture, so relax and enjoy the social interaction. You have a lot of luck surrounding your situation; set some goals and give yourself permission to receive them. Herderite helps us to see our evolution.

PISCES.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20 The challenges you’re facing at home stem from not being appreciated or honoured. It’s time you try something new to break the dynamics and re-educate those surrounding you to be a little less selfish and more considerate of your needs. A journey is a strong possibility, resulting in further career success. Rose Quartz is wonderful for self-confidence and appreciation.

ARIES.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 A holiday will soon settle some restlessness within. Visit a travel agent or look at some travel brochures, to awaken the adventurous you. A fresh, new perspective will be gained, which will reflect positively back on your life. Expect some new friendships too. Carnelian helps us take active steps towards change.

TAURUS.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21 Complete change is coming. You can expect an answer to a wish made a few months ago. Give yourself permission to receive it. Don’t worry about what others may think - go chase your dream. Sugilite will connect you to your dreams.

GEMINI.

MAY 22 - JUNE 22 All the hurts from the past are surfacing, so you can recognise how they have changed you. You do have the choice to become more powerful as a result of experiencing these things. You don’t need pity. Amethyst connects us to our higher knowing and wisdom.

CANCER.

JUNE 23 - JULY 23 You are wise souls, so why not try following your own advice given to others in your circumstance? You do deserve happiness, and your desires are very achievable. Love yourself enough to honour your feelings and choices in life, and the rewards will be well worth the effort. Rhodochrosite helps us find our inner child’s joy. of life. Carry it for a couple of weeks.

LEO.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 Ignore your insecurities and fears, and concentrate on your strengths. Wake up your enthusiasm and connect with your fire, the mover and shaker within. Set some fresh goals and lighten up for your party season - the warmer weather. Citrine is a powerful joy strengthener.

VIRGO.

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23 “Enjoy the moment” is this month’s lesson. You have the chance to soul search and look deeply within. Treat your discoveries with respect, as this will help you to grow at a tremendous pace. Self-appraisal should be an honouring process. Kunzite & Hiddenite give us inner balance and harmony. Try wearing some.

LIBRA.

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23 This month should bring forward good luck and open new doors for further success. Stay focused on the task at hand, to avoid being overwhelmed. A lot of social activity can also be anticipated. Be sure to have plenty of sleep and journalise your dreams. Citrine attracts good luck.

SCORPIO.

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Life may seem a little suspended at the moment, because you need to let go of something from the immediate past that has been exhausting you and causing sadness. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Your awareness is being called to recognise your creativity, because it’s through this talent you will be drawing success near. Turquoise is great for self-validation.

SAGITTARIUS.

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 Your brightness in your spirit is strength for others at present. Protect this precious commodity by recognising the things that drain you and avoid them. Physical activity is a must for your body at this time, to maintain this happy vibration. Keep yourself intellectually satisfied as well. Citrine connects us to our creative genius.

CAPRICORN.

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Expect total change from your challenging situation. The changes will allow you to experience the feeling of a new beginning so far removed from how it was, that you may feel re-born. Set some fresh goals, and don’t compromise your standards for anyone. Clear quartz is a very powerful amplifier of energy.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 43

A L A N T I C K L E F R O M Y O U R H E R I TA G E

focus_contributor

focusinterview.

Aged Care

expo

With Alan Tickle

The Aged Care Expo being held at Taree Racecourse on October 28th is gaining momentum. FOCUS

took the opportunity to talk to organiser and our regular columnist Alan Tickle about the event.

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lan, tell us about the expo, what’s planned and how people can benefit from the day. It’s a great opportunity for members of the public to move amongst booths and gain some understanding of the breadth of support services available in the Manning-Great Lakes region to assist the aged. A lot of those services are also available to anyone in need of assistance in the home, not just the aged or disabled. There will also be residential aged care providers in attendance, so essentially, there is a mountain of information covering many aspects of accommodation and support options. You have advertised the event as “Demystify Aged Care”. What do you mean by demystify? Putting loved ones into care, or organising help in the home can be emotionally taxing for those making the decisions. The decision making is often made by the children, the spouse or partner of the person needing assistance, so attending the expo before care is needed can better prepare people for that eventuality. The demystify aspect is about breaking down the process into steps. The formal presentations will describe the assessment process, care choices, health management, Centrelink assessment, legal and financial strategies, all of which can help people get their house in order, so to speak. Is it necessary for the family home to be sold before going into care? The home does not have to be sold and sometimes it 44 Manning-Great Lakes focus

is better not to, particularly if it results in a substantial which is often pressured by hurried decisions when making increase in assets that affects the amount of aged pension care choices. paid. In those cases, some pre-planning would have made an Various scenarios and cases will be covered at the expo enormous difference financially, as well as making better presentations that will deal with that question. care choices. There has been quite a bit of press of late, not all of I saw the need to educate the potential decision makers, which has been positive, and an expo on a weekend I thought would regarding retirement give more people an opportunity to attend. homes. Do you have any Service providers have “applauded” the comment on that? idea, and most have given up Saturday 28th The negative publicity to support it. It’s a great opportunity for mainly related to lifestyle type I can see this becoming an annual members of the public to move villages rather than regulated community service type event, that I am very amongst booths and gain some aged care providers. proud to facilitate and continue to do so. understanding of the breadth We are fortunate in country MidCoast Council staff will also be of support services available areas such as ours, to have attending a booth, as they have some terrific in the Manning-Great Lakes high quality, more affordable inclusive programs for the aged in our region to assist the aged. A lot facilities and services for aged community to tell people about. of those services are also care, that are the envy of They will also happily answer questions on available to anyone in those living in capital cities. burial options and pre-arrangements, if that need of assistance in the The expo will only be home, not just the aged or topic is on people’s mind. disabled. featuring accredited aged Tell us more about the formal care providers, support presentations ... services, Centrelink and The first session commences at 10:30am, aged care financial advice with information booths opening from 9:30. specialists. The 10:30 session is repeated at 2:30pm and goes for What motivated you to organise the expo? about 1.5 to 2 hours, including questions. I have been a financial adviser for almost 30 years and The Hon. Dr David Gillespie, Federal Assistant Minister for have seen divided families and anguish due to confusion Health, will formally open the expo at the morning session. and challenges in working out how to fund aged care, Thanks Alan.

focus_contributor

JEREMY THORNTON FROM MANNING VALLEY BUSINESS CHAMBER

voice business

Local Business Chambers are moving into an important time of year, with most having to conduct their Annual General Meetings. This is the case for Taree BC, with Wednesday, October 18 from 7am at the newly refurbished Bushland Tavern locked in.

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strongly encourage all business owners to become more involved. After seven years being in the executive in some form of role and President over Taree and Manning Valley for the past four, it’s time to pass the baton. Being Chamber President was never something I aspired to do and has had its challenges. From the day elected at Manning level, I was told the first job was to hire a New Executive Officer. Then in that first year, three executive members resigned mid-term, and our awards committee folded. All of this in the space of two weeks! I never question these decisions, as we are all volunteers and life comes first, but it did put undue pressure on those left standing. The awards only survived from a small team hell bent on not losing momentum and when you look at it now, thank heavens they did. As we built Taree back up, our secretary unexpectedly resigned mid-term. We then entered a new term with a new committee and throughout the year had three people just up and leave. Right, so I’m not painting a positive picture, am I? My question is, why do people volunteer, if they cannot commit? Over the past seven years there were numerous times I could have walked away, but, if you commit to a cause, you see it through. On one hand, it puts enormous strain on those left standing. This is one of the reasons Chamber has struggled to maintain some committees and functionality. On the other hand, you are never going to achieve the collective goals of the region if you don’t commit and stick to it. Taree Chamber is now in a very strong

position. The current executive has some fantastic young vibrant business leaders who are looking at new ways of engaging with the community and creating growth initiatives. Workshops are planned, Government engagement is occurring, grassroots education is happening, more mentoring and community involvement is going on now than at any time in recent years. I’m proud of the position we are in, and we now need new leadership committed to take it to the next level. With Taree BC Constitution not allowing Proxy voting, it is important you nominate prior to the AGM. We don’t want to turn up at the AGM with no nominations. There are still many businesses sitting outside Chamber who, when questioned, see no value in it. One example is a business requesting and receiving support from our Economic Development programme in 2016, yet when asked to join Chamber, said they didn’t see the value! It’s hard to think of a comeback to that. In an age when collaboration between regional business has never been more important, the need for a strong Chamber is key. Less splinter groups agitating their own needs and more working as a single voice will always be stronger. Our relationships with Council, State and Federal Government have never been better, and our grass roots engagement never stronger. But it’s still a numbers game. If more become members and support the initiatives, we will achieve more as a region. Please seek out the AGM invitation and consider nominating and committing to the cause. A strong base is in place, and it’s now time for you to take it to the next level.

You could be on top of the World! Just north of Coffs Harbour, experience the amazing Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest - a pristine, protected area where you can enjoy beautiful subtropical forest, a picnic among the trees and the tranquil sounds of nature. The Forest Sky Pier is the centrepiece, a majestic 22-metre platform delivering a breath-taking sweep of ocean, city and coastline. The walk to its smaller sister, Korora Lookout, showcases Gumgali Track, an Aboriginal cultural interpretive experience telling the story of Gumgali, the Black Goanna. Sealy Lookout is part of a larger protected forest area, recently earning a coveted ECOcertification - a first for Coffs Coast. This

certification means visitors can be reassured minimal impact management principles are applied to the area, including protection of flora, fauna, forest ecosystems, Aboriginal and archaeological values. Managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW, Sealy Lookout (Niigi Niigi in local Gumbaynggirr language) invites visitors to get their bearings on the Coffs Coast while discovering this fantastic forest playground. Getting there: Travel north on the Pacific Highway from Coffs Harbour. Past the Big Banana, turn left at the Sealy Lookout sign. Drive up through banana plantations and ocean views to The Gap. Turn left and follow Scenic Drive to this destination.

The current “ executive has some fantastic young

vibrant business leaders who are looking at new ways of engaging with the community and creating growth initiatives.”

Find out more: #VisitNSWForests www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit

Manning-Great Lakes focus 45

Earn While You Learn. Gain industry experience and formal qualifications through on-the-job training ... If you are about to leave school, have been enjoying a GAP year, or perhaps you’re an older person looking for a career change, then you should consider ETC’s Earn While You Learn Program. ETC’s General Manager of Training and Business, Karen Busby, said the safety net of earning an income while gaining a qualification to support your new skills was a major bonus of the program. “We understand that some young people find it difficult to secure work without experience and that some mature aged people are nervous about a career change, because they will have to re-train,” Mrs Busby said. “That’s why ETC’s Earn While You Learn Program is so beneficial for people of any age, because it combines training and employment.” ETC’s Earn While You Learn Program offers nationally recognised qualifications in Business, Community Services (including Childcare and Aged Care), Hospitality and Retail. ETC’s award-winning industry qualified trainers will visit the participants in the workplace and oversee the training side of the program. For further information, visit www.etcltd.com.au/ earn-while-you-learn-on-the-job-training/ or phone 1800 007 400 and ask to speak to an ETC Training Manager.

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focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

TRENT J E N N I S O N

BUSINESS MINDS

One of our most valued businesses locally is Valley Industries. Helping people to help themselves is their motto, and it is clearly something they are passionate about and successful at. Trent Jennison is the CEO of Valley Industries and was recently named NSW Business Chamber Mid North Coast Region Business Leader for 2017. It’s a welldeserved accolade and one Trent deflects to the company, which speaks volumes about the man.This inspired us to learn more about Trent and Valley.

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rent, tell us about your upbringing ... I was born in Tamworth, but spent most of my youth growing up in Raymond Terrace. I went to school at Hurlstone Agricultural - the oldest boarding school in NSW - and studied for a Bachelor of Health Administration, so I always knew my long-term career would be in the health sector. Agriculture probably isn’t the usual route for a Bachelor in Health Administration. What kind of work did you do in those early years? My first role was as a station hand in Tullamore for 12 months, and I then spent two years as a Wool Classer. All seems a lifetime ago! So, how did your career progress from The Central West to your current role with Valley Industries? After those three years in the “outback”, I decided to follow my true calling and started nursing in 1984. I worked in operating theatres at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, followed by time at the Auburn Hospital, the Charles Wentworth Private Hospital and then became Director of Nursing at Baringa Private Hospital group. It was after this experience that I became CEO of the Mayo Private Hospital in Taree, where I ran and grew that organisation over 14 years, before joining Valley Industries in 2011. I was also a Councillor on the Greater Taree City Council for nine years - I am passionate about fighting for what is right for this area and I think if you have these strong opinions and visions for a region, then you should get involved and make sure you are heard - not sit back and comment from the sidelines.

Well said. You have an obvious passion And yes, we were finalists for four awards: for the organisation you now run. What Excellence in Business, Excellence in Social is it about Valley Industries that means so Enterprise, Business Leader and Employer of much to you? And I hear Valley Industries Choice - and we were winners in Business Leader were very successful in the NSW Regional and Excellence in Social Enterprise ... Something Business Awards recently? we’re very proud to have achieved. Valley Industries is an incredible organisation. As you all should be. Congratulations. From its inception in 1971, it was designed to The NDIS is opening up new services and improve the lives of people with disability and opportunities. How valuable do you think their families, and it has this will be for the grown into a significant area and the people of organisation with a Valley Industries? very big presence in our The NDIS is the most community. When I joined significant social reform Through this empowerment Valley Industries in 2011, since the launch of and person-centred approach, there was still a local Medicare, and the roll-out we see people with disability perception that Valley was has caused us - and all accepted and welcomed by the a “sheltered workshop” disability service providers Manning Valley community. providing menial work for - many challenges, as we It is this acceptance people with an intellectual adapt our organisations to which emphasises our disability. One of my first meet the new demands. community spirit and tasks was to move some NDIS’ philosophy of we are blessed with of our businesses - the providing user choice a social wealth that Café and Valley Vintage and control has turned many communities are - into the heart of the the old operating model unable to achieve. town, to demonstrate upside down, with how much things have participants now receiving changed, with participants their funding directly and becoming active members choosing the providers of the community and providing the community they want to deliver their services. the opportunity to see participants achieve their We have increased the quantity and quality full potential of services for people with disability, from the In my six years at VI we have achieved classes and activities provided at Valley Skills for significant growth - there are now 13 distinct Life, the social events and outings that we put on divisions, employing 330 local people - up from for participants to follow their dreams and the 170 five years ago, and our turnover has grown training we have developed to help participants from $4.5m to $12m. learn new skills become more independent. I think about opportunities to improve or grow We have opened four group homes over the the services we provide every single day! last year to provide supported accommodation

in a safe environment for people with disability. For many, this is a major transition to living independently, and we help them and their families manage that transition. You’re involved heavily in the community, with health and wellbeing a key focus. What do you personally see as one of our biggest challenges in this space? This area faces some pretty big social challenges: unemployment, homelessness, mental health issues and indigenous disadvantage, and Valley Industries provides the platform and support to enable people with disability to face these challenges. Through Valley Industries we are able to help empower people with disability to live as part of the community and enjoy everything the Manning Valley has to offer. Through this empowerment and personcentred approach, we see people with disability accepted and welcomed by the Manning Valley community. It is this acceptance which emphasises our community spirit, and we are blessed with a social wealth that many communities are unable to achieve. So, life away from the coalface. What is it that you enjoy away from business? Fishing. Fishing. And Fishing! Oh, and my family! For you, what is the best part about living and being in business in the Manning- Great Lakes? The best thing about doing business here is definitely the acceptance of people with disability by the community. We should be very proud of that! Agree. Thanks Trent.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 47

focus _ Abode.

hotm BUILDERS R E T S A M 2017

Manning-Great Lakes

48 Manning-Great Lakes focus

AWA R D S

E NEWCASTL

WINNER

focus _ Abode.

REEMAN P R O P E R T I E S

Shane and Karen Reeman are very proud of two of their recent projects, which have won them prestigious awards at the recent MBA Awards in Newcastle - the Biripi Aboriginal Medical Centre and the Hallidays Point Tavern. B I R I P I A B O R I G I N A L M E D I CA L C E N T R E ,

Ta r e e So u th

The Medical Centre won the Best Public Building Under $2 million. Judges’ comments: “This project is an innovative and visually exciting structure with a significant cultural heritage association for the local Biripi people. Reeman Properties have crafted a well detailed and constructed Medical Centre. The unusual roof shape and dark steel and glass cladding suggest an unusual and interesting building form. The lazer cut entry facade leads to an open reception area that allows views to a courtyard Jacaranda tree that also is of cultural relevance.“

H A L L I D AY S P O I N T TAV E R N ,

H a l l id a y s P o in t

The Tavern won the Best Club Hotel Development. Judges’ comments: “This project involved the complete renovation and rejuvenation of an existing hotel with basic facilities into anew and modern steel, glass stone and rendered brickwork family hotel. Dining accommodation evolved from 40 seats to 250 seats, with further 100 alfresco seating. Kitchen and bar areas were completely refurbished, while trading was maintained. This was difficult project to work through within the ten months construction time frame. The result is a functional and attractive alternative for family dining and entertainment for the Hallidays Point Area.“

Manning-Great Lakes focus 49

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About.

THE BIRIPI ABORIGINAL MEDICAL CENTRE

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The Biripi Health Service, Purfleet Clinic, has been built is to unify the existing health buildings and in the absence of other public buildings provide a community hub to place wellbeing at the centre of the community.

he site is on the former Purfleet Mission, which was created by the government in 1901 for the “Protection and Segregation� of local Aboriginal people and supported the removal of local Aboriginal people from their land. The Mission is now under Aboriginal ownership and is an important accomplishment of self-determination. The original clinic now serves as a gallery space off the new waiting room with a focus on the history of health delivery in the community, which is considered intrinsic to the journey of self-determination. The construction of the original clinic, a simple timber cottage, was a result of advocacy by the Purfleet Advancement League. This occurred at a time when

50 Manning-Great Lakes focus

racism in the local health system was endemic, including elements of segregation. As such, health became an important hallmark of self-determination. The project is an important component of the strategic plan to revitalise the Biripi Health Service. It places community at the centre of health delivery, whilst providing additional clinical space focused on the acute health issues of the community. The strategic plan is focused on community and inclusion with the aim of increasing presentation rates to improve preventative health. In response, the project creates a community hub as the unified entrance to the existing health buildings. The success as a community hub was evident from the opening ceremony, which was an

afternoon of nostalgia, culture, music and food held in the new waiting room courtyard to the sound and sight of children playing. From day one, this project has revitalised the community and created a health focused community hub. The design approach was defined by thorough consultation that incorporated the community, Aboriginal health workers, clinicians and health administrators. This was to identify not only the requirements, but the aspects that would assist in creating a culturally inclusive and therapeutic place that broadened and improved health delivery and increasing presentation rates. From the Architect - David Kaunitz, Kaunitz Yeung Architecture What was the original design brief?

The project brief asked for a new main entrance and waiting area for the existing health buildings, as well as provide new clinical and training space. These are for visiting specialists and allied health professionals to broaden the reach and quality of health delivery for the complex comorbidities which are worsening Aboriginal health. Importantly, the original clinic from the 1970s was required to be incorporated into the project. Were there any specific requirements that had to be adhered to in the design? And if so, how were these met? • The community centred design approach identified important requirements which are central to the project design. These are: History: incorporating the original clinic as

focus _ Abode.

REEMAN P R O P E R T I E S

the artwork a museum and community The project brief asked for a filters the space representing the new main entrance and waiting light into the history of health delivery area for the existing health waiting room, in the community, which buildings, as well as provide marking the is central the journey of new clinical and training space. times of the self-determination. These are for visiting day with the Outdoor Waiting: specialists and allied varying shadformation of the courtyard health professionals ... ows. as an outdoor waiting and Light Filled community space with the Spaces: with “Tree of Significance” as the main corriits focus. This is particularly dor, waiting area and training room orienimportant, as Aboriginal people can feel tated to the courtyard and large windows claustrophobic waiting indoors. Local Art: the inclusion of local art as the in the consult rooms, the journey through the building and experience in the rooms entry feature, which serves as a beacon of is light filled and connected to the natural identity for the community. Importantly,

environment. This is an especially important element for an Aboriginal community. How was it working with Shane from Reeman Properties? • The quality outcome of this project would not have been possible without Shane Reeman and his team at Reeman Properties. They embraced the architectural intent and delivered a high build quality within a modest budget through their attention to detail and collaborative approach with the design team. This is evident across the building through the high level of resolution and integration of

Testimonial

“

I engaged Shane and his company Reeman Construction, to build an extension onto our existing clinic. I found Shane and his team to be reliable and professional in all aspects of their work. They go above and beyond to ensure their work is to the customer’s satisfaction. I would highly recommend Reeman Construction in the future without hesitation.” - Lisa Orcher MAICD, CEO, Tobwabba Aboriginal Medical Service, Taree, NSW.

all the building elements. Thanks David.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 51

focus _ Abode.

About.

T H E H A L L I DAY S P O I N T TAV E R N

The Tavern project was a total refurbishment inside and out to provide a range of indoor and outdoor zones that allow varying degrees of character and use. The intent was to provide a venue that would appeal to locals and city visitors alike, with a smartly presented building.

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rchitectural innovation, decor and design features within the redevelopment are evidence of the vision of the architect and builder. A big part of the design is natural veneered stone walls that provide a rustic appeal. Timber has been used in the alfresco structure ceiling and gives a warm and welcoming feel. Timber acoustic battens have also been used in the dining room, again giving a comfy ambience. The main entry airlock is flanked by a down lit stone wall and planter. A cantilevered steel trellis gives the entry further welcoming definition. The rough cast of the stone juxtaposes brilliantly with the mitred frameless glazing that forms a corner of the entry.

52 Manning-Great Lakes focus

The dining room has the most formal mood, with the ceiling treatment of acoustic timber battens. This leads with large bi-fold doors out to the raised alfresco dining area. Electric cafĂŠ blinds come down the steel columns, so this space can be protected at times of inclement weather, whilst also being able to be heated in winter with a double fronted wood fireplace and supplementary electric heaters. Timber clads the ceiling in this space as well, but in the form of pine plywood laid in a stretcher pattern. Unused toilets were removed, and the kitchen was enlarged to an open servery that now relates the kitchen directly to the dining zones. New toilets were constructed within the remnants of an existing alcove in the dining

room. The existing lounge bar that had two awkward angled walls has been extended and squared off, and a wide set of bi-fold doors opens out on to its own alfresco terrace, that can be partly closed off. The main beer garden terrace has large planters with magnolias in them that will grow up and provide nice natural shade in summer. A large kids’ play area is also located at the end of the terrace. LED lights have been used throughout. Motion sensors turn on the toilet lights automatically and timers control the external lighting. The renovated kitchen design has improved workflows for kitchen staff. The wash line can be

fed by dirties straight through a window at the end of the corridor from the dining room. Clean plates can then be stacked on an overhead gantry above the island prep fridge, that can be plated by the chefs on one side and kitchen hands on the other. Meals are then ready to be collected by patrons from the servery. The stand out efficiency is the utilisation of a paging system for ready meal orders. Although this is very common and obvious in pub style meal service, this system has only been installed with these renovations. In days not too long ago, patrons would have to order from the barman, who would then literally run the order receipt into the kitchen. As a patron, it was rather incredulous, standing there about to give an

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Testimonial

“

During that entire process it was important to us that the hotel continue to trade, and this presented many challenges which Reemans handled very well. Their attention to detail, ability to problem solve when dealing with an old building, their practical advice and solutions offered and their ability to work well with our architect and consultants was excellent. They and their team were a pleasure to work with, and I recommend them highly.” - Hallidays Point Tavern - Wayne Judd Blackhead Beach, NSW

REEMAN P R O P E R T I E S

order, when the chap would disappear out the back with the previous person’s order! Suffice to say, this is now a thing of the past! Visitors to the venue can’t speak highly enough of the renovation. Coupled with a good local name for food, patrons drive some distance to now come to Hallidays Point Tavern for meals. tripadvisor® ranks the venue as #1 out of 6 restaurants in Hallidays Point. From the Architect - Angus Laurie ARCHITECTURAL VISIONARY STATEMENT The Tavern project has been an honour and a privilege to work on, especially because I am local and more importantly, it is a building for public patrons to enjoy and use.

There was a previous DA approved by out of region architects for the Tavern that was virtually for a brand new building that called for a large drive through bottle shop at the very front and a side main entry through the car park. Thankfully, from the outset, my various clients for this project wanted to work more with the existing fabric of the building and stage the development - the bottle shop, yet to be built, is the third unbuilt stage of the two built stages. The site’s gateway position to Black Head village required careful and sensitive consideration. The alfresco pavilion at the front, along with the landscaping, provides built form with a rich palette of materials, offering

a pleasing welcome to the village. The intent is to provide a building that enhances the village arrival for all passing by. It was therefore critical for the building to engage and respond to the streetscape. To this end, the main entry doors front the street, as opposed to what existed and was previously proposed - the doors directly opening on to the car park. A wide pedestrian entry path allows walkers to gain access directly from the footpath. The entry is enhanced with soft landscaping and lighting that is very encouraging for the locals to walk instead of drive to the Tavern. The bi-fold doors allow the seamless integration of the goings on of inside to the outside, thus aiding

the connectivity of its position in a coastal beach village. On the way back from the beach, people can simply walk in and enjoy the hospitality, in a casual, sophisticated setting. Natural stone walls are feature lit and mixed in with various ceiling timbers and steel in the alfresco to provide materials of integrity and warmth. The renovations provide a range of indoor and outdoor zones that allow varying degrees of character for patrons. Well done to Shane Reeman of Reeman Properties and his tradespeople for the construction of this project, which I hope will be truly enjoyed by the Hallidays Point locals and visitors alike for many years to come.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 53

focus_contributor

focus_contributor - Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

S H A R O N B U LT I T U D E F R O M G R E AT L A K E S T O U R I S M & M A R K E T I N G C O O R D I N AT O R

tourism

C

Action! Central

entral Sydney around Broadway, the Haymarket and Chinatown has quietly undergone a renaissance in recent years, much due to its proximity to and improvements at Central Railway Station, a revamped Darling Harbour and extended dining and entertainment precincts within walking distance, and smash hit musicals staged at the majestic Capitol Theatre. The theatre, restored in magnificent classic style, is not only a historical landmark but rated Sydney’s top concert experience behind only the Sydney Opera House and Opera Australia, and rated best of all venues for excellence. Its front-of-house staff are exceptional, its curtain-up atmosphere thrilling and its unbroken program of musicals an absolute must-see, ideal for families and drawing visitors from throughout the State. The acclaimed My Fair Lady, directed by Julie Andrews, ends its run mid-month to be followed by Madama Butterfly, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, ballet (Dec 5-22), The Wizard of Oz (Dec 30-Jan 21) and, later in 2018, Mamma Mia, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Jersey Boys. Mid-last century, Broadway was the thriving hub of Sydney’s CBD, the expansive intersection and square where the city’s trains, buses and trams converged and home to imposing sandstone buildings, Grace Bros’ huge head department store (“three and a half acres of furniture”), Anthony Hordern’s massive retail edifice and mail order giant on Goulburn, George and Pitt streets, breweries headquarters, and the Glaciarium Ice Rink. In part due to a desire to escape the disruptive years-long light rail expansion works at the Circular Quay end of town and to the stimulus of students at newcomer university UTS, the spread of small bars around Surry Hills, and eclectic restaurants

such as those that line the quaint, trendy alleyway on Kensington Street Chippendale, “Central” is thriving and new hotels opening up around the area are ideally located to take advantage of the revitalised precinct at the terminus of rail services from the country. Leader of the pack is Mercure Sydney, on Railway Square right next to the station (see the views over the square from its interior on its home page at www.mercuresydney.com.au). A mid-range hotel with accommodation and facilities ideal for families, its concierge service nevertheless belongs to a five-star property: faultless essential service, ever ready to help during my stay – fetching Uber contact details for me, caring for luggage, smiling and efficient. Management too is top notch: welcoming, genuinely caring about the guest experience. Rooms are immaculate and functional with comfy beds and a good strong shower in the bathroom, bathtub, TV, coffee/TV/mini fridge, internet. Dining-room breakfast service, all the standard fare, is substantial in its range of hot and cold selections and generous all-you-can-eat servings including fresh fruit, yoghurt and drinks to set guests up for the day. Other facilities include a rooftop indoor heated pool, sauna and gym and Eve’s cocktail bar with share plates, delicious burgers and takeaway options. The Mercure is perfectly situated for country visitors to travel by rail to the city and by light rail around all the leisure precincts – Capitol Theatre, Paddy’s Markets, Pyrmont (and on to the pedestrian areas of King Street Wharf and Barangaroo) and Sydney Fish Markets so there’s no need for a car, although car parking is available. Until the end of December there’s a Sweet Spring Sale: stay two nights and save 20 per cent - call or book online. Stays excluding Saturday nights appear to be more economical.

QANTASLINK ceases non-stop Port Macquarie-Lord Howe Island flights this month just as local operator ETS, www.easterntourservices.com.au, has begun offering direct alternative packages including - top option! - day trips.

SPINNER WINNER American Tourister luggage is popular: readers from Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Taree, Old Bar, Forster and Black Head entered our competition to win a 71cm Applite 3.0S lightweight spinner. Thanks to all who entered. THE WINNER IS Lorelle Thurston of Port Macquarie. 54 Manning-Great Lakes focus

RRP

$279

A

Women are becoming more adventurous travellers - and doing it alone!

n adventure may be worn as a muddy spot, or it may be worn as a proud insignia. It is the woman wearing it who makes it the one thing or the other.”Norma Shearer. According to leading travel Research Company SKIFT - this is the year of the female traveller (“Mega Global Travel Trends” Report. 2017). 80% of travel decisions are made by women - that’s the equivalent to $125 billion of the travel industry’s purchasing power. Regardless of location, travel brand, relationship status or who is paying for the trip, women are leading the way, and they are increasingly making diverse travel choices. Today’s female travellers are bold, independent, unafraid and looking to explore new and authentic experiences their own way. They have their own say as to where to take a holiday, how to get there, and many are choosing to go solo. A simple Google trends search of “female solo travel” shows the dramatic increase in the interest of women going it alone over the past five years, peaking with over 100,000,000 searches at the beginning of 2017. Pinterest also noted the 350% increase in women pinning solo travel ideas since 2014. An estimated 32 million single women travelled at least once in the last year, about a third of them five times or more, according to the Travel Industry Association. Furthermore, a whopping 81% of Australian women reported plans to travel alone in 2017. There’s also one more interesting trend that’s been flying under the radar: Women’s Adventure Travel. Adventure tourism is rapidly gaining popularity amongst female travellers and has many takers. This is contrary to the clichéd belief that women prefer leisure shopping getaways to adventure trips, signifying a transformation in the women’s travel segment. These getaways are the blood-sweat-and-tears types and significantly, women want to do them alone. More than 60% of people booking with small-group adventure travel company, Intrepid Travel, are now women. In the first few months of this year they have already seen a 35% increase in women booking trips like hikes up

Kilimanjaro or a Serengeti Safari. Many of them are indeed solo travellers and perhaps surprisingly, span all age groups. Our Baby Boomers “have reached a point in their lives when they want to explore and learn about themselves and take in all the things they feel they may have missed,” said Jo Cali, president of Overseas Adventure Travel. Millennial women have given even greater momentum to this trend, states Ann Fishman, the author of Marketing to the Millennial Woman. “This is not a timid generation,” she said. “These are young women who are very empowered, very self-confident, and probably know somebody in the country where they’re going.” Whilst this trend has been identified as a Global Mega Travel Trend, the fact that women travel, solo or otherwise, is actually pretty old news. Travel blogs that run on generic girl power are a dime a dozen. So in this marketplace that feels saturated with token female products designed by male executives, which brands can speak authentically to women? Perhaps those with a female CEO … Now, there’s a thought! Fortunately, women are slowly beginning to enter this once-male domain. Women-only travel companies have jumped up by a gigantic 230% over the past six years, not to mention advertisements, marketing, partnerships and branding all targeting the dominant travel decision makers - women. Deborah Kilcollins, brand manager of Big Five Tours and Expeditions notes that “women travellers tend to have an impact on women in the destination visited and a subtle message of women’s empowerment takes place”. The Great Lakes very own women adventure pioneers, “Travel Play Live”, has been passionately driving an inspiring adventure hub for thousands of women - launching Australia’s only Women’s Adventure Lifestyle Magazine and excitingly for four-days in September, held Australia’s first Women’s Adventure Summit right here in Forster, attracting women from across the country. Travel agencies, hotels, activity providers and yes, destination managers have all had to sit up and listen as they try to meet the demand of women going it alone and staking a massive claim on the activity of the travel sector.

JKL Real Estate Kicking Goals FORSTER PEAKS WITH RECORD PENTHOUSE PRICE ... JKL hit a milestone with the sale of Strand Beachside Penthouse at $1.7 million. Karen Hoswell is pleased with this result. We turned this sale around in only 24 hours from list to sell. The Forster market is very strong, especially in apartments. Our team have been kicking quite a few goals, with a last-minute flurry starting at the end of the Financial Year. It’s a strong market to be selling in, there’s no doubt about that. Even though prices might feel high, the record low interest rates make buying into property the cheapest of our lifetime. We may never see interest rates this low ever again.

The continual buzz of activity in our region is also very exciting, with substantial growth and development predicted over the next 10 years. This is very evident in the large lot residential market, with Bullocks Run at Failford; thirty one of the fifty six lots are on hold waiting for registration of the development, so that home owners can commence building immediately. Both JKL and our clients are excited with the current market trends, that allow us to maintain such a strong presence in the local area. In a town like Forster, you must maintain honesty and integrity to be able to deliver consistent results like JKL have been able to achieve. If you are looking to buy or sell in our beautiful region, give JKL a call on 6554 8717 or email sales@jklrealestate.com

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focus_contributor

A M A N D A TAT E F R O M L J H O O K E R

real estate

UPDATE

Tallowood Real Estate Tallowood Real Estate invites you to inspect 6.5 acres of superb, level Australian bush. Sweet smelling Eucalypts, flora and fauna abound. There is a large, level, cleared area for the architects and builders to get to work and create your haven in piece and privacy.

Just coming back from a weekend in the northern beaches of Sydney, and I am feeling really appreciative of living in the Manning Valley. While I always enjoy the retail and restaurant experiences, it is so overcrowded, noisy, and just busy.

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he quiet streets where I grew 2,104 m² development block in Forster for up are completely congested $4,400,000, paving the way for potentially with parked cars and moving a new high-rise apartment block. High end vehicles trying to manoeuvre unit sales have really been limited by the lack past each other without of availability, so timing is possibly perfect sideswiping either pedestrians for some upmarket apartments with ocean or motor vehicles. Trying to park is an outing views nice and close to Forster. Another just in itself, and I have to ask, why do they all development parcel of 68 acres in Forster drive big four wheel drives? with rural/residential potential has just sold While the media constantly reports the for an undisclosed amount, believed to be Sydney market is slowing, with evidence from over $3,000,000, while a similar 100 acre the lower than normal development on a auction clearance rates, smaller scale sold for it is hard to see where. $1,100,000 on Old Bar Looking through the Road, proving developers Domain Property Guide are gaining confidence in Our local market is still moving from the old Manly Daily, our marketplace again. very quickly and despite it would seem difficult The magic million sales spring stock replenishing our to find a house under include one in Lewis marketplace, if you are looking $2,000,000. In fact, Street, Old Bar along in a certain price range, you there was a sale of an the beach, a property quickly discover there 800 m² block in Malcolm in Marine Drive, Forster, is not much choice Street, Narrabeen, with and a picturesque 224 available. the original house for hectares of land in Burrell a cool $3,000,000. Creek, complete with Definitely one of those homesite. moments when I wished Despite confident I had have invested way back when ... developers coming back into our market, we Our local market is still moving very quickly need to be sure our expanding population is and despite spring stock replenishing our being considered by our new local Council, marketplace, if you are looking in a certain to ensure that our commercial developers are price range, you quickly discover there is not being looked after and advised properly. There much choice available. Lifestyle and waterfront are a few big commercial development projects properties are still proving popular, with sitting waiting, including the recent Highway a noticeable surge of families and retirees Service Centre approved site at Cundletown looking to move to our area. Interesting recently listed for sale. Our community needs to note that the high-end sales that have large projects like this to create employment occurred in the last couple of months have and ensure the financial viability of our been purchased by locals. area continues, so that we have a vibrant High-end sales this month include a community for all of us to enjoy.

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Very importantly, at vast expense - ALL UNDERGROUND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE! This glorious property is located within the Great Lakes area. The Great Lakes, only three hours’ north of Sydney, but a world away. Stretching from Forster in the north, through Pacific Palms and Seal Rocks to Tea Gardens in the south and inland to Stroud, the Great Lakes is a place of secret

spots and special places. This beautiful part of the coast is a blend of great places to stay, eat and shop, coupled with perfect beaches, dazzling lakes, national parks and wide expanses of forest broken up with historic rural hinterland. Add to this enough activities and events to fill a year, from adventure thrills such as diving or mountain biking, to kayaking quiet lakes as the sun sets, trekking through ancient palm forests, whale watching, deep sea fishing, or just browsing at a local market, and your holiday is complete. www.greatlakes.org.au 50A Blackbutt Drive remains your pleasure to inspect by private appointment only with Angie of Tallowood Real Estate.

focus_abode. If you would like more details about the Estate please scan the QR code.

Property of the month Tallowood Real Estate is privileged to present one of the most outstanding 40 Hectare Estates the Mid North Coast has to offer! This exclusive property provides the perfect opportunity for a truly enviable self-sufficient escape, bordering ‘’Tallwoods’’ 18-hole Championship Golf Course and Resort: www.tallwoodsgolf.com.au

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HE SANCTUARY lies amidst native bushland, which is positioned over 300 ft above sea level, capturing the ocean breezes, remarkable views and a lifestyle set among the

tree tops. A sweeping 400m sealed driveway which encompasses amazing landscaping and extensive stone masonry leads to a magnificent master-built home. The abundant Buffalo lawns and low maintenance native gardens are exquisite and attract a wide variety of native birds and kangaroos! There are beautiful horse riding trails meandering over the property, which lead to the secluded camping grounds. All this is just a few minutes drive to the nearly unpopulated pristine beaches of Hallidays Point. Black Head Town Centre also has all your needs covered, with its own shopping centre, chemist, bakery, P.O., tennis courts, library, butchery, several cafés and more! With over 100 acres to play with this close to the coast, the possibilities are endless from a rainforest retreat to a potential sub development ... The Business opportunities are as diverse as your imagination! Glamping; Retreats; Pet Friendly Farm Stays; Horse Hotels and Holidays; Bed and Breakfast etc.

The features of this solar powered, four bedroom, brick and tile home are too numerous to list, so make an appointment today while you still have the opportunity to live the life most can only dream of! Located midway between Taree and Forster is the coastal area of Hallidays Point, taking in Black Head Beach. Black Head Beach is a multi-award winning beach under the Keep Australia Beautiful Program. It is patrolled during summer and regarded as one of the best swimming beaches in the Manning Valley. It features shady Norfolk Island Pines, an ocean pool, excellent fishing opportunities, picnic areas, and barbecues. Black Head has a supermarket, cafés, bowling club, and surf lifesaving club. The Black Head Markets are held in Wylie Breckenridge Park on the first Sunday of the month, from September to May. The Black Head Surf Lifesaving Club overlooks the beach, and is available to hire for functions. Meander along the rainforest walk, which encompasses striking coastal landforms and rare tracts of littoral rainforest - a must for nature lovers and keen photographers. Accommodation includes holiday parks, cabins, holiday units, and cottages. visitnsw.com Contact Angie: 0407 133 911 angie@tallowoodrealestate.com www.tallowoodrealestate.com

With over 100 acres to play with this close to the beacg, the possibilities are endless - from a rainforest retreat to a potential sub development... The business opportunities are as diverse as your imagination!!

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Luxaflex Alliance Conference Winners Forster Tuncurry Awnings and Blinds (FTAB) were recently awarded the highest growth and highest roller blinds sale at this year’s Luxaflex® Alliance Conference for the second year running. The store was awarded for their committed service to their local community and the Luxaflex brand. “We are so pleased with the awards that we have received this year at the Luxaflex Alliance Conference. Our store’s policy is to always provide great products and service to the local Forster Tuncurry area. We really want to thank our customers for all of their support, and look forward to creating lasting relationships with them for years to come.” FTAB continue to ensure that the latest products in window fashions and treatments are available at their local store. A product that continues

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to show promise is the Luxaflex Evo Awning and has been proven to save up to 60% off* cooling costs for a typical year in an Australian household. With smart technology, such as PowerView® Motorisation by Luxaflex, customers can operate their internal blinds as well as straight drop Evo Awnings with the touch of a button, using a Pebble® remote, smartphone or tablet device. It is due to these reasons that Luxaflex’s Evo Awnings are not only a way to reduce energy costs and prevent heat exposure, but also bring a real sense of smart technology to window treatments and fashions. Call into the showroom at 42 Pine Avenue, Tuncurry. Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Check out the website: www. forstertuncurryawningsandblinds.com.au or phone (02) 6554 5300 for more information.

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