Manning-Great Lakes Focus i139

Circus Oz

September 2018. issue 139

Tuncurry Forster XXXX

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team From the

Welcome to the September issue of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. You may have noticed the change to our team photo above, and you would be right in saying that someone is missing.

Our beloved Jo and her husband, Keith are making the move to the peaceful country setting that is Armidale. Jo has been with FOCUS from the very beginning and although she is not leaving the company, she is moving on from her role with us at the Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. This however, opens the door for some fresh faces, and I am very excited to let you all know that Ingrid Bayer, whom you may recognise from around town and Bronwyn Davis, also a Manning local, will be joining our team to look after our editorial department. I would like you to join me in welcoming both of these wonderful ladies

to our FOCUS family and wishing Jo and Keith all the best in Armidale.

On the cover: Find your best spring racing outfit and join us at this year’s Tuncurry Forster XXXX Gold Cup. With this year’s cover we decided to head down a different track with our Spring Racing theme; there is nothing better than celebrating local talent, and that’s what we decided to do. Emma, Sarah and Yas have chosen the Manning Valley to work, live and play in, and we learn a little bit about them on page 19. A massive thank you to Terry Evans for allowing us to take over his stables for the morning to get the perfect shot.

The FOCUS family look forward to seeing you at this year’s cup, and don’t forget to

dress in your best! You never know; you could be this year’s Best Dressed Lady, Gent or Couple.

In this edition: Where do I start! This edition is definitely jam packed. Our friends at Riding for the Disabled are celebrating their 20th birthday; the lovely Laura Pennington chats to us about Candlarah Farm; well known local Shane Mcleay brings us up to speed with what he’s been doing lately and tells us all about his second booked, titled Thirsty; and with Circus Oz performing at the MEC, we have a chat with founding member Laurel Frank ... this is one show not to be missed.

Enjoy the first month of spring, whatever it is you get up to, and don’t forget to spoil dad, stepdad or grandad this Father’s Day.

Precious metal is coming to Taree.

The Mercedes-Benz Precious Metal Roadshow will be arriving at Taree Motorama on 26th October.

This rare opportunity offers access to some of the latest and most exclusive models from the Mercedes-Benz range including the luxurious Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, E-Class All-Terrain 220d and GT C Roadster. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity at Taree Motorama, before it moves on. www.mbtaree.com.au

Taree Motorama 54 Victoria Street, Taree (02) 6539 3300 50223 www.mbtaree.com.au

Manning-Great Lakes focus 3

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L A U R E L F R A N K - F O U N D I N G A N D C O S T U M E D E S I G N E R

M

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It’s been 40 years since the humble beginning of Circus Oz. SINCE THEN, THE COMPANY HAS SEEN MANY EVOLUTIONS, TOURS, SHOWS, UNBELIEVABLE TRICKS - NOT TO MENTION THE COSTUMES! FOCUS chatted with founding member, Laurel Frank …

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M E M B E R

i Laurel. Give us some background into your history as a founding member of Circus Oz? I’ve been with the company for 40 years. I’ve done other work, as I’m a freelance costume designer, but the core of my work have always been Circus Oz - and that started in 1977, when I was working at a theatre company and we created a circus project. This seemed to develop its own life - we joined with a small circus company from South Australia, and Circus Oz was born.

Tell us about the first ever Circus Oz performance …

The first proper public show in the tent that we built in the basement of the theatre company where I was working, was Moomba.

That was in Melbourne, and we went on to the Adelaide Festival - so they were the first two shows.

Before this we had done a lot of street theatre and a lot of smaller events, but I always think of that first tent as really being the launching pad for us as a touring circus company.

How does it feel being in the industry for 40 years? What have been some of your greatest achievements or fulfilling moments?

It’s a surprise that I’ve been doing this for 40 years - or even longer really, because my work started slightly earlier in a theatre company in Melbourne. I learnt all sorts of things that have really helped me; I was a lighting designer and rigger for a while, and studied under a senior lighting person. I was a stage manager, I did a whole variety of jobs, and I was always costume making on the side.

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M O D E L C I T I Z E N S

I think learning all those other skills and a bit of acting actually gave me a great understanding of all types of performance - and especially circus. I had a bit of a go at acrobatics (I was terrible) but I had a go, so I feel like I do have that knowledge of what it takes for performer to successfully get on stage and do what they have to do and communicate with an audience.

Have you had a go on the high trapeze or any other daring tricks?

Daring is probably going too far! I was a clown, and ran around doing that, and as mentioned a little bit of acrobatics. I was part of the group acrobatics, but in the early days it was as much about what we were talking about in the show - the message that was as important as the skill level. So no, I didn’t do anything daring! I did plenty of training climbing up web ropes and sat on trapezes, but I never seriously trained for any of those acts.

And what do you love most about being a part of the Circus Oz family?

Theatre productions always have that family feel. Circus Oz has such a long history, and we have a special structure in our company where performers, technicians and people in admin can become company members once they’ve been with the company for a certain number of years, so we now have a big pool of people who are distributed all over the world - as well as all around Australia - who at one time or another have been part of the company and have worked with us.

They’re now family - it’s like you have lots of wise uncles, aunts, cousins who can be drawn on to help on whatever the company is doing at the present moment. It’s a pretty special thing, the Circus Oz family.

How do you ensure costumes are high visual impact, yet still able to be moved/

and protect and support the performer?

We are really happy Acrobats will back-flip off with the stage picture a giant vertical clothes peg, we’ve created with Model become tangled in Citizens; it was a result of an oversized cotton a lot of meetings between reel, balance on a house of the set and prop designer, oversized collapsing cards and Baxter and our Artistic fly high in an enormous pair Director Rob Tannion, so of aerial undies! we threw around a lot of ideas and landed on this idea of the model kit world and the model citizens who might inhabit that world. It was a really rich spring board; it’s a long journey from model-kit world that challenges perspective, scale and concepts of normality. In Model those initial ideas to further research to clarify Citizens, over-sized, everyday objects are used the ideas and costume and set design. as unexpected circus equipment that create an For me, there is a huge input with whoever intriguing new playground for the all-human it is that’s going to be in the cast, because I ensemble. Acrobats will back-flip off a giant have to modify all of those broad notions into something that is going to work for a particular vertical clothes peg, become tangled in an oversized cotton reel, balance on a house of person who has a particular character who oversized collapsing cards and fly high in an works with particular circus gear - whether enormous pair of aerial undies! it’s trapeze, or hand balancing, or whatever it Exposing circus skills in unconventional is. I always have to work technically for that ways, Model Citizens presents stunning group person, and it’s a long road, because there is acrobatics with a twist. Model Citizens is a a lot of interaction with gear in different acts. visually and emotionally charged journey by You have to make sure the costume won’t get the multi-talented Circus Oz ensemble, which caught up on anything or is going slide in the explores what it really means to be a model right way or not. It’s particular to each act, so that’s a journey I go on with each performer, to citizen in today’s “model kit” society. isolate their needs.

Congratulations on 40 years, Laurel - and thanks.

Model Citizens seamlessly blends the risk and beauty of breathtaking physical improbability with theatricality, choreography and Circus Oz’s distinct brand of Australian humour. Stunningly lit and driven by a sensational live music soundtrack, Model Citizens unfolds within a cleverly designed

CIRCUS OZ - MODEL CITIZENS Manning Entertainment Centre.

Friday, 21st September 2018 | 10:30am - 11:30am Friday, 21st September 2018 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm Friday, 21st September 2018 | 07:30pm - 9:30pm For tickets and pricing: mec.midcoast.nsw.gov.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 5

contents Issue 139 - September 2018

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04

Circus OZ.

feature a special

SENIORS LIVING AND RETIREMENT

It’s been 40 years since the humble beginning of Circus Oz. Since then, the company has seen many evolutions, tours, shows, unbelievable tricks - not to mention the costumes! FOCUS chatted with founding member, Laurel Frank …

48 Seniors Living and Retirement

12

Wild Adventures.

Sarah Dunstan speaks to Aaron Dodds about his recent business venture for children, Intothewildadventures ...

16

Wright Family.

Karen Annand’s (nee Wright) family is part of the very fabric of Tuncurry’s history. As we approach Father’s Day, Karen wished to pay tribute to her father, David Wright, by acknowledging her family’s history and the role she hopes to play in the community moving forward.

the Usual

14. WHAT’S ON for September

21. BUSINESS VOICE with Liz Jarvis 22. EAT local restaurants 24. WINE TIME with Robyn Piper 24. WHAT’S IN SEASON with Neville Donovan

26

30. TOURISM with Sharon Bultitude 33. SOCIAL SCENE with Donna Carrier 43. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall 45. BUSINESS MINDS with Jeremy Thornton

Salleh & Strazz.

If you like Tuck & Patti or Rodrigo y Gabriella, you’ll love Anna and Guy! This dynamic duo will bring you the best of Bossa Nova, Jazz and Samba, capturing the soul and sound of Brazil, as they tour the Mid North Coast. Anna and Guy will be visiting us in Tuncurry…

Suspects

follow us on

www.facebook.com/mgl.focus/

No matter where you are in the world, read FOCUS for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 7

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Sweetpea

and Mumma

Mother and daughter team Jennifer Dayment and Samantha Everett are the faces behind Sweet-Pea and

Mumma and a Little to the Left Studio & Gallery.

Jenny and Sam are waging their own “war on waste” ... and here, they explain their motivation and inspiration.

T

ell us a bit about SweetPea & Mumma and A Little to the Left Studio?

Jenny: We have always called each other Sweet-Pea & Mumma. It became our brand name when we started sewing and doing markets probably five years ago now. A Little to the Left Studio & Gallery is where we make and create. The art gallery is organised

by Sam; concentrating on emerging artists and fibre artists.

Sam: Our space is in the Taree Literary Institute Building. Literary Institutes or Schools of Arts came into existence after the Industrial Revolution, when people had more “leisure time”. They usually included a library, art, craft and other activities. Our library opened in 1864 and is still operating! It is such an interesting space.

You’re a mother and daughter duo; what is it like working together?

Jenny: Generally it is a collaborative relationship and we bounce off each other well - I treasure it. Sam is very creative and has the ability to draw it out of others.

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that like-minded people can gather and connect over creative activities Sam: Mum is the - to take time out backbone of this place, mindfulness time. connect, and our space and it wouldn’t be much Sam: The space is provides community without her here. It is fi rst and foremost inclusion, along with so precious to watch our working studio. opportunities to build on social Mum continually grow Something creative is and life skills. in confidence creatively. always going on, from I have huge respect for workshops, to one-onher and for the most of one lessons, to various it, we are on the same community groups page and work well together. meeting here. I am part of the Manning Fibre When you have shared interests, passions, Artists, and the Manning Valley Creative ethics and vision, I think you have potential Collective, and it is wonderful to have a space for a great relationship. to offer for meetings and play days! The I’m still learning not to personalise gallery changes exhibitions roughly once a constructive criticism from Mum and to keep month and there are opening events for each my “Professional Business Hat” on! We are show that the community can come to for no lucky to have the strong relationship we share. cost.

Your studio is a gallery and community Many of the students come via the NDIS. space. What goes on there?

I work with adolescents who are on the Jenny: We host workshops in a variety Autism Spectrum, or have mental health and/ of arts and crafts. This includes bringing or intellectual challenges. Art is the way we guest artists from other areas here also. We connect, and our space provides community encourage local people to call in and share inclusion, along with opportunities to build on our space with us. We have started a group social and life skills. on Tuesdays called The Common Thread, so What are some of the benefits of this

I work with adolescents who are on the Autism Spectrum, or have mental health and/or intellectual challenges. Art is the way we

community space?

Jenny: Collaboration with like-minded people, learning and strengthening skills, building confidence and restorative time for your personal wellbeing.

Sam: People can come and feel part of something. We’ve created a colourful, safe, inspiring, fun, collaborative, unique, inclusive, special and warm environment.

A big part of your ethos is re-purposing; what does this mean and involve?

Jenny: Repurposing is being able to use existing, available materials (rather than purchasing new) to create, recreate and extend the life of objects, as opposed to things going into landfill. This can be clothing, old sewing patterns, haberdashery, painted canvasses that can be painted over, picture frames, etc.

Sam: Re-purposing or up-cycling is the process of making something new, out of something old and destined to be waste. As an art student living in Sydney, I learnt how to be thrifty! It’s creatively satisfying to make something new and interesting out of waste or pre-loved/used materials.

We are both passionate about vintage fabrics and haberdashery, sourced from op-shops, Council clean-up, tip-shops,

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Fashion is about finding one’s individual style, and embracing that. I love

clothing and am confident in helping others find and finesse their own style. I have repurposed clothing since I was a teen!

passed down from grandmothers or donated by wonderful community members who appreciate and support what we do.

The war on waste is a hot topic; how have you embraced this concept?

Jenny: When you realise how much waste consumerism creates, as makers it is hard to ignore. Through repurposing and valuing the impact this has on our environment, we try to lead by example. We don’t use polyester to fill the soft toys we make; we work with natural fibres as opposed to man-made synthetics, and we shop locally and/or buy second-hand.

Fast fashion is a major contributor when it comes to waste. How can you help someone re-purpose items in their existing wardrobe?

Jenny: We have examples in the studio to inspire, books, and loads of encouragement to share. We have a pattern library too. We have recently partnered with J. R. Richards and have started doing op shop tours and repurposing workshops.

Sam: Fashion is about finding one’s individual style - and embracing that. I love clothing and am confident in helping others find and finesse their own style. I have repurposed clothing since I was a teen! I enjoy

it and love sharing my The workshop will knowledge and skills. empower people You are co-hosting to explore ways of workshops with Jane extending and restyling Milburn, the author existing garments, of the book Slow creating one’s own individual Clothing; tell us about style and reducing one’s be in our area for two the philosophy behind carbon footprint. book launches, and also it? workshops.

Jenny: Yes, we are What can we learn very excited to have from the workshop?

Jane Milburn coming to Jenny: The workshop will empower people Taree and Forster. Her philosophy / manifesto to explore ways of extending and restyling is a way of thinking, choosing, wearing and existing garments, creating one’s own caring for clothing, and having a meaningful individual style and reducing one’s carbon connection to your own style - not just being footprint. dictated to by the fashion industry. The Sam: I’m looking forward to her workshops, consideration of planetary health is of great because I’m inspired by her creative cleverness importance, and Jane’s philosophy is based with re-purposing, and her knowledge on the on this. subject of textile waste and slow clothing. Her Sam: The Taree Literary Institute and J.R. philosophy is similar to my own, and I know Richards financially got behind Mum’s idea that I have much to learn from her! to bring Jane to our area, which is fantastic.

Where can we book or find out more Jane Milburn is a pioneer in the Slow Clothing about the workshop? movement and featured on The War on People can call into our studio to find out Waste series. Her philosophy is similar to ours, more about the book launch or workshops. and we have learnt so much more about They can also contact J. R. Richards or go textile waste since reading her book. She will

to their website. The Taree Literary Institute Library has information too. We are hoping to attract school students, since sustainability is in the curriculum now.

Anyone interested in sustainability, fashion, textiles or socialising at book launches should come!

The booking links are: https://www.trybooking.com/XJFY Taree launch. www.trybooking.com/XJGU - Taree Workshop - 15 people. www.trybooking.com/XJGA - Forster launch. www.trybooking.com/XJHB Forster Workshop - 15 people.

A big thank you to the new FOCUS team for their support of our creative business, and we look forward to contributing to our beautiful area’s calendar of events!

Thanks ladies.

Interview: Bronwyn Davis.

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Jim Frazier is a living legend. His home is Bootawa in the Manning Valley, and his background includes working with the likes of David Attenborough.

Jim’s work as a photographer has seen him earn many accolades, including a prestigious Oscar and Emmy Award and an Order of Australia Medal (OAM). We caught up with Jim to find out about his project and passion, “Symphony of the Earth”.

Jim

C

an you tell FOCUS readers about the project Symphony of the Earth?

Symphony of the Earth is a massive musical blockbuster feature film project comprising 10 high impact entertaining films.

The concept includes using the highest profile musicians, singers and entertainers - the most popular in the world today. The unique feature is introducing the world to a whole new genre of music, which is animal sounds - from birds to elephants - as part of the musical score, together with beautiful footage of these amazing creatures making those sounds!

We intend to create a global change in current destructive human thinking in relation to the global environment. Symphony of the Earth sets out to be the “Restart Button” for the planet by “Giving the Earth a Voice.” This global project will be By the People, For the People. We aim to change our planet from EGO driven to ECO driven.

Was there a particular catalyst that led you to start Symphony of the Earth?

It was during the time that I was travelling the world filming for David Attenborough and seeing first-hand the environmental carnage all over the world, which few people witness. It’s so apparent to me that the loss of biodiversity which sustains our very existence is at a crossroads, and we are now at a point where we WILL see total collapse. I am very deeply concerned for the survival of our children and all future generations.

When I looked around, I realised that the general population is totally unaware of the

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very real issues we face, and the fact that if WE choose to do nothing we WILL see the demise of all life on earth within several decades.

It’s a massive project! Are there any key players who are working with you to help you realise this vision?

It’s definitely not just me - it’s just my vision, but I work with an amazing, very dedicated and committed team who are actively helping me bring this to fruition.

Along the way I’ve met some fabulous people such as Chris Mitchell, who is a former editor for The Australian newspaper, and he is now providing some support. Also, media personality Ray Martin has expressed an interest, and I look forward to working with him in future.

Part of the project involves establishing a Manning-based film studio where we can work on filming a lot of the sequences we need for Symphony of the Earth. We are also going to use this studio as a hub where we can begin to support and develop other likeminded initiatives.

What have been the major challenges you’ve experienced, and how do you think you can or have overcome them?

This has been a labour of love for me for the past 15 years. By far the biggest challenge I face is generating funds to get Symphony of the Earth off the ground, and it’s something I regard as urgent now in the face of what I believe future generations will experience if we don’t act now.

There is a wider vision here, isn’t there; one that you would like everyone - from individuals to governments - to embrace and take on?

western problem.

I am working on IT’S SO APPARENT TO getting Symphony of Apart from the main ME THAT THE LOSS OF the Earth in front of narrated message, which BIODIVERSITY WHICH a global audience as will be delivered in the SUSTAINS OUR VERY quickly as possible, EXISTENCE IS AT A middle of the film, there because I see this as CROSSROADS, AND WE are no spoken words being a key to changing ARE NOW AT A POINT - it’s all music, animal the way we think in an WHERE WE WILL SEE music, entertainment. environmental sense.

TOTAL COLLAPSE. Every sound in a I also believe that conventional orchestra governments worldwide is out there in the wild are really seriously I’ve heard them … all we contributing to the have to do is go and fi lm and record them. demise of global environments, and that this Any final thoughts? issue falls very low on their collective agendas The global environment is under threat.

- regardless of what they are saying.

It seems to me that it’s all about the money, and this financial focus is what’s driving the degradation of our precious environment.

We’ve already lost 53% of all plants and animals on our earth, which puts us over a tipping point. We cannot get back what’s been lost, but we can move now to stop further degradation.

What can we as everyday people do to help?

There are a number of ways people can support the Symphony of the Earth, including donating or becoming a member.

Visit the website to find out more, or to donate - we would very much like to meet with environmental philanthropists: http:// symphonyoftheearth.org/get-involved/ What’s your goal now in relation to Symphony of the Earth?

It’s urgent that we get Symphony of the Earth out there as soon as possible. We’re planning to release it in 16 languages, because it’s a global problem, not just a

There’s no escaping that fact. Air pollution, deforestation and death of our sea life are huge issues which, unless we do something about them now, will impact generations to come in ways we can’t even begin to imagine.

Coral reefs are bleaching because of rising acidity levels and rising temperatures in our oceans - and now, more seriously, we are seeing our oceans turn radioactive due to the horrific Fukushima incident. The impact is global, despite what you might think.

Plastics are also a huge issue. Oxygen producing sea grasses are being destroyed by micro plastics. Did you know that there is an “island” of plastics the size of Tasmania floating around in the Pacific Ocean … and it’s killing millions of animals, from turtles to seals to whales!

There is no Planet B; so we had better take care of this one!

Thanks Jim. Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

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focusinterview.

Sarah Dunstan speaks to Aaron Dodds about HIS RECENT BUSINESS VENTURE FOR CHILDREN, TAKING PLACE AMONGST OUR LOCAL NATURAL LANDSCAPE.

Into the wild

adventures

H

i Aaron. What an exciting new initiative based here on the Mid North Coast! Please tell our readers a little about this travel based business model?

Intothewildadventures is an exciting new venture, looking to showcase our region with a unique outdoors educational experience for children to inspire and motivate independence, teamwork, resilience, problem solving, clean living, utilising our rugged yet beautiful coastline and hinterland.

Intothewildadventures has specialist staff to run exploration sessions via treasure hunts, mystery tours, hiking, surfing, climbing, kayaking, diving, camping, below water experiences, catching and cooking lessons, available for all ages and skill levels.

Our goal is to work closely with our tourism and accommodation bodies, to provide a specialist solution to help get more heads on beds, create packages to extend the stay and give all visitors a truly amazing experience while visiting the Mid North Coast.

Apart from the stunning surrounds of the regional landscape, what inspired you to create such a business?

This journey started for me at the age 16.

Being a local, I volunteered with St Vincent De Paul Forster with Danny Austin and Greg and Lorraine Byrne, helping vulnerable youth as a team leader, taking these youth to outdoors educational centres like Great Aussie Bush Camp and Myuna Bay. In the past 15 years I have continued to work closely with underprivileged and in particular Indigenous

12 Manning-Great Lakes focus

youth via Boogie Youth and other specialist based clinics. Now as Our goal is to work closely with a father, my passion our tourism and accommodation is inspiring the next bodies, to provide a generation to become specialist solution to help more aware of their get more heads on beds, environmental footprint, have built modules to create packages to extend sustainable living and understand their learning the stay and give all visitors a using our Mother Earth needs and adapt to truly amazing experience while to help them grow and either the environment visiting the Mid North Coast. become wonderful or the individual. leaders of tomorrow.

Intothewildadventures has My eldest son is a structured experiences for huge inspiration for me; all ages and skill levels, having Autism means his learning and social from kids' parties with a basic treasure hunt to interactions are unique. I use adventure and the adventure extremists where we can hike, outdoor exploration to remove screen time, dive and climb. We are skilled to work with create problem solving opportunities, outdoor behavioural, cognitive, constructive and 21st education and social challenges.

Century outdoors learning.

Having gained support from local Worimi Where are some of the particular places and Biripi Elders and community, this allows us and areas the trips encounter? to explore most watercourses, caves, beaches, Intothewildadventures have set trips from waterfalls, and underwater worlds in our Diamond Head, Middle Brother, Blackhead, region; Intothewildadventures is looking to Copeland, Gloucester, Wallis Lake, Cape combine our outdoors passion, educational Hawke Harbour, Cape Hawke, Stroud, Forster desires, to inspire locals and visitors to enjoy and Seal Rocks. Each trip design has the ability our region, live, laugh, learn and love. to be adaptable for each adventure to suit What are some of the learning modules terrain and weather conditions for all groups that you cover with the kids? and individual needs.

Intothewildadventures is all about the Why do you think it's important for experience, using a simple model of structured children to spend time in the natural outdoor sessions, educating all participants on landscape away from media screens etc.? the history of the region we are exploring, the The National Physical Activity flora and fauna, the environmental footprint Guidelines recommend children receive and more. up to two hours of time spent per day After working with vulnerable youth and outdoors enjoying nature for good health and development. Getting the right balance people with barriers for many years, we

between green time and screen time is important for all kids and adult health, including their cognitive and emotional development. This will help to ensure they develop into capable and resilient people.

As a Manning-Great Lakes local, what do you love about living in this coastal spot?

I have very fond memories exploring the area and local regions as a child with my father, siblings and mates. I’ve always loved learning about the land and sea, the flora and fauna, catch and cook.

Now as an adult, I have a spiritual connection to Mother Earth and have continued my adventurist spirit with a mat, Anthony Murphy, turning stones unturned, finding over twenty new waterfalls, caves and an amazing underwater world. Living in this region we can travel less than twenty minutes from townships and find pristine landscapes which truly will enhance your life.

How can people best contact you to enquire about upcoming adventures?

Please view www.intothewildadventures.com.au Intothewildadventures is also on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, contact us via info@intothewildadventures.com.au or call 1300 552 085.

Thanks Aaron.

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focus_What’s On Manning-Great Lakes

S E P T E M B E R

Art For HSC

16

The latest exhibition at the Gloucester Gallery is the body of works submitted by Gloucester High School students for the 2018 HSC Visual Art elective subject. Free entry. The Gloucester Gallery is open Thursday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm and Sunday 10am - 1pm.

When Thursday 16th August - Sunday 9th September.

Where 25 Denison St, Gloucester.

Website eventsgloucester.com.au/2018/08/08/art-for-hsc2018-16-aug-9-sep-2018/ Phone 0425 203 877.

15

Groovin In The Garden Fundraiser Groovin’ in the Garden 2018 date has been set!

9

Thanks to you, our community - Groovin in the Garden has had an extremely successful two years and is hoping for a even better third.

When Saturday 15th September, 10am - 4pm.

Where 4 Farquhar St, Wingham. Website www.facebook. com/ManningValleyCommunityGardens/ Phone 0456 640 747. Email chellbella7@gmail.com

Mark Vincent Young At Heart

15

When Sunday 9th September, 2:00pm. Where Manning Entertainment Centre, 33 Manning River Drive, Taree.

Website mec.midcoast.nsw.gov.au Phone (02) 6592 5466.

Email box.office@midcoast.nsw.gov.au Tickets Adult $85 / concession / $79 / friend of the MEC $75 / group 10+ $75 / under 18 years $75

9

One For The Farmers Fundraiser

9

Mountain Man Tri Challenge

It’s the 28th year for this well-known athletic event that draws competitors from across the state: the Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge!

Bulahdelah’s “One for the Farmers”. Equally supporting: Buy a Bale, Need for Feed, Drought Angels and Aussie Helpers. This is a Bulahdelah community project in conjunction with the Bulahdelah Show Society.

Held on the second Sunday of September each year, the challenge consists of a 20.4 km mountain bike ride around the Bucketts Mountains; 10.7 km kayak paddle down the crystal clear waters of the Barrington River; and 8.8 km run along the scenic Thunderbolts Way and back into the Gloucester District Park.

When Sunday 9th Sep, 10am - 3:30pm. Where Bulahdelah Showground, Prince Street. Phone 0408 604 871.

Email auntyam@live.com.au

When Sunday 9th Sep. Where Boundary Street, Gloucester.

Website gloucestertrichallenge.com/ Phone 0417 656 201.

Twilight River Festival

Rediscover the magic of your own backyard with Discovery Parks - Forster’s free Twilight River Festival. You’re invited to join the Discovery Parks - Forster family for an afternoon of fun and entertainment and to celebrate the very best the New South Wales coast has to offer.

When Saturday 15th September, 3 - 9pm Where 99 Aquatic Rd, Darawank. Website bit.ly/2kNMUpG

22

Wallis Lake Oyster & Craft Beer Festival 2018 When Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September, noon to 6pm. Where Hamiltons Oysters, Tuncurry.

Entry FREE. A boutique buffet of craft beers and local wines.

Oyster eating comp and games. All day live music.

Courtesy bus available. Fun for the whole family.

14 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusinterview.

A CELEBRATION of

Quilts

Held once every three years, A Celebration of Quilts is planned for 14th and 15th September at the Taree Anglican Church. WE SPOKE TO THE ORGANISERS, KERRY WAKELY AND JILL BUTTEL, ABOUT THE EVENT ...

W

hen and why did you first decide to run A Celebration of Quilts?

Do you ever see something and say, “Wow, I have to do that!”? In 2014, that is what we said when we saw a photo online of a quilt show in a church in America. We were inspired by this photograph and just loved the concept and thought, “Why not?”

least one project on the go. I generally have a quilt that I am making by machine, as well as a hand project or two. What keeps me quilting; there is always something new, a different technique, a pattern you see in a magazine that you love and then of course, there is the fabric that you “just must have”.

Quota International of Taree Inc. is again supporting us by providing food and refreshments. Proceeds from the door will go to Quota. There will also be a raffle, with proceeds going to the Anglican Care Auxiliary Manning.

out about groups in your area.

Jill - About fifteen years ago, I wandered into a patchwork store and was amazed at the dazzling display of quilts on the walls. At one end of the store were women sitting at tables, St John’s Anglican Church, Taree was identified chatting, laughing, and as the ideal venue, sewing on a variety of and Father Keith was sewing machines. It extremely kind and a didn’t seem to matter great help with our I wandered into a patchwork what machine they first “A Celebration of store and was amazed at the owned or exactly what Quilts” in 2015. After the dazzling display of quilts on they were making - what success of the first event, the walls. At one end of I could hear and see where we saw over 200 the store were women was the fellowship they visitors attending and sitting at tables, shared. That was it - I received many wonderful chatting, laughing, and became a quilter. Since comments, we decided sewing on a variety of sewing then I have made quilts, that we would do it machines. again in 2018. throws, wall hangings, place mats, tote bags - if This year, we will have it can be made prettier over 100 quilts arranged with patchwork, then on the pews, creating that’s what I have enjoyed doing. an absolutely stunning display. The quilts are being supplied by groups from our very active How do our readers find out about local patchwork community on the Mid North Coast, quilters’ groups? guaranteeing a wonderful variety of quilts.

Contact Kerry Wakely on 0402 087 252 to find

You’re both quilters yourselves - can you give our readers a bit of an insight into how long you’ve been quilting, and more importantly, what keeps you quilting!

Kerry - I started my quilting life in the year 2000 and cannot remember a time I haven’t had at

Any final thoughts for our readers?

“A Celebration of Quilts” is not just for quilters, but for anyone who appreciates seeing something beautiful.

A Celebration of Quilts Taree Anglican Church, 14th and 15th September - 10am to 4pm. Entry - $3.

Thanks ladies.

Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 15

focusinterview.

The Tuncurry

WRIGHT family Karen Annand’s (nee Wright) family is part of the very fabric of Tuncurry’s history.

As we approach Father’s Day, Karen wished to pay tribute to her father, David Wright, by acknowledging her family’s history and the role she hopes to play in the community moving forward. These words have been penned

by Karen, from the heart …

M

y father is David Wright. He was born in 1940, in the days of the horse and cart, when the road to Taree was a sand and dirt track. Dad is now 78 and is the youngest of 10 siblings in the second and last generation of the Tuncurry Wrights who were born and grew up in the family Colonial Homestead.

The home “Tuncurry House” was built in 1886 by Dad’s grandfather (my greatgrandfather) the shipwright and Scottish founding father of Tuncurry.

John Wright came from Scotland, via New Zealand, then Sydney. My great grandfather named Tuncurry after the Gathang Aboriginal word roughly translating to “plenty of fish”, but he changed it somewhat - in an attempt, I suppose, to make it sound a bit more Scottish.

John Wright took a 99 year lease on the waterfront and set about building the town.

He built ship yards, a timber mill, a skins shed, the church, the school, store, and the first houses.

Tuncurry House used to be located right opposite John Wright Park near the waterfront. One of my earliest memories is standing with my dad watching the house being moved on the back of trucks on a rainy day in 1981, when it was relocated to the back of South Street, Tuncurry; I would have been about three.

My dad is known as “Tink” (from the rhyme tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor) to his 16 Manning-Great Lakes focus

brothers and sisters, and was a very good Some of the surfers and people as he was said to be surfer (long and short from Taree area will remember always off “tinkering” board). He won a Mid Dad via the nickname 'Old with bits and pieces of North Coast Belt and Bar Marathon Man', wood and metal from Reel Champion title at as Dad would be out the house, mill and the age of about 20. the back of the break shipyards when he was Many people do not swimming for kilometres a little boy. realise that Tuncurry with a black swimming Dad's father died once had a “surf club” cap on, on an almost daily basis. when he was about 14. that stood on the sand Dad always had a close dune, around where the relationship with his four-wheel drive track oldest brother, Bruce, starts at Nine Mile now. who was 18 years his senior and like a father Dad built a couple of his own surfboards. figure to him. Uncle Bruce served in World In about 1981 he built himself a single War II and returned to Tuncurry, where he detachable fin 8ft “Malibu” surfboard in our ran the family business “Wright's Store” until garage under our house in Taree-West. He retirement. Uncle Bruce was involved in many put large red and green feature stripes down community organisations and only passed the length of it, to represent the “Tuncurry away last year at the age of 94. Dad would club” colours. visit Uncle Bruce to have a beer and a chat at This is the board that I began to surf on least once or twice a week until his passing. when I was about 14. I call this experience Uncle Bruce was a very good footballer. more of an experience in surf-survival and Dad always wanted to do whatever Bruce “flearning” (failing to learn), rather than did, so Dad became a very, very good actually learning to surf! Some people are footballer. Dad played First Grade for the natural born teachers, and I know Dad will Forster/Tuncurry Hawks in the “Lock” position not mind me saying he is not one of them!

- because that is the position Bruce played His idea of teaching me to surf was to push in. Dad also played rep-football for NSW in me out into huge surf at Salt Water, Old Bar the schoolboy side. I didn’t even know that or Wallabi and say, “OK, now lie down and Dad played rep football until a couple of paddle hard” - then off he would go for a years ago. He isn’t into boasting and never 4 km swim up the beach, whilst I just tried mentioned it. to stay out of everyone’s way (whilst getting Uncle Bruce was a surf club boat crew dumped continually). champion. So, Dad became a surf club This was also a seriously embarrassing champion. My dad is a very good swimmer experience, as at 5:30am, the surf was

absolutely packed with boys from school who could surf really well. It was extremely rare to see girls surfing back then. Luckily, I was a very good swimmer, as I spent most of my time trying not get knocked out by the “mal”, which weighs about 10 kg. I never properly learnt to surf until years later, when I was taught by some friends at uni in Newcastle.

Some of the surfers and people from Taree area will remember Dad via the nickname “Old Bar Marathon Man”, as Dad would be out the back of the break swimming for kilometres with a black swimming cap on, on an almost daily basis. Due to ongoing back issues, Dad had to give away surfing in the mid ‘80s.

Dad still swims today at Forster Main Beach (as Dad is from Tuncurry, he refers to Forster as “going overseas”). He once went a little bit too close to the edge of the north breakwall at Forster Main and got sucked out to sea. Fortunately, the tide was incoming at the time. A fishing boat went past, and to this day Dad does not know whether they were yelling out to him, “Are you OK?" or " You’re a total idiot, mate!" Dad got out at Forster boat harbour and sheepishly walked back to the beach.

Dad's mum, amongst many other things, ran the “Tuncurry Baths” swimming pool in the lake, which used to be between where “Hamilton's” restaurant and the Tuncurry boat ramp is today.

My uncle, Harry Bennett (Dad's cousin) ran the public swimming pool on the Manning

focusinterview.

and dangerous terrain to do his job. In 1969, he had a major accident; he had engine failure and his plane crashed into My dad was a crop duster; he was the side of a mountain a pilot who flew single engine near Scone. It took at River in Taree, where small planes, manoeuvring least a day for the rescue we lived for many above and around some effort to find Dad. He was years. When I was tricky and dangerous extremely lucky to survive around three or four, terrain to do his job. In and was unconscious Dad would often 1969, he had a major accident; when found; he was take me with him to he had engine failure and his in a coma for about a the pool. We would plane crashed into the side of a month and needed a check out the latest mountain near Scone. tracheotomy to breathe. surf-ski uncle Harry When he woke up, he was building, and I had amnesia and to begin would happily hang with; he could only remember his mother. My out in the kiddie’s pool while dad swam laps. mum was about seven months pregnant with We would go to and from the pool on Dad's their first child, my brother Bruce (named motorbike. I had my own yellow helmet with after my Uncle Bruce) when the accident a dark visor; I thought that was very cool! It is happened. very likely not legal to have a small child on a As a result of this accident, Dad has motorbike these days - it was a different time. lived with chronic pain since and has many It seemed like Dad was always stopping traumatic physical injuries and an acquired to pick up surfers hitch-hiking to Saltwater brain injury. or Old Bar. Unless they had a spare set of As a child, I had a respectful and fearful “occy straps”, we would have to fit their admiration of Dad. His brain injury left him board/s in the laid back front seat of the car, with a short fuse and when my brothers and and they would sit next to me in the back! I I were kids, he had zero patience. He was a recall not liking this too much and depending very fit and imposing man at six plus foot, on whether I’d had a nap or not that day, I with a deep, booming voice. My brothers and would either give them a death stare all the I often forgot Dad slept between shifts at way to the beach, or alternatively, chat their work. If we woke him up because we were ear off. being noisy or fighting, he would come out My dad was a crop duster; he was a from the bedroom, thundering down the hall, pilot who flew single engine small planes, "Keep quiet!" and we would run and scatter manoeuvring above and around some tricky out of the house quick smart.

As a product of his generation, he raised me with a tough and very old school parenting style. I was quite a challenging little girl, who would often talk back! I definitely liked to make sure I was seen and heard. I had a masterful ability to argue and almost certainly get my own way in the end.

Dad and I share many personality traits, even though we are very different people. I love my dad, but we definitely do not always get along. We can both be quite defensive and fiery and we’re not backwards in coming forward to argue our opinions.

Dad and I are walking contradictions, in that we are extremely introverted extroverts.

We don’t like the limelight, but we will happily tell a story or put on a performance if the time is right (and sometimes not!)

We both like to read, and we both love history. Dad struggled to learn to read, as he was dyslexic. He hated school and left at 15 to start a mechanics apprenticeship with Hardes Auto House, Taree. I loved school and learned to read early.

Dad absolutely loves music, however, he is completely tone deaf - as is my mother. I have always sung and played piano. I can play a few other instruments too and feel fortunate that Dad (and Mum) always encouraged me with music.

We’re proud of our history and Scottish heritage, but have very few real links to it left.

Our family crest has an Eagle on it. Dad wore our “clan” tie to my wedding. My husband and I held our wedding in the church built by my great grandfather more than 100 years ago in honour of God and my family.

There is no wealth, property or money left

to inherit in the “Tuncurry Wright” family, which was once a very big ship building and multiple business enterprise. Descendants such as my father and I have a very strong work ethic and have always worked hard independently as individuals to earn any income and acquire our own assets.

I love Tuncurry; my heart is at home here.

Tuncurry is beautiful one day and paradise the next.

I’m glad my great-grandfather used an Aboriginal word to name Tuncurry. I have the utmost respect for Indigenous peoples, and I’m so glad to be from this generation and not from a previous one. I love Indigenous music, dance and languages. I believe Aboriginal elders should take pride of place in all schools and at the bare minimum, everyone should do some cultural awareness training with local elders. I’m a teacher; I feel it is my life’s purpose to work towards unity and equality. I want to ensure equal opportunities for all kids and to promote respect and understanding for all.

I see this place, Tuncurry, as Worimi country and Taree as Biripi country.

I wanted to tell this story because the older I get (I just turned forty) the more I realise, Dad - whom I have always seen as being “indestructible”- is human like the rest of us and will not be here forever. Dad just had yet another operation, this time on his neck - partly due to old age, but mostly due to the ongoing ramifications of his accident.

The first thing Dad did after finding out he needed this operation was … go for a swim at the beach.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 17

18 Manning-Great Lakes focus

MEET THE

To coinside with the XXXX Gold cup to be held on the 7th September, we located three local faces with quite different backgrounds, but who all share a love for the racing industry.

Sarah, Emma and Yas tell us a little bit about themselves and why they have chosen to live and work in the beautiful Manning Valley.

EMMA JENKINS Age: 37 years old / Nationality: British What do you love about working and living here in the Manning Valley? Enjoying a morning beach ride watching the dolphins play and fish as an sea eagle soars overhead and kookaburras serenade us - what’s not to like! The natural beauty of the region is difficult to surpass - and not just the beauty, but the range of habitats from ocean, lakes, rainforest and then vineyards, farming and the hinterland, all within easy reach.

What was it that got you into the horse racing industry?

I have been involved with and riding horses from a young age and had never intended to make it a career. I currently combine my work for Terry with a role as a holiday portfolio manager for Pacific Coast Property Network. I was offered the opportunity to be a jockey for Arabian horses in the UK, which evolved into a full-time role managing the yard. I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic trainers and care for some world class horses.

SARAH HARTWELL Age: 22 years old / Nationality: Danish What do you love about working and living here in the Manning Valley? The Manning Valley area is absolutely beautiful and the work environment here is very relaxing for both us riders and the horses. We’ve got happy horses and happy staff. I love the team spirit we have and how we all get along like we are a little family. We take the horses to the beach almost every week and when I see dolphins swimming around in the sunrise while riding along in the squeaky sand, I couldn’t be more happy about where I am living and working. It’s the most magical place.

What was it that got you into the horse racing industry?

I’ve been riding my whole life, mostly competing in show jumping and dressage, but when I moved to Australia I got offered a job as a track work rider. I thought it was fun and a challenge, as I’d never had anything to do with the horse racing industry before!

YAS KOBAYASHI Age: 41 years old / Nationality: Japanese What do you love about working and living here in the Manning Valley? The beautiful town and good ambience. It’s a very relaxing town to live in; I feel as though it has helped to enrich my life.

What was it that got you into the horse racing industry? I was mesmerised by “Takeover Target” when he won a Group 1 race in Japan.

What is your role at Terry Evans Horse racing stables? I do a lot of the track work and I’m hoping to be able to do the barrier trials and get into racing very soon.

What do you love about the racing industry? I can interact with many people and horses; these interactions broaden my perspective.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 19

focusinterview.

Goodbye

boring work

Owner of creative business, Paint Your Town, Aimee Pelley speaks with FOCUS about the fun social experience offered at pubs, restaurants and cafés.

functions

your MANNING-GREAT LAKES GET READY TO ADD COLOUR

s l i a t cocknt i a p + Grab your team, add cocktails and paint and have a Christmas pARTy like you've never had before. ........................................

BOOK NOW to save 15%

USE CODE

FOCUS15

........................................

paintyourtown.com.au/corporate *Minimum 10 people, must reserve

by September 30th 2018.

CORPORATE EVENTS • HENS • BIRTHDAYS

20 Manning-Great Lakes focus

TO YOUR NEXT EVENT!

H

i Aimee; thanks so much for speaking with us. Please tell us a little about the business and exactly what Paint Your Town is ...

We’re all about fun, getting people in touch with their creative side, and sharing that experience with their friends.

Paint Your Town is a painting class run in pubs, restaurants, cafés, or anywhere people can grab a few drinks and try something different. Our classes add a colourful twist to the usual night out, team-building adventure, and birthday parties. Peak celebration time is just around the corner - holiday season - so we’re really excited about events coming up.

You’re obviously naturally creative yourself; what inspired you to launch a business like this?

I’ve been an art teacher in schools in the USA and love seeing people surprise themselves by unlocking their creativity.

When I moved to Australia with my husband, I wanted to extend that experience to adults too.

What takes place in a typical Paint Your Town class, and do we need to bring anything along?

All you need is a mind open to unleash your creative spirit! We supply the art supplies, the guidance and everyone creates a unique painting to take home. It’s fun art, not fine art! It’s about connecting with your friends over a few

drinks, a canvas and some paint while we help you let your artistic streak shine.

Many people use painting as a therapeutic measure in today’s busy society. Why do you think it is important to switch off from our hectic schedules with art?

Getting creative is good for the soul!

Even if you think you’re not “good” at painting, creativity is about thinking differently, stepping outside your usual zone for a little while and learning something new. We hear time and time again from our customers that for two hours they were able to focus solely on this artwork and forget about everything else!

Fun is important. Adults can sometimes see having fun as a bonus in their day, not something to actively choose to experience. Having fun shouldn't be an accidental incident; we should seek out fun for ourselves every day. And if Paint Your Town can bring that to people, we’ve achieved something wonderful.

Paint Your Town isn't just for adults having fun; we heard you've coined the term "art for all abilities". What does this mean?

We recently became an NDIS provider, allowing all abilities to join in on the fun.

We provide easy tips to manipulate the paint and in-depth guidance tailored to the customer's ability. All of our public art classes are completely inclusive; everyone can join in. Carers are welcomed and encouraged to join in too. Art is good for the soul, and that goodness

is universal. We want to help all people harness their creativity and make their mark.

How can people get in touch with you to find out more? www.paintyourtown.com.au has everything you need - click Find a Class and you’ll see upcoming parties in your local pub, restaurant, or café. Venues can also become a Paint Your Town Hot Spot, and book us to come along (no mess - we take care of the clean-up).

Get in touch if you’d like to add a splash of colour to your next event, corporate function, team building exercise, or other group party. Hosting an art class in your workplace is a great way to break down boundaries or "silos" in the corporate world. Co-workers get to see each other in a new light. Best part - you don’t need a creative bone to have fun!

Use FOCUS15 in your enquiry and save 15% on your group party if you book by September 30th.

Thanks Aimee.

focus_contributor

BUSINESS CHAMBER

Thank you to Liz Jarvis (BEc CA; President Mid Coast Business Chamber & Wingham Chamber of Commerce) for preparing this article for publication this month.

voice business

Small Business.

Small business is the life blood of our region. Running a small business is a tough gig; it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it can be a very lonely grind. Local business owners are rarely in it for the money - they care about their community, about their service and their customers.

W

e help our communities to flourish when we shop with our local businesses - try asking if they can provide something you would otherwise buy online, or from a big business.

Feel the joy of being attended to by a passionate business owner, or their locally employed team, resulting in a purchase that is right for you - not a hit and miss waste of money.

Local businesses in turn often support each other and give back to the community. One way they do that is through being part of their local chamber. In NSW, Business Chambers (AKA Chambers of Commerce), have a heritage that dates back to 1826; their mission is to create a better Australia by helping businesses maximise their potential. Chambers are passionate advocates for business in the public arena: whether standing up to government and decision makers when business interests are neglected, or working together to create positive change.

Did you know that the MidCoast has eight local chambers? Within each of those chambers are passionate business owners and advocates who give up precious time to be on committees that keep those chambers alive. The chambers support businesses and play an important role in fostering community wellbeing and promoting social and economic inclusion. They hold events, work with Council and lobby government for improvements in their towns. We believe it’s important for the local business community to succeed, because prosperity creates new jobs, social wealth, and better communities in which to live.

With positive change in mind, MidCoast Business Chamber Ltd was formed last year.

MidCoast Business Chamber supports and works in collaboration with its members, businesses, MidCoast Council, government and community to inform good decision making impacting the region’s future.

To that end, each chamber annually nominates a representative to become a volunteer director of the company. Those eight directors meet monthly and do their best to strategically assist the combined business communities to access appropriate resources to progress their identified needs.

We also recognise the many challenges our Council faces in this modern environment, so we invite members of the Economic Development Team of MidCoast Council to our table regularly. This has opened the opportunity for positive relationships between business and council. The combined sharing of wisdom has already broken down barriers and increased mutual understanding, paving the way to progressively minimise waste, red tape, and help Council to understand needs of business.

Join us at the various networking events run by chambers, as well as business owners; we often have school principals, employment services, business representatives and interested community members. Chambers also take an interest in the amenity of our towns, tirelessly working behind the scenes to make our towns better to work, live and play in. Reach out to your chamber today!

Manning-Great Lakes focus 21

BBQ Seafood Combo from Club Old Bar 22 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focuseditoral.

Stef ALL THINGS YUM

Nardi

Club Old Bar Functions at Club Old Bar. With modern facilities, a fantastic location and unbeatable food, Club Old Bar is the perfect venue for your next function, conference or event. Club Old Bar features a number of elegant and functional event spaces, accommodating up to 400 people and complete with contemporary conference facilities. There are five unique function rooms on offer, including a relaxed outdoor option and a modern wine bar, both fantastic venues for cocktail parties and boutique events.

Whether you’re planning an intimate family event, a wedding, conference or birthday party, Club Old Bar has the perfect space for you. Club Old Bar features an award winning fine dining team in the kitchen, with a range of menu options to suit all tastes and budgets. With drinks at bar prices and a menu that will leave your mouth watering, the team at Club Old Bar will ensure you relax and enjoy your special occasion.

Call Function Manager, Sharon Osborn, on 0466 247 953 for more information.

1 BELFORD ST, OLD BAR. 6553 7224 WWW.CLUBOLDBAR.COM.AU OPEN 7 DAYS

FOCUS speaks with Stef Nardi of Forster’s All Things Yum about cakes, catering and running a busy café.

H

Yellow Curry Chicken

Kenny’s Thai Kitchen Enjoy a taste of Thailand!

New lunch special - 12 dishes for only $12 each.

Enjoy an entrée of two vegetable spring rolls plus your choice of one main meal - all for only $12!

Choose from: Angel Prawns, Hot Chilli Basil Leaf, Kenny Pork, Pepper Pork, Crispy Squid, Pad Thai, Pat Briao Waan Moo, Pad Se Ew, Mango Chicken, Yellow Curry Chicken, Coconut Chicken, Crispy Fish with Ginger Sauce or of course you may choose from our extensive regular menu at listed prices.

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

HEAD CHEF KENNY

i Stef. Tell us a little about the different aspects of your business, All Things Yum? All Things Yum is run by my sister, Vanessa and I. We are cakes, catering and a café. We make everything we sell in-store and have an ever-changing seasonal menu of sweets and savouries.

We are passionate about the quality and sustainability of our food, and like to test the balance between indulgent and healthy! We make a wide range of food that fits all types of dietary lifestyles (i.e. vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, etc.) and they are all types of deliciousness.

Who or what inspires you in creating beautiful food and cakes?

My sister and I have always been inspired by our travels and our family. We have a pretty great dynamic, where we can bounce ideas off each other and ultimately get inspired by ourselves.

There are also so many incredible creators out there, and we like to check out what they’re up to as well.

What are some of your signature delicacies most popular with diners to go with coffee?

Our caramel slice and kisses definitely have somewhat of a cult following in town, so it’s hard to pass up on those sweet delights!

But if you’re lucky enough to come by when we’ve pulled something fresh from the oven,

then that is the perfect accompaniment!

What can we look forward to seeing on the café menu and catering-wise as the weather warms? As the weather warms, our food tends to get more colourful! Expect to see lots of greens, herbs, citrus and fresh berries.

What are some of your favourite ingredients to include when cooking and why?

I love different ingredients at different seasons, so I could never pick a favourite!

I do love cooking with spices though, and adding unexpected flavours. Food has always been about more than sustenance for me, so I love creating something that people will get excited about and want to talk to us and each other about.

Where can we find All Things Yum in Forster, and how can people get in touch regarding ordering special celebration cakes and catering?

All Things Yum is a part of the beautiful main street of Forster. You can find us at the top end next to Noble Realty, at Shop 6/58 Wharf Street. Keep up to date with our everchanging menu and drool-worthy cakes by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

Or, get in touch with us about ordering a bespoke cake or catering for your event by visiting us in-store or sending your enquiry to: allthingsyum@live.com.au Thanks Stef.

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

Taree Film Society

A taste of a bad week.

Going to move away from wine this month and share the taste of a bad week on the farm. I don't cry very often, but last week I experienced an inkling of what so many farmers are having to deal with, and for a moment it was overwhelming.

W

e can't complain here on is high. the coast. Yes, it is dry, but Another morning calf count, and we found there is subsoil moisture an Oberon calf down, but still alive. The mother and the dams are doing and the rest of the herd abandoned it. We OK. Many property owners brought her into the yards, got her on to the around here are helping where they can and milk and found a paralysis tick. After a dose taking on stock (agisting) from the seriously of tick serum, persevering with the milk and drought stricken. We have taken on two herds lots of encouragement, she finally got up. The for agistment plus our own. mum got interested in her again, and they were One of the herds reunited. We needed that comes from Oberon, win, and so did they. and they were poor That little joy was soon when they arrived. derailed when I found an These experiences are They are all pregnant, Oberon cow stuck in a nothing new and are part and calving has dam.

Her calf was at the of life as a landowner. It begun. The owner is edge of the dam watching. doesn’t make for pleasant appreciative of any feed She was right in the conversation, so many they can get; there is middle and being in poor don’t share such stories. nothing at Oberon. Our condition, her strength The drought makes the herd are healthy and was minimal. I felt helpless. load heavier, stock weaker, are calving too.

And in true helpless style, stress levels higher, mental The week started I cried. strength diminishes.” with the daily count of There is no way you calves and making sure can leave a cow in that the mums were doing situation, so with the their jobs and keeping their calves safe. Our assistance of adrenalin and sheer determination, herd were a bit twitchy, which often indicates we got her out. But she wouldn't or couldn't get the presence of wild dogs. Calves can be hard to up. Maybe some feed and let her get over the find when they bunker down, so you carefully shock, and she'll recover. She didn't recover. cruise the paddock to make sure all are present We are now looking after her calf, who is and accounted for. In the distance I saw a looking very healthy, thankfully. black shape near the fence. What I found was These experiences are nothing new and shocking. A cow had been calving, chased into are part of life as a landowner. It doesn't the fence and attacked by a wild dog. More make for pleasant conversation, so many detail is not necessary - you can imagine, or don't share such stories. The drought makes preferably not. I hadn't seen this before; Steve the load heavier, stock weaker, stress levels had. higher, mental strength diminishes. We are The Oberon herd suffered losses too. They OK. It's the many you don't hear about that are weaker, more vulnerable and wild dogs go need acknowledgement, assistance and for the easy prey. Calving, chased, and both understanding. cow and calf dead. We lost too many cows and And if you ever have a dog you no longer calves this way. For every bellowing cow, anxiety want, take it to the pound.

watch

T

aree Film Society is proud to present a special screening, Hope Road, Mon, September 17th, 6:30pm, at Fays Twin Cinemas Taree; with an introduction and Q & A with film director Tom Zubrycki.

Tom Zubrycki is An Australian filmmaker whose award winning documentaries have earned an international reputation for their truthfulness, realism and humanity. Tom has directed 15 documentaries and produced another 19 with mostly early career filmmakers. (Last month Tom visited Taree for the premiere of Teach a Man to Fish which he produced with local Biripi man Grant Leigh Saunders as director.) Tom will be back in Taree for our screening and will be interviewed on stage before the film, and available to chat afterwards.

Brief synopsis of Hope Road: A refugee from the Sudanese civil war, Zacharia (one of the “lost boys” of Sudan) lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife and children. He desperately wants to

focus_contributor

do something for his Sudanese village, now in the newly created nation of South Sudan. His dream is to build a much-needed primary school for girls. He enlists the backing of numerous well-intentioned Australians. Janet, a dedicated supporter, joins him on a charity walk of 810 km from the Queensland border to Sydney to raise funds for this venture. The walk takes 42 days. Over that time they raise $20,000.

They visit schools, Indigenous Land Councils, and local Rotary Club branches (including Taree’s Rotary on Manning with cameo appearances!)

Will the funds be sufficient for the project?

Thwarted by escalating conflict back in South Sudan, and shocked by a broken relationship, Zac must decide what’s important in his life.

Taree Film Society welcomes visitors. Tickets are $16, including nibbles, cake, coffee and chatting - so come early and stay awhile after the film.

For further details or subscriptions, visit www.tareefilmsociety.org.au or call 0439 903 477.

HORTICULTURALIST NEVILLE DONOVAN - GREENPATCH ORGANIC SEEDS

“

24 Manning-Great Lakes focus

WH

AT’S IN

season

T

Comfrey

his ancient plant is also known as knit bone and has a multitude of uses in the garden and healing benefits. Comfrey is a popular and sought after perennial herb which likes to grow low to the ground. The large broad green leaves cover the soil forming a ground cover and this helps to smother out weeds by not giving them a chance to grow, while retaining the soil. The plant is deep rooted and draws minerals and trace elements from low down in the soil profile, bringing these up through the leaves and roots during its growth.

Comfrey grows well in a part shade position and is equally happy to bask in full sun, providing there is soil moisture. It’s a longlived plant, therefore doesn’t need to be

replaced once established - cold and frost hardy. Most soils are suitable, and a mature plant will tolerate long dry spells then regrow when the rain comes. To a sandy soil, include rich organic compost and water regularly.

The rich green leaves will eventually form a mulch around itself and begin a self-feeding cycle.

The nutrient rich comfrey leaves make a wonderful plant and soil conditioner by simply filling a bucket with a lid halfway with leaves, then fill to the top with water, mix and stir occasionally for two - three weeks.

To use: mix four parts water to one part strained comfrey solution into a watering can. This can be used on vegetables, herbs, flowers and other garden plants.

Happy Gardening!

25 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusinterview.

Brazilian

MOODS FROM ANNA SALLEH AND GUY STRAZZ

If you like Tuck & Patti or Rodrigo y Gabriella, you’ll love Anna and Guy! THIS DYNAMIC DUO WILL BRING YOU THE BEST OF BOSSA NOVA, JAZZ AND SAMBA, CAPTURING THE SOUL AND SOUND OF BRAZIL, as they tour the Mid North Coast. Anna and Guy will be visiting us in Tuncurry…

H

i Anna. This is your third tour to the Mid North Coast since 2015. What do you enjoy about touring this region?

I have always got a lot of love from audiences on the Mid North Coast. In 2015 I toured with my five-piece band, and the crowd was literally dancing in the street at 5 Church Street in Bellingen. At Port Macquarie’s Glasshouse, people came in the next day just to tell the staff how much they enjoyed the show. And in 2017, I toured with Guy Strazz and had memorable full houses at great venues like Wauchope Arts.

You are known for your love of Brazilian music why is that?

The combination of syncopated African rhythms, melancholic yet uplifting melodies, poetic lyrics and jazzy harmonies are a winning combination, as far as I’m concerned. This music has such broad appeal - it seems to speak to the heart, whatever your age, and no matter what walk of life you are from.

Tell me about your collaboration with brilliant guitarist Guy Strazz.

Guy is an award-winning guitarist, composer and recording artist, who is well known for his albums and collaborations with artists as diverse as Slava Grigoryan, Ashok Roy, Dale Barlow, Matt McMahon and Vince Jones.

I first met Guy when I went to him for guitar lessons.

It’s then we discovered our shared love for Brazilian music and Guy actually encouraged me to go to Brazil [You can learn more about Anna’s Brazilian music odyssey by listening to the ABC documentary - go to her website www.annasalleh.com for links / http://www.abc.net.au/ radionational/programs/earshot/bossa-nova-beyond-howcult-film-inspired-my-musical-quest-to-rio/7672986] After returning from Rio de Janeiro in 2010,

26 Manning-Great Lakes focus

My guitar lessons with Guy I developed a show and a successful I think Guy puts it best: laid the foundation for what residency with my band at Sydney’s “Our rapport with the audience is has now become a Foundry616 Jazz club. Over that based on the understanding and really enjoyable creative time my musical relationship with feeling of the music. Anna’s range partnership, and we Guy also developed, and I became of emotions is clearly a feature of have been performing drawn to the daring power and the show, as are Guy’s multiple and touring together now intimacy of the duo format. guitar skills and engaging solos.” for a number of years.

My guitar lessons with Guy laid Your Mid North Coast tour will the foundation for what has now take in Kemspey, Bellingen become a really enjoyable creative and Tuncurry. What are you partnership, and we have been most looking forward to about performing and touring together these gigs? now for a number of years.

We’re looking forward to staying with the locals and What are some of the pieces you’ll both be connecting with as many of you as possible - both on performing in your show? and off stage. And, of course we’d love to have full While Bossa Nova may have ended up being houses all the way - so see you at a show and tell your orchestrated for elevator music, its origins are much friends! more minimalist and acoustic. In the duo format Guy - Oddfellows Hot Club, Kempsey - Fri 7 Sept and I can really do justice to that intimate sound of the - 5 Church St, Bellingen - Sat 8 Sept original Bossa Nova - performed in both Portuguese - Tuncurry Memorial Hall - Sun 9 Sept (part of the and English. You’ll hear beautiful tunes like Black proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Tuncurry Orpheus (from the film of the same name), as well Memorial Hall Renovate and Renew Fund.) as lively rhythmic Sambas, including the Afro-samba What’s next in the pipeline for you both, after Berimbau, playful Choro (an instrumental-based Rio de you finish this tour?

Janeiro music style that came before Samba), as well Guy and I will continue to tour, evolving as we go, and as a sprinkling of Jazz and gorgeous ballads. We also hope to record an album later this year. showcase some lovingly-crafted original songs and Where can we find out more about you both, or instrumentals. more details about upcoming shows?

What type of vibe or atmosphere do you feel The best way to find out more about us and our you both manage to capture on stage? upcoming performances is to check us out online at The mix of repertoire in the show and the way we www.sallehandstrazz.com - join our mailing list while approach the music is guaranteed to entertain and you’re there! engage the audience. Songs of joy, sorrow, irreverence You can book tickets to our Tuncurry show here: and beauty take people on a satisfying journey through a www.trybooking.com/WTHH kaleidoscope of different moods.

Thanks Anna.

What do you think are your individual strengths Interview: Jo Robinson. as performers?

Pic: David Brazil.

Ticketlse on sa

WINGHAM

Now

Music FESTIVAL

Coming in October Pro-Am Boxing Club Forster, in conjunction with CCB

General admission tickets (unreserved seats) are

Promotions, is proud to present a night

$30 each and available at reception or online

of live boxing featuring the cream of

at www.clubforster.com.au or you can call the

local amateurs, plus a great lineup

club on 6591 6591.

of professionals - including a current

Ringside corporate tickets (tables of 10) are also

NSW Champion, along with a couple of

available by calling Kylie Mannix on 0410 493

international fighters!

770, who will explain the special package price

Come and support your favourite local athletes,

and inclusions.

along with enjoying the exciting atmosphere

This event has been sanctioned by Boxing

that only a live boxing event can create.

Australia NSW and Combat Sports.

Diesel • Dragon

Backsliders

Hat Fitz and CarA Bill Chambers • Grizzlee Train Round Mountain Girls • Minnie Marks

The Swamp Stompers • Lachy Doley Liam Gerner • Eagle and The Wolf • Mitch King Darren Jack • Matty Zarb • D’Boyzos • Cornstalk

Love Drunk Hearts • Jesse Redwing • Galleri & Many more

19-21 OCTober Tickets @ www.oztix.com.au

www.akoostik.com.au Follow us on Facebook

Manning-Great Lakes focus 27

focusinterview

Heart TO

HEART It’s been a while since we spoke with Manning-Great Lakes local, Donna Rankin, and it’s pretty clear that she’s been up to a lot over the past few years.

We spent some time talking to Donna recently about Heart to Heart - an art based program that is making a difference in the lives of young women in our region.

T

hanks for your time, Donna. Can you tell FOCUS readers what Heart to Heart is all about?

Heart to Heart is a unique art-based program offering its participants a window into the power of creativity, mindfulness and connection to others. Through a carefully structured eight week program, the participants are taken on a journey to connect with their spirit, whilst learning the skills and incredible satisfaction of creating a masterpiece of their very own.

What led you to set up Heart to Heart?

After experiencing the devastation of losing my 11 year old daughter, Shannon, twelve years ago, I left the world of real estate and turned to my art as a kind of therapy - it gave me great solace and really helped me cope through these very difficult times.

Some time later, I was approached by a friend and local social worker, Kylie Honor, who at the time worked for Home Based Youth Services. She could see the impact that art had on helping me cope, and suggested that I might like to create a program using my art to connect with young people in our community who are struggling with life. I could see there was a need, and I knew I had a gift … I was so excited to be able to share that gift with young people, and ultimately this was how Heart to Heart came into being.

As soon as I started teaching young people, I realised even more the magic that art offered the participants through the experience of creativity, and the magic of being able to pour yourself into painting. The more I’ve delved into it, the more I understand that

28 Manning-Great Lakes focus

it’s really mindfulness in action … a form of people who are at risk of “falling through the meditation … but with the added benefit and cracks”. It really is a unique program, and one achievement of creating a beautiful piece of that I’m incredibly proud of. art as well.

What are the results you’ve seen come What does the program currently look out of the program? like?

During the eight weeks, we have found that The Heart to Heart program is offered in we can physically see young people change in local schools as an eight week program to a huge and positive way - we see them grow young people who in confidence, calmness, are struggling with even physical appearance, life. The structure and are able to watch of the workshops is them develop new and really a team effort lasting friendships within The Heart to Heart - we have a Master the group. program is offered in Artist and a Youth The program itself local schools as an eight Mental Health Worker culminates in an exhibition week program to young present at all times. of the students’ art. people who are struggling Every class involves a This is an opportunity with life. The structure period of meditation, to celebrate with three of the workshops is really relaxation and focus special guests chosen a team effort - we have a exercises to encourage by each student (a peer, Master Artist and a Youth mindfulness, increased a family member and a Mental Health Worker calm and emotional teacher at the school) present at all times. regulation. and aims to generate The exercises each experiences of pride, selfweek develop skills worth and a reward for and encourage a effort. It’s at these events regular "practice" of meditation and calming that we hear over and over again from many techniques. The art classes themselves are of the parents about what a positive impact carefully structured, with the students being the program has had on their children’s lives. given the opportunity to engage in an We have also recently partnered with activity that encourages their creativity, whilst Macquarie University, who have implemented experiencing calmness that naturally flows. a data collection process, with data being The classroom is established as a safe place, collected from students and their parents/ created with the intention of supporting families, and which has given us valuable personal interactions, whilst improving their "measured" results to further show and emotional and social wellbeing. Heart to Heart highlight the positive impact that the program is set up to act as a net to catch those young is having on the lives of young people.

What are the costs of running the program, and how is Heart to Heart funded?

It costs $5,000 to run the eight week program for 10 young people. Heart to Heart is auspiced by Great Lakes Community Resources, who manage and oversee the fundraising initiatives we undertake, to ensure these programs can continue to run. To date, the Great Lakes community has been so amazing in its support, with funds being raised at various events over the years, including a recent women’s luncheon where $3,500 was raised, and some incredibly generous donations from individuals in the community.

What is your vision for the future?

With a growing team around us, our vision for Heart to Heart for 2019 and beyond is to hold the first training sessions for artists from varying backgrounds and art mediums, with the driving focus being to train artists across Australia to be able to run the program within schools, hospitals, for veterans, corporate … even aged care.

How can our readers find out more and/ or support Heart to Heart?

Pop over to our website at www. http://hearttoheartaustralia.com/ There’s loads of info on there, plus an opportunity to sign up for our newsletter, or even make a donation. Also, we recently had the ABC visit Forster to do a story about Heart to Heart for their program, Women’s Work. This short documentary can be seen on ABC iview at https://iview.abc.net.au/show/ womens-work/series/0/video/NU1870H001S00 Thanks Donna.

Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Overnight Trips South Coast NSW 27th November to 2nd December 2018 6 Days and 5 Nights Come with us and explore the amazing South Coast of NSW. Some of the places we see include Braidwood, The Bedervale Homestead, the pristine waters of the Clyde River, Nelligen, the Mogo Zoo, The Tilba Cheese Factory, Eden, the Killer Whale Museum, The biggest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, The Nan Tien Temple (staying at the Pilgrim Lodge). Then, get the opportunity to participate in a chanting session and try Tai Chi with a guide, see the Seacliff Bridge, the Sydney Tram Museum and much, much more.

Cost $1,050.00. Single Room extra $300.00.

Deposit $100.00 at time of booking.

The Ghan 24th August to 6th September 2019 14 Days and 13 Nights Coach to Sydney, fly to Darwin with sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour, Litchfield National Park four days and three nights. Ghan Expedition Package to Adelaide, four nights in Adelaide overnight, Mildura and Wagga, includes all day tours of Ghan and meals. See itinerary for full details.

Limited seats available. Gold Class single cabins on Ghan and Gold Class doubles with bunk beds.

Deposit $100.00 at time of booking. Cost (TBA)

The Manning Valley Historical Society The Manning Valley Historical Society invites everyone to come along to the 2018 Commemoration Diggers Ball to be held at the Wingham Memorial Town Hall, Saturday 29th September.

This event is proudly supported by the Wingham RSL Sub Branch.

The Ball commemorates the centenary of the end of WWI and will honour all Australian Defence and Peace-Keeping men and women up to the present day.

The program will appeal to all adults, the young and the notso-young. Music, dancing and entertainment reflecting 100 years of change. Whether you dance or not, come along and enjoy the spectacle. You will not be disappointed. Numbers are limited, so buy your tickets soon. As in the “Old Days,” this will be a BYO drinks event.

“Diggers Balls were held every year from the opening of the Wingham Memorial Town Hall in 1924 until the late 1950s,” said MVHS Diggers Ball Committee Chair, Mave Richardson.

“This will be the first one since that time. Join us in this ‘neverto-be-repeated’ extra-special community event,” she added.

Visit the website: www.winghammuseum.com.au

Manning-Great Lakes focus 29

focus_contributor

SHARON BULTITUDE, DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR, MIDCOAST COUNCIL

tourism UPDATE

Tourism history.

“You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” - André Gide.

The MidCoast region has a proud tourism history, with large numbers of loyal visitors returning to holiday here year after year.

Our destination currently attracts two million visitors each year, delivering over $500 million directly in annual spend. Make no mistake tourism is one the region's most important economic drivers, contributing over 19% of the value of the MidCoast Gross Regional Product.

But as a region, we cannot and must not rest on our laurels. Competition from other destinations and continuing changes in visitor expectations make it a challenging business environment for all of us. We must constantly look to innovate in our approach to marketing and developing the destination.

Looking a little deeper, we find that a staggering 60% of this total visitation occurs within a six eight week period in summer. Such seasonality is not unusual in the tourism industry, and many destinations world-wide continue to grapple with how to reduce the reliance on their peak season and extend visitation throughout the rest of the year.

Our region’s visitation pattern goes beyond traditional seasonal flows and can only be described as “hyper seasonality”. Ironically, this heavy seasonal reliance on a single domestic market is one of the main elements restricting the future growth of the region and undermining the economic sustainability of our tourism industry.

19 AND 89

Aussie owned

Seasonality, which concentrates income generation within a limited timeframe each year, often results in businesses closing completely for a number of weeks, or even months in winter.

This of course, impacts on the continuity of employment businesses are able to offer, which means our businesses are less able to compete for the best local talent, are reluctant to invest in training and development, and are less likely to offer flexibility in working conditions.

All these factors can negatively impact on product and service quality and ultimately will damage customer satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat business and even visitation to our

30 Manning-Great Lakes focus

destination.

The recently adopted MidCoast Destination Management Plan (DMP) outlines an ambitious vision and strategic tourism direction for our region. The DMP identifies a number of significant opportunities - some very significant - to grow the MidCoast Tourism industry to over $1.55 billion by 2030.

The DMP looks to a future that more effectively leverages the region’s natural assets, local character and environmental credentials, to ultimately reposition the area as a leading nature-tourism destination in its own right ...

A future where our traditional family market continues to not only be welcomed, but also extended by an offer of active and adventurous experiences for families wanting more than a visit to the beach. A future which critically speaks both to new high-yield target markets and an international audience keen to leave our cities and discover the true sense of Australia.

This drives not only visitation growth, but levels our “hyper seasonality” with stronger shoulder and off-peak visitation, thus providing greater economic stability and employment opportunities for our tourism and hospitality sector.

Of course, this won't happen overnight, and any strategy will need to successfully address key aspects of effective destination management.

It will require development of significant new experiences and products which meet the needs of these new target markets; capacity building of our industry; diversification through events and festivals; and innovative targeted digital marketing and visitor service delivery.

As a tourism team we believe passionately that we can only achieve this vision and the thriving sustainable tourism industry we all want by working together collaboratively.

For information on the recently launched MidCoast Tourism Partners Program: Download a Prospectus: http://bit.ly/ Partnership18-19 Email: marketing@midcoast.nsw.gov.au Call: (02) 6591 7405.

focusinterview

Laura Pennington CA N D L A R A H FA R M

W

SHARE OUR JOURNEY

hat led you to leave Sydney and make the tree change?

Twenty years of life on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches was fantastic.

However, the feeling that some kind of plateau had been reached nibbled away at us, and we were keen for a chance to stretch ourselves.

The children, 12 and 10 years old at the time, loved animals, creating and being outside.

It was March 2010. We made a rather rash decision to move and start a new life by July.

I watched my English grandad cover his vegetables with cloches and loved hearing stories about my Aussie grandparents’ vegetable gardens in outback South Australia.

Childhood memories of sitting around a farmhouse table shelling peas with the family and staying up late to help harvest honey eventually lured us out of our city cocoon.

We hankered to connect with the land.

Tell us a little bit about Candlarah Farm?

Candlarah is an acronym of our names.

Discovering 100 acres of undulating land in Firefly, we set about building a house, farm and garden simultaneously, along with exploring ways to make an income and settling into life in a new place.

Currently, we grow Aloe Vera, edible flowers, succulents, herbs and vegetables, and run a handful of cattle, a dozen chooks and several adored pets. A stall at Nabiac Farmers’ market, selling Aloe Vera plants and products provides a great outlet each month. Succulent arrangements commissions, together with providing edible flowers directly to local cafés help promote the farm.

Starting with a tight budget, the four of us built nearly everything ourselves, along

with help and support from amazing friends and local trades. It makes us proud to see the benefits of our hard work and passion. We pored over many ideas and attended courses and workshops.

Our children have been fully involved with building, cattle handling, digging and many moons of fencing. Whether it’s pitching a tent in the back paddock, splitting firewood or breaking in a newborn foal, the farm has equipped our children with a wide range of skills.

Friends and family loved to visit and be a part of the evolving farm. This led to the catch phrase, “Share Our Journey”.

What where the major challenges when establishing the farm?

Soil, weather, time, and money. We found that farming is multi-faceted, changeable and far more complex than we had envisaged.

A knowledgeable and wise farmer ran the local Dyers’ Crossing Landcare group. We learned so much from him, and being a part of Landcare has been an integral part of our journey. Attending a Holistic Management course with Inside Outside Management has been influential in helping to shape our progress, educating in goal-setting, land management and decision making. I highly recommend this course.

What have you learnt about life on the farm?

• Creating and nurturing healthy soil is key to healthy nutrition.

• Learning how it satisfying it feels to grow and enjoy fresh produce, and create home remedies.

• Be open to ideas and receptive to new knowledge. Each time we learn something new, it broadens our perspective.

• Learn from mistakes and document your

gel with rosewater and progress.

• How great it is Vitamin E provides a The inner leaf gel from Aloe Vera to be a part of this soothing toner, which (Barbadensis Miller), has been wonderful community, can be applied on long known for its skin where people support its own, or before a healing properties and is each other, network widely used throughout moisturiser. and share ideas. the world for a variety of skin The latest product • Life on the land and gut ailments. These healing is our nourishing Body is fun and once your benefits are due to Aloe’s antiviral Butter, with shea, rosehands are in the soil, and antibacterial properties. hip oil, honey and Aloe. everything else fades Do you have any tips away. for growing an edible The farm consists of garden? an edible garden, succulents, animals and Invest time in preparing the area; the most your love for the Aloe Vera plant. Where successful garden bed we have was first did your passion for Aloe Vera originate? improved by running chickens to dig it over.

The interest in Aloe stems from a personal Set up worm farms/composting systems and a lifelong interest in natural health and nutrition good water supply. Ideally, have varied spaces and also from an elderly neighbour, who stated in terms of shade and sun. Read up about soil, Aloe Vera as the answer to every ailment! rotating crops, companion planting and natural What are some of the health benefits of pest management. Include edible flowers Aloe Vera? delicious, pretty, nutritious and perfect for bees.

The inner leaf gel from Aloe Vera What are your plans for the future of (Barbadensis Miller), has been long known for Candlarah Farm? its skin healing properties and is widely used To hold small-group workshops for people throughout the world for a variety of skin and with mixed abilities and interest groups. gut ailments. These healing benefits are due to Running pasture raised pigs is also in the plan.

Aloe’s antiviral and antibacterial properties. It We’ve started building a pigsty in a Cordwood contains 18 Amino Acids and Vitamins A, B, C structure, with areas for their pasture and and E. It has anti-inflammatory properties and wallowing. can improve circulation. It is water-based and How can we find out more about naturally soothing, therefore is great to use in Candlarah Farm? beauty remedies. www.candlarahfarm.com Tell us about your handmade Aloe Vera Book a visit - 0409 997 309. products.

Visit our stall at Nabiac Farmers’ Market - the Wound Warrior is the most popular product. last Saturday of every month.

This is Aloe Gel, with turmeric and raw local Products are also available at the Greenhouse honey, for extra healing. It’s an all-rounder for Café, Nabiac, and Go-Vita, Forster and Taree. minor skin abrasions, burns and insect bites.

Thanks Laura.

Blemish Blaster has been developed by my Interview: Bronwyn Davis daughter, for young, sensitive skin. This Aloe Manning-Great Lakes focus 31

Greenpatch Open Day Greenpatch Open Day - Spring into your Garden When: Sunday 14th October - 10am to 2pm.

Where: Greenpatch Organic Seeds, 109 Old Bar Rd, Glenthorne.

See where we grow over 200 varieties of seeds and 500 varieties of nursery plants propagated onsite.

10am -farm tour, including orchards, herb and flower gardens, nursery production and vegetable seed cropping.

11am - Anna and Sven from Amber Drop Honey are local environmentally minded bee keepers, passionate to share their wisdom. Workshop information is to be confirmed.

12pm - lunch will be served for a gold coin donation.

12:45pm - 2pm - plant propagation workshop covering the basics of seed raising, divisions and cuttings. Neville, a horticulturalist, has been propagating plants in a commercial setting since the late 1970s, so he will be teaching you from his own experiences.

Become a Greenpatch member and save. For A $29 one year subscription, you will receive six seed packets of your choice with a Greenpatch catalogue, 10% discount off all bulk seed, seed packets and nursery plants for one year. For a $54 two year subscription, you receive 12 seed packets of your choice with a Greenpatch catalogue, 10% discount off all bulk seed, seed packets and nursery plants for two years.

32 Manning-Great Lakes focus

The Secret Weekly Farmers Markets The Secret Weekly Farmers Markets is a hub of seasonal tasty goodness that is brought to you the by the hard work, dedication, and genuine smiling faces of stall holders that deliver you the best seasonal products available in the region.

The market is currently bursting with produce from the last remains of winter, like pumpkin, snow peas, spinach and broccoli, to the wholesome fruit and veggies of spring that are already upon us, including avocados, cucumber, garlic, shallots, asparagus, beetroot, leeks, leafy greens, and herbs, coupled with sourdough bread, honey, cheese, preserves and more locavore products; it is the reason this market is so attractive to locals and visitors alike.

Come down, relax parkside and taste the difference every Thursday in Taree Park, Macquarie St, Taree - 8am - 1pm.

"Brilliant markets." Coco Connor.

"Love, Love, LOVE the Secret Farmers markets and the hard working stall holders. Great vibe to hang out in the park whilst eating a lovingly prepared meal or coffee, or a quick shop round to stock up on high quality food items." Aspen C. "Love buying fresh and local" Beate Brooks Tracy.

focus_contributor

WITH DONNA CARRIER FROM BENT ON FOOD

Photo by Seen Australia

Great Lakes Big 4 Forster Tuncurry at the

Photo by Carl Muxlow

Photo by Carl Muxlow

Premiere of Teach a Man to Fish

Premiere of Teach a Man to Fish

North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Photo by Tess Kerbel

A Little to the Left Studio & Gallery opening

Photo by Tess Kerbel

A Little to the Left Studio & Gallery opening

Photo by Carl Muxlow

Premiere of Teach a Man to Fish

Social /Scene

I

It has been a tough time for our farmers, with the worst drought conditions in 50 years threatening the livelihoods of the people who provide our food.

am taken aback by the support that has been given to them by so many sectors of our community and many small regional communities like ours. I watched a video on social media of many trucks pulling out of Kempsey loaded with hay and felt my heart pound with pride. I followed the success of the Commonwealth Bank in Wingham raising way over their target with the assistance of the local community, helped by two local farmers, Greg and Lauren Newell of Linga Longa Farm, who took on the challenge at the Sydney markets and raised a massive $8,400 for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners, smashing the branch goal of $15,000 and raising around $30,000.

The Taree Quota ladies have been raising funds for the farmers too, with a massive $14,500 raised in Wingham, Taree and Harrington to help farmers in the Walgett region.

Local Wherrol Flat resident John Laidlaw called for donations of food and goods and delivered them to farmers in need.

There are so many stories of support from our region. It’s a tough time for those out west, with very little sign of rain on the horizon. Let’s all do our best rain dance; while the money certainly helps, water falling out of the sky is what they really need.

Our food comes from many sources - another important one being our rivers, lakes and ocean, where our local seafood is some of

the best. When I saw the shorts for the movie deplete our breeding stocks. I urge everyone to Teach a Man to Fish by Grant Saunders, I quickly watch the film that will be shown on NITV on booked my seat. The movie, which screened October 28th at 8pm. at the Manning Entertainment Centre on 24th There was a great introduction with the August, sold out almost straight away, and I music video clip by Andy Saunders and his was so glad that I was able to attend. It turned daughter Luca that I have watched and listened out that we also did to on YouTube many some post event catimes. Seeing it on the tering, which was well big screen with surround received. The documensound was special. A few tary was filmed in Taree, weeks before, we were There are so many stories of support with some fabulous fortunate to have Andy from our region. It’s a tough imagery of the Manning as our emcee in Coffs time for those out west, with River.

Harbour for the North very little sign of rain on the There were so many Coast Regional Tourism horizon. Let’s all do our best rain profound messages, Awards. He was hilarious dance; while the money certainly and although focusing and did a fabulous job of helps, water falling out of the sky is on fishing, it was really engaging the crowd. what they really need. about the importance At the event, Local of family. Grant touched business Big4 Great Lakes on his experiences at Forster Tungrowing up in Taree and curry won a Gold in the how racism affected Caravan and Holiday Park him from an early age. His father, Ray gave the category and will gain automatic entry into the audience many laughs, but was also insightful NSW Tourism Awards to be held in November. and wise.

Congrats to this great tourism business, that I found it quite distressing that the family’s constantly excels and helps to lift the profile of livelihood was reduced dramatically by Governour region. ment regulations that saw commercial fishing I was proud of my own business Bent on locked up in sections of the river. After watchFood, as we were inducted into the Hall of ing this film, I fail to understand how these Fame for Excellence in Food Tourism, mostly due traditional forms of sustainable fishing could to our commitment to local produce.

And for a bit more culture this month, A Little to the Left Studio & Gallery in Taree is going from strength to strength. They began last month with a Duo Expose titled Inkscapes by Kevin Griffiths and Ruth Brunner. Kevin had his first solo exhibition last April at the gallery, and this was Ruth's first exhibition. Both artists often work in the same medium, being Ink on Yupo, which is a paper made from recycled plastic. It is amazing to see the varied results that each artist achieves. The opening had a warm, casual and lovely feel, with Ali Haigh (the 2018 winner of the Manning Winter Festival's Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Visual Arts) opening the exhibition, and her speech kicked off impromptu artists' talks by Kevin and Ruth.

Gallery owner Sam Everett began the month in Clarence Town with Waste Educator Megan Griffiths doing an op-shop tour and repurposing workshop. Look out for the Taree and Forster book launches and workshops with Jane MiIburn that are coming up - they are not to be missed!

Finally, this quote that was shown at the movie Teach a Man to Fish the other night, and one that I have always loved: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.

I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties anything! Send pics and info to donna@bentonfood.com.au Cheers, Donna.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 33

BOOK A TOUR TODAY!

AFFORDABLE AND OPEN TO ALL

DISCOVER WHY SO MANY CHOOSE ST JOSEPH'S TAREE

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE ST JOSEPH'S WINGHAM 1 / Dedicated and committed teaching staff 2 / Strong community spirit

1

A child-focussed, Christ-centred Catholic school

3 / Quality teaching and contemporary learning

2

We offer an extensive range of opportunities

4 / Safe and supportive environment

3

We provide a flexible and engaging learning environment

4

We embrace our cultural diversity

5

We have a strong focus on the environment

5 / Diverse range of extra-curricular opportunities

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL CHURCH CRESCENT WINGHAM NSW 2429 P 02 6553 4774 E admin@wingham.catholic.edu.au W wingham.catholic.edu.au

Find us on Facebook @StJosephsPrimarySchoolWingham

St Joseph’s Primary School 1 St Joseph’s Drive Taree NSW 2430 P 02 6557 7031 Find us on Facebook @stjosephstaree

E admin@tareesj.catholic.edu.au W tareesj.catholic.edu.au

REQUEST AN ENROLME NT PACK TOD AY

CONTACT US TODAY!

ENROL YOUR CHILD NOW FOR 2019

QUALITY EDUCATION DELIVERED AT ST JOSEPH’S GLOUCESTER • • • • •

Inclusive learning environment Smaller class sizes Committed and dedicated teaching staff A range of extra-curricular opportunities Smooth transition program into Kindergarten

CONTACT US

St Joseph’s Primary School

53 Denison Street Gloucester NSW 2422

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

FLEXIBLE LEARNING CLASSROOMS SMALL CLASS SIZES

HIGH STAFF TO STUDENT RATIO

GIFTED EDUCATION LEAD SCHOOL

CONTACT US

HOLY NAME PRIMARY SCHOOL, FORSTER 41 Lake Street Forster 2428

02 6558 1555

www.gloucester.catholic.edu.au

02 6554 6504

www.forster.catholic.edu.au

admin@gloucester.catholic.edu.au

@stjosephsprimarygloucester

admin@forster.catholic.edu.au

@HolyNamePrimarySchoolForster

34 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Catholic Education in the manning

The Manning region is proud to host some of the best Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, providing students from the communities of Taree, Wingham, Bulahdelah, Forster and Gloucester with quality education in a caring and nurturing environment.

Students enrolled at St Joseph’s Primary School, Taree, St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham, St Joseph’s Primary School, Bulahdelah, Holy Name Primary School, Forster and St Joseph’s Primary School, Gloucester feed into St Clare’s High School, Taree for Years 7 to 12.

St Clare’s High School has recently undergone a $7 million building project, due to be completed by the end of the 2018 school year.

Funded by the Federal Government, the Catholic Schools Office and parent contributions, the project includes a major redesign and build of student amenities, school library to establish a learning hub, the construction of 12 flexible learning spaces and the establishment of two basketball courts.

The flexible spaces will extend the use of technology in the classroom and create space for collaborative teaching and learning across all major curriculum areas. The contemporary design of the building and extensive landscaping of its surrounds will offer a beautiful environment for St Clare’s students to experience quality teaching

and learning in a modern and stimulating setting.

“Based on the excellent relationships with our Catholic feeder primary schools, St Clare’s runs a comprehensive transition program designed to make all newcomers to Year 7 feel happy, safe and ready to learn,” said Peter Nicholls, Principal of St Clare’s.

Through adventure days, school tours, open days and visits from St Clare’s students and staff, students from Years 4 to 6 quickly become familiar with the St Clare’s community.

“Our transition program offers a series of religious, cultural and social events designed to make the students’ transition to secondary school a natural progression that nurtures a sense of belonging, while instilling the idea that working with others and sharing in success makes learning fun,” said Peter.

During Catholic Schools Week in March, students and parents are personally invited to attend an open afternoon at St Clare’s to experience what the school has to offer. As the year progresses, students also have the

opportunity to visit St Clare’s for days that focus on leadership, gifted education, STEM, peer support and mentoring, liturgy and spirituality.

“These days are a wonderful opportunity for Year 6 students from other feeder schools to become familiar with the St Clare’s setting and socialise with our students,” said Bronwyn Underwood, Principal of St Joseph’s Gloucester.

The primary schools in the Manning also offer an Early Birds transition program during Terms 3 and 4 before commencing Kindergarten. This provides preschool children with the opportunity to visit “big school”, where they can participate in activities and interact with other students.

The program is founded on the principles of the Diocesan Early Learning Policy, which focuses on the importance of play-based learning, interactive outdoor spaces, building positive relationships and the ability to meet challenges with the

support of friends and teachers.

“Our transition program also offers the opportunity for parents and carers to become involved in their child’s education at an early stage and to make new friends with other parents and carers. Children who take part in our Early Bird program commence Kindergarten full of confidence, ready to tackle their formal school years,” said Bronwyn.

“Early Birds also provides teachers with the opportunity to identify any students that may require extra transition or early intervention to ensure success for all students in their transition to school,” said Mark Mowbray, Principal of St Joseph’s Taree.

To finish, Brooke Schumann, Acting Principal of Holy Name Forster says, “We guarantee a positive and welcoming experience for all prospective students and their families at Holy Name.”

FIVE REASONS FAMILIES CHOOSE ST CLARE’S FOR THEIR CHILD’S SENIOR EDUCATION 1

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

St Clare’s has established a reputation in the wider community for academic excellence. With a proven history of outstanding results: high HSC and RoSA results, consistent Band 6 results across 18 subjects, topping the state in English Extension 2, multiple distinguished achievers in HSC, diocesan debating and public speaking and national selection in various competitions, St Clare’s strength in curriculum initiatives is well-demonstrated.

2

BRAND NEW STATE-OFTHE-ART FACILITIES

From late 2018, students will have access to a number of new learning facilities including 11 new classrooms, a revamped library, new basketball courts and an amphitheatre to encourage teachers to take the learning experience outside. The buildings will combine state-of-the-art technology with innovative internal and external spaces designed to encourage a collaborative approach to learning.

3

At St Clare’s, we have a strong focus on literacy intervention and expanding opportunities for learning support services for students who require additional support in reading.

ST CLARE’S HIGH SCHOOL DAVIS STREET, TAREE, 2430 W tareesc.catholic.edu.au

FOCUS ON LEARNING SUPPORT

4

WE ENCOURAGE CREATIVE PURSUITS

St Clare’s encourages creative thinking across the curriculum: be it design and making in STEM, pursuing high-end Mathematics, extension English or Creative and Performing Arts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Taree and District Eisteddfod in music, public speaking, dance and drama and the major theatre production, ASPIRE.

5

OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORT

St Clare’s offers an extensive range of sports across both the internal and external sporting programs, including swimming and athletics carnivals, football, equestrian events, all school’s triathlon, rugby 7’s and futsal to name just a few.

ENROL NOW FOR 2019!

P 02 6552 3300 E admin@tareesc.catholic.edu.au

Find us on Facebook @StClaresHighSchoolTaree Manning-Great Lakes focus 35

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

Dr Peter Feldbusch with (from top-bottom, left-right) Dr Owen Hughes, Dr Nini Li, Belinda Orraock, Leuis Choi, Dr Simran Joshi, Dr Carolyn Myhill.

Biofilm and your Health

Maven Dental Feldbusch

DEN TA L PL AQUE IS A FORM OF BIOF L IM. I T IS A W HI T ISH / Y EL LOW ISH F IL M T H AT BUIL DS UP ON THE TEETH AND TOOTH ROOTS. What is a Biofilm?

our mouth remains. When biofilm is properly

Biofilm is something you come across every day;

removed with daily oral hygiene care, it is easy

slime on the hull of a boat, clogged drains, slimy

to manage.

coated rocks in a stream, and the plaque that

Tips to control Biofilm:

forms on your teeth are all examples of biofilm.

• Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes.

Biofilm forms when bacteria stick to a surface in

• Floss daily! Flossing removes plaque between

a watery environment and emit a slimy, glue-like

teeth and the gumline where a toothbrush can’t

material that can stick to all kinds of surfaces

reach. Research indicates that floss does up to

such as tooth enamel, metals, plastics,

40% of the work needed to remove plaque

medical implant materials and biological

from your teeth.

tissues. Essentially biofilms form on any surface

• Soak any retainers/prosthesis with denture

exposed to bacteria, with the presence of

soaks or 1 part white vinegar, 3 part water

water and your mouth could be the perfect environment!

Dental plaque is a form of biofilm. It is a whitish/ yellowish film that builds up on the teeth and tooth roots. This biofilm contains communities of disease-causing bacteria and if it becomes firmly established, an ongoing battle is waged between the bacteria and the body’s immune system. Biofilm persistence can result in cavities and chronic inflammation around the tooth socket causing gum disease – both gingivitis and periodontitis which can eventually destroy the bone and connective tissue that keeps the teeth firmly in place and other varieties can provoke other significant health problems.

If biofilm coatings are left unmanaged, harmful

soaks a few times weekly. (If your denture is cracked, porous or peeling ask your dentist/ dental prosthesis to repair it.)

• See your Dentist and Hygienist/Oral Health Therapist every 6 months to monitor your dental health and your overall health. Routine preventative visits to your dentist, dental hygienist and oral health therapist will go a long way to avoid cavities, tooth loss, gum disease and other threats to your oral health.

Have you heard Sundial Dental is revolutionizing you dental clean experience, with the EMS system. The EMS is a guided biofilm therapy and is a unique solution for prevention and maintenance for you teeth. It comfortably and

plaque bacteria can enter your bloodstream

effectively removes biofilm, stubborn coffee,

and affect other parts of your body. Biofilm has

red wine and nicotine stains and keeps your

been linked to arterial plaque formation, MI,

comfortable all the while. The EMS system is

stroke, Alzheimer’s, cancer and complications in

a blend of AIR-FLOW powder, air and warm

pregnancy.

water to produce a precise jet spray. The guided

What can you do to prevent dental

biofilm therapy is a quick, painless, non-invasive

Biofilms?

and soundless treatment, helping you to feel

Maintaining good oral hygiene on a daily basis is

more comfortable at the dentist. To book an

one of the healthiest things you can do for your

appointment or to find out more about our

body, think of it as a preventative maintenance.

services, our team or our locations call our

Our diet, water intake, brushing/flossing routine

caring team at Taree 6551 1005 and Laurieton

and saliva production all influence how healthy

6559 9276. With Sundial Dental.

36 Manning-Great Lakes focus

The caring team at Maven Dental Feldbusch pride themselves on providing a modern dental surgery outfitted to complement our cheerful, positive and progressive attitude.

training and technology to treat you best.

Our aim is to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable dental experience, providing comprehensive and customised dental care in a relaxed and friendly environment. Your wellbeing is our priority, and we hope to build a lasting relationship with you and your family.

treatment, to ensure your oral health remains

Maven Dental Feldbusch have carefully selected professionals with many years of experience and a diversity of clinical skills.

Our team are honest and thorough, with the

We have recently welcomed the edition of our new hygienist, Belinda Orrock, who is highly skilled in providing high-end hygiene in tip top shape.

Maven Dental Feldbusch are open Monday and Tuesday 8:30am - 7pm, Wednesday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm and now open Saturdays by appointment only. Book your appointment online today at www.mavendental.com.au or contact the friendly reception team on 6552 1766.

kinetic MEDICINE

Change is a tough thing to bring on - something that usually scares many of us. But what if we’re heading down a path to wreck and ruin? Changing course is a vital thing to enact if it means saving millions of people from pain and suffering.

We’re in the midst of a chronic pain epidemic. For just back pain alone, 86% of people will experience an episode at some point in their lives; of these, one in five experience pain that could be considered chronic. With an ever improving medical knowledge base, you’d think if we were on the money about pain we’d see some sort of taper, and yet these rates are climbing. It’s time to acknowledge we’ve gotten it wrong.

There’s a difference between what we expect is going on with someone in pain to what is actually going on. Those of you with pain would know that sometimes your experience is hard to explain, tricky to even understand yourself, and the usual experience of going to the emergency department or your GP doesn’t give you the answers that you desperately want and the relief that you desperately need.

What healthcare is typically trained to do is look out for things that we can see or test for. The problem is that the majority of pain cannot be associated to something that can be seen or tested for. The correlation between imaging results and pain is actually well established as being poor. Just because you have pain and a scan which says you have a disc herniation does not mean you have pain because you have a disc herniation.

Disc injury, changes to the spine associated with ageing, more complex features like spondylolisthesis, are all as common in painfree subjects as those with pain, according to the body of research. The problem arises when we don’t handle people with pain well early on. We can definitively prove that people who have imaging done closer to the onset of their pain have worse outcomes.

People who are told to be careful about the state of their spine have worse outcomes.

People who are told their pain is caused by their “degenerative” spine have worse outcomes, even though those who have these same features but have them explained carefully and expertly by contemporarily trained healthcare professionals do much, much better.

The prestigious Lancet medical journal is one of a number of prominent medical publications that’s desperately trying to see the issue appreciated better. It recently released an issue exclusively on back pain declaring that, believe it or not, support for healthy movement and healthy thinking needs to be our frontline defence against persistent pain. Exercise is being advocated for over hands-on therapies and bed rest. If you’re in pain and want to know where to start, I know some people who can help.

Is a work injury co$ting you?

Take the steps to get back control of your life and livelihood.

Kinetic Medicine wants to empower you to get better and move forward, back to work. Contact us on 02 6557 7479 or visit www.kineticmedicine.com.au

Get Better | Stay Better| Live Better Manning-Great Lakes focus 37

Do you have an NDIS Plan and are looking for an alternate day program to meet your goals?

Dundaloo Active is my alternate day and evening program to achieve my NDIS Goals.

Dundaloo Active can provide one on one or small group supports to

Develop my Daily Living Skills

Phone Tracey today on

6551 4214 to discuss how Dundaloo Active can support you to achieve your NDIS Goals.

Dundaloo Support Services is a registered Disability Services provider to people over 18 with a mild to moderate intellectual disability.

38 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Build and Maintain my Friendships

Participate in my community

Dundaloo Active Supporting you to be Active in Life, Active in Play and Active in Community.

focusinterview

Red Umbrella Taree Quota Club.

You would be hard-pressed not to know that just over “the other side of the mountain” an agricultural disaster is taking place. To call it an agricultural misfortune is mild. To call it a social, emotional, economic calamity is an understatement. What the farmers, their partners, their kids, their neighbours and communities are struggling against is truly confronting.

Taree Quota Club has risen to the challenge with their Red Umbrella Project, and together they’ve been raising funds and awareness in support of country farming women and children.

something that says to these families,“You are not alone, you are not forgotten, we care and we want to help,” is the aim of Taree Quota Club’s Red Umbrella Project.

FOCUS recently spoke with Janenne Towers, Secretary of Taree Quota Club, to find out about this project and how it is making a difference.

Red Umbrella is an unusual name … give us an insight into the naming of the project.

Red Umbrella was the brainchild of Quotarian Debbie Steber. The signal for distress is an upside down umbrella, and as communities in Western NSW are battling some of the most horrific drought conditions on record, we felt that the name Red Umbrella was apt.

Hi Janenne. Can you tell FOCUS readers what the Red Umbrella Project is all about?

The so called “Lucky Country” is in need of a change of fortune; our black soil plains are one of the most productive areas in NSW, but the community of Walgett is one of the hardest hit by this unrelenting, soul destroying drought. Records show the current crisis being faced by farmers is unprecedented. This is why Taree Quota Club members are reaching out to farming families and rural businesses to support them. We can do a rain dance and talk about how awful this drought must be for families, but actually doing

What are Quota’s goals in relation to the Red Umbrella Project?

Many of the women who support their farming partners have little to be jubilant about, and have become totally despondent. These women have had to learn to go without what many of us take for granted. Those small luxuries like a meal out, or coffee and cake with friends are simply not

on their radar. Our goal was to show empathy and benevolence towards these women and their families.

We never dreamed that so much kindness and goodwill could come from one little Red Umbrella.

What’s been the result so far?

The “Upside-Down Red Umbrella” has certainly symbolised everything Quota members stand for in sharing their time, talent and resources, but it’s the community’s generosity that has been awe-inspiring. The Quota members originally pledged $1,000 and set a target to collect an additional $1,000, but thanks to the generosity of Manning Valley residents, the Taree Quota Club will be sending a cheque to Walgett in excess of $14,000. This money will be distributed by the CWA in Walgett by way of vouchers to be spent at local businesses, ensuring the money benefits their town.

How can our readers support Red Umbrella?

Donations to Taree Quota Club’s Red Umbrella Appeal can be made by contacting: President Nancy Boyling on 6555 35652 or 0407 585 528, Secretary Janenne Towers on 6552 4124 Treasurer Trish Webber on 6552 5194 or 0431 027 258, or any member of our Quota Club.

Last words?

For the support and generosity of Manning Valley residents, Taree Quota Club members say THANK YOU. Thanks Janenne. Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Stand out from the start.

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Press artwork_half page_Focus Magazine_Aug18.indd 1

7/5/18 3:18 PM

24/8/18 11:20 am

Manning-Great Lakes focus 39

focusinterview.

Riding

disabled for the

2 0 T H B I R T H D A Y with M A U R E E N T U R N E R

Our local branch of Riding for the Disabled celebrates its 20th birthday this month! Maureen Turner tells us about the festivities planned to mark the occasion … there’s a gala dinner, and an open day, and everyone’s welcome!

H

i Maureen. Please explain your role with RDA and what the organisation’s all about.

I have been with Riding for the Disabled for 43 years and with the local centre since its inception. I was the coach at the very first ride at Rainbow Flat on the property owned, then, by Richard and Nicola Paff.

Riding for Disabled (RDA) was started in NSW by the late Pearl Batchelor. The local centre was the cherished dream of Jeff Patterson. Being a rider, Jeff knew how beneficial the movement of the horse can be for the human body. Muscles which lie dormant or are stiff and tired can relax and soften, and sometimes even be re-awakened by the warmth and stimulation of the movement of a horse.

RDA NSW Manning Great Lakes Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary in September. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed at the centre since you’ve been involved?

I was present at the first ride day of the local centre, when it began; at that time there were only a few riders, and the horses were trucked in to ride on a Saturday morning once a month.

Now we have ten horses, who all live on the RDA property at Rainbow Flat, and we ride three days per week. We cater for about 75 riders, who each have weekly lessons.

Caring for this many horses must come at a cost! Who are some of the businesses/ community groups that help you out with funding/sponsorship?

Feeding such a large stable of horses comes at a considerable cost. Our horses are extremely well 40 Manning-Great Lakes focus

fed; each horse has his or her own diet, which is frequently adjusted to suit the individual. A well fed horse is a happy horse, and only a happy horse can give of his best and enjoy his work.

This flows through to the rider, who enjoys and benefits from the contentment of the horse.

We are well supported by Wingham and Valley Vets, who are constantly at our beck and call if our precious horses need them.

It has always been a dream of mine that someone would come in behind us and supply our daily needs, allowing us coaches to just work in the arena with our riders. To a small degree this has happened, with the help of organisations like Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, some local clubs, private individuals and more recently, an arrangement with Racing NSW Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Trust, so we have had the opportunity to develop infrastructure and feed our precious horses.

There’s a gala dinner planned to mark the 20th anniversary on Saturday 15th September. Where will this be held - and how can we get tickets?

The dinner will be held at the Winning Post Function Room at Taree Racecourse, and tickets can be purchased at the centre on the Lakes Way at Rainbow Flat, or by telephoning Margie on 0400 313 759 or Maureen on 0418 976 531 or Jan on 0417 468 176.

This dinner will be a great night - a night when we all gather to celebrate and give thanks for who we are and what we do. It will be a celebration night; we will have a few serious moments when we will pay a few tributes, bestow a few awards, cut a cake and generally just have a whole lot of fun.

One of our guests Pleasure Park and see if I asked a boy who used a will be medal winning they can ride the course wheelchair what he liked Paralympian, Jan Pike. as well as our riders can. most about riding. He said, Jan has given a lot to So, come and see what ‘I don’t have to look up to our local centre and is happens! see your face’. To me, that is What’s been the most always willing to interRDA - that a boy who has rupt her busy life to run rewarding part for you spent his entire life in a about being involved clinics for our aspiring wheelchair can look down with RDA? dressage riders. on me.

On Sunday 16th, I have been involved the centre will be with a lot of equestrian holding an Open Day activities in my life, but from 10am. Where is never have I seen so much the centre located - and what activities are achievement or so much joy as I see at RDA. I planned for the day? said to a father just last week, the best moment It is located at 1856 Lakes Way Rainbow Flat, at RDA is when I can say to a rider who has been about half way between Taree and Forster. The led for a long time, “Ride up to the other end sign on the entrance says, “Jo’s Place” - Jo rents and ride back to me.” That joyful moment of her property to us for $1 a year! being able to confidently send a rider off for a On this day we plan to showcase who we are little ride when you have sheltered and led them and what we do, so there will be a few demonfor so long is an unbelievable joy. And the smile strations of the equestrian skills of our riders. on the face tells it all!

When we first developed the site we buried a On another occasion I asked a boy who used a time capsule, so it will be dug up and its contents wheelchair what he liked most about riding. He looked at - and would you believe none of us said, “I don’t have to look up to see your face”. who filled it and buried it can remember what we To me, that is RDA - that a boy who has spent his put in it! entire life in a wheelchair can look down on me.

The NSW Mounted Police are sending two ofSome of our coaches and volunteers are talented ficers, who will demonstrate how they use horses riders, but at RDA the only one achieving is the to enforce the law. You may think that in a busy one on the horse.

Where can we find out more info? city with traffic and crowds everywhere, a couple Through our Facebook page, or by phoning of horses would be more of a hindrance than a the numbers above. help - well, be prepared to be surprised! Two of Thanks Maureen. our bravest riders have challenged the Mounted Interview: Jo Robinson.

Police to ride over their challenging course in our

Dr Elfar’s passion for dentistry stems from learning more about his patients’ dental needs, his community’s needs and finding solutions that revolutionise the way patients view and experience dentistry.

“Dentistry has offered me a world of opportunity. By getting to know my patients, their health and their needs, it allows me to continually learn and advance my skills by training to better treat my patients.”

Long gone are the days when dental treatment was limited and options were short. These days, thanks to the passion, drive, innovation in dental technology and practitioners like Dr Peter Elfar, patients have more treatment options, less waiting time, less discomfort and long lasting solutions to their dental challenges.

Gone too, is the attitude that dentistry is a separate science. Today dental health is treated as important part of the health of the entire body, using integrated techniques to improve functional health, as well as to improve oral health care outcomes.

Dr Elfar was the first in a long list of achievements in dentistry, and he has brought these treatments from the USA and Europe to the Mid North Coast for all patients to benefit from.

To name a few of these revolutionary treatments: In 2008, introduced CEREC (same day crows) technology.

In 2009, introduced 3D X ray technology.

In 2011, introduced LANAP, laser treatment for Gum Disease.

In 2012, milled first in-house surgical implant guide.

In 2013, performed lateral wall sinus life to allow for implants.

Innovation for Dr Elfar and the team at Sundial Dental is key. There will always be a new challenge in dentistry and in patient care, and that’s what drives Dr Elfar and his team to meet the challenge and find new dental solutions for patients. It is this approach to oral health that helps to explain the organic growth of Sundial Dental; because let’s face it, when you are passionate about something, you attract like minded professionals - so explaining the dedicated and caring team at Sundial Dental.

Dr Peter Elfar is very community minded and supports the local junior and senior soccer, rugby and AFL teams. He also supports a number of events and fundraises for charities in the community. Internationally he has volunteered twice in the Dominican Republic to be a part of a Medical/ Dental Mission to help the less privileged.

Outside of dentistry, Dr Elfar enjoys flying, mountain bike riding and spending time with his family.

Sundial Dental Phone (02) 6583 3533 133-137 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie www.sundialdental.com.au

Manning-Great Lakes focus 41

focus_guest contributor Ainslee Dennis from

love A celebration of

Tears spill from the eyes of Dr Moheb Ghaly OAM as he stands in the St Mary and St Pope Kirolos the 6th Church in Cundletown.

They are tears of joy and as they fall, he speaks of love - his love for God, his love for St Pope Kirolos the 6th and his love for Fay Abdo, the woman he will soon wed in the beautiful church that he gifted to the Mid North Coast.

C

ongratulations, Dr Ghaly. It is serendipitous that you will be the first to wed in the church that you helped to build for the Christian Coptic Orthodox community. How do you feel?

I am so happy. It will be a happy celebration in a place that I love. I never thought it would be this beautiful, and I cry tears of happiness. It will also be the first time the church bell will sound for a happy occasion, and we will ring it twice or maybe even three times! As Fay walks in, it will happen, at the end, and when the ceremony is completed I think I will ask them to do it again - three times - why not! It will be a happy occasion!

Please share a little about your bride-to-be.

Fay is lovely, with a wonderful sense of humour. She teaches Year 11 and 12 students at a Catholic school in Sydney and will move here with her daughter, Emily.

Once we are married I will reduce my very long working hours to allow me to spend time at home. I will slow down a bit, but not too much. I love to run, swim, cycle and row, and it will be lovely to add the activities of Fay and Emily to my life. It has been three years since the death of my wife, Mona, and it will be wonderful to come home to a house that is not silent.

The choice to build a church is unusual. Why did you act to do so?

I was lucky to be born into a Christian Orthodox family and have a strong faith. I was the first Coptic to come to Taree and during the last 28 years about once or twice a month, Mona and my daughters, Martha and Meeray, would travel with me to Sydney to attend church. About 20 years later Dr Eid Anderawes came,

42 Manning-Great Lakes focus

and then there were another four or five families from God! Taree, Port Macquarie and Forster, and so we began to You are respected by thousands of people in come together once a fortnight in a hall. During that the Manning Valley for your work as a general time Dr Anderawes’ father-in-law became a priest, and surgeon, and in 2012 you were honoured with he is now Father Karas, and so an Order of Australia Medal for there we were - we had a priest your service to medicine. How but no church, so I said fine, leave has your faith helped you as you it to me, and we all began to look help others? for a church.

My faith helps me to do as much God has beautiful ways of Now some may call me good as I can, but I know that it is communication and we are obsessed, but I love St Pope all in God's hands. lucky that we have eyes Kirolos the 6th immensely. I I do not push my faith on that we can open to see, saw him from a distance, but patients. The only time I may and ears that can hear. never met him face-to-face. mention faith to a patient is if they The miracles that he has done are told news that is so bad that it in his life and made in his name is overwhelming, or they are facing afterwards are so many, so that is death. Hopefully people will seek why the church is named for him to know about my faith by seeing and St Mary. what I do and who I am.

The church is opulent in its decoration and Faith is very much part of my daily life. I pray as soon features beautiful wood carvings and paintings. as I wake, and before I sleep, I try to make the sign of Where did they come from? the cross before I operate, and I pray and read the Bible There is a deep connection to St Pope Kirolos the sometimes during the day if I have the time.

6th and it was all made and assembled by the Baramos Do you see God’s blessings in your life?

Monks in the Eygptian desert, the monastery where God has beautiful ways of communication and we St Pope Kirolos was ordained. The wood carvings, the are lucky that we have eyes that we can open to see, paintings of The Last Supper and disciples were shipped and ears that can hear. I look at my time here and if I from Eygpt in a container and I had the honour, along had given God a list and said, “I want, I want, I want”, with Dr Anderawes, to go to pick it all up and put it in a I would not have thought to ask Him for what I have trailer that we hired from Bunnings. received in my lifetime, as I have been given so much There was a little bit of drama, as it was too heavy; more than I could have ever imagined work wise, we thought we had secured it and it tilted at the first satisfaction wise, income wise. I have been blessed, and roundabout! It was too heavy for the two of us, so we it continues with Fay. struggled until we found somebody to help us, thank Thanks Dr Ghaly.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

September 2018

AQUARIUS.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19 If delays are doing your head in, visualise yourself walking the walk you desire, give yourself permission to achieve and have fun on the journey. It’s time for you to have what your heart desires, but you need to know you are worthy.

Citrine attracts an abundance of positivity.

PISCES.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20 It is likely that you are feeling a bit trapped in life at present. This is because you are approaching a purging time to release anything from your reality that stops you achieving your fullest potential. Try debating with your old beliefs to establish new ones for the future.

Ruby shatters self doubt.

ARIES.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 If you’ve been feeling unsupported lately, try and identify what emotion you’re hoping to feel from someone and wake that emotion up internally; using your breath you can activate it. This exercise will reconnect you to your leadership skills and self love will follow.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

TAURUS.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21 If relationships have been a challenge recently, it could be that past unresolved issues are requiring healing.

Embrace the past, no matter how hard it was, and become the answer to the past hurts. This will show you your divinity and you will receive rewards.

Jade is great for self worth and healing.

GEMINI.

MAY 22 - JUNE 22 Changes are looming for career or what you will be doing on a regular day to day basis. You are a person of your word, and your word is your honour. New opportunities will soon show themselves to you, and your ability to recognise them will increase. Give yourself permission to achieve success. Enjoy!

Ruby shatters fear.

CANCER.

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

LEO.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 You’re getting reconnected to old gifts and talents, which will be likely to enhance your success with career. Journalise new things, so you can refer to them in future.It is likely that the next few weeks will bring opportunity to see how clever you are at teaching or training. This will bring newfound confidence. Turquoise is great for self esteem.

VIRGO.

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23 Self esteem and worthiness are high on the agenda this month. If you can love yourself enough to know you deserve the best of the best, you will be pleasantly surprised with the success you draw to yourself. Set some fresh goals to keep the momentum going.

Citrine attracts an abundance.

LIBRA.

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

You have outgrown some of your beliefs so instead of feeling comforted, you may be feeling trapped. The next few months will be a purging cycle for you, so try giving intention to everything you take into your body and everything you release; this will raise your vibration and your mood will benefit.

Don’t be worried if you are feeling suspended at the moment; it is only a part of the process of discovering what your role in the bigger scheme of things is. Set some fresh goals and consider the importance of how you would like to feel. You are very connected to your heart, and feelings need to be a priority when setting your goals.

Clear Quartz empowers us.

Turquoise is great for self esteem.

SCORPIO.

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Now is a great time to fulfil a dream that you have carried for a long time or from a long time ago. Make a list of all the things you need and take action; get something from the list so that when the opportunity presents itself, you won’t be likely to sabotage it.

Rose Quartz is the empowering crystal of self love.

SAGITTARIUS.

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 You are coming into a very fertile time, where anything you put your nurturing energies into cannot fail. Set some fresh goals, give yourself permission to achieve and throw yourself into new opportunities with gusto.

Fake it until you make it!

Rose Quartz is the crystal of self love.

CAPRICORN.

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 You need to know you deserve the best of the best, so that you won’t sabotage rewards heading your way.

Smile at your reflection for the next few weeks to raise your self worth and deservability. This will align you to live how you’re wanting … Peaceful and uncomplicated.

Citrine attracts an abundance.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 43

focuson_business

FOCUS ON

44 Manning-Great Lakes focus

BUSINESS

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

BUSINESS MINDS

Amanda Tate Long time contributor for FOCUS with PEARLS OF WISDOM ON REAL ESTATE ... it’s time to get to more about Amanda Tate.

L

et’s go way back. Tell us about life prior to real estate.

I grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, before it became a rat race. It was a relaxed beach lifestyle with a small community centred around the school, Elanora Heights Primary. Narrabeen High was within walking distance of the beach, so a lot of our spare time was spent at the beach basking in the sun, watching the guys surf. Girls didn’t really surf back then, but I was pretty good on a skateboard.

So, from Northern Beaches skater to entering the workforce. Leaving school, what was it you wanted to be?

Much to the horror of my maths teacher, I left school in Year 10. I didn’t enjoy school, and I’m sure some of my teachers didn’t enjoy me! I just wanted to be a manager - the boss - and remember having big, audacious goals.

A condition of leaving school early was that I had to do a business secretarial course at the local TAFE, and I ended up Dux of the Year.

What I learnt at TAFE gave me an excellent grounding for everything to do with my career, especially learning to type and basic accounting. I loved anything to do with business and ended up as an insurance loss adjuster after further studies. I’m a firm believer in if you are going to do something, do it well and learn everything there is to know about it.

Not everyone is destined for university. I never thought about real estate, until after we had a few bad experiences with property

managers and after a heated discussion with the real estate owner, he suggested that if I thought I could do better, I should buy the business - so we did. That was in 1996, and all the agents back then expected us to fail.

LJ Hooker has become a Tate family affair.

Give us a rundown of the family now involved in the business.

All three of our children have worked in the business over the years, with Andrew starting on a school-based traineeship in Year 11.

It was hard to hold Andrew back, because he was a natural with people and went out selling homes at 19. Cameron came into the business later and is now managing the office and selling and is my right hand, especially now that Chris has retired. Our daughter, Ashlee, tells us she has bigger things than real estate on the agenda, but has worked in the office since she could see over the front counter. One thing I do know is that all have a great work ethic and a natural entrepreneurial flair. It’s been wonderful having them work in the family business.

This must make you and Chris very proud to see the family coming through?

Very much so, but then being a family business, you also get close to your team and they become an extension of your family.

Your community work is also something you are passionate about. Tell us what you get involved in and how important this is to you.

As we know, it takes a village to raise a child, so we are very aware of the part our business plays in housing people, sometimes

the professionals in every very challenging people, Taree Carols in the Park is aspect of real estate and and our team shares our Christmas gift to the focus on our people. this vision. We have community and the part we enjoy most is gathering With technology, the good relationships with the whole community way we do real estate community groups and together to celebrate is evolving very quickly have set up housing the true meaning of and real change is facilities to help families Christmas, regardless of on the horizon. If we in need. status, religious beliefs and race. don’t lift our game Some may know I and professionalise have been very vocal our services, including with government our technology, we waste and lack of will be left behind. You can’t get personal accountability for tenants and the damage experience out of a computer, but you can we allow them to cause, but I won’t just vent; do a lot of research, and our clients are we need solutions, but unfortunately our armed with knowledge. We need to be more government is too busy ego bustling to care knowledgeable, or we offer no value. and just won’t listen, yet continue to write For you, what is the best part about cheques.

Taree Carols in the Park is our Christmas gift being in business in the Manning Valley?

I’ve just come back from a river cruise in to the community, and the part we enjoy most Europe and on my first morning crossing the is gathering the whole community together bridge, the traffic was slow and it allowed me to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, to take in the Manning River looking west. regardless of status, religious beliefs and The river was like glass, reflecting the water’s race. We have been sponsoring and helping organise this event for over 15 years, and I still edge, including the Anglican Church, and my immediate thoughts were this is every bit get emotional when the fireworks go off and as picturesque as the Danube or the Rhine take in the crowd’s enjoyment.

Rivers.

Real estate is ever evolving and a very I live on a rural property just six minutes to competitive industry. What do you focus Taree, and this area has allowed me to run a on with your team to stay ahead of the business and raise a family due to the close game? proximity of everything and the supportive We’re a service based industry, so our focus nature of the community. Every day I count is always our customers and how to improve my blessings and know that I am where I am the way we provide our services to them. supposed to be.

Anyone can sell or manage a house, but are Thanks Amanda. they achieving the best result? We strive to be Manning-Great Lakes focus 45

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

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

m ney matters.

legal

with Alan Tickle

light.

You Read it First in FOCUS Amongst the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission that delved into superannuation funds was concern over insurance inside superannuation and duplication of cover.

with Justin Stack

The pitfalls of buying property with a group of friends More and more young people, frustrated with how hard it is to buy into the expensive property market, are turning to friends to pool resources and buy a property together.

It might be long time schoolfriends, sporting club members, church or social groups, or people roping in some cashed-up relatives. But Merrill Phillips, licensed conveyancer at Stacks Law Firm, warns there are pitfalls in co-ownership that should be addressed before anyone commits to what could be the biggest investment of their lives.

“So often I have seen people caught up in co-ownership deals that go wrong for various reasons and then find themselves in unexpected difficulties," Ms Phillips said.

“They may have a 25 per cent share in the property, but if one of the partners wants to sell out for some reason, then everyone involved needs to have a properly drawn up legal agreement to protect their interests in the joint investment.

“It may be that one person wants to pull out and sell their share equally among the other partners, which sounds fair, but what if they insist one particular person gets their share, or they want to sell the entire property to cash in, or they want to sell their share to someone who is not a party to the original co-ownership?”

Ms Phillips said co-owners will have to decide whether to hold ownership as Tenants in Common or as Joint Tenants. The differences can be

important. Many buyers form a trust to buy the investment property, and Ms Phillips stresses it is important to have an experienced lawyer draw up the agreement for co-owners.

“It is important to have legal advice to protect your interests. Buying property with others can involve significant financial and emotional risk, and friendships can end if it goes wrong.

“Any legal agreement would have to be ready to meet dozens of changed circumstances in the group, such as marriage, children, divorce, health, death and going broke. What if the property needs urgent repairs and only one partner has the cash to pay for it? How are they compensated? What if someone defaults on repayments?

“It’s vital everyone knows their obligations and responsibilities in the deal and have it set out in a legal document drawn up with everyone’s agreement. Friendships and trust often fail to survive financial rows, and it is vital everyone has an exit plan that suits the others.

“One final tip is to make sure all co-owners are involved in decisions regarding finances and the fate of the property. Rifts can open up when a person feels excluded in such a joint venture.”

It recommended a consolidation of many Industry Superannuation Funds and showed concern over charges that they impose for basic services such as withdrawals.

When Bill Shorten led changes some years back via the mysuper products, the Parliament allowed what is now realised was a mistake in having optout default insurance cover for those mysuper products.

At that time the “Money Matters” column criticised that move, citing the potential for unnecessary and duplicated insurance.

While the superannuation fund member could write to the fund and “opt out”, unless they did so or were made aware of that right, the default position was that the insurance cover would stay.

Typically, many people will change jobs and unless the employer is co-operative and allows them to nominate the fund of their choice, the employer will simply allocate superannuation to their default fund, thus adding more insurance, more administration fees and duplicate superannuation funds.

The other problem arises when the employee changes address, doesn’t inform the superannuation funds, the premiums continue to erode the super, until eventually the fund, having lost contact with the member, passes the money over to the ATO as lost super.

Subsequent columns also gave examples of, dare I say, billions in unpaid employer superannuation contributions that successive governments failed to regulate and capture.

This unpaid superannuation not only will have an impact on the welfare needs of the future generation of retirees, but it has also resulted in substantial lost Government revenue from uncollected contribution tax and tax on superan-

nuation earnings.

The present Government has supposedly increased compliance provisions to punish employers who do not pay the superannuation, but it really is too little too late, as Governments on both sides of politics failed to address this for decades.

The Royal Commission was long overdue, but might have been avoided had those in power listened to many of the issues and problems that peer industry groups from the financial planning and accounting professions had informed them of, in submissions made when the changes ultimately imposed by the Gillard Government were first proposed and on other occasions.

Recent enquiries also laid bare the donations and sponsorships some Industry Funds had made to trade unions out of profits that might otherwise have benefitted members.

The enquiry recommendation is that the number of funds be reduced substantially.

Hints for Superannuation Fund Members • Do not cancel or amalgamate funds without first comparing the insurance cover offered.

• Seek advice from a financial planner on insurance options, as this can often save money • Seek advice when making lump sum contributions to superannuation, as segregating taxable and tax free components can only be achieved by maintaining a separate superannuation account.

• Seek advice before retiring, so that contribution strategy to maximise potential tax advantages can be considered • Keep your fund up to date with address changes • If keeping a fund open for insurance purposes, be conscious of keeping the account active.

• Be assertive when it comes to nominating the fund of your choice to your employer and be vigilant in making sure contributions are being received.

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.

If you have a case, Stacks has the expert

Our Client’s Best Interest is Central to all our Endeavours • Income Protection & Life Insurance • Superannuation • Retirement Planning

02 6592 6592

stacklaw.com.au/taree 46 Manning-Great Lakes focus

• 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

focusinterview

We last spoke with Shane in 2009, but since then his life journey has grown and taken on a whole new direction, which includes the launch of his latest book “Thirsty” - this book is already an Amazon bestseller. We caught up with Shane recently, to find out what’s been going on…

T

ell us about your new direction, and what the catalyst for this change was.

For me, I think it’s more of a commitment to continuous unfolding, rather than a new direction. Major change came when I took a year out of my marketing career to work in the funeral industry. This was something I always wanted to do, and the impact on me was profound. That experience brought me to where I am today.

Your background is really diverse. How has this shaped your current path?

Change is a constant, so to embrace new things makes perfect sense. My earliest memories are of a spiritual awareness, and to understand spirituality has been my life’s passion. My thirst for spirituality has led me down many paths. I spent years desperately trying to make sense of Christianity, leading me to study theology at university level, where I received high distinctions. I also studied to become a Pastor in the Assemblies of God Church.

The result for me after all those years was that I was left feeling spiritually dehydrated and empty. I have come to understand that our lives are the reflection of every experience we have endured, and our paths are constantly being shaped by our experiences - good and bad.

You’ve written two books now. Can you give us some insights into this process, and how it was for you?

My first book, Heart Marketing, is based on my philosophies around marketing and it was a simple case of writing down all my knowledge and experience gained from a successful career, and presenting it in a way people could understand.

My second and most recent book, Thirsty, simply flowed from within me in a way I can’t explain. I originally wrote Thirsty for my daughters as a way to help them understand life and its deep spiritual elements. When I finally released Thirsty, I was overwhelmed when I learned it had become the number one best selling spiritual book in Australia on Amazon.

How would you describe or summarise Thirsty?

Thirsty is a result of my life’s ongoing search for spirituneeded to overcome in order to move into this new al truth. For years, religions have taught us that we need area of speaking and writing? an external saviour. However, what I have found is that I had to overcome my fear of what people might think truth resides within us, longing to be discovered. Someof me in my home town for speaking out about what times I think we have to just let go of rigid belief, so that was true for me. In the process, I have learned to push we might discover truth and who we really are. It’s really through this fear. In July, I held a book launch for Thirsty, evident that people are more and more dissatisfied with where we filled Ormsby House to capacity - which was a religion, and churches are emptying as a result. very humbling experience. The support from my home On the flipside, there is an incredible spiritual awakentown has been amazing! ing taking place around us, and it’s Where do you see yourself in all about us understanding who we the next five years? really are and finding our connecI will be doing more writing and tion to our Creative Source. This more speaking, and whatever the spiritual awakening is very real and People are genuinely thirsty Universe brings my way. My team has nothing to do with religion. for real spirituality. They just and I are currently working on a Thirsty points people towards want to hear more and more. documentary about spirituality, identifying and understanding their It humbles me to think and another book which will be own truth, and in the process living that what I’ve learned out early next year, together with a purposeful, abundant life. My over decades, often from an Australian and New Zealand experience shows that people are the darkest of places, Roadshow in 2019. tired of the rigid religious offerings has culminated in realising this I have also been invited to take and are longing for a spiritual expebeautiful purpose which just part in a National Thought Leader’s rience that is real and alive within keeps on unfolding. tour late next year. them. Thirsty is for those people …

Are there any words of wisdom for those who thirst for more. you’d like to share with FOCUS You’re also speaking at conferreaders? ences and events. How has that been so far?

Absolutely! There is so much more to life than the daily Amazing! I have been working with international bestgrind!

We have each come to fulfil a beautiful purpose selling author and speaker Katrena Friel. We have been that rests patiently within, longing to be awakened. None travelling around Australia speaking at spiritual confercan condemn you, pass judgement or say that you are ences and conducting workshops, with amazing results. unworthy of any beautiful thing that may come into your People are genuinely thirsty for real spirituality. They just life.

You are incredibly beautiful, more than capable and want to hear more and more. It humbles me to think that completely worthy.

You came to shine, so let no one take what I’ve learned over decades, often from the darkest of that from you.

Know your purpose and walk in it every places, has culminated in realising this beautiful purpose day there you will find true peace and contentment. which just keeps on unfolding.

Where can we buy Thirsty?

As for my speaking commitments and workshops, I The Trippie Hippie in Wingham, Peppa’s in Centrepoint am booked solid for the remainder of 2018, and 2019 Arcade Taree, Thoughtful Things in Tuncurry, or is filling up fast. I am looking forward to running several www.thethirstwithin.com retreats locally at Bellbird Hill B & B on September 22 and Thanks Shane.

23, and Mansfield on the Manning in early 2019.

Are there any particular challenges that you’ve Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 47

focusfeature.

Seniors Living and Retirement

C O M I N G U P TO IT S 5 0 TH Y E A R O F P R O U D A N D C O N TI N U I N G S E RV I C E TO TH E F O R STE R-T U N C U R RY A N D M I D C OA ST R E G I O N S I S L O CA L L AW F I R M , BROMHEAD LEGAL.

Regional

DEVELOPMENT PRIDE

T

he Forster office was opened

by John Vaughan in 1970, who practiced as J.A. Vaughan & Company. John has himself been admitted to practice as a Supreme Court Solicitor for over 50 years.

Still today, John remains actively involved with the firm that he started. He is one of the few Law Society Accredited Wills & Probate Specialists in practice north of Sydney, and is certainly the longest serving.

John's skills are not only of real benefit; he still has pleasure and meaning for his own life's experience, serving long-standing clients and friends, and family members at each side of their generational spectrum.

John is known to many for his infectious smile; his clear legal mind; his welcome, friendly greeting for many. He is uniquely able to establish warm and relaxed common interest with almost everyone he sees, instantly recalling details of family connection or other points of bonds shared.

Even his membership of the Company of Voices Vocal; Ensemble, and his guitar accomplishments, as a regular member playing bass guitar in the Big Fins attest to the diversity of his abilities and interests, causing him to be widely recognised.

Any volunteer work needed in the 48 Manning-Great Lakes focus

their learning journeys in legal practice. Age community, and you can likely expect to see is never a factor. "Skill, Integrity Results" him, working quietly but effectively; doing is the firm motto. The Wills & Probate team his "bit to help". concentrate on expert, high-level service, He does not discuss his age, and caring and skilled legal practice, happy prudently, we know not to ask. But clients, and results.

John does not dispute that he might be John, in his considered by some mentoring and guiding to be past what many role, has a proud eye would regard as to the legacy of his "normal retirement achievement in starting age".

The firm has and building his old And yet, with firm, and is able to enthusiasm for his "move with the times". clients, his practice From the foundation and his skills in of the last 50 years, and service, he continues across its with a view to the next enthusiastically to serve now three office locations 50 years, Bromhead as a Senior Consultant Forster, Tamworth, Dubbo.

Legal is gearing for Solicitor with the law the next level of legal firm that he started. He practice in the "Digital loves his work. And his Age". work loves him!

The firm has John works with introduced extensive communications and Greg McInnes, now Principal of the firm, software resources across its now three and a team of dedicated professionals. The office locations - Forster, Tamworth, Dubbo. team develop, and are mentored by, John's The teams in each office regularly hold knowledge in Wills and Probate. teleconferences for group training. This Some members of the team, like John, brings the capacity to appear by videohave experience "beyond normal retirement link in Sydney or interstate (sometimes age". Others in the team are just starting

introduced extensive communications and software resources

international) conference and client meetings, and to undertake remote appearances, perhaps in Court, attending barrister briefings, or discussing with clients.

These are the resources needed for the internet age. But they are especially important for a regional law firm. More important for a law firm with three branches in regional locations! In fact, it enables regional law firms to serve without being disadvantaged by regional location when dealing with, say, Courts located in Sydney or Newcastle.

Each of the three offices is itself seamlessly connected to the others, meaning that the same service is supplied, regardless of location.

The world is indeed shrinking, and practice from regional locations is now able to be more effective and viable in this modern communications age.

Is it possible to have the best environment in the world, and be the equal of the "big city" in terms of skill? John Vaughan and Greg McInnes think "YES"!

Sometimes it can be exciting, and of benefit to others, to "work past the normal retirement age".

focusfeature.

Seniors Living and Retirement

AGE?

F O C U S C E L E B R ATE S TH E P L E A S U R E S O F R E TI R E M E N T I N O U R L O CA L S L I C E O F PA R A D I S E - TR AV E L , P R I STI N E E N V I R O N M E N T, C O M M U N IT Y, FA M I LY, S U N, S P O RT S, D O L P H I N S, D I S C OV E RY. W E A R E B L E S S E D.

T

he Great Lakes area of the Mid North Coast, Forster and Tuncurry in particular, has the oldest population demographic in Australia. The median age in Forster-Tuncurry, as determined in the 2016 Census, was 57 years. That compares with the state average age of 38 years. Of the combined population, 46% was aged over 60 years. In Tuncurry, 51% of the population is aged over 60 years.

Might there be something in the water here? Why so many happy faces, with wrinkles, and bright smiles?

The most recently available Census (December 2017) reveals that 38% of the Australian working population aged over 45 years had retired; that 64% of 65 - 69 year olds, and 82% of those aged 70 and above, had retired.

And yet, according to the Census, the age at which Australians now intend to retire is edging higher. Chief Economist for the ABS, Bruce Hockman said that there is a "continuing trend of people staying in the workforce for longer. A decade ago, around 9% of people aged 65 and over were employed. This has increased to around 13% in 2016-17".

In 2018, according to Australian Government statistics, the average life expectancy of a female born in 2016 is 84.6 years, and for a male it is 80.4 years.

The Age Pension age is now 65.5 years,

rising to 67 by 2023. Of 3.9 million Census respondents indicating an intention to retire, 20% intended retirement after age 70 (22% of men and 18% of women). Again, an increased number intending work after age 70 and beyond.

Why would anyone work, when they can retire?

One reason might be that working longer might help us live longer, be more healthy and be more actively engaged, more involved with life.

According to a 2016 study conducted by Oregon State University (with Colorado SU), there was an 11% lower mortality risk for those retiring at age 66, as compared to those retiring at age 65. The trend continued as comparison groups increased in age, workers and retired. Taking into account that healthier people might want to, and be able to, work longer, the study still found that there was a 9% reduced mortality risk.

Statistics show that working longer is a health option!

The more likely truth though is that, in this age, and in our beautiful land, we have choice. A choice to work, or retire - or to do both! To live our lives as best suits each of us, individually.

It depends on each person. What was "normal" 10 years ago quite possibly is no longer "normal" today. It is much less likely to be "normal" in another 10 years.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 49

50 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusfeature.

Choosing an Aged Care Provider It can be a daunting experience finding someone you can trust to meet your aged care needs or those of a loved one.

When you choose Anglican Care, you have the comfort of knowing that your dignity, safety and best interests will always come first. Our sole concern is to help you make a choice based on what matters most to you, and we offer a range of different services to assist you to do just that.

From our retirement living villages, through to our home care packages and residential aged care homes, we can help you to stay as healthy and happy as possible, which we believe is the key to maintaining a good quality of life.

So what do each these options offer? That all depends on where you are on life’s journey. If you are thinking about downsizing your home and enjoying the freedom of independent living in a caring community, retirement living could be for

you.

Or, if you are needing a little bit of extra assistance to remain living in your own home, our personalised home care packages provide coordinated care and support, to ensure you continue to lead a good life.

If your care needs were to change and you needed to move into residential aged care, we are also able to assist with that. We have three homes on the Mid Coast, all with their own unique features. For example, Bishop Tyrrell Place at Cundletown has an onsite care farm which is home to alpacas, ponies and chickens, together with vegetable and other gardens.

Anglican Care can help tailor a personalised care solution that’s right for you. Call us today on 1800 733 553 or visit our website www.anglicancare.com.au

Manning-Great Lakes focus 51

focusfeature.

3.4 11' - 0"

3.3 10' - 11"

Living and Retirement

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.

52 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

Seniors

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

focusfeature.

Seniors Harwel Lifts

Living and Retirement

Custom-made lifts and hoists for the home or business, proudly made locally in Gloucester.

Is taking the stairs in your home becoming more difficult? Have you an elderly family member who would like to move in, but would have difficulty accessing upper levels? Or maybe you’re tired of lugging the shopping up those steps?

Talk to us today about our Australian-made, custom-built lifts to fit your home and your needs, or come and see our factory in Gloucester, NSW. We have almost 25 years’ experience in manufacturing lifts and hoists for homes and businesses.

Our lifts are made to measure, come in a range of finishes and colours to suit your decor, and comply with Australian Standards. Every one of our passenger lifts, goods lifts, limited mobility lifts, goods hoists, vehicle lifts and hoists are manufactured in our Australian workshop!

Almost every lift Harwel builds is different.

Because of this, not only does each lift require special attention in the design stage, but our people use their skills and knowledge, working as a team throughout the manufacturing and installation process to turn out the best possible

product.

You will find that Harwel is positively distinguished by our skill and client focus. This is apparent from the personal attention you receive from the initial inquiry, through our design process encompassing your unique requirements, into the high quality of our workmanship through the manufacturing process, to the careful and efficient installation process, followed up by our supportive maintenance service.

With a combined total of almost 80 years’ experience in the Australian lift industry, we take pride in designing, building and installing lifts and hoists.

Please visit our website for more information, or call us today.

1300 134 102 www.harwellifts.com.au

Manning-Great Lakes focus 53

A unique alternative to Nursing Homes

0 0 0 , 9 2 $2 AS

VILL

M FRO

Y ONL

GOVERNMENT APPROVED HOME CARE PROVIDER

The Care of a Nursing Home at a fraction of the price An exciting new concept in Seniors Living is coming to the Great Lakes District. It’s called Supported Living, and it combines three crucial tiers of traditional Seniors Living:

1 2 3

the lifestyle and independence of Independent Living villages the domestic services of Assisted Living villages the care services of Aged Care centres

Sunrise Village Tuncurry offers supported living in your own villa unit. There’s no other village like it in the district.

Advantages of Sunrise Village include: n Couples stay together regardless of each individual’s health care needs n You have your own home with a fully equipped kitchen OR have your meals in our Community Dining Room.

The choice is always yours n You can bring your current Home Care package with you OR we will facilitate a fully funded package for you

n

n

n

n

n

You choose and change the type and level of domestic and care services as you need On-site Nursing staff available to provide care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The village can cater for non-violent dementia and palliative care You don’t have to move. Our onsite Nursing staff bring all the Care you need into your own villa unit, even if your Care needs change Our Village is pet-friendly.

Sunrise Village: 11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 | Tel: 6554 8424 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au 54 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusfeature.

Seniors Living and Retirement

Stage 2

OPEN DAY

of Sunrise Supported Living There is a lot of excitement about the Grand Opening of Stage Two of Sunrise Tuncurry on September 22nd. Paul Greenup speaks with FOCUS.

H

i Paul. Can you tell us what is happening?

Yes, we are all excited about the opening of the first 26 villa units of Stage Two of the village.

The new villas look fabulous! They are much more spacious than any other units we have had in the past. We have a new Community Lounge room and a new Nurses Admin Office as well.

What is so different about the new villa units, Paul?

We now have a larger variety of villas on offer.

The new Tallowwood Villas are very spacious inside. They feature two large bedrooms, both with enormous built in robes. The fully tiled bathroom is an en-suite and also has access to the main living area. The bathroom is fully disabled compliant, with handy grab rails, a non-slip floor and an emergency Nurse Call alarm as well. The shower area has no hob to allow easy access, especially if a shower chair is required in the future. The kitchen has everything that a cordon bleu chef could possibly want. Lovely Caesarstone bench tops match the smooth satin polyurethane finish on the doors. The appliances are all provided and include a ceramic cooktop, a stainless-steel oven and also a convection microwave oven/grill too.

Our residents love the stainless-steel dish drawer

sun all day. Residents at Sunrise are welcome to dishwasher. It means that they don’t have to bring their pets with them when they move in, so bend down to get the dishes out! The stainthere is plenty of space for a dog or cat to have less-steel two door fridge has the freezer at the their own territory. bottom, to also make for easier access. The fully Will the new residents be able to access all equipped laundry also has an additional W.C. for the Care Services that Sunrise has become so guests. famous for?

Are there other unit designs available?

Yes, of course! Sunrise is all about freedom. It’s Yes. The Tallowwood units are the largest all about the freedom of choices and the fact that two-bedroom units available. We also have two residents retain their personal dignity. People deother two-bedroom unit designs available, the cide the level of personal service they require and Laurel and the Rosella. These are both open plan design and a very comfortable size. The Casuarina the type of service they want to use. Their choices range from domestic assistance, to comprehenis a large one-bedroom villa, perfect for either sive palliative care, or possibly a few minutes of a single or a couple. It features a lovely galley nursing, to 24-hour round-the-clock care. kitchen and a European laundry. ALL of the new We also provide meals, lunch and dinner, seven villa units in Stage Two feature high 2.7 metre days a week, prepared in our stylish kitchen from (9 foot) ceilings to give a really spacious feel and local produce. The majority of our residents avail 2.4 metre (8 foot) doors to allow lots of light into themselves of lunch, the main meal of the day, every room. which is a very reasonably priced two course Do residents have a private courtyard area? meal.

Yes. All the villas at Also available are Sunrise Tuncurry are domestic services and single level and all have maintenance staff; medical private rear courtyards. practitioners, podiatrists, The new Tallowwood THE NEW hairdressers etc. also visit Villas all have large, sunny TALLOWWOOD VILLAS the village to attend to the private spaces. They face ALL HAVE LARGE, needs of our residents. In SUNNY PRIVATE north, so they have the addition, we cater for the SPACES. THEY FACE residents’ spiritual needs as NORTH, SO THEY HAVE well.

THE SUN ALL DAY. How are these Care Services funded?

Sunrise is the only retirement village in the Great Lakes area that is a fully accredited aged care provider. This means that we can access fully government funded Home Care Packages for our residents. Our care staff can provide these services in the comfort of our residents’ own villa units.

Our care staff are onsite 24 hours a day/seven days per week. We can increase the level of care services when, and if, our residents care needs increase. Couples can stay together, even when one partner requires a different level of care. In many villages, when one partner is assessed as needing care, the couple are separated, and one spouse is moved away to receive specialised care,

which is traumatic for all concerned. By ensuring our residents remain together, we guarantee less anguish to both residents, as well as their loving families.

We are pioneers of the concept, “Ageing in place” in NSW, and its success is evident by the fact that other retirement villages are emulating our initiative. We are therefore proud to be leaders in this field.

Can you give us an idea of what residents may expect with the opening of Stage Two? There will be a new Community Lounge which will incorporate a new cinema, a library and computer/internet area. There will also be a tea/ coffee bar. The new lounge will offer our residents a place to enjoy a quiet moment reading, watching a movie or chatting with friends. It will also be a quiet place for our morning exercise and meditation classes. Above the new Community Lounge there will be a huge new Nurses Admin office and sleepover station. The new Community Lounge will be joined to the existing Community Dining Room with a new covered outdoor dining area. This is where we will be serving morning tea each day and also enjoy an evening barbecue and Happy Hour in the warmer months.

What about Green Technology?

This is something that we are very mindful of at Sunrise Tuncurry. We have installed a huge 200 kw solar power system to provide electricity.

We have wired in a fibre optic internet system into every villa unit to provide high speed internet services to our residents. This is very important, as technology is this area is advancing at breakneck speed and we needed to “future proof” the village to be able to keep up with future demands.

The dedicated Nurse Call system is hardwired in, so it is totally independent of both the phone and the internet systems, so it is totally fail safe.

What are the plans for the future, Paul?

We have already started on Stage Three. This will feature 13 additional villa units. Nearly half are sold already. They will be available for our new residents to move in before Christmas.

Thanks Paul, and good luck with the big Open Day on September 22nd from 10am until 3pm.

Yes, it is certainly looking very promising. Thanks.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 55

focusinterview

Delwyn Thomas

What cut flower is that?

With an extensive career in horticulture and floristry,

Delwyn Thomas has co-authored a book, “What Cut Flower is That?” and is a fountain of knowledge about flowers, plants and garden design ...

Y

our career in horticulture and floristry spans 50 years. Where did it all start?

Actually, it’s longer than that! It all started when I was very young; my family were flower and vegetable growers in the Hills District and had a great interest in horticulture, which was often the conversation around the dinner table. My father had a deep love for his flowers and set a very high standard. My parents were both gifted in flower arranging and were often called on to arrange flowers for local functions.

I studied at the Ryde Horticultural college in the early ‘70s whilst juggling motherhood and three small sons. What followed was a long career in all facets of the nursery and garden industry, floriculture and floristry and ultimately teaching at TAFE. I worked in retail, wholesale, sales and marketing management, as a state and national buyer and was well known for my innovative approach to plant marketing. It has been an amazing journey, with many ups and downs, but I always considered myself fortunate to love what I do.

You are creative and visionary when it comes to garden design. What are people wanting from their gardens these days?

Often people don’t initially know the answer to that question. Working with customers to discover how their lifestyle fits with their garden requires an in-depth discussion and plenty of listening from me to determine how home owners relate to the space they call their garden, large or small. I’m noticing people are spending more time in and gaining more enjoyment from their gardens. Many are discovering the joys of nurturing and harvesting their own flowers and vegetables.

I’m fortunate to have an extensive plant knowledge, gained through working with some of the best plantsmen and women this country has ever known. The gift to visualise how the garden will look when the trees mature and how that relates to the use of garden space, is based on years of observation and study.

You co-authored a book, What Cut Flower is

56 Manning-Great Lakes focus

That? Tell us a bit about it.

I was approached by the Rural Industry Research and Development Corp (RIRDC) to write a book on Australian wildflowers to educate local industry and export markets. I suggested we needed a book that covered the wider range of cut flowers, including Australian and South African wildflowers, traditional, tropical flowers and orchids. They readily agreed.

My co-author Bettina Gollnow is a highly regarded former DPI cut flower extension officer.

Combined with my horticultural, floriculture, floristry industry background and teaching experience, it evolved into a very beneficial partnership. We included 115 cut flowers People are spending locally? and 25 foliages with a more time in and Absolutely; it saddens profile on each, seasonal gaining more enjoyment me that so many flowers availability and care and from their gardens. Many are imported.

Many of our handling advice. It has are discovering the joys of big growers of tradisince become the recomnurturing and harvesting their tional flowers like roses, mended study resource for own flowers and vegetables. carnations, gerberas etc. floristry students nationhave cashed in on rising ally. What Cut Flower is land prices, sold out and That? is available to downmoved on or retired and who can blame them. load free or purchase [printed copy] online.

Roses and a huge range of other flowers are You have extensive experience in flower imported from Columbia, Kenya, Vietnam, Asia, arranging for weddings and events; how did South Africa and China, millions and millions of you keep abreast of all the new trends and bunches every year.

Our growers can’t compete. techniques?

Again, this situation is begging for a sustainable Over the years I travelled to Holland, the US, approach.

New Zealand and the UK and various parts of There is a big move towards locally grown Europe, attending workshops with leading deflowers, slow, fresh flowers with optimum vase signers, horticultural conferences and exhibitions. life, grown within 200 kilometres of home. The This travel has enabled me to discover new plant Mid North Coast region is home to a number of trends, styles and designs and create lasting Australian wildflower growers who supply local friendships here and overseas. and export markets with flower and foliage prodI was the flowers consultant for Modern ucts.

There’s also an increasing number of cut Wedding Flowers magazine for 15 years, which flower growers in the region growing “traditiongave me a platform to be an early trendsetter. al” flowers dahlias, stock, ranunculus, anemoSadly, I feel Pinterest promotes poor DIY design in ne, sweet peas, gladioli etc. and rediscovering old floristry, e.g. without studio backlighting, a few fashioned varieties with fragrance.

They supply stems of flowers in a jar on a wedding table does local florists and retail through farmers’ markets not translate well in reality; that’s when you need and local stores. I heartily support and encourage a professional florist who knows their flowers, them all. This region is ideally situated to supply availability and design tips.

Newcastle and Sydney markets. I would love to Where possible, do your source your flowers see more successful growers establish here.

You are also a strong believer in therapeutic grade essential oils. What are some of the benefits?

I was introduced to essential oils some five years ago. I had been very ill and was researching information to learn how to regain my health without the side effects of pharmaceutical medications. It was one of those light bulb moments, when I realised that essential plant oils are not just nice smelly things we put in candles; they are powerful little drops of the pure plant essences bioidentical to our bodies. Usually applied topically or diffused, pure unadulterated professionally distilled essential oils from plants selected, grown without pesticides, distilled in peak condition contain essential healing properties, plus a whole host of other benefits. Documented, peer reviewed scientific data published through research programs in universities world-wide is available for anyone seeking more information.

What’s your favourite flower?

I’m glad you left this question last! To be honest, I don’t have one favourite flower; there are too many! Take an in depth look at a Magnolia flowers currently blooming around us, and it is incredible! I love them all.

You conduct workshops; where can we find out more?

My Facebook page - All Things Botanical with Del Thomas.

Thanks Del. Interview: Bronwyn Davis.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 57

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

real estate

UPDATE

What a welcome relief is the rain? Despite enjoying beautiful sunny days, day after day, it does get to a stage when even the city slickers know we need rain to keep the economy going. I believe we can all resonate with the “naked farmer” on social media.

Now comes spring; without the rain, it just wouldn’t be the same. Imagine advertising your home during spring with no flowers and brown grass! Traditionally the best time of the year to list your property is now, especially when all the vegetation is in growth mode, looking lush, green and if you are an avid gardener, extremely colourful.

Without a doubt, a well landscaped garden adds value to your home and buyers do consider maintenance free gardens as

an attraction. We live in a world where everything is fast paced, people are time poor and regardless of their cashflow, they look for easy lifestyles where as much as possible is outsourced. It is a great opportunity for creative people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty to earn money doing the groundwork. That is why home renovations are currently trending. The majority of home buyers want to walk in and just unpack their bags. On the Mid North Coast we are still experiencing a hot market, so making money “house flipping” is still an option - especially if you do your homework. My tip - look out for properties where you can add value such as garaging, an extra bedroom or granny flat, or problem properties that may contain small building defects which can easily be fixed.

Anthony’s Appliance Repairs “The Fix-it Man in the Blue and White Van.” Hi Anthony. Thanks for speaking to FOCUS about your business. As a proud local and appliance repair service operating throughout the Manning-Great Lakes area, how many years have you been in business?

I have been servicing the Manning and Great Lakes areas for over fifteen years. I was previously employed with AC Service in Taree, and I am now operating my own appliance repair business, which I am very excited about. I get a real satisfaction from being able to go into my customers’ homes and help them get their trusty appliances working again.

Tell us about some of your services and specialties you provide?

I service all major whitegoods, including washing machines, dryers, fridges, dishwashers, stoves and ovens. I also offer a pick up and installation service for all new appliances. I can even take your old one away for you! I am fully licensed and undertake training to keep me up to date with the latest trends and changes within the industry.

Part of your business model revolves around providing quality, reliable and affordable service with a mobile workshop, meaning you go direct to the customer.

How is this a key point of difference of your business?

As I am the sole operator and owner of the business, customer satisfaction is my highest priority. I feel privileged to be welcomed into my customers’ homes and treat their home and

Are you looking for a new Strata Manager?

LJ Hooker Taree are now licensed to manage your Strata.

If you are interested in learning about our Strata Management Services and how we can manage your property, contact Amanda Tate for a free consultation.

02 6552 1133 | atate.admiral@ljh.com.au

58 Manning-Great Lakes focus

appliances with total respect. Offering such a personalised service means that I can go to my customers - they don’t need to bring their appliances to me. Also, being the sole operator of the business, I am the “Fix-it Man in the Blue and White Van” who actually answers each and every call. I offer my advice and expertise over the phone, totally free of charge to anyone who calls, and they have the added benefit of knowing that the person they spoke to on the phone is the same person that is coming into their home.

Why is it a good idea to check if your appliance can be repaired, rather than going straight to the expensive new option?

A lot of my customers are very attached to their appliances - especially their washing machines!

So they really don’t want to part with them, if they can help it! My aim is to be able to repair the machines and get them back up and running at a very reasonable cost. Many people are not in a financial position to go and purchase new products, so to be able to fix their trusted appliances that they are familiar with is my ultimate goal. However, if sadly the appliance has seen its last day, I am on hand to provide advice on new appliances and can help with installing the new one.

How can people get in touch with you to engage your services?

I can be contacted on 0490 175 516 or by email at anthonysappliances@bigpond.com - I also have a Facebook page and can be found online on local search.

www.propertyplusft.com.au

Ph: 6555 5380 3/58 Wharf Street Forster

REAL ESTATE NEEDS A LITTLE “BS” WE WILL SAVE YOU $$$$$’s ON YOUR SELLING FEE LATEST MARKETING & ADVERTISING (at NO cost) MAIN STREET & ARCADE OFFICE LOCATION NO SALE - NO FEE POLICY COVERING THE GREAT LAKES & ADVERTISED AREA

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3 bedroom home on 556m2 block Separate living area’s - air conditioned New modern kitchen - single garage Level yard - solar connected Boat ramp, shop and foreshore under 800m

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59 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Troy Perrim Jeremy Davy Barry Stamp

Ph: 0437 597 616 Ph: 0419 123 279 Ph: 0411 043 256

60 Manning-Great Lakes focus