Manning-Great Lakes Focus i148

Diane Willey

June 2019. issue 148

decades TRADE IN THE

2 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Ingrid Bayer ingrid.bayer@fairfaxmedia.com.au

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Bronwyn Davis bronwyn.davis@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER Craig Mason

ph: 0411 846 084

www.eastcoastphotography.com.au

COPY EDITING: Rite ‘n’ Rong Media Services rnrmedia@bigpond.com Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as ‘Interview or Contributor’ are non-sponsored content.

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team From the

Welcome to the June issue of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. Well ... the cold snap has hit! Even though our days are still absolutely stunning, the air has definitely freshened up. Woolly jumpers, scarves and trackie pants have definitely been moved to the front of my cupboard.

For those of you who make their way up to the Barrington Tops this winter, please feel free to send us your images - we would love to share them on our Facebook page and even use them in our publication’s pages.

This Month in FOCUS We celebrate our local businesses who have stood the test of time. These days, being in business for longer than 10 years is a rarity, so for those businesses who are still going strong, we wanted to congratulate them and showcase them to you, our wonderful readers and supporters of FOCUS. I am very pleased to say that FOCUS has also been

here for 12 years!

On the Cover In keeping with our Decades feature, our cover stars this month are Darrell and Richard from the Professionals Forster. The Professionals Forster have been in operation for over 40 years - congratulations, and thank you for being our cover models for June.

So Much Entertainment The month of June is jam packed with entertainment. The MEC, the local clubs and pubs and even our spectacular eateries have it all happening this month; from live music to shows, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy over the next 30 days.

Social Media Did you know that FOCUS uploads our publication every month to our Facebook

page and shares all our stories? This is a great way of sharing our piece of paradise with those who live outside our area. Please feel free to like/share and tag away, and stay tuned for some new and exciting extras.

Exciting News As we send this edition of FOCUS to print, our very own Sarah Dunstan is only three sleeps away from her wedding day. Sarah will marry her best friend, Mitch Baker, on Saturday 1st June down at the beautiful Seal Rocks. From everyone here at FOCUS, we wish both Mitch and Sarah the perfect day and a lifetime of happiness together. We can’t wait to share the day with you both.

Final Say When life gives you lemons, grab the tequila and salt and have a great time.

Be Demanding.

Exceptional opportunities this End of Financial Year. It’s time to be demanding at Taree Motorama. Whether you’re after a sportier GLC or a feature-packed A-Class hatchback, a luxurious S-Class or a head-turning GT, take advantage of outstanding opportunities on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Now is the time to ask for more. But no tigers, sorry.

Ends June 30. Visit Taree Motorama and ask for more today. www.mbtaree.com.au *“Be Demanding” is not an offer capable of acceptance. Vehicle depicted is for illustrative purposes only. “Extras” may be in the form of a discount or other offer at the point of sale, and are at the participating retailer’s sole discretion and subject to agreement. Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee the availability of particular models, variants, optional features or “extras”. Applies to new and demonstrator vehicles ordered and delivered by 30/06/2019, while stocks last. Excludes A-Class Sedan and all new B-Class. See website for details.

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

focusinterview.

Willey Diane Willey

DIANE WILLEY SHARES WITH US HER PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND HER LOVE FOR CAPTURING NATURE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS.

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here did your blossomed further. In 2007 we purchased a love affair with farm on the Barrington Coast/Forster hinterland, photography and I discovered the perfect recipe for a begin? photographer’s dream, the whole area being rich My first exposure with such a diverse range of events, cultures, to photography was stunning landscapes, and people with fabulous as a five year old child seeing slides projected visions for our region. on the wall showing What do you love to our sea voyage from capture and why? the UK, pictures of the I love most forms ruins in Athens and of photography and massive waves crashing enjoy exploring, IN 2007 WE PURCHASED over the ship’s bow. I experimenting and being A FARM ON THE couldn’t comprehend how creative. I particularly BARRINGTON COAST/ memories were suddenly love capturing images FORSTER HINTERLAND, being brought to life on of nature (flowers, AND I DISCOVERED THE the living room wall. I raindrops, insects, the PERFECT RECIPE FOR A think from that moment ocean, sunrise and PHOTOGRAPHER’S I wanted to learn how sunset). I’m also keen on DREAM ... this was done. I craved photographing vintage a camera for years and vehicles and architecture, finally was given a Kodak especially old and Colourburst 100 instant abandoned buildings camera for my 16th birthday. During my 30s, where I can add a creative touch to the images, I travelled throughout Europe, UK, Asia and often using a wide angle lens. the Pacific, and my passion for photography I’d like to put together a collection of old rural 4 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusinterview.

buildings in the area to capture them before the rugged beauty of these buildings, which transport us back to another time, disappear from the landscape.

You appear frequently on Chanel 10s Daily Bailey Weather Wall; how did this begin?

Back in 2007 I had taken a photograph of our Angus cows emerging through the early morning mist. At the time, Tim Bailey was running a competition to win a lovely DSLR camera. I called the image “cows in the mist”; Tim was so exuberant about it, and I thought I had it won - until the Pasha Bulker ship ran aground at Newcastle the same week; thus, an image of that naturally stole the show. Since then I send in photographs, and he seems to enjoy my images which portray a wee bit of humour, or my macro photos.

You love to use a macro lens. What are some of the benefits of this lens over

others? mornings, where the early sun filters through It leads me into a wonderful world of the soft mist, creating a stunning golden glow exquisite beauty and intricate, minute detail. over the landscape. Morning mist leaves behind The simplicity and clarity of raindrops/dewdrops, a glistening dew on everything it has touched, especially when reflecting their surrounds, the enhancing the delicate beauty of a spider soft delicate detail of a flower, the complexity web and causing flowers to shimmer with tiny of insects and tiny creatures/organisms. I’m very droplets of water. Then as the sun rises higher passionate about the magical world of macro. in the sky, casting shadows over the landscape, My macro lens is definitely a favourite, as it’s everything changes again. so versatile and ideal for I find evening is another portrait photography too. extremely beautiful time What is your favourite for photography. time of day to take To create the perfect pictures and why? picture, what elements Oh, definitely mornings should you consider?

WHETHER YOU ARE A ... The ever changing I don’t think there is CAR MECHANIC, SCHOOL magic of sunrise, with or will ever be a perfect TEACHER, FARMER OR its fabulous spectrum picture, as everyone’s PHOTOGRAPHER, AS of colours and lighting. perception of an image LONG AS YOU HAVE THE I particularly love misty is different. But for me, ‘PASSION’, GREAT THINGS endeavouring to capture WILL ‘HAPPEN’. my perfect image is about composition, lighting, technique and passion.

Anyone can “snap” a “picture perfect” scene, but being able to harness the right lighting and placement of whatever it is you want to capture is the main ingredient.

However, the journey and constant learning is all important. Whether you are a car mechanic, school teacher, farmer or photographer, as long as you have the “passion” great things will “happen”. Will I ever take the perfect picture?

Will any photographer ever take the “perfect picture”? I doubt it, as it is always going to be how one perceives the image.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

I wish I’d know that photography was going to become such a huge passion for me. I would have very likely studied photography formally

straight out of school and perhaps forged a career from it.

Among your works, which one is your favourite? Why? I have many favourites, and all for different reasons. However, I’d have to say “Sun kissed in the morning mist” would be high up there - a landscape depicting the morning sun filtering through the sheer mist to touch the grass and gum trees on the hill near our homestead. It was taken with a very basic camera, but I love the lighting and composition. It makes me want to step right into the picture whenever I look at it, and I’d like to think it makes others feel the same.

A very close favourite is “these boots were made for workn’”, a recent photograph which won “Photography Champion” at the 2018 Wallamba District Show. I love how the afternoon sun brings out the character and reveals their story.

What would you say to someone starting out?

Enjoy the journey and in turn, people will enjoy your photography. Learn from constructive criticism; don’t take it to heart or let it deflate you - think of it positively. Follow your dream and believe that every picture tells a story which can be interpreted differently by all who view it.

How can we find out more information about you and your work? www.facebook.com/fotografsbydiane and instagram fotografs_by_diane A web page will soon be available. I’m currently exhibiting some canvas prints of my images as part of a rolling exhibition by the artists of Wallamba at the Krambach Hotel restaurant alongside other local artists/ photographers. Feel free to drop by and have a look.

Thanks Diane.

Interview: Bronwyn Davis.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 5

contents Issue 148 - June 2019

focusinterviews

14

Jess Lacroix.

feature a special

DECADES IN THE TRADE

40

A relative newcomer to our shores, Jess Lacroix hails from Canada and brings with her a wealth of artistic talent and a contagious enthusiasm for everything she turns her attention to. We caught up with Jess to find out more.

18

Building a vibrant community.

We chat with Kev Ellis from the Wingham Chamber of Commerce about exciting progress happening in the township.

decades TRADE IN THE

28

Nikki Britton.

the Usual

Suspects

12. WHAT’S ON for June 23. TOURISM with Sharon Bultitude 23. WHAT’S IN SEASON with Neville Donovan 24. EAT local restaurants 30. WINE TIME with Robyn Piper 31. SOCIAL SCENE with Donna Carrier 33. BUSINESS MINDS with Bronwyn Davis 35. BUSINESS VOICE with John Stevens 38. LOVE PRAY DO with Ainslee Dennis 37. MONEY MATTERS with Jonathan Tickle 52. REAL ESTATE UPDATE with Amanda Tate

With the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow set to visit in early July, we thought we should check in with one of their stars to find out a little bit more about them and the show - meet Nikki Britton!

54

Keith Pearce.

At 82 years of age, Keith Pearce is still pounding the pavement and running his own race ...

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

6 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 7

focusinterview.

Amanda Marshall TAFE Regional Student of the Year

Winner of the TAFE Regional Student of the Year Award for her accomplishments in Cert 2 Auslan was a huge surprise to Forster local Amanda Marshall, but is very well deserved. We spoke with Amanda recently about her achievement, and how Auslan has changed her life.

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an you tell us a bit about yourself and your family, and how long you’ve been in the beautiful ManningGreat Lakes area?

Forster became my home when my parents moved here from Orange when I was about four years old. I attended Forster Public School, then Forster High (now Great Lakes College, Forster Campus) finishing school in 1999 and moving to Newcastle, where I studied Early Childhood and began my career in 2007.

I did a scuba diving course, where I met my husband and started my own family. We have two girls who are now nine and six years old. About six years ago, we decided to move back to Forster to be closer to my family. My daughters now go to the same school I did and also love the beach lifestyle. It’s comforting having those fun early memories of growing up, and knowing my children will grow up similar to how I did.

What drew you to begin studying Auslan?

I didn’t have a direct need to learn, as I had never met a deaf person before my course.

The idea of learning Auslan popped into my head one day while at the local Rockpool with my cousins. I can’t remember what we were talking about, but I know I couldn’t wait to start, so I called TAFE NSW while at the beach!

Unfortunately, I had missed the start date, but my interest didn’t fade. While I waited for the next course, I did whatever I could to surround myself in the language; I researched Auslan on the internet, attended a small Auslan group once a week run by an interpreter, and I watched Sally and Possum on ABC Kids.

Prior to the Cert 2, I completed a six month introduction course at TAFE NSW, and this was my first encounter with a deaf person.

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My teacher was amazing support my passion, Prior to the Cert 2, I completed a and so patient with and it’s become part of six month introduction course at students willing to learn. their life too. I sign with TAFE NSW, and this was my Being deaf herself, she my kids, and they have first encounter with a deaf communicates in Auslan, managed to learn some person. My teacher was so you had to learn fast Auslan too. amazing and so patient to keep up. I could feel You received the with students willing to myself improving each TAFE NSW Regional learn. Being deaf herself, she week. Back then I noticed Student of the Year communicates in Auslan, so you I could communicate at Award. When did had to learn fast to keep up. a very basic level with you find out you had my teacher, but I knew attained that, and I needed more, and I how did it feel? commenced my formal I found out that I was Auslan studies at TAFE in 2018. a finalist for my category of Career Pathways Thinking back though, there were some Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills influences in my life that finally surfaced and a month prior to the awards night. All the sparked my interest to learn. I remember as a finalists were told of the possibility of winning kid I would get so excited when Play School Regional Student of the Year and to prepare a would have the deaf presenter, Sophia, on the speech just in case. I won my category award show. I was mesmerised with watching her and was so happy to receive that. sign. Also during my Early Childhood studies I Then after everyone had received their had work placement for a year at RIDBC (Royal award, The Student of the Year award was Institute for Deaf and Blind Children) Hunter, announced. It was a huge surprise that I had where I had interactions with deaf and hard of won! It is such an honour to receive the TAFE hearing children, and vision impaired. Maybe NSW Region Student of the Year award for both those experiences subconsciously had an Cert 2 in Auslan. impact on my future interest in Auslan.

You made the decision to sign your speech How long is the course - what did it - what was the reaction to that? involve, and how did you manage fitting it When I was told to prepare a speech for the into your "regular" life? major award, I made a conscious decision to Cert 2 at TAFE NSW takes one year to sign my speech in Auslan, rather than speak complete, and involved attending one night it. It didn’t feel right to me to win an award a week at Great Lakes Campus, and four for Auslan and voice my acceptance speech.

Saturday workshops throughout the year, I practiced with a deaf friend and was so which combined all students from Great Lakes nervous signing in front of so many people. and Port Macquarie campuses.

The impact it had on the guests was Auslan became so important in my life, so something I didn’t predict. They were the ones because of my motivation and determination needing the interpreter to understand what I to learn, it was easy to fit it into my weekly was signing, so many people approached me routine. My husband and two daughters after and told me how that experience for

them gave an insight on what a deaf person has to deal with every day. Some people were even in tears and thanked me for giving them that experience. I’ll never forget it.

Tell us about the additional study you’re planning, and what your future goals are.

Cert 2 is just the beginning of my learning.

Becoming fluent in a language doesn’t happen in just one year, so to be where I want to be I need to continue my studies, and continue involving myself with the deaf community. Cert 3 is what I’ll continue on to next, then there’s Cert 4, then my Diploma.

Studying Auslan at TAFE NSW has given me the confidence to pursue my goal of working with people from the deaf community.

Because of my completion of Cert 2 Auslan and my studies in Cert 3 Individual Support in Disabilities, I have begun casual work as a support worker at MidCoast Assist, The deaf Society Mid North Coast, at TAFE NSW supporting new students in the current Cert 2 Auslan course.

I have discovered there is a high need for more qualified Auslan interpreters for the deaf community to access, especially in regional areas. Becoming an Auslan interpreter is a future ambition that I hope to achieve, as I believe everyone should have access to language.

I already include a lot of signing where I work at The Oak Seed Early Learning Centre.

I have discovered that there are many children in the community that want to learn Auslan, but don’t have anything available to follow their interest. I am also currently working together with a friend and her son who is deaf to develop a workshop for kids to learn basic Auslan.

Thanks Amanda.

Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Get Ready For A New View SE NO LL W IN G !

....to start your day in Forster Tuncurry

www.rockpoolapartments.com.au

To: Tuncurry Golf Course Forster Tuncurry Racecourse Great Lakes College

Tuncurry Public Shcool Cinema

Tuncurry Sportie & Leagues Club

Tuncurry Bowling Club

Refle Holi

Museum

Visit our onsite display suite or contact our friendly team

PH: 6555 6555

Onsite display suite now open in Kent St (opposite Woolworths)

Australia Post

Bellevue Hotel

Woolworths Display Suite

TUNCURRY

Wallis La

focusinterview.

H U N T E R

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he talented musical students from Hunter Wind Ensemble are aged between 11 and 18 and comprise students from the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions.

Hi Mitch! Thanks so much for speaking with FOCUS. You are the first chair and lead clarinettist of this talented music ensemble. Please tell us a little about your own development with music.

Thanks Sarah. I have been playing music all my life. All of my family are working musicians or music teachers. I started piano at five and clarinet and saxophone later on. I joined Hunter Wind Ensemble four years ago, when my woodwind tutor, Roger Griffiths, suggested I audition. I made it into the ensemble with two other students from Taree.

We now have five Great Lakes members.

I understand the ensemble was created and is led by talented Sydney Conservatorium trained Scott Ryan over 15 years ago, as a way to encourage the growth of talented musical students from regional areas that perhaps do not have the same accessibility as those in metro locations. How does being a member enrich your skills and experience as an aspiring musician?

Scott Ryan is an amazing conductor and

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E N S E M B L E

Lead clarinettist and Taree local Mitch Brown speaks to Sarah Dunstan about the group’s success and upcoming tour of China, after returning from a successful tour of Spain and Portugal in 2018. educator. He is originally from Newcastle and think these people responded, and what is saw a real need for a professional ensemble for it you love most about music? regional music students. We have Michael ANZAC Day was a wonderful day. We Jobson and Charissa Ferguson, who are performed with the Hunter Singers Choir at a inspiring. Our patron, Mr Steve Williams dawn service at Barcaldine, QLD : population (School Spectacular), works with us on special 1,300. It was a privilege to play hymns for the occasions. ex-servicemen. ANZAC Scott pushes us to our Day is always emotional, limits playing some of but this one was very the best music for wind special. The attendees ensemble. The scores are were very grateful.

THE SCORES ARE difficult, but it’s amazing I think we as young DIFFICULT, BUT IT’S when it all comes togethmusicians took away AMAZING WHEN IT ALL er. Every musician plays more from the COMES TOGETHER. EVERY their part and produces a experience. Music is so MUSICIAN PLAYS THEIR very powerful and emopowerful and emotive.

PART AND PRODUCES A tive sound.

It’s magic.

VERY POWERFUL AND We perform at the Hunter Wind EnsemEMOTIVE SOUND. Sydney Opera House ble is also the Nationregularly and at the al Eisteddfod Band National Band Eisteddfod Champions, having in Canberra. We practice performed in the US, hard. It’s a great way to develop and expand Japan and Europe. It seems you are unyour musicianship. stoppable! Where would you like to travel The group has also just returned from a to and perform and why? regional tour of Central Australia, I would really like to visit Germany, France, performing for outback communities and Poland and Russia. Music culture in European including a dawn service for ANZAC Day. I countries is so strong. Our concerts in Spain understand this small town has never had and Portugal were really well attended, and we the pleasure of hearing a live concert band received many standing ovations. play at their ceremonies. How do you Please tell us a little about the upcoming

tour of China set for 2020?

We head to China in April 2020 for two weeks. It’s really exciting. It will be the first overseas tour for our Great Lakes members Shaun Carroll, Kyler Johnston, Hamish Cassidy, Jesse Blake and Isabella Ragno, and my younger brother Riley, who plays percussion in HWE. We will play concerts and conduct workshops in schools and music venues. It’s a massive cultural experience, as well as a musical one.

The group also performs locally to raise funds for your international tours. I know the ensemble will be appearing in Taree on Sunday 11th August and in Tuncurry on Monday 12th August, as well as conducting some school workshops and holding auditions for new members. How can people find out more information about the group and buy tickets to the upcoming concerts?

Our concert at St John’s Anglican Church Taree is always well received, and this year we are also performing at Tuncurry. Follow everything we do on FACEBOOK: HUNTER WIND ENSEMBLE. Tickets for the concerts are sold at the door or at Bass’n’Blues Music in Taree Ph: 6551 5067. All ticket sales go toward our touring fund. We promise you will enjoy it.

Thanks Mitch.

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focus_What’s On Manning-Great Lakes

J U N E

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The Ghindaring

The premiere movie screening of The Ghindaring tells the story of Michael, a young boy with a vivid imagination who embarks on a journey in search of the legendary yowie. The Ghindaring is set in Mount George in the Manning Valley, where the mythical yowie creature is thought to live.

When Saturday 6th July, 2pm.

Where Manning Entertainment Centre.

Tickets $12 to $20, available from The MEC.

2 0 1 9

Great Lakes Nissan Motorfest Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club present the "Great Lakes Nissan Motorfest", featuring approximately 350 vintage and classic vehicles! ***PUBLIC FREE ENTRY*** Food catered by the Rural Fire Service. Coffee vans on site all day. Open to all types of vehicles and motorbikes …

Classics, Vintage, Customs, Hot Rods, Nissan Coupes and all makes of Sporty Machines. Many trophies up for grabs on the day. Display vehicles entry: gold coin donation.

When June 9th, 8:30am - 1pm.

Where John Wright Park, Tuncurry.

8

Envirofair 2019

Envirofair 2019 - make it, bake it, grow it, live it! The aim of Envirofair is to raise awareness about environmental protection and the local environment, from its natural assets to the people who live and work within it.

When Saturday, June 8th, long weekend - 9am to 3:30pm.

Where Taree Park, corner Winter and Macquarie Streets, Taree.

Web www.envirofair.org.au

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21 Psychic Medium Alicia Bickett At Club Old Bar An Australian psychic medium, Alicia Bickett is currently touring extensively around Australia, NZ, UK and the USA, with around 100 shows a year. Her second book and oracle card deck are well underway, and it all just keeps getting bigger! The show interacts intimately with a live audience, and 10 to 20 people are randomly selected to participate. Alicia sees and hears lost loved ones, future lovers, future babies, work direction and occasionally enjoys angelic connections!

There are a lot of laughs, a few tears, and it’s always an uplifting experience for everyone.

When Friday, June 21; doors open 7pm.

Where Club Old Bar; 6553 7224; theatre style seating.

Tickets $40 for members, $45 non-members, available now at the club.

13 22

NSW Surfmasters State Titles (All Day) Boomerang Beach.

The NSW Surfmasters State Titles Presented By Mobys Beachside Retreat 2019 will be a four day competition at Boomerang Beach (13th - 16th June). The event will crown the best surfers from the over 35 divisions and up.

This event will determine the “NSW Surfmasters Team” for 2019 - the team is selected to travel to the Australian Surf Festival in August as part of a national competition. This event is the state titles for shortboard surfmasters, and the divisions will consist of O35 Men and Women, O40 Men, O45 Men, O50 Men, O55 Men, O60 Men and Open Single Fin. For more info, contact Adam Huban 0405 801 628 - adam@surfingnsw.com.au

Winter Solstice Artisan’s Fair The Artisan’s Fair places 30 art market stalls around two central performance tents, with musicians, drummers and dancers performing through the day.

The market ends at 3pm and will be packed up while people move down to the Brush for the Lantern Walk.

The lantern procession through town or around the park ends at the performance tents, where there will be a video projection show and fire twirlers (who will be performing behind a low hessian and star picket fence.

When 11am - 10pm. Where Wingham Central Park.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 13

focusinterview.

croix a L

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A RELATIVE NEWCOMER TO OUR SHORES, JESS LACROIX HAILS FROM CANADA AND BRINGS WITH HER A WEALTH OF ARTISTIC TALENT AND A CONTAGIOUS ENTHUSIASM FOR EVERYTHING SHE TURNS HER ATTENTION TO. WE CAUGHT UP WITH JESS TO FIND OUT MORE.

an you tell us what brought you to the area?

Such a special part of the world to be enveloped in! The Mid North Coast has certainly captivated my artistic appetite and sparked my creative innovation. I was based in the Northern Rivers, as a creative freelancer managing a few of my interdisciplinary passion projects in Brunswick Heads, when I was introduced to the innate charm of this tranquil slice of exquisite coastline through visits to Forster (my boyfriend’s home stomping grounds).

I’m originally from Canada, and with my twenty-sixth lap around the sun approaching in a couple of weeks, I’ve been consumed with gratitude for just how many inspired slivers of the world I’ve been lucky to get to call home so far, and this unique treasure of the Mid North Coast is certainly leaving a potent mark on me.

I’m consistently dazzled by the humbling seclusion procurable on uncharted bushwalks impelling heights and views for days, enamoured in the richness of nature, giving breath to hidden cove-bordered rock-pools and seemingly secret nooks to uncover. From that mirage of infinitely flawless turquoise lake that bridges the sister towns, to nonchalantly being greeted by a pod of dolphins passing through in a companionless 14 Manning-Great Lakes focus

surf, this haven doesn’t cease to sweep me off developing film, shooting 8 x 10 sheet film my feet. in large-format beasts, 4 x 5 medium-format How did you get into photography? twin lens reflex beauties, polaroids, tin-types, I have always been a sucker for old-school film cyanotypes, home-made pinhole cameras, you photography! As a child, travelling and watching name it - each acting to evoke a powerful my talented mum cherish her miniature narrative, with the ambition to 35 mm Minolta gem capture the humanity and and fancy lenses got me vulnerability of my subjects, hooked, I reckon. Gazing whether it be framing at the world through an imprint of a place, a GAZING AT THE the imagination of an portrait, or a moment WORLD THROUGH old film camera is like stamped in time.

THE IMAGINATION OF stepping outside of time I strive for my AN OLD FILM CAMERA for a moment. With each photographs to exude IS LIKE STEPPING click of the shutter, an evidence of an eagerly OUTSIDE OF TIME unpredictable narrative attentive rapport between FOR A MOMENT. is revealed; its blurrythe photographer and soft and dreamy-toned the subject - providing images are a unique an uncommon emotional interpretation of reality, gravity in a non-contrived rather than a true-to-form reflection of it, similar manner, straying from the convention of to the act of preserving aged memories, or the composing snapshots that appear too posed unravelling of nostalgia. Immersed in multiple or artificial, incited by an eagerness to see the exposures, light leaks, and colour drips, much of beauty and the importance in the everyday. my thematic conception for artistic motivation Documentary and photo-journalism is a in other mediums draws from film photography function of photography that I currently utilise inspiration. tenaciously through freelancing for a handful In art school days, I indulged for hours in of radical zines I’ve crossed paths with. Recently the darkroom, enthralled in the physicality of I’ve been pairing my digital photography with

my writing - through travel editorials (I recently wrote a piece for Paradiso Magazine (based in Mullumbimby / Byron Bay) about my spontaneous travels to Iceland and the pilgrimage to locate and shoot an abandoned plane wreckage in the Solheimassandur mountains), as well as through the interviewing of other creatives (I photograph musicians, fashion designers, and other legends, makers and shakers for Almost Real Magazine (based in Sydney)).

You also enjoy quite a few other artistic projects. Tell us a bit about these.

I definitely get itchy feet when it comes to dancing across the kaleidoscope of my creative toolbox. I thrive on combining instruments through artistic motivations informed by my passion for travel, creative expression, moral impact and intention. I believe it’s so important to stay hungry in your craft. I feel I have so much to learn within each facet of art I’m compelled to push the envelope with on a daily basis ...

In a typical week, I could see myself dabbling in album art for musicians, establishing a live-art painting pop up at a festival, fusing the production of an installation art piece, sinking paints into a one-off custom jean jacket commission, and polishing off digital graphic design work for clients (logos, product photography, typography, sign-writing,

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illustration).

Designing skate decks came into play initially through my graduating body of work from the Australian National University, through the designing and construction of skateboards, one for a city in every state in Australia. I moulded each deck from veneers made of wood native to each specific region and exhibited the series of hand-made (ride-able) boards with a room-size half-pipe skate ramp that I built within the gallery space, inviting guests to test out the artworks.

Each hand-made deck displayed the distinctive flavour and flow of a particular chosen Aussie city, in an ode to its street-art through handpainted graphics interwoven into an etched

THE COMMON THREAD THROUGH MY CURRENT PRODUCTION PROCESS IS THE LACK OF PLANNING, PREMEDITATION, ERASING, OR CONSTRUCTION LINES.

cartographic design on the wood grain.

The work invited disenfranchisement, and re-enfranchisement of a city for oneself through psycho-geography and through embodiment of the object, rather than fetishisation of the object, while ultimately the purpose of the artistic creation of the decks was to be ridden, shredded, and wrecked, on the streets they represent - as opposed to being framed on a gallery wall. I’ve since had the

pleasure of collaborating with a few epic skate brands in deck art design.

Painting has always felt natural to me - from large-scale realism acrylic portraits on canvasses I’ve built in the workshop, to furiously taking a Posca marker to a mate’s surfboard for a psychedelic tattoo-like linework composition. The common thread through my current production process is the lack of planning, premeditation, erasing, or construction lines. I find artistic style undergoes such waves through inevitable change and growth, but currently I find my work most gratifying when rolling full-throttle, letting spontaneity guide my ink. I reckon I’ve always seen routine as the enemy of creativity; I always call upon this infamous line from one of my favourite books, “Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun”.

And, you also developed a clothing brand called “NoBadDays”?

I launched NoBadDays initially as a clothing brand in my hometown of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (my homeland) a couple of years ago.

Through the building of silkscreen presses, I developed a unique film emulsion image transfer method which allowed me to burn my designs into the screens - and began screen-printing my art on sustainable lightweight tees in limited runs, which has been a true passion-project. I established NoBadDays as a platform for which to gear proceeds from sales of the tees to causes close to my heart. In the past year, I’ve hosted

NoBadDays pop up shops all over Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, contributing to the empowerment of some meaningful initiatives through the production of hand-silkscreened, botanically-dyed tees, vinyl stickers, and prints.

All the forms that NoBadDays has taken on already has been wild; the stories that have become a part of the brand for me and by others internationally reaching out sharing their inspirations and how the “nobaddays” mantra has affected their struggles and has served as a driving force to step out of the mechanical nine-to-five grind and to live each moment fully awake and inspired, enlivened with passion, as it has for me.

NoBadDays came about in wanting to create a lil’ something for the makers, the shakers, the breakers, for the pot-stirrers, and plot-thickeners, for the wanderers and the dreamers. Through travel, surf, skate, falling in love, heartbreaks, neon signs, foreign cities and familiar passions; It’s about the adventure, the thrill, the grit, the real-ness, broken decks, scrapes ‘n’ bruises, bearing guts and glory. We are rolling stones, beach bums, mountain nomads; we don’t follow the beaten trail, we carve our own. We are wanderers, established never.

Where to next?

My instinctual response is “anywhere I have not yet left a mark on, with walls begging to be painted, and off-the-beaten-trail scenery I’ve yet to turn my camera lens to ...” At the moment I’m increasingly invigorated by some alluring local creative collaborations I have in the pipeline … “watch this space.”

How do people find out more information? @nobaddays_est.never (instagram) jlacroix@live.ca - (for commissions / murals / graphic design inquiries) www.behance.net/jesslacroix (portfolio) NoBadDays tees and stickers can be purchased at Indigo Attic in town (exclusive Forster stockist) Thanks Jess. Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 15

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Taree ARTS. Taree Arts Council came into existence many years ago, when a few amateur singers and actors got together to perform for their own enjoyment and the entertainment of the community in the Manning region.

Since then, Taree Arts Council has grown exponentially and has so excelled in quality and professionalism, as to far exceed all initial expectations.

Indeed, some of our shows could proudly stand against many productions in the metropolitan area for their high standard of music, dance, costuming, scenery, and acting.

Looking for fun and something interesting to do?

Taree Arts Council is always looking for new talent of any age, whether you are an actor, singer, dancer - or a “triple threat�.

Alternatively, you may be interested in working backstage or as a technician. Whatever you would like to do, Taree Arts Council will welcome you.

Taree Arts Council have a meeting room in their purpose built facility in Flametree Close. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm, and all are welcome to attend.

TAREE ARTS COUNCIL

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Jason Wing is an artist with a lots of stories to tell, and he does in an incredibly innovative way by repurposing everyday objects and imagery to create art that is emotive and confronting. We spoke with Jason about his art as he prepares for his forthcoming exhibition at the Manning Regional Art Gallery from 6 June to 21 July

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WING

an you give us a bit of an insight into your background and how it has influenced your art journey?

I am a descendent of the Biripi mob, but I was born and raised on Gadigal / Dharug land.

Basically, my life is my background, and it is my art journey as well. My art serves as a medium for me to educate, or offer an alternative perspective, and my hope is that through empathy and visual communication, I might influence people and their prejudices.

I also have a heritage that includes Chinese and Scottish, and my artworks explore and reflect that.

At the moment, I am particularly inspired by the qualities of water combined with Eastern knowledge teachings and intergenerational archives of resistance, as well as my rare plant collection.

How would you describe your art / what genre do you identify most with (if any)?

In my experience, there is a vast spectrum of art and mediums and process orientated art practice. My art is combination of multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional visual challenges, often reflecting social justice issues as a conceptual thread. I sometimes start with the idea and let it flow intuitively, allowing it to move and rise like water until created in that point in time.

My artworks tend to focus primarily on Aboriginal challenges. The reason I make that a focus is that I feel like through my art I am able to provide an opportunity to facilitate social change now.

What inspires you most as an artist?

Life inspires me. Nature, society, traveling, taking risks, ancestors, water, snake people, influencing social change...

I also believe that my lived experience is a valuable form of knowledge to share and inspire the next generation of Aboriginal people and supporters. We are story tellers. I like to tell stories from an Aboriginal perspective to inform

and translate to non-Aboriginal people who are in positions of power to action socal change.

Artworks are archives for future works are still relevent more then ever generations to critique the past, The most challenging art because now we are seeing highest rate of present, and future challenges work was “Captain James problematic Aboriginal child removal. experienced by Aboriginal people. I Crook“ – a bronze bust Another I’m proud of was an artwork see my works as kinesthetic cultural of Captain James Cook which was displayed at the Kandos archieves for sharing knowledge/ with a bronze Balaclava Cementa Festival. For this one off exhibition stories. on his head, for which I (which was held in a C.1800 church) I What’s been the most challenging also received the NSW created a sonic narrative of the men in artwork you’ve ever created and Parliamentary Prize, 2012. black and assimilation through cockatoo why? recordings from site specific locations. This The most challenging art work was was about a fight or flight moment where “Captain James Crook“ – a bronze a parent is presented with a decision... bust of Captain James Cook with a whether to potentially die trying to rescue their child from a bronze Balaclava on his head, for which I also received the Native Institute or die a slow death of losing their child to State NSW Parliamentary Prize, 2012. As a result of this work sanctioned removal.

I received death threats, hate email, trolling, shock jocks I’ve just completed a really big Gadigal mural collaboration with talk bait, potential lawsuits including being accused of (ADC) Australian Design Centre and the City of Sydney Council defaming Captain Cook’s “good” name and more... in Kings Cross which will be launched in late May, and I’ve just But... in all honesty, it was worth it! ... and I will not been approved for a large scale Aboriginal War Memorial on stop.

Parramatta River Dharug land (in Parramatta).

Is there any particular work that you’re most proud Where to next? of? If so, why?

As a result of this exhibition, I have been inspired to create a I feel like that is yet to come... most of the works that new body of work specifically about Country – it’s like getting I am proud of are those that not many people have seen to know country, and the experience that that brings to inform or experienced. Blacktown Arts Centre developed the“ my cultural practice. For instance, we’re aiming to make a bark Native Institute Project“ curated by Brook Andrew and canoe – something I’m very excited about – and I want to paddle others. Shortly before the opening I was guided to write it down the Manning River... the water will remember the wood... the ages, names and heights on the inside door frame of Coming up – I am exhibiting the Captain Cook bust at MONA, the first wave of children who were forcibly removed from Hobart this June - https://mona.net.au/stuff-to-do/simon-dennytheir families and home – something that was sanctioned mine - as well as in Milan at the Italian Contemporary Art Gallery. by the State. The ongoing relevence is highlighted in How do people get in touch with you, or find out more the recent Channel 7 Sunrise protest against the active information about your art? mis-information and media manipulation to disempower Easiest way is via my website - http://www.jasonwing.net/ and demonise Aboriginal people. Unfortunately, these Manning-Great Lakes focus 17

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vibrant community

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We chat with Kev Ellis from the Wingham Chamber of Commerce about exciting progress happening in the township.

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an you tell us a bit about some of the exciting changes taking place in Wingham?

Welcome to Wingham, everyone. Yes, we have had some exciting things happening in our town recently.

Over the past couple of years, as a result of some State Government funding for the Future Towns Project, the Wingham Chamber of Commerce has, in consultation with the broader community and JOC Consulting, activated areas of Wingham to create some vibrant and appealing spaces.

“Place activation” creates a sense of place, encourages social connections, improves safety and brings life to the streets. It can be expressed in diverse ways, through art, food, play, performance and renewal activities. Activation projects bring energy to the streets, create new community connections and build the story of a place.

Midcoast Council has provided some tremendous support for these activities, as they are in harmony with Council’s principles of “vibrant spaces” within the MidCoast area.

Vibrant spaces and street art have been a focus for the town.

What projects have Wingham Chamber completed lately?

Take a stroll down Isabella St, and some of the first pieces of “street art” you will notice is a series of planter boxes lining the footpaths. These planter boxes are cared for by the many businesses and residents, who are like-minded in their quest to beautify the township. Look for the plaques on each planter to see who cares for each one.

On your journey, you will also see a couple of magnificently carved robust timber seats, as well as a double-sided community notice board. These items were carved in a traditional heritage style by local timber-carving artist Nigel Brown, and they display some of the variety of timbers that historically provided the area with employment and business opportunities.

What effect do you think this has had on the township?

The historic town of Wingham is embracing these improvements, where the old and new are in harmony with the town’s heritage and rich history. They are having a positive effect on locals and tourists alike.

The notice board is prominently located outside our local 18 Manning-Great Lakes focus

newsagent and fruit and veg shops, and it is now a common sight to see people gathered here for a chat while catching up with upcoming events in the area.

More recently, some beautiful murals have been taking shape on the walls of Wingham. Can you tell us a bit about that?

During the initial community consultation workshops, murals were of particularly high interest to the community. When created in the right places, they generate great public interest and brighten up a space that may have been previously overlooked. So when it was decided that the first of these new murals would be created, there was eager anticipation by everyone involved.

You commissioned Steven Michael King to paint the mural situated on the side wall of the Wingham newsagency; what attracted you to his style of painting?

After initial consultation with our local artist and writer Tess Kerbel, well-known local artist Stephen Michael King was commissioned to paint a mural along the side wall of the Wingham Newsagency. Stephen’s unique style has attracted plenty of attention from the community, who access this side lane that leads to McCullagh carpark at the rear of the CBD. Stephen is known for his world-acclaimed children’s book illustrations, and his mural provides something for all ages to admire and appreciate.

In what way did the community contribute to the mural?

Stephen encouraged the help of the broader community from ages four to over 64 to create this artwork. This sense of community participation has enabled us all to have some ownership and pride with this work.

Other privately funded murals have been springing up as well, such as on the side wall of the Garden Grub Café (by Mikel Carlier), and at the front of Bent On Life (by Chloe Hargreaves). It’s great to see local businesses supporting our place activation.

Wingham has so much to offer; what’s on the must do list when visiting?

Wingham has a fine array of cafés and unique retail outlets, and it’s easy to find a great coffee or snack, a new outfit, or an antique before you continue on your tour around town.

The Manning Valley Historical Society has provided their valuable time and resources in helping to develop a series of historic markers, which are indicated by way of plaques outside some of the historic buildings around town. Some of these buildings still retain their original form, while others have been replaced with more modern versions. The plaques show the original photographs of these buildings, and give a brief history of their past. Wingham Museum can provide a tour guide leaflet to assist in your historical marker tour.

The ever-reliable Wingham Brush offers a peaceful break from the township’s busy CBD. During your historical marker tour, why not take a detour between the Court House and Post Office and head down the end of Farquhar Street to the Brush for a relaxing picnic or BBQ beside the Manning River, before discovering more of Wingham’s little gems.

Wingham also has some amazing festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the three-day Akoostik Music Festival, Beef Week, and the Bonnie Scottish Festival, all of which substantially boost our local tourism trade and enjoy great attendance.

Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

In an effort to further brighten the Wingham township, we will be collaborating with some of the building owners to clean and paint those building facades that are in need of some attention.

We look forward to this and many other future projects that have been identified by the community during our consultation workshops. There are some 200 ideas waiting to be funded and rolled out that will continue to enliven Wingham.

If people would like to get involved or have any suggestions for projects, who do they contact?

We encourage the community to participate in these projects.

Wingham Chamber of Commerce is the key co-ordinating group for these activities, and can be contacted via email at: admin@winghamchamber.com.au Where can we find out more information?

The Wingham Museum (opposite the famous “Log” in Central Park) is our official tourist information centre, and can direct visitors to the many points of interest around town. Trip Advisor website also promotes things to see and do in Wingham, so it’s easy to spend a day or few in and around Wingham to soak up the friendly atmosphere and vibrant landscape.

Thanks Kev. Interview: Bronwyn Davis.

Five of the best tenor voices in Australia The Australian Tenors will bring a sensational program for 2019, along with romance, excitement, warmth and humour to their performance at the Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree.

The concert encapsulates the spirit, the beauty and vocal demand of truly authentic tenor voice.

Audiences are thrilled by the ever popular classical arias from the popular operas such as the tenor trademark Puccini's Nessun Dorma, Verdi’s Anvil Chorus, to popular tenor tunes from The Student Prince, I’ll Walk With God and the Drinking Song.

feature Country (Dorothea Mackellar poem), I Am Australian, among other favourites.

The Australian Tenors also delight audiences with songs from hit music theatre productions, including Tonight and Maria from West Side Story and their stirring rendition of The Holy City.

The Australian Tenors unite in this wonderful concert, with a dynamic display of true Australian talent, backed by The Southern Cross Orchestra with guest soprano, Opera Australia’s Giuseppina Grech.

Beautiful duets are also a part of the program, including Time to Say Goodbye.

Proudly Australian, a performance from world renowned The Australian Tenors is never complete without the ever popular, Waltzing Matilda, Australia My

The Australian Tenors are: Lorenzo Rositano, Murray Mayday, David McKenzie, John Donohoe and Martin Buckingham, backed

by The Southern Cross Orchestra under the direction of Musical Director and Conductor Mr Joesph Macri.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 19

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Taree EISTEDDFOD. Pictured is Taree’s talented young pianist WenYuan LimSchneider, with trophies he won as Intermediate Champion in the piano section of the 2019 Taree Eisteddfod competition.

WenYuan will be one of over 30 performers in the Eisteddfod Grand Finale Concert at the Manning Entertainment Centre, at 2pm on Saturday 15th June. The concert will showcase winners from the vocal, piano, dance, drama, instrumental and choirs sections. Major prize winners in each section and the overall main scholarship winner will be announced after their performance.

From April to June in the Eisteddfod competition, which is sponsored by local businesses, over one thousand performers from around NSW have competed and over 150 volunteers have given their time to run the sessions. While most competitors are young, there are many adults who also compete to hone their skills, and/or to enjoy the fun of performing with others, such as The Manning Valley Concert Band.

Audiences for the concert can be assured of an afternoon of quality and varied entertainment!

For tickets and more information, visit the Manning Entertainment Centre website.

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OVERNIGHT Trips.

Floriade, Canberra Capital Touring 23rd to 27th September 2019 - 5 Days and 4 Nights Explore and tour Canberra and the ACT, as well as the magical celebration of spring at the Tulip Time Festival. See Floriade’s incredible NightFest, as well as the many blooming bulbs at the Tulip Top Gardens. A change to last year’s trip will make what was a great trip last year even better this year.

Cost $1250.00. Single room extra $320.00.

Spring Fest and Citrus Sculptures 14th to 19th October 2019 - 6 Days and 5 Nights Join us and experience the renewal of spring! Be enchanted in Griffith and discover the creativity behind the wacky Citrus Sculptures. This tour has so many highlights, but naming a few, we have Junee Liquorice and Choc Factory, Narrandera Memorial Gardens, Leeton Town Tour “Taste of Leeton”, Spring Fest and Citrus Sculptures, Japanese Gardens, and still more.

Cost $1,350.00. Single room extra $390.00.

Moreton Bay Islands 19th to 25th November 2019 - 7 Days and 6 Nights Discover Moreton Bay’s picturesque sand islands. Relax at Tangalooma Island Resort and meet the inquisitive dolphins that call these shores home. See why North Stradbroke Island is affectionately known as “Straddie”, and cruise the coast of one of the smallest sand islands, Bribie Island!

Cost $2,400.00. Single room extra $490.00.

Taree Film Society

FRED

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Bullen.

Tallwood local Fred Bullen spent some time recently giving us some insights into his journey as an artist, and how his art has evolved over recent years. Here’s what he had to say.

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espite having an interest earlier on in your life, art didn’t really take hold until after your retirement. Can you tell our readers a bit more about how this occurred?

As a school boy, I attended formal art classes on Saturday mornings in the foyer of the local cinema. The large armchairs and heavily patterned carpet made a great contrast to the classrooms we attended at the local school during the week.

In my mid-teens I painted with the Parramatta Art Society. Or more correctly, I attended classes and paint-outs with much older artists in the hope their obvious skills would somehow rub off on me. It didn’t take long for me to realise that wasn’t happening, so art and I went our separate ways for the next 40 years or so.

When we moved to Tallwoods, my wife suggested we learn to play golf. Not having a sporting bone in my body, I quickly decided that getting back into art looked like a really attractive idea. So, I joined the local Senior Citizens art classes at Black Head and felt at sense of belonging with this group of enthusiastic amateurs. We learnt off each other, and visiting “real artists” like Ron Davis inspired me.

I went on to join the Great Lakes Art Society in Forster and regularly attended lessons with local and visiting tutors. Again, the social interaction with fellow artists added another dimension to learning how to paint so I found myself on the Management Committee helping out with publicity and fundraising. My artistic skills developed quickly under the guidance of competent local artists like Vicki Bullard, who give up their time painting time to teach. In addition, I participated in workshops at the Lake Street Gallery run by visiting tutors in quite diverse artistic media and subjects.

How has your art evolved and changed in that time?

When I started my later art career, it was by painting traditional Australian landscapes on canvas. I quickly realised that I would never have the time or the talent to catch up with those artists who had been painting all their lives, so I looked to bring a degree of difference in size, medium or subject to my works.

By using large format boards for abstract works, often with very heavily textured surfaces, I set off on my own path. I wanted the finished artwork to be inspired by the local bush and beach, because that’s what I’m surrounded by, but their influence should be mixed with a high degree of sensory feeling. The result is a mix of easily identified subjects presented in a slightly abstracted manner. Building a deep layer of lightweight board on the canvas and then cutting into it to create a “2½ D” platform gave me the desired structure to paint over and achieve the effect I was after.

At the same time, the drive to do more traditional work couldn’t be ignored, so I often paint very recognisable landscapes or still lifes, but with a touch of quirkiness, just to make them a little different.

I create new works quickly, which is not necessarily a good thing, because the opportunities to display and sell my work are becoming more limited.

As much as I enjoy the challenge of painting a wide variety of subjects using an equally wide range of techniques, my greatest pleasure comes from hearing that an artwork has unlocked a heartfelt memory for the viewer. When that happens, the idea of art being created by a combination of head, hand and heart is realised.

How can people see or view your art?

Although I am a member of six local art societies and exhibit regularly at their galleries, I find more people now see my work in cafés, regional art exhibitions and on social media. My preference is to stage solo exhibitions at regional galleries, where I can meet and talk to visitors.

That opportunity is one of the great spin-offs from having my work where people can see it and ask me what, where and why a painting came into existence.

That’s also the reason why I have expanded my home studio, to now include a gallery where I can hang over 30 paintings. There will also be artworks by fellow artisans in the immediate area. Visitors are welcome to drop in every first Sunday of the month without appointment and at other times after a phone call. The gallery is located at 5 Lake View Way, Tallwoods Village, and my phone number is 0414 839 550.

Thanks Fred. Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Movie:

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watch

Burning

aree Film Society proudly screens Burning at 6:20pm Monday 17th June at Fay’s Twin Cinema.

Korean master Lee Chang-dong’s remarkable new thriller was the most acclaimed film of Cannes, setting a record for the highest-ever score achieved in the prestigious Critics’ Poll. Featuring three brilliant performances, it’s a gripping psychological study of thwarted love, ambition and obsession.

While working as a courier in Seoul, aspiring young writer Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) encounters the lively Hae-mi (Jun Jong-seo), a childhood friend from his hometown. The two spend the day together, and when Hae-mi asks him to feed her cat while she’s away on a trip to Africa, Jong-su is convinced of a burgeoning romantic relationship. But on her return, when he arrives at the airport to collect her in his run-down truck,

Jong-su is surprised and confused to find Hae-mi accompanied by the handsome, Gatsby-esque Ben (a superbly enigmatic Steven Yeun, Okja, The Walking Dead). The three begin an awkward friendship, with Jong-su’s feelings for Hae-mi growing ever stronger, even if it’s apparent she has fallen under the spell of his rich and mysterious rival’s charms. Suddenly, after Ben makes a strange confession, Jong-su is led to question his motivations and he sets off on an increasingly desperate search to uncover the truth, even if the line between reality and imagination begins to blur. Lee’s masterful film creates a tantalising mood of uncertainty and complexity, with the story’s themes of class, family, rage and lust rising feverishly to the surface.

Tickets are $16, including coffee cakes and chatting. For more information see www.tareefilmsociety.org.au or call 6552 3476.

ART show REAPS REWARDS

for students

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ince the inaugural art show in 1993, Pacific Palms Art Festival has donated tens of thousands of dollars towards creative arts programs to the small public school opposite Boomerang

Beach.

The festival kicks off with a night of fun on Friday, June 7. Local food delicacies and wine have been provided by local sponsors, Kingfisher Café, Aberdeen and Brokenwood Wines. Nadine the Cake Queen will be providing magnificent morsels for dessert.

Opening night gives the first glimpse of artworks, announcement of the winners and provides the first opportunity to purchase original artworks on display.

Last year’s major prize winner, Christine Foletti, was a first time exhibitor who has also provided this year’s raffle prize, Xanthorrhoea. Christine creates exquisite 3D objects and artworks from

waste rubber, flip flops, aluminium cans and driftwood washed up on Australian beaches.

The judge for the June exhibition is Steven Alderton, Director and CEO of the National Art School NSW. Mr Alderton brings 25 years’ expertise and experience in visual arts and education to the exhibition and opening night.

The weekend before the main exhibition is the annual Youth Art Exhibition, which is an opportunity for school-aged children to have their work displayed in a public exhibition.

“It’s a vibrant and fun weekend showcasing our budding local and regional artists and complements the main exhibition on the following long weekend,” Ms Bennett said.

Finalists from the Youth Art Exhibition will have their work displayed at the main exhibition.

Tickets to opening night are available from the new Pacific Palms Art Festival website at palmsartfestival.org.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 21

Wesley Mission T A R E E

Wesley Mission Client Coordinator Belinda Power

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“Everyone is welcomed with open arms.”

ne of the first things you’re likely to see when you walk through the doors at the new purposebuilt Wesley Mission Taree site, is the smiling face of Belinda Power.

As one of Wesley Mission’s Client Coordinators, Belinda is dedicated to making sure each person who walks through the doors feel welcomed and understood.

“Everyone is welcomed with open arms,” says Belinda, “and we do all we can to ensure each person receives the help and support they need through our Wesley programs and other services within the region that we can refer to.”

The new Wesley Mission Taree premises on Manning Street, which were recently opened in March, have been purpose-built to provide a safe place for the community to connect with Wesley Mission staff like Belinda and get access to the services and support that best meet their individual needs.

By bringing everything together under one roof, Wesley Mission Taree aims to improve the overall experience of people who are seeking assistance.

“Once we have a clear understanding of the needs of the client, then we can direct them to the organisation that most suits their needs,” Belinda explains.

“Different programs can support the same need in different ways, so it’s really about establishing

that relationship with someone to know the best way that we can assist.”

As a one-stop location for services and support, Wesley Mission Taree aims to reduce the number of times a person or family have to share their story, speed up the process of getting help, and allow for improved support, especially for people with complex and changing needs.

Belinda says she is enjoying seeing more and more people come through the doors of the new premises every week, and the response throughout the community has been extremely positive.

“We have had an amazing community response.

We had so many people come to our open day, and we are getting more and more people popping into the hub to say hi or have a cuppa and a chat.”

As part of their commitment to the local community, Wesley Mission Taree, together with Manning Uniting Church, Orange Sky Laundry, with the support of Manning Valley Free Range Eggs are hosting a breakfast BBQ every second Friday from 8:30am to 10am.

The next BBQ will be held on Friday 21st June, and Belinda says it’s a great opportunity for those in need to “come along and have something to eat, do some washing and use the amenities at the church to have a shower.”

To find out more, or to speak to Belinda and the Wesley Mission team about your needs, drop in any time to Wesley Mission at 75 Manning Street, email taree@wesleymission.org.au or call 6552 0244.

Wesley Mission Your access to community services We offer a range of services, including: • support for parents • disability employment • foster care • access to our many other services • connecting you with other local service providers.

WOP4916.16_1902

Drop in to our new location Open 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday No appointment necessary 75 Manning Street, Taree (02) 6552 0244 taree@wesleymission.org.au

wesleymission.org.au 22 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focus_contributor

S H A R O N B U LT I T U D E , M I D C O A S T C O U N C I L

tourism UPDATE

“Destination Management organisations can no longer hide behind the tired old line that ‘our role is just promotion’. Those days are over” William Baker, 2019.

J

ust like many businesses at this of stakeholders in a coherent and intuitive way, time of year, the Barrington Coast to ensure our experiences are authentic and tell tourism team has been busily our local “story” in a way that resonates with reviewing and developing its our target markets. business and marketing plans for On one end of the experience scale is the the next financial year. During this big idea that becomes a game-changer for the process, what really struck me was how much destination, like a Great Walk. At the other end the tourism environment has changed in a it can be something as simple as finding the relatively short period of time. micro moments that can make the difference Many of today’s leading destinations to someone’s experience. are recognising the reality that a focus on Experience development also doesn’t promotion is not enough to succeed. A shift always mean starting from scratch; it might toward destination just require some management and creative thinking. The experience development opportunity to leverage is no longer up for existing experiences debate. to create new news Ultimately, as a destination Just like destinations is often overlooked. we can’t separate developaround the world, we Collaboration between ment from promotion. We are being challenged a number of businesses need to walk the talk with to ask ourselves “are that offer different a holistic approach that we equipped to create services in different includes all branding and experiences?” Without locations could result in marketing activities. a unique story told a bundling of offers that consistently and by together can create a all, a destination and whole new experience. its products become Ultimately, as a simply a commodity, with price as the only destination we can’t separate development battlefield. This becomes a slippery slope to from promotion. We need to walk the talk with increasing irrelevance in what is a very dynamic a holistic approach that includes all branding marketplace. and marketing activities. Since a brand is the So as a destination management team, sum of all stories that are told by and about how are we making this shift to the visitor our destination, the experiences we provide experience, in order to deliver the right must match our words. destination experience that creates brand If we’re making promises and appeals in advocacy from visitors and locals alike? our marketing communications, we need to Well, we ensure that we clearly emphasise be able to keep those when people arrive the experiences a visitor has in our destination, in our region. To overpromise while not rather than purely the product found here. delivering on the experience isn’t the right More fundamentally, we are starting to help thing to do ... remembering too that our visitor shape and build these positive and inspiring perceptions of our destination are almost experiences. But, this shift has demanded exclusively shaped by the opinions of millions that we step outside of our historic role of of individuals, communicated through word marketing and promotion. of mouth, primarily today via digital and social Our role has become absolutely one of channels. Just like the adage “you don’t have “management”. It’s about development, a brand until your customers say you have bringing the whole experience together and a brand” - “an experience that is not talked guiding collaboration across a wide spectrum about might as well be invisible”.

photo of the month.

Location: The Manning Valley.

Photo by: David Johnson.

Instagram: instagram.com/hinterland_images Taken a great photo or video of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email annette@focusmag.com.au

focus_contributor

WH

HORTICULTURALIST NEVILLE DONOVAN - GREENPATCH ORGANIC SEEDS

AT’S IN

season

S

Snow Pea

now peas are a popular vegetable to grow in the cooler months and a must for gardeners looking for an easy to plant vegetable that is a prolific bearer over a long period. Not only will snow peas put a smile on your face, but children absolutely love them! It is an excellent way to get children involved in gardening, as they just love picking and eating the fresh pods.

Climbing snow peas take up a minimal amount of space in the garden and can grow well in the corner of the veggie patch or along a garden edge. All you need is a strong structure for snow pea tendrils to twine on to. This can be a wire trellis, plastic mesh or miniature tepee to at least 1.5 m high. Ensure your trellis/ structure is built with strong stakes, to provide ample support for the plants.

Snow peas enjoy a mostly sunny position with fertile, moist soil and good drainage.

If available, the addition of compost or aged manure to your soil will promote strong, healthy growth. Ensure soil ph is in the ideal zone of 6 - 7.

Sow seeds from March through to early August for a late crop producing well into spring. Sow direct into prepared soil below your trellis. Ensure soil is moist for at least one week for good germination, but do not over water, as they are prone to rotting. Varieties such as Yakumo are perfect for sowing now because of their increased disease resistance later on in spring.

During harvest, check plants twice weekly, picking pods at the flat stage for maximum sweetness, as they will get stringy any older then this.

Snow peas are best eaten fresh, steamed or sautéed lightly. Pods can be cool stored for up two weeks in a small sealed up bag, or frozen for up to six months.

Happy Growing!

Manning-Great Lakes focus 23

Druken Noodles from Kenny’s Thai - Club Forster 24 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Mobys Club Old Bar

WHY NOT MAKE YOUR THURSDAY NIGHT STEAK NIGHT AT MOBYS! $25 steaks, with your choice of sides plus a schooner of tap beer included!

We’re talking juicy, tender cuts cooked to your liking, fresh off the grill. Sourced locally from Cedar Party in the lush Manning Valley - the best steak on the Barrington Coast - or why not temp yourself with delights from our new winter menu, such as Roast Butternut Pumpkin Pappardelle with Sage, Cauliflower Crumbs and Grana Padano.

For something different, why not try the Saffron and Paprika Rabbit with Fresh House Made Gnocchi For a night to remember, bring a group and experience our new Feast Menu - banquet with a choice of 12 Hour Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder, 2 kg Eye Fillet or Sticky Butterflied Ducks for your table to divide and conquer if you dare!

Our Head Chef Jesse will present your meal to the table and walk you through the flavours. Maree will also be on hand to help you select accompanying wines.

Book ahead, so you don’t miss out on this amazing showcase of local produce.

Bookings: 6591 0095.

Kenny’s Thai If you’ve travelled and discovered the tastes of Thailand, you’ll love “Kenny’s THAI Kitchen”, now located on the top floor, at the rear of Club Forster, overlooking Forster Golf Course. Revisit your memories with the fragrance of jasmine rice, the richness and colours of Thai curries, visit satays, coconut and pad Thai, journey through tom yum and linger with the tantalising spices of lemongrass, coriander, chilli and Kaffir lime.

Kenny welcomes you to “Kenny’s THAI Kitchen” Great Lakes - great authentic Thai cuisine.

New lunch special - includes a mixed entrée of a pork dumpling, vegetable spring roll, a prawn twist, PLUS your selection from one of Kenny’s $12 MAINS! Choose from: ANGEL PRAWNS • GREEN CURRY • KENNY PORK • DRUNKEN NOODLES • CRISPY FISH • PAD THAI TOM KHA GAI • MANGO CHICKEN • PARAM KHAO PAD PUU • PAD SE EW • COCONUT CHICKEN

Club Old Bar - famous for fine food and entertainment.

Located in the sunny beach side town of Old Bar, Club Old Bar is famous for their award winning kitchen, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. They also host fantastic live entertainment, and coming in June is the Alicia Beckett Psychic Medium Show.

If you’re interested in communicating with the “other side”, or if you just want a fun night out with friends, then you will not want to miss this show! Just $40 for members or $45 for nonmembers, Friday 21st June, with the show starting at 6:30pm.

Head into Old Bar for a night of great entertainment, and why not experience for yourself their wonderful menu items in the Bistro! Bookings are recommended, as it’s a seated show, so give the club a call to secure your spot.

With footy season in full swing, the Club Old Bar Pizza Bar is the perfect spot to watch the game - with a massive screen and pizzas from just $10. The Pizza Bar is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 5:30pm.

Club Old Bar Bistro is open from 12 - 2pm for lunch and from 5:30pm for dinner, seven days a week.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 25

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

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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

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

Missed a copy?

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

OUR REACH

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

26 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Bent on Food Bent on Food is one of the region’s most popular choices for offsite catering. If you are looking for beautiful abundant grazing tables and platters, tasty canapés, or a sit down menu, Bent on Food is a popular choice. Weddings, corporate functions and small parties are all catered for with beautiful local and regional produce.

Travelling Millie is a sweet little vintage caravan, and she can add more flavour to your event as a bar, a café or just a pretty backdrop for your photos. Bent on Food is an Australian Tourism Accredited business, so your guests are safe with us.

The Wingham café trades seven days a week, with fabulous coffee, awesome breakfasts and tasty lunches. This family friendly café has a massive fully licensed garden where your fur babies are welcome too. Bent on Food believes in community and provides a safe space for all to enjoy. Keep an eye on the website for events too.

While in Wingham, pop up to Bent on Life for some upcycling ideas, or a gift, and make sure you visit one of the many shops in our friendly town.

Bent on Food, 95 Isabella Street, Wingham. www.bentonfood.com.au Café (02) 6557 0727 | Catering 0419 490 312 donna@bentonfood.com.au Find us on Facebook

Dinner at the Lakes & Ocean Bistro open times: Now the weather is getting chilly, we’re open for dinner earlier!

Our bistro is open for dinner seven days from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.

Don’t forget: Tuesday; Ribs night - $15 Wednesday; Steak night - $15 for a juicy steak and a drink.

Thursday; Schnitty night - $15 for a house-made schnitzel and a drink.

Friday; Burger night - choose your burger and drink combo.

Calling all gamers: Starting Monday, June 3rd, we have an exciting PS4 FIFA 19 comp for all you gamers! Sign up now, to be in the running for cracking prizes!

First prize = a brand new PS4; Second prize = $150; third prize = $50.

Each week until July; the first games commence at 7:15pm.

Registration 6:30pm. There will be meal and drink deals for players and a guaranteed minimum of four games per player (limited to 20 players). There’s a one-off registration fee of $10 - pop in today to find out more! Thanks to 4 Pines Brewing Company, EB Games Australia and Anna’s Trophies and Embroidery for sponsoring this comp. Contact The Lakes & Ocean for more details.

focus

DISHES of the month

BENT ON FOOD 95 ISABELLA ST, WINGHAM (02) 6557 0727 WWW.BENTONFOOD.COM.AU

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

KENNY’S THAI 19 STRAND ST, FORSTER 2428 6591 6591 WWW.CLUBFORSTER.COM.AU/DINING-BARS/KENNYS-THAI

LAKES AND OCEAN HOTEL 10 LITTLE ST, FORSTER (02) 6554 6005 WWW.LAKESANDOCEANHOTEL.COM.AU

THE SICILIAN 1 WEST ST, FORSTER & 139 VICTORIA ST, TAREE (02) 6555 2261 & (02) 6557 8689 WWW.THESICILIANRESTAURANT.COM.AU

MOBYS 4 RED GUM ROAD BOOMERANG BEACH (02) 02 6591 0095 WWW.MOBYS.COM.AU/RESTAURANT/

Manning-Great Lakes focus 27

focusinterview.

Britton With THE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW SET TO VISIT IN EARLY JULY, we thought we should check in with one of their stars to find out a little bit more about them and the show - meet Nikki Britton!

Y

ou started out as an actor and exploded on to the comedy scene in 2011. How did that transformational crossover happen?

I always had been cast in comedic roles in acting and to be honest, I was at a BBQ with some friends, clearly drunk telling a story, and a friend said, "You should go in a stand up comedy competition". I said, "Absolutely not - not in a million years"!

And then she sneakily went and signed me up for it, and I thought ... well, OK - you only live once. I did the competition, and I’ve kept doing it and getting work ever since.

Having gone into those competitions and won, how would you describe for those who haven't seen you what your comedic style is like?

It's very energetic, very warm; there's very little filter. A lot of it is observational and personal stories ... Yeah, absolutely no filter.

It's been described as sharing a bottle of pino with your best friend.

You're touring widely with the 2019 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. What are you looking forward to most about this tour?

I love meeting the audiences afterwards, and I love figuring out the quirky little things about each town that we rock up to; it's just really lovely.

I guess content on the tour is important.

Do you find you're picking up stories and bits and pieces along the way? If you go to one really quirky town, do you talk about it the next night?

Absolutely! I think there's a really lovely healthy rivalry between neighbouring towns

28 Manning-Great Lakes focus

You can't make this stuff

in regional Australia, so this. up! So, a lot of stuff it's always really fun to It was phenomedoes come from the drop in the next town nal; the reaction and outrageous things along or the town we responses I got over that happen in my were in the night before there were probably life and a lot of people after just for a bit of context better than I’ll ever shows will go, 'Did that really and any local references have in my career happen - are you really?' always go down really again … It was incredwell. ible.

Obviously you would If you're going have some sort of outto have a stab at line or script of where you're going to go Australia in general, what's your go-to within the show; would that be right? funny?

Roughly - yeah!

If I'm gonna have a stab at Australia ... Oh Where is the most interesting place man, I don't really stab! I'm so self-deprecatyou've performed? ing and, if anything, I'm the opposite of the The most interesting was probably India comedian who stands on stage and rips sh*t ... Yeah, it was wild! It was actually with the into the audience. I'm kind of like a humorMelbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow in ous life coach ...

India. It was really lucky; we went there two Do funny things usually happen in your years ago and performed in the Bengaluru life that you can create stories out of?

Comedy Festival and then all over, Delhi, To be honest, I wish that I could just have Hyderabad, Mumbai, Goa. a quiet, normal life - ha ha - stuff just keeps And cross-culturally, do people laugh happening to me, and I feel compelled to at the same things - or do you have to share this on stage. adapt it to their culture?

Like, the other night after a date, a man I think certain styles of comedy lend themdropped me off, and I stepped out of the selves to a cross-cultural enjoyment, and a lot car and into a dead pigeon! I was trying to of my stuff is sort of about human experiencmake a good impression on a first date, and es and human bodies and human feelings, I squealed - and there was a pigeon attached so I think there was a lot that we shared and to my foot. You can't make this stuff up! had in common.

So, a lot of stuff does come from the outraIt was a really interesting situation to be a geous things that happen in my life, and a lot white woman of a certain age speaking perof people after shows will go, "Did that really sonally about sex and things; it was quite emhappen - are you really?" And I say, "I prompowering speaking about sexual desire and ise you from the bottom of my heart that it openly speaking about the female experience. all happened". It's a blessing and a curse. It That's happening over there; it's starting to certainly works for comedy. come through, but it's still a statement for a Who do you look up to and admire as a woman to stand on stage and say things like comedian?

I grew up watching Lucille Ball, and I love Lucy, so you know the type of comedy she would have with just a facial expression ... I think again some of that transcends cultures and generations, which is amazing.

Then, I love Hannah Gadsby, I love Maria Bamford, Michelle Wolf.

Fast Five with Nikki ...

For breakfast I eat ... Anything.

Secretly I love ... A quiet night in.

My go-to one liner is ...That's what she said.

Don't talk to me about ... Women in comedy.

My dirty little secret is ...There's a rat living in my apartment at the moment, and I’m having to live with my mum.

We're going to be able to see you at the MEC and maybe in Port Macquarie, when you come through regional NSW. Any last words you'd like to add?

Everyone on the tour is really fantastic.

The Melbourne Comedy Festival do such a great job at hand picking the best acts from a variety of genres with a variety of things to talk about, and there really is something for everyone. It's always a great night.

Thanks Nikki.

Catch The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 2019 on Wednesday 3rd July at 7:30pm.

Manning Entertainment Centre, 33 Manning River Drive, TAREE. Tickets Adult $50, concession $45, Friend of the MEC 19 $40, Group 8+ $42.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 29

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

The Mersey Beatles Four Lads from Liverpool Australian Tour 2019 - 50 Years of ABBEY ROAD - Played Live in its Entirety!

Plus, a full set of greatest hits, for the first time in Australia.

Exploring non-traditional grape varieties.

G

renache - it is thought Grenache originated in Spain, and surprisingly it is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world.

In Spain alone there used to be over 400,000 hectares of Grenache, which was reduced to approximately 200,000 hectares when varieties such as Tempranillo grew in popularity. France now leads, with approximately 250,000 hectares.

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

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

Barbera is an Italian variety enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The everyday drinking wine in Italy is typically Chianti, but look for the Barbera; it offers something a little more interesting.

This grape has a beautiful deep rich colour, low tannin and high acid. Traditionally, the high acid has made it not-so-popular, but the combination of low yielding vines coupled with storage in French oak results in lower

30 Manning-Great Lakes focus

acidity and the resulting wine being well worth the effort. It is a wine to be drunk young and is rich, yet light bodied - an unusual combination.

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

I really didn’t take Zinfandel seriously for many years, as the only time I’d ever had it was in parts of the US, where wine drinking was not that common, so all you could really get was this insipid pale sweet drink that was called Zinfandel. I didn’t think much of it at all. It wasn’t until much more recently when I tried a deep red medium bodied Zinfandel from Rutherglen in Victoria that I realised there was so much more to this varietal than I had experienced.

The real home of Zinfandel is California, where it has been grown since the 1800s and thrives in the warm climate. It has proven to be a versatile variety, being used for “white” Zin, Sparkling Zin, blended, and lovely big reds. Zinfandel from California’s old vines have complexity and are well worth checking out.

Zinfandel isn’t very widely grown, with 50,000 acres in the US and 20,000 acres in Italy, and a small amount elsewhere. Zinfandel and the Italian Primitivo are the same varietal, with its origins in Croatia and as vines do, they have adapted to their respective environmental conditions and have developed personalities of their own.

These three varieties are worth seeking out, particularly as we head into the cooler months.

This Liverpool born Beatles tribute band was the resident band for over 15 years at the world famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles got their start. These childhood friends have played in 20 countries, selling out shows worldwide.

Experience the Mersey Beatles like never before, as they celebrate 50 years of the

Abbey Road Album! The show will start as the lads perform the Entire Abbey Road album live. For the second set, the lads will return in the familiar suits of Beatlemania and grow older before your eyes; throughout the night, they will take the audience on a trip featuring 35 of the greatest Beatle hits from all eras.

“The Mersey Beatles have been playing the Cavern Club for over 15 years and are one of the best you will ever see!” - Julia Baird (John Lennon’s sister and Cavern Club Director)

focus_contributor

WITH DONNA CARRIER FROM BENT ON FOOD

Relay for Life

Relay for Life

Wingham Beef Week

Wingham Beef Week

John Hoads Ceremony

John Hoads Ceremony

I

am going to begin this month's Social Scene with a confession ... it’s a bit embarrassing to say that I totally missed the deadline for last month’s page, with no excuse - except that I forgot! Mortified as I was at the time, I am pleased about it now, as it forced me to explore whether other busy women my age just “forget” things, and I learnt that forgetfulness is a normal occurrence. I have been writing this page for around 12 years, perhaps more, and I have only missed about three issues, all with good reason. I am now in the process of looking into a much better project management application, and making sure I look at it.

ANZAC Day is an emotional time, as we remember our fallen and support all who have paved the way for us to have a safer life. This year ANZAC Eve included a special ceremony at Wingham Cemetery. Sgt John William Hoad was the Upper Manning’s highest decorated returned World War I soldier, but he has lain in an unmarked grave for 67 years. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Wingham resident Allen Valentine, a headstone and plaque is now installed on his grave. Allen Valentine researched John Hoad’s military history, and for the past four years had applied many times to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to have this soldier recognised.

This year he finally won the battle to have a gravestone constructed where Hoad is buried.

Hoad’s family came from near and far to witness a very moving ceremony.

social scene.

Manning Valley Relay for Life was held on the grounds of Club Taree on the 4th - 5th May. Relay for Life is an overnight community event for thousands of Australians, who relay non-stop as they celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost, and fight back against the disease by raising important funds.

The weekend started with rain, and even though it was welcome, I must admit I wondered how we were going to keep walking in the rain for 24 hours. Fortunately for the event, the rain stopped after just a few hours, and the show went on, as they say.

I have participated in Relay for Life before, but this is the first year we have entered a team. It was harder than I thought it would be, with the night being the most difficult.

Our fabulous team of staff, family and friends raised $2,800 which contributed to the $30,000 raised by this year’s event for the Cancer Council.

We took Millie down and served coffee, with all proceeds going to the charity, and as you can imagine, she was very welcome.

Matthew Berry, one of my fabulous baristas, participated in the midnight undies run, which raised a few hundred dollars. There was a great comradery all weekend, with all the teams helping each other out; the volunteers and committee were fabulous, and we were kept entertained for most of the night with great local talent.

The event is unable to happen without sponsors, and there were many contributors, with a huge thanks going to Club Taree for all that they do. They also raised a massive

$11,046.45! We are very lucky to have this club in our community.

them to the Australian Beef industry through education and competition.

This year also saw the introduction of The night before Relay for Life we attended paddock to plate events, including a sold-out a family fundraiser for one of the other local Tomahawk night at Bent on Food and a huge teams, Body Strength Health and Fitness. event at the newly renovated Showground Sam and the team ran a successful event pavilion for 140 guests, at St Joseph's in who enjoyed some Wingham, complete amazing smoked Manning with trivia, games Valley Naturally Beef, along and music played with one of our fabulous by the legendary WINGHAM BEEF WEEK grazing tables.

Matt Zarb. Sam WAS A HUGE SUCCESS also ensured that Beef Week presentations THIS YEAR, WITH 521 all the teams were were held, along with a STUDENTS COMPETING stretching and celebration of 25 years of (UP 100 FROM LAST looking after their Wingham Beef Exports. The YEAR), 30 SCHOOLS bodies during pavilion looked amazing AND 270 CATTLE. Relay for Life. Body with pallet furniture, Strength Health and Travelling Millie, festoon Fitness raised an lighting and lots of rustic amazing amount of additions. Congrats to $5,083. everyone involved in this Wingham Beef Week was a huge success this year, with 521 students competing (up 100 from last year), 30 schools and 270 cattle.

This is a week-long event based on all facets of the beef industry, to give students, juniors and producers an opportunity to participate in live assessment, carcase assessment and evaluation, meat judging, beef appreciation workshops, parading and judging competitions. The event aims to educate the next generation of future junior beef enthusiasts in a hands-on environment to increase their knowledge and expose

year’s Wingham Beef Week.

It's not just business either. Each year a charity is chosen - this year was the Mark Hughes Foundation, raising money for brain cancer. Money is raised mainly through the charity steer auction, which is a fabulous well supported community event within Beef Week.

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 31

32 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Bronwyn Davis of Clui Creative

PETRA’S PANTRY

R

SHE’S KNOWN NEAR AND FAR FOR HER DELICIOUS GINGERBREAD AND SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE, THEY ARE A TASTE SENSATION.

un, run, as fast as you can.

You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man! Do you know much about the origins of this fable?

I have only been introduced to that story here in Australia, so I don’t really know about the origin. I was brought up with the story of Hansel and Gretel and the witch with her gingerbread house - but that image is not really conducive to a gingerbread business!

Could you tell us a little bit about where Gingerbread originated from?

Gingerbread's (Lebkuchen in Germany, where I come from) origins are lost in history. I have heard lots of stories, like this one: during a siege of a castle, people would mix their ration of flour with honey (which acts as a preservative) so it would not go off. I think it would then have to be locked away very safely from weevils, ants and kids.

In the Middle Ages, and even well into 19th Century, the gingerbread making was tightly controlled by guilds. Only certain bakers were allowed to produce it. It was often made for special occasions like the birth of a crown prince, royal weddings, coronations and even funerals, but later it was available at markets, especially the famous Christmas markets. A young man would buy a heart on a long ribbon for his sweetheart, and she would wear it proudly around her neck.

You’ve been making gingerbread for quite some time. How long have you been in the business, and how did it all start?

It all started in the early '90s, when I went to could learn your craft? markets to sell unneeded stuff after moving from the I have done a few classes in the past, but those city and found no gingerbread at any market. So, I people still come and buy their gingerbread house started to make some gingerbread men for my stall from me at Christmas. Some friends have learned and they took off (like in the story). By the time I had from me, and now they sell it in Brisbane, Canberra, no "stuff" to sell anymore, the gingerbread business Newcastle and Pacific Palms. was well on its way.

What are some of the special I have tasted many of your events you cater for? delicious cookies. Is there a I am often asked to make secret ingredient or recipe? special gingerbread for birthdays, THERE ARE NO SECRET There are no secret ingredients baby showers, anniversaries and INGREDIENTS TO to my recipe. It was shared in a of course, Christmas, Easter, St MY RECIPE. IT WAS German magazine, and I freely Valentine’s Day and Christmas in SHARED IN A GERMAN share it with anybody who is July parties.

MAGAZINE, AND I interested. The only not so secret Where can we taste these FREELY SHARE IT WITH secret, is making sure we get delectable goodies, or find ANYBODY WHO IS the freshest spices, honey direct out more information?

INTERESTED. from beekeepers and fresh eggs.

Aside from markets (Nabiac Each biscuit is beautifully Farmer’s Market, Hub Taree decorated; where did you and Blackhead Bazaar) I also learn such a skill? sell through coffee shops; Decorating the biscuits is self these include Greenhouse Café taught, learning tips wherever I can. I think I still have Nabiac, Tropical Coffee Taree, Dragon’s Den Forster. In a lot to learn. addition, you can find my gingerbread at The Nabiac Come Christmas, you make incredible Bank Centre, Nabiac General Store, Nabiac Post Office gingerbread houses. How long does it take to and Nabiac Liquor Shop. make one, and what are some of the challenges?

And finally, what gingerbread do you enjoy I can’t really put a time on making one gingerbread making and eating most? house, as they are done in groups and over a period I enjoy icing the small items best - no great loss if of time, allowing setting off the icing in between. I I make a mistake. I rarely eat the gingerbread these actually don’t really want to know - I would probably days, being surrounded by it; however, it is tempting have to raise the prices. when it’s hot and straight from the oven.

Do you offer any classes or workshops where one Thanks Petra.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 33

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

Photo credit: instagram.com/dropzone.photography

The Manning River is pretty special - and perhaps the best thing about Taree (apart from its fantastic people, of course). Our foreshore is easily the best place to be almost any time you’re in Taree, and it’s already been home to some great events this year, with rowing and powerboat events bringing hundreds of people into our town - something our local businesses cherish.

T

hen there’s Tastefest, which that presents as a critical issue. And, it’s not has shown us just what just the hospitality and retail sectors that a great event venue the this serves. Our attractiveness to relocating foreshore can be, and with specialist professional services is vital to our the Rotary River Stage project long term sustainability. Engineers, doctors, edging closer to completion, teachers - we need them all, and increasingly there’s sure to be more we are competing great events to come with other regional in the near future. destinations that have But if you head to the embraced their natural foreshore on most days, This shift in focus, assets as visitor-friendly you’ll find that there is, in needing to serve a destinations. in fact, not a whole lot consumer looking for It’s for this reason going on at all - and in lifestyle and experience, that the Taree Business a measured way, there’s means that Taree Chamber is driving for a sense that this has to businesses need a chance regular vibrant activity on change. to harness our assets to our foreshore, to bring Taree has a let them have a thriving this space to life. In our long history as an future.

April meeting we had industrious town, and internationally renowned whilst we continue local Anna Godfrey help to have important us workshop the things, manufacturing and both big and small, that we as a community industrial enterprises, along with a whole could do to try and make our foreshore suite of other businesses doing great things precinct a hub of activity that would add value as an important economic centre for the Mid to our local community. So, this is where we Coast region, the shift towards the retiree and need you, reading this, to get involved. If tourist economy has seen Taree grow more you’re a Taree or Manning Valley local who slowly than most other towns on the North Coast. This shift in focus, in needing to serve a wants to play a part in shaping the future of our town, we want to hear from you. We’ve consumer looking for lifestyle and experience, heard lots of great ideas already - a regular means that Taree businesses need a chance market offering, live music, food trucks - but to harness our assets to let them have a thriving future. We don’t need to be a “tourist making sure we have the right ideas is one thing, then putting them into place is another. town” to consider that the “visitor economy” If you’re interested, shoot an email to info@ contributes handsomely to the ability of locals tareebusinesschamber.com.au and let’s get to have a secure future, even for our young people to have employment - something started.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 35

48 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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

m ney matters. with Jonothan Tickle

The “Money Matters” story last month included a reminder that placing money to superannuation before June 30th can save tax.

T

ime is running out and The other form of contribution to generally, the deadline is June superannuation is as a non-concessional or 26th to make contributions, un-deducted contribution. because June 30th this year There is also a limit of $100,000 per year of falls on a weekend. eligibility or up to $300,000 in a lump sum, Regardless of whether a utilising bring forward rules. superannuation member is employed or selfWhere the pre-June 30th planning becomes employed, they can lodge up to $25,000 important, is when there is eligibility to place including employer $100,000 this financial contributions and claim year and then utilise a tax deduction on the the bring forward rule amount placed. the following year, Where the pre-June 30th For illustration thereby effectively planning becomes important, is purposes, the placing $400,000 to when there is eligibility contribution benefit superannuation within a to place $100,000 this works this way. couple of months. financial year and then Say a tax-payer has Reviewing Nominated utilise the bring forward assessed income of Beneficiaries and rule the following $80,000, they are in Estate Planning year, thereby effectively the 32.5% marginal tax Considerations. placing $400,000 to bracket.

Previous editions have superannuation within a Assuming their covered the effect of couple of months. employer has death benefit tax on lodged $7,600 to superannuation benefits. superannuation, that The simple explanation leaves a further $17,400 is that upon death, that can be placed to superannuation as either if the beneficiary of superannuation a salary sacrifice, or as a personal contribution proceeds or a life insurance policy attached as a deductible or concessional contribution. to superannuation, is not the spouse or a The $17,400 will attract contribution tax financial dependent (e.g. child under 18) then at 15% within the fund ($2,610) but the 15% tax applies to the amount paid. tax deduction of $17,400 reduces assessed This can be avoided if the superannuation income from $80,000 to $62,600 proceeds (including pension funds) are cashed If tax has been deducted by the employer prior to death of the superannuation member, based on $80,000, then a tax refund of or a terminal benefit paid out by the insurance $5,655 may apply. company, also prior to death.

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

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

6551 2333

www.yhfp.com.au

Alan Tickle & Jonathon Tickle (Directors)

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

Manning-Great Lakes focus 37

focus_guest contributor Ainslee Dennis from

HOMELESS Blunt razors, frayed toothbrushes, no toothpaste, shaving cream, deodorant or shampoo, AND THREADBARE TOWELS. ORANGE SKY VOLUNTEERS SEE AND HEAR OF THIS REALITY FROM HOMELESS PEOPLE ON THE MID NORTH COAST, and so Coopernook Pop Up Op Shop decided to help.

W

hat is Orange Sky, and how does it help homeless and vulnerable people living on the Mid North Coast?

Orange Sky is a free mobile laundry service that helps homeless and vulnerable people.

The van is based in Port Macquarie, is named “Maddy” and since arriving in November 2017, Orange Sky volunteers have done more than 1,870 loads of washing while sharing more than 2,900 hours of genuine and nonjudgmental conversation.

Maddy is one of 29 vans in Australia and if you open her doors, you will find two washing machines, two dryers, a water tank, generator and a pile of folding orange chairs.

While washing is in the machines, volunteers simply sit and chat, and the focus is on creating a safe, positive and supportive environment for people who are too often ignored or who feel disconnected from the community. The volunteers are not social workers or experts on homelessness - they are empathetic listeners and great conversationalists.

Where does Orange Sky set up on the Mid North Coast, and what has been a milestone moment for the service?

Maddy clocks some serious kilometres every week, as volunteers drive her to locations for shifts varying from two to three hours. The service has grown to eight shifts that run

38 Manning-Great Lakes focus

The pop up op shop Over 300 items were given, including is all about giving FAITH IS NOT 71 bars of soap, 16 everything another ABOUT BEING SEEN bottles of shampoo chance, another value, IN CHURCH; IT’S and conditioner, 19 before it ends up in ABOUT HOW WE bottles of body wash, landfill. It is certainly MANAGE BEING 21 tubes of toothpaste, helping my awareness of WITH AND CARE 15 toothbrushes, 30 the need for repurposing FOR OTHER PEOPLE. deodorants, packets and recycling, and when of razors, wipes, local members bring across six days of the week, with a team of sunscreen, 15 bath around 70 volunteers. The van is in Taree on their goods to us, they Monday, Kempsey on Tuesday, Port Macquarie towels, 15 washers, know they are helping and Laurieton on Wednesday, Port Macquarie and seven hand towels. someone, and it’s not just In the past we’ve supported the Women’s on Thursday, Taree on Friday and Port going straight to landfill.

Refuge in Taree, provided clothing to the Macquarie on Sunday.

While it hasn’t brought new people into Kairos Prison Ministry, and at the moment we Live statistics are kept on every load of the church, we are finding people are willing have made bundles of baby clothes to go to laundry as they go into a washer, and on to come across the church lawn to the church an orphanage in Peru.

May 10 at 10:30am on our Port Macquarie hall, and we are reaching people from as far What is the Coopernook Pop Up Op Shop, shift, Orange Sky celebrated the achievement as Mount George, Wauchope, Laurieton and and when is it open to the community? of one million kilograms of laundry. William Pacific Palms. It has certainly increased our We use the word “pop up” because we Lu (pictured) was one of the volunteers on profile in the community. only open two days a week from 9am to 2pm shift that day with Graham Carroll, who also It’s another way to connect with the regularly drives Maddy from Port Macquarie to on Wednesday and Thursday - and on the community and to reach out to people who first and second Saturday of every month.

Taree on a Monday and Friday. don’t particularly believe in coming to church Coopernook Pop Up Op Shop co-ordinator We average about 50 hours a month. It is an every week, and faith is not about being seen Elaine Windred learned of Orange Sky and extension of the church, and its purpose is for in church; it’s about how we manage being the recycling and repurposing of goods and visited its Friday service in Taree earlier with and care for other people. connecting to the community. It’s as simple this year to meet team leader, (and Love I love everything about being involved in as that.

Pray Do column author, Ainslee Dennis), the pop up op shop; it’s almost two years From a very naive perspective I guess, I to find out how its members could old, and I think it’s answered a prayer for us. would like the public to know that when they support the people who use the service.

There is such a strong sense of community, are donating their goods to us, it’s not just Elaine, why did you choose Orange Sky? fellowship, and it offers quality experiences about the money. We are able to send out From a faith point of view, it is because like being able to help others - none of us are Orange Sky is reaching out to less fortunate gifts on behalf of the community through the young, but we are all willing and enthusiastic. people, to people who are struggling, and connections we are making, and I think that’s The Coopernook Pop Up Op Shop is open have different pressures in their lives. pretty special. from 9am to 2pm every Wednesday and We don’t supply toiletries through the pop Why did the Lower Manning Uniting Thursday, and on the first and second up op shop, so we ran a little campaign from Church decide to open the Coopernook Saturday of each month at Coopernook February to April through the Lower Manning Pop Up Op Shop, and how has it Uniting Church in Petrie Street, Uniting Church, and it was supported by the contributed to the community? congregation, members of the adult fellowship Coopernook.

We are such a disposable society, and group, volunteers, friends, and some of our To learn more about Orange Sky, hopefully the next generation will be wiser customers also donated things. visit orangesky.org.au and learn from our mistakes.

Taree

Orthodontics interview with Dr Darin Ballard

Practice Manager Denise Buckley and Principal Orthodontist Dr Darin Ballard.

FOCUS speaks with Dr Darin Ballard about the advances in orthodontic technology and treatments available.

H

i Darin. How has the business evolved since it began?

Orthodontics has certainly come a long way and is continually developing as a profession. Advances in orthodontic technology mean treatment is getting quicker, easier and more successful.

We offer a range of treatment options to align teeth; however, Invisalign is the greatest advancement in orthodontics to date. It is the modern way to straighten teeth, without the pain and embarrassment of braces.

From a business perspective, we have relocated to new practices in Taree and Port Macquarie, designed to accommodate for population growth and also the number of dentists in the region referring their patients to us for specialist orthodontic treatment.

What are some of the achievements you are most proud of?

Port Macquarie and Every staff member is highly Taree Orthodontics are trained and will create now both recognised an environment for our patients. We invest as a Blue Diamond you that is comfortable. a lot of time and energy provider of this Orthodontic treatment into staff training and treatment, meaning is typically a two year development, so that we are now leading process, so we do get to know our patients can reap Invisalign providers in the our patients quite well during they the benefits. country. We also pride time. We greatly enjoy being on What do you value ourselves on innovation, this journey with you. as your business’ reflecting the rapid greatest asset? environmental changes Our team! With over and advancements in twenty employees operating in our clinics, technology. We know we must remain extra each and every staff member works to vigilant to continue to provide the cutting ensure that your treatment journey with us is edge patient management and high level of dental and orthodontic techniques we offer to enjoyable and successful.

Every staff member is highly trained and will create an environment for you that is comfortable. Orthodontic treatment is typically a two year process, so we do get to know our patients quite well during this time.

We greatly enjoy being on this journey with you.

How do you measure success in business?

Success is seeing our patients, who can be initially self-conscious about their smile, complete their treatment with a beaming smile on their face. This is life changing for them and gives us great satisfaction within our business.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 39

decades

A

S P E C I A L

F O C U S

F E A T U R E

Manning-Great Lakes focus 40

DECADES IN THE TRADE / FOCUS

FEATURE

Margaret has been helping women find the right kind of support for decades. We chat to her about what it takes to build a successful business.

Serving the local

women in our community for 26 years

decades TRADE IN THE

Y

ou’ve been looking after women buy a smaller bra, but with a big cup. We stock A to in the local area for a number of G cups, and even bigger. We do special orders if we years. Just how long have you been don’t have exactly what you need, and we also offer in business - and can you tell us a prothesis fitting service, but you need to make an how it all began? appointment.

I opened Margaret’s Underfashions Can you tell us a bit about the brands you have on the 5th July 1993 and have been in business for 26 available? years. I had worked in ladies’ retail at a department store We stock all the major brands, in a variety of styles, before it closed for many years before and had a sound tastes, fabrics and shapes. Sleepwear brands include knowledge of retail.

Givoni, Shrank, French Country, Magnolia Lounge and What inspired you to open up a lingerie store in Oriental. Our best bra brands are Berlei, Triumph, Playtex, Taree?

Fayeform, Bendon and Jockey I know the underwear trade underwear. We have a new range well from my previous working of Ambra and also stock slips and experience, so I decided to take camisoles for wearing all year. We the plunge and opened my shop have such a range in store, there’s UNBELIEVABLY, 80% selling underwear, sleepwear, bound to be something that suits.

OF WOMEN WEAR hosiery, umbrellas, jewellery What’s your secret to running a and scarves in Pulteney Street THE WRONG BRA successful business?

Arcade. Originally it was a Offering outstanding personal IF THEY ARE NOT smaller premises, with just myself service is incredibly important, FITTED PROPERLY. and one other staff member; especially these days where we however, after three short years are often left to our own devices, the business grew and we moved wondering a store or shopping to a bigger shop, still situated in aimlessly on the internet. I think the arcade. many stores in the past have under valued customer When it comes to underwear, where do service; however, there now seems to be a trend towards many women get it wrong, and what kind of it, especially in major department stores. customer service do you offer?

We pride ourselves on helping our customers make Unbelievably, 80% of women wear the wrong bra if informed decisions and purchases. Lots of customers they are not fitted properly. My staff and I are all trained need help, and we love to give them special attention. fitters, so you’re guaranteed we’ll find the right bra size I also believe that offering good quality product, at a to fit your shape. Lots of women don’t realise you can reasonable price, is also key. Customers want to feel that

they have gotten value for their money.

What differentiates your store from the competition?

Wonderful staff. I think they play an intricate part to any successful business. They carry the load when I’m away and make sure my customers are fully taken care of. In addition, I like to be able to offer promotions and specials when I can. We can’t be a SALE shop, but when the bigger firms and brands offer promotions, I pass them on.

You run an annual Fashion Parade event each year with Quota International. Will this be happening in 2019, and what can we expect?

Quota ladies do a great job, and I’m delighted to help out with the parade once a year. I believe in supporting the local community and helping where I can.

How can we find out more information?

We do not sell online, as we encourage our customers to come in and get fitted properly. By doing this, we can guarantee that you purchase the right bra for your body shape. We do, however, have a Facebook page; check it out for updates and promotions.

Thanks Margaret.

Interview: Bronwyn Davis.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 41

Forster & Tuncurry

40 YEARS LOCAL – LEAVE IT TO US

What sets us apart?

WE THINK CUSTOMER We think customer

WE DELIVER REMARKABLE SERVICE We deliver remarkable service

WE CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO

WE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

We strive for excellence

TOGETHER WE CREATE MEANINGFUL IMPACT

Together we create meaningful impact

We challenge the status quo

Book your next holiday with us at www.forsteraccom.com.au

> > > >

Sales Residential Rentals Commercial Sales and Rentals Holiday Accommodation www.professionalsforster.com.au

42 Manning-Great Lakes focus

02 6555 6555

DECADES IN THE TRADE / FOCUS FEATURE

RICHARD

DARRELL the professionals

and

real estate

Real estate is a huge business, and Richard and Darrell from The Professionals have been in the game a long time. We catch up with them in our special Decades in the Trade feature.

C

an you tell us how long you have been in real estate and how long you have owned the Professionals Forster?

RC: My real estate career has always been with the Professionals, for just on 20 years, as a selling sales executive initially and a dedicated business owner for the last 17 years. Initially this was a career change from a legal background and former management roles, but the passion for property has always been in my blood. I love this career, and I take it very seriously. Originally Gloucester born and residing here for over 20 years now, perhaps I am almost a local! I guess you could say loyalty is important to me, and my commitment to the Professionals brand is as strong as the day I joined.

DR: After moving to the area in the mid ‘70s with my family, I completed my schooling in the local district. Straight out of high school and for the larger part of my adult life, I have been involved in the real estate industry and have enjoyed many happy years with my business partner, Richard, and as a part of the Professionals Group.

The Professionals is a well-recognised and sought after brand. How long has it been in operation here in Forster; can you tell us a bit of history about the local agency?

The Professionals brand has been operating in Forster for over 40 years. Originally located in the former RSL premises in Wharf Street, Professionals has a long, rich main street history and has become an iconic local brand. We have connected with thousands of customers over the years, been involved in countless real estate transactions and developments, and embedded ourselves locally as a committed community business partner.

What are some of the biggest changes you have noticed over the years within the industry?

It’s stating the obvious, but technology has

absolutely transformed the industry, and any the key. Maintaining the right balance between business (real estate or otherwise) that has not traditional marketing and modern methods that adapted can quickly become obsolete. That, have enormous reach is not easy, but we pride coupled with a dramatic shift in consumer ourselves on being innovative and creative in this behaviour, presents a continuous challenge regard. for strategic business planning. If you lose Tell us about the team at The Professionals touch with the customer, you have lost your Forster. way. To ensure we stay current, we do invest We have a phenomenal team of employees heavily in staff training working with us (16 in and development, as it total) and quite frankly, is all very well to have a our success ultimately vision - but without well depends on each and educated and trained every one of them. We Maintaining the right team members, the are very strong on culture balance between implementation is destined and work ethic in selecting traditional marketing to fail. This is an area we any employee to join our and modern methods believe differentiates us team, and we couldn’t that have enormous dramatically, and we will be happier with the crew. reach is not easy, but always ensure our team There is a constant buzz we pride ourselves on being are exceptionally trained in in our office and we also innovative and creative in their areas of competency. see very limited turnover, this regard.

Can you tell us about which hopefully reflects a some of the changes great work environment that have happened and strong leadership. here locally, both for Strategically, we invest the town and the agency? a lot of energy in building culture, and we This town has seen considerable growth and acknowledge the importance of reward and certainly a change in demographic. We are most recognition. We also make sure we have some certainly still a popular retiree location, and that fun in our day to day activities, in what can often remains a significant market - but it is changing. be a stressful environment. Relocation to our Naturally, there can be resistance to change, brand-new premises and modern facilities has as we seek to preserve the unique nature of also contributed to a terrific motivation within our town, but we must also acknowledge the the team, and we are all excited with the move importance of growth and change if this town is and future. to flourish and there are to be opportunities for What brings you to work each day? the generations to come.

The predictable answer would be to earn a Our business model must now be responsive living! In all honesty, it is the team we work with to a variety of customers, but one thing we and the variety of activity every day brings. The will guarantee is that our core values and our strategic running of a business sees us immersed integrity will never waver. More specifically, daily with branding, marketing and community perhaps the biggest and constant change we activities, but we are also very hands on with have to embrace is staying modern in marketing. our sales team activity, property management Traditionally, our industry was viewed as a sales and holiday business units. I guess like all small business but in today’s environment, marketing is business owners, we wear many hats - which

decades TRADE IN THE

present their daily challenges. There is never a dull moment, and time seems to fly by.

We also both believe in life balance, so we always ensure we and all our team have quality family time and take a moment to enjoy and appreciate the incredible place we call home.

What are some exciting things on the horizon for The Professionals Forster?

This has been a huge year already, with a complete office relocation to our new premises, and the year ahead holds some exciting initiatives, particularly in marketing.

We have made many changes, grown our team and built a team culture that is the foundation of our success and the envy of all.

We have an ongoing leadership responsibility to make this all happen, and that is where our energies are devoted. We hope the results speak for themselves, and we continue to aggressively seek opportunities to improve and grow.

Where do you see yourself and the company in another 10 years?

We are lucky to share an extremely strong partnership, with tremendous experience between us. It makes life easy, and the future looks bright. We won’t settle for average; we will continue to innovate, pursue growth opportunities, continue our rich history of community support, provide a foundation for employment for many locals and ultimately maintain our absolute determination to be recognised as unmistakable market leaders in all aspects of our business.

One thing that won’t change is our core philosophy, and that is to seek the very best outcome for our clients by developing lifetime relationships built on honesty and trust.

Finally, a business can’t be successful for 40 years without some very strong business fundamentals, so whilst change is always inevitable, some things will always stay the same - as we plan a business future well beyond 10 years ... hopefully another 40 plus!

Thanks Richard and Darrell.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 43

DECADES IN THE TRADE / FOCUS

FEATURE

McNamara's Frames & Trusses Tropical Coffee Company After almost 18 years successfully operating Tropical Coffee Company in Pulteney Arcade, Taree, Clay and Chris are ready to hang up their aprons permanently and hopefully hand the reins over to another passionate foodie/coffee couple who can continue with their success. Well known in town for their extensive coffee and tea blends, their food is also sought after. Cooked from fresh, quality sourced ingredients, it is a known fact that lunch bookings are essential. More recently they have added speciality kitchen equipment and giftware for sale in the shop, and this side of the business has just taken off. They have enjoyed their time growing the business, but retirement is calling, so they have reduced their

44 Manning-Great Lakes focus

18 YEARS IN BUSINESS price to $55,000 plus stock, endeavouring to make it affordable for a young couple to take over. With Clay being a chef and Chris magic on front of house and the coffee machine plus long term staff, they are prepared to offer the new owners every assistance, and sale will be on a walk in, walk out basis. The business has been very profitable over the years, despite opening hours only five days per week, 7am to 3:30pm. There is plenty of potential for opening on the weekend and at night, or even for holding private functions or cooking classes. If you are passionate about food and coffee and interested in owning your own business, then contact Amanda Tate from LJ Hooker Taree.

B & J McNamara Pty Ltd, better known as McNamara’s, was founded in 1980 by Bernie, John and Denyse McNamara.

A family owned and operated business, from the beginning they set out to be the best frames and trusses business in Forster and surrounding areas. They have succeeded!

Today, customers come to them from as far as the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Port Macquarie for products and services.

The company has grown to the point where it now occupies 6½ acres in Condell Place, Forster and employs 35 permanent staff. Some staff members have been with McNamara’s for over 30 years.

Thanks to many years in the area, McNamara's are a proud supporter of many local builders.

They’ve won numerous awards for the quality of their frames and trusses and are looking

40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

forward to winning more in days to come.

The team at B & J McNamara Pty Ltd is serious about quality service. The qualified, experienced and professional tradespeople are committed to the highest standards of workmanship and safety. They take pride in providing cost-effective, competitive solutions for your building requirements.

McNamara’s highly skilled team use innovative technologies, proven techniques and the finest products to complete your project.

They are capable of completing any size job on time and within budget, while meeting all specified requirements.

McNamara’s can also supply all your fix-out needs, including plasterboard, hardwood flooring, doors and general building hardware.

Contact the experts at McNamara's today!

Manning-Great Lakes focus 45

Seniors Living and Retirement

46 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusfeature.

MIDCOAST

Seniors Living and Retirement

Council’s ageing and disability services on hand to assist.

M

idCoast Council’s Ageing and Disability Services team has started the new year by unveiling a new identity, MidCoast Assist, along with a commitment to the same friendly faces and personalised services they’re well known for in the local area.

The ageing and disability services function of MidCoast Council has been a fixture in the local community for over twenty years, operating as Great Lakes Ageing and Disability Services prior to the 2016 Council merger. In that time, a diverse range of services has been established, aimed at supporting older people, their carers, and those living with a disability to lead an active and independent lifestyle.

Paul De Szell, MidCoast Council’s Director, Community Spaces and Services, welcomes the new brand, which marks the expansion of the service across the entire MidCoast region.

“The merger has provided an opportunity to do things differently, and MidCoast Assist is a terrific

example of taking a valuable service from one of the former regions and extending it to our broader community.”

The MidCoast Assist team is made up of local, qualified professionals across two distinct and specialised areas - aged care, and disability support services - who pride themselves on a personalised approach that acknowledges that everyone’s needs are unique.

“All the MidCoast Assist staff live locally, they know their clients well, and they take time to get to know the people who matter to them, their situations, and their goals and aspirations,” Paul said.

As a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, MidCoast Assist’s disability services arm offers NDIS participants advice and support in establishing and managing their NDIS plan and funding and assistance in coordinating support services. A regular monthly calendar of activities also brings participants together to develop skills, try something new, build friendships, and to live more independently.

In ageing services, the team offers in and

out of home services, the team offers a program designed to assist people of regular support to assist In ageing services, the team offers over 65 years to live carers in their role,” Paul in and out of home services, independently in their added. designed to assist people own homes for longer.

The new name and over 65 years to live Services include help logo will roll out from independently in their in navigating the My January 2018. For more own homes for longer.

Aged Care system, social information about the outings, assistance with services provided by daily activities such as MidCoast Assist, or to transport or shopping, request contact, please and delivery of the Federal Government’s Home visit www.midcoastassist.com.au or call 1300 65 88 30.

Care Packages.

MidCoast Assist is an ageing and disability “We also recognise the important part that support service of MidCoast Council. carers play in supporting their loved ones, and

Manning-Great Lakes focus 47

Manning-Great Lakes focus 55

focusinterview.

Tours A U S T R A L I A

Seniors Norfolk Island

Living and Retirement

Hi Steve! Thanks so much for speaking with FOCUS. You have been very busy this year, with a record number of luxury coach tours to various events. I wanted to talk about the extended trips you have scheduled for group tours in 2020.

P

lease tell us a little about what you have in store.

Hello, Sarah. So far we have two fantastic trips planned for 2020. Departing on April 30 and returning May 9, our Back Roads VIC and NSW tour takes in some of our most iconic outback towns and natural wonders, that most of us have only heard about. This tour has been inspired by the ABC television program, Back Roads. We will experience the history, the culture and meet the locals.

Ballarat is all about our Gold Rush history, and in Bendigo we tour the township by tram and visit Bridgewater Solar Farm, Goldfields Eucalyptus Distillery and of course, “The Spanner Man”… The Silo Mural Art Trail through outback Victoria is probably the highlight of this tour. We will visit Lake Tyrell, the largest inland salt lake in Victoria, famous for mesmerising scenery and breathtaking sunsets.

During our return we experience back roads towns such as Swan Hill and Deniliquin. In Wagga we drive through the beautiful sea of yellow canola flowers, but this time we stop and visit a canola farm and processing plant.

Norfolk Island is next on the list, Sarah, departing March 29 and returning April 6; we spend seven full days on the island. Flying Air New Zealand, there is no need for a visa or passport. I coach everyone to Parkroyal Parramatta for our overnight stay, and then straight to Sydney Domestic for our 9:50am flight.

Our Norfolk Island trip includes a Progressive Dinner, being a three course meal progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes - a fun night and a great way to meet the locals and sample some of the island dishes. We stay at the South Pacific Resort Hotel, which is just a short stroll to the main centre, Burnt Pine. We do a half day island tour, convict settlement tour, Pitcairn settlers tour, wonderland by night, Colleen McCullough home tour, deluxe indulgence tour, island culture tour, Christian's glass bottom boat cruise, Fletcher's Cyclorama and Queen Victoria Garden visit.

I’m really looking forward to Island Fish Fry Night, where we enjoy a feast of Island dishes, homemade bread and fresh fried fish followed by desserts, whilst enjoying the magic scenery from Puppys Point, set high overlooking the beautiful Norfolk Western Coastline. Island Fish Fry entertainment is also a real eye opener, with the local dancers and audience participation.

Talk us through a typical day for guests on an extended away trip with Coach Tours Australia and the high level of service received ...

Breakfast is usually from 7am, with no set time, and departure times no earlier than 9am unless unavoidable - like to catch a flight, for example. I like my guests to feel like they’re on a cultural holiday that’s easy paced, rather than a rushed tour.

On arrival at our first point of interest, I set up morning tea while everyone is enjoying the activity. On their way back to the coach, morning tea is served. Lunch is usually

included during our next connection, we can take tour stop, which helps passenger requests for I LIKE MY GUESTS maximise our precious specific entertainment, TO FEEL LIKE time. If we’re heading including favourite THEY’RE ON A to a remote location artists etc. On-board CULTURAL HOLIDAY with no lunch facility, I wifi is another feature, THAT’S EASY PACED, would have sandwiches, so guests can connect RATHER THAN A tea and coffee loaded and send photos and RUSHED TOUR. on-board before our messages to loved ones morning departure. whilst on-tour.

We normally do For people wanting one or two afternoon more information or to activities, prior to a 4:30pm check-in to our book for one of the upcoming extended accommodation. Before check-in, I like to trips, how can they best reach you? provide a tour of the township or visit the People can best reach me by phoning area lookout, just so my guests can gain a 0411 568 022 or Fay, my tour hostess, on perspective of where they are on Earth. Dinner 0414 551 285 or email is at 7pm, which gives people time to settle in, info@coachtoursaustralia.net.au or check out freshen up and have happy hour if inclined. our website: www.coachtoursaustralia.net.au I know the passenger coach is decked out One of our key features is that our guests with all luxuries, making people’s comfort can board the coach at Club Taree, Hallidays second to none. What are some of the Point, Tuncurry, Club Forster, Forster Keys, extras on-board that cater for all patrons?

Golden Ponds, Pacific Palms, Newcastle, and We have three high definition TV screens, the Central Coast, or even join the group in so all passengers have a great view of the Sydney. on-board entertainment. Now that I’ve Thanks Steve. installed Apple TV and have mobile internet Interview: Sarah Dunstan.

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focusfeature.

Seniors Living and Retirement

Needing home care, but waiting for a package?

Recent government figures show that there are a large number of older people across Australia who are on the national queue waiting for a home care package to be assigned to them, with some seniors waiting up to 12 months and beyond for their package.

While the Government recently announced that 10,000 packages would be released across Australia in early 2019, there will still be a significant number of people waiting for a package. Anglican Care’s Marketing Manager, Kylie Jacques, says that for older Australians preferring to receive support and services in their own home and live independently for as long as possible, it certainly presents many challenges and that is why they created HomeLife Assist.

“Our HomeLife Assist is a great way for people to begin to access much needed support immediately. We can offer up to two hours of services at a cost of $70 a week and once people receive their home care package, we can provide a seamless transfer to a Home Care Package.

We make it easy, with a team that people have become familiar with and additional access to our care advisors, case management services, clinical and allied health support teams, and our highly skilled Nurse Practitioner,” says Kylie.

For those seniors who have had an ACAT assessment and are eligible for a home care package but are still waiting in the national queue, call our Customer Support Team on 1800 733 553.

Let our local team support you to

stay independent and happy at home.

Call us today if you are considering your options, unsure how to apply for a home care package or looking for a new provider. We are committed to making the process of obtaining home care as easy as possible.

GET IN TOUCH

P 1800 733 553 (Free call) www.anglicancare.com.au HOME CARE I RETIREMENT LIVING I RESIDENTIAL CARE 50 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusfeature.

Seniors Living and Retirement

Custom-made lifts and hoists for the home or business, proudly made locally in Gloucester NSW. Is taking the stairs in your home becoming more difficult? Do you have a family member who has trouble accessing the upper levels?

Perhaps you’re tired of lugging the shopping up those steps! In our ageing population, more people are opting to stay in their own homes longer, and Harwel Lifts & Hoists continues to help make this possible for so many people.

Talk to us today about our Australian-made, custom-built lifts, or come and see our factory in beautiful Gloucester.

We have almost 25 years’ experience in manufacturing lifts and hoists for homes and businesses.

Our lifts are made to measure and come in a range of finishes and colours to suit your needs, space, dĂŠcor and budget. From glossy finishes in your choice of colour, to plain or tinted glass, from swing doors to sliding doors, the choice is yours. Every one of our passenger

lifts, limited mobility lifts, goods lifts or vehicle hoists comply with Australian Standards. We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and operated.

You will find that Harwel is positively distinguished by the personal attention you receive from the design process, through to installation and scheduled servicing to keep your lift in top condition.

With a combined total of over 100 years in the lift industry, we take pride in our high quality craftsmanship and in working with you to design, build and install your lift.

Please contact us for more information on either 1300 134 102 or admin@harwel.com.au or visit our website www.harwellifts.com.au

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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

I am positive the real estate market is breathing a huge sigh of relief after the recent Federal Election and the banks loosening the restraints on lending requirements.

T

he upside was that whilst investors were scarce and struggling with finance, first home buyers took advantage of the shift in the market. The demographics of our marketplace have been different, with the majority of enquiry and buyers coming from our local area. Entry point for first home buyers is higher than usual, averaging around $330,000. With the new incentive for first home buyers, this should further strengthen our market and ease a lot of our renters into their own properties. With

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the strong market we have been experiencing, many investors have chosen to cash in, with the first home buyers snapping up what is usually the investors’ turf. This has also eased the burden on rents, with our vacancy rate remaining fairly steady around 2%.

The majority of sales right around the Great Lakes and Manning Valley have been the average three to four bedroom, brick home, with the most popular price range between $350,000 to $600,000. We do have an ageing population who are trying to downsize and are finding it difficult to find suitable homes outside of aged care facilities. There is

a need for quality, brick homes or duplexes appears to be popular, with the lowest with small yards and easy access in good sale at $155,000, whilst in Forster, a house areas, where they can be free to garden, block sold for $176,000. Good buys still take their beloved pet and safe enough to occurred, with a two bedroom home, ripe just lock up and travel. for renovation in Taree West, for $197,000, Not surprising, an immaculate two there are only two bedroom brick unit sales over that magic for $190,000 in million, with a 22 acre, Taree, but possibly riverfront property the best buy goes Whilst the average days on market at Mitchells Island to a humble one for a home has expanded to selling for $1,112,500 bedroom cottage at 64 days, with the positive and an exquisite four Melinga, for a mere result from the election, bedroom home on the $130,000. murmurs of an interest water at Harrington Whilst the average rate cut and the increase for $1,215,000. days on market for a in enquiry we are already Interesting that a home has expanded seeing, we may well see 2,732 m² block of to 64 days, with the this number decrease. land on the beach positive result from at Old Bar sold for the election, murmurs just $525,000, and a of an interest rate small house block at cut and the increase Diamond Beach for in enquiry we are $590,000. What do they have in common? already seeing, we may well see this Water and water views. A quaint pole number decrease. So, is it now a buyers’ or house sold in the exclusive Crowdy Head a sellers’ market? for $625,000, with absolutely magic views I believe anytime is a good time to be of the Pacific Ocean, proving yet again that in real estate mode, and there is a lot of the better the view, the better the value. positive influences favouring both sides at Land is still selling and Tallwoods this present time.

WITH JOHN FROM KINETIC MEDICINE

kinetic MEDICINE

Cancer.

It’s the word no one wants to hear, but sadly more and more of us will face a diagnosis either ourselves or for someone we care about.

B

y the age of 85, one in eight rates of physical and psychological wellbeing, women will be diagnosed as well as drastically reducing their rates of with breast cancer, one in secondary cancers and diseases they are five men diagnosed with more likely to develop after their primary prostate cancer and one in cancer diagnosis.

13 men are diagnosed with Many decades ago, sufferers of heart lung cancer. Ironically, people generally living attacks were strongly encouraged not to longer appears to be the primary reason partake in any physical activity and were for increased rates of cancer across our consigned to bed rest as part of their population, yet whilst more people are being recovery. The difficulty was, those who took diagnosed with cancers, the good news is up that advice were more likely to die of a that people are living second heart attack longer with cancer. than those who readily Cancer treatment became more active. has come a long way in In the same way, a very short period of Research continues to encouraging patients to time, but to this point reinforce a somewhat be active is now being the primary focus has counter-intuitive piece of extended to those with been on the treatment wisdom - cancer patients a cancer diagnosis as of cancer and little who undertake a carefully of primary importance, focus has been paid monitored and prescribed to survivorship - what as important as exercise program do better. happens when people their attendance to survive cancer. Evidence other treatments. gathered over the last The difficulty is decade or two has that we profoundly pointed to one profound means to ensure underestimate the expertise required to survivors of cancer live better and longer, and exercise safely and effectively in many you might be surprised what it is - exercise. settings, and this case is certainly no Cancer patients have many competing exception. Just as someone who has had demands for their time and energy, which a heart attack should attend an expertly can be particularly scarce, but research overseen rehabilitation program, so too continues to reinforce a somewhat countershould a cancer sufferer partake in carefully intuitive piece of wisdom - cancer patients overseen exercise therapy by someone who undertake a carefully monitored and experienced in dealing with exercise for prescribed exercise program do better. cancer sufferers and survivors.

Especially through the treatment phase So if you or a loved one have been given of a cancer patient's journey, individuals the difficult news of a cancer diagnosis, find have been shown to have far lower rates yourself an exercise physiologist for your of treatment toxicity (the awful side effects healthcare team, so that you can use exercise typically associated with chemotherapy) the more muscle mass they build, report higher as medicine. You’ll live better if you do.

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focusinterview.

Keith Pearce

At 82 years of age, KEITH PEARCE IS STILL POUNDING THE PAVEMENT AND RUNNING HIS OWN RACE ...

H

i Keith. You’re now 82; what are the most difficult and most rewarding things about growing older?

I find lapses in memory very annoying - but of no great concern, as they are short lived. However, I do now have the knowledge and experience to know how to best provide my energy levels over the duration of races, be it short ones like a sprint or longer ones, Olympic and half Ironman distances. I am less steady on my feet now and although I am “running” - others with a fast walk may overtake me! In the old days, I was always trying to get past all those who were ahead of me, irrelevant of their age or mine.

You didn’t take up triathlons until you were in your 50s. What made you embrace such a gruelling sport?

My actual first triathlon was back in the late ‘70s. I then had a long break, until taking it up again in 1990. I was fairly capable in all three disciplines - so thought I would be competitive in triathlon, and I’ve always enjoyed a challenge. It seemed to me that those finishing an Ironman weren’t as “stuffed” as those just racing a marathon alone (where you have to go flat out for 42 km.) You really need to pace yourself in Triathlons - if you go too hard on the bike, you won’t have the legs to do the run; it is all about discipline! Not going out too hard, too early!

You have raced in triathlons all over the globe. Can you tell us of this experience and some of the titles you’ve won?

I enjoy racing - pitting myself against the best in my age category.

It always motivates me to beat ALL in front of me, even if not in my age group! Now I am not competing as much, someone else can win!

Below are some of the events I’ve competed in.

1990 - NZ KIWI LARGER IRONMAN - AUCKLAND 1st Vet 50 - 54 (age 53) overall time, 11 hoursr 15 minutes 14 seconds.

1992 - NZ DB IRONMAN, AUCKLAND. 1st Vet 55 - 59 in 12 hours 5 minutes 22 seconds.

1992 - HAWAIIAN IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, KONA. 2nd Vet 55 - 59 in 11 hours 1 minute 10 seconds (whilst breaking the course record!)

2002 - HAWAIIAN IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, KONA, 4th Vet 65+ in 13 hours 7 minutes 56 seconds (over-trained).

2009 - ITU WORLD AQUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS, GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA. 1st Vet 70 - 74.

2009 - ITU WORLD OLYMPIC TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS GOLD COAST. 1st Vet 70 - 74 with a puncture 1km into bike, but still won.

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Diagnosed with stomach cancer five months later. ride on the third day. I then repeat this, day after day. In the 2012 - ITU “WORLD” OLYMPIC DIS. TRIATHLON CHAMPION, afternoon, I do a gym session in my home gym - this focuses on NEW ZEALAND. 1st Vet 75+. my upper body, using bungee cord for my arms and shoulders.

2012 - ITU “WORLD” AQUATHLON CHAMPION, NEW All this gives me the confidence in my ability to perform at a high ZEALAND. 1st Vet 75+. level, for my age.

2016 - ITU AGE GROUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, COZUMEL, What are the major values or principles that you live by?

MEXICO. AQUATHLON 2.5 KM RUN, 1 KM SWIM, 2.5 KM I avoid aggressive behaviour and will not tolerate this in any RUN. 1st 80+ in 1 hour 0 minutes 46 seconds form. Keeping extremely fit has helped me in so many ways - it (6 minutes ahead of 2nd place). definitely contributed to my quick recovery from stomach cancer 2016 - ITU AGE GROUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, surgery, where most of my stomach was removed. I had three COZUMEL, MEXICO. SPRINT DIST 750 M SWIM, 20 KM BIKE, months of chemo and was then back competing again three 5 KM RUN (DRAFT LEGAL). 2nd 80+ months after that - just nine months after in 1 hour 37 minutes 46 seconds (just being diagnosed. I remained very positive of 1½ minutes behind 1st place, closing a full recovery. fast).

What would you say keeps you young 2016 - ITU AGE GROUP WORLD in both body, mind and spirit?

I have won triathlons CHAMPIONSHIPS, COZUMEL, All of the above, as any doubts or over various distances, MEXICO. OLYMPIC DIST 1,500 M negative thoughts are quickly expelled Olympic, Sprint, (reduced to 1,250) SWIM, 40 KM during and after exercising. I also have a Aquathlon, Duathlon and BIKE,10 KM RUN. 1st 80+ in 3 hours “mantra” that I repeat to myself whilst Ironman. I’ve also competed 38 minutes 6 seconds - ½ hour faster exercising”: Exercise is good for me; it in the World Masters Champs in than 2nd place. clears my mind and sets me free, energises numerous events, both running I would imagine you have an my body and opens my mind to creative and triathlon - in Australia, New intensive training program. What thought of every kind. It makes me feel Zealand and Mexico. do you do to stay fit and in peak so good inside - so get in the groove and condition? exercise.

Fortunately, I retain excellent You are fondly called the “Kahuna”. health and fitness, with no real issues How did you acquire this title? i.e. muscles, joints, heart and lungs - and my mental health is “Kahuna’’ was a title given to me by triathlon friends I was sound. I have won triathlons over various distances, Olympic, helping train up for Ironman. One of them, Pete Camilleri, Sprint, Aquathlon, Duathlon and Ironman. I’ve also competed in used that name for me, and it has stuck with me for nearly 20 the World Masters Champs in numerous events, both running years now! I accepted the title as a very special compliment! I and triathlon - in Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. had a fountain of knowledge to draw from, to help my friends In 2010 you faced a major hurdle, when you were overcome any query about their training - and both Pete and diagnosed with cancer. Do you think being extremely fit Paul Nixon have gone on to complete 10 plus Ironman races! and active helped you overcome this?

Who’s your biggest supporter?

I was in training for Ironman Western Australia when I was Roberta, my wife, is my biggest and loyal supporter - though diagnosed. I never saw this as being life threatening (though my I have so many friends both in Forster and even overseas who wife assures me it was!) I was confident that I would return to have supported me fully during my competitive years. I am still in my usual level of fitness - and I did! Whilst I haven’t competed contact with running buddies from 50 years ago too! in a Full Ironman since my stomach surgery in 2010 - I have What’s the next event you’re training for? competed in Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distances. I still At age 82, I have said that I have “retired” ... but I have train every day, mid morning and late afternoon. The morning learned that you can never say “never”! session is a run on the first day, a swim on the second and a Thanks Keith. Interview: Bronwyn Davis.

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