Manning-Great Lakes Focus i136

Feature Story

ART EXPRESS - Petra Flower

June 2018. issue 136

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Photo credit Kurt D Photography

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team From the

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

W

e have a jam packed edition for you this month, that showcases just how amazing our locals - and local businesses really are!

There seems to be no end to the talent we can find in the Manning-Great Lakes.

This edition contains our “Decades in the Trade” and “Health Professionals” features.

Just in time for winter, we’re sure we’ve provided you with

plenty of reading material to curl up in front of the fire with … and no shortage of talented people to contact, no matter what business service, trade or health professional you may need!

ON THE COVER One hundred years on, and still going strong … Braithwaite’s Family Dental in Taree has seen three generations of Braithwaites helping local families take care of their smiles.

Featured on the cover are Brian, son Mark and granddaughter

Annika - three very inspiring and hardworking local dentists. Although Brian’s retired these days, the future of the business is in good hands …

IN THIS ISSUE We meet Petra Flower, who’s currently working at Disneyland in Paris and whose artwork is travelling with the ARTEXPRESS exhibition. You can see Petra’s amazing work, The Door, at the Manning Regional Art Gallery.

Comedian extraordinaire Cal Wilson is the MC for this year’s

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, and will be just one of the acts lighting up the stage at the Manning Entertainment Centre this month.

And we also chat to Tanja Curcic, whose “Little Blue Shed” project is helping to provide better lives for those who need it most in Uganda.

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Taree Motorama 46 Victoria Street, Taree Phone 6539 3300 www.mbtaree.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 3

focusinterview.

ARTEXPRESS is a travelling exhibition that showcases the work of outstanding HSC VISUAL ARTS STUDENTS FROM ACROSS NSW. THE EXHIBITION CAN BE VIEWED AT THE MANNING REGIONAL GALLERY UNTIL 24TH JUNE - BUT WHAT’S EVEN MORE EXCITING THIS YEAR IS THAT ONE OF OUR OWN, GREAT LAKES LOCAL PETRA FLOWER, is one of the exhibitors! Petra’s work "The Door" is beautiful - but art is only the beginning of Petra’s achievements …

Heading: Petra Flower Pics: In DropBox. Please use pic of door, plus at least one pic of Petra (still shot preferred, dancing shot second choice). If you can use three shots, even better!

Subheading: ARTEXPRESS is a travelling exhibition that showcases the work of outstanding HSC visual arts students across NSW. The exhibition can be viewed at the Manning Regional Gallery until 24th June - but what’s even more exciting this year is that one of our own, Great Lakes local Petra Flower, is one of the exhibitors! Petra’s work The Door is beautiful but art is only the beginning of Petra’s achievements …

Petra

H

Flower

i Petra. Tell us a little about yourself …

I come from a fairly large family of ten. I have two incredible parents, Pete and Steph Flower; without them and their love and support, I wouldn’t be who and where I am today.

I was born in Sydney and moved to the Great Lakes when I was still very young. I’ve always felt so blessed to have grown up in such a beautiful place as the Great Lakes. I went to Forster Primary School, Great Lakes College Forster Campus, and Great Lakes College Tuncurry Senior Campus - all of which are great schools filled with incredible teachers who taught me so much over the years.

No matter where I end up around the world, I will always call Great Lakes my home.

When did you discover an interest in art?

Growing up with an extremely talented artist for a mother, I have always been exposed to art. From a young age I would spend my time gluing items on to paper, creating a colourful mess of feathers, glitter, sparkles and stickers. In preschool I still remember staying inside during play time, to try and jam a few more sparkles on to my craft from that morning!

I think it was in Year 10 when I discovered I could do a little more than glue sparkles on paper. I chose to take art as an elective that year, and one of our first tasks was to draw a portrait. I began to actually like what I was drawing, and the portrait ended up winning an award in an exhibition. I guess it was at this moment I thought, “OK, maybe I’m not so bad at this whole art thing”.

4 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Who've been some I THINK IT WAS IN YEAR of the inspirational 10 WHEN I DISCOVERED I people that helped wacky idea of painting on COULD DO A LITTLE MORE you along the way? something unusual like a THAN GLUE SPARKLES ON Hands down number door. At first it was just a PAPER. I CHOSE TO TAKE one person would be my silly idea, but the symbol ART AS AN ELECTIVE THAT mother; she’s absolutely of a door began to mean YEAR, AND ONE OF OUR the most talented so much more to me as I FIRST TASKS WAS TO DRAW person I know. I love looked further into it.

A PORTRAIT. watching her work on The overarching concept her latest masterpieces; is about opportunities. she would look so A doorway can be seen beautiful and peaceful as a symbol for new as she sat there silently and worked away. I beginnings, possibilities, discoveries, and want to be just like that when I grow up. adventure. This began to seem relevant to I also had many amazing art teachers who my immediate world, as my peers and I were helped me, showing me new ways to explore entering adulthood. We began to be faced with art and express my ideas. Melissa Laurantus, my decisions and opportunities that would shape senior art teacher and Tania Morton, my textiles our futures. and design teacher both played very important On the front of the door is a pathway, roles in helping me bring my ideas to life. representing the journey. The smaller doors The past 12 months have been huge for carved into the main door reveal symbols and you! Your artwork, The Door, painted images inspired by the idea “opportunities”. as your HSC submission at Great Lakes The viewer is invited to interpret these images College, was accepted into the touring as they reflect upon their own life and their ARTEXPRSS 2018 exhibition. How did this own journey. feel?

The back of the door shows a crouched I don’t even know if I can put into words figure gazing into a pool of water, revealing how I felt when I received the email - I was her reflection. This is a representation of me, super excited. I had so much fun working on as I “reflect” on where I have been so far on this piece, so this opportunity has just been the my journey. However, the painting is painted cherry on top. in a way that appears incomplete, blurry and The Door is simply stunning! How did you unfinished; this is because my journey is not yet come up with the idea - and tell us what complete. There are still adventures to be had, themes the work represents? memories to be made, and opportunities to be taken.

I can’t take all the credit for the initial idea; How long did The Door take to create - and it was actually my dad who suggested the

what was the most challenging part of the entire process?

We had one year to complete our works.

I actually started fairly late, because I was struggling for ideas. I began painting around April/May and finished sometime late in August.

I would say the most challenging part was trying to bring my idea to life and the logistics of creating a life sized door that was sturdy enough to carve into to create the smaller doors, whilst still keeping to the weight and size restrictions.

Your talent doesn't end with art either!

You're a dancer, and you're currently enjoying a dream career at Disneyland in Paris. What's your overall experience of living and working in Paris been like so far?

I have been very blessed to have been given the opportunity to work for Disneyland, doing something I love so much. It’s been quite an adventure; I’m learning new things every day.

Paris is such a beautiful city - so much delicious food, incredible architecture and lovely people.

Sometimes I wake up and forget I actually live here!

What are your future dreams?

I want to continue dancing as long as my body will let me. I would love to dance with a cruise line or maybe a theatre show. I think as long as I’m dancing, I’m happy.

I would love to come back to Australia eventually to study fine arts and explore the art world further and later possibly open a dance school of my own.

Thanks Petra.

issue inside this

Issue 136 - June 2018

Michael Skelton.

12

Hannam Vale resident Michael Skelton is not only an exceptionally talented photographer; he’s a well-travelled one!

Having visited 70 countries (and worked in around 35) he’s experienced extraordinary sights that most of us can only marvel at.

Michael’s body of work is impressive, as too is his story behind the lens …

Little Blue Shed.

Tanja Curcic spends her time living with a foot firmly in two worlds - one in Taree, which is her home base, and one in Uganda, where she’s set up an inspiring eco and ethical project called the “Little Blue Shed”.

60

18

Kye Anderson.

FOCUS caught up with local Kye Anderson, seven times Ironman Transmoto Champion, to get the dirt on life as an internationally acclaimed enduro-racer. He’s about to head back overseas to take on the World Hard Enduro Championships.

Regulars

14. WHAT’S ON FOR JUNE 31. TOURISM SHARON BULTITUDE 56. BUSINESS MINDS JEREMY THORNTON

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focusinterview.

Comedy Festival Roadshow I N T E R N AT I O N A L

You’ve seen her on stage in her own ONEWOMAN COMEDY SHOW, ON TV IN “SPICKS AND SPECKS”, “ROVE LIVE” AND “HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION?”, HEARD HER ON THE RADIO WITH NOVA FM … All round warm-hearted and funny lady Cal Wilson is the MC for this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, which will have you slumped in your chair spluttering with laughter at the MEC this month …

H

i Cal. You’re a Kiwi by birth - what led you to up stumps and move to Oz in 2003?

There were more opportunities for work.

There wasn’t a huge comedy scene back then - it’s bigger now, in both Australia and New Zealand - but there just weren’t the opportunities for full-time work in comedy.

I’d come over to do the Melbourne Comedy Festival a couple of times, I’d made friends and it was really exciting scene, so it seemed to be a logical step.

How many years have you been involved with the Melbourne Comedy Festival?

I did my first show in 2001; Fiona O’Loughlin and I tied to win the Best Newcomer award. I did have a couple of years off from the festival, when I had my son, and one year I was doing a radio show, but I’ve been involved ever since.

How much does the roadshow itself help you come up with material for each show?

I always try to do local material - it keeps it really fresh and interesting. I don’t think I’ve been to Port Macquarie before, but I know I’ve definitely been to Taree, because there’s a giant oyster there. I love finding out what the big, weird things in towns are!

I was reading about Port Macquarie before, and I’m excited that there’s a koala trail there! That would be something I’d be very interested in dong while I’m there.

And the line up for the festival this year is amazing. We’ll be visited by Bob Franklin, Tom Cashman, Gillian Cosgriff and Sharul Channa …

It’s always great! Bob is one of my favourite

6 Manning-Great Lakes focus

comedians, but I’m so excited about everyone involved. I’ve worked with Sharul before; she’s from Singapore, and she’s fantastic. I don’t know Tom Cashman - I’ve heard great things about him, but we’ve never worked together.

Gillian is an amazing singer and very funny!

What’s lovely about the roadshow is that after you spend months with the Melbourne Comedy Festival just talking by yourself for an hour on stage, you actually get to go on the road, hang out with your mates and see their material too. It’s such a welcome change from the festival, to have other people to share the experience with. When you do your own show, it can often be quite lonely - because no one else is there to see the show that night. With the roadshow, you’re all there, for however long it goes!

There’s a quote on your website that says, “Even the inner workings of her mind are hilarious” … How would you describe the way your mind works?

I have anxiety … My brain works very fast, because I’ve always worried about things. I kind of go through every possible scenario - and even though my anxiety is much better these days, I still have that speed of thought that looks at a situation from every possible angle. I’m always thinking, “What could happen? What could go wrong in this situation?” That’s just the way my brain works!

I did improv for years, before I did stand up.

I’m very comfortable with making stuff up and thinking quickly, as this is what I was taught to do from the start. This has really helped with standup … I don’t really need to remember any lines, because I know I can just keep talking, until I remember what I’m supposed to be talking about!

C A L

W I L S O N

I love chatting to out next year; they’re What’s so great about the the audience; I think being illustrated at the roadshow is that it’s such a everybody is funny! I can moment. I’m also going varied line up - even if you’re get some really great to sit down and write the not so keen on one of the interactions happening third one in the second comedians, you’ll love the with an audience, half of this year. The others ... It really is a show for and this keeps things books have come out everybody; it’s a smorgasbord of interesting as well. of stories I used to tell comedy.

Reading your bio was my son at bed time - so an adventure! When don’t worry, I know how did you discover to pitch my stories to all you had a talent different age groups. with a glue gun, for Let’s put that speedy example? brain of yours through its paces. Here are Oh - I was helping to make props for a few quick questions that need equally a show, and discovered I was just having quick answers … way too much fun! It kind of took off. So, Favourite colour Blue. that’s another thing I do now when I’m Favourite beverage Lemon, lime and bitters. on roadshows … I visit op shops and look Favourite food Pad Thai. for weird little trinkets that I can glue to Favourite comedian Aggghhh … that’s something. too big to answer, because there are so Does that help with being a mum too? many brilliant ones! But, one of my all-time (Laughs). Well, there was one morning favourites is Denise Scott. when my son told me they had a “dress up as Final say about the roadshow … a mathematician day”. He hadn’t bothered to What’s so great about the roadshow is that give me any notice beforehand … but because it’s such a varied line up - even if you’re not so I have loads of boxes with little trinkets, I keen on one of the comedians, you’ll love the found a heap of numbers and glued them to a others. It really is a show for everybody; it’s a headband and sent him off to school. smorgasbord of comedy.

You’ve pretty well covered everything We can’t wait - it’s always such a treat to be career-wise in the entertainment field on the roadshow. … improv, standup, radio, TV. What else Thanks Cal. would you like to do?

I want to do a podcast. Claire Hooper - one of my best friends and a gorgeous comedian - and I have come up with this idea for a podcast, so we’re going to sit down together The Melbourne International Comedy and work on some episodes. I love listening to Festival Roadshow: Manning Entertainment podcasts, so I’m really excited about this!

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 7

focusinterview.

Pacific Palms

festival

THE PACIFIC PALMS ART FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD OVER THE LONG WEEKEND IN JUNE AT PACIFIC PALMS PUBLIC SCHOOL. WITH A STELLAR CATERED OPENING NIGHT ON JUNE 8TH, $5,500 IN PRIZES FOR EXHIBITING ARTISTS, AND A RAFFLE, THE EVENT IS A MUST ON THE LOCAL ARTS CALENDAR. SECRETARY PAULA YOUNG SHARES THE FINER DETAILS …

H

ow long has the Pacific Palms Art Festival been established - and please share some information about the event …

The Pacific Palms Art

Festival is a long established art show, running for over 25 years. It’s now in its 26th year!

Held every June long weekend, Friday 8th

June is the opening night this year (a ticketed event) and the exhibition is open Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm for an entry fee of only $2 per adult, with kids free.

The festival’s eminent judge is Michael Rolfe, CEO Museums and Galleries of NSW. Supported by the whole community, funds raised go towards the Pacific Palms Public School Learning Programmes.

What will happen on Open Night?

The art festival is an exciting cultural event for the Mid North Coast. The pinnacle of the event is opening night on Friday, June 8, where artists, sponsors and the general public enjoy mixing at a fully catered evening, providing the first opportunity to purchase original artworks.

All artworks exhibited are available for purchase (with the exception of the Acquisitive Prize winner).

Opening night runs from 7pm to 10pm; tickets include supper, dessert and drinks.

Pre-purchased tickets are $25, and each artist receives one with their entry. They can also be purchased at the door for $30.

8 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Tickets are available from the school office on Boomerang Drive, Boomerang Beach or by contacting Cath on 0434 678 381; cathbennett99@bigpond.com There is no live entertainment.

Who are some of the artists represented at the festival this year?

The art festival gathers artists from the THE PINNACLE OF THE Central Coast to EVENT IS OPENING NIGHT Gloucester and who usually donate as far north as ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8, WHERE it to the Pacific Palms Coffs Harbour and ARTISTS, SPONSORS AND Public School. surrounds.

Artists nominate THE GENERAL PUBLIC ENJOY Previously which individual MIXING AT A FULLY CATERED exhibiting artists section they are EVENING, PROVIDING of note include entering for the THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY Yvette Hugill, Terry following prizes: TO PURCHASE ORIGINAL Johnston, Helga 1. Oil or acrylic (on ARTWORKS. Visser, Nicole board or canvas) 1st Bramble, Trish prize $500, 2nd prize Fitzpatrick, Janice $200 Wilson and Sally 2. Watercolour/ West. There are pastels 1st prize $500, 2nd prize $200 up to 60 exhibitors per year.

3. Open (mixed media/pen/pencil/ink) 1st prize What will be the prizes/categories at this only $500 year’s event?

4. Photography 1st prize $500, 2nd prize $200 The total prize pool is $5,500. All work in the 5. Environmental prize (theme “Wetlands”) 1st exhibition is entered into the Acquisitive (main) prize only $500. prize of $2,000. The winning work is donated And there’s also a raffle happening, in to the Pacific Palms Art Festival Committee, conjunction with the festival?

The raffle has two prizes, the first being the donated work Though Morning Grass, a framed pastel by Yvette Hugill, last year’s major prize winner.

The second prize is two nights’ accommodation at the Lakes and Ocean Hotel in Forster for one person, including one meal to the value of $20.

Where can we find out more info?

The best place to find out more about the festival is from the Pacific Palms Public School website, where you can download entry forms, brochures etc: http://www.pacificpal-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ art-festival Or, contact Cath 0434 678 381; cathbennett99@bigpond.com Thanks Paula.

Pic (top): Reg Richardson (Patron) and Ken Pares (Founder).

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focuseditorial.

M E R C E D E S - B E N Z

Class

When you think of Mercedes-Benz, you could be forgiven for conjuring images of wealthy professionals, power-suits, long lunches and weekend dashes to the snow.

When you think of Mercedes-Benz, you could be forgiven for conjuring images of wealthy professionals, power-suits, long lunches and weekend dashes to the snow.

T

he arrival of the MercedesBenz X-Class is attempting to smash these preconceptions; as the luxury German brand tries to muscle in on the lucrative premium ute market, paving the way for marketing campaigns focusing on self-made tradies, remote camping expeditions, stone-washed jeans and last-minute trips to Bunnings.

But it’s not just the intended buyer that has left Mercedes-Benz in unchartered waters - it’s also been on the receiving end of significant criticism that the X-Class is simply an expensive, re-badged Nissan Navara.

Negative press aside, the X-Class has been highly anticipated (demonstrated by 10,000 expressions of interest prior to its launch) and seeing it in the flesh emphasises why the threepointed star brand believes that this vehicle can have a serious impact on a segment that accounts for 17% of total vehicle sales.

Arguable the most stylish “lifestyle dualcab” on the market, the X-Class looks sleek and ruggedly tough, although I probably needed a concrete mixer or a bale of hay in the tray to give it some street cred during the drive.

Not that you’d want concrete dust or lucerne in the cabin of the X 250d Power (the range-topper for now) - the interior is a class above; and to differentiate it from the cheaper models it includes heated power seats, a 360-degree camera, an 8.4 inch multimedia system and lashes of chrome and leather. Genuine tradies might be disappointed 10 Manning-Great Lakes focus

If you tick the box for the 7-speed auto, this though, as the centre console is strangely small and they can forget about bringing an oversized drink bottle along for the ride.

They can, however, bring with them a shipload of gear, as the tray is rated to carry over a tonne; its overall dimensions make it the largest in its class and it has a towing capacity of 3,500 kg, the benchmark figure for utes in this category.

If you tick the box for the 7-speed auto, this particular model will set you back approximately $64k; certainly within reach of buyers readily forking out similar money for a Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Mercedes-Benz considers the X-Class to be more than appropriately priced; as its efforts to distance itself from its cousin have included hefty research and design investment.

While the re-engineering of the Navara to morph it into the X-Class has involved a stiffer ladder frame chassis, loads of sound deadening and an upgrade of the widelypanned suspension, this hasn’t extended to the engines/transmissions - which it shares with the Nissan.

That’s not to say the 140 kW/450 Nm diesel is an unsophisticated engine, but as it weighs more than 200 kg than its Japanese brother, the twin-turbo four has to work pretty hard to get around; and that’s before you’ve chucked anything in the tray.

This is not a fast ute by any means (reaching the ton in 11.8 seconds), but its refinement is unmatched by anything else currently on the market; the diesel rattle is harder to find than an honest banking executive, the engine revs

particular model

smoothly to the redline featuring a rear diff-lock will set you back and its unladen ride is and hill descent control; approximately $64k; sedan-like. although true mudcertainly within Speed and power may slingers might want to reach of buyers readily not be a direct selling change the road-biased forking out similar money point for the X-Class, tyres on the 19” alloys. for a Ford Ranger Wildtrak. but chucking the glossy It may not have white loud-hauler redefined the dual-cab through some bends ute class, but the X-Class on Burrawan Forest Drive suggests that its is a quality cross-purpose vehicle with a high handling and braking attributes are in another calibre interior, genuine off-road capabilities league to its rivals. Sharp steering, ventilated and an exterior that borders on sexy. Just don’t rear-discs and suspension with the ability to go crazy on the options list, as there is a wide soak up decade old potholes gives you the array of extras with eye-watering price tags. impression that you’re driving a high-end SUV, Those wanting extra power and not a vehicle intended for the farm/worksite/ performance will have to wait for the V6 beach. version (due to hit the market in late 2018); However, if getting your rig a bit dirty is but whether it’s on a school run, a beach run more appealing than the school drop-off, the or a trip to the tip, the X-Class is coming to a X250d is well equipped for 4WD activities, road near you.

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focusinterview.

Michael

Skelton

Hannam Vale resident Michael Skelton is not only an exceptionally talented photographer; he’s a well-travelled one! HAVING VISITED 70 COUNTRIES (AND WORKED IN AROUND 35) HE’S EXPERIENCED EXTRAORDINARY SIGHTS THAT MOST OF US CAN ONLY MARVEL AT. Michael’s body of work is impressive, as too is his story behind the lens …

H

i Mike. You've called Hannam Vale home since 2008. What brought about the “tree-change” from the "big smoke"?

My “tree-change” at 50 was as a direct result of being diagnosed with a very serious medical condition. I had a choice offered by my surgeon: “Either change your lifestyle or keep on doing what you’re doing and probably die”. It took about five minutes to decide on a complete change of life. In many ways I had been looking for a way of backing out of the ridiculously fast paced and stressful life I led as an advertising photographer.

What were your early inspirations with photography?

My inspiration and introduction to photography was via my first trip to Europe.

Seeing such wondrous sights and being immersed in such history was revelatory for me. I had a small Canon point and shoot camera my parents lent me and got very frustrated, as I knew I wasn’t getting the images I wanted. I vowed that on my return I’d get a good camera (a Nikon F) and get serious about photography.

I went to RMIT University in Melbourne and gained a BA in Illustrative Photography. I was completely obsessed with photography and the opportunities it allowed me for

12 Manning-Great Lakes focus

A massive feast was laid out

artistic self expression. The course was more geared to commercial photography, so my first influences were more commercially based. I spent hours in the RMIT library going through every magazine I could get my hands on, seeing work done all over the world. Initially, fashion photography had me enthralled, the likes of Guy Bourdin, Helmet Newton, Steve Hiett and Gian Paolo Barbieri.

I then was enchanted by the works of French photographers Jean Lariviere and Daniel Jouanneau.

Your photographic career appears to cover two distinctly different spheres.

There are the "reportage" projects, where you've travelled the world photographing people in often difficult situations/locations - and then there's the commercial photography side. Let's talk about the "reportage" side first ...

How did the idea come about to shoot in different countries, and what national aid organisations did you assist in the process?

I sponsored two foster children in Bolivia via the international development agency PLAN International. I was in Brazil in 1986 on honeymoon. I’m not much of a tourist, unless it involves going deeply into a subject or place, so I thought I’d create a three-week photographic project for PLAN, as I wanted to visit the children anyway.

for me, and I was mobbed From this voluntary Asia is an experience by children everywhere project blossomed most of us could I went - so much so, resolve to go every year only dream about.

I had to abandon the from four to eight weeks Many of us only see idea of photographing for an aid organisation, the "touristy" side and just go with it and enjoy to promote their work of foreign countries the experience. around the world. when we travel Over 14 years I but what are some worked for firstly PLAN experiences/sights International (www.plan. you witnessed that org.au) and the The Hunger Project (www. have left a lasting impact on you?

THP.org.au). This represented my attempt to There are big events that happened which “give back” for the privileged life I felt I led in will never leave me. One example is the time Australia.

I was going to Sahel village in Burkina Faso These voluntary projects became a true to photograph a village education program love for me. The people and places were for PLAN. The organisation had let the village fascinating. I got to experience life in the raw, know I was coming a week in advance, so it places you can’t go and people you can’t seems the word got out. normally meet. Their grace and humanity Approaching the village, there was a weird in the face of overwhelming adversity was dust cloud in the distance where the village an inspiration for me. I hope my portraits of should be, and we wondered what was them go some way to capturing this. going on. On arrival, I was greeted by several How many countries have you visited thousand people and a Bedouin dance troupe and roughly how much of your life do (famous in the area) who formed a large circle you think you've spent living out of a of 20 old men, all with antique ramrod rifles suitcase or backpack? dancing in a circle and rhythmically firing and At a quick count I’ve worked in about 35 reloading the guns to African drum music - 40 different countries and visited about 70. while being accompanied by the clapping, When I had my studio in Sydney, on average singing and stomping of thousands. A massive I would have been working overseas two feast was laid out for me, and I was mobbed three months a year. by children everywhere I went - so much so, Shooting in Africa, South America and I had to abandon the idea of photographing

focusinterview.

My commercial work in general was for mainstream has all but disappeared advertising agencies. in the mainstream diverse ethnic groups The work would appear developed world.” display an attitude, a zest in magazines, on When I returned from and love for life that I fear billboards, websites, my yearly sojourns to has all but disappeared in anywhere the agencies the developing world, I the mainstream developed world. wanted to use the work found it grounded me and were licensed by and gave me a new me to do so. (When perspective on life in a photographer owns Australia. I started living copyright they license for the next trip away. usage, which is negotiated prior to the job On to the commercial photography going ahead.) ... who are some of the clients you've My ad work was usually of a large worked with over the years? production nature. I was known for producing After my first five years or so in commercial scenes with large production values. The photography, many of my clients were from images often involved a lot of people - not overseas. This was a premeditated strategy just in front of the camera (models or actors) not only because the work was often more but the full retinue of behind the scenes interesting, but at the time photographers

I have been privileged to spend so much time with these inspiring people. In many ways, these

and just go with it and enjoy the experience.

Often I was given live animals (which I had to take for fear of offending my host) so when we left we may have a full sized sheep to share in the limited space of our car. We would travel to another village and donate it to the village. I was given a cow once; that was problematic.

The experiences are too numerous to retell, but collectively they were the experience of my lifetime. Over the years the aid work I did became my passion, and the commercial work financed those trips.

What are some of the differences you've noted between people's attitudes/ philosophies between Australia and those living in poorer/less developed countries?

I am now quoting text from my website on this very subject: ”In photographing the reportage projects I have attempted to portray the pride, grace and beauty I perceived in the people I met. I was without exception given their trust and I was humbled by their tenacity for life, even when facing overwhelming odds - odds which most Australians have no concept of unless they have experienced the oppressive conditions faced daily by a great proportion of humanity.

“I have been privileged to spend so much time with these inspiring people. In many ways, these diverse ethnic groups display an attitude, a zest and love for life that I fear

craftspeople i.e. stylists, set builders, model makers, hair, makeup, assistants, animal wranglers, etc. Sometimes I’d have 20 - 40 people working on an image, which would often take a week to shoot.

You were recently involved with the Art in the Vale exhibition. What does it mean to you to be involved with an exhibition of this kind?

I think it’s important to get behind local initiatives like Art in the Vale. I live here; I see all the work and love put into the exhibition each year by the local community and hall committee. People really try hard to make it an event that puts Hannam Vale on the map.

Why would I not participate?

Where can we see more of your work/ upcoming exhibitions/contact you?

I can be contacted via my website www.skelton.biz and anything that’s going on should be there. Thanks Mike.

in Australia did not own copyright to their commercial work (unlike photographers almost everywhere else.) I felt this was unfair and felt uncomfortable working under that system.

I actively fostered work in Singapore and Hong Kong, making yearly promotional trips.

This proved very successful, and I started working more for Asia than Australia. I expanded to having an agent in New York for a while, and I started also getting some work from Japan and Europe.

International Airlines were major clients. I did a lot of campaigns for Thai International and Singapore Airways, but also worked for Qantas Continental, United Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

Some other major clients were Nifty Internet (Largest ISP in Japan), At&T (USA), Toyota, Subaru, VW, various tourist commissions, Sony/Minolta, Tiger Beer, etc.

What types of commercial shoots were you typically involved with?

Manning-Great Lakes focus 13

focus_What’s On Manning-Great Lakes

J U N E

MANNING WINTER FESTIVAL OFFICIAL OPENING The talented comedian and performer Andy Saunders is the 2018 Manning Winter Festival Ambassador. Come to the official opening and presentation of the biennial “Manning Winter Festival Visual and Performing Arts Awards” at the Manning Regional Art Gallery. Tickets can be purchased for $20 from Bass ‘n Blues Music Megastore. There will be entertainment and refreshments served. Dress “after 5” and meet the Ambassador. When Fri 1st Jun, 6pm - 8pm.

Where MRAG, 12 Macquarie St, Taree.

Website www.manningwinterfestival.weebly.com Ph: Denise (02) 6556 1887.

WILDSIDE ADVENTURE RACE

HIF NSW SURFMASTERS TITLES

The HIF NSW Surfmasters Titles Presented by Moby’s Beachside Retreat will once again be four days of competition at Boomerang Beach.

When Thu 14th - Sun 17th June.

Where Boomerang Beach, Pacific Palms. Website www.surfingaustralia.com/states/nsw Phone (02) 9349 7055 Email info@surfingnsw.com.au

GREAT LAKES NISSAN MOTORFEST

8

Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club present the “Great Lakes Nissan Motorfest” featuring approximately 350 vintage and classic vehicles! ***PUBLIC FREE ENTRY*** Food catered by the Rural Fire Service. Coffee vans on site all day.

When Sun 10th Jun, 8:30am - 1pm. Where John Wright Park, Tuncurry. Phone (02) 6555 9807. Email glhac@outlook.com

The Wildside Adventure Race is about the journey - discovering that adventure is everywhere. It is about challenging you, taking you to new places and out of your comfort zone. You will become explorers.

When Fri 8th Jun - Mon 11th Jun. Where Great Lakes. Info www. wildsideadventurerace.com.au Phone 0402 519 521 or info@fullyradadventures.com.au

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MINI FESTIVAL Not a Café will be holding a Mini Festival at the shop, with many local artisans demonstrating and selling their creations. We’ll have demonstrations in glass blowing, wax art, Aboriginal dot painting, stirling silver jewellery making, live portraits, wine tasting, magic, music and more. It’s shaping up to be a great day out! When Saturday 9th June, 9:30am - 3pm.

Where Not a Café, 53 Isabella St, Wingham.

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MY ART, YOUR HEART EXHIBITION

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MUSIC IN THE BACK PADDOCK MANNING DE GROOT

Family friendly music days in the back paddock are a highlight at Great Lakes Paddocks. A day in the country with family and friends kicking back with a picnic listening to live music is a great escape. When Sun 10th Jun, 1pm - 4pm. Where Great Lakes Winery, 115 Herivals Rd, Wootton, NSW. Website www.greatlakespaddocks.com.au Phone (02) 4997 7255 Email info@greatlakeswines.com.au

Enhancing the artistic and cultural growth of the Macleay Valley is the primary aim of the Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery at 5 Kinchela Street Gladstone, NSW. This month they will feature the My Art, Your Heart exhibition

by Fred Bullen and Simone Atkins. What Art Exhibition Where Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery, 5 Kinchela Street Gladstone p.6567 5092 When Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun Time 10:30 am - 4:00 pmCost Free entry

“AROUND THE WORLD WITH MUSIC”.

Presented by MANNING VALLEY CONCERT BAND. The Manning Valley Concert Band, directed by Roger Griffths, will present its Around The World With Music concert. This concert will transport you from the outback of Australia, across to Mexico, the Caribbean and the USA. We then travel to the United Kingdom and Europe. When Sunday, July 1st at 2pm. Where St John’s Anglican Church, Taree. Tickets available at the door, or at Bass ‘n’ Blues, ph. 6551 5067.

Tickets are $10.

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97 The Lakes Way, Forster NSW 2428 | (02) 6555 7700

focusinterview.

Photography by Chris Hales

Jason Noble.

World renowned clarinettist Jason Noble is originally from Taree and was a regular competitor as a youngster in the Taree and District Eisteddfod.

Jason will be back visiting the area in June - this time as a judge at the Eisteddfod; plus, he’ll also be offering some workshops for aspiring musicians …

H

i Jason. Where are you originally from, and what was it like growing up there?

I was born in Taree at Manning Valley Hospital, the second of nine children - yes, nine! Mum worked as a piano teacher at Berrigans Music and Dad worked as a real estate agent. I clearly remember living in Taree, even though we moved to Port Macquarie when I was about four.

In Port Macquarie I attended St Joseph’s and St Agnes’ Primary School, before attending Port Macquarie High School, so I had a good mix of the Catholic and public school systems.

How/when were you introduced to the clarinet?

I learnt piano with my mother, but to be honest this involved a lot of sitting in on other classes and playing along, trying not to tell the other students they were making a mistakes. Hopefully I wasn’t too precocious! I have vivid memories of sitting in electronic organ classes with my own set of headphones, having a great time.

Around nine years of age I decided to take up another instrument. My mother took me into the Town Band Hall in Port Macquarie, to meet Shirley Goodbar, then Director of the town band. I really wanted a saxophone, but alas there were none available, so I opted for the next best thing - the clarinet! These days I do still play some sax, but am really glad of that decision to stick with the clarinet, as there are so many more possibilities for playing clarinets.

In Port Macquarie, I spent a lot of years with the town band, as well as taking an

16 Manning-Great Lakes focus

I WILL BE IN TAREE FOR A WEEK COMMENCING JUNE 4TH, JUDGING THE INSTRUMENTAL SECTION AT THE TAREE EISTEDDFOD. IT WILL BE AMAZING TO RETURN TO THIS EVENT THAT I ATTENDED EVERY YEAR AS A YOUNGSTER.

inspiring trip to Japan with the Hastings Koalas as a 12 year old. My early clarinet lessons were firstly with Jock Garven (now principal of Lack Cathie Public School) and then Keith Heddles (his son, Stewart, is now music teacher at Port High).

Later I learnt from Richard Gawned in Taree. Music was strong at Port High at that time, led by Glen Moore. We had a great group of musicians, and five of the Year 12 cohort went on to be accepted into Music Performance Degrees. I also learnt piano from my mother, and then when teenage rebellion set in, with the wonderful Phyllis King.

You’ve spent a lot of time travelling the world, as a core member of Ensemble Offspring. What have been some of the highlights of this experience for you?

Ensemble Offspring work with composers around the world, specialising in performing new work and music written in my lifetime.

This has taken us all over the world, performing throughout Europe and Asia. I especially remember performing with Steve Reich at the Sydney Opera House, at the Brewarrina Festival with local Indigenous composers, and at the Shanghai Festival of new Music. Having said this, we also perform a yearly gig at the local bowling club, which gets jam packed, so the venues we call home are extremely varied.

Outside Ensemble Offspring, recent highlights include playing on the late Gurrumul’s final album, a season of the Wizard of Oz at the Capitol Theatre, and I

am about to play with Neil Finn at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Live.

You have a few projects you actively support/fundraise for, including the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul and the Tiwi Strong Women Women’s Group, Ngarukuruwala.Why are groups such as these important to you?

Music has the power to transcend borders, cultures and politics. I have travelled to Kabul, Afghanistan on two occasions to perform and teach at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music. This was a wonderful opportunity to work with Afghani musicians both in Western and traditional Afghani music. The students were sponges for information, but these trips made me realise the power of music to communicate, but also what a privilege it is to be a musician.

Likewise, working in the Tiwi Islands with the Women’s Choir, Ngarukuruwala, has been an inspiration. This has been an ongoing opportunity to go into an Indigenous community and work with local musicians, while learning a lot about their culture in the process. We have released a couple of albums and performed at Sydney, Darwin festivals, and for the Pope.

Amongst your other achievements, you also released your first solo album, Chi’s Cakewalk. Tell us a bit about why you wanted to produce this album …

Despite recording a lot of albums with other groups, it took me a while to put out my solo album. I wanted this to reflect the

diversity of the work I am involved in. Chi’s Cakewalk is all Australian music for clarinet and bass clarinet. Expect some birdsong, Nintendo music and a beautiful duet with a Tiwi elder.

You’ll be visiting Taree for the Eisteddfod in June, where you’ll be a guest judge.

How long will you be in the area?

I will be in Taree for a week commencing June 4th, judging the instrumental section at the Taree Eisteddfod. It will be amazing to return to this event that I attended every year as a youngster; it was pivotal in gaining so much performance experience and meeting like-minded musos.

You’ll also be running some workshops while you’re in town. When/where will these be held - and what types of students will you be catering for?

I will also be running a workshop for woodwind players on Friday 8th June - 3:30pm in the Manning Valley Bandroom. From beginner to advanced players, this will be a chance to talk shop and learn a few tips on developing as a woodwind player. I attended these as a student, and found it incredibly useful to have a player from Sydney come to town and give me some extra tips.

Where can we find out more info about you, your album - and how we can book for the workshops?

Places at the workshop can be booked by calling 6551 5067. The fee for participants is $20 and $10 for observers.

My website is jasonnoble-clarinettist.com where you can read my blog and hear some tracks from the album. The album can also be purchased from i-Tunes or from my website.

Thanks Jason.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 17

Blue Little

S H E D

Tanja Curcic spends her time living with a foot firmly in two worlds - one in Taree, which is her home base, and one in Uganda, where she’s set up an inspiring eco and ethical project called the "Little Blue Shed”. THE LITTLE BLUE SHED PROVIDES TRAINING, COUNSELLING AND EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS FOR VULNERABLE WOMEN LIVING IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES. Tanja’s currently at home in Taree, sharing her experiences and helping to promote awareness of her project …

18 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusinterview.

H

i Tanja. Tell us a bit about yourself …

Hello, my name is Tanja. Nowadays I have two homes, Uganda and Australia. I have just come back from a three-year stint living in rural Uganda and I’m back now for approximately six months to build awareness of my work in Uganda, in particularly “Project Empower Me” and fundraise, so that I am able to implement this valuable women’s empowerment project.

Taree is my home base, where I spend my time to relax and be with my loved ones. It’s the place where I come to be topped up with family love!

I'm sure there's an interesting story behind how you first became interested in Uganda and the plight of women and youth there living there under difficult circumstances. Please fill us in on why you decided to become involved ...

After a day visit to Kibera in 2007 (Kenya’s biggest slum) my inner world changed in a way that I can’t explain; there was no turning back. Upon return to Sydney after my twomonth trip, I resumed my marketing role at Centennial Park. I couldn’t focus a stirring about what I could do to help - couldn’t make sense of my good paying, comfortable job any more.

I came to a decision after much turmoil to give myself one year to save money, do a TELSO course, quit my job and go back to Africa to volunteer with children.

In 2010 I set out on journey to volunteer teach children who couldn't afford school fees. I ended up starting the "Little Blue Shed" - a project to empower women living in challenging situations.

The Little Blue Shed started in a village in Uganda called Mufibira. I was requested to

LITTLE BLUE SHED buy sewing machines bags, purses, necklaces, EMPOWERS COMMUNITY by the women in that bracelets, earrings and WOMEN LEADERS AND village. I agreed, the home décor - place PROVIDES INCOME shed was extended, mats, bowls etc. We are GENERATING ACTIVITIES, painted blue and always looking for new SO THAT WOMEN WILL officially named "Little ideas and innovations to BE ABLE TO LIVE A Blue Shed". It was a be appealing to women DIGNIFIED LIFE AND EARN place where the women world-wide.

AN HONEST INCOME. of the village came to The objective of the produce fashion/artisan, project is to identify especially jewellery the most vulnerable crafted by rolling beads women (single using recycled paper. mothers, widows, youth school drop-outs How many times have you visited and domestic violence victims) and empower Uganda now - and what are some of the them with skills and training in fashion/ issues you've identified there? handiwork. These young women are the I have been to Uganda twice - once in prime target for prostitution and other 2010 for one year and in 2015 for three degrading activities; this is heart breaking, years. Previously I was in Kenya in 2017, for and no women on this planet should be two months. forced to live like that. We also are very Issues that I have identified, especially active in sharing, counselling and supporting in the last three years of living in the rural women emotionally through difficult life environments, was the lack of education and situations. training - particularly for women living in Little Blue Shed empowers community rural villages. Work opportunities are low and women leaders and provides income individuals without skills really had the odds generating activities, so that women will be against them. able to live a dignified life and earn an honest I observed how oppressed women were income. living in poverty, working hard for very Little Blue Shed also provides training little money and engaging in degrading in business skills and entrepreneurship to activities just to survive. Vulnerability certain women leaders, with the aim of building opens desperate doors … I was shocked at sustainable businesses in under-served humanity as a whole, really. communities in Uganda.

Tell us more about the "Little Blue What's a memorable moment or two you Shed"… can share about the changes the Little Little Blue Shed is an eco and ethical Blue Shed has brought about? sustainable project. It is a platform developed There are many. Women are so grateful for empowering vulnerable women living for opportunities that helped them survive in Uganda through training, skills and and pay for their children’s school fees. Many employment opportunities. women where tearful at how desperate they Little Blue Shed makes fashion and decor were and how learning a skill and earning an products made from 100% recycled calendar income had changed their lives. paper. The product range includes hand One in particular was taking in a lady

(Mary) and two of her children, who were left on the street; they had nowhere to go, and I opened my house to them and actually for the next year took in women and children with nowhere to go. This was a great learning experience for me - difficult, but very important to experience for the work that I am doing.

After setting up Mary with a little business and working with her teaching her about sustainability and budgeting, she now has her own apartment with her children and pays for rent, food etc. Mary has grown so much over the past two years. I get such joy when I see women become empowered like this!

She can make healthy, empowered decisions now for herself and her family.

There was a fundraiser on June 2nd at the Exchange Hotel in Taree for the Little Blue Shed. How will funds raised by this event be used?

The funds will be used to further the valuable work of Little Blue Shed to the next level. We will be using it for training purposes (practical training as well as business skills and entrepreneurship), materials and equipment for Little Blue Shed to produce recycled products.

We also need to buy a vehicle in order to get to difficult to reach villages with materials and teach. For the last three years I have been travelling on the back of a motor bike for long distances on bad roads with loads of pot holes. It's very time consuming and dangerous. This will greatly help Little Blue Shed’s operation and growth.

How can we help the cause, or find out more info?

You can visit www.littleblushed.org and donate to our GoFundMe campaign. Every dollar kindly donated will greatly help us with “Project Empower Me”.

Thanks Tanja.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 19

V O L K S W A G E N

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20 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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Contact Contact carbon reducing and replenish reducing and replenish the andAustralian replenish the Australian the Australian are carbon arereducing are carbon IronwoodIronwood at futureforests@ironwood.com.au Ironwood at futureforests@ironwood.com.au at futureforests@ironwood.com.au landscape back ral landscape to its back original toback its state. original to its original state. state. natural landscape naturalnatu for morefor information. more forinformation. more information. timber, trees, loveour timber, trees, countryside timber, our countryside our countryside We love trees, We love We and the people and theand inpeople it.the people in it. in it.

For more For more For information more information information contact contact contact futureforests@ironwood.com.au futureforests@ironwood.com.au futureforests@ironwood.com.au ironwood.com.au/futureforests ironwood.com.au/futureforests ironwood.com.au/futureforests Manning-Great Lakes focus 21

Laksa Curry from Club Old Bar 22 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Chicken Stack

Tender Calamari Strips

Club Old Bar

The Tanks Café

The award winning Club Old Bar Bistro is the go-to dining destination in Old Bar, with something for all tastes and budgets. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, the family friendly club has a delicious range of meals, including seafood, steak, pasta, traditional pub fare and more.

We’re proud to announce the opening of “THE TANKS” Café, Lounge & Bar at Club Forster!

Relax and enjoy our brand new space, featuring state-of-the-art facilities.

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!

Hosts of the best meal deals in town; with weekly dinner specials, a fantastic Seniors lunch on Thursdays plus $10 lunch options from Monday to Friday.

EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF STEVE CURLEW

The new winter menu is out now, featuring their signature seafood chowder, lamb shanks, chef's famous laksa and more.

With a bar, playground, café and more, the entire family will enjoy the dining experience Club Old Bar has to offer. Head to cluboldbar.com.au for all the details, or pop into Club Old Bar any day of the week.

CLUB FORSTER, 19 STRAND ST, FORSTER 6591 6591

1 BELFORD ST, OLD BAR. 6553 7224 WWW.CLUBOLDBAR.COM.AU

OPEN 7 DAYS 10AM TO LATE.

OPEN 7 DAYS

Sesame crusted yellow fin tuna with warm chilli and wakame soy reduction and onion crisps

Mobys on Red Gum

Dine on 19

Mobys on Red Gum is excited to announce the return of chef Jesse, who has been working in Sydney under renowned chef Simon Sandle. Come and let our new enthusiastic, young team wow you with exciting, fresh, local food.

Dineon19 offers a great range of fresh, inspiring food choices. Perfect for any occasion, the Dineon19 menu changes regularly with the seasons. Club Taree’s commitment to offering quality products and a service guarantee ensures that your experience at Dineon19 will be enjoyed with friends and family.

Mobys on Red Gum is open for dinner Thursday to Monday and for breakfast and lunch on weekends.

CHEF CHAD AND HEAD CHEF JESSE

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.

Here at Club Taree our food journey started almost 18 months ago, when we embraced a new style of dining, spoke of our passion for food and introduced experiences such as THE CRAFT SHOP, and The Chef’s Table. Now as we evolve even further, we introduce our Food Philosophy.

121 WINGHAM ROAD, TAREE 6539 4000 WWW.TAREERSLANDGOLF.COM.AU OPEN 7 DAYS

Manning-Great Lakes focus 23

focus_contributor

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

throughout this time. has devastated the wine regions of Europe As vines age, the amount of grapes in particular. The Barossa Valley continues they produce reduces significantly, but the to be phylloxera free today and as a result, quality improves significantly also. The fruit produces sensational wines from old vines. produced is super juicy and sweet. These days The old vines of the Barossa were originally “Old Vine” yields approximately 50 kg of plant in the 1840s for the purpose of exceptional fruit, which is used to make an making Port. The varieties planted at this exclusive premium time included Grenache, small batch of wine, Mourvedre and Shiraz, making it some of primarily for their high the rarest and most sugar content.

As vines age, the amount of sought after wine in Over time the desire for grapes they produce reduces the world.

Port declined dramatically, significantly, but the quality South Australia’s and sadly many of the old improves significantly also. The Barossa Valley is vines were pulled out and fruit produced is super juicy home to some replanted with the likes of and sweet. ” of the oldest Chardonnay. It is hard to commercial fathom that at the time, vineyards in the during the 1970s, little world - which is value was placed on these surprising, given that Australian wine is magnificent old vines. considered “New World” wine, as opposed Luckily there were a few with vision who to the rest of the world, where wine has been looked beyond the trend of the day and grown for centuries. bought up the old vineyards, and they are Together with strict quarantine laws and being richly rewarded today. Wine produced the isolated location, vineyards in the Barossa from these old vines are highly sought after have avoided the devastating consequences and valued, as they truly deserve to be. of phylloxera. This enemy of the grape vine When you drink a bottle of genuine has been the ruin of wine regions throughout old vine wine from the Barossa, you can the world. Once discovered, the diseased appreciate what it takes to achieve such vines have to be removed and burnt, and this depth and complexity in a wine.

“

Old Vines.

Grapevines are remarkable for many reasons ... the history, the varieties, their adaptability and their longevity. Surprisingly, some of the oldest commercial grapevines in the world are in Australia, and the world’s celebrated oldest single vine lives on in Slovenia.

T

he oldest grape producing vine in the world is located in the central European city of Maribor in Slovenia. The vine, known as “Old Vine”, is rooted against an old building named “Old Vine House, climbing up and along the exterior walls of the old building. It is much celebrated

24 Manning-Great Lakes focus

and deservedly so, as it is over 400 years old and remains in its original location.

When you think about what the vine and the “Old Vine House” has lived through, it truly is extraordinary. It has survived Napoleon’s rampage, World War I, Nazi occupation and bombing in World War II. It has been continuously producing fruit

Le Tour De Imagine a Colour Run which is less about the run and more about the fun! Held here at Club Taree at the rear of the club, we are setting up an easy 500 metre track, we are loading in some awesome tunes, fun activities, a few surprises, and a whole load of colour.

O

ur aim is to provide a completely family friendly event, in a non-daunting and engaging environment.

We don’t care if you run, walk, jog, dawdle, skip

or even hop. The idea is that you participate in a way that makes you feel good. Ideal for kids, family, groups, friends, and just about everybody. We guarantee that you will leave this event with a huge smile on your face. We are hosting this event as part of our Le Tour de Taree fundraising program to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW, and all funds raised will go directly to RMHCNNSW in supporting local and regional families with

sick children. To tie into Le Tour de Taree, we are aiming that all attendees will collectively walk the same distance as Le Tour de France, which is 3,329 km.

stickytickets.com.au - all

The event officially runs from 11am though until 1pm; however we will have half hour long pre and post parties to ensure you get the most out of your Le Tour de Colour experience.

Pre-sale tickets (on sale

We are planning to enhance the experience with live and recorded music, jumbo slides and activities, food and beverage facilities, games, surprises and a whole lot more.

family of two adults and

Tickets are on sale now, and there are two ways to purchase your tickets to this fantastic community event. The first is in person at Club Taree, and the second is via the website www.

Monday 25th June through until Sunday, July 15th)

tickets include an event T-shirt, sunnies and event sweat band. until Sunday 24th June) - tickets are $30 per person or $100 for a

The idea is that you

participate in a way that makes you feel good. Ideal for kids, family,

after Monday 9th July may not include an event T-shirt.

Individuals will need to register at the time of ticket purchase. Inclusions will be issued during registration on the day of the event.

groups, friends, and just about everybody.

two children (aged 15 and under). Standard tickets (on sale from - tickets are $35 per person or $120 for a family of two adults and two children (aged 15 and under). Please note that any tickets purchased

This event will be held across all weather conditions, unless deemed unsafe by organisers, at which time an alternative nearby date will be scheduled.

For more info, contact Club Taree Reception or Paul Allan via email: pallan@clubtaree.com.au

Manning-Great Lakes focus 25

Dasher’s Bar & Grill.

If you have not had the chance to dine at Dasher’s Bar & Grill, you don’t know what you’re missing! Recently under new ownership, the family friendly bar and restaurant is perfect for your next event! Fully licensed and serving an extensive range of gourmet burgers, fried chicken and their own Dasher’s Dogs, this is a dining experience for the whole family!

anything else on offer in Forster. Million dollar view of the lake. Great atmosphere. I'll be back often!” Rodney.

Takeaways are available, as well as gluten free and vegetarian options. Experience the diner style restaurant with an array of memorabilia on the walls and set against the backdrop of the stunning Wallis Lake, Forster.

“My daughters and I had lunch here recently, and I was so happy with the food. The kids’ meals are huge and the coffee was great. Can’t wait to come back!” Katrina.

“American themed diner. Burgers and thick shakes are amazing! Great customer service.

Owner and staff were wonderful. Unlike

26 Manning-Great Lakes focus

“Great customer service, beautiful burgers. We turned up in a large group, and the Dasher’s team accommodated for us to perfection.

Highly recommend them. Can’t wait to go back!” Daniel.

“Every time we are in Forster we stop by Dasher’s for a delicious burger! The staff are super friendly and the food is always good!”

Kira.

What’s on in June.

SONGS IN THE KEY OF MOTOWN The most outstanding live show in Las Vegas, Songs in the Key of Motown returns to our shores for the sixth time in six years. This all-singing, all-dancing show tributes the greats of Motown. Hear the harmonies of the Temptations and the Four Tops, experience the incredibly choreographed dance moves of Martha and the Vandellas, The Jackson 5 and The Supremes and feel the soul of Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye.

Six international award winning soul singers will transport you back to an era where music was life and life was music. Songs in the Key of Motown is a musical concert experience that is playing to sold out shows and standing

ovations around the world.

CHISEL REVIVED Chisel Revived - Barnsey Revisited is Australia’s #1 Tribute to the legends that are Cold Chisel and Jimmy Barnes! For over three decades the songs of Cold Chisel and Jimmy Barnes have dominated the airwaves with their powerful brand of Aussie rock.

Chisel Revived faithfully reproduce a huge cross section of these unforgettable songs in a live show that is second to none. Fronted but the searing vocals of Carter Roser, you will feel as if Cold Chisel has indeed been revived.

Carter’s backing band feature top class musicians who diligently reproduce the unique sounds of Cold Chisel and Jimmy Barnes.

Songs in the Key of

motown

Songs in the Key of Motown is an entertainment extravaganza which melds the skills of two talented vocal groups, Spectrum and Radiance, into one massive show! Cushney Roberts tells us why you shouldn’t miss this amazing act, which is travelling all the way from Las Vegas to visit us down under this month …

C

ushney is an unusual name; where does it come from?

Cushney is a Scottish surname, and it’s been in the family for a long time.

I’m rather intrigued with the fact that your background was basically as a corporate engineer. What led you to move into the entertainment industry?

Basically, I never thought at all at any time in my life that I would end up as a professional performer, but I’ve always loved music. I’ve performed since I was a young child in single digits and was in choirs and had a little group way back in college.

It was always just sort of a vocation, and I got the opportunity to perform - as we call it, moonlighting (I don’t know if you use the same term in Australia), but while I was working my regular job, my paid job, I had opportunities to moonlight as a singer. I would take advantage of that … then I basically had a full-time day job and a full-time job performing … this evolved and I had the opportunity to make a decision to see if I wanted to at least try it out. I did so …

I kept at it, things eventually fell in place, and it got to the point where I was able to make a living at it and eventually hire other people to make a living at it as well.

The quartet you’re a part of, Spectrum, how did that all come about? Where did you meet the other guys?

The guys are from all across the country.

Everyone had migrated on their own to Las Vegas; Las Vegas is a very entertainment oriented community … there are a lot performers, a lot of stiff competition, but as you get to know people they get to know you. I had the opportunity to put together a group; I auditioned people I knew who had a certain style and put together the group and auditioned for a show here in Las

Vegas. We were in that show for a while, then we did our own show on the Las Vegas strip, and that has parlayed into what we do now internationally.

The show you’re doing is called Songs in the Key of Motown. Describe the Motown style for us …

Motown music is a style of music that developed in Detroit, Michigan, here in the United States. Some of the groups that people would probably know would be The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, as well as Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five.

But, we don’t just limit ourselves, technically speaking, to groups and songs that were on the Motown labels. There were a lot of other soul and R&B styles of music that came after in that same era; we include some of those in the show and move into the ’70s and disco …

Spectrum is partnering with another group, Radiance, on this tour. How’s that working out for you guys?

Both groups I have put together and manage, so it’s working out just fine. Radiance has its own show, which has toured Australia, and Spectrum has its own show which has toured Australia as well. We’ve had a show with both groups together for a few years but we don’t often get to tour together, because it’s a bigger expenditure for promoters to hire both groups so we’re very excited about it.

It’s exciting to be able to work with the ladies and perform songs that were production numbers choreographed with both the men and women together. Both groups enjoy performing on their own, but it’s another level of excitement when you get to perform together.

What are some of the favourite musical

pieces that you perform individual groups for 19 in the show? years for the men and We don’t want people to miss Some of the favourites about 12 years for the the show, because it’s just so are the classics: Stop in women. I put together this exciting to witness first the Name of Love by show; it really is virtually hand - it’s a throwback The Supremes, My Girl surpassing anything we’ve to exciting times: the

by The Temptations, seen or have been told music of mostly the ’60s but Reach Out, I’ll Be There about anywhere globally. some ’70s and maybe a little

by The Four Tops, and We’ve been told that back into the ’50s. we do Then Came our show is on par with You, which was a duet Motown, the musical between Dion Warwick that’s on Broadway, and and The Spinners. These we feel very proud of that. are favourites of mine, We are based here because it’s a combination of the strength of the in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the songs, the harmonies and routines that we’ve world, so we’re not second rate performers put together, and the reaction of the audiences we’re all seasoned performers who know what to what we’re presenting. we’re doing …

All eight performers sing lead during the We don’t want people to miss the show, show, so if you imagine hundreds of songs, because it’s just so exciting to witness first hand probably thousands of songs, to choose from - it’s a throwback to exciting times: the music … and then you have eight people who can of mostly the ’60s but some ’70s and maybe deliver all different styles of these songs, and we a little back into the ’50s. We have exciting only have ninety minutes to do it. It’s a hard job choreography, exciting performers, we have narrowing it down. great costuming, and it’s just a joy for us to do What were some of the impressions you the show. People have expressed repeatedly took away of Australia last time you visited? that they’re blown away by the level of the The people were very engaging and very performances. receptive of what we did. You’ve got the zoo We’re going to be doing the most popular near Sydney and we saw some of the beautiful songs of that era. You’re going to recognise all areas around Sydney as well. I don’t think we the songs. You’re going to be singing along; quite got to the outback, but we certainly if you want to jump up and dance, you’re drove through areas that were more rural and encouraged to do so … farmland, but we just had a great positive Thanks Cushney. experience and people treated us very nicely.

Anything else you’d like to mention about the show?

I just want to encourage your audiences to Don’t miss Songs in the Key of Motown, make sure they don’t miss this show when it Saturday 9th June - CLUB FORSTER. comes through their town. We’ve been doing Bookings: (02) 6591 6591. the show for several years and performing as www.clubforster.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 27

FOCUS distributes 20,000 copies every month across ManningGreat Lakes - via our home delivery and direct to businesses.

If you happen to miss out on one at home, or are visiting from out of town, then please visit one of our outlets by the 10th of the month to grab your free copy.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Beach Bums Bent On Food Club Forster Club Taree Forster Visitor Information Centre Manning Entertainment Centre Manning Regional Art Gallery Pacific Palms Newagents Smiths Lake Newsagents Stockland Forster Taree Vistor Information Centre Tuncurry Bowling Club Wingham Newsagents Manning Point General Store Focus Office - Wharf Street Forster

FOCUS can also be found at selected hotels, resorts and motels in the Manning-Great Lakes region.

Missed a copy?

You can find EVERY edition of FOCUS online on our bookshelf at www.issuu.com/focus.mag

OUR REACH

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

28 Manning-Great Lakes focus

envirofair 2018.

Envirofair is a community event that takes place annually in the beautiful river city of Taree, in the Manning Valley, proudly presented by Manning Valley community radio station 2BOB 104.7FM. The aim of Envirofair is to raise awareness about environmental protection and the local environment, from its natural assets to the people who live and work within it. The event is a fun-filled family day of entertainment featuring: music, dancing and performance artists; fabulous food from 2BOB Radio's famous Global Café and local epicureans; innovative market stalls; displays and demonstrations of ecologically-friendly products and ideas for living; and inspirational environmental speakers.

Kids are sorted with a variety of cool activities and workshops for their entertainment, including candle and kite making, circus skills, and face painting; you can even fashion your own instrument from recycled objects with Junk Music, plus heaps more.

The event is sponsored by Greater Taree City Council, Mid Coast Water, JR Richards, MidCoast Waste Services, Sea Acres Rainforest Sanctuary, Greenpatch Organic Seeds, Manning River Times, Taree Hire, Holiday Coast Credit Union and 2BOB Radio volunteers.

For more information: http://www.envirofair.org.au

The Secret Weekly Farmers Market.

The Secret Weekly Farmers Market is fast becoming a mecca of activity, with locals and visitors flocking to Taree Park, 27 Macquarie Street, Taree. Each Thursday between 8am and 1pm come down to pick up organic coffee and breakfast, fresh fruit and vegetables, sourdough bread, cheeses, organic pasta, free range eggs, fermented items, fresh flowers, and more seasonal and artisan products, proudly showcasing our local farmers and small businesses.

The "Taste The Difference; Festival of Giveaways" continues with the opportunity to win $25 worth of produce from alternating stalls each week. Buy from any market stall, leave your details, and you could be the lucky winner.

For further information regarding The Secret Weekly Farmers Market, please contact Rosie Smith on 0400 637 150.

"One of the best farmers' markets in the Mid North Coast, with plenty of variety and always fresh." Richard.

"One of my favourite markets! Lovely people with lots of fresh, tasty and organic produce. So happy we have this one on our doorstep!" Imogen.

"Amazing variety of produce. I love the new ginger shot from Off the Rayles. Great market - I will be shopping here regularly." Sara.

Envirofair The 27th Envirofair is to be held 9th June, Saturday, Queen’s birthday long weekend.

This year’s event is to feature an exciting range of informative and solution focused stalls that will help you: * reduce your environmental footprint whilst saving money on power and garden fertiliser. * see how the Manning catchment works. * get creative, and get up close to a Tiny House; could it be the future housing? Come and see for yourself. * find a community environmental group to join - (Manning Clean Water Action Group, Midcoast Alternative Technology Association). * MV Creating Collective and Labour Environmental Action Network, Wingham Spinners and Weavers, the Oxygen Farm, and Boomerang Bags will be involved in local greening initiatives.

You will be able to purchase a range of wholesome fresh organic food to stock your pantry from our local Farmers’ Market stalls and

dispose of e-waste at the Midcoast Waste’s E-Trailer - such as * gas bottles - up to 20 kg /20 L only * Paint * motor oils * car batteries * household batteries * fluoro tubes and globes * smoke detectors * fire extinguishers Spoil yourself or friends with a range of locally produced artworks and products that look after your body.

Children are well catered for, with a range of craft activities such as lantern making, listening to stories about the native fauna and teepee making.

To satisfy a hearty winter appetite, you will be able to choose from an array of food from

Spoil yourself or friends with a range of locally

produced art works

around the globe, from June. and products that look Japanese, Greek, The Envirofair is hosted after your body.

Scottish, Indian, Thai, by the Manning’s ComFilipino and more, whilst munity Radio Station, being entertained by local 2BOB 104.7 FM and musicians and dancers on sponsored by Midcoast the Fig Jam Stage, proudly sponsored by the Council and Albert St Medical Centre.

Midcoast Water and Waste, Albert St Medical Gates open at 9am, and the entry fee is a gold Centre, NSW Department of Multicultural Affairs. coin donation. Organisers request you bring your The Envirofair is a major part of the Manning own bags PLEASE - or purchase a Boomerang Winter Festival. For further info, please call Bag on the day.

2BOB Radio on 6552 6200 or Stall holders are still welcomed; those interested Rosie Smith 0400 637 150 or Jo-Anne Wallace in attending, please go to envirofair.org.au forms. Closing date for stalls is Wednesday 6th

0448 822 042.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 29

focusinterview.

focusinterview.

afternoon An

at the

Secret Weekly

Violinist and Olympic composer Ian Cooper is returning to the MEC with a bigger show than ever. We caught up with Ian recently ...

H

i Ian. Congratulations on your recent ACE award as 2016 Australian Instrumental Performer of the Year. It’s great to see that you are bringing another big show back to the Manning Entertainment Centre ...

Thank you! Yes, I’m absolutely thrilled to be presenting An Afternoon at The Proms together with 35 performers. We have a complete new program for 2017, where we’ll be giving a salute to the famous BBC Proms Concerts of London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Who will be in the show with you?

We have an even larger cast this year: three magnificent Sopranos, a Principle Tenor from Opera Australia, the amazing Hawkesbury Nepean Valley Pipe-Band - (current Australian Pipe-Band champions), our Classical Ballet dancing Strauss Waltzes, Tango and The Can-Can, accompanied by the Blue Danube Orchestra. We’re also very excited to have as our guests the Choir from Conservatorium Mid North Coast, who will join us on Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory, Joyful Joyful and I Still Call Australia Home.

Fill us in on the repertoire for the show ...

The show takes a musical journey all across Europe - from Spain, France, popular Italian Arias, music from the famous Hungarian Gypsy Orchestras plus selections from The Sound of Music and The Merry Widow.

What’s your favourite part of the program?

I enjoy the musical diversity by having all those singers. Each one has their specialty, from opera, musical theatre to beautiful love songs. I also love it when the pipers and drummers enter from the back of the hall and march through the audience and on to the stage. I like to think of it as a salute to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I also play some numbers on violin with the pipers, which brings a Scottish element to the show.

We also invite the audience to join us on Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia with the

30 Manning-Great Lakes focus

farmers MARKET

lyrics on the screens. It’s great to see them all waving their flags too.

Your violin career began very early - starting to play at age four, and your first TV performance when you were five. That’s phenomenal! Describe that first TV appearance for us … do you remember much about it?

I started learning the violin from my mother at age four. Living with the teacher meant that I couldn’t escape violin practice, and I was considered a bit of a test-case. Channel 7’s 11am Program invited me to come on, and I played The Two Grenadiers by Schumann. I remember the TV studio lights being all very bright. Roger Climpson was the host, and I recognised him from having seen him on the tele beforehand.

Mum now teaches my eight year old, whom I invite onto the stage with me from time to time.

He absolutely loves performing and he even gets asked to sign autographs after the shows, and he obliges too. It’s very funny.

What has been your most memorable performance?

I had the honour of being commissioned to write and perform a piece for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Tin Symphony has a thousand performers on the stadium floor - acrobats, tap dancers, giant Ned Kellys etc. It was watched around the world by 2.85 billion viewers, and I’m glad I didn’t know that until afterwards!

What do you enjoy about playing the violin?

I love seeing the joy that playing beautiful music gives people. I can feel it from the stage. The music we play has been popular for centuries, and it still moves audiences today.

Where would we find you in your spare time?

Sailing with my kids on Sydney Harbour.

Thanks Ian. See An Afternoon at the Proms at the MEC; Sunday, 17th June, 2:00pm to 4:20pm www.mec.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/

H

Rosie Smith highlights the diverse offerings at the Secret Weekly Farmers Market.

i Rosie. Thanks so much for speaking to us about the increasingly popular Secret Weekly Farmers Market in Taree. What makes this market so special?

Passion, I think. Passion for wholesome tasty natural food, wanting to know where your food comes from, and a passion for localism and the Mid Coast region. All the farmers and producers we have at the market are totally committed to bringing customers the very best they can and have become legitimate business who care about sustaining the community. We are a really friendly market that totally loves showcasing the best the region has to offer; that alone has contributed to creating a really nice atmosphere. It has actually become a great meeting spot for all to enjoy, under the old heritage trees in Taree Park.

What are some of the key points of difference on offer that make the weekly market a must visit?

Quality, not quantity. I could fill the park three times over each week with market stalls interested in attending, but we really want to keep it about certified organic, chemical free and best practice farming, producing and sustaining our great region’s food trail.

How has the market grown since inception?

From eight stalls when we started in the carpark of an exisiting business in Taree to a regular 18 - 20, the market has grown in not only product range, but also in producers from further in the region - from Bungwahl, Mt George, Lansdowne and all in between, to the reaches of the Upper Manning and Hastings.

The quality of produce and its popularity meant we had to expand to a bigger area, hence the move to Taree Park.

Seasonal produce, as we move into the colder winter months, must be a hot topic at the moment.

What are some of the key items we can pick up produce-wise form the markets at this time of year?

This time of year still provides us with a bounty of fruits and vegetable, from wonderful apples, kiwi fruit, pears and berries to vitamin packed Asian leafy greens, cabbages, capsicum, and many varieties of the pumpkin family, to name a few.

Combine that with a curry mix, pasta or tasty bread, to name a few market staples, and your tastebuds will be thanking you.

For people interested in stall holding how do they best reach you for more information?

We are contactable via our Facebook and Instagram Pages, by phoning 0400 637 150, or come and meet us in the flesh at the markets every Thursday!

Thanks Rosie.

We really want to ed keep it about certifi organic, chemical ce free and best practig farming, producinr and sustaining ou trail. great region’s food

focus_contributor

manning great lakes markets. May 2018.

SHARON BULTITUDE, DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR, MIDCOAST COUNCIL

manning great lakes

markets. in June

tourism UPDATE

Transformative Travel “The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths to it are not found, but made; and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination.”

Peter Ellyard.

There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of “transformative travel” until now, but it could very well be the buzzword you’ll be searching as you plan your next trip or holiday.

There’s always a healthy dose of eye-rolling when words like “transformative” or “lifechanging” come up, and I admit transformative travel does sound a little airy-fairy. However, it’s tipped by industry experts to be not only the next big trend, but the next evolution in travel.

So what is transformative travel?

Travellers today are increasingly drawn to travel as a form of self-actualisation and personal transformation and growth. They want more than a simple visit to a new destination or days spent relaxing on the beach. Instead, they’re seeking an experience of the world that goes deep - one that changes them in ways they may not even be aware of.

Experiential travel already offers visitors the chance to connect with their destinations and the people there, but transformational travel takes things a step further.

Global Travel Research Company Skift defines transformative travel as: “any travel experience that empowers people to make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives, whether big or small”.

In essence, it is travel motivated and defined by a shift in perspective, self-reflection and development. It’s about finding those experiences through travel that will shift your perspective and allow you to connect with local communities, nature, culture and yourself.

It’s about coming back from a trip informed, refreshed and enlightened - and changed because of that experience.

Importantly, what that transformation is will be different for every visitor.

Whilst it would be easy dismiss transformative travel as yet another passing trend, its growth has actually been tracked over a number of years.

Joe Pine & Co. in “Welcome to the Experience Economy” identifies a substantial shift amongst travellers during the past three - five years.

In their study, travellers, when asked if the value they place on transformative travel experiences had increased for them during the last five years, more than half answered “Yes, significantly” or “Yes, somewhat”.

Another interesting finding of this work was the fact that not only do visitors want to be impacted during their trips; they want to continue having that “wanderlust” feeling, even after they get home. With transformative travel, the experience doesn’t end when the trip ends.

The connection and emotional attachment that the traveller gains while at their destination never dies.

Transformative travel also correlates with the broader concept of the “transformation economy”, which highlights the trend amongst young consumers in particular, who prefer to spend money on experiences rather than possessions, and critically when that experience is in some way transformative - i.e. resulting in the improvement of physical or emotional wellbeing - it becomes all the more desirable.

Apple and Nike are good examples of brands tapping successfully into this mindset.

Taking this even further, the World Tourism Organisation in its Global Report on the “Transformative Power of Tourism” suggests that transformative travel is helping ordinary travellers tap into the true power and privilege of travel as a force for change. They argue that the dynamics of a growing number of new traveller profiles focused on social responsibility and the positive impacts of travel, when properly harnessed, has the ability to turn tourism into a key driver for socio-economic progress.

If transformative travel changes the way we think about ourselves and others, isn’t that alone a great reason for travelling?

SECRET FARMERS MARKET

When Every Thursday, 8am - 1pm Where Corner Wynter & Macquarie St, Taree NSW 2430 Website www.facebook.com/weeklysecretmarket/ Raw and real food for passionate people at the Secret Farmers Market. Located behind the grandstand in Taree Park (27 Macquarie Street, Taree) each Thursday morning from 8am ‘til 1pm.

THREE BROTHERS FARM PRODUCE

When Sat 9th Jun, 8am - 12pm Where 54 Johns River Rd, Johns River NSW Website www.facebook.com/ threebrothersfarmproduce/ Email threebrothersfarmproduce@gmail. com The Three Brothers Farm Produce Market is held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month at the Johns River Community Hall. The market provides seasonal produce from the Three Brothers region (the three mountains of North Brother, Middle Brother and South Brother on the NSW Mid North Coast)

FORSTER TOWN MARKETS

When Sun 10th Jun, 8am to 2pm Where Town Park, Forster Your chance to experience a true-blue coastal market with a veritable array of stalls.

You'll find around 50 stallholders selling handmade, homegrown and pre-loved wares to holiday makers and locals.

BURRELL CREEK MARKETS

When Sun 10th Jun. Where 5352 The Bucketts Way, Burrell Creek NSW 2430 Held on the second Sunday of every second month, this family friendly market has lots of local produce, books, crafts and vintage wares.

This market has a real country feel to it, so come and join in with the locals.

FORSTER FARMERS MARKET

When Sat 16th Jun, 8am - noon Where Visitor Information Centre, Little St, Forster.

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

THE HUB MARKET

When Sat 16 Jun 2018, 8am-12pm Where 24 Muldoon St, Taree NSW 2430 The Hub Market is held at the Taree Showground every third Sunday of the month. This is the biggest market in Taree and surrounds, and has both outdoor and undercover areas.

PACIFIC PALMS MARKET

When Sun 24th Jun, 9am - 1pm Where The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms Website www.palmsmarket.com.au Email info@palmsmarket.com.au

NABIAC FARMERS MARKET

When Sat 30th Jun, 8am - 12pm Where 15 Showground Lane, Nabiac Website www.nabiac.com/events/nfm.php Local producers supplying quality fresh food to the community on the last Saturday of each month.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 31

watch.

Divine Order 7pm Monday 4th June at Fay’s Twin Cinema.

image of the month.

Photo by: Merryl Kemp.

Burgess Beach Headland looking towards Cape Hawke.

It was one huge cloud going off and looked wonderful.

Camera: Olympus OMD EM 5 composite mode. The photo is a single 8 minute shot.

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see?

Just email jo@focusmag.com.au

Mediterranean Flavour

T

aree Film Society screens the lauded Divine Order at 7pm Monday 4th June at Fay’s Twin Cinema.

Switzerland in 1971. Despite the worldwide social upheavals of the previous decade, women were still denied the right to vote.

When unassuming and dutiful housewife Nora (Marie Leuenberger, winner of a Best Actress award at Tribeca Film Festival) is forbidden by her husband to take a part-time job, her frustration leads to her becoming the poster child of her town’s suffragette movement. Her newfound celebrity brings humiliation, threats, and the po-

focus_contributor

tential end to her marriage, but, refusing to back down, she convinces the women in her village to go on strike ... and makes a few startling discoveries about her own liberation. Uplifting and crowd-pleasing, this charming, captivating film is a time-capsule that could not be more timely …

Official Selection for Best Foreign Language Film - 2018 Academy Awards. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative Film - Tribeca Film Festival 2017.

Tickets are $16, including coffee, cakes and socialising. Further info at www.tareefilmsociety. org.au or call 6552 3476.

HORTICULTURALIST NEVILLE DONOVAN - GREENPATCH ORGANIC SEEDS

for WINTER FESTIVAL

WH

T

he biennial June Manning Winter Festival programs are all about celebrating the diverse range of community creativity in the Manning Valley.

This year’s program is no exception, with something for everyone - including those who wish to venture to the Middle East from their very own kitchen. Be sure to come along to the official launch of Mon’s Mediterranean Kitchen cookbook, to be held at Club Taree on Saturday 23rd June at 2pm.

With afternoon tea and entertainment, tickets are now on sale at the club. Proceeds will go to the Festival and Can Assist, supporting local cancer patients and their families.

Known to many as “Mon,” Mounira Saad’s culinary expertise evolved over years of teaching people who wanted to cook Mediterranean food but did not know where to start. She presents Middle Eastern

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cuisine that is easy to cook, modern, full of flavour and bound to please. Recipes feature traditional mezze and salads, as well as signature dishes and desserts.

The cookbook was co-authored and published by Mon’s daughter, Tanya Saad, a former Manning Winter Festival Ambassador and author of the acclaimed biography, From the Feet Up. Mon grew up in the Middle East, migrating to Australia when she was 16 years and has lived in the Manning Valley for the past 40 years. For many of those years, she and husband Michel have been valued contributors to local business and community development.

For further information, visit the website: manningcomwinterfestival.weebly.com or Email: manningwinterfestival@gmail.com Contact: Mave Richardson 6553 5412 Email: mave.eric@outlook.com

AT’S IN

season

Cape Gooseberry

Cape Gooseberry is a fast growing hardy perennial shrub to 1 metre high with small heart shaped green leaves, producing fruit within 12 months. They are relatively uncommon but also found in the same plant family as tomatoes and eggplant, also being known as Inca Berry. The flowers are yellow with a dark centre, followed by an abundance of papery husks encasing a small aromatic orange fruit to 15 mm wide; the distinctive sharp sweet flavour can be an acquired taste.

Harvest the fruit several times per week at the bright yellow-orange stage. Eat fresh or stew for desserts and jams.

Cape gooseberry are not frost hardy but can be grown as an annual in cold areas; the

plants also self seed readily. Plants can be grown successfully in containers 30 - 40cm wide; this enables you to move them around at different times of the year to protect from extreme heat and frosty weather. Plant in a well drained moist garden soil in a mostly sunny to part shade position. Nourish plants with compost, animal manure or organic based fertilizer. Do not over fertilise plants, as this will cause too much leaf growth and poor fruit set. Mulching will help retain soil moisture and help to reduce weeds; water regularly - especially in dry periods. The Cucumber Beetle is the main pest, which is capable of stripping the leaves in a short period of time. Remove or squash beetles, or dust leaves with Derris.

20 000 COPIES DELIVERED

When you advertise with Focus you’re not just advertising once, but in 20,000 FREE copies. Our huge circulation is the single biggest reason that Focus continues to achieve the results that our clients demand.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Manning-Great Lakes focus 33

focusinterview.

G O L F on T O W N G R E E N

H

Golf Ladies First

i Gordon and Chantale. Golf Ladies First has moved its premises in Port Macquarie; tell us a little about your journey?

Golf Ladies First are the leading experts for Ladies Golf in Australia.

It is locally run by two PGA Golf Professionals (male and female) with worldwide experience in all aspects of the profession. Golf in Australia has a strong male dominance on all levels; the demands and needs of lady golfers were far from being met and needed so much more, and we found ourselves set on a path which resulted in us founding Golf Ladies First. THE ”First” company dedicated to “Ladies Golf”.

First thing we did was create an online shop totally dedicated to Ladies Golf - www.golfladiesfirst.com.au - this facilitates women golfers Australia and New Zealand wide with the service and access to the widest range and variety of golf apparel and equipment.

With the success of the online shop came the call for a retail shop, with exposure for everybody. We have now found that at 2 Horton St, Port Macquarie (next to Baskin Robbins ice cream shop, Town Green, Port Macquarie).

Tell us about your products.

We have the largest selection of ladies golf apparel from all the leading companies both online and instore. Top Australian brands like Corsican Golf and Birdee Sport complement international brands like Nivo, Greg Norman and Annika, amongst others. Capris, pedal pushers and skorts, great for any walk

34 Manning-Great Lakes focus

of life together with polos, pants and Our passion for golf never dies dresses. and we always love being out on the Our range is not just for golf. It’s golf course. We are often on the golf resort wear, active wear and leisure course with members of our golf and wear, all easy care and functional - the social programs. We have developed perfect travel and outdoor wardrobe. many registered programs for golfers We have apparel for every climate, from on all levels, so if you are looking to sun protection to rainwear for all age enhance your game, what better way groups. than to join our golf program - which We also have a specialised selection involves amongst other things playing of quality golfing equipment, including with a PGA Professional, playing shoes, bags, balls and clubs. different courses (9 holes), coaching, Since moving socialising and to Horton most of all having Street, Port fun and meeting Macquarie, we people! Our social have introduced a program is all about Our range is not just for golf. highly successful connecting lady It’s resort wear, active wear menswear golfers and growing and leisure wear, all easy collection, women's golf in care and functional reflecting the the Lower and the perfect travel and quality and design Mid North Coast outdoor wardrobe. of the ladies region. Our aim is apparel with to give a modern, all the leading flexible approach to golf clothing learning, improving companies. and enjoying the How do you sell your golf game of golf. equipment on Town Green?

Phone Chantale on 0431 248 847.

How can our readers find out more Great question. We specialise in information? custom fitting golf clubs, being qualified Our head office and retail store club fitters as well as coaches, which is located at 2 Horton Street, Port means you will get the best product to Macquarie (next to Baskin Robbins, suit you, fitted to your individual size Town Green). and swing characteristics. Being coaches Our online store is www. we stand out from other retailers, as we golfladiesfirst.com.au - sign up today for have a responsibility in bringing the best your free monthly PGA golf tip and get out of our pupils’ potential, making you on our mailing list - first in, best dressed! the best golfer you can be. Our fittings You can phone Chantale on 0431 are on course, where you see the result 248 847 or Gordon on 0401 726 598 or and get a true picture.

Do you still play golf yourself? email info@golfladiesfirst.com.au

H

i Rhianon. Can you briefly describe the event? The inaugural Coffs Harbour Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival is an event celebrating the culture behind skateboarding, tattoo body art and music. The day will be jam packed with fun for the whole family - live music, skateboarding and graffiti. We have a range of selected tattoo artists performing body art on the day, retail/food vendors, children’s entertainment and much more.

COFFS HARBOUR SKATE, I N K & R H Y M E F E S T I VA L

RHIANON TAYLOR

The Inaugural Coffs Harbour Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival is a cultural gathering of everything art. This event will be made up of local and travelling tattoo artists, musicians, graffiti artists, skateboarders and lots more. FOCUS had a chat to event organiser Rhianon Taylor, to find out more …

Where did the idea for the event come from?

Having travelled to many different tattoo, music and skateboarding events around Australia, I always wondered if we could have a similar event here in Coffs Harbour. We had everything here to put such an event together - Coffs is a very cultural town, we have so many talented people here, so it all just made sense. So I started looking into all the nitty grittys to put on this event. With lots of hard work and the support of the Council and local business, we are just under four weeks away from festival day!

Who are some of the tattoo artists we can look forward to seeing? We have 25 tattoo artists coming along to this event, all specialising in different areas of art. We have the Samsara Tattoo Studio team coming along, Miss Knees will be present - she has been a huge support for this event. It’s her artwork you see on all the flyers.

We have Absolute Tattoo Studio bringing along artists from both their Woolgoolga and Kingscliff studios, such as Cameron Schenk and Shaun Misfud. The guys from Squall and Anchor in Yamba will be present, along with artists from Brisbane

Body Art and Impact Tattoos Newcastle. Come along, get tattooed on the day, choose from a range of talented artists - these artists will have flash designs on display for you to choose from and get tattooed and a special event rate.

Who are some of the music acts and attractions people can look forward to seeing?

We have a talented range of popular and local artists with plenty more to be announced. Jacquie Lomas will be one of the headliners at the event. We have bands such as Son of Jaguar and Matty Effie Morrison; an acoustic act, Handasyd Williams; and a Welcome Ceremony to respect and teach us about the Gumbayngirr lands we call home. Pops Good Skate Store will have a skate ramp performing live demonstrations and workshops. We have respected graffiti artists painting two vans live, and these vans will be on display. Dunghutti Creations will be hand painting a skateboard deck live; this will be raffled off at the end of the day. We will be running tattoo competitions; we have 20 trophies up for grabs.

Enter your body artwork, and may the best tattoo win. We'll run our first ever “Miss Skate, Ink and Rhyme” tattoo model search. We have nine beautiful women taking to the stage to compete for the title. Be sure to check out the expo stage, for circus acts, dance performances and lots more.

Is the event child friendly? The event is child friendly; children under five are free. Jumping castles and face painting will be present at the event.

This is a fun day for the whole family.

More info? Find out more on our Facebook page: Coffs Harbour Skate, Ink & Rhyme Festival and Instagram @skateinkrhymefestival

Manning-Great Lakes focus 35

2018 Manning Valley Volunteer Expo

2018 Manning Valley Volunteer Expo

2018 Manning Valley Volunteer Expo

2018 Manning Valley Volunteer Expo

2018 Manning Valley Volunteer Expo

2018 Manning Valley Volunteer Expo

Social /Scene

Ash and Sam McCarthy Wedding photo credit Kirk Owers Photography

Ash and Sam McCarthy Wedding photo credit Kirk Owers Photography

Ash and Sam McCarthy Wedding photo credit Kirk Owers Photography

#teamawesome from Club Taree

Club Taree supporting the SES

parkrun

36 Manning-Great Lakes focus

2018 Midcoast Business Awards

2018 Midcoast Business Awards

2018 Midcoast Business Awards

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Centrepoint Cafe

2018 Midcoast Business Awards Business of the Year - Lumps Landscaping

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Big 4 Holiday Park Forster

Social /Scene

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Commander Centre

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Mid Coast Concrete

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Debbie Hopper Life Skills 4 Kids

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Manning Valley Property and Livestock

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Manning De Groot

2018 Midcoast Business Awards - Professionals Real Estate Harrington 37 Manning-Great Lakes focus

38 Manning-Great Lakes focus

PHYSIO FORSTER TUNCURRY

-THERAPY & ALLIED HEALTH

D

iversifying services to the residents of the Great Lakes region has always been integral to Forster Tuncurry Physiotherapy and Allied Health’s culture.

Our aim is to provide a facility where gold standard, evidence based service improves the lifestyle and function of local residents, regardless of their specific problems, age or level of fitness.

As such, we are very pleased to now offer a more comprehensive array of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation options to improve the pain, movement, performance and function of our clients.

Our cutting edge “Pain to Performance” philosophy allows your dedicated clinician to implement a three phase approach to remove your pain and then identify and rectify poor movement patterns that have contributed to your injury. This reduces your chances of further injury and allows us to improve your performance in whatever you like to do.

Our physiotherapists will reduce your pain using techniques that are specific to your condition, as identified by their comprehensive assessment. Then, if appropriate, they will assess your movement using a biomechanical analysis, allowing implementation of a tailored programme reflective of your current and future

aspirations.

Our Gold Standard approach means your clinician will choose a combination from the following to relieve your pain and improve your movement to let you enjoy your activities:

Our aim is to provide a facility where gold standard, evidence based service improves the lifestyle and function of local residents, regardless of their specific problems, age or level of fitness.

• Physiotherapy - your physiotherapist will expertly assess your condition and then choose from a variety of treatment options including stretches, joint mobilisation, muscle and soft tissue releases and exercises to achieve fast, effective pain relief.

• Clinical Pilates. Clients are individually assessed, facilitating implementation of a programme specifically tailored to your condition and aspirations. We focus on identifying the areas that are the cause of your injury and pain. Our clinical Pilates one on one sessions are fully supervised by a physiotherapist who will safely instruct you and progress your programme to relieve your pain, and improve your movement, thus the risk of further injury and allowing you to maximise your performance.

• Strength and Conditioning. Suitable for all ages and abilities to achieve their best. Your

programme will be designed and safely progressed to achieve your goals, regardless of age or current fitness level.

• Bio Mechanical Screening.

This looks at movement patterns to identify factors which may be contributing to your pain. There are a variety of methods to assess movement, such as video analysis, allowing your clinician to decide which method is most applicable to your specific condition.

• Running clinic. Via video analysis, any faults in your running technique can be identified, rectified and reassessed. Our physio will take a video of you running on a treadmill. They will then go through the video with you, identifying any faults in your technique and develop a plan to rectify them.

• Balance training. Great for those seniors concerned about falling. Our physiotherapists offer one to one training either in our clinic or clients’ homes. We also conduct in clinic classes, which are available several times per week.

• Hydrotherapy. Individual programmes are developed, supervised and progressed by

physiotherapists.

Small group classes will also be available for clinical Pilates and strength and conditioning when our new rehabilitation facility opens in Forster soon.

REHABILITATION Our rehabilitation team includes physiotherapists and occupational therapists who are passionate about improving the function and quality of life for people with conditions such as arthritis, stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord and brain injury, parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy as well as other complex conditions.

Following a thorough assessment, each client has a specific programme implemented and progressed by their clinician. This ensures that the rehabilitation is time efficient, evidence based and goal orientated.

This service will be soon relocated to our new state of the art rehabilitation facility in Forster, ensuring our clients receive rehabilitation of the highest standard to achieve their goals and maximise function.

Funding options include: NDIS, DVA, private health funds, homecare packages, private and pensioner patients and medicare.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 39

40 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusinterview.

push Palliative.

MANNING VALLEY

for

P

We speak to Dr David Keegan, local GP, Mid Coast Councillor and trustee of the Dr Pat Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund and Judy Hollingworth, founder and chair of Manning Valley Push for Palliative (MVP4P), who have some good news to share …

lease remind us what Manning Valley Push for Palliative (MVP4P) is and what it does locally in the community ...

JH: Manning Valley Push For Palliative (MVP4P) is a charity set up with community support in 2015 to advocate for provision of more comprehensive palliative care for the incurably-ill and their carers and to ease the burden on health practitioners who care for them. We also raise funds to provide practical support - financial assistance and specialised equipment for palliative-care patients, at home and in hospital.

The community would like to have a full range of practitioners: a specialist, more palliative-trained doctors, nurses and allied health providers. With 50 members and growing, MVP4P has raised more than $70,000 for patients’ and carers’ needs to support the excellent work of our community health and hospital palliative care teams.

MVP4P has just received a generous donation of $15,000 from the Dr Pat Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund. What can you tell us about Dr Stevens and the fund?

DK: In consultation with the Stevens family, I set up the fund to commemorate Pat’s work as a well-known and much-loved local GP, after he died unexpectedly at home in 2007. From a long-established family of early settlers in the Manning Valley, he practised first among disadvantaged and

by palliative-care patients at home - for example, pressureIndigenous communities in Moree for nine years then in the mattresses and reclining chairs. We have already donated Manning Valley for 19 years. The fund we established in his two mini-portable oxygen concentrators held in the hospital memory in 2008 assisted promising local students to study for loan to patients in hospital or at home, an emergency medicine at Newcastle and New England Universities, in the call button and 12 reclining chairs for hope they would ultimately return use on hospital wards. to practice in this area.

Why was the decision made to We are also discussing how donate these funds to MVP4P? a portion of the funding could DK: Dr Stevens, as part of his contribute to education in palliative In consultation with the long involvement in community care, thus aligning it with the original Stevens family, I set up the medicine, had a strong interest in intentions of the Dr Pat Stevens fund to commemorate palliative care, recognising that it Memorial Fund.

Pat’s work as a well-known Where can we find out more info needed to be better resourced and and much-loved local GP, about MVP4P and its ongoing funded. after he died unexpectedly at work?

Mary, his widow, is keen that home in 2007.

JH: There are various ways to remaining funds be put to work support and be involved - join, donate, in this area now and reflect advise us, support our events. what mattered to Pat. MVP4P is Contact Judy on 0409 558 652, by a community organisation that email at judy@globallearning.com.au supports patients who often cannot and mvpush4palliative@outlook.com access the funding and practical help they need, at a most See also manning valley push 4 palliative on Facebook. difficult time in life. We felt it was a community initiative Thanks everyone. that Pat would have been keen to encourage.

How will the funds be used to benefit the community? Pic (L-R) Fay Keegan; Dr David Keegan; Judy JH: Our two palliative care teams recommend that we Hollingworth; Martin Stevens (Pat’s son), and Les supply items of specialised equipment most often needed Stevens (Pat’s brother).

Manning-Great Lakes focus 41

M I A T YC E H U R S T , FO R S T E R YO GA S T U D I O

BackPAIN

In a national health survey by ABS, it was shown that 70 - 90% of the Australian population will at some stage suffer or have already suffered from sore backs. The sitting and hunching over desks and screens for prolonged periods of time does not help us.

T

here are two major things that start trying this pose, you might appear more cause so many of us to suffer: like someone who lost their contact lenses on tight muscles around the hips, the floor and wagging the invisible tail up in including hamstrings, glutes and the air. The stronger your spinal muscles get hip flexors, and decreasing core at arching your sit bones towards the ceiling, strength. It is no secret the straighter the spine, that yoga and Pilates are and the more flexible the popular prescriptions hamstrings become. by physios and GPs • Kneeling lunge to open nowadays, because yoga The reason tight hip hip flexors. Come on helps improve flexibility muscles cause so much to your knees and step and core strength. havoc is that these pull one leg forward. Lunge The reason tight hip on your pelvis and create forward and step your muscles cause so much imbalance in your spine. foot to be under your havoc is that these Your spine wants to be bowed front knee for optimal above the hips (lordosis), but pull on your pelvis and stability and balance. Now when sitting we straighten out this create imbalance in your place your hands on top curve, and spinal muscles need to spine. Your spine wants of the front knee and work hard for prolonged times to to be bowed above the pump your chest open. counter this imbalance. hips (lordosis), but when Start feeling your breath sitting we straighten out and see if you can relax this curve, and spinal your hips to sink when muscles need to work hard for prolonged you exhale, while you reach your spine tall and times to counter this imbalance. This in turn up when breathing in. Slowly over time your causes oxygen deficiency and accumulates

42 Manning-Great Lakes focus

toxins from the lack of blood flow into the muscles. Anyway, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

hips will open up and this pose will feel easier

• Downward facing dog - the pinnacle of yoga poses! Ideally you want to shape the tip of a capital A with your sit bones while driving your palms into the ground and pushing your heels towards the floor. But when you first

your back, bring your knees to the chest. Now

to do.

• Glute stretch lying on your back. Once on cross one foot over the other knee and reach your hands between the thighs to pull the knees towards your chest. Stay here for 10 - 20 breaths and repeat on the other side.

kinetic

Diabetes Educator CREDENTIALLED

MEDICINE

Health and Excercise If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ll have noticed that exercise and cancer has gotten some attention.

I

t’s just as well! I’ve been working with cancer patients delivering what we call exercise oncology for nearly eight years, so it’s by no means new - and yet improvements in standard care take time to permeate through the system. It astounded me though, to see that amongst some spectators there was actually a negative response. The peanut gallery were all too happy to throw out their expressions of disgust, “What next - we’ll make cancer sufferers run a marathon?”All this got me thinking; what is it about the notion of exercise that innately repulses some people?

Our bodies are hard wired to protect us from harm. We all have very sensitive responses to threat. This is what’s behind fear, anxiety, anger, pain and any number of other responses that might be associated with the idea of “fight or flight”. So what is it about exercise that’s so threatening? Exercise involves a number of physical stresses, so when we engage in more of these stresses than our bodies are happy and capable of handling, we all can experience an adverse effect. Pain, stiffness, shortness of breath - these all can be worrying and not usually necessary nor worth inducing to reap the rewards that exercise has to offer. The thing is, when prescribed by an

expert, exercise doesn’t have to hurt or even be that unpleasant, but if we fear exercise or treat it as harmful because we’ve done it once and it wasn’t pretty, we do ourselves a serious disservice. It’s like saying, “My car doesn’t start; I tried changing the battery, but that didn’t fix it, so maybe I should get a new car”. A rational person would say, “Maybe you should in fact take it to a mechanic” ... Am I right?

Exercise therapy for cancer patients must be individually tailored and intricately prescribed in order to attain the specific benefits relevant to the individual. This isn’t that every cancer sufferer should ship out to boot-camp. Every cancer and every patient is different. What do we have to gain? The evidence suggests exercise reduces nausea and fatigue associated with treatment, reduces muscle mass loss, improves chemotherapy delivery, can improve outcomes in bone cancer, increases survivorship by more than 30% - if it were a pill, the pharmaceutical company would never need to develop another one. So just like cardiac care following a heart attack changed 40 years ago to recognise the pivotal role of cardiac rehabilitation, exercise oncology must be part of every cancer patient’s care. Got cancer? Get an Exercise Physiologist on your team.

It’s not ‘just’ your age Pain is no joke.

Countless lives are cruelled by disabling pain – don’t take it lying down.

At Kinetic Medicine we use exercise as medicine to harness your own body’s power to overcome ill health.

To assist with the screening and management of diabetes, we have introduced a Credentialled Diabetes Educator to our range of professional services.

W

hat is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator?

Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs) are healthcare professionals, qualified to provide personalised diabetes education and care. The goal of diabetes education is to empower people with diabetes, and to build their capacity to deal with their daily self-management.

The benefits of having a Credentialled Diabetes Educator within the pharmacy include: • Flexible and convenient access to support for people with diabetes. People can essentially walk in, without an appointment, for most enquiries. For more complex cases, appointments can be made.

• Provision of resources to assist people to improve their understanding of diabetes very quickly, enabling them to make timely improvements to their management of diabetes.

• The ability to screen for diabetes on the spot and communicate with the person’s health care team to ensure they undergo a prompt assessment.

We work in collaboration with Annabel Thurlow, from Action Diabetes, to ensure the best outcomes for our clients.

• Continuous glucose monitoring services • Flash monitoring supplies / insertion and training • Insulin pump consumables and education resources to help manage diabetes.

Once monthly, Annabel Thurlow from Action Diabetes holds private clinics within the pharmacy clinic rooms. Annabel is a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner, with a Master of Nursing, is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Certified Insulin Pump and CGM trainer.

Annabel has over 28 years’ experience working in the field of diabetes education. Annabel is passionate about diabetes, and her goal is to make each person she sees feel a little better about managing their diabetes. Her special interests are in insulin stabilisation and insulin pump therapy.

Annabel will be in Forster presenting to the public for National Diabetes Week on 5th July; see below for the topics that will be covered.

Topic 1: Monitoring your diabetes • Types / brands of meters available.

• Brief mention of CGM and flash monitors • BGL targets • Common pitfalls and tips for success Topic 2:

Some of the daily services we provide at Amcal + Forster include:

Managing your diabetes: what to do if you are outside your targets.

• Six month extensions for subsidised diabetes test strips, if required

• Carb counting

• Registering people for the NDSS, for low cost consumables

• Keeping a diary

• Chronic disease management plan sessions, as per GP referral

• Your healthcare team: regular reviews, even if diabetes is under control

• Diabetes reviews and education

Due to limited seating, please call 6554 6322 to reserve a place.

• Supply and set up of blood glucose meters, for monitoring diabetes

• Knowing other factors (stress, illness, exercise) • Diabetes is progressive

www.kineticmedicine.com.au

02 6557 7479

Get Better | Stay Better| Live Better Manning-Great Lakes focus 43

PACIFIC CAPE

Stage 3 of the development is due for completion in September 2018, which encompasses 14 high quality two bedroom villas with single garage. All villas have separate fenced courtyards and are pet friendly.

44 Manning-Great Lakes focus

3.3 x 3.4

Bedroom 1 4.0 x 3.8

Robe 1a

Drying Area 2.8 9' - 2"

Pacific Cape is a development being undertaken by local non profit community organisation Great Lakes Aged and Invalid Care Association LTD (GLAICA House).

Villas include quality dishwasher, oven, cooktop and ducted air-conditioning and solar hot water systems. The two-storey three bed has a price of $595,000, with the two-storey two bed at $525,000. Contracts are in accordance with the Retirement Villages Act.

Bedroom 2

Robe 2

Village.

Development of Pacific Cape Seniors Village, located on the cnr Kularoo Drive and Karloo St, Forster is continuing at a fast pace. Stage 2 only has a couple of villas left, two of which are two-storey with additional living and bathroom facilities downstairs for visitors.

4.0 13' - 1" Robe 1b

3.3 10' - 11"

3.4 11' - 0"

Bathroom Kitchen

Ldy

Side Patio

5.6 18' - 5"

Dining

Included in this stage is the Clubhouse - croquet green and putting green. The residents that had faith moving in during construction of Stage 2 and 3 are looking forward to gaining access to what will be a very pleasant amenity.

What will happen in the clubhouse? Whatever the residents choose to do: yoga, craft, watching the football or general social gatherings as they see fit.

We are currently preparing to commence Stage 4 in September 2018. This stage will be a three-storey apartment complex with 20 apartments with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms. A centrally located lift will take residents from the carpark to the residents’ accommodation level. Included in this stage will be another six villas, with two being sought

BBQ

Garage

3.2 x 6.2 4.1 x 5.6

Living

after three bedroom double garage.

We are fine tuning the program for the Residential Aged Care Facility (160 beds) which will be located on Kularoo Drive. This will be an exciting development for the community going forward and will have underground parking for 100 to meet resident and staff parking needs.

In line with GLAICA House we aim to provide a quality building with fresh coastal themes and plenty of natural light to continue with a bright, light and airy amenity for residents, visitors and staff alike.

Front Patio

Entry Porch

Driveway

Area Net - Type C Villa

Development of Pacific Cape Seniors C Courtyard Paving Village, located on theType cnr Kularoo Type C Courtyard Total C Garage is Drive and Karloo St, Type Forster, Type C Villa continuing at a fast pace. Stage 2 To inspect the villas, we are open on site only has a couple of villas left, two of Wednesday each week from 9am - 11am. For which are two-storey with additional further information on Pacific Cape, please Cape GLACIA Pacific living and bathroom facilities contact John Quinn at GLAICA House on 6554 Stage 3 Type C Floor Plan A4 downstairs for visitors.

Lot 83- Kularoo 5521 during normal office hours, Mon Fri. Drive A 18/04/2018 Stage 3 Rev Date

38 47 20 84

Description

1 : 100

0

Forster NSW

629

1m

2m

3m

3

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

June 2018

AQUARIUS.

TAURUS.

LEO.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

Anything that has been unfair in the last twelve months should be brought into fairness soon. You are entering a cycle where balance and harmony are required to achieve maximum benefits. Keep calm and be the answers to your fears. Herderite helps us to see our evolution, thus making it less of a challenge.

PISCES. FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

The ending of feeling suspended is almost finished.

You are discovering your role in the bigger scheme of things. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to walk fearlessly toward them. Try digesting some old undigested emotions.

Rose Quartz attracts us towards loving experiences.

You are taking life far too seriously. This is leaving you feeling trapped, and your mind is your own worst enemy. Stop worrying about what other people think and be kinder to yourself in thought. You are attracting positive change, so get ready for good things.

Tourmaline amplifies your inner peace, playful inner child energy and settles restlessness.

GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUNE 22

Time to practice patience. Justice is coming into play, so now is a great time to release old anger or resentment to align yourself with achievement. Become the answers to your fears. Visualisation is always helpful to manifest things.

Tiger Eye helps to maintain a sense of balance and direction.

Some nice changes for career can be anticipated. Your communication will be the major tool you will use; express yourself with confidence but hear your own wise words, as these words will be your guidance. An exciting time for discovering new talents.

Turquoise and Rose Quartz will enhance your loving charisma.

VIRGO. AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

You need to set some fresh goals or new intentions, as you are coming to a place where it’s time for you to have what you’re wanting. Avoid feeling selfish; you have taught others how to receive, and now you can teach them how to give. Personal relationships will empower you.

Azeztulite allows us to explore alternate realities comfortably.

SCORPIO. OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Your self worth is vulnerable at present. Avoid making harsh judgements of yourself and avoid entertaining self depreciating thoughts. Mantra to yourself at least six times daily, other people’s thoughts are none of my business.

Snowflake Obsidian is wonderful for shattering negative thoughts.

SAGITTARIUS. NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

You are very clever at manifesting things, but may not realise. This lack of acknowledgement prevents you reaching your true potential. Set some fresh goals and thank yourself when they arrive.

Sugilite would be of great benefit at this time, as it helps us face our challenges with a joyful outlook.

ARIES.

CANCER.

LIBRA.

CAPRICORN.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

You are about to embark on a journey. For some this will be literal, for others, an inward journey of self discovery. During this time, you will make new friends and acquaintances who will mirror your lessons in life perfectly.

Carnelian helps us take active steps towards change.

Your word is your honour, so speak your truth. You hold great authority and your fairness will always ensure a positive outcome; just remain aware of your motive, as you are a peace keeper, and you will be heard. Phenacite helps us to release other people’s worries from our energies.

You have outgrown some of your old beliefs so instead of feeling comforted by them, you may be feeling trapped.

Try debating with your beliefs, as this will change the influences in your life. Be patient with yourself.

Topaz strengthens our self esteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.

You need to love yourself as much as you can, to allow yourself access to some positive changes. Friends are leaving, to allow room for new ones. You are also likely to find a new interest or hobby to benefit your self confidence.

Rhodonite helps us to discover new talents.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 45

46 Manning-Great Lakes focus

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

20 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Dolphins Childcare Tuncurry.

It’s all happening at Dolphins Child Care Tuncurry. Tell us about your brand new centre? Our new Dolphin Cottage is right next door to our current premises. It will cater for babies and two year olds.

We have tried to keep within our theme of Fun, Family and Friendship, with a homely feel for our existing and prospective new families.

How will this tie in with your current building? Our current babies will move next door, as will our twos. Our current space will solely be for three - five year olds. We will also have a designated literacy learning space, a children’s library, as well as educators’ and parent libraries.

Our preschoolers will be able to enjoy the new kitchen garden and outdoor kitchen for their experiences in sustainability and self-help skills such as cooking. Music will continue to have a strong focus, where children can develop in so many areas through music/movement.

What will be you be introducing when it comes to new services available to families with the new centre? As well as offering more spaces for babies, as we currently have quite an extensive waitlist, we also hope to offer our busy families the option

to order meals for their children Dolphins Child Care has been in the area for a long time now; am I correct in saying that it was your mum who first opened the doors? Tell us how it all started? Yes, that’s right. My mum and dad established the purpose built centre 20 years ago, when my own children were of preschool age.

My mum is a teacher and had been teaching for over 30 years at that stage, as well as being the Assistant Principal at Tuncurry Primary, when she identified the need for quality childcare and education in Tuncurry. Since opening the doors just over 20 years ago, with my own children as the first enrolments, we have grown from strength to strength.

I think quality care is the key, and quality staff go hand in hand with that.

At Dolphins it has always been a family orientated centre where staff, families and management work together with the common goal of their children to be happy in their learning environments, at home, at preschool and the wider community.

How many staff do you have with you at the centre, and can you introduce them to us? We have steadily grown from our first

days. We now employ 22 staff, all locals and most of whom grew up in Forster-Tuncurry, recognising the importance of our local community and families.

Six of these are trainees, learning the trade of quality childcare and education.

Childcare is such an important industry; what do you do to keep your team and centre up to date? We have many ways in which we keep up to date with current trends.

As well as our monthly staff meetings, during which we always have a focus, our educators attend inservicing and workshops that coincide with their professional goals. We choose areas of interest within the sector and then select workshops/inservices to help us develop our

skills and knowledge in this area.

Many of the staff are still studying, furthering their education/knowledge and qualifications.

Thanks Joanne. How can our readers get in touch with you? We are open from 8am ‘til 6pm, Monday to Friday. Families are most welcome to call or to drop in to have a look around anytime within these hours.

We will be having an Open Day and 20th Birthday Celebration combined on Saturday 30th June from 10am ‘til 1pm. We would love Dolphin families both past and present to come along to celebrate with us.

We will be having a sausage sizzle and jumping castle for the children. All are welcome to come along.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 47

focusinterview.

Dentists: Dr Mark Braithwaite, (BDS), Dr Annika Braithwaite (BDSc); Oral Health Therapist: Megan Gollan (BOH and Grad Dip DT); Practice Manager: Karen Holborow; Dental Assistants: Candice Balaam, Heidi Lewis, Misti Roy.

Braithwaite’s Family D E N TA L

Braithwaite’s Family Dental celebrates 100 years in business in 2018! It’s a business that’s not only stood the test of time, but moved with the times, incorporating new technology, training and ideas.

H

ow did your business begin?

Dr Brian Braithwaite came to Taree in 1962 and took over the dental practice at 41 Manning Street, formerly run since 1918 by Dr George Ruprecht. Dr Brian’s wife, June, was the practice manager. In 1988, their son Mark returned to Taree and joined the practice. In 2003, it became evident the old Edwardian shopfront was too small, and with regret Mark relocated to the renovated 92 Albert Street. While Dr Brian has been retired for some years, Mark’s daughter Annika joined us as a dentist in 2018. During her studies Annika spent her holidays assisting at the practice, so she has a great understanding of the business and the community.

What services does your business provide?

We are a family dental practice. Annika and Megan are both wonderful with their child patients. Megan offers comprehensive scaling and hygiene care.

The operating microscope in Mark’s treatment room is used for fine detail, such as root canal therapy. With his keen interest in endodontics, Mark is a member of the Australian Society of Endodontology and frequently attends meetings.

He also pursues an interest in implant restorations.

To what do you believe the business owes its longevity?

We are a family business and strongly involved in our community. We focus on evidence based quality care to meet the needs of patients. We involve our patients in their treatment choices and dental care. We really enjoy seeing our patients return in the following years and seeing that they

48 Manning-Great Lakes focus

have taken notice of our preventive suggestions.

It is a real pleasure to see that a repaired dentition is now stable, functional, attractive, and our patient is proud of the effort they are making to look after their mouth.

Three generations speaks to our patients in terms of longevity of our service. Annika is looking forward to seeing her paediatric patients grow with the practice. She’s particularly enjoying continuing treatment of our long-standing clients, who used to see Dr Brian!

What have been some significant changes to dental practice and technology you’ve observed over the years?

Dentistry has certainly changed. The profession has adopted many business management ideals and now is thankfully more responsive to the needs of our clients and involves them more in their oral care. Awareness of healthy eating and oral hygiene, and fluoride and remineralisation therapies have been tipping the balance away from dental decay.

And we like technology: we carefully evaluate evolving fields such as tooth coloured restorations and computer milled ceramics, to ensure that we provide long lasting work. Dental implants have opened up a whole range of exciting possibilities for us. The Child Dental Benefits Scheme has also been a great success: now we can provide bulk billed care for eligible children who would otherwise miss treatment.

Who is currently on your staff?

Karen is our practice manager, who has an amazing awareness of scheduling and appointment requirements. Commencing as a dental assistant in 1994, she became our manager in

2005 and is a great comfort to patients who have been attending our practice for years.

Megan is our oral health therapist. She is qualified in dental hygiene (preventive care, hygiene, scaling for all ages) as well as dental therapy (more complex care, including restorations and extractions for patients up to 18 years). Megan commenced her dental career at our practice as a dental assistant in 2004. Megan then decided she wanted to go further and was accepted into the BOH degree and dental therapy diploma.

Candice is our youngest dental assistant. You will regularly see her either in reception or inspecting the practice for cleanliness, as she is our environmental cleaning officer. Heidi is our dental assistant and infection control officer. She oversees the sterilisation room and regularly reviews the sterilisation processes. Misti joined us after a career as a dental assistant with NSW Health.

Ongoing education and training must be important in such a well-established business.

What dental associations is the business involved with, and what training have staff completed recently?

Mark is the current President for the ADA NSW North East Division and Annika is the Secretary.

This means they gain insight in to important issues in providing dental services to the community and actively plan content and lecturers for continuing education courses. They are looking forward to some exciting speakers booked for the division this year, as well as the Trans-Tasman Endodontic Conference and the NSW ADA Conference. With Megan they will also be attending the Swiss Dental Academy.

Mark has also enjoyed his time as a clinical

tutor at Charles Sturt University. His regular trips to supervise dental students were a great opportunity to compare current concepts with university staff.

Megan was invited to be an educator at the University of Newcastle. For two days a week, she guides budding oral health therapists through their degree, and is at the forefront of current teachings. Megan was previously the Assistant Secretary of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapist Association, NSW. We recently completed our periodical National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards reaccreditation. Our practice reviews its policies to meet the highest standards, providing quality assurance for our patients.

Brian, Mark and Annika - what are your other interests?

Brian has raised many Hereford cattle. What time he has left after Rotary commitments, he spends building scale steam locomotives and preserving historic MGs. Mark grew up sailing on the Manning and still competes on catamarans.

He’s a cyclist, is heavily involved with Taree Film Society, and is a Grand Designs tragic who loves 20th Century architecture and design. Annika has played netball since age six and now enjoys giving back to the sport through coaching. She enjoys walking her dogs and social tennis comp.

More info? Are you accepting new patients?

Website: www.braithwaitedental.com.au or Braithwaite’s Family Dental on Facebook. Alternatively, please phone us! We most certainly are accepting new patients. Call 6552 1172 or book online via the website!

Thanks everyone.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 49

D E C A D E S

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T R A D E

7 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Regional FINANCIAL Solutions.

35 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Taree EYEWEAR. What is the reason for your three and a weeks ago, of its exciting new Varilux X series half decades in business? I could probably multifocal. They offer a wider reading area, with sum it up in one word: TRUST. It was interesting less head and eye movement for office workers. looking back over the ad we put out when we I’d like to think that even though times have first opened Taree Eyewear. We stated there that changed, we still client satisfaction is have that trust with first and foremost, our clients. We pride guaranteeing our ourselves as “oldworkshop, frames and school” and prefer to lenses, and we like to grind and fit our own NEW EQUIPMENT think we’re still true to lenses here in store.

AND CONSTANTLY REthat original promise.

This means we have EDUCATING OURSELVES People trust us with ultimate control over IS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP their vision, providing the exact fit and faster AHEAD OF NEW DESIGNS comprehensive eye turnaround times.

AND TECHNOLOGICAL examinations, quality We’re not into the upBREAKTHROUGHS IN THE comfortable spectacles selling “fries with that” at a fair price. We INDUSTRY. mentality that seems to think after sales service be taking hold now. We is very important understand patients’ to small business wants and needs and survival, and we think put together the best we excel in the area. solution for their vision.

We’re even happy to New equipment and constantly re-educating use clients’ own frames, as a lot of frames can ourselves is essential to keep ahead of new be reused more than once. We still offer no designs and technological breakthroughs in the gap specs for single vision for most health fund industry. Essilor, world leaders in lenses, just had rebates, as we have for 15 years. a product launch which I attended in Sydney two

50 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Who makes up the Regional Financial Solutions Team?

Bruce Pain, Financial Planner Ashley Montesin, Financial Planner Gina Barber, Client Services/Planner Support Amanda Montesin, Planner Support Linda Matuszny, Planner Support Anthea Johnston, Administration Gina Pain, Administration The business has been running for well over 40 years, which is an awesome achievement.

What does the future hold for Regional Financial Solutions? This family business has been in existence for 47 years, gathering with it a depth of expertise via three generations of financial planners. From its humble beginnings as David Pain Insurance operating from a home office in Taree, David and his son Bruce expanded the business to its present location in Tuncurry, providing financial planning and insurance solutions for the past 27 years.

Under the careful guidance of Bruce, the business has further expanded to include satellite offices assisting clients in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas.

Ashley, Bruce’s son in-law, joined the team four years ago, bringing with him 12 years of experience in the industry. He is a driving force in moving the business forward, consolidating on his planning capabilities and making use of developing technologies within the industry.

As the financial planning industry further evolves, Regional Financial Solutions are suitably positioned, possessing skills equipped to adapt to these changes efficiently and to liaise with their clients regularly to confidently provide the best advice for their individual needs.

How does Regional Financial Solutions make heading into a new financial year less

stressful for individuals and businesses?

We have many clients with whom we have maintained long term relationships, some spanning over the three generations of advisers.

These relationships demonstrate that our clients feel comfortable in knowing that their needs have been addressed and taken care of, as we like to take a proactive approach, rather than a reactive approach. Good preparation and efficient processes at our end means that clients’ financial matters are not being left to the last minute, where some people are left scrambling and even missing out on opportunities. We understand that many people are time-poor and we feel confident that once we have sought a clear understanding of their goals, we can put a plan in place to help navigate through any uncertainty, so that clients have less to worry about leading up to this busy time of year.

Five key ingredients to run a successful business: 1. A fantastic team is essential; having a talented and down to earth team allows us to work cohesively and makes for a fun and enjoyable working environment.

2. Be approachable; always make time for the team to ask questions and gain insight, as this empowers them to do the job at hand confidently and in the future.

3. The workspace is also important. We have recently revamped our office to allow for a more open work space that encourages discussion, brain storming and strategising.

4. Have the right tools; in our case it is vital to have up to date technology and security.

5. Coffee ha ha! We like to drink coffee. It allows us to come together to strategise, or sometimes switch off for a few minutes so we can get back to it feeling refreshed and caffeinated!

D E C A D E S

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T R A D E

focus_contributor

J O H N S T E V E N S F R O M TA R E E B U S I N E S S C H A M B E R

Photo credit: instagram.com/dropzone.photography

m ney matters. with Alan Tickle

Pre-June opportunities to reduce tax It is always wise to seek advice before June 30th from a taxation adviser, and this year is no exception.

Superannuation contribution rule changes enable salary and wage earners to contribute up to $25,000 for the year, including employer contributions, as a concessional contribution.

Previously this could only be achieved via a salary sacrificed contribution. Now, personal savings can be contributed, and a tax deduction claimed.

Reducing the impact of Capital Gains Tax Tax is payable on the net capital gain at the tax payer’s marginal rate of tax, so where a deductible contribution to superannuation lowers the taxpayer’s income so that the marginal tax rate is lowered, this has the effect of reducing how much tax might otherwise be paid on a realizsed capital gain - such as from sale of investment property or shares. Disposing of unrealised capital losses may also be effective in reducing net capital gains.

Downsizer Superannuation Contributions Provided a contract dated on or after July 1st 2018, for sale of a residential property that has been the principal place of residence for ten years or more, there is a one off opportunity for retirees aged over 65 to contribute up to $300,000 each (where a couple is involved) from the home sale proceeds, to superannuation, free of contribution tax.

Why would that be an advantage?

In cases where tax would otherwise be paid on the income earned from investment, placing proceeds to superannuation and then funding a superannuation income stream from either an account based or allocated pension, or fixed rate annuity, produces tax free income.

An opportunity not considered by the Government.

Account based pensions or superannuation funds balances are broken up as having either taxable or tax -free components.

In the event of death and should those funds pass to a non-financial dependent such as adult children, then death benefit tax at the rate of 15% applies on the taxable component.

This is often not understood nor managed when estate planning, such as establishment of Wills and when Superannuation Beneficiaries are nominated.

It has been stated in previous columns that where either the taxation or financial planner is not consulted when that type of action is undertaken, the taxation elements can end up costing an estate considerably.

The potential exists for a retiree who meets downsizer rules to cash in their superannuation pensions that might contain taxable components and use the downsizer provision to re-contribute, to fund retirement income.

The caveat is that Centrelink considerations should be considered before such action is taken where a pension fund commenced before 1st January 2015, as the grandfathered income test provisions may apply and be lost if the account is closed.

Spouse Super Split A strategy surprisingly not used often enough, is electing to transfer 85% of the previous year’s deductible contributions to a superannuation member’s spouse.

This can be very useful when there is an age difference and an earlier condition of release being met by the receiving spouse or a superannuation pension election becoming available for the spouse.

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

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

Connect and Communicate Modern society is funny thing, am I right? We have more means than ever to be connected and to communicate, and yet we have ample evidence to suggest that people are more disconnected, isolated and disengaged than ever.

A

s someone heavily involved present and future marketplace, to be the with a community organisation mouthpiece for the local business community like the Taree Business and to facilitate the networks that bring in Chamber, like so many others businesses to do good business together. we struggle to get the sorts So if you care about business in Taree and of engagement that we really the difference a thriving local economy can need to thrive. Don’t get me wrong: Chamber make to all who live here, I’m talking to you. membership has been steadily growing in Big business and small, we’re better together. recent months, as some If you’re part of a notfresh energy is injected for-profit, a charity, a into the organisation. community group, a And yet when I hit the school; you too can So if you care about streets and speak to play a big part. Without business in Taree and business owners, I hear everyone on board, the difference a thriving them say, “Business any efforts to roll out, local economy can make Chamber? Isn’t that just for example, a “shop to all who live here, I’m for retail (or insert any local” campaign or talking to you. other industry that isn’t address issues governed the one of the person I’m

by Council or the State speaking with)?” How Government will fall wrong they are! flat. Think your business is too big to need Our membership is as wide and diverse as chamber? That’s not what this is about; we ever, with myself in healthcare, representatives need each other - think of the time you spend from manufacturing, education, retail, at chamber events as an investment into our hospitality, automotive, tourism, social services local economy and your local community. In and more. So my question is, if you’re in order for us all to live and thrive in this great business in Taree in 2018, why aren’t you involved? Make no mistake; we are determined over the next few months to establish our strategic agenda whilst we continue to be about all of the other functions of a business chamber - to be a trustworthy source of local, state and federal business-oriented information, to help equip businesses for the

place, for this place to be a great place to raise a family or even retire, we need services and amenities.

If I’ve cut through at all, shoot us an email to info@tareebusinesschamber.com.au to make sure you stay informed of our latest events and have your say.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 51

focusinterview.

The Men Of Steel Will Do The Deal

STEEL Manning River

Manning River Steel Pty Ltd have been OPERATING IN THE MANNING-GREAT LAKES FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES AND ARE BRANCHING OUT! Chrissy Jones chatted with owner Greg (Dikko) Dickson about the past, present and the future expansion.

T

ell us about your business; how long have you been operating, and what’s your main philosophy?

From humble beginnings and a budget of well under 15K, myself and good old Dave (Poppy) Ramsay started MRSTEEL almost 20 years ago.

We built a business brand that today is the envy of some of the biggest steel suppliers in Australia.

My business philosophy has always been the same … give the customer what they want; the customer is the main part of any business - it’s that simple.

How has MRSTEEL grown over the years?

Our first year we lost half our customers through dairy deregulation, then along came the GFC, then Britax packed up to SA, National Foods went down the drain, then UGL moved its operations to Newcastle. Being in business is a challenge, that’s for sure, but

52 Manning-Great Lakes focus

I always say if life gives you lemons - make lemonade.

But, we have grown, steadily going along trying to survive, and now I see a turn for the good I think.

Three years ago One Steel Australia closed its Taree operations, and I was offered the chance to partner up with one of the largest Australian steel mobs around; we have forged a very strong relationship.

MRSTEEL are now able to provide a wider range and have plans for expanding into areas we couldn’t cover well before.

How do you help the community?

I have been lucky to be able to give back via school, community and sporting projects.

We make the donation, tell no one - we don’t do it for the praise. We do it because we can sometimes help when it is needed.

MRSTEEL sponsor the awards night at the end of the year for Design and Tech at the Manning Art Gallery. This ensures the kids get

recognition for their hard work. They deserve it, and I reckon the cash helps a bit to keep them keen in the trade.

I am passionate about our youth. I love showing them though our workshops and having trade days. Seeing the interest they take in our machinery is gratifying.

What do you credit to the growth of the business?

Good old fashioned service and new staff coming on board has allowed me to expand at a faster rate. We are better now, we are stronger now, we know our stuff.

Have you had to change your business ways over the years?

Yes, certainly have. Value adding has become so important in today’s business world.

When I purchased Taree Forster Sheetmetal, it gave us the chance to cut, fold and bend our very own products under one roof. Our customers love it.

An investment of new machinery to the

value of over 750K has helped to ensure the business is up to date with techniques and can do multiple tasks daily.

Safety measures have increased, workplaces today require it, and it is something I have always been passionate about.

How many employees did you have at the start; has that number grown?

MRSTEEL started with me and old Dave. I was running a large painting company; steel wasn’t my priority at the time - you could have put my knowledge of it on a postage stamp.

Old Dave Ramsay, we call him Poppy, is the best loyal worker I have ever had. A deadset champion of knowledge, a fantastic welder and my friend. I thank him for his loyalty in difficult times and good times. MRSTEEL now command a staff of eight, and that doesn’t include an army of contractors that we deal with on a daily basis.

Any other employees been with you for a

focusinterview.

The Men Of Steel Will Do The Deal

long time?

My partner/wife of forty years, Kathryn.

Every ship needs an engine room, and she is it. Illness has forced her to the bench now, but she still carries the oranges at pay day and bill pay time.

Jake on the saw and fork came to us at 15 years of age. He has three TAFE courses under his belt now; I believe he is the future of MRSTEEL. Ian, our truck driver, is great with the customers.

Any new team members?

Yes, I was lucky to pick up a couple of One Steel’s finest with the franchise arrangement: Store Manager Todd Watkin - a great operator, Julie Lamborn - a well known local girl who knows her stuff.

New boy on the block is Brad, an allrounder; he is a very capable young man. He will run the sheet for a while and help me up at the profile shop. Our new bookkeeper, Kylie is very good at the books.

What do you specialise in?

Everything in steel, anything I HAVE JUST INVESTED in rural products, ONE MILLION DOLLARS concreting supplies, INTO A NEW SHED AND reinforcing, sheetA LASER MACHINE TO metal fabrication, DO PROFILE WORK. THE welding contracBODOR FIBRE LASER IS THE tors, metal cutting, MRSTEEL are launchLATEST LASER MACHINE hole punching etc. ing three separate THE ONLY ONE BETWEEN You name it, we brands: Manning River SYDNEY AND BRISBANE. do it. MRSTEEL Steel will be having a specialise in you, complete makeover, the customer - pure new signs etc; Taree and simple. We are Forster Sheetmetal has here to serve our new machinery and signage on its way, plus a customers’ needs. new range of services.

Tell us about the machinery you use …

My baby is Manning Profiling. I am mad There is a vast array: bandsaws, croppers, about steel artwork and have been doing it press brakes, pan brakes, guillotines, welders, as a hobby for ten years. I have just invested pipe benders, tube benders, pipe threading, one million dollars into a new shed and a laser drilling, punching … the list goes on and machine to do profile work. The Bodor Fibre NOW profiling laser and plasma machinery.

Laser is the latest laser machine - the only You have two new branches to your busione between Sydney and Brisbane. This new ness; tell us about those … technology will bring a new era of design and

artwork for our business … all under the one banner of MANNING RIVER STEEL PTY LTD. How’s the future look?

Exciting! The profiling business will allow us to expand and serve even more customers and give us new product ranges.

We will be holding free welding classes, taught by welders. We are also holding “Know Your Steel“days for anyone who uses steel and our own “Rural Day”.

Our products are Aussie made, right here in Taree.

MRSTEEL has a lot of return customers; I am so grateful to all of them, as they have helped to make the business what it is today.

Thank you.

Thanks Dikko.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 53

D E C A D E S

28 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Just Relax and let’s have fun!

Tuncurry Coach Tours was established in 1990 and has been operating ever since from the Forster Tuncurry area.

Tuncurry Coach Tours is family owned and operated, providing quality coach tours with friendly, personal service. We specialise in providing scenic day tours and short breaks, as well as longer tours of up to fifteen days, for individuals, couples, seniors and groups. Our specialty is providing a personal and caring service for holidays that are either organised by us, or as a charter organised by one of our regular groups. We can offer a coach booking and itinerary planning service to help you organise your own tour or day trip.

We tour extensively over areas from Tasmania in the south to Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland, west to Cameron’s Corner, Broken Hill and down to Adelaide and the Great Ocean Road.

We pick up our passengers at five stops in Forster-Tuncurry and on the highway at Nabiac and Bulahdelah. We can provide safe off street parking for your car when you are on our tours.

Please see below for our current one day tours, our overnight tours and extended tours, or contact us directly and we can provide full itineraries for any of the available tours.

54 Manning-Great Lakes focus

I N

T H E

T R A D E

11 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Vast Interior Furniture & Homewares Tell us about your business; how long have you been operating, and what is your main philosophy? Vast Interior Taree is a franchised furniture and homewares business specialising in sustainably sourced and handcrafted timber. My relationship with Vast began in 2007. After trading 10 years in Stockland Forster, I relocated the store to Taree in 2017. Our philosophy is FURNITURE WITH SOUL. Each piece has a story to tell - where it was sourced, how it was made or what it was made from.

What do you credit for your business’ longevity? I think longevity is only achievable in this market with a great product, dedicated staff and a loyal customer base. I am very passionate about my brand and work continuously to create a welcoming atmosphere and a unique experience when my customers visit the store.

Have any of your employees been with you for a long time? My current team of wonderful women have been working together for close to two years now, with Cathy close to the six year mark. We all work extremely well together, bounce off each other’s ideas and with different strengths and talents - it all just seems to gel.

38 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Mark Lowry Real Estate

I started my real estate career in 1980 in Tuncurry, with real estate being the only profession I have been in. My career has spanned working in Manly, Wauchope and Port Macquarie before returning to Forster-Tuncurry in 1992 and buying into an established real estate business.

Real estate requires a huge amount of resolve to patiently work with people during the biggest transactions of their lives, selling or buying property. You must act in the client’s best interest always, otherwise you will not last long in the game.

My integrity and passion for building professional relationships with my clients has set me in good stead in business.

Mark Lowry Real Estate is in its 16th year of operation, and I am extremely proud of the amazing results we have achieved for so many people here in Forster-Tuncurry. I work with a talented team of dedicated, loyal and focused locals who have been by my side for many years.

Thirty-eight years in one profession is a long time and to turn up every day and “push” forward can be a challenge, but my inspiration, along with the team’s, is to be the best we can be and to help locals achieve their real estate goals.

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

30 YEARS IN BUSINESS.

Manning Support Services Inc. MSS (Manning Support Services Inc) is a not-for-profit community-based organisation, overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. MSS is a registered charity under the Charitable Collections Act 1934 and is a Public Benevolent Institution. MSS was incorporated on the 20th day of June 1988 under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984.

M

MSS has grown exponentially over its extensive anning Counselling Service, which was founded in 1978, history. Services now include: family support, sponsored the development both case management and parenting of MSS. In 1987 MSS received programs; counselling; no interest loans; funding to deliver five new services, namely volunteer recruitment and management; Community Care (now Social Support), Home supervised contact; services for the elderly Maintenance and Modification, Family Support include domestic Service, Child Sexual assistance, transport, Assault Counselling social support, respite, and a Computerised home modifications, Community Information home maintenance, DURING 2018, MSS’ Directory.

My Meals, Community PROGRAMS ARE EXPANDING During the 1990s, MSS AGAIN WITH THE Visitors Scheme, and received funding to ADDITION OF AN ONSITE home care packages. deliver Manning Respite OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, During 2018, Options Service and WHO WILL BE ASSISTING the Community Visitors Scheme. MSS also took over the auspice of Hastings Valley Neighbourhood Aid and began providing the Volunteer Resources service on a volunteer basis.

OUR AGED CARE SERVICE TEAMS TO CONTINUE DELIVERING PROMPT AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS.

In the 2000s, MSS received funding for a paid coordinator for Volunteer Resources. MSS also received fixed-term funding to deliver the Manning No Interest Loan Scheme. This funding ceased in 2007, and the program was forced to close its doors. Fortunately, the program was re-funded in 2008 and now continues to operate in both the Manning and Hastings areas.

MSS’ programs are

expanding again, with the addition of an onsite occupational therapist, who will be assisting our aged care service teams to continue delivering

prompt and effective solutions for our clients.

MSS is also piloting a Family Safety program, which works closely with men who are perpetrators of Family and Domestic Violence.

Both these new initiatives assist MSS to continually work on and achieve our vision: “For our communities to be resilient and selfsustaining where everyone feels connected and empowered to achieve their full potential”.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 55

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

BUSINESS MINDS

DEB Tuckerman M I D C O A S T

D

LEADING MIDCOAST COUNCIL’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ED) TEAM IS DEB TUCKERMAN. DEB’S STORY STARTS “HOME” IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

eb, what was it that brought you to MidCoast?

Great question! I grew up on a farm outside a little place called Bridgetown in the South West of WA. It’s often referred to as “Fridgetown” over winter and usually characterised by green rolling hills, but at the moment it’s pretty brown and dusty due to lack of rain.

Apart from a stint in Perth, I’ve always had a passion for regional and rural communities. I decided to look for a job on the East Coast to expand my experience and after looking at a few jobs in remote places like Roma in Queensland, I saw the advert for a job with Great Lakes Council as Economic Development Manager.

Tell us about those days in WA? How did they impact on who you are today?

After attending school in Bridgetown and Bunbury, I went to Uni in Perth to study Economics and Business (specialising in Tourism). I then worked for a tourism market research company and the WA Department of Local Government. One of my first jobs was undertaking a study into the computer needs of local government to see how they could all communicate; needless to say, the internet then came about soon after and solved those issues.

I went back to Bridgetown and picked up work as the Coordinator of “Bridgetown First”, a “mainstreet committee” which worked to improve the vibrancy and business in the town centre - everything from organising Highland

56 Manning-Great Lakes focus

C O U N C I L

Games, to dressing up as the Christmas Fairy for the annual Christmas late night shopping!

What is it you enjoy in your down time?

I need my exercise. I played hockey for Taree West up until recently, had a stint at running, and triathlon, but for now I’m loving bike riding, gardening and swimming. The social side is as important as the physical benefits and an early morning run or ride is not complete without a coffee at the beach with friends. Sunrise over the water is a special time of the day.

I also enjoy camping and bush walking. Woko National Park is our favourite destination locally for camping.

It’s a big job taking on ED in this new Council area. What do you see as the challenges for business locally?

I take my hat off to everyone in small business.

A lot of our businesses are VERY small or owner/operators, and you have to be jacks of all trades. There are lots of external influences and businesses need to constantly adapt to stay on top of things. For MidCoast, our challenges include: the hyper seasonality on the coastal areas, to the vagaries of the weather, which influences a whole range of industries across the shire.

Turning that around, what do you see are the big positives and opportunities?

We are well situated, with close links to metro areas such as Newcastle and Sydney. Our expanded MidCoast area offers such a diversity of options for people looking to move to the area to live and set up a business but still have

to be able to access the metro areas. There are many opportunities to grow our visitor economy, and the MidCoast Destination Management Plan contains a solid framework for us to follow to realise our potential.

I think there are still a lot of opportunities in all our service industries. We have a community that values health and wellbeing. There are opportunities for us to excel in the provision of preventative health, as well as aged care.

Technology is changing quickly, and this presents opportunities for businesses to service not only the local community, but much further afield.

Describe what it is Council can do to activate business and assist our local business owners?

Needless to say, almost everything Council does has some sort of impact on business, from planning, through to providing infrastructure like roads, bridges, keeping the place clean and tidy, through to providing community and cultural facilities and services.

In terms of what I can do to activate business, there is no silver bullet. There are many things that are out of my control, but there is plenty we can do to grow business. I focus on creating an environment that will encourage business and employment growth. That means looking at the barriers to growth, as well as the opportunities.

I really want businesses to be making informed decisions to give them the best chance of success. We encourage businesses looking to expand or relocate to the MidCoast to contact our ED staff. We can help with a range

of information and can help liaise with other sections of Council if necessary.

You’re a big advocate for business having a strong combined voice. What is it you would like to see more from business and Council in partnership?

In partnership there are many things we can achieve. The combined MidCoast Business Chamber represents a great opportunity for Council to meet on a regular basis with all the local chambers of commerce across the 10,000 km² to exchange information and knowledge, develop solutions to issues, joint approaches and build strong working relationships.

Council is only one player who can help to activate business. The State and Commonwealth Government play a major role in creating an environment to encourage business, and MidCoast must work closely with them, as well as the business community, schools, training providers and key stakeholders.

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

There are so many things. When I first arrived in Forster 15 years ago, you weren’t really sure what the area stood for - so many people were moving in from out of town and the place didn’t seem to have a strong character. For me, our strength is us. We have a very caring community and a lot of people who want to get in and make a positive difference. That is the key.

People make the difference.

Thanks Deb.

focusinterview.

your

Alex Cosway.

Award Winning

NBN Partner COMMANDER CENTRE MID-NORTH COAST

I

t’s been a busy 12 months for the Commander Centre team; tell us what's been happening.

It’s been another huge 12 months for the Commander Centre Mid-North Coast! Many readers may know us by our previous name, Redsand Communications, which has been operating since 2009. This past year we completed a full rebrand of our business to the Commander Centre Mid-North Coast. This change has allowed us to secure the very best NBN internet and line products available on the market for our customers, whilst maintaining our local support.

During this same time, we have been extremely busy with NBN rollouts in the Great Lakes (Forster/Tuncurry) as well as Kempsey areas. We have actively engaged with our current and prospective clients to put together NBN migration plans targeted to their specific requirements.

Embracing NBN opportunities over the last two years has seen our business double in size and scope. This growth has only been possible by identifying and adapting to some significant hurdles this past year.

Can you introduce us to your team?

Our successes to date have been the result of a strong team of people and skill sets. From the conception of the business in 2009 until now, my role has primarily been managing company sales, marketing, and financial operations.

My business partner Paul Stibbard is extremely dedicated and has an impeccable reputation for supporting our clients technically with their NBN networks, phone systems, and network cabling requirements. Paul has 58 Manning-Great Lakes focus

been working in the industry longer than I have been alive and has earnt a well-deserved reputation as the leading communications technician and cabler in the region.

Our senior engineer Garry Mitchell, who joined our team a year ago, is highly skilled in traditional telephone, NBN migrations, and is our Avaya guru. If you don’t know what Avaya is, come talk to us!

You have recently won an award at the Midcoast Business Awards. What was it for, and what does it mean to win a major award like this?

Yes, we were extremely humbled and proud to be awarded the 2018 Excellence in Professional Services Award just a few weeks ago. This award recognises businesses that possess specialist knowledge, skills and products that adhere to ethical standards and have been derived from a high level of education, training and experience.

Winning this award provides a platform to strengthen our business awareness and take our new brand, Commander Centre Mid-North Coast to a new level. It solidifies our reputation as being the best at what we do and also highlights to our prospective customers that we have strong local NBN skill-sets, saving the need to look out of town.

I would like to dedicate this 2018 Excellence in Professional Services Award to our customers - for without them, we have no purpose.

The NBN is very active and there is still a lot of hype. What can you tell us about what’s happening with it all at the moment?

With the completion of the NBN rollouts in

the Manning reigon, we are now working with the businesses in the Port Macquarie CDB; the Hastings region rollouts are essentially complete, and the connection phase is well and truly underway.

No doubt as a business owner or manager, you have been inundated with NBN propaganda and offers. Such propaganda in print or over the phone has put a lot of confusion in the market and in some cases (mostly over the phone) communicated incorrect information about the urgency to migrate to NBN “NOW” to avoid disconnection of services.

Some local businesses may elect to use non-local NBN companies following receipt of marketing letters/flyers and/or call centre calls.

The negative stories about NBN migrations we hear daily are mainly due to the poor solutions sold by non-local providers.

It is imperative that businesses in the Hastings use a local provider who understands their communications and IT needs and is accountable for after-sales support!

What makes Commander Centre MidNorth Coast the best at what you do?

I believe there are three main reasons why we are the best at what we do.

Firstly, our team is highly skilled in both traditional telephony (analogue and digital communication) as well as next generation IP (NBN and VoIP) technology. We have more local engineers than our competitors, and our skills in IP and VoIP are the best in the region.

Secondly, we use the best NBN products and services on the market. By partnering with Commander, our NBN internet and lines are leading the industry with pricing and support.

Our pricing has enabled our clients to save on average 45% on their communication costs over our big Telco competitors. Commander are a true NBN IP carrier, providing direct connections from our NBN phone systems unlike the big Telcos, who use 3-party routers and converters, which are problematic.

Lastly, we migrate our customers in two stages, which virtually eliminates downtime and possible loss of lines. Many of the NBN disaster stories you hear about are a result of our competitors (bigger Telcos) trying to convert in a single step.

Why is it so important to make sure you have the NBN correctly installed and set up?

For most businesses in today’s world, ICT (Information and Communications Technology) is paramount to their operation. Making sure their NBN migration and operation is designed to meet the business’ requirements is the first step. At the Commander Centre MNC, we have a strong focus on making sure our NBN solutions meet both their communication and IT requirements.

So often we hear and see that the wrong NBN services and migration have been sold to the client. This results in poor internet speed, loss of internet altogether, and loss of phone lines for days and weeks.

For business owners and managers, the risk of not getting the correct NBN solution is VERY costly. Don’t risk it with other providers; make sure you contact Commander Centre MNC, to ensure your business gets the very best solution from a local award-winning provider.

Thanks Alex.

focus_contributor

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

real estate

UPDATE

Well, it’s official - the regional markets have overtaken the cities according to the experts, out-performing across the residential markets for growth. No surprise to us; we have known our value for years.

I

Bargains must be hard to find; however, a two I am sure I am not the only one who visits Sydney and can’t understand why bedroom unit sold in Forster for $192,000 and people bother to battle the crowds, a block of four units sold for $449,000, again drive in the traffic and be stuck with in Forster. $210,000 bought a three bedroom horrendous mortgage repayments. We home in Taree, whilst $182,000 bought a two are definitely living an enviable lifestyle bedroom unit in Old Bar. and we should all take a moment to stop, look New land subdivisions are selling well and around and appreciate where we live. prices are still on the increase. I noticed a block Over the last few months we have seen an sold for $170,000 in an established Forster increase in new listings to the market, with the neighbourhood. Cheapest block was sold in majority of sales sitting in between $400,000 Coomba Park for $77,500, and not far behind to $600,000 and mainly a block in Tallwoods for being good brick family $90,000. A more unusual homes in residential sale in Taree, with the old areas. First home buyers tennis courts in Chatham, The surge of affordable are back, and their price zoned residential, selling listings is fuelling our range has noticeably for $136,000. market, with astute buyers increased to around Researching median picking the best properties the mid $300,000. This sale prices, it has and snapping them up as has assisted keeping noticeably increased soon as they hit the market. our vacancy rates under over the last twelve 2%, despite the increase months, with Taree now in investors over the at $339,500, Wingham past few years. With at $320,000, Harrington the Sydney market on the slow decline, we at $502,500 and Forster leading the way at have experienced an increase in investment $562,000. In comparison, median rents have properties coming to market for owners to not moved as much, with Taree at $320 per cash in on our premium sale prices. The surge week, Wingham at $330 per week, Harrington of affordable listings is fuelling our market, at $360 and Forster at $400. Not a significant with astute buyers picking the best properties difference between the towns anymore. The and snapping them up as soon as they hit the rental market remains tight, with lower end in market. very short supply.

Interestingly, there are no visible million The best advice for buyers in this market dollar sales over the last couple of months, is do your research and be ready to buy; with the top price just under at $970,000 for pre-approval for finance should be a given, to avoid disappointment. Be decisive and quick to a three bedroom home overlooking One Mile exchange contracts, to ensure you secure that Beach at Forster. A three bedroom unit sold special buy. for $825,000, again with breathtaking views.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 59

focusinterview.

KYE ANDERSON

PHOTO BY JOHN PEARSON

T R A N S M O T O

W

E N D U R A N C E

hat is your connection to Port Macquarie and Manning-Great Lakes regions?

I have grown up in the Hastings area, living in Port Macquarie and Wauchope my whole life. The Manning Valley is where I first started riding on my grandparents’ farm at Hanam Vale.

What kind of racing do you compete in?

In Australia I compete in the Transmoto series, which are cross country events ranging from 12 hours, eight hours or six hours in duration.

In Europe I compete in rounds of the World Hard Enduro Championships; these races are the toughest on the planet, with almost unrideable terrain and with a finishing rate of 20 or so out of either hundreds or even thousands of competitors.

How did you get involved in Enduro?

When I was younger, I had some friends who were into riding, so I got interested and then progressed to the local club racing motocross and enduro races. The enduro races were what I really enjoyed; they were similar to the style of riding I grew up doing.

How does it feel to do something you love at such a high level?

It feels pretty cool seeing years of relentless hard work starting to pay off and going in the right direction. Racing all over Australia and Europe is a great experience and rewarding, as not many people

60 Manning-Great Lakes focus

FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH LOCAL KYE ANDERSON, SEVEN TIMES IRONMAN TRANSMOTO CHAMPION, TO GET THE DIRT ON LIFE AS AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ENDURO-RACER. HE’S ABOUT TO HEAD BACK OVERSEAS TO TAKE ON THE WORLD HARD ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIPS.

R I D E R

Racing all over Australia and Europe is a great experience and rewarding, as not many people are willing to put the work in to make it all possible. I guess it’s self-rewarding, as I do it for myself.

are willing to put the work in to make it all possible. I guess it’s self-rewarding, as I do it for myself.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

It’s hard to decide! It would have to be finishing Redbull Sea to Sky 2017 in 17th place outright, with that result being the highest Aussie result to date in the World Hard Enduro Championships (something we simply don’t have in Aus), or recently I have been doing well in the Transmoto events; I currently have seven title wins in the past two years.

Who has been your inspiration?

Toby Price has always been pretty high on that list.

Tell us about your supporters?

I have a team of great sponsors I have accrued over the years, who supply me with the best products available for the job at hand. They range from some local companies through to national and international.

In addition to these sponsors, I have some motivated outside of the industry sponsors, such as Complete

PHOTO BY JOHN PEARSON

Pest Control, who are huge aids in some of the financial costs - which I am extremely grateful for.

What are your plans for the future?

For the future I’d like to be able to get the chance to ride and train full-time instead of full-time work, so that I can give myself the best chance of good results and continue to travel Australia and the world racing and living the adventure. When it’s all over, I’ll go back to uni and start the next chapter.

How can we help you get there?

If there are any motivated companies interested in advertising in a different market space, they can contact me via email (kye124@hotmail.com) for a copy of a personalised sponsorship proposal with differing levels of advertisement to suit.

That would be greatly appreciated.

What’s your dream dirt bike ?

For me personally, the two bikes I currently have, KTM 350exc-f and KTM 300exc TPI, are pretty close to the best bikes for me.

Thanks Kye.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 61

focus_abode.

PROPERTY of the MONTH

Capture the ocean breeze in Red Head Located in the beachside estate "Seascape", you’ll find this superbly designed four bedroom home that will impress all who visit.

D

esigned by Angus Laurie and parkland areas, walking tracks, access to master built to capture ocean patrolled Diamond Beach, ocean lookouts to views with north facing living view the whales and is located within a few and entertaining areas, this is one minutes' drive to popular Blackhead Beach, property to be viewed in Red Head. pool, Tallwoods Golf Course and Hallidays This grand home Point village. Located features open plan approximately 20 modern living and minutes' drive to Taree dining, including and Forster/Tuncurry - to The home is on a 850 m² separate upstairs living, find out more about corner block with double spacious designer this prestigious property garage, room for a kitchen and covered and to arrange an caravan or boat and a patio. The main bedroom inspection, please call very private backyard. faces north to the ocean, the team at Property This home is an ideal family with its own bathroom, Plus on (02) 6555 5380 home, weekender and retreat high ceilings, A/C and a or Troy Perrim on all in one. separate private office 0437 597 616. space that can double as a sitting room.

The stunning timber staircase takes you upstairs to enjoy the outlook, with three spacious bedrooms with built in robes, second bedroom with A/C, large main bathroom, kitchenette and living area opening on to a large balcony overlooking Diamond Beach and surroundings. The home is on an 850 m² corner block with double garage, room for a caravan or boat and a very private backyard.

This home is an ideal family home, weekender and retreat all in one.

Seascape is a coastal estate offering

62 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Seascape is a coastal estate offering parkland areas, walking tracks, access to patrolled Diamond Beach, ocean lookouts to view the whales and is located within a few

minutes' drive to popular Blackhead Beach.

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Elevated Elevated 558m2 558m2 block block of of land land Lake glimpses Slightly Lake glimpses - Slightly slopes slopes upwards upwards Under Under 300m 300m wlk wlk to to Lake Lake and and Shop Shop Approx Approx 22 22 min min drive drive to to P/Palms P/Palms Approx Approx 45 45 min min drive drive to to Forster Forster

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Ph: 0437 597 616 Ph: 0400 265 360 Ph: 0411 043Manning-Great 256 Lakes focus 63

GROUP BOOKINGS AVAILABLE

52 Manning-Great Lakes focus