Manning-Great Lakes Focus i131 by Focus

Feature Story Girls Only Triathlon

January 2018. issue 131

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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 January issue of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS.

appy New Year! All clichés aside, the New Year is a favourite time for many of us here at FOCUS. We work hard all year, producing a publication full of great content for you to read each month but a New Year is a chance for us to take a deep breath and think ahead … to assess where we’re going! To be honest, we wouldn’t change much (if anything!) We have amazing contributors, fantastic advertisers, and a never-ending supply of local talent to interview. We’re very lucky! We’re also very fortunate to live in an area with such natural beauty. This edition features some of our area’s best kept secrets - enterprising local businesses and idyllic locations that we should all be proud to share with our visiting friends and relos!

On the Cover As you can see, we’ve kept with the “summer holiday” vibe ... A massive shout out to Jeff and the staff at Hamiltons Oysters - a perfect location for our shoot this month. Thanks so much! And to our cover models, Tim, Will, Emma and Jade, awesome work - these young locals will fill you in on page 30 with their tips and must see places this January. In this Issue Tinonee based author Terry Stanton has written a novel based on the life of Thomas Wentworth, the 1st Earl of Strafford. An eloquent troublemaker, Wentworth’s life provides an interesting read! Katie Oxenford drops by to fill us in about the Girls Only Triathlon - an event not just for the super-fit, but for any girl/woman aged 14 plus who’d like to get out there and give swimming,

cycling and running a go. Think New Year’s fitness resolutions, ladies! For those of us considering educational opportunities and early learning programmes for our kids at the beginning of a new school year, Israel Redfern may just have the solution with Rugbytots - which doesn’t just teach Rugby, and Katie Jones also has some answers with the HIPPY program. Whatever you find yourself doing this month, at FOCUS we all hope you’re able to get out and about locally, explore some of our best kept secrets, and enjoy all that 2018 will bring! Final Say “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice.” - T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets.

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 3

focusinterview.

Girls only

Triathlon IT’S A NEW YEAR … FANCY TRYING SOMETHING DIFFERENT? K ATIE OXENFORD EXPLAINS THAT A TRIATHLON EVENT IS NOT OUT OF REACH FOR MOST WOMEN. IF YOU’D LIKE TO SWIM, PEDAL AND RUN YOUR WAY TO THE FINISH LINE, THIS GIRLS’ ONLY TRI EVENT MAY JUST BE THE TICKET!

hat’s the history behind the Girls’ Only Triathlon event in Forster? How many years has it been running, and how was the need for an event of this type identified locally? This is the second year of the Girls Only Triathlon in Forster. Last year was a huge success, with almost 90 girls and women competing in the event. Everyone had a great time on the day, with laughter and high fives out on course. It was a fantastic atmosphere, with great sponsors, prizes, food and drinks. The Girls Only Triathlon is an initiative by Forster Triathlon Club, who saw it as a way to not only get more women active in our community, but also encourage them to try something different and have some fun! Many girls or women may enjoy swimming, or jogging, or cycling, but to put them all together in one event is a new challenge! Half the fun happens in transition, when trying to get the goggles and swimming caps off, and shoes and helmets on! This year the event will take place on January 14. Where’s the starting point, and what time do proceedings kick off? The event takes place at Forster Keys on Sunday, January 14th 2018. Competitors can come down to register either the Saturday afternoon prior, or on race morning from 6:30am. 4 Manning-Great Lakes focus

When competitors arrive on Sunday morning, they get their numbers on, rack their bikes and equipment and confirm which wave start they are in. Race brief is scheduled for 7:55am, with the first wave of competitors hitting the water from 8am. All of these details, as well as further course information, will be emailed to competitors closer to the event date. Take us though the various legs of the event ... How far will entrants have to swim, cycle and run? The course consists of a 300 m swim, 12 km cycle and 3 km run. The swim takes place in Forster Keys, consisting of one lap around some markers in the water. Competitors then get on their bikes, and ride four laps of a 3 km loop around Forster keys. This is a flat 12 km cycle, with plenty of opportunities for spectators to watch. Competitors then finish the event with a 3 km run, made up of three laps of a 1 km loop along the foreshore of Forster keys. What’s the course like? Will it suit all levels of athletic ability? Absolutely! The event is open to any female 14 years and older. We had competitors ranging in all fitness and athletic abilities last year, with the main aim to have fun and try something new. How much are entries to the event - and where can people register?

Entries are online, with the link found on the Forster Triathlon Club’s website at www.forstertriclub.com.au - the cost is $55. What provisions are made on course for competitors - i.e. will there be drink/aid stations ... and what personal equipment/ safety gear would you advise competitors bring along themselves? There will be some aid stations on course for participants, with plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. Competitors can relax and chat about the race after the event in the recovery area, where there will be plenty of food and drinks as well. All competitors receive a free bacon and egg roll, as well as lucky door tickets. There are also options for spectators to purchase food and drinks on the day. For the race, competitors should bring along goggles for the swim, their bikes and compulsory helmets, and joggers for the run. Other equipment competitors might like to bring include a hat, towel, sunscreen, socks, special drinks or any other personal medical or safety equipment they may need when exercising. Whom would you like to thank for supporting this year’s event? We have three major sponsors again this year, whom we would like to sincerely thank. This includes McDonald’s Forster, Priceline Pharmacy Forster and Cycle and Sport Physiotherapy Forster. They have each been a wonderful support of the event over the last two years,

donating to the organisation of the event, competitor T-shirts, foods, drinks and lucky door prizes. A number of local businesses have also shown their support by donating prizes. We would also like to thank Forster Triathlon Club, and all the wonderful members who have given up their time and energy into making this fantastic event happen. How many/what types of competitors are you expecting this year? Last year we had 90 women sign up to the event. We are hoping to have similar numbers again this year. As the event is open to people of all abilities, we had such a diverse range of competitors. We had women who regularly participate in triathlon, right through to women who may have never thought about doing a triathlon and had borrowed their neighbour’s bike, complete with a bell and basket on front. It was great to see, and everyone cheered each other on during the race. We also had a number of two or three people teams complete the event, so people can share the fun with their friends. Where can we find out more info? More information can be found on the Forster Triathlon Club’s website at www.forstertriclub.com.au You can also find the Girls Only Triathlon page on Facebook. Thanks Katie.

12 WaterWorld Central. Come see what all the splash is about when Waterworld Central, Australia’s first portable water theme park, debuts in Forster at the Lakeside Tavern from the 27th December through to the 7th January 2018, from 10am daily!

24 41

Marguerite Lamb. Inspired by nature - and particularly birds - Marguerite Lamb is a local who calls Green Point home. Marguerite has both the skill and patience to capture our feathered friends, but can also be seen out and about taking photos of local happenings and events. Check out the Forster Digital Photography Club website to see more examples of Marguerite’s - and other talented photographers’ - work …

16 37 Jennifer Stringer

Having learned sewing skills from both her mother and grandmother, Jennifer Stringer has truly found her niche with the Black Head Beach Quilters group. Currently President of the club, Jennifer encourages people with an interest in sewing and quilting to join …

issue inside this

Issue 131 - January 2018

Regulars 14. WHAT’S ON FOR JANUARY 36. TOURISM SHARON BULTITUDE 38. BUSINESS MINDS JEREMY THORNTON 47. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI HALL

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 5

focusinterview.

deliver

evil FROM

Terry Stanton

The wealth of literary talent in the ManningGreat Lakes never ceases to amaze, and author Terry Stanton is yet another example … Terry’s book, “Deliver Me From Evil”, is based upon a true story - that of Thomas Wentworth, the 1st Earl of Strafford King Charles I’s most important minister …

i Terry. What part of the beautiful Manning do you call home, and how long have you been a resident? A lovely house in Tinonee on a hill overlooking the river. We moved there from Townsville in 2009. What’s your career/work background? I was a litigation solicitor in England for almost 40 years and came to Australia in 2005 with my wife, Christine, as all three of our children had emigrated here. Christine had various jobs in England, but the one she enjoyed most was being a teacher’s aide in primary school. She did that again in Wulguru, Townsville, where she loved working with the Aboriginal children. What led you to put pen to paper and write a book was it always a dream of yours to be an author? No, it wasn’t a dream years ago. My main hobbies had been acting, playing the clarinet, and tennis. I retired gradually over about ten years, and on my first part retired day in 1995 I started to write a play about the last 13 years of my main character’s very dramatic and important political life. He was Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford (1593 - 1641). I wrote the play, but had no idea how to get it produced. In 2013 I decided to write his life story as if it were his autobiography, in a novel. Please give us a brief synopsis of Deliver Me from Evil ... without giving away the ending, of course! Thomas Wentworth was the son of an obscure Yorkshire knight. He rose to be Charles I’s most important minister. It was a corrupt age in politics, but he was as upright, in my view, as anyone could be expected to be, and more so than most politicians of today. He made many enemies in England as a result of his support of the King and his uncompromising attitude to corruption and support of the poor. He was sent to govern 6 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Ireland for the King. He did this fearlessly, and made more James and Charles I, Wikipedia entries for all the other enemies. main characters, and more besides. In the end, the English House of Commons was I could not have done it without the help of the librarians at Wingham and Taree. The pile of sources determined to be rid of him, and what happened then would stand about a metre high. was one of the worst examples of an unfair trial you can imagine. The book deals with all that, and what happened What likelihood is there that you’ll write another after the trial. It also tells the tale of his three wives and his book in the future ... and please give us a bit of a hint about where future story ideas may lead you? mistress, Lucy, Countess of Carlisle. I have just written a novel about How do you most relate - or an aircraft that disappears in mid conversely, not relate - to flight. If that reminds you of a Wentworth? What do you like/ dislike about him? recent mystery, that won’t be far I feel that there is so much wrong. Thomas Wentworth was the about him that is like me. I am It is currently with two son of an obscure Yorkshire passionate about justice, and commercial pilots and an knight. He rose to be Charles always did Legal Aid work, caring investigative journalist, who have I’s most important minister. more about that than making been helping me with advice on It was a corrupt age in money. the technical aspects. It is also politics, but he was as He was very arrogant, which is being proofread by others before upright, in my view, as publication. If any of your readers not an admirable quality, but I am anyone could be expected wish to be the publisher, please let pretty arrogant myself, and far to be, and more so than me know. from afraid to say what I think and most politicians of today. I have an idea for another believe. He was a devoted family completely different novel after man, despite having a mistress that. All my plots are based on true for a while. I am a devoted family stories. man too, but do not have a Where can we source a copy of your book, or find mistress!! out more about you? Although a work of fiction, your book must have The book is in the Port Macquarie Library, and those at required quite an amount of research to ensure Wauchope and Laurieton. historical/period accuracy. How did you accomplish this research, and what sources did you use? You can also get it from Amazon.co.uk/Terry-StantonI got interested in Wentworth at school, and have been Deliver-me-from-Evil/dp/0648002147 reading about him ever since. I read the best biography of I can also sell one to anyone who attends a talk by him three or four times, a book about his time in Ireland, me to their U3A History Group, book club, or similar biographies of other main characters, two 17th Century organisation. accounts of the trial, many books about the reigns of Thanks Terry.

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 7

focusinterview.

TasteFest2018

Phil Grisold, John Lenton, Hamish McDonald, Peter Bolte and Toby Uglow are some of the hardworking individuals behind TasteFest 2018 - an event which will showcase marvellous food and beverages from around the region on January 13. Sip, sup and savour your way through this amazing day with your friends and family …

asteFest on the Manning will be celebrated on January 13, 2018. Where will it be held this year? The Queen Elizabeth Park foreshore was extremely popular at our 2017 TasteFest, so we are holding TasteFest 2018 in the same location. We will open an additional entry at the Sailos end (Macquarie St) of the park this year, which makes three entrances, including Pulteney/River Streets and Manning St entrances. It’s a 10am start, and we willbe open one extra hour later this year, with all vendors, entertainment and music lining up until 9pm. The ethos of TasteFest has always been to showcase regional producers. How important is it to continue this trend? We always give first priority for early bird registrations to local and regional producers, but it’s also important to have a variety of unique and excellent vendors from around NSW. While TasteFest is a large event with opportunities for many vendors, it’s just not possible to have all the local vendors able to attend at that time of year(some of them actually take a well earned break), so we alsohave some exciting new regional vendors attending and in some cases, local produce is b eing sold or included in recipes by the v isiting vendors. This helps to keep the focus on our lovely Manning Valley. We would always love to see the numbers of local and regional producers attending TasteFest continue to grow. We are excited that both Stones Oysters and Manning Valley Beef will be available in the licensed area on the park this 8 Manning-Great Lakes focus

the Greek will be back to dance with us and year, so you can enjoy a taste with your wine and share the fun. A new local Indian vendor will be boutique beer. attending, plus Ishiks famous Turkish food. What’s the entertainment line up this year? Brand new local craft beer producer Coastal Staging expert Hamish McDonald from Aurora Brewery will be on the park, and our favourite FX has put together an exciting line up for 2018: popular local duo Brunette Mischief are back with Great Lakes Paddocks will be joined by other a brand new line up that includes Jono B, Hudson local and regional wineries. Local vendor Cracklin Rose, India Sedden, Family Dog Express, Trio Woodfired Pizzas are joining us for the first time, Coidroy Cargo, Lexi Jade, Hamish White, Michael as are Little Tilleys Coffee and Gelato! Clare, Matt West, Lu We also have some Quade, and to finish the exciting new visiting evening off in style, the vendors, like Pimp My popular band Byren. The Chimney and Cebu Chew. TasteFest is a family music sessions will be 30 Popular regional stalls friendly event, with minute sets across the from 2017 returning are something for all ages. Our whole day. Little Laos Kitchen, Seeqa children’s entertainment What will be happening Ethiopian Food, Freshly will be bigger and better on th Berriedand popular local in the demonstration January 13 , with a hands Saxby’s Soft Drinks, in tent this year? on petting zoo, reptile combination with Hastings We were surprised display, Troppo Bob! and Cooperative. We have by the success of these Midcoast Rides ... over 60 vendors booked sessions at the inaugural in! event! A new location and What activities will be a full programme has been organised by Peter Bolte and Monique Cahill. We available for kiddies? will have some fun cooking demonstrations, plus TasteFest is a family friendly event, interesting topics about produce. Check out the with something for all ages. Our children’s entertainment will be bigger and better website for more information closer to the 13th on January 13th, with a hands on petting zoo, January. Local celebrity chefs Neil MacKenzie reptile display, Troppo Bob!, MidCoast Rides with (Mansfield on the Manning) and Julie-Ann Booth the tea cup, clown, and fairy floss, Passion4Fun (Centrepoint Café) will be on stage, as well as Donna Carrier from the multi award winning and the always popular Fancy Face Painting and Body Art by Raeshel. Bent On Food. Whom would you like to thank for making Who are some of your exhibitors? this year’s TasteFest possible? Our locals were the first to grab a spot after Our volunteers and our sponsors! Taree Lions experiencing such a great day last year. Bottled Club cannot run a large event like this without Culture is always interesting to taste, and Ilias

many additional volunteers on the committee and on the day of the event. Our major sponsors this year are: Club Taree (Food Sponsor), the Water Authority at MidCoast Council (the merged MidCoast Water), NAB Bank, GPB Partners Accountants & Business Advisors, live coverage of the event by major sponsor MaxFM/2RE, Rob and Kylie Chapman from Ray White Manning Valley. Additional local businesses have also offered us great support in a variety of helpful ways - too many to mention here. Where can we find out further info? TasteFest 2018 is a community charity event powered by over 100 v olunteers, so we encourage people to make a gold coin d onation at the entry gate. A ll donations will go to Can Assist Manning Valley and Ronald McDonald Family Retreat - Forster. Our Facebook page is growing and a great way to keep up to date with the event: https://www.facebook.com/tastefest/ Our TasteFest 2018 website is also a good lus we are resource for details on the program, p listed on major event sites such as Destination NSW. Final say ... 2017 Tastefest was successful in providing much needed infrastructure, repairs and improvements to the Taree Women and Children’s Refuge (Samaritans Organisation). We hope to replicate this effort for Can Assist Manning Valley and Ronald McDonald Family Retreat - Forster. A big thank you to Taree Lions Club and our marvellous volunteer community, service club members and local business members, who have worked tirelessly to bring the event to life again in 2018!

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focusinterview.

Rugby

At this time of year, many of us are looking for programmes that our youngsters can benefit from. What if you can have your kids not only learn about colour, numbers and counting, but also give them a head start with their teamwork, socialisation and sportsmanship skills? This is what Rugbytots is all about … There’s a class near you! Israel Redfern and Rebecca Harris explain how learning Rugby skills is not just about playing Rugby! ntroduce us to Rugbytots ... what's it all about? Rugbytots is a fun, energetic play programme designed for children from two - seven years. We base everything around having fun, as learning is simple if you are laughing and having fun. Rugbytots developed our “fun first” programme to promote core Rugby principles, while meeting important preschool learning objectives such as colour, number and body-part recognition, counting, socialising, following instructions and using imagination. When was Rugbytots established - and how long have you personally been involved with the organisation? Rugbytots was started in the UK in 2006 by Max Webb, a Rugby playing dad who was looking for something for his three preschool aged boys to do. He found more like-minded parents and founded Rugbytots. We saw an advert on Facebook advertising for franchises in the area two years ago, and so began our Rugbytots journey. We launched Rugbytots Mid North Coast on the 16th April 2016 - and haven’t looked back since What skills are taught to participating children? Our programme runs classes for children between the ages or two - seven years . At the moment we primarily focus on our two years five years, but we are very keen to introduce our programme to primary schools in our area and 10 Manning-Great Lakes focus

hope to launch before and after school classes this year. We were recently invited to the first MNC Regional Obesity Summit focusing on child obesity and know how important it is to teach the children healthy choices and staying active. We strongly recognise this need and want to be part of making this normal. We focus on so many skills; it is so much more than learning Rugby. From counting and colour recognition to self-control, taking turns and listening, we work with the children to build their self-esteem and confidence and know that by celebrating the smallest thing with them will encourage them to do more difficult things next time. As they progress, we work with them to build a team environment and good sportsmanship. We clap and cheer each other as we race and compete and always celebrate with the winner, knowing we did our best. Ask any of the children or parents what my number one rule is; they will all reply “No sooking”, because it’s just a game. How do you ensure the programmes taught are suitable for the different ages of the children in your care? Rugbytots has a structured play programme that has been proven to be successful, and that is what we stick to. The classes are broken into three groups: two to three and a half years; three and a half to five years; and five to seven years. This keeps the classes relevant to the ages. Our equipment is bright and colourful, to keep

the children focused and interested; we have special foam balls for the younger children. Our most used piece of equipment is our colourful Rugbytots size two ball, which comes in red, blue, green, yellow and now pink. Rugbytots has certainly grown since it first began, involving more than 40,000 children in 16 countries! That's phenomenal ... What areas/locations do you look after and offer classes in? Yes, it has. We ourselves are growing as well. We now cover an amazing area from just north of Coffs Harbour all the way down to Lake Macquarie, just south of Newcastle. We have split our locations into two areas, Rugbytots Mid North Coast and Rugbytots Hunter Newcastle. The Newcastle Hunter region was just given the go ahead in October 2017. We are starting classes down there in Term 1, 2018. We have multiple classes in so many different areas and love hearing from anyone who would like to join a class. Why do you love Rugbytots? Well … What a great question! I love it, because I get to be a big kid too. It’s not a “job” either … It’s something I am very passionate about. I get to teach, mentor and develop skills with children, and then I get to watch them grow. Quite often when a child first comes to one our classes, they are shy, nervous and generally stick like glue to Mum and Dad … It doesn’t last long. By end of term, we get to watch them grow in confidence and skills. Seeing the smiles

on their faces just melts our hearts. Then to see the smiles on Mum's and Dad’s face too … Priceless. And now I am passing on that passion to our team of coaches who have joined our business, so we can offer more fun to more children in more areas. And Rugbytots offers kids' parties too! Tell us a bit about that - how can you help make a child's birthday more special? Oh, absolutely! We hold birthday parties. These are an amazing time for the child having the party. Primarily, the child is already enrolled in one of classes, so they know the games we play, and this gives them an advantage over their guests. It makes the child feel even better, as they normally excel in these games. Where's the best place for FOCUS readers to find out about registering for a class? For anyone wanting to register for a class, they should go to our website: www.rugbytots.com.au and then click on Find and Book a Rugbytots Class Near You. Type in your postcode, and then you are on your way. Alternatively, they can email me at Israel@rugbytots.com.au or call or text on 0422 277 670 for further help. We welcome families wanting to come and try out before they commit to a term of classes, so you really have nothing to lose by getting in touch. We are on Facebook as Rugbytots Mid North Coast and Rugbytots Hunter Newcastle. Thanks guys.

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focusinterview.

Marguerite

LAMB P H O T O G R A P H E R

hat part of the Manning-Great Lakes do you call home, and how long have you been a resident? I first came to this area in 1999 and lived in Tuncurry, then in 2004 we moved to the lovely village of Green Point and built our new home. When did you first pick up a camera - and do you remember what model/type it was? I was about nineteen when I started to use my father’s Foth-Flex German single lens reflex film camera. I was seven when my father passed away, and my mother used to tell me about my father wanting to take our photos under the old peach tree when we were babies. Dad did his own developing, enlarging and printing in his dark room in the garage. Mum gave me lots of two and a quarter inch square black and white photos of my three sisters and 12 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Inspired by nature - and particularly birds - Marguerite Lamb is a local who calls Green Point home. Marguerite has both the skill and patience to capture our feathered friends, but can also be seen out and about taking photos of local happenings and events. Check out the Forster Digital Photography Club website to see more examples of Marguerite’s and other talented photographers’ - work … I when we were children. I still treasure these Gardens and the Rocks area in Sydney to draw photos. and photograph plants, flowers, seed pods, Later I bought myself a Casina camera, to patterns in leaves, as well as architecture and take on my first overseas reflections - all of which trip in 1969. Of course, could be used later in in those days it was all their design projects. slide film Agfa, which I I try to apply these used for many years. principles and of course, I love nature - and birds in What life skills/career good composition, to my particular. I particularly choices have you photographs. like to observe and to Who or what learned/made over record the life cycle of bird the years that you feel motivates you to take families. My bird report have led you to your photographs? with images of the local talent “behind the I love nature - and birds appears regularly lens”? birds in particular. in the Green Point Teaching Design and I particularly like to Community Newsletter observe and to record Technology and Textiles and on their website. taught me about the the life cycle of bird elements and principles families. My bird report with of design and how to really see colour, textures, lines, shapes all images of the local birds appears regularly in around me - and in particular with the natural the Green Point Community Newsletter and world. on their website. I used to take my students to the Botanical During my travels overseas, I like to

photograph the differences in culture and landscape - in particular the rich culture and architecture of European churches. When you pick up camera and point it at a subject, what thoughts generally go through your mind? Are you focused on composition/lighting etc. or more about telling a story through the camera’s eye? I look for great lighting when possible, but I am always aware of composition (the grid on the viewfinder helps). With nature and street photography, I like to observe the behaviour of the subjects first, then try to capture the action which could tell a story e.g. a bird feeding its young, or interacting with other birds. In some of my images, I concentrate on the patterns and textures in the natural environment; for example, tree bark after a rain storm, when the colours and texture become really accentuated. What are some of the photographs you have taken that you are most happy with - and why do you like them? The photos I am most happy with are the

focusinterview.

Norwegian Warehouses, as the early morning light in Norway is very special, and the houses are very colourful. My Osprey photographs are very special to me, because I also enjoy watching and photographing the Rainbow Bee-Eaters every year when they come to our area in spring. What are some of your favourite places in the world and locally to take photographs? One of my favourite places in the world is Green Point, where I am lucky enough to live. Green Point offers me a rich, natural environment with lots of bird life, magnificent views of the lake in all its moods, as well as the wildflowers growing in our local National Parks. There are many activities and events in the local area that I enjoy photographing, including the annual whale migration. Overseas, I am searching for something a little different. I am attracted to the magnificent castles, gardens and quaint villages with their cobbled stone streets and alleyways, such as St. Paul De Vence, Grasse in Provence in France. Bavaria in Germany is one of my favourite places for photography. What camera/photographic clubs are you a member of, and how do they assist with your photography?

Overseas, I am searching for

I am a member of the something a little diﬀerent. Australian Photographic I am attracted to the Society (APS) and Forster magniﬁcent castles, Digital Photography Club gardens and quaint (FDPC). villages with their The APS has assisted cobbled stone streets and me with competitions alleyways, such as St. Paul and lots of advice, De Vence, Grasse in Provence workshops and some very in France. Bavaria in Germany inspirational photographs. is one of my favourite places for Recently the APS held photography. its convention at Club Forster. In the themed competitions, where print exhibition, my entry I have received of ten photographs acceptances and merit showed the life cycle of the Osprey family awards. who live on the Lakes Way at Green Point. The Australian Photographic Society has As a member of Forster Digital organised various competitions, in which I Photography Club, I have been helped by have had acceptances - particularly in the the monthly competitions, which are judged Nature Division. and critiqued by experienced photographers. My image of mating frogs won the Print Our experienced members also share their Division Trophy of The Northern Zone knowledge at workshops and short tutorials. competition. The photography clubs in the I really appreciate that our club members Northern region of NSW hold a Northern are willing to encourage and help other Zone competition annually. members. The local Great Lakes Art Society (GLAS) What are some of the awards/ holds an annual exhibition, which includes acknowledgements you’ve received for photography. I have won prizes in this your photography? exhibition, and as a consequence I have sold I have entered a few overseas

some of my images. If you had to pack a camera bag for a spur of the moment trip, what are the items you would grab without thinking? My camera bag with the Panasonic Lumex GX8 Micro four thirds camera and one 100 - 400 mm Panasonic lens and one 14 - 140mm Panasonic lens, a polariser and a tripod - or maybe monopod - spare batteries and cards … And a few chocolate munchies. Where can we see more samples of your work or find out more about you? I don’t have a website, but my images are on the Forster Digital Photography Club website: www.forsterdigitalphoto.com/ Thanks Marguerite. Manning-Great Lakes focus 13

focus_What’s On Manning-Great Lakes

J A N U A R Y

What’s

13 13

Fred Bullen Exhibition

The Hallidays Point Library is not your usual library; they also have an art gallery where every month a local artist is invited to display their work. This month’s lucky artist is Fred Bullen. Drop in any day to see his current exhibition; My Art, Your Heart. When 1 - 27 January. Where Hallidays Point Library, 87 High St, Hallidays Point. When Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm. Saturday 10am - Noon. Sunday - Closed. . Cost Free entry.

Kids club @ the steps

Holiday fun by the Barrington River at the Steps. $30 per activity. Bookings essential; call Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre. Canoe Games - Tue 2nd Jan, 1:30 - 3:30pm. High Ropes - Thu 28 Dec and Wed 3 Jan, 9:30am - 11:30am. Abseiling - Tue 2 Jan, 9:30am - 11:30am. Where 126 Thunderbolts Way, Gloucester. More info (02) 6558 2093.

Under The Southern Stars With Jimmy Barnes, Richie Sambora and Orianthi, Diesel, Richard Clapton, Ash Grunwald and Dallas Crane! When Saturday 6th January. Where Harry Elliott Oval, Beach Street, Tuncurry. More info Call 136 100. Email contact@underthesouthernstars.com.au Website www.underthesouthernstars.com.au 14 Manning-Great Lakes focus

TasteFest on the Manning

Art Workshops Coco’s Closet Junior Holiday Art Class for 6 - 13 years, limited spots - all materials are supplied. Where Coco’s Closet, Shop 1/64 Wharf St, Forster. When January 2 Flower canvas; January 3 Sock Monkey canvas; January 4 Indian Headdress Collage; January 9 Frida Kahlo canvas; January 10 Mermaid Tale Canvas; January 11 Florence Flamingo Canvas. Class Times 2:30 - 4:30 pm. Participants need to bring an apron and water bottle - morning tea is provided - $35 per person. Payment must be made at time of booking to secure spot. Call or text Kristie on 0410 577 050.

Craft beer, local and regional food and quality wines with entertainment throughout the day - family friendly with a petting zoo, reptile exhibition, face painting and more! Rubber Duck race on the river in the afternoon and a world’s first water based competition in the evening. When Sat 13 Jan; 10am - 9pm. Where Manning St, Taree. More info www.TasteFest.com.au Phone 0407 515 544. Email TasteFest.TareeLions@gmail.com

13 20

Pottery & Ceramics Exhibition Forster Arts & Craft Centre, Breese Parade, Forster will be holding an exhibition of pottery and ceramics. When 13th and 14th January, 10am to 4pm. Visitors are welcome to view the exhibits and watch pottery demonstrations of hand crafting and throwing. Six pottery studios, along with local potters, will be displaying their pottery, with items being for sale. Morning and afternoon teas will be available. Gold coin donation on entry.

Seafood Raceday

When Sat 20 Jan. Location Tuncurry Race Course, Chapman Rd, Tuncurry. Website tuncurryforsterjockeyclub.com.au Phone 0429 967 823. Email email@tfjc.info

Brian’s

MASSIVE SUMMER

UP TO

SALE

50%OFF OUR ENTIRE RANGE

Delivery available across the Mid North Coast

Colours may vary on available sale stock.

Brian’s

97 The Lakes Way Forster

Phone 6555 7700

Manning-Great Lakes focus 15

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J OI TNHO TJ H CK HOE N RE I TYA M GE W OA NN A TTHI O N LTEI CFKRLOEM FYROOUMR M AT T E R S

m ney matters.

J U S T I N S TA C K F R O M S TA C K S T H E L AW F I R M

legal

with Jonathon Tickle

light.

with Justin Stack

Financial Planning Priorities for non-oldies I’ve given Dad a couple of months off writing the Money Matters column. Don’t take offense to the oldies line; I just wanted to grab the attention of the “nonoldies”! The term “oldies” really is a term of endearment; after all, Dad is my “oldie”. This month’s edition gives an insight to financial considerations for those closer to my age and a conversation point for parents or grandparents that encourages their loved ones to seek advice. Budget and Goal Setting Employment provides income that can easily be spent, but determining a goal and setting money aside for that goal, really is saving. Saving can be described as “paying yourself first” towards those goals, before personal expenditure. If the goal is saving for a home deposit, this might take some years to achieve. Getting advice on a managed fund or superannuation home deposit option may deliver better returns. Secure your Income When asking clients what asset do they value the most, invariably most rank either their house or car highly. To me, the most important asset is income, because without it, repayments on a car loan or mortgage becomes a challenge and saving for a goal unlikely. People tend to find money to insure their house and car, but neglect to insure themselves. Many insurance offerings via superannuation are often basic, with the majority offering two - five years benefit. This simply does not cover longer term income needs. Stepped premiums are also common, meaning that the cost for insurance cover

escalates in later years, which can eat into the superannuation account. Having a combination of stepped and level premiums keeps costs down and enables a reduction in cover in later years, as financial risk lessons. A young couple who recently sought a review of their insurance had cover within their existing industry superannuation fund. The insurance re-structure that we implemented saved an estimated $40,000 in premiums projected over 35 years and with far more comprehensive cover. That is effectively an extra $40,000 in super towards retirement. Home Loans and life Stages I have a relationship with a mortgage broker who is really skilled at matching loans to client needs. For busy people, this is really convenient, as the broker does all the running around for the borrower, canvassing the best rates and loan structure. It can be a confusing world out there, with plenty of information. However, getting that information into perspective can be a challenge. It gives me great satisfaction in helping people my age get their financial house in order, giving clarity and agreeing on what is important. This can also include liaison with a solicitor, to ensure that important decisions such as preparation of wills are not overlooked. The obligation a Financial Planner has under law is to be able to demonstrate that recommendations made are clearly in a client’s best interest. Getting advice at an early age is in your best interest and can make a world of difference to a young family.

Beware of your life continuing in the cloud after you die.

Recently a court had to rule on whether a will written as an unsent 54-word text message could be accepted as a legal document.

n it, the deceased left his house and money to his brother and nephew, rather than his widow. In the end, after considering 14 other cases for a possible legal precedent, a Queensland court accepted the unsent text message as a will. This decision was reached even though the text message didn’t meet the traditional legal requirements for setting out the distribution of property after death. The text was on the phone of the man next to where his body was found after he had committed suicide. The judge decided that he didn’t send the text, as he thought the recipient would try to stop him. The widow, with whom the deceased had had a rocky relationship and who had left him days earlier, lost her claim that her husband had died without a will. Joshua Crowther, wills and estates specialist at Stacks Law Firm, says the unusual case demonstrates that the law has had to adapt to keep up with technological developments. “I certainly wouldn’t recommend a text message as a way to set down a will, and it certainly is open to a legal challenge, but it shows that we are in an age where many people consider using computers and phones as normal communications, rather than paper,” Mr

Crowther said. “More and more we are storing all our records online or in the so-called cloud. Bank statements, receipts, financial records, personal mail, business correspondence and even professional work such as research, plans, writings and created material are being kept on a computer. “But are you aware that everything you put on Facebook is owned by the US-based website? The cloud isn’t made of fluffy white stuff floating in the sky. The cloud is actually a very real giant computer memory held on massive mainframes in warehouses that stretch for kilometres in various parts of the world.” Mr Crowther said that is why it is important for people to consider their digital lives when they are drawing up their will and leaving instructions on who gets what from the estate. “While it’s easy to distribute paintings, a car or a watch, it’s not so easy to pass on something that is stored in the cloud, such as research, an unpublished novel, music or photographs. “It’s important to tell someone where online documents are stored and the passwords to open them when you are gone. It’s best to consult a wills specialist to ensure your possessions - even those in the cloud - go to the right people.”

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, Jonathon Tickle and Your Heritage Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.

Our Client’s Best Interest is Central to all our Endeavours • Income Protection & Life Insurance • Superannuation • Retirement Planning • Investment Portfolio Management • Centrelink and Aged Care Strategy

16 Manning-Great Lakes focus

If you have a case, Stacks has the expert

6551 2333

www.yhfp.com.au

Alan Tickle & Jonathon Tickle (Directors)

Your Heritage Financial Planning Pty Limited Authorised Representatives Securitor Financial Group Ltd ABN 48009189495 AFSL 240687

02 6592 6592

stacklaw.com.au/taree

Manning-Great Lakes focus 17

focuseditorial.

Saturday 13th January 2017

Open Day

tage 4 is currently selling off the plan, with a number of beautiful open living designs to choose from that include spacious ensuites, studies and large balconies. Evermore Stage 4 is on track for completion in March/April 2018 and the final Stage 5 to be completed by January 2019 (weather permitting). Additional facilities to be built in Stage 5 include a Billiard room, Craft room, Chapel, Day Spa and Men's Workshop, reinforcing Evermore’s standing as the premier retirement village on the Mid Coast. In addition to offering independent living apartments, Evermore will also incorporate aprivate aged care home, but separate and secure from the retirement village. The facility will be built simultaneously with the Stage 5 construction. By adding this additional facility to the village, it gives anyone considering moving to Evermore the opportunity to access an inclusive care program if and when required during the course of their stay. Consider moving to a retirement village that offers the best of both worlds - independence and support when it’s ever needed - where else but Evermore! You can forget about the prospect of having to sell out of your retirement home to make the move to higher care. At Evermore you can live independently of services until the need is there, and you have the peace of mind that it will be available 24/7 in an environment you have grown to call home with your resident friends. Living at Evermore provides so much more than just residing within an apartment or villa 18 Manning-Great Lakes focus

FIND OUT WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT complex. At Evermore, it’s all about lifestyle. Evermore is what retirement living should be like for seniors: beautiful apartments, smart amenities, sharing valuable time with likeminded friends, social engagement when you need it, peace of mind that assistance is on hand 24/7, easy walking access around the village and designer chef dining at the restaurant every day. And the residents are enjoying the pluses of downsizing from big homes to enjoy the simplicity and relaxation that comes with Evermore Living, as we heard from Evermore resident Margaret. “I truly feel blessed living here and there is always someone around to talk to, say hello or ask for assistance. No wonder I feel relaxed and very comfortable living at Evermore!” said Margaret. As the grey hairs become more prevalent, maintaining a big home isn’t really practical. Especially when you consider Evermore residents would likely only spend an hour or two a week to clean their apartment or better yet, use the Evermore cleaning service at a very economical rate. "How good it is not to be cleaning the old four bedroom home anymore. It used to take me a day or two for floors and windows but at Evermore, I’m done in half an hour. All of the Evermore facilities and common areas are cleaned and maintained by the diligent cleaning staff, so we can get on with living life and enjoying ourselves,” added Margaret. One of the statements that is heard most often from "newbies" to Evermore is their appreciation of the "designer quality of the apartments and facilities at Evermore". Many

are pleasantly surprised by all that Evermore consistently exceeded my expectations, all for a has to offer, including … price that I consider to be highly affordable. 1. Club Lounge, including coffee and sports "Additionally, I also had the Evermore bar with four large flat screens contract dutifully reviewed by my solicitor and 2. Amazing restaurant with chef designer financial advisor,” said Shirley from Forster dining and events Keys. 3. Daily entertainment from the spacious movie And residents Margaret and John, previously theatre and well stocked library from Port Macquarie, said … 4. Inviting heated swimming pool “If I’m finding it hard to sleep at night, I 5. BBQ alfresco dining don’t have to count sheep as I cast my mind 6. Gym for staying in back to when we were shape living in our five bedroom 7. Relaxing landscaped home and the hours it gardens with water would take me to clean fountains and vegetable it, including all those Evermore will also incorporate garden windows! At Evermore a private aged care 8. Transport to get you it takes me 10 minutes, home, but separate where you need to go; and I’m done! It’s such a and secure from the two buses, two cars and relief not to spend hours retirement village. The two scooters available cleaning each week. We high care facility will be built 9. Evergreen Bar and are so happy we made simultaneously with Stage 5 heated spa located the move from Port construction. on fourth floor with Macquarie to Evermore sensational views to in Forster.” Wallis Lake If you’d like to find out 10. Hotel style reception what retirement living is and a welcoming family community where you really like at Evermore, you are invited to the can feel at home Open Day on Saturday 13th January. You’ll 12. Hairdressing salon have the opportunity to meet with residents 13. Three lifts servicing basement to all levels and staff alike. It’s important to air your queries 14. Secure basement car parking with storage and concerns with people who have already What the residents have to say made the shift to Evermore and can tell you “The staff and management have gone firsthand what to expect. so far out of their way to take care of me If you can’t make the January Open Day, and my needs, and the facilities here at then call Evermore today on (02) 6528 0442 Evermore are truly second to none. They and organise an appointment for a tour of all explained everything really clearly when I made the facilities and all that Evermore has to offer the decision to buy at Evermore and have … You won’t regret it!

Local caught Flathead fillets baked with lemon myrtle and Manuka honey butter with rocket and avocado salad from Hallidays Point Tavern. 20 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Pork belly with native bush herb crumbed crackle, with truﬄe oil, mashed potato, panache of vegetables, brandy apple sauce and port wine jus.

Hallidays Point Tavern

Mobys on Red Gum

Hallidays Point Tavern is your go to destination for a relaxing time, day and night. Recently renovated, the family friendly tavern has launched live music Sunday sessions. Every second Sunday from 3pm to 6pm, come and enjoy some drinks, cheese boards and dinner from our fresh sourced produce, as you listen to an array of local talent with your friends. Weekly specials are available from 5:30pm nightly, including pizzas made from dough prepared fresh on the premises. Check Facebook for the nightly special. Friday is also home to members’ draws and meat raffles.

Has it been a while since you last visited the beautiful beaches at Pacific Palms?

HEAD CHEF GREGORY BULTITUDE

Why not take a drive to Boomerang Beach today and visit the friendly team at Mobys on Red Gum! With extended trading over the school holidays, Mobys is the perfect spot for breakfast with friends or a bacon and egg roll and coffee on the go. Planning a day at the beach? Stroll across the street to Mobys and feast on a burger for lunch, or enjoy a beer on tap at the poolside bar.

CHEFS EVAN AND JESSE

Mobys on Red Gum are open for dinner almost every night and Head Chef Evan McMahon invites you to come and experience something special.

51 BLACKHEAD ROAD, HALLIDAYS POINT 6559 2995 DAILY FROM 10AM.

4 RED GUM ROAD, BOOMERANG BEACH 6591 0095 WWW.MOBYS.COM.AU MONDAY & THURSDAY 5:30PM - 8:30PM, FRIDAY 3PM - 8:30PM, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:30AM - 8:30PM.

$11 Lunch Specials

Kellie’s Café

Kenny’s Thai Kitchen

Overlooking the picturesque Wallis Lake, offering a delicious range of eats, quirky shakes, espresso coffee and fresh squeezed juices is Kellie’s Café.

Enjoy a taste of Thailand!

Kellie’s staff pride themselves on customer service and being able to offer beautiful quality, freshly sourced produce at affordable prices.

Entree of two spring rolls, plus your choice of one main meal.

A range of alternate milk options are available for those with dietary requirements or just looking for something a bit different. Come in to Kellie’s and let the Kellie’s Café experience speak for itself.

SHOP 6 PACIFIC ARCADE 46-48 WHARF ST, FORSTER 0477 455 814 OPEN MON - SUN, 8AM-3PM

$11 Lunch Specials. 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, Angel Prawns, Pad See Ew, Green Curry and the very popular Pad Thai.

HEAD CHEF KENNY

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

Manning-Great Lakes focus 21

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HOSPITALITY GURU

With the opening of Club Forster’s “THE TANKS”, FOCUS chatted with hospitality guru Abigail Jones from Hospitality People about her role in the project ...

i Abigail. Introduce us to yourself and your profession. I am a hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience. I started my career working for a company called Suze. During my time with Suze, the company was the sole caterer to the New Zealand High Commission and the sole caterer for the Commonwealth Secretary General. This was where I met my chef husband, Nik. In 2001 we opened our own restaurant, Orange, Lemon and Lime, a successful 60seat restaurant located in West London. Orange, Lemon and Lime achieved critical acclaim from both local and national press. Orange, Lemon and Lime was sold in August 2003, when I went to work for Soho House. My first gig for Soho House was deputy GM at Babington House - a boutique 30-room hotel and private members club. During my time at Babington House, it operated at 98% occupancy. I oversaw all aspects of the daily operations of the hotel, including housekeeping, reception and maintenance, as well as the prolific Cowshed Spa. I also successfully re-structured and reorganised the complicated food and beverage operation, which consisted of two bars, two restaurants and room service. In May 2004 I was relocated to London, where I was appointed Club Manager of “The Electric” in Notting Hill, London. The Electric is made up of a private members club (restaurant and cocktail bar), a 120 seat Electric Brasserie, a busy cocktail bar and London’s oldest purpose built cinema. The Electric Brasserie regularly served over 1,000 covers a day. The Electric Cinema hosted several international movie premieres, as well as product launches for clients such as Chanel and Sky Media.

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In 2005 we emigrated to Australia, and I started my job with Shangri-La. Starting as a restaurant manager, I worked my way to the position of Director of Food and Beverage and member of the Executive Committee, managing annual revenue of $25mill and 350 staff. I managed Altitude Restaurant, which achieved a coveted SMH Chef’s Hat during my time, Blu Bar on 36, Café Mix, Mini Bar, The Lobby Lounge Bar, In Room Dining, and Banqueting. 2010 was when I commenced my career working in club catering, with a year working for North Shore Catering as Director of Operations, and a year later Nik and I took over our first club catering contract. I specialised in club catering contracts on the NSW Central Coast trading in multiple venues. At its peak, the company turned over $7.7 million. I employed approximately 100 staff - 30 full-time and 70 part-time and casual. I was well-known for the super-competitive pricing ($9 dishes) coupled with accurate systems to ensure profitability. I oversaw all corporate business functions (finance, HR, IT, sales and marketing) and conducted ongoing research to make sure my company stayed on-trend and competitive in a difficult market. At the same time, I bought and operated Le Chat Noir, a French restaurant in Terrigal, NSW. While running all my other contracts, we still won Best Regional European Restaurant NSW at the 2015 Savour Australia Awards. I sold this restaurant in 2015. To summarise; I am an experienced and passionate industry professional with a keen interest in kitchen profitability and awesome customer service. Creating balanced, appealing and market-appropriate menus is a fine art, and I really enjoy hitting that target! You’ve recently worked on a special project with Club Forster. Tell us about your role in “THE TANKS”. What was

the overall theme of the transformation? I am afraid I can’t comment on the overall theme, as that was down to the architects and designers, but what I can say is that THE TANKS menu was designed to appeal not only to current members of Club Forster, but also to people who may not have visited the club before. The menu comprises of salads, dishes to share, fabulous local oysters and gourmet pizzas. My aim when building this menu was to make sure it’s appealing, profitable and that dishes can be served consistently to the same high standard. THE TANKS looks fabulous now that it’s finished, and I wanted to make sure Club Forster achieved diversity and choice within its dining options, which is why THE TANKS menu is different from the other restaurant within Club Forster. A lot of work went in to things like portion control and standardisation. Every dish on the menu has a recipe card with a annotated diagram detailing the plating method and portion size. What do you love most about working on projects such as this? I particularly enjoy working on projects like this, as it’s an opportunity to set a menu up for profitability and consistency from the start. With this project there was enough time to revisit the dishes until they delivered exactly what THE TANKS needed. CEOs like Peter Clarke are great to work with, as Peter in particular is very open to suggestions and has invested in key aspects of the renovation, like operations equipment and tableware - which is a dream for a catering consultant! My business partner (Shayne Leslie) and I have also done a lot of work with staff training and development at Club Forster, with a focus on customer service and exceeding guest expectations. Thanks Abigail.

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R O B Y N P I P E R F R O M G R E AT L A K E S PA D D O C K S

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HORTICULTURALIST NEVILLE DONOVAN - GREENPATCH ORGANIC SEEDS

AT’S IN

season Sprouts

Wine Cocktails. For the summer months many of us really want our drinks to be icy cold and revitalising with a touch of sweetness, but without being sickly sweet. Wine can be the base for a variety of interesting and refreshing cocktails.

here are many creative ways be used in a variety of ways. Just a dash of the to diversify your wine drinking Davidson Plum Royale Aperitif to a glass of experience, rather than just Sparkling Lily adds a subtle fruity, earthy spice pouring it straight from the character with a touch of refreshing sweetness bottle to the glass. Yes - it is ... Definitely a drink for further experimenting! OK. You can play around with, and even have For something a little spicier, muddle a fun with, wine - there are no rules! tablespoon of chopped ginger with a teaspoon Most of us have enjoyed a glass of Sangria of sugar syrup in the bottom of a cocktail at a Spanish restaurant or at a party where the shaker. Add some mint, crushed ice and a red wine has been fruity white wine such flavoured with fresh as Verdelho, and give fruit and juice, a little it a good shake. The brandy, a cinnamon Champagne cocktails ginger highlights the stick, lemonade/soda come in all sorts of ﬂavours, fruity wine, while adding water or ginger ale so just go with whatever a little bit of heat - how - served in a lovely

Our hot summer has its challenges when it comes to growing enough fresh salad greens on a daily basis. Another option to outside gardening is the method of sprouting seeds indoors with minimal light, space or equipment requirements. This is a quick and easy way of producing fresh living food that is high in vitamins and minerals. They add fibre, flavour and crunchiness to any meal. Not sure what to sprout? Choose from any of these varieties, or combine to delight your tastebuds: Mungbean, Alfalfa, Snowpea, Fenugreek, Radish, Lentils, Chickpea, Wheat. Growing food in a jar! Soak one tablespoon of sprouting seeds for 12 hours overnight in a good-sized glass jar that’s at least 10 cm deep. Fill the jar with water to about 6 cm from the rim. Cover the opening with fly screen that’s held in place with a rubber band. After soaking the seeds, drain away the water

from the jar the next morning. Rinse them under cold running water. Then rinse the seeds two-three times per day - each time draining excess water by keeping the jar at an angle in your dish rack. The seeds will start sprouting gradually and will be ready to eat in four-seven days. The sprouts will elongate and curl as they grow. You can select how much light you give your sprouts. Good light is required if you want to achieve green shoots; grow in darker conditions for more elongated white crunchy stems, as this is the more traditional way of growing them. Once sprouts have grown to approximately four - eight centimetres or are just showing two small green leaves, they are ready to eat. To slow down the sprouts and for keeping them in good condition, especially in warm weather, refrigerate and enjoy their freshness in the days to come. Regards, Nev.

“

ﬂavours you like. For me, a refreshing is that! big jug - it looks dash of pomegranate syrup I’m very much into like a party in a jug chilling red wine at the and a sprinkling of fresh and tastes delicious! moment. I have never Sangria is a wonderful pomegranate seeds adds a really subscribed to the party drink, but lovely twist to the pre-dinner just be careful, chilling of reds, but have glass of bubbles.” as unsuspecting recently discovered many non-drinkers might medium bodied reds not be aware that really deliver the goods something that tastes when they are chilled on so delicious is actually alcoholic. a summery day. I have always enjoyed a chilled Champagne cocktails come in all sorts of Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, but never applied the flavours, so just go with whatever flavours chill to other reds until recently, and now I am you like. For me, a dash of pomegranate syrup a convert. For a red wine cocktail, add a little and a sprinkling of fresh pomegranate seeds lemon-lime mineral water, garnish with a slice adds a lovely twist to the pre-dinner glass of of lime, pour over ice, and you have yourself a bubbles. Lychee syrup is another favourite for luscious, citrus, spritzy, cool, red wine cocktail. Champagne cocktails; it is such a clean, light, Mint is a magic ingredient with all cocktails. fresh flavour ... yum! I think any fruit syrup or Muddle a little apple juice and a few mint fresh fruit can make an instant champagne leaves in the bottom of a glass, top with Rose cocktail. and add a little ice - another cool, refreshing I’m looking forward to many wine cocktails experimenting with a bottle Davidson Plum Royale Aperitif I have been given by my friends at “Rainforest Heart”. Davidson Plum is a wonderful native bush food that can

combination. Don’t limit yourself to just pouring wine straight from the bottle - have some fun with it!

TOWN LAGER (ABV 5.0%)

Brewed at the family-owned The Coastal Brewing Company located on Dalman Street, Forster, this Australian style lager is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer’s day. Named after Town/Main Beach in Forster, the brewery considered naming it “Forster's Lager”, but decided that was a bit too close to a wellknown brand!

This and other beers produced by Forster’s only microbrewery are available for tasting and take-away sales directly from the brewery Tasting Room at 3 Dalman Street, Forster and from good local bottleshops, bars and restaurants. For brewery opening times, check out www.thecoastalbrewingcompany.com or on Facebook @coastalbrewing Manning-Great Lakes focus 23

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19-Twenty have been whipping up a frenzy on the festival scene. They are electric an infectious riﬀ and groove based blue-billy-grass-rockin’-roots band. FOCUS caught up with front man Kane Dennelly and found out more about the band … i guys. Give us a bit of a backHow would you describe your onstage vibe? ground about 19Twenty; how did Sweaty, rowdy, infectious! Three best mates having the you all meet and form the band? times of their lives! We never have a set list, so we never Thievery! After a solo European know what to expect - and neither does the audience. As tour, Kane was on the lookout for a result, there is a tension that anything could go wrong a new band. He saw both Syd and - and sometimes it does! Like watching a car crash; you John playing for other acts, and don’t want to look, but can’t look away. It isn’t that crazy poached them good and proper. to see our drummer surfing on the double bass or swinging Who makes up the band, and from the rafters. For John to play his what roles do you play? bass upside down or for me to be Johnny G - double bass. crowd surfing or jumping into massive Syd Green - drums. speaker stacks. Ask for forgiveness - not Kane Dennelly - the fool. for permission! IN FIVE YEARS You’ve played sold out Most memorable moment to date? W E ’ V E P L AY E D festivals, packed out venues Too many to mention! In five years and toured both nationally we’ve played hundreds of gigs in every HUNDREDS OF and internationally. What is it state of Oz. House concerts, sweaty G I G S I N E V E RY about you guys that people pubs, outback taverns and nearly love most? 30 festivals! We are always pinching S TAT E O F O Z . Two reasons. We pay a LOT of ourselves and truly believe we have the people a LOT of money to talk us best job in the world! The most memup! Well, mainly just Mum and orable festival moment would either be GMA - fake it before you make it! Also, we break down the National Folk Festival in Canberra or Blues at Bridgetown. fourth wall and allow people in. Our show is very depenThe crowds were MASSIVE! It is pretty amazing to play to dent on the audience being involved. We will get them 2,000 people dancing and singing your songs. singing with us, on stage dancing with us and generally Earlier this year you released your third studio album, having a great time. At the end of the week, we all need to Triad. What was the recording and production process forget, turn off and get rowdy. We are more than happy to like, and how do you feel you’ve grown as a band facilitate that! since earlier material? 24 Manning-Great Lakes focus

This was actually the hardest of all four albums we have done! For some reason we decided we needed a new album right smack bang in the middle of a crazy tour schedule and hectic home lives! Turns out punters think it's our best, so maybe there is something in having that tension in the studio. Our sound currently is a lot heavier and dance based. As a result of all the festival spots we have played, we have tried to nail the sound to tape of what gets folks grooving. I think it’s pretty close. You’re currently on a huge tour, hitting many popular venues along the way - however, we have you stopping off at the little town of Bellingen. What do you like about playing these smaller unique venues? They are REAL! There is no hiding in those sort of venues. We play a lot of small out of the way hall gigs and love every single one of them. It's amazing to see multi generations coming out. It's a real family event, and we totally dig that! Our grandma, who is 85, still comes to as many gigs of ours as she can and she goes off; our music crosses genres and ages, and we love seeing this in our audiences from the stage. Thanks Kane.

19-Twenty live @ Upper Lansdowne Hall, Sun Jan 14 @ 5pm. www.upperlansdownehall.org.au/ booking or 19twentymusic.com/store

focus_contributor

WITH JENELLE NOSWORTHY

cheese cake Miss Nellie's

Club Blackhead

Ingredients BASE 4 shots (120 ml) espresso coffee 1Â˝ tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp Tia Maria or Kahlua 250 g Savoiardi Sponge Finger biscuits FILLING 500 g cream cheese 300 ml thickened cream + 2 tbsp 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 tsp gelatin 2 tbsp boiling water 2 tbsp Tia Maria or Kahlua 50 g dark chocolate

Jenelle Nosworthy Miss Nellieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 33 River St, Kendall NSW 2439 www.facebook.com/MissNelliesCafe

Method Loosen base of 22 cm springform pan; invert and cover with baking paper, before resecuring so paper hangs out. Grease sides.

In a separate bowl, whip cream to form soft

Combine coffee, sugar and liqueur in a bowl and stir to dissolve. Cool for 10 mins.

mixture, then fold in whipped cream until

Trim 2 cm from one end of each biscuit. Dip cut biscuits, one by one, into coffee mixture and line side of prepared pan, cut side down. Line base of pan with remaining dipped biscuits and offcuts. Chill base in fridge. Combine gelatin and boiling water and stir to dissolve. Cool 5 mins. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and liqueur until smooth.

peaks. Slowly beat cooled gelatin into cream cheese combined. Pour mixture into biscuit base and smooth surface. Microwave remaining cream and chocolate 30 - 60 secs and stir until smooth. Drizzle on top of cream cheese. Chill 5 - 6 hours. Lick the bowl!

Manning-Great Lakes focus 25

focus_contributor

WITH DONNA CARRIER FROM BENT ON FOOD

House Concert

Jacaranda Estate

Love Food Hate Waste

Toy Run

House Concert

Social /Scene

e just celebrated 13 years in business at Bent on Food, and it was always my dream to see tourists and locals lingering in our town, dining, shopping and utilising the community spaces. When I started Bent on Food, I was aware that there were other cafés in town, so I set about marketing to tourists. Now there are so many more reasons to visit, and I love the vibrancy of our town, with many great shops and no reason to leave - especially now that we have a cellar door in town! The recent installations of street furniture have added a lovely feel, and it is great to see people sitting down and relaxing on the big funky chairs built by Nigel Brown. The National Party held their Northern conference in Wingham on December 10th with around 70 state and federal delegates visiting the town; I was invited along as keynote speaker to talk about my business, and afterwards enjoyed fabulous old fashioned pumpkin scones made by the staff at Wingham Services Club. It is always good to shine the spotlight on our region, with an opportunity to discuss our needs with our local member and other ministers. About that cellar door; we have a new addition to our town! It’s a vine garden, and a very pretty one indeed. Jacaranda Estate was officially opened on Friday 1st December by Councillor Peter Epov, who represented MidCoast Council and the Mayor. Over 100 guests enjoyed the estate’s wines, and beer and the host of the Manor House Apartment, Tim McLean, cooked some very tasty spit roasted lamb, smoked chicken and sausages made from Wingham beef. Will RickardBell, the estate’s winemaker, travelled from Orange and stayed the night in the Manor House Apartment. I enjoyed chatting with him about his techniques for 26 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Welcome to 2018, and I hope you all had a safe and happy festive season and are now welcoming in the New Year. We have been busy looking after an influx of visitors who are coming to Wingham for our quirky, unique shops and cafés. making these single vineyard artisan wines. Jacaranda Estate takes its name from the two magnificent old Jacarandas at the front gate of the property. Hosts are Mark and Belinda Smith, and along with son David, they welcome visitors to their cellar door seven days a week.

sourdough bread from Karl Bayer, rhubarb from Lyn Booth. Day old bread from Pottsy’s was used to make a tasty bread and butter pudding. Thanks to Joanie from Midwaste, our producers, staff and customers who shared their food waste tips

On the evening of November 22nd, Bent on Food An awesome house concert was held at Clare and partnered with MidCoast Jim Rourke’s Tinonee home on Council and Midwaste as part Sunday 26th November. Grahame of the Love Food, Hate Waste and I were so thrilled to go along programme - which provides to this event, which was a great practical tips on how cook at way to complete a busy weekend. On the evening of November home without food waste, “Sancha and The Blue Gypsies” was 22nd, Bent on Food save money and make the energetic and engaging and also partnered with most of what you buy. Food really inclusive of local musicians, MidCoast Council and waste is a big problem - NSW whom they invited up to play Midwaste as part of the households throw away $10 Love Food, Hate Waste with them. Everyone came with a billion worth of edible food programme - which plate, and there was a selection of each year, and in doing so provides practical tips on how fabulous food. I would particularly waste the energy, water and cook at home without food like to thank Clare and Jim for natural resources used to waste, save money and make opening up their beautiful home, grow, package, transport and the most of what you buy. and big love to Sancha and The market that food. On average, Blue Gypsies for travelling to our this amounts to $3,800 per region and playing so beautifully. household every year - that's The Salvos Toy Run is a special $73 a week from your grocery event that attracts many hundreds of motorcycles to bill that ends up in the bin! Businesses can lead the way Wingham every December. From Wingham they ride in educating consumers on the best ways to reduce up to Hannam Vale, where they deliver gifts for the waste. We had a great night, with Joanie Lambkin from Hannam Vale Salvation Army Christmas appeal. We are Midwaste doing a fabulous job of emceeing the night one of the many sponsors of this event that is run by and getting guests to share their waste reduction tips. the Manning Valley Ulysses Club, who are a fantastic We also pushed home the local angle that local produce bunch of people. is better for you, lasts longer and tastes so much I would love to hear from you if you have any social better. Three delicious shared courses featured pork events, weddings, parties ... anything! and nectarines from The Edible Forest, osso bucco beef Send pics and info to donna@bentonfood.com.au from Linga Longa Farm, vegetables from Barry Nable Cheers, Donna. and Paul and Hazel Cotton, rocket from Meadow Ridge,

Manning-Great Lakes focus 27

28 Manning-Great Lakes focus

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Assistant General Manager Darren Pettet, along with Entertainment and Marketing Manager Eddie Youngblood, sit down with FOCUS to tell our readers all about the brand new renovations at Club Forster and what members and non members can experience.

The C L U B

F O R S T E R

he club has commenced its $6.5 million renovations - what is included in the project? Board and Management are proud to announce the commencement of vitally important clubhouse renovations and extensions. It has been almost 20 years since Club Forster underwent such work to its entry and main trading floor, making this work well and truly overdue. The proposed scope of work includes renovations and extensions to include the portecochere, entry/reception, bottle shop, gaming lounge, main bar, TAB lounge, alfresco lounge, toilets and Neptunes lounge, alfresco dining and Tabatinga Family Fun Centre. This work is anticipated to be undertaken under a staged building program. A Tabatinga Family Fun Centre is planned as well - what does that include? We are very excited and are considering providing a first class venue especially designed for children in the 0 - 12 year age bracket and their parents. Tabatinga attractions could include a large toddler play area, a multi-level climbing structure

with a cannon zone and a bumper car arena, themed birthday party rooms and a disco/games room. If the plan proceeds, there will also be loads of seating and a café serving modern, healthy options, as well as the family favourites. After researching the possibility of such a facility, early community feedback has been positive, in the knowledge that the club is planning to provide a great recreation space for young children and families in the region, as well as for our all-important tourist market. The new lounge and dining area is called “THE TANKS”; what are the offerings? We’re proud to announce the opening of “THE TANKS” Lounge and Bar at Club Forster! It will be a place to relax and enjoy our brand new space featuring state-of-the-art facilities. The contemporary décor is outstanding - rivalling that of any modern international hotel. It’s the perfect place to unwind and meet with friends, sample our exciting new menu, try our range of craft beer, and listen to great music presented by some of the coast’s leading musicians - FREE every Friday, Saturday and Sunday! The new facilities sound wonderful; what do you think your members will think? We’re confident that the members will

In the 1890s, it was be delighted in the We’re proud to announce the final result, but most decided a breakwall opening of ‘THE TANKS’ importantly trust that extending out to sea be Lounge and Bar at Club Forster! our local members will built along the Forster It will be a place to relax be proud to share “THE shore, so that the bar at and enjoy our brand TANKS” with visitors, the entrance to Wallis new space featuring family and friends, state-of-the-art facilities. Lake would be navigable knowing that this very The contemporary décor is at all times. In 1898, important investment outstanding - rivalling that of any Richard Hungerford carries us into the modern international hotel. quarried rock from the next stage of ongoing northern side of Bennetts improvements to our Head. He built a steamprogressive and forwardoperated railway using two small locomotives. thinking club. The railway ran for 2.4 km along the coast What new members do you hope to attract? from Bennetts Head and behind Pilot Hill to the “THE TANKS” is a stylish space that is aimed breakwall. The line passed along the foreshores at all ages 18 plus because of its contemporary in front of the present Forster Primary School design, modern furniture, open plan and stateof-the-art facilities. We know that this will appeal and through the area generally known as “The Tanks”, where steam engines were filled with to a wide range of patrons wishing to join our club, with the added benefit of receiving at least 10% discount on food and beverage along with many other advantages, including joining two local clubs for the price of one - Club Forster and the Sporties Tuncurry. What exactly are the “The Tanks” - in terms of their history?

water.

“The Tanks” referred to a collection of steel ships’ tanks which were on a three metre high wooden stand. A windmill situated beside the tanks drove the lift pump, which pumped water up into the tanks from a nearby well. Thanks Darren and Eddie. Manning-Great Lakes focus 29

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Will - Age 18 Cummings

Timothy Brown - Age 32

ow long have you lived in the Manning Valley? Four years.

What do you love most about the area? It has beautiful beaches, great fishing, and exceptional scuba diving locations only found with Forster Dive Centre.

ow long have you lived in the Manning Valley? 18 years.

Where is your favourite place to grab a bite or have a drink? Good Grub Shack, Bungwhal.

What do you love most about the area? I love how one minute you can be on the coast with awesome beaches, headlands, and the next you can get your fix of mountains and forest streams.

What are your plans this summer? Working on a dive boat with Forster Dive Centre.

Where is your favourite place to grab a bite or have a drink? Tim’s on Treach, a small outside takeaway café at Seal Rocks, within Treachery Camp.

What must our visitors to the area do before they go home? Get wet with Forster Dive Centre.

What are your plans this summer? My plans for summer will be mainly work, but beach sessions and a fish whenever I can get a chance.

Meet the

What must our visitors to the area do before they go home? I recommend heading out to Seal Rocks and heading to the lighthouse.

Emma Macaitis - Age 20

Jade Wells - Age 18

ow long have you lived in the Manning Valley? I have lived in the area my whole life.

What do you love most about the area? I love the beautiful beaches and the atmosphere this place provides. Where is your favourite place to grab a bite or have a drink? Colleens Bakery in Tuncurry; it has very friendly employees, as well as great food and coffee. What are your plans this summer? My plans are to stay in the area with my family and friends and enjoy the beaches and lakes, as well as working to save up money. What must our visitors to the area do before they go home? I encourage them to take a drive out to Woota Woota Lookout at Wallingat National Park; it is a beautiful place to sit and have a picnic looking over the breathtaking view of the Great Lakes area.

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ow long have you lived in the Manning Valley? My entire life ha ha!

What do you love most about the area? Foster Tuncurry is amazing for its beaches and its beauty, the amazing surrounds and places to explore, but what makes it home is its great community and humble vibe and lifestyle. Where is your favourite place to grab a bite or have a drink? It’s hard to narrow it down to my favourite spot, but Hamilton’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant definitely has to be the top, with its cracking local oysters, food and cocktails, as well as its chill Sunday arvo sessions surrounded by turquoise waters and great vibes ... Loooove it! What are your plans this summer? Basically just spending time at the beach and hanging with friends and family, enjoying the sunshine and the area. What must our visitors to the area do before they go home? Just chill out and enjoy one of our many spectacular beaches, coastlines and amazing sunsets.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Ocean Adventures

Reel

Interview with Phil Gogerly.

i Phil. Congratulations on your new boat! Can you tell our readers a little about the services and experiences you offer on the water in the stunning Mid North Coast? My father, Noel, and I have had plans in the making for this business for a while now. We provide fishing charters, but also offer a few different types of ocean activities for people of all ages. We do deep-sea, reef and game fishing. We also supply all fishing gear and bait required, and we will even bait your hooks if you like! We’re also proud to offer ocean sunrise and sunset cruises, which can be catered for with anything from light refreshments and savoury platters, all the way through to a hot cooked meal. Either way, you get to see Forster/Tuncurry’s spectacular sunrise or sunset from a perspective you wouldn’t normally experience. We also do ocean eco cruises that run from two - five hours. On these tours our passengers will experience sights of some of our local dolphins playing, sea birds and sea creatures

that live along our amazing coastline and in our marine parks, while also learning about the sea life that live in this area as we travel the coast between Old Bar and Seal Rocks. We also do private function cruises for birthdays, hens’ and bucks’ days or nights and parties. What makes the ILLUSION so special for a group party or event? ILLUSION is a 55 foot vessel with a spacious undercover deck area of almost 50 square metres. We have recently fitted lights throughout the deck area, along with speakers, so people can enjoy some music or bring their own playlist. Due to the width of ILLUSION, she is a very stable vessel in the water. She also has ample seating, while having a large open area to stand and mingle. She has a toilet and hot and cold water, and there is never ending tea and coffee on every trip. There is also plenty of storage to keep your favourite drinks and your catch cool. We can cater for up to 22 people on a cruise and 18 on a fishing charter, making it perfect for large bookings but still having an intimate feel

with your group. What is your vision for 2018 business-wise? In 2018 we are planning to grow and expand the business into a couple of different unique areas by offering a few ocean cruises that have never been offered in Forster/Tuncurry. We live in one of the most amazing areas for people to be able to explore some of what nature has to offer and to see some of the spectacular sea life that live in and visit the area. Our aim is to offer an adventure based cruise tour that all of our passengers will talk about for a long time. It’s not something that will be focused on a certain age group. We would really like to make it appealing to everyone, from kids and families to older people too. We are looking at doing a few modifications to the boat over the

coming months, which will help this progress. How do we book for parties and events? You can either call my mobile, or send me a message through our web page or through Facebook and Instagram. We will also have updates of different cruises and charters we are doing on our social media pages, so if you like or follow them, we will keep you updated. We also have a lot of people buying vouchers from our website for tours as gifts, so I think we are going to be flat out over the summer months. There will also be a sign at our boat in John Wright Park, which will have our schedule on it for the week ahead. www.reeloceanadventures.com.au or phone Phil on 0412 104 921. Thanks Phil.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 31

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Microbrewery Tasting Room

Vast Taree Style Guide Mansfield on the Manning “GOING BUSH HAS NEVER BEEN SO LUXURIOUS” Sydney Morning Herald Traveller. Mansfield on the Manning is a boutique lifestyle retreat, set on 16-acres on the banks of the Manning River. A blend of modern luxury and natural, unspoilt beauty, each of our four properties is uniquely styled and designed to create a hassle-free haven. Surrounded by nature and the beautiful Manning River, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Enjoy the views, go kayaking, take a dip in the double-edge infinity pool, have a meal cooked just for you and delivered direct to your door. Mansfield on the Manning 95 Beauly Road, Tinonee NSW 2430 www.mansfieldonthemanning.com (02) 6553 1800.

Visit the Coastal Brewing Company at 3 Dalman Street (off Kularoo Drive), Forster for tastings, a tour of the brewery and take-away sales of fresh local beer www.thecoastalbrewingcompany.com F: @coastalbrewing 32 Manning-Great Lakes focus

T: 02 6554 7886

Transforming a house into a home can be challenging without a clear design vision. The first step for any interior project is to establish a concept or style. Vast Taree can help not just with your furniture needs, but advise in creating a beautiful space to live, work and enjoy. Store owner Kelly Williams is a qualified Interior Stylist and with her team loves to assist clients in creating a cohesive interior space. In addition to Vast furniture ranges, the showroom houses a collection of inspiring homewares and soft furnishings sourced from Australia, as well as exotic locations. It is the layering of these decorator items that give each room a welcoming feel. Styling Tip: begin you project by introducing an area rug. Add floor or table lamps to create a sense of ambience. Layer lounging or bedding with textured or coloured cushions, varying in size to create interest. For extra lux, add a throw to the mix. Include a focal point on the wall with a piece of artwork. Visit Vast Taree today for all of your interior styling needs.

bks

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Gold Award for local State Forest The amazing Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest was recently award top honours, achieving the gold award for best Tourist Attraction at the 2017 NSW Tourism Awards. At Sealy, you can enjoy beautiful subtropical forest, amazing views, be part of an Aboriginal cultural experience, have a picnic among the trees, or just enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature. The Forest Sky Pier is the centrepiece - a majestic 22-metre platform delivering a breathtaking sweep of ocean, city and coastline. Adjacent Korora Lookout showcases Gumgali Track, an Aboriginal cultural interpretive experience telling the story of Gumgali, the black goanna. Visitors are invited to find the hidden goanna sculptures along the track. The story of Gumgali can be experienced at Korora Lookout sound bar. Sealy Lookout is part of a protected forest area

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that has the Coffs Coast first ECO-certification. This 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 through banana plantations and ocean views to The Gap. Turn left onto Scenic Drive and follow to Sealy. Find out more: @visitnswforests #visitnswforests

Great Lakes Paddocks is Unique. A place where the whole family enjoys the freedom the farm environment provides. Great Lakes Paddocks is a destination for wine lovers, foodies, engaged couples looking for a wedding venue with a difference, and those searching for somewhere special to get together with friends and/or family to celebrate special occasions or just get together and relax!

bar and event space seating up to 100 people, overlooking the lush green paddock lined with soaring Eucalypts. There is plenty of parking for cars and buses, plus ample bathroom facilities.

On your approach, the Angus grass-fed beef cattle graze contentedly in the paddocks as you drive past the fertile manicured pastures, while you dream of a freezer full of farm fresh, ethically grown beef.

The Tasting Room is welcoming, where you can have a complimentary tasting of the range of Great Lakes Wines, plus there is a variety of other produce to choose from. The Deck overlooking the 80 year old Strangler Fig tree is a popular spot to absorb your surrounds, while satisfying your hunger with a delicious grazing board and a bottle of wine or a cool beer. You can even do a little bird watching over lunch!

Once you arrive at Great Lakes Paddocks, you are drawn to the tranquil "Back Paddock", where a variety of events and parties are hosted. Adjacent to the "Back Paddock" is the

Great Lakes Paddocks is at 115 Herivels Road, Wootton - just off the highway between Coolongolook and Bulahdelah - follow the signs!

Sale on selected items only and for a limited time. Available 26th December 2017 11th January 2018 or while stocks last

Manning-Great Lakes focus 35

focus_contributor

S H A R O N B U LT I T U D E - 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

focus_contributor

GARY GERSBACH FROM FORSTER TUNCURRY BUSINESS CHAMBER

tourism UPDATE

voice business

Summer Vibes.

The sky is blue, the water crystal clear, the forests cool and green and the sand golden - it can only mean one thing - summer has arrived!

ight now is peak visitor season for the new MidCoast region. During January, visitor numbers, local population movements and activity levels (economic, cultural and environmental) are at their highest. People are visiting their families, taking a well-earned break, reconnecting with loved ones, getting the board or kayak wet and most importantly, getting out and about. With two million visitors delivering $504 million in annual spend and contributing over 19% of the MidCoast Council area’s Gross Regional Product - the visitor economy is one of the most important industries and primary economic drivers for our region. (Source: Tourism Research Australia, National & International Visitor Surveys, 2016.) The six week summer period alone will see over half of the region’s total yearly visitation. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the large majority of visitors during this break are family groups with school age children. However, often overlooked as a contributing factor to our summer visitor influx is the large number of locals who play “host” to friends and family. This visitor segment - known as “Visiting Friends and Relatives” or “VFR” - is an extremely valuable one, accounting for a third of our region’s total visitation. So no more grumbling when second cousin Mavis asks to visit with her brood of rowdy and hungry kids remember, it’s good for the local economy! So when you are asking yourself, “What can we do? “Where can we go?” “We have visitors coming; how can we keep them entertained?” We have you covered! • Contact the Visitor Centres in Forster, Taree, Gloucester, Tea Gardens, Bulahdelah and Pacific Palms for all the “inside” information on those secret spots that only a local would know.

36 Manning-Great Lakes focus

• Pick up a regional Visitor Guide, which are filled with itineraries and trip ideas featuring the wonderful natural highlights across our whole region. Taking you from the secluded beaches of Seal Rocks, to spectacular Ellenborough Falls, to the World-Heritage listed Barrington Tops, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and experience the true country hospitality of our vibrant towns and villages. • Hop on to the websites and social media pages noted below for all the latest news and events. Make sure to keep in touch and share all of your wonderful holiday experiences with us - who knows; you may even win a prize in our holiday photo competition! • Grab our handy MidCoast Summer Events brochure, containing all the activities happening around the region through January. With craft markets, kayak tours, free movies, live music, food festivals and more - there’s definitely something to keep every member of the family entertained. There are so many experiences to have and memories to create this summer here on the MidCoast. Whether you live locally, are visiting family and friends, or have chosen our region as a place to help you unwind and relax, we wish you a very happy and safe New Year! All the best, Sharon Bultitude Destination Management Coordinator MidCoast Council. For visitor info: www.greatlakes.org.au www.visitmanningvalley.com.au www.visitgloucester.com.au Facebook: Love the Great Lakes Visit Manning Valley | Gloucester Tourism Barrington Tops Tourism Instagram: greatlakesnsw

What is REDS? One of the more prominent aims following the formation of the MidCoast Council was to institute a strong Economic Development section to take advantage of the wider range of opportunities now available within the new Council area.

he State Government funded a consultative group to work with the community and Council to establish a Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) to form the basis for future decision making within the Council and Governments.

• Developing the Northern Gateway project, • Investing in key tourism assets • Encouraging other lifestyle tourism developments to attract sea/tree change professionals.

choice: • Improving the core infrastructure of the region via improved roads and bridges,

All in all a grand plan, but a plan that the participants need to be congratulated for and given every possible support to make it happen!

Creating a supportive business environment is seen as essential and could be achieved by: The Sapere Research Group has overseen this • Identifying and removing barriers hindering consultative process business growth for the last six months, • Supporting development mainly through three of the region’s workforce major on site meetings • Encouraging business in Taree, Gloucester The State Government funded a partnerships to leverage and Forster. To date, all consultative group to work with each other whom have attended the community and Council • Actively supporting these meetings have to establish a Regional businesses with advice and been impressed with Economic Development service the methodology and Strategy (REDS) to • Providing targeted appreciate it has been form the basis for support to key sectors a truly consultative future decision making Marketing is critical to the process. within the Council and region’s growth to promote Governments. The resultant document, awareness of its assets to while extensive, has • Business owners and been broken down to professional workers who three major strategies, may relocate to the region being: • Potential visitors, to make them aware of the • Strengthening the region as a location of region’s attractions choice • The region’s labour force, to encourage them • Creating a supportive environment for to deliver on the vision businesses to invest and grow • Local residents, to encourage them to support • Marketing the MidCoast region. and recommend the area to friends and relatives. Strengthening the region as a location of

world Central Water

FORSTER

Come see what all the splash is about when Waterworld Central, Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first portable water theme park, debuts in Forster at the Lakeside Tavern from the 27th December through to the 7th January 2018, from 10am daily! ell us about Waterworld Central; when did you begin this endeavour, and how has it grown in this time? The concept came from the idea that children love inflatables and water. At an amusement conference in the USA, we found the perfect company, who designed the park. The material had to be suitable for water, heat and chlorine. The seams couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come apart. The slides had to be safe. There was a lot to consider. We visited the factories to ensure that all our directions were followed. We were the first mobile waterpark in Australia, and it was very successful. Tell us about the attractions ... There are many different activities. Children can hop out from one pool to the other. Some children are small and others older, so we ensure that all ages are catered for. Some of the attractions include our large Dino Slide, Snow World Pool, a wading pool, and Water Balls, so you can try walking on water. What is your favourite amusement and why? I personally like the Snow World Pool, as it is very well themed, like an ice castle with igloos and penguins, and you can actually climb inside and explore a bit - which is usually a big hit with the kids! Parents may be wondering; how do you ensure child safety? Safety is the number one priority at Waterworld Central. We manage safety by controlling the capacities

on each pool and ensuring that we have attendants in the pools keeping an eye on everything. We also require any child four years and under to have an adult with them at all times in the pools. This supervising adult can enter FREE of charge. Parents are also able to keep an eye on older kids from just THERE ARE MANY outside of the pools FREE of charge, DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. as there is free entry for spectators. CHILDREN CAN HOP OUT Do you have any age limits on FROM ONE POOL TO THE any of the rides? OTHER. SOME CHILDREN Yes, the parks are typically geared ARE SMALL AND OTHERS towards children 16 years and under. OLDER, SO WE ENSURE As mentioned before, all children THAT ALL AGES ARE four years and under are required CATERED FOR. to have an adult with them in the pools. Adults are not allowed on the slides on the pools, but they are able to use our large Dino Slide. The Dino Slide is for ages five years and up. Can punters bring their own food and drink, or are there facilities available? We do not allow outside food at the parks, as there will be a couple food trucks on site offering hot food and drinks, as well as ice cream. What dates are you are at the Lakeside Tavern, and where do you go next? We are at the Lakeside Tavern from the 27th Dec 7th Jan 2018 and will head to Nowra afterwards. Thanks Britt! www.waterworldcentral.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 37

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

BUSINESS MINDS

Neil & Jane MacKenzie

Neil and Jane MacKenzie are not your average locals. Hearing their story makes me realise how lucky we are that they chose Mansﬁeld on the Manning as home.

i Jane and Neil; you’ve come from two different sides of the world to be right here right now. Tell us about how you met. Jane: It was actually on a blind date in London! I don’t think either of us thought it was any more than a bit of fun initially, but then … Neil cooked for me, and I thought “he could be a keeper”! Neil: I know the way to win a woman’s heart! Jane: We both grew up in country towns, me in Buckinghamshire, England, Neil in Cooma in the Snowy Mountains. I think our values are very similar and, despite coming from opposite sides of the planet, we have a lot of shared interests. Neil: Food, wine, travel, music … Jane, you worked in corporate marketing. Who were some of your key clients? I spent my career marketing for high profile retailers in the UK - the last 10 years for Marks & Spencer in London. It was an exciting company to work for, and we created some amazing campaigns. As Head of Marketing for their food, clothing and homewares divisions, I got to meet some very interesting people - models, actors, chefs, designers - creating product ranges and the TV, press and in-store campaigns to promote those ranges. Neil the chef. Where did your career take you, and did you work with any notable chefs? I went to Leith’s School of Cookery in London and took their advanced course. It was great - I

38 Manning-Great Lakes focus

learnt so much, made some really good friends and met some great chefs. Memorable amongst them were Rowley Leigh, Prue Leith obviously, and Yotam Ottolenghi. I worked at Kensington Place, Ottolenghi’s in Islington and Fishworks in Marylebone, before starting my own business - Lovefood - catering for the photographic industry across London. What was it that made you come to Australia and then settle on the Manning? Neil: We had always agreed that at some time we would move to Australia (return, in my case!) and were both at the stage of wanting to get out of the rat race and to do something for ourselves. Jane: I had always wanted to run a hospitality business - we stayed in some fantastic boutique resorts throughout Europe and New York, and I really wanted to create something with that sense of style and customer service. When we agreed to move to Australia, we started internet searching for locations around three hours’ drive from Sydney. We found three on the Mid North Coast and booked a trip to explore the region and view these three properties. The first we saw was Mansfield on the Manning, and I have to say, we fell in love at first sight! Mansfield is not a new property. Tell us some of the history. Neil: It’s such a beautiful spot; some would say we’ve got the best view in the Manning Valley! The Manse was originally built in the late 1800s, and they owned most of the land along this part of the Manning River. We bought the property from Christine and

Graham Gibbons and Rachel and Noel Piercy and became proud owners of a little piece of heaven in the Manning Valley. You’ve put a lot of work into the property to make it what it is today. It must be a thrill to share your home with the locals, whether it be for a business meeting or celebration? Neil: We love it when local people visit, because they often say, “I didn’t even know this place existed”. With the amount of events we’ve hosted over the last year, I hope the number who don’t know of our existence is shrinking! Jane: It’s a lovely space for entertaining - whether that’s for a business breakfast, a working lunch, afternoon tea or a party on the deck. It’s also stunning for weddings - we’ve hosted a few here in the grounds, and it always looks beautiful. Apart from local, give us an idea of some of the feedback you receive about our region from notable guests. Jane: We were lucky enough to have Sheridyn Rhodes from the Sydney Morning Herald Traveller section come to stay with us not long after we’d opened, and she gave us a fantastic review - which really kick started business for us. Neil: And more recently, Kasey Chambers stayed here when she and her band were performing at Akoostik. She did a great video piece that she put on Instagram and Facebook, and it got over 10,000 likes - thanks Kasey! All our guests, whether they are from Sydney,

Canberra, Melbourne, Byron Bay or overseas they all end up saying, “This place is amazing - I had no idea the Manning Valley was so beautiful”. Jane: We love promoting this area. It’s got so much to offer, for couples, for families - and it’s a great place to stop when travelling up and down the Pacific Highway. For you, what is the best part about living and being in business in the Manning Valley? Neil: We are very happy living here. When we arrived, we quickly put ourselves out there and were welcomed into the community immediately. We’ve enjoyed getting involved in initiatives and events like Tidy up Taree and TasteFest. Similarly, it’s been easy doing business here there are great producers and suppliers, and it really feels like the area is making the most of its natural abundance. We shop local wherever we can, and that’s getting easier with the Secret Weekly Farmers’ Market bringing together such fantastic producers. Jane: It feels really easy to “belong” here socially and in business. We’re members of the Taree Business Chamber, and we are active in promoting tourism in the area. We have quickly made the Manning Valley our home, and we’re passionate about spreading the word and encouraging more people to come and discover the region for themselves. Thanks Jane and Neil.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Tuncurry Coach Tours

Expect the Unexpected The secret is out! Artisans on the Hill is THE unique place to visit these holidays. Open any reasonable hour, you just need to call ahead on 6553 1199 to ensure we are available to greet you. Workshops & Craft Activities: Lots of fun Creative Kids workshops. Prices vary and bookings are essential (see website). Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Adult classes in woodturning, kiln formed glass, PMC (pure silver jewellery from “clay”) and more are available. Have some fun and make your own masterpiece. These workshops are scheduled “on demand”, so call to arrange a time. Gallery: Described as one of Australia’s best small galleries, Artisans unique gallery space has functional pieces from some of Australia’s top artisans - from one-off jewellery pieces to artistic, practical glass, to amazing world-class timber items. Yes - we ARE For Sale. We are NOT closed - operating as normal - but now we are looking for someone else to live the dream. Call Peter at Artisans - 6553 1199 for details. Where is Artisans? Only 10 minutes from the Pacific Highway Taree Service Centre, Artisans is on the road between Tinonee and Wingham. Scan the QR code below for the website.

Snowy Mountains and Tumut in Summer Time 25th February to 2nd March 2018 6 days and 5 nights Cost $1,130.00 pp; single room extra $235.00

Up-close Animal Encounters Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park cares for over 80 species, with over 200 animals located throughout ten acres of shady gardens. Experience an up-close Animal Encounter with personal Zoo Keeper commentary: available with Snow Leopards, Cheetahs, Red Pandas, Meerkats, Koalas and Snakes. Bookings essential. An Animal Encounter is a very special experience that stays with you for a lifetime. You can also enjoy 14 free Zoo Keeper talks throughout the day. There is a children’s playground and an all-day Kangaroo and Wallaroo walk-through meadow for patting and feeding; Zoo Café for meals, snacks, ice-cream, coffee and drinks; souvenirs, gifts and retail therapy in the popular Zoo Shop. The multi award-winning Billabong Zoo is always fun for the kids and educational for everyone. Open every day: 9am 5pm, rain or shine. Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie - it’s more than a great day out. It’s the best value zoo in Australia. Located at 61 Billabong Drive, just off the Oxley Highway (two minutes from the Pacific Highway). For full details visit www.billabongzoo.com.au or call 6585 1060.

Great Ocean Road Saturday 17th March to Saturday 24th March 2018 8 days and 7 nights Cost $1,580.00 pp; single room extra $410.00 Ballina Stay Put Tour 8th May to 12th May 2018 5 days and 4 nights Cost $1,030.00 pp; single room extra $255.00 Bendigo and Ballarat Christmas in July 7 days and 6 nights 21st July to 27th July 2018 Cost $1,400.00 pp; single room extra $299.00 Floriade in Canberra and the Southern Highlands 6 days and 5 nights 23rd to 28th September 2018 Cost $1,400.00 pp; single room extra $402.00 Murray Princess Cruise 6th to 14th October 2018 9 days and 8 nights Cost $2,700.00 pp; single room extra $690.00 $100.00 deposit required on all bookings for overnight tours. Contact us for full itineraries.

Make it a Memorable Holiday

Be WOWED in the Gallery or make your own in a Craft Workshop Air Conditioned!

Open any reasonable hour by appointment. Just give us a call.

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

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

Accommodation Available 702 Tinonee Rd, Mondrook Ph: 6553 1199 www.artisansonthehill.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 39

Y R R U C N U T R E FORST E MEETING NEXT RAC

2 1 N E P O S E T A G

40 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusinterview.

Jennifer Stringer BLACK HEAD BEACH QUILTERS

hat brought you to the Manning area, and how long have you called it home? I started visiting the Manning Valley about ten years ago, when my daughter started teaching here. Some years later I met my husband here, and we have now married and have lived in Taree for three years. We have decided to settle here in retirement. The Manning Valley is such a peaceful and relaxing place, with lots to do, great communities and wonderful scenery. What initiated your interest in quilting ... Have you always been crafty? I was very fortunate to have a mother and grandmother who were excellent needlewomen, and passed on their skills to me as a child. I have many fond memories of learning to sew, firstly on a small toy machine, as well as my grandmother's treadle machine, to finally having my own sewing machines all my adult life. I made clothes for myself and my children, as well as home furnishings. I studied art at high school and teachers’ college and have always loved painting, drawing, dabbling in design and colour through fabric printing and interior design. I also taught art classes at schools where I was a teacher, and I love encouraging others to create. I discovered patchwork and quilting in Sydney, when I enrolled for a six week beginners’ course at a local wool shop in Auburn back in 1983. Fabrics for quilting were in limited supply, but I immersed myself with books and visiting some early quilt shows, and these early experiences grew my interest and passion for patchwork and quilting. Quilting was experiencing a revival, and subsequently, with better tools and fabrics, it is gaining in popularity as a rewarding and useful pastime. What are some of the favourite quilts you have made … And what is it about the designs that appeal most to you? I have always been interested in the history

of quilt making, and I have created some quilts that pay homage to quilting techniques, such as Hawaiian applique and Amish quilts. I use Australian flora, and colours from nature to inspire my quilts. I have enjoyed dying my own fabric to create graphic designs, and I love experimenting with new techniques and putting my individual stamp on a design. I set myself challenges to try new techniques, and foundation piecing in geometric circular designs is my current focus. Describe your creative process ... How much of your work is hand sewn, and how much do you sew by machine? Equipment such as rotary cutters and rulers, as well as advances in sewing machine technology have transformed how quilts have been made. However, it is usually helpful to have a working knowledge of hand sewing techniques, such as applique, when needed. My creative process usually begins with the seed of an idea. I collect images on Pinterest or from books and magazines on my design board in my workroom, then I collect suitable fabrics, make some working drawings, and then some preliminary pieces of fabric piecing. It just snowballs from there! I have a design wall in my workroom, where pieces are auditioned for inclusion in a piece. Mostly, I work with my sewing machine, but I also am thinking about the purpose of the quilt (is it for a child or a gift?) and how it will be quilted. I now have a long arm quilting machine, which has transformed how my quilts are constructed and finished. There are many steps in the creative process, and some pieces take years to complete. How do you select the fabrics used in your designs? My fabric choices revolve around colour and quality. Some fabrics are better for quilting, such as 100% cotton, as they hold their shape and wear well over the years for both utilitarian items, as well as wall art. I love scrap quilts and vintage fabric, so I have a varied assortment of fabrics for my quilts. I also like to dye fabric for variety.

Quilts tell a story, and each

Some projects call for exhibition recently. one is personal. I love that different textures and What feedback have quilts and quilting colours, and we are you received about ties people together, fortunate to have a vast the event? through handing down array of fabrics from which The feedback to future generations, to choose. we have had from and they can also be visual If someone was to ask, members and visitors statements in our world. “Why do you quilt?”, alike has been what would be your overwhelmingly response? positive. I think I think the visual and sometimes we can hide our light under a tactile qualities of quilts and the creative bushel, and patchwork and quilting is often processes are what keep me quilting. Quilts only seen in the home or amongst friends. are also useful items (they keep us warm!) and can also record life history and experiences. Quilts tell a story, and each one is personal. I love that quilts and quilting ties people together, through handing down to future generations, and they can also be visual statements in our world. I also make liturgical banners and wall hangings, and I find this is a wonderful way to explore spirituality. Visual symbols, along with colour and design, can be beautiful expressions of personal spirituality and helpful for public worship. You're a member of Black Head Beach Quilters. How has this group helped you/ inspired you with your quilting? Just last month, we held an exhibition at the Surf Club at Black Head Beach. It was the first one for me to participate in, and I was overwhelmed with the diversity of expression and talented sewing and quilting that this group produced. This group of stitchers are from all walks of life, and our common ground is quilting. With that shared interest comes friendship and support, as well as sharing ideas. We encourage each other and learn from each other. I joined the group as a way to meet new people when I retired to Taree. The group belongs to QuiltNSW, our state guild organisation, and this has also encouraged me to become an individual member and to exhibit my work more widely. The Black Head Beach Quilters held an

As president/facilitator of the group, I am extremely proud of the achievements of this diverse group of creative people. The group engages in fundraising for many different community projects, such as the Surf Club, women's refuges, children's hospitals, Lions Club projects and Aussie Hero quilts for ADF personnel, by making quilts to raffle or donate to others. What skill is necessary to become a member of Black Head Beach Quilters? Are beginners welcome? A love of sewing and a willingness to have a go and learn from others … Many people come to our group as beginners and quickly pick up tips for their next project. I would also encourage people to seek out classes held in local patchwork shops as an excellent way to begin, as there are many skills to learn, and they can be very helpful. Where can we find out more information about the club or see samples of your work? We have a Facebook page for members, and QuiltNSW has a very helpful website with information about quilting in general. I have some samples of my work on my Pinterest page or by appointment. I am happy to share my work. I will also be teaching some classes at Just Patchwork, Tuncurry, next year. Thanks Jennifer. Manning-Great Lakes focus 41

Health Wellbeing and

focus_contributor

JOHN STEVENS FROM KINETIC MEDICINE

kinetic MEDICINE

B Y S U N D I A L D E N TA L

Human beings can be miraculous

up Whiten Bad Breath

Every day I’m lucky enough to witness people doing extraordinary things with the same ordinary potential that we all have. Regularly people pioneer new advances, make their bodies do the impossible, or manage all ranges of adversity. So what is it that sets those achievers apart?

a topic no one wants to touch

As 2018 is blossoming, here are the top three things that the research has proven as the difference, so you can do something a little special. If you’re trying to do something big or new over the New Year, getting these three things to happen are a must.

Tooth whitening is a popular dental technique to rejuvenate the colour of your teeth and your smile. If you feel your teeth have become dull and yellow after years of accumulated STAINING why not consider Tooth Whitening with your dental professionals?

aving an attractive smile whether God-given or courtesy of a highly skilled dental professional - is important for self con-

trays and begin treatment. The benefit of the take home system is YOU are in control of your whitening, and can choose the shade you like. Also, you can top up your whitening

fidence. On the other hand, the embarrass-

at any time, and down the track additional

ment of revealing grey, yellow, or discoloured

tubes of the whitening solution can be pur-

teeth could be enough to make someone too

chased for $20 - $30.

embarrassed to smile ... and what a pity that

The in-office whitening system is a one-off

would be. Moreover, stained teeth can affect

treatment that uses a higher concentration of

a person's overall self image, their self confi-

peroxide gel and takes from 30 - 60 minutes

dence and their sense of self worth. So why

in the dental chair, under the supervision of a

not start your year with a brilliant smile and

dental professional. The in-office system gives

whiten up!

patients the confidence that their treatment is

Unlike simple scaling or polishing, which

being supervised but this tends to cost more if

is a purely mechanical process that removes

they ever want to repeat the process, as they

superficial stains caused by coffee, tea, and

have to completely repeat the treatment.

red wine, tooth whitening removes internal

What Can You Expect?

stains through a process called oxidation. The most common ingredient used for whitening

m o vin g with

moving

Home or Away?

and feel younger. Your teeth can become sensitive during the treatment, but the effect

involves a custom tray filled with a whitening

is transient, and with care causes minimal

solution from 10 - 20 per cent concentration.

discomfort. For more information, ring the caring team

their dental professional for 20 minutes to

at Sundial Dental Taree 6551 1005 or visit our

hours over the course of a week, until they

recently updated website:

get the desired result. The Take Home System

www.sundialdental.com.au - and don’t

requires an initial consultation, impressions

forget to enquire about our February Take

and then a follow up appointment to fit the

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42 Manning-Great Lakes focus

This new year get

Getlighter, taking that is six to eight shades

with years off your smile and making you look

The patient wears the trays as prescribed by

2. Planning: Plan to fail (and don’t let it bother you!) Very rarely do things go entirely according to plan, meaning we need to know what our vulnerabilities are to ensure achieving our goal isn’t reliant on you doing a dozen things entirely foreign to you. You can change, develop or improve personal

3. Action: Go slow to go fast - but make sure that you actually start! Be sure to put your plan to a timeline. With things like weight loss or learning a new skill, the longer we persist, the greater our successes. The average of data says a habit takes 66 days to form, so consider that this time will be the hardest and patience will be invaluable. Don’t let this put you off starting "until you have time", though. You have as much time now as you’ll ever have so just start. As the saying goes, the journey of a thousand steps starts with the first one, so for the time being just do the first thing you need to do. Good luck! Oh, and if you’ve got a health related question you want answered, shoot me an email at john@kineticmedicine.com.au I’d love to help.

It’s usually possible to achieve a shade

teeth is peroxide gel. The take home whitening system usually

1. Clarity: Know what you want, really. You might identify with that awful sense of confusion where we don’t actually know what we want. The secret to figuring this out is to make sure you ask yourself questions, changing how we think from “I don’t know what to do”, to “What do I need to do?” This has been shown to open up neurological pathways that can help you better solve problems, retrieve and retain information and with enough time spent on this process, we’ll arrive at what’s really important.

skills and attributes with time, but you can’t change overnight. Own up to the things you find difficult and if it’s worth having, the thing you’re working for will inspire you to stick to the plan, as long as you’ve factored your weaknesses in. If you allow yourself to fail repeatedly, doubt and anxiety will kill your chances of success.

Sports Performance | Injury Management | Physical Healthcare | Athletic Conditioning

Ask uswww.kineticmedicine.com.au how we can help you! Get Better | Stay Better| Live Better

Manning-Great Lakes focus 43

focusinterview.

KATIE JONES

Hippy Program

It can be a difficult time preparing your child for “big school”. Katie Jones, our local Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) Coordinator, explains how children can be nurtured to achieve positive learning experiences in their early learning years …

hat is the history behind the HIPPY Program? The first experimental HIPPY program was set up in 1969 by Professor Avima Lombard. The project was designed to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of home based education intervention involving mothers and their preschool children from educationally disadvantaged sectors of society. Today, HIPPY operates in eleven countries across the world, with HIPPY-inspired programs running in another six countries. The Brotherhood of St Laurence holds the licence with HIPPY International to deliver the programs in Australia. The first site in Australia was started in Melbourne in 1998, and now there are 100 sites across Australia delivering the program. The Australian Government has committed more than $100 million to continue supporting program delivery, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. HIPPY Taree-Forster commenced in 2016, with 25 families enrolled in the program. Who are some of the organisers behind the program locally? Uniting holds the local sub-licence for the HIPPY program, and delivers to families across the Taree and Forster areas. The coordinator is Katie Jones, and the 2017 home tutors are Monique Foster, Melissa Foster, Hanna Deer and Kelsey Wicks. Uniting has partnered with a number of organisations to help promote and deliver the program, including Karen Clarke, the principal of Taree Public School and Geoff Battle, the pastor at the Uniting Church at Forster. Both Karen and 44 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Geoff have been huge advocates for the program or concentrate for short periods of time, but and have been very supportive in offering their importantly how to make friends, share and take space, services and volunteers for the program. turns, or ask for help if they need it. These are all A number of the local playgroups and preschools skills that are embedded in the HIPPY activities are also key supports for the program. each week, and enacted at group meetings. What does the program aim to support The fortnightly groups are a fantastic opporfamilies with? tunity for parents to connect with each other The HIPPY approach is based on evidence that and ask questions and advice. Guest speakers children’s earliest and most powerful learning often come to these meetings, and are a great comes from their family. Over the two years, HIPresource for families. This year, we had Paediatric PY children work through play-based, educational Occupational Therapist Deb Hopper talk about activities with their parents school readiness, pencil grip, and family. helping left handed children, They are encouraged to and self regulation, as well ask questions and try new as Early Connections speak A main concern many families are things, developing their about transitioning to school faced with is deciding whether confidence and passion for and how parents can prepare their little one is ready for school. learning, which encouragfor this at home. HIPPY is a great program, es school-readiness. These speakers, as well as as it provides parents HIPPY benefits children the home tutors and HIPPY with an understanding of and families by: encourCoordinator, are valuable some of the things that are aging a love of learning; resources for families and expected when children promoting language, can ease parents’ minds, start school. listening skills and deanswer questions, or seek veloping concentration; out further information for building self-esteem and confidence in learning; families, helping create a learning environment improving relationships between parents and at home; increasing parents’ knowledge of child children; helping create a learning environment development and the way children learn; providing parents with opportunities to enjoy positive at home; increasing parents’ knowledge of child time with their children; enabling parents to be development and the way children learn. Preparing for “big school” can be a confusactively involved in their children’s education; suping time. What are some of the common porting parents to meet regularly and promoting problems families talk to you about? a sense of inclusion and connectedness with their A main concern many families are faced with community; increasing parents’ self-confidence. is deciding whether their little one is ready for When do people in the program meet? school. HIPPY is a great program, as it provides Activity packs are delivered to families weekly parents with an understanding of some of the in the first year of the program, and fortnightly things that are expected when children start in the second year. Delivery alternates between school. This not only includes being able to focus home visits, where tutors meet up with families

and go through the activities, drop off story books, craft materials and resources and group meetings. The group meetings are held at Taree Public School and Forster Uniting Church. At groups, families have the chance to chat through the activity books with the tutors, as well as other parents/carers. There is also morning tea, games and craft activities and a guest speaker. This year we have had lots of great speakers, including occupational therapists, speech pathologists, police officers, a visit to the fire station, the local library, dental team visits, Sportlets, yoga and dance, Bunnings, as well as excursions to Inflatable World, the Petting Farm, Billabong Zoo, Forster Beach, the movies and lots more! How long does the HIPPY program take to complete? The HIPPY program is a FREE two year program. Children start HIPPY in the year before they start school, and continue into their first year of school. Tell us about the recent graduation ceremony ... On Saturday 2nd December we celebrated with 21 families from Taree and Forster who had completed the two year HIPPY program. It was a fantastic afternoon held at the Pacific Palms Recreation Club. The children looked very grown up in their graduation gowns and caps, receiving their awards and gifts. The afternoon included a photo booth, tasty nibbles and kids’ disco. More info? HIPPY Australia has a great website: http://hippyaustralia.bsl.org.au/ I’m the local coordinator for the program and can be contacted on 0427 414 488. Enrolments for 2018 are now open, with only 30 spots available! Thanks Katie.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 45

My Local Disability Service. The Percival’s believe no experience need be a wasted experience. Drawing from their years of experience as property developers; parents of a young person with a disability and their son, Grant’s, own experiences they feel they are well on the way to Grant having a thriving and safe independent life. It has been quite a journey for them all. As parents Garry and Tracey want a safe and happy home for Grant to explore independence and live a life that is meaningful for him long into his future. For Grant he wants supports so he can confidently step into that future and some fun housemates to do that with. They

all agree getting the accommodation, supports and house mates that are ‘a good fit’ is central to a dignified and happy life. In recent years while Garry and Tracey were starting to dream about being free to have some time on their own, Grant was dreaming about making a move to live independently and working some things out for himself. Grant says that the NDIS means he does not need his Mum and Dad all the time. Using their experience as property developers Grant and Tracey understand what people want for comfortable living. They have developed a home that provides housemates their own private spaces as well

46 Manning-Great Lakes focus

as shared living spaces to socialise and try new things together. The large contemporary style complex accommodates 6 people and includes some extras such as their ‘own man caves’, a range of outdoor and indoor living spaces. People can be together or on their own whenever they want, depending on their needs. The parents of a fellow housemate recently commented to Garry and Tracey their son was so happy he wants to “live there forever”. They are thankful that they are now free to have a life of their own and their son is free to have a life of his. Quality supports from disability service providers are critical as families make these life transitions. From experience the family know there are ‘carers who don’t care’. In contrast they are reassured to watch as Grant and his Dundaloo Support Workers build rapport that empowers Grant to access new opportunities. “The workers listen to Grant and understand him. Having

support workers that are the ‘right fit’ for Grant and show respect provide a platform for personal dignity, and achievement” said Garry. Next on the list for Grant is paid employment. He currently works as a volunteer but is ready to take the next step to secure his independence. He has experience working in childcare and would love the opportunity of a Traineeship in Childcare. In the meantime, Grant is looking for a couple more housemates. For Grant having friends that don’t

judge him and who may share his interest in all things gaming – cards, board games, and computer games and enjoying being out and about in the community would be ideal. Dundaloo workers are supporting Grant to manage the process of finding friends that are a good fit. A lot of development and planning has

gone into creating an environment where people have the freedom to be themselves, in their own spaces and amongst friends. If you are looking for accommodation or supports for a safe and meaningful life and have a loved one over 18 years of age with a mild to moderate intellectual disability why don’t you have a chat to the staff at Dundaloo Support Services.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

October 2017

AQUARIUS.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19 You have been busy recognising cycles that repeated in your past. However, you have grown in wisdom since. This is why they have little, if any, effect on you now. Set new goals and watch the outcome. Moonstone is great for ending and beginning cycles.

PISCES.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20 You’re a problem solver; this is why others are compelled to share their story with you. You often hear wise words escape you. Hear these words; they will guide you well. Enjoying your creative pursuits is likely to be a strong influence towards the end of the month. Citrine stimulates our creative energy.

ARIES.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Connect to your inner strength and gentle wisdom. Identify your qualities you approve of, to align yourself with the highest opportunities and abundance in life. Make a wish list, not a resolution. 2+0+1+8 = 11= a 2 year - a year to enjoy your talents. Amethyst connects us to our life’s purpose. Wear some.

TAURUS.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21 If you’re feeling unsupported, look inward at what needs strengthening and activate it. Set some shortterm goals, as well as mid and long-term goals. You will soon know that there is no hurdle too big for you to remove. Laugh at your fears and become their answer. Ruby gives us strength of mind, body and spirit.

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 A fresh outlook towards the New Year will aid in becoming better aligned to receive good luck and abundance in all things. Release any fears and become their answers. Ownership of your reality will be a strong influence; embrace it. Clear Quartz amplifies energy.

LEO.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 As long as you are content to love, you will sparkle. Avoid placing conditions or hopes on your giving, as you will be disappointed. Instead, feel the Leo joy of giving, because you love to give and do it unconditionally. Feel how big your heart can be. Rose Quartz, the crystal of love, initiates all levels of love in our energy.

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 Stay connected to your beautiful qualities, as they will open doors of endless opportunities. 2018 symbolises a lucky year when using gifts and talents. Set some new goals and make a wish list. Prioritise some alone time for yourself and enjoy your solitude. Blue Lace Agate clears the mind and enlightens it.

SCORPIO.

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 If you’re carrying any undigested emotions from 2017 into this year, your success could be compromised. Release these emotions, so life doesn’t have to bring them to your attention. Think of something new to feel and wish for it. Malachite helps release past hurts and recognise the strength gained

SAGITTARIUS.

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 If you are feeling trapped in life, it could be that you have outgrown your old beliefs and need to create new ones. Try debating your beliefs and see what you come up with. Anything that interferes with reaching your fullest potential is likely to be released this month, making way for better things. Citrine shatters negativity and attracts an abundance.

CAPRICORN.

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Listen to your wise words when you are counselling someone. Your Guides are speaking directly to you on these occasions. Where would you like to see yourself at the end of the year? Let this aid in setting new goals. Career has to offer a happy environment for inner peace. Snowflake Obsidian shatters workplace negativity.

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Manning-Great Lakes

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H Godwin

DANNY - BUILDER -

Interview with Danny Godwin, Abode Feature Property of the Month, Manning-Great Lakes ...

DESIGNER SCOTT BRADLEY HAS ACHIEVED A LAYOUT WHICH MAKES IT FUNCTIONAL IN ALL SEASONS. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE POOL AND COURTYARD AREA.

i Danny. Congratulations on completing this stunning Blueys Beach beauty! Can you tell our readers a little about what makes this property so special? Great clients, great design, great location! The home is a fantastic design for this location, taking full advantage of the amazing ocean view and the hills to the west. Designer Scott Bradley has achieved a layout which makes it functional in all seasons. I especially like the pool and courtyard area. The clients, David and Kerri, have also made this a very pleasurable build. Their sense of design and interior decoration has made this home truly special.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in the industry a long time now, Danny, building beautiful beach homes around the Mid North Coast and becoming renowned for your workmanship. What is is that gives you the most satisfaction in your work? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the workmanship of all involved in achieving the desired result that makes me very proud. Also, knowing that the apprentices and younger workers involved will go on to use the skills and knowledge acquired during the construction process to do bigger and better things in the future. To be part of the process in bringing beautiful architectural homes like this to reality is wonderful. It truly is a team effort.

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DANNY As an architectural builder, who are your inspirations in the field, and what attracts you to these types of projects? Architect Brian Suters has had the greatest influence on my career. He is an exceptional architect and a great friend. Builder Peter Hughes back in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s left a lasting impression on me, whilst my business partner at the time, Larry Godwin, and I were working for him on many projects in the Pacific Palms area. Stephen Jones from Stephen Jones and Associates selected me for an architectural project in Vaucluse in 1990, which was my

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WHEN ALL INVOLVED ARE ABLE TO STAND BACK AND APPRECIATE A THING OF BEAUTY THAT WILL LAST FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS OR MORE IS VERY REWARDING.

first major architectural project. Steve is a surfer and has a great understanding of beach house design. The attraction is the challenge in these type of projects. Every day a situation will arise that requires consultation and consideration to achieve the best outcome. The finished product is also the great attraction. When all involved are able to stand back and appreciate a thing of beauty

Godwin - BUILDER -

that will last for the next 50 years or more is very rewarding. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been three years since we last interviewed you in FOCUS. What trends are you seeing in coastal

new home builds? I love the open plan style which has evolved in recent years - the ability to open up the whole living area of your home by using stacker doors or bi-fold doors and windows

to decks and patios, thus blending the inside with the outdoor areas. Another beautiful feature is the use of Spotted Gum for decking and flooring, as it is such a beautiful timber. The re-use of old weathered hardwood is also a nice trend, and client Kerri insisted on this in a few key areas, with great effect. I also like the contrast in the colours lately, which is great compared to a few years ago, when it was fifty shades of grey. The black and white with a splash of bright colour in key places as Kerri has selected is stunning.

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DANNY

Godwin - BUILDER -

You have worked with a number of contractors on this property, who all speak very highly of you. Do these guys put a smile on your face each day? Well, not every day (Lol!), but I really do have a great group of subcontractors. Peter Turner from Coastal Stainless Steel & Welding, David Spicer from Twin Town Joinery, Jim Hickson from Pacific Palms Electrical Services, Geoff McCarthy from Foreshore Plumbers and Peter Bulmer and Peter Lemaire from Bulmer & Lemaire Kitchens - these guys are perfectionists. Their work is faultless, and the attention to detail and finish is amazing - and yes, it makes me smile when I look at the finished product. I only have to look at Pete Bulmer and smile; he has been making me laugh since we were kids, and Michael Harris, who manages the excavation, piling, block work and concreting stage of the construction. We had the pleasure of working with builder Wayne Hunt for the duration of this project; Wayne is a top class builder in his own right and was a great help to Foreman Brett Carmichael throughout the project, working as a carpenter. My brother, brick layer Graeme “curly” Godwin, also had his crew doing the brick, blocks and sandstone, a real dad’s army of a crew. All the subcontractors do fantastic work and take great pride in this type of construction.

THEIR WORK IS FAULTLESS, AND THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND FINISH IS AMAZING - AND YES, IT MAKES ME SMILE WHEN I LOOK AT THE FINISHED PRODUCT.

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Foreman Brett Carmichael, thanks for talking to us. Tell us about your career ... My father was a carpenter and lined me up an apprenticeship with Bruce Holmes. I ended up working under quite a few builders during my apprenticeship. I have learned mostly from Danny Godwin, Ray Mcintosh and Ian Mcintosh. Ray was a great joiner, who was extremely fastidious with everything. My son, Beau, now works with us and has done his Certificate IV in Construction and is carrying on the family tradition. Thanks Brett.

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Danny, you are known for your many funny stories that occur on your worksites; do you have some examples to share from this build? I think I used all my funny stories up in my last FOCUS article, but there is a little story about a turkey! Brett Carmichael has been foreman on this project from slab height to finish. Brett has had a nemesis throughout this build, with a bush turkey nesting next to the project site who has constantly harassed and attacked our mascot (Brettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 15 year old dog, Spike). Brett was heard to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love

focus _ Abode.

DANNY

Godwin - BUILDER -

wild turkey in a bottle, but this turkey is driving me around the bend”. Spike has semi retired now. He gets Mondays off! What are your career plans for 2018? Keep going! I have a great crew of really top class men working with and for me. We also just completed a large architectural project at North Arm Cove. Michael Harris was in charge of ground work again, with Wade Simon being the foreman on this project. Wade has done a fantastic job, and I am very proud of what he has achieved. I must also mention and acknowledge my wife, Katrina Godwin, who does a fantastic job

IT STILL BLOWS ME AWAY WHEN I DRIVE OVER THE BRIDGE BETWEEN FORSTER AND TUNCURRY ON A GOOD DAY. IT’S NO WONDER IT’S CALLED THE GREAT LAKES.

managing the books and running the office. As a Forster local, what do you love most about living and working in the Great Lakes region? The beaches and ocean are pretty special here. Hawkes Nest to Saltwater is an amazing stretch of coastline, and I love it. I know there are plenty of beautiful beaches on the East Coast, but I don’t think any where else can match Wallis Lake. It still blows me away when

I drive over the bridge between Forster and Tuncurry on a good day. It’s no wonder it’s called the Great Lakes. Living here, we get to work at some amazing locations, usually beachfront sites. It certainly makes going to work that much easier, as the boys can have a quick surf in their lunch hour if it’s good! Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?

I love surfing - not as good as I used to be, but it’s still the best feeling when you are riding a wave. Love seeing live music and love Rugby League. How can people best reach you, Danny, to discuss their build? Mobile or email I guess; I don’t have a fancy office! You might also find me surfing at my local beach, One Mile or Celito. I don’t mind doing business between waves while I am out surfing! Thanks Danny.

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FROM the

Owners

- DAV ID & K ERRI PERK S -

Property owners David and Kerri Perks offer their perspective on the 12 month build.

BRETT DEMONSTRATED HIS EXPERIENCE AND EMOTION WITH HIS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO MAKING SURE WE GOT IT RIGHT.

To undertake the construction of a home that has been designed with a difference requires a builder that carries the expertise, experience and reputation to deliver such a project. Danny and his team, led by foreman Brett Carmichael and Michael Harris, were committed to our job from the onset to completion. With the unusual design of seperate living space, pavilion

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style accomodation and leisure area to connect each, it was important to us to not only build to plan, but to ensure the design was functional. Brett demonstrated his experience and emotion with his unwavering commitment to making sure we got it right. Constructing a home on the beach does require consideration to the type of product to best use in a harsh coastal environment

focus _ Abode.

AFTER MANY HOURS, WEEKS AND MONTHS OF DEDICATION FROM DANNY, BRETT AND THE TEAM, THE WORK HAS RESULTED IN ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER!

and drawing on previous experience, we benefitted from the knowledge that many other builders might not be able to offer. On occasions, we would be presented with an alternate option to plan, often resulting in a saving of time and cost, although never a compromise of quality. The strength of the team, many of whom commenced as apprentices with Danny, are now continuing with the same dedication to excellence. The coordination with the local trades was also an important factor in the success of the build, and the years of combined experience

ensured the very best of outcomes. This project was detailed in design, and the subsequent build meant the client/builder relationship played an important role to the successful outcome we achieved. Our professional relationship with Brett was built over time, and the platform of honesty and trust laid a foundation equal to the strength of our building. After many hours, weeks and months of dedication from Danny, Brett and the team, the work has resulted in another satisfied customer! Congratulations to all involved with Danny Godwin Constructions.

DANNY

Godwin - BUILDER -

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BUILD WITH US IN 2018

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Hanson - delivering premium products with great results.

hether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re renovating your house or planning a construction project, Hanson is your single source for decorative, high performance and everyday concrete. With global strength, national coverage and a strong local presence, Hanson have a proud history of getting the job done. Chrissy Jones chatted with Concrete Plant Manager Leeane Terp about the team's new innovations for 2018. What is your teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to customers, Leeane? To be the most reliable supplier, with the best team, and deliver leading customer support solutions. We achieve this by working responsibly within our local communities and adhering to our corporate values of doing this safely, striving for high levels of quality, performance and customer satisfaction, being innovative, acting with respect and integrity and having a sense of ownership. Customers are the reason why we are in business. When we exceed their expectations, we are at our best! In addition to the standard concrete

grades, Hanson has a range of premium concrete solutions for commercial, industrial and residential applications. You have just introduced a new product range; what is that? At our Port Macquarie and Taree concrete plants, we have established a display area of exposed and polished concrete finishes, all named after the local area. It is an interactive display, so feel free to visit at your leisure with your bricks, colours etc. and see how they look placed on the samples. We have established swatch samples and brochures of each mix, and we encourage customers to ask questions in relation to our Imagecrete range. We also have a dedicated management, production, sales and logistics team trained in the decorative product range to assist you. What makes Hanson a step ahead of the competition? High quality products and one on one knowledgeable service; and dedicated management, production, sales and logistics teams continuously training in all areas of the industry. Cross training between roles; so that

if one of our colleagues is unavailable, the other can step in to ensure the customer is still given priority service. Hanson has an interactive safety programme; what is it? Hanson is continuously reviewing safety both at work and at home. We have a series of programmes; however, the best results are from everyone that engages in the programmes. Good safety behaviour should not stop outside of the workplace; safety hazards and risk are as prominent at home as they are at work. Be safe! The staff at Hanson Port Macquarie and Taree are a tight-knit team who take a lot of pride in the trucks and take ownership of the plant. Why do you think this is so? We have a great work environment and ethic; we are always trying to be innovative and creative. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a happy place. We all work together - help each other do tasks. This makes it a better workplace for all. Being a local business employing local people, we all want to keep the business growing and getting better all the time. Thanks Leeane.

focus_contributor

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

real estate

UPDATE

Did you know that LJ Hooker Taree are now licensed to do your Strata Management? After 21 years in the real estate industry, we have decided to broaden our real estate business to include the highly specialised strata management component. For us, it was an easy decision, as currently we manage one in three properties in the Taree area - which does include units in every strata titled property. At LJ Hooker Taree we are stringent on ensuring routine inspections are carried out for our landlords, so we are regularly at the strata properties and are already in the habit of alerting maintenance issues to the strata manager.

qualified, insured and local tradespeople are used. As real estate agents we aware of the importance of maintaining the aesthetics of the property, so that owners can be confident of premium resale value.

Our office is also the first point of call when tenants have maintenance issues, especially urgent repairs. Our office number is manned 24/7, as that is the service we like to provide to our clients and customers. This also ensures

Managing the strata as well as the individual lots gives our office the advantage of being able to have a comprehensive knowledge of the property, which only benefits tenants and owners in the long run.

Our experienced property management team carefully select our tenants to suit the culture of the property, especially when there are a larger number of lots within the strata. We find this creates quality long term tenants who live respectfully with the owners who also reside at the property. There is never a shortage of excellent tenants for good properties, especially when the units are clean and well presented.

2017 best

land lease living community

2015 most outstanding over 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate in australia

2015

mhia awards of excellence, best estate in nsw

Business For Sale

Tropical Coffee Co.

25 minutes to Port Macquarie

From strength to strength these owners have built this business to the thriving cafĂŠ and kitchen shop it is today in the last 17 years. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now time to retire and let new energy take over this very profitable, high profile business. With solid trading figures and long time clientele this business allows a new owner easy access into this industry. Priced to sell at $99,000 plus SAV.

Kew Country Club

Queens Lake

Bonny Hills North Haven

Dooragan National Park

Amanda Tate 0427 539 991

Manning-Great Lakes focus 57

focusinterview.

Women’s Shelter So the Christmas Day mayhem has flown past once more, and now we’re starting fresh in the New Year. The Great Lakes region is full of holiday makers and families enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape and the beautifully clean and sparkling waters of the area, both surf beaches and the waterways of the lakes and the crisp clean sand - all that the area is famous for.

his Christmas saw L J Hooker Forster Tuncurry organise to gather presents and donations for the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter - a predominately privately funded place for women and children affected by domestic violence. Unfortunately, our region of the Great Lakes has a disproportionately high number of incidents involving domestic violence. In the 22 months since GLWS opened, they have provided shelter and an opportunity for a new start in life to 56 women and more than 80 children, a truly amazing achievement. The community of the Great Lakes has banded together to fund a solution and have over time created a home for just that - a safe community home for women and their children to use if the unfortunate need arises. Donations continue to be forthcoming from the community, in funds, goods and time. Since April 2015, around $390 000 has been raised by GLWS from a huge range of community sources: from one elderly woman who gave a personal cheque for $10, 000, to service clubs, the businesses sector, local entertainers, registered clubs, many craft clubs, churches and individuals. GLWS is a community initiative which grew out of a public meeting in April 2015, where a Sydney-based philanthropic organisation and Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) pledged to provide $20,000 as seed money. Further, if the community could raise another $20,000 by December 2015, we could look toward 58 Manning-Great Lakes focus

opening a shelter some time in 2016. The response was staggering and wonderful. We passed the mark set by WCS in three weeks and by December 2015 had over $90,000 donated by the community. Supported by this amazing platform, in record time we were able to secure, convert-for-purpose and open the doors of two shelters a short eight months later, on 2 January 2016. The amazing generosity of the community is reflected in this achievement, and demonstrates an inspiring willingness and ability to pull together and support a very worthy cause. It is particularly important to support not only the female victims of the community, but protect the children involved in these terrible situations. This time of year is particularly stressful for many, and occurrences of family stress are unfortunately more prevalent. Currently, the shelter has five bedrooms over two premises and can accommodate up to 15 people at any time. We have a permanent waiting list that grows in the summer/festive season to more than 10 families. Despite the stresses of modern day lifestyle, it is imperative to continue to strive towards creating a safer community and supporting victims of domestic violence. Housing and living solutions are always challenging - but caring for the less fortunate of our community creates a richer and more successful community on many levels. L J Hooker Forster Tuncurry had our own difficult period after a car crashed through our front window and narrowly missed staff

DESPITE THE STRESSES OF

and customers alike. We and federal funding MODERN DAY LIFESTYLE, unfortunately lost some rounds. Julie Brady and IT IS IMPERATIVE TO of our donated food for her team of staff and CONTINUE TO STRIVE the Women’s shelter - yet community volunteers TOWARDS CREATING A SAFER COMMUNITY AND donations kept coming have worked tirelessly SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF in from our clients, staff, for the applications DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. tenants and landlords, for funding to be of as well as members of the best standard to the community. This is achieve a successful something that we are outcome. extremely grateful for. As the Great Lakes region grows and more The team at L J Hooker Forster Tuncurry people decide to make a sea/tree change for are dedicated to ensuring the best outcome a new lifestyle, we have a chance to create a for tenants, landlords and people buying richer and more caring community that has the and selling properties - but the team were ability to meet the demands that are sometimes exceptional in their response as a result of the placed on it. Safety and security is part of our incident that we had less than two weeks prior basic human requirement, and we at L J Hooker to Christmas. The support and generosity from Forster Tuncurry are proud to support this our Wharf Street neighbours, our tradespeople initiative of the Great Lakes Women Shelter. and people generally was staggering. We wish all our visitors and residents a very This experience has truly highlighted the safe and prosperous New Year and will be there importance of coming together to support to help families to fulfil their property dreams. others in times of need. Finally a big thank you to all those people As 2018 starts to unfold, let’s hope that and Wharf street businesses who donated gifts our community is successful and prosperous and goodies and the ever hard working Julie in achieving success in securing some much Brady – President of the Great Lakes Women’s needed funding for the Great Lakes Women Shelter committee. Shelter through various applications from state Steve Attkins, LJ Hooker – Forster Tuncurry

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focusinterview.

MICHAEL

Linhart

NEED A MAJOR RENO DONE AROUND THE HOME … HAVE A BROKEN DOOR OR CUPBOARD? MICHAEL LINHART’S YOUR MAN. A QUALIFIED CARPENTER, MICHAEL’S A FORSTER LOCAL AND OUR NEW “HIRE A HUBBY” EXPERT … NO JOB’S TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL FOR THIS HANDYMAN …

hat’s your association with the Forster area; what led you to move there originally, and how long has it been home? Forster has been my hometown for the past 16 years, so my wife and I know the area like the back of our hands. We knew the location was where we wanted to raise our family, surrounded by amazing beaches and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We’re a close-knit community; the neighbourhood is safe and the locals are friendly, and everyone is always happy to lend a helping hand. Your career background has been quite varied. What are a few of the different jobs/roles you’ve had over the years? I am a qualified carpenter and have 19 years of experience in crafting furniture and goods. In the past I have worked at a designer kitchen manufacturer building high quality kitchen bench tops and cupboards for clients, but I’ve always had an interest in property maintenance - everything from small repair work and odd jobs around the home anything that will challenge me. Why did you decide to take on the Hire a Hubby Franchise in Forster? It started with various jobs around the

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home for friends and family, and then when this opportunity came along, I thought, why not? Joining Hire A Hubby has given me the chance to turn what I love doing most into an exciting career, but also free up my time to spend with my family. It’s always a little tricky in the beginning, as it is with starting any new business, but Hire A Hubby, Australia’s largest handyman franchise, provide so much support and has a network of experts to guide you through the whole process. The hours are flexible, the workload varies depending on the job, and you find the right balance between work and family commitments. What types of tasks can you help people with as a “handy hubby” for hire? I am a fully licensed carpenter, so my expertise is woodwork, but the benefit of being a handyman is that I can do so much more. We can do anything from fixing broken doors, replacing window panels to large-scale kitchen or bathroom renovations. For me, no task is too big or too small. We’re also fully certified and police checked. What do you most enjoy about home renovation/repairs? The great thing about being a Hubby is that no two days are the same, and knowing that all my hard work has made my customers happy is the best part of the job.

A memorable project approach, to OUR AIM IS TO HELP I worked on was match our growing INDIVIDUALS AS OUR completing an entire community. PRIORITY, ALTHOUGH bathroom renovation What are you most WE HOPE TO GROW and then flooring of the looking forward OUR BUSINESS WITH A entire home for a local to about moving SMALL TEAM TO ASSIST veteran. It was one of forward with your COMMERCIAL CLIENTS the larger scale jobs, new business? WITH A FAMILY-BASED but seeing his reaction Being a local myself, APPROACH, TO MATCH OUR after the completion my aim is to support GROWING COMMUNITY. was truly rewarding and the community in any gives me peace of mind, way I can - firstly, by knowing I’ve done the sharing my skills and best I can to support my knowledge, but also community. by providing locals with work when business Typically, what types of clients will grows. you be able to help? Can you assist When you’re not working, what else do commercial clients/businesses, as well as you enjoy doing in the Forster area? individuals? My downtime consists of spending time The Forster-Tuncurry area is a split with my family (my three adult children and community of homeowners and rentals, but my new grandson). Now that I’ve joined Hire there is a new trend of brick-style homes in A Hubby, I can have a flexible work week and the mix of older fibro homes. can see them more and more. There are also a number of holiday units Where can we contact you/find out more and homes, with people requesting to refresh about you? a particular part of the home for the summer. To get a quote or to get in touch, you can Our aim is to help individuals as our contact me through priority, although we hope to grow our www.hireahubby.com.au or call our hotline business with a small team to assist on 1800 803 339. commercial clients with a family-based Thanks Michael.

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