Manning-Great Lakes Focus i157

Catherine Calvin

March 2020. issue 157

Evans

Amanda

2 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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team From the

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

A

very happy International Women’s Day to all our amazing women out there. Our annual Women In Business feature graces our pages this month, to showcase some of our brilliant women succeeding in work/home and just life in general, because let’s be honest - it’s not easy. We really could dedicate the whole edition from cover to cover to these amazing women, because there are just so many. We have some great interviews awaiting you lucky readers. Amanda Evans is our beautiful cover model this month. Amanda is the owner and operator of Gather and Place, along with McDonald’s Taree which she owns with her husband, Craig. We ask Amanda how she manages to juggle this all and where her passion to start her very own business came from. Thank you to all our amazing women who took part in our Women in Business feature for 2020. For

those heading out to International Women’s Day events, have a fabulous time and enjoy celebrating you!

In this edition.

You may have seen in our February edition a very elegant spread showing kitchen renovations, decorating or building options. This month we are featuring bathrooms. Milligans in Taree and Forster, along with BLE Building showcase their products and services that can help you create your desired bathroom look and feel, along with our coastal palette for inspo.

We are currently tossing up whether to feature bedrooms or outdoor entertainment for April’s edition … these spreads are quite exciting and fun, so do stay tuned to see what we decide.

Entertainment galore.

We are packed to the brim this month for entertainment. Some huge acts are headed

to our region across all forms and arts. The gorgeous Catherine Britt brings her Bush Pubs Tour 2020 to Flow Bar on the 7th March; you can read her interview on page 20. Tony Childs is back at the Manning Entertainment Centre on March 13th. It’s show time at Wingham, with their annual show on March 20th, and Old Bar Tavern are holding two awesome events, Comedy Night - March 14th, starring the hilarious Urzila Carlson and our very own Andy Saunders, their second event being Salty Sounds on 4th April. Thank you to all of these great venues for bringing these acts and holding awesome events. Keep it up!

Have a wonderful March, guys and girls, enjoy our amazing region, spend time with loved ones and surround yourself with positive people. Don’t forget that you can read this mag online, as well as in print. Until next month …

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 3

contents Issue 157 - March 2020

focusinterviews

10

Animal Welfare League.

feature a special

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

26

Celebrates its 40th birthday by giving back to the community.

18

Surf Trash.

This year, Salty Sounds will be headlined by young guns Surf Trash. This three piece rock band from Newcastle have been making noise all over the country and continue to gain popularity amongst fans, making us all get excited for what’s to come.

24

108th Wallamba District Show.

the Usual

Suspects

08. WHAT’S ON for March 14. EAT local restaurants 16. NEV’S EDIBLE GARDENING with Neville Donovan 16. FOCUS ON FOOD with Donna Carrier 23. WINE TIME with Robyn Piper 23. MOVIE WATCH with Mark Braithwaite 43. BUSINESS MINDS with Bronwyn Davis 44. BUSINESS VOICE with John Stevens 45. MONEY MATTERS with Jonathan Tickle 52. LOVE PRAY DO with Ainslee Dennis

A great day out for the whole family.

62

Deborah Hazlett.

Deborah Hazlett is in an inspiration! Her life’s passion is the ocean … you could go so far as to say she has it in her blood. Here’s her story.

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www.facebook.com/mgl.focus/

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4 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focusinterview.

CATHERINE CALVIN

CATHERINE CALVIN

Seasoned traveller and Taree local Catherine Calvin has visited some amazing and unusual destinations over the years. We recently caught up with Catherine to get the inside story on her passion for travel, and a bit more about one destination in particular Myanmar (Burma).

H

i Catherine - can you please start with a bit about you, and when the "travel bug" first bit?

Like most people with a passion, my passion for travel began at around 11. I had aunties who travelled a lot in the 1950s and '60s and by the end of primary school, I was giving whole-of-grade geography presentations with their travel slides. I remember saying, ”When I grow up, I’m going to travel the world.”

My first overseas trip was as a 22 year old in the 1980s to the “Roof of the World”, where I trekked the Himalayas, and I quickly worked out that adventure travel was my thing. I spent days trekking through steep rice paddies, rhododendron forests, high snowy passes, over suspension bridges and by beautiful glacial lakes.

I had my own live geography lessons.

By 24, I’d saved enough to travel long term.

First stop in 1984 was China as a lone traveller.

Here I learnt that history does not just reside in Europe, and that China’s many man-made monuments, culture, inventions and traditions go far back. I also had the privilege of staying in a very remote part of Inner Mongolia, where the semi-nomadic sheep herders stopped for the winter, living in a simple one-bedroom family mud home where it was minus 40 degrees Celsius outside. I slept with three other travellers on a kang, a quilted rock-like bed with hot bricks from the fire underneath to warm us, and ate, drank and sang with the family to while away the dark, cold hours. After two months travelling all over China by rail, bus, boat and plane, I made my way through Europe and back across South East Asia and India, having met up with my future husband from Taree. By the age of 25, I had visited, lived or worked in around 22 countries. One of those was Myanmar, or Burma,

as it was known back then.

I imagine Myanmar is a destination not many people manage to reach. Can you tell us about your adventures there?

I first went to Myanmar in 1984 when it was called Burma. We did a seven-day whirl around the country in the back of a ute with fellow travellers we met on the plane from Bangkok. This was the most hectic, tiring and uncomfortable journey I’ve ever done, but seven days was all you were allowed back then.

Then in 2011, my husband Grant and I saw the movie The Lady, about the political activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who was kept under house arrest for 10 years after leading the Burmese people’s push for freedom and self-determination against the military junta. Our interest in Burma was rekindled. With Aung San Suu Kyi free again, we felt it was time to see what had changed in Myanmar over 31 years. So in 2016 we set off with friends, Linda and Peter Clark, who we’d met on the Tibet trip.

The highlight of Myanmar would have to be Began, formerly Pagan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was an ancient capital from the 9th to the 13th Centuries. Incredibly, 86% of the 4,446 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries still survive today over 104 square kilometres, making it the world’s largest archaeological site. When we first went there in 1985 there were no trees or greenery whatsoever, just desert and deserted temples and a very, very small tourist trade. But nature, international donations and environmental programs have helped green up the denuded landscape, and there are a lot more tourists in Began these days.

Any other memories that stand out?

The calmness, friendliness and devoutness of the Myanmar people is a real stand out. Some 90% of the population practice Theravada Buddhism and golden temples are simply

This 99 m high multi-spired

everywhere, from the up look at what the people temple can be seen from large cities to the tiniest get up to and it gives a almost everywhere in villages. good change from the the city, rising atop The most famous hectic pace of packing your Singuttara Hill. A trip and biggest of these is bags and moving every few there near sunset is an Shwedagon Pagoda, a days. absolute must, both from real gilded stupa in the Advice to anyone the people watching and capital of Yangon. This contemplating travelling cultural point of view.

99 m high multi-spired to that part of the temple can be seen from world? almost everywhere in the Have patience! The city, rising atop Singuttara tourism industry in Hill. A trip there near sunset is an absolute must, Myanmar is still in its infancy. Don’t expect both from the people watching and cultural point sophisticated five-star hotels and gourmet menus of view. When it got dark, I just didn’t want to to abound. That said, most hotels are clean and go home. comfortable and the local food really fresh and We also got to see the U Bein Bridge, a 1,200 delicious. Roads can also be bumpy at times, but m long teak wooden bridge from the 1800s. most transport is fortunately air conditioned. But Said to be the oldest teak bridge in the world, it be warned, the climate is hot, so choose your is supported by 1,000 pillars and thousands of season carefully! wooden planks. A trek out along the bridge at Also, in towns and cities, be clear what you like sunset, after a boat ride on Taungthaman Lake, and what you don’t like in terms of tourist spots. near Mandalay is a real opportunity to mingle Negotiate a little. For instance, after we’d been with the local tourists of Myanmar. to a few meat, vegetable and seafood markets And have you ever wondered where the in different cities across Asia (where refrigeration people of Myanmar get all the Buddha statues is often unheard of) we didn’t need to visit any that adorn their temples? Well, in Mandalay we more! Our olfactory senses knew what to expect! got a first-hand look at marble statues being Wearing appropriate clothing is important made and decorated by crafts people, from too. Many countries don’t like upper arms or young boys and girls right up to experienced legs exposed on women and certainly not in artisans. This was captivating. I could have stayed temples. It’s often the same for men. Buy some here for hours. Conditions were very basic, with local clothing, and never swim nude or walk up no work, health and safety precautions, but I the street in your swimmers. Every day I pinch guess you are doing a very honourable job, so myself that I have been fortunate enough to set perhaps you are protected! these travel goals and achieve them. I guess the Is there anything you'd differently if you key is the ability to travel on a budget, do things went again? as simply as possible and just go with the flow.

If you can and the season’s right, incorporate You are the guests and the locals (no matter how some beaches in the south or take a luxury river rich or poor) are sharing their country with you. cruise on the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Always remember that and you won’t go wrong.

Mandalay. Travelling by river always gives a close Thanks Catherine. Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 5

focusinterview.

We are talking today with Paul Greenup, Director of the Sunrise Supported Living Village in Forster/Tuncurry.

starts construction on F I N A L STAG E T H R E E

P

aul, we hear that there are exciting things happening at the Sunrise Village at the moment.

Yes, that’s right; we have just started building the third, and final, stage of the village. Stage Three will include a total of 28 new units. We are really excited about our upcoming Open Day to launch Stage Three. It is on Saturday 14th March from 10am to 3pm at 11A Chapmans Rd, Tuncurry.

Will the new units be as impressive as those in the existing Sunrise Village?

Yes, for the first time we will be building some units with their own attached garages.

This is something that our residents have been asking for. Some want to be able to enter their villa unit directly from their cars. Some just want additional storage space, and others want an additional space for their craft or hobby room.

All the villa units at Sunrise currently feature under cover parking; this is just an added bonus for some.

The new units are similar to those in the current village and have high 9 foot (2.7 m) ceilings that really give an impressive feeling of space.

The new units being built will feature high quality designer kitchens with lovely granite benchtops and soft polyurethane two-pack finish joinery. The kitchens come with all appliances provided, including stainless steel drawer-style dishwashers, convection microwaves ovens, ceramic cooktops and stainless steel fridges. The laundries feature quality washing machines and dryers already

6 Manning-Great Lakes focus

installed. All villas are reverse cycle airconditioned, and every room has ceiling fans.

Every unit has it own private rear landscaped courtyard.

What sort of support services will be available to the residents?

Naturally, all the new residents will be able to avail themselves of all the support services that Sunrise already offer onsite to our existing residents. They can enjoy delicious meals in the community dining room three times a day, seven days a week if they wish, or just once a week if they prefer. Our two village buses provide easy transport to all residents for weekly shopping trips and regular outings.

The new residents of the village will also be able to access our huge community lounge.

It includes a cinema and computer kiosk and library and a tea/coffee bar. The community lounge is connected to the existing community dining room with a large covered outdoor dining area. The community lounge is also used for our regular exercise classes, craft and games afternoons and painting classes. It is also a lovely space just to sit and have a chat with friends over a tea or coffee.

I believe that Sunrise also provides nursing and personal care in the village?

Yes, this is what really sets Sunrise apart from every other retirement village on the coast.

Sunrise are fully approved, accredited home care providers and have their nursing team onsite 24 hours a day/seven days a week to provide whatever care and personal services the residents may need. This means that our residents can receive the care they need in the privacy of their own villa unit. It also means

The community lounge is that couples can stay If you don’t have a Care connected to the existing together, in their own Package, then Sunrise can community dining room with a home, and each receive facilitate your application large covered outdoor dining area. any individual care or to obtain a Government The community lounge is support they need. funded package. also used for our regular Having this high-level Can Sunrise provide exercise classes, craft and support available 24/7 high care in the village? games afternoons and painting allows a degree of Yes, we are approved classes. freedom for the partner to provide Level 4 High that has low, or no, care Care. This is equivalent to needs. They can go out high care in a residential and enjoy a coffee or care facility. It means that “lunch with the girls” for example, knowing for 99% of our residents they will never need that their loved one is being well cared for in to move again. This is very comforting to elderly the village. This can mean a lot to the “carer” people. of the couple.

What do you think is the best thing about What happens if someone already has a Sunrise Supported Living?

Home Care Package and they want to move Oh, that’s an easy one! Love and family. There into the Sunrise Village? is a lot of love at Sunrise. Our residents, their If you currently have a Home Care Package, family and staff really are like one big family. you can bring that with you and Sunrise nursing There is also a very strong connection between staff can provide your care in your own villa unit all our staff and our residents. Our residents at a time, and in a way, that suits you. Because really do appreciate that our staff always go Sunrise staff are onsite 24 hours a day, seven that extra mile to care for them in such a loving days a week, it means that we can be much and respectful and caring way. Our residents more flexible in the way that we provide care to have a very active social life, with regular visits our residents. to the village by singers and entertainers, even Most people who live in their own home and bush poets! We have regular craft and painting currently receive a Home Care Package get a classes and games afternoons. Our “movie visit from their nurse once a day, or possibly and a choc-top” afternoons are always well once every two days, usually for one hour at attended. BUT, by far and away, the best thing a time. At Sunrise, if our resident is on a Care about Sunrise is the way that our residents look Package like this, we can see them for, say, out for each other; there is a genuine, warm 20 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes in the camaraderie between our residents. It is a very afternoon and also 20 minutes in the evening. happy village.

Our residents really do love the flexibility that REMINDER. OPEN DAY, SATURDAY 14TH we can offer.

MARCH - 10am to 3pm.

Final release of new villa units!

! y a D n e p O th m p 3 4 1 to h c r 10am a

M y a d r Satu

FULLY-FUNDED GOVERNMENT APPROVED HOME CARE PROVIDER

PET FRIENDLY

There won’t be a better time to choose your dream villa unit than right now!

Construction on Stage 3, the final stage of our Village, has just begun, so the widest choice of quality villa units at Sunrise Village is available right now!

There’s no other village like it in the district. Advantages of Sunrise Village include: n Couples stay together regardless of each individual’s health care needs n You have your own home with a fully equipped kitchen OR have your meals in our Community Dining Room. The choice is always yours

n

n

n

n

n

You can bring your current Home Care package with you OR we will facilitate a fully funded package for you You choose and change the type and level of domestic and care services as you need On-site Nursing staff available to provide care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The village can cater for dementia and palliative care You don’t have to move.

Our onsite Nursing staff bring all the Care you need into your own villa unit, even if your Care needs change n Our Village is pet-friendly.

Saturday March 14th is Open Day, so please feel free to drop by for a cup of tea and a chat!

You may have to pay a Departure Fee when you leave this village.

Sunrise Village: 11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 | Tel: (02) 5528 5000 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 7

focus_What’s On

Manning-Great Lakes

M A R C H

7

CATHERINE BRITT Bush Pub Tour

LIVE AT FLOW BAR OLD BAR Chill out with live tunes, great food and cold drinks!

Kicking off at the Tamworth Country Music Festival with her only festival show, Catherine Britt is bringing music back to the bush (or in our case … regional!) and the outback with a special one off concert!

Since travelling around Australia in a caravan for over three years, Catherine has felt that the music doesn’t seem to reach the bush as much as it should.

WHEN 7th March, 6pm - 9pm.

WHERE Flow Bar. MORE INFO www.flowbar.com.au

7

Comboyne AGRICULTURAL SHOW

The Comboyne Show not only offers a unique program with all the features of a traditional Australian agricultural show; among the pavilion exhibits visitors will see a high standard of entries in art, craft, photography, cooking, produce, flowers, and the poultry show.

See the Comboyne Championship Dog Show on the western side of the showground. A full program of entertainment for all ages, includes great fun rides for the kids, face painting and performances.

For more information on all programs for the show, check out the Comboyne Show Facebook page.

WHEN 7th March, 8am - 5pm.

WHERE Showground Rd, Comboyne.

8 Manning-Great Lakes focus

2 0 2 0

20

WINGHAM Annual SHOW

WHEN 20th March; all day.

WHERE Wingham Showground.

MORE INFO Contact Sue Harris on 0427 591 680 or email winghamshowsociety@hotmail.com.au

13 20

TONI CHILDS - Retrospective

Join the legendary Toni Childs for a special two hour performance as she celebrates the 30 year anniversary of her critically acclaimed album, Union. Toni will be performing hits and fan favourites from Union, House of Hope and The Woman’s Boat in the first hour of her show, then the second hour will be an introduction to Toni’s new music, from two very special albums, It’s All a Beautiful Noise and Citizens of the Planet. Duration: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval.

WHEN 13th March, 7:30 - 9:50pm.

WHERE Manning Entertainment Centre.

TICKETS $55pp.

MORE INFO themec.com.au

OPEN MIC NIGHT Black Head Surf Club Come and show off your talent at Black Head Surf Club’s Open Mic Night. All are welcome to participate and attend. This will be an ongoing event on the third Friday of each month at the club. Bar open and sign-ups from 4pm.

WHEN Friday 20th March, 5pm to 9pm.

WHERE Black Head Surf Club.

INFO Contact Tim on 0438 203 797.

28 14

Sunrise Supported Living OPEN DAY

Sunrise welcomes you to Open Day at the village to launch Stage 3 of the exciting new development. Come along and experience life in the newly extended and beautified grounds. All are welcome to attend.

WHEN Saturday 14th March, 10am to 3pm.

WHERE Sunrise Supported Living, 11A Chapmans Rd, Tuncurry.

TICKETS FREE ENTRY.

DISCOVERY BARKS at Discovery Parks Forster

Enjoy the ultimate dog’s day out at our Discovery Barks event! Go mutts and have a pawsome time: try our dog wash and dry facilities, BBQ lunch fundraiser, meet local vets, adopt a dog, agility fun trails, music, entertainment, fun prizes and more!

BOOK NOW discoveryholidayparks.com.au WHEN Saturday 28th March, 10am - 3pm.

WHERE Discovery Parks - Forster, 99 Aquatic Rd, Darawank (Forster).

focusinterview.

PEARL DRAGONS Sarah Baker speaks with longstanding Forster dragon boating member Wendy Orman about the local club’s successes and plans for the future.

H

i Wendy. It’s such a pleasure to speak with you and hear about this club’s incredible achievements. Tell us about the origin and development of the Pearl Dragons, now in its eleventh year of operation.

The Pearl Dragons have been paddling on Wallis Lake since about October 2009.

We celebrated our 10-year anniversary last year, with many of our original and long standing members. Originally we paddled in a borrowed a boat from our governing body Dragon Boats New South Wales, and after a couple of years through fundraising and grants purchased our first dragon boat. This boat allows for 20 paddlers, drummer and sweep. We now have another boat this size, plus a small boat (10 paddlers). Recently the club purchased two single seat OC1 kayaks.

These are available for member use and have enabled those vying to be state and national representatives the opportunity for extra training.

We have been very successful competitively as a club and with our individual paddlers.

Pearlers have brought home two bronze medals from the Australian National Championships over the past three years, and we have had three Pearlers successfully selected to compete for Australia at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Canada, China and Thailand. This year we have five paddlers successful in being selected for the NSW Mid North Regional State team, with me as the assistant coach and also being selected in the NSW State Senior B team.

We are very proud of our club and paddlers’ achievements.

I hear the group has become increasingly popular, with new members joining all the time. It’s a fantastic social sport for both mental and physical fitness and to paddle on the beautiful Wallis Lake what a location! Can you tell us about the equipment used in training and events?

Yes Sarah; we recently held an Australia Day Weekend Come and Try Day at the baths near Paradise Marina and had over 50 community members of all ages come along to have a go at dragon boating. It was a very exciting day, and since then these new paddlers have been attending our Saturday morning and Monday afternoon sessions. We offer five free sessions before new paddlers need to decide whether they love paddling as much as we do and join our club.

Paddling on our lake is absolutely beautiful both morning and night. We are often blessed with the local dolphins swimming beside our boats. Besides our Saturday and Monday sessions, we also train early Wednesday and Friday mornings - a great way to start the day before heading off to work or other pursuits.

To paddle we only need our boats and a paddle. We start out using a wooden paddle and when we’ve decided that dragon boating is a great new sport or fitness activity, we tend to buy a carbon fibre paddle which is lighter and easier to use. Of course, we always look good when we go away to our regattas up the North Coast or to the Sydney metropolitan regattas in our bright uniforms and our pearls. The pearls we wear always bring lovely comments. I think a lot of clubs

Paddling on our lake is absolutely beautiful both morning and night. We are often blessed

wish they could be the representative Pearl Dragons and look so paddlers attend with the local dolphins smart. the Asian World swimming beside our I understand your Championships and boats. Besides our Saturday love of the sport the World Dragon and Monday sessions, we also originated from time Boat Championships train early Wednesday and spent residing in Japan, every second year.

Friday mornings. where dragon boating This year and the is a strong cultural odd years, the best tradition. What is it you Australian teams love so much about the sport? attend the Club World Crew Championships.

Yes, I lived in Okinawa, Japan for four years They qualify by winning events at the around the turn of the millennium (sounds Australian Dragon Boat Championships. This a long time ago, doesn’t it) and I discovered year it’s being held in France. dragon boating through the US military wives Pearlers travel all over NSW, Australia and group. We trained for a year standing in internationally to compete in dragon boat waist deep water with wooden paddles. We regattas. We’ve travelled to New Zealand, were only able to practice in the Japanese Borneo and Hawaii for regattas over the ten boats once prior to the event, as they are years we’ve been paddling. very special. These dragon boats were very We also join with other teams to attend large and had huge dragon heads and tails regattas nationally and internationally, such as built into the craft. I paddled in the Naval the recent regatta in Sydney during the Lunar wives team for two years, before returning to New Year celebrations. We joined a northern Australia. I settled in Forster and immediately NSW regional team called the Northern looked around for a dragon boat club to join, Waratahs to paddle against Sydney teams. and I have never looked back.

At that regatta, our Senior A Women’s team You have mentioned you believe came in second in a very competitive field of eventually the sport is headed for teams. At the Pearl Dragons we have a motto Commonwealth or Olympic event - “Have paddle, will travel”. recognition. For now, the Pearl Dragons For people wanting to find our more have most recently joined the Northern about the group, membership and Waratahs at Darling Harbour, competing training schedules, how can they best get amongst other New South Wales teams in touch? for Chinese New Year. Please tell us about We’d love them to message us via our the group’s experience at this event?

Facebook page - The Great Lakes Pearl Yes, we would love to see Dragon Boating Dragons, or send an email to expand to be recognised as a Commonwealth dragons2428@hotmail.com or Olympic Sport. At the moment, Australian Thanks Wendy.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 9

focusinterview.

Animal Welfare LEAGUE

T

he Great Lakes Manning Animal Welfare League NSW has been actively serving the community since 1980. What exactly do you do?

Animal Welfare League NSW is a registered charity that has been caring for surrendered, neglected and abandoned animals for over 60 years. Our vision is for all companion animals to have a safe and loving home.

Our local branch, Great Lakes and Manning AWL NSW, has been active for 40 years and our focus is the wellbeing of companion animals, mostly cats and dogs. We run an active rehoming program to match all surrendered adoptable cats and dogs to the right owner.

We also have a terrific Op Shop in Tuncurry that helps to fund our community work.

Some of our activities include: • Surrenders and adoptions of cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies; • Three discounted desexing drives per year; • Two microchipping drives per year; • Subsidised desexing year-round for Centrelink clients; • Subsidised emergency vet work year-round for Centrelink clients.

The local branch AWL NSW is about to have its 40th birthday. What are you doing to celebrate?

To celebrate our 40th birthday we really wanted to give something back to the community.

We are holding a FREE desexing drive for 200 cats and dogs in March with our mobile vet clinic team coming from Sydney, and a local volunteer team from Manning Veterinary Hospital.

We also ran a discounted microchipping and vaccination clinic in February - 304 animals were vaccinated and 196 were microchipped.

A big thanks to Manning Vet for the use of their premises over an extremely wet and wild weekend.

The programs were all fully booked out, and 10 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Celebrates its 40th birthday by giving back to the community. we have been overwhelmed with the incredible community response.

We hope that this initiative not only celebrates our 40th birthday with a bang, but also helps to reduce the burden of unwanted litters and the number of pets that may find themselves at our council pound.

Can you tell us the importance of the Animal Welfare League NSW mobile Vet clinic?

We are incredibly proud to be associated with Australia’s FIRST vet clinic on wheels!

It's a fully fitted-out B-Double trailer, which has been purposefully designed to enable AWL NSW to travel to regional areas and provide desexing, vaccination and microchipping programs to communities where the need is greatest.

The truck contains a vet surgery and 35 recovery cages and an isolation area - and the cages will be full during our birthday desexing clinic.

The Mobile Vet Clinic was also deployed to areas of crisis during the recent bushfires, including our local area, where the vet team treated injured and burnt animals and wildlife.

When the huge truck rolled into Taree last November, it raised many eyebrows!

Why is it important for owners to have their cats and dogs desexed?

Desexing is incredibly important to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Dogs can become pregnant as early as six months of age, and cats by four months of age, so it is important to desex them before this time.

There are also many health benefits from having your pet desexed.

Research shows that desexed animals can actually live longer. Desexed animals are generally healthier and less likely to suffer from disease and certain illnesses, such as mammary cancer and uterine infections in females and prostate problems in males.

Desexing commonly reduces behavioural problems such as roaming, aggression and urine marking in males. Reducing the desire to

roam also reduces the risk of your pet being injured in a fight or hit by a car.

Unwanted litters often end up with rescue organisations like us, the pound, or cause a nuisance in the community. None of these options are ideal, so be a responsible pet owner and make sure your pets are desexed. Please call us if you are a Centrelink client and you need assistance with the costs.

Animal Welfare League NSW is committed to achieving zero euthanasia of healthy and treatable cats and dog within the community. What progress have you made towards this goal?

We’ve made great progress towards this goal since joining "Getting to Zero" in August 2011, by significantly increasing adoption rates and reducing euthanasia rates. Thanks to the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers in all the local branches across NSW, we have been able to give more abandoned animals a second chance.

We will continue to strive to further reduce our euthanasia rates and to educate the community about the need for responsible pet ownership. We are determined to reduce the unnecessary euthanasia of cats and dogs simply because they are homeless.

Our philosophy is that only those animals that are suffering, have extreme behavioural problems or have a poor prognosis for rehabilitation should be euthanised.

We do our very best to find every animal the home they deserve.

When adopting a cat or dog, what do you need to know and be aware of?

Adopting a pet is for life. It’s a big commitment, and love at first sight isn’t enough. It upsets us when people adopt a cute kitten and then want to surrender it back to us a year later.

It is important to do your research - find the right cat or dog for your circumstances.

And think long and hard - it should not be a spontaneous decision.

Pets need love and attention, and they

also cost money to feed and home. Regular vaccinations and annual vet checks are also important - so make sure your wallet can handle it.

Animals play an important role in many people's lives. What are some of the benefits of owning a pet?

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. In fact, pets are proven to have positive physical health and psychological benefits on our lives. Cats and dogs bring love and fun and compassion (and cuddles) into our lives. They can also bring a level of calmness. The research says that pet owners even live longer.

How can people help or get involved with your organisation?

If you’d like to help at our Great Lakes Manning local AWL NSW branch: • We are always looking for more foster carers for cats and dogs; • Volunteer for the many roles on our committee; • Volunteer to help in our Tuncurry Op Shop; • Become a member.

Head to our website and learn more: www. awlnsw.com.au/find-us/great-lakes/ Where can we donate or find out more information?

Animal Welfare League NSW relies solely on donations to fund our operations. If you can’t adopt a pet, you can still help by making a taxdeductible donation to animals in need. https://www.awlnsw.com.au/donate/ Our Great Lakes Manning AWL Op Shop in Dolphin Arcade Tuncurry is also after quality pre-loved merchandise that can be on-sold books, clothes in good condition, and kitchen/ glassware.

And remember to follow our local branch on Facebook @greatlakesmanningAWLNSW One of the best things you can do to help us is LIKE and SHARE our Facebook posts. It all helps!

Interview with Annette Heathwood.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 11

M A N N I N G E N T E R TA I N M E N T C E N T R E

“The Sapphires” is one of Australia’s best-loved stories, winning multiple awards as a play, film and soundtrack album. “The Sapphires”, written by Tony Briggs, is inspired by the true story of four unknown Yorta Yorta women who travelled to Vietnam during the war to sing and entertain the American troops. Proud Wiradjri woman Mindy Kwanten plays Cynthia in the production, and she’s thrilled to be touring such a positive and inspiring show across the country.

H

i Mindy. Tell us a little about your background.

I was classically trained as a singer by my grandma and I got into musical theatre when I was 17. My first lead role was in the original cast of Fame the Musical; that tour went for two years, and we even toured through Asia.

I’ve done a lot of backing vocals for artists and I run an adult pop choir, but my main focus is my electric soul duo with my husband, Mitchell. We recorded a few pieces before we went on tour, and we plan to do some more recording along the way.

What have you loved most about being a part of The Sapphires production?

The cast, and the crew who are part of this team. Everyone involved with the production has the most massive heart. It’s always such a joy to come to work!

This brings me to my favourite part … The fact that there are four female lead roles in this show, and that they’re Aboriginal women - you don’t get to see this anywhere!

You play Cynthia in the show.

What’s her character like?

She’s all sass! She’s the electric current of the four sisters, but that’s also a front for her insecurities as well.

I enjoy playing her a lot and trying to bring out the many layers that I’m

12 Manning-Great Lakes focus

finding in her. I also love that the more I play her, the more things I find - she’s really deep.

For people who may have heard the story before, or seen the movie, how much do you feel they will relate to this production?

Tony Briggs wrote this story based on a true story about his mother and his aunties, who travelled to Vietnam during the war. The movie was based off this play; there have been several smaller productions of this play around over the years, and then the movie was made - which boosted the story into the stratosphere. If you loved the movie, I’d say definitely come along and see the show … and if you haven’t seen the movie, definitely come along and experience it too!

The music from the show promises to be spectacular. What are some of your favourite songs to perform?

I love doing my solo song, I’ve Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, by Aretha Franklin. It’s my favourite one to sing - it’s quite ballsy, it’s out there …

I also love singing Ngarra Burra Ferra, which is a famous song in the Briggs family. It’s a song that all four of us girls sing. The song has been passed down from generation to generation in the Briggs family, and it’s such a treat to sing it in the three part harmony with the girls. It’s very special.

This tour is taking you far and wide. Where has been most

memorable to you?

When we were in Wiradjuri Country, at Dubbo, it was quite stricken with drought. We got to visit a grinding group where people sharpen their tools and axes and even grind seeds. No one knows how old these grinding groups are, but they know from the rocks used that they are over 20,000 years old, and they’re the oldest grinding group in the world.

Australia is just so amazing! It’s really great to be touring such a strong Australian story around the country.

What messages will people take away from watching the show?

I love the whole notion of stepping outside your comfort zone and the great things you can achieve when you do this.

Another major thing is getting out there and following your dreams that’s such a massive theme in this production.

It’s such a beautiful, positive show to be a part of. I feel it’s very important to share a show like this with the current climate in our country - youth suicide is a massive issue, so it’s important we share a story like this.

Thanks Mindy.

See The Sapphires at the Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree, on April 2nd at 10:30am and 7:30pm.

Visit mec.midcoast.nsw.gov.au for tickets and details.

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Manning-Great Lakes focus 13

Bosciola from Club Taree.

14 Manning-Great Lakes focus

focus

DISHES of the month

CAFÉ TOSCANO 1 WALLIS ST, FORSTER NSW 2428 (02) 6555 2030

OLD BAR TAVERN 13 SALTWATER RD, OLD BAR 6553 7111 WWW.OLDBARTAVERN.COM.AU

DINE ON 19 AT CLUB TAREE 121 WINGHAM RD, TAREE 6539 4000 WWW.TAREERSLANDGOLF.COM.AU

BENT ON FOOD 95 ISABELLA ST, WINGHAM NSW 2429 (02) 6557 0727 WWW.BENTONFOOD.COM.AU

VALLEY VIEW FARM 1463 THE LAKES WAY, RAINBOW FLAT 0488 130 771 WWW.VALLEYVIEWFARM.NET.AU

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

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focus_contributor

DONNA CARRIER FROM BENT ON FOOD

focus_contributor

HORTICULTURALIST NEVILLE DONOVAN - GREENPATCH ORGANIC SEEDS

Nev ’s on

FOOD

A few of my favourite things

H

ands up who likes sparkling wine, or a hoppy beer. Coastal cheese?

Brewing in Forster have a great range of beers I can’t imagine there are made onsite. A big bold Chardonnay can work too many people without too, as can a Grenache or a heavier Pinot Noir. their hand up. There are Another favourite cheese of mine is so many varieties, from buffalo mozzarella - not the hard ones that a gooey, smelly washed rind to that plastic you see in the supermarkets sometimes, but cheese you buy at the supermarket. I don’t like the soft, fresh mozzarella. When I had the that one. cheesemaking school, cheese legend Carole One of my favourites is washed rind. I first Willman taught a few mozzarella classes; it's discovered this rich, pungent cheese variety such fun to make. Not many make it better on a business trip to Milawa in Victoria; I was than Burraduc Farm near Bungwahl. When I working for Brown Brothers Wines in Sydney, use it on one of my grazing platters, everyone and part of my job was loves it. Last week we to take key account catered at Treachery customers to the winery Camp for The North and show them the Face, and I am certain When you eat cheese, you region. Milawa Washed that there are 30 new are often having a drink, so Rind was my favourite converts. I enjoy it with what would you drink with for a very long time, but ripe sliced tomatoes this smelly cheese? When washed rind is very stinky, (locally Ricardoes it comes to wine and food especially on a small bus Tomatoes are my go-to), pairing, there are many when it is all that you torn fresh basil, and a few opinions, but I have done can smell, and the bus is drops of our caramelised plenty of taste testing. full of your key clients. balsamic. It is an amazing Luckily, I don’t have to product; they must have go out of the region now very happy buffalo, as to enjoy a good washed eating this cheese just rind. Comboyne Culture Washed Rind is a makes me happy and relaxed. winner and is made in Taree.

This is a delicate cheese, so best served with When you eat cheese, you are often having a fresh light wine such as a young Riesling, a drink, so what would you drink with this a Pinot Grigio or even a Gewürztraminer. I smelly cheese? When it comes to wine and imagine it would work well with Old Inn Road food pairing, there are many opinions, but Sparkling Frizzante or Great Lakes Sparkling I have done plenty of taste testing. Washed Lily if you would like to try some local rind can become quite overpowering, and a combinations. I am currently on day 32 of 100 sweet botrytis Riesling can cut through the days without wine, but I will do a taste test on pungency of the cheese. If you are not a lover day 101 and let you know how it went. of this style of wine (although you must try it I will bring you a few more food and wine if you haven’t) you can opt for a yeasty vintage combinations in the coming months.

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After the recent summer rains, it seems the drought has broken for us on the coast, with dams, creeks, rivers and rain water tanks overflowing. It’s a gratifying and positive position to be in for our area so early in the year.

M

arch is a great time for planting fruit trees, berries and shrubs. It gives plants a two to three-month time frame to establish their root system before winter and helps plants to really take off in spring, rather than struggle through the hot summer months.

Site preparation is essential for long term success; dig and fork the area to 60 cm wide with compost or manure. Heavy soils will need extra aeration by using sand, fine gravel, pearlite and gypsum to assist in breaking heavy clay down. Some extra attention will be needed with sandy soils, with the main focus being to increase organic matter using compost, mulches and manures.

In low lying areas that are prone to water logging, raise the planting area slightly to improve drainage during wet periods. For ease of watering, form a shallow dish to help capture water into the tree root zone.

Two lesser known fruit trees suitable to our area are quince and pomegranate. They can both be maintained as small fruiting shrubs, netted easily to exclude birds or insects that can attack the fruit. Both trees are heavy croppers, with their fruit ripening during late summer to early autumn.

Pomegranate is a small attractive shrub growing 3 - 5 metres high with small shiny green leaves and bronze new growth; orange flowers bloom in spring.

A resilient grower handling dry conditions and frost plus tolerating most soil types, it is a winner in many gardens. Pomegranate can be eaten fresh as a garnish, in salads or desserts.

The ruby red fruit has a sharp sweet flavour similar to a cross of cherries and cranberries.

The quince originated in the Mediterranean; they are unusual to see growing in our region, even though they do fruit quite well. Prune to maintain its lovely vase shape to 2.5 m high, with slightly arching branches that produce stunning soft white flowers that are self-pollinating during early spring.

Quince tolerates a variety of soils, including clay loam through to more sandy soils. The fragrant yellow fruit matures in autumn, with a similar size to an apple. The tart fruit cannot be eaten fresh and must be cooked to bring out its amazing balanced flavour and pink colour. Prepare the fruit by stewing, make jams, jellies, conserves, poach or roast.

An interesting fruit well worth giving a go!

It’s time to get your veggie patch going again. Start with tidying up any weedy areas by slashing or mulching heavily. Fork in a layer of compost or animal manure to a depth of 10cm and you could plant a green crop if you’re not ready to put seedlings in.

With the recent trend of cloud, rainy weather and cooler temperatures, the conditions lend well to planting leafy greens and establishing autumn seedlings earlier this season.

What to plant now: beetroot, bush beans, broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, carrot, celery, coriander, kale, radish, rhubarb, parsnip, turnip, borage, watercress, fennel, dill, calendula, nasturtium, marigold, potatoes, onions, leek, lettuce, rhubarb, spinach, shallot, parsley and rocket.

Happy Growing!

Manning-Great Lakes focus 17

focusinterview.

Surf

This year, Salty Sounds will be headlined by young guns Surf Trash. THIS THREE PIECE ROCK BAND FROM NEWCASTLE HAVE BEEN MAKING NOISE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY and continue to gain popularity amongst fans, making us all get excited for what’s to come.

Y

our band formed in 2017, featured on triple j’s unearthed in 2018 and completely sold out your huge headline tour in 2019; you're really going from strength to strength. How does it feel to look back at where you started?

Andy: It’s crazy, hey; we never expected anyone other then some mates to notice what we were doing, and we never thought we’d ever be travelling around the country to play to people. It's honestly the best feeling having people know your songs and come to your shows, but we don’t wanna settle for anything; we want to keep pushing and keep working hard.

Coming off your recent tours, where has been one of your favourite places to perform?

Andy: It’s really hard to say, because we like everywhere for all different reasons; being able to turn up to a different state or city and have people come out to watch you play is super special. There’s a lot of places we haven’t played at yet either that we’re really wanting to play as well.

Your music has certainly gained a reputation.

Who/what has been your biggest musical influence growing up and over your career?

Andy: As a kid I listened to a lot of Powderfinger, Tumbleweed, INXS, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Paul Kelly, Crowded House, Green Day. All of these artists

18 Manning-Great Lakes focus

influenced me and how I write our music.

Little Junior - Hi. Nick: My biggest music influences growing up Nick: I’ve been listening to a lot of Blink 182, were Green Day, Jet and AC/DC. especially Enema of the State, and their self titled Do you have any album, Blink 182. favourite musicians that Jacko: Dear Seattle and Boy and you wish to collaborate Bear. with in the future?

What’s your favourite food?

Andy: I would absolutely Andy: mango juice, chocolate IT’S HONESTLY THE BEST love to collaborate with ice cream, love all seafood, love FEELING HAVING PEOPLE a rapper. That would chicken in all forms, especially KNOW YOUR SONGS AND be heaps of fun and wings.

COME TO YOUR SHOWS, something super different.

Nick: My favourite food BUT WE DON’T WANNA My favourite Aussie rapper would be garlic bread, toasties SETTLE FOR ANYTHING; WE is probably Remi, and I and pepper.

WANT TO KEEP PUSHING would love to work on a Jacko: My favourite food is AND KEEP WORKING HARD. song with him. probably mango, cookies and Nick: I would love to cream ice cream and lasagne. collaborate with Hooligan Where’s your favourite travel Hefs. destination?

Jacko: Spacey Jane.

Andy: South Island of New Zealand.

What's next for you in 2020?

Nick: My favourite travel destination is anywhere Andy: New music; we just finished up a bunch up or down the coast really, but I would love to go of new songs in the studio about a month ago and and surf over in Sumatra. more shows - not a whole lot is locked in just yet, Jacko: would like to go to more of Indonesia. but we’re planning some pretty exciting stuff.

Fast Facts: What’s playing on your iPhone?

Andy: Tame Impala - Slow Rush.

Salty Sounds @ Old Bar Tavern - 4th April.

Foster the People - Torches.

12 March - 26 April 2020 Kenny’s Thai Old Bar Tavern On Saturday March 14th, Old Bar Tavern will be holding their second annual Comedy Night.

Enjoy acts from headliners including international star Urzila Carlson, who has become one of the biggest names in comedy. With sell out shows all over the world, gigs with The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, numerous appearances on television shows such as Have You Been Paying Attention and Hughesy, We have a Problem, Urzilla will not disappoint. If that’s not enough, local funny man Andy Saunders joins her as headliner. Guest stars include Tina Del Twist, Nikki Britton And Dave Callan. These guys just love coming to the Old Bar Tavern.

If you’ve travelled and discovered the tastes of Thailand, you’ll love “Kenny’s THAI Kitchen”, located on the top floor at the rear of Club Forster overlooking Forster Golf Course.

Doug Moran National Portrait Prize

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’s THAI Kitchen is a multi-award-winning restaurant, having received the highly sought after “Certificate of Excellence” from Trip Advisor for the past four years in succession!

Along with a wide and varied main menu to suit all tastes, Kenny offers a very special lunch menu that offers a mixed entrée and the choice of 12 main dishes for only $12.

Tickets are $50 each and are for sale over the bar or at the door. The show will be starting at 8pm sharp.

Kenny welcomes you to Kenny’s THAI Kitchen BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!

This is a ticketed event and the tavern will be closed to the general public from 7pm; however, our function bar will be operational from 7pm onwards for the general public. The bistro will be open as per normal from 5:30pm until 8:30pm.

Staff will be providing tray service throughout the evening.

Takeaway is also available by simply calling the club.

Ruth Downes

Barely Wearable: body adornment for the age of over-consumption

Phone 6591 6591 to book a table today.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

(Sorry, online bookings are not accepted.)

Ruth Downes A very close shave 2019 disposable razors image courtesy of the artist

Official Opening Friday 13 March, 6pm

All welcome / $10 entry/$7 ‘Friends’ members This opening event is a fundraiser for “The Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery”.

Your entry fee contributes to their continuing support of the Gallery.

Find us on

and Instagram

12 Macquarie Street, Taree ph 6592 5455

art.gallery@midcoast.nsw.gov.au www.manningregionalartgallery.com.au Hours: Tue to Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 1pm - 4pm

ADMISSION FREE

A cultural service of MidCoast Council

Manning-Great Lakes focus 19

focusinterview.

Cathrine Britt’s Catherine Britts

BUSH PUBS TOUR

Country music singer Catherine Britt has been touring around Australia for the past three years in her caravan, bringing music and entertainment to communities in the bush.

H

er Bush Pubs tour aims to bring back what once was - a meeting place and watering hole - and give people in outback communities something to look forward to.

Hi Catherine. You are celebrating two decades as a recording artist. Where did your love of music and songwriting come from?

I got my love of music from my dad, who is a true music fan and encyclopaedia of music and always had music playing in our house when we were kids. I got my love of songwriting from artists I aspired to and looked up to. They all wrote their own songs and told their own stories, and I wanted to be just like them.

Country music has certainly evolved and diversified over time. Tell us a little about your particular sound and how you found your feet.

I think my sound has developed over the years to something really uniquely "Catherine Britt”, and I’m super proud of that, as I was always compared to other artists as a kid starting out and for many years after and it doesn’t seem to happen anymore. I more hear people say, “Oh, I could tell that was you on that; it’s so you”.

Your Bush Pubs Tour has just kicked off, and you will be travelling with your band for the next three months. What inspired you to tour regionally and specifically to small bush towns?

I’ve been travelling around Australia in a caravan for over three years now, doing gigs along the way. I’ve been to many outback towns and have seen how hard

20 Manning-Great Lakes focus

It was a meeting place, a watering hole for people of the bush! And

it can be out there, especially in Probably the best place to I want to continue that recent times. What really struck follow my daily stuff is Instagram legacy and bring it back. me ... what really stood out or Facebook. I have just launched I want to bring music is the need for happiness and a Pozible campaign for my next and entertainment back positivity, and I think the best record, which is very scary but also to these towns and give them way to get this is with music and really exciting to be taking myself something to look forward to. entertainment. independent and going out on my A long time ago, Slim Dusty, own. Check it out here: pozible. an Australian icon, would com/profile/catherine-britt travel around to these towns Fast Facts and thanks to the bush telegraph, he would see the My favourite singer/songwriter of all time is Hank community coming together in droves! These bush pubs Williams. I love being a mum. I love food and good wine. are where communities and families come together I hate Ants - they are my biggest fear. and spend quality time. They would share stories and Who’s currently on your Spotify playlist? support one another. It was a meeting place, a watering The Highwomen, Emily Scott Robinson, John Craigie hole for people of the bush! And, I want to continue and The Wiggles for my kids! Ha ha! that legacy and bring it back. I want to bring music What's your favourite travel destination? and entertainment back to these towns and give them Anywhere in the US and home. something to look forward to. I want to bring these If you could have dinner with three people, dead or communities together and help them find support. That’s alive, who would they be and why? why I’ve started the Bush Pubs Tour.

Hank Williams, 'cause he’s my fav and I’d love to get What is it about touring and playing to a live drunk with him. Ellen, 'cause I think she is wonderful and audience that you love? nice and I would love to pick her brain. My grandfather, There is no better feeling than getting on stage and 'cause I’d like to know him more. entertaining a crowd. It’s always my goal from the Thanks Catherine. moment I get on stage to win them over and make them happy, and I work and work 'til the very last song to make sure that job is done.

Where can we hear your music or catch up with See Catherine Britt at Flow Bar, Old Bar on what you're up to?

Saturday 7th March.

Club Forster Rockin’ by the Beach Club Forster is once again proud to host our annual “ROCKIN’ BY THE BEACH” weekend!

Three great days of traditional, purely nostalgic, ‘50s and ‘60s music and dance!

Friday night, 13th March from 7:30pm 11:30pm, we feature the popular Sydney combo, HITMAKERS 4. Tickets only $10.

Saturday from 11:30am, don’t miss the “Let’s Dance Rock’n’Roll’ WORKSHOP followed by three solid hours of “DJ Jimmy D’s JUKEBOX JUMP” from 1 - 4pm ... both events are FREE! Saturday night, 14th March from 7:30pm 11:30pm by popular request, Sydney band, ROC-A-TAC - Tickets only $15.

It’s “Rockin’ by the Beach Meltdown” on Sunday 15th March from 11:30am - 3:30pm - with local band THE CREW. FREE ENTRY! All bands will be joined in the breaks by the

“Master Deejay” Jimmy D, to keep the dance floor jumpin’ non-stop and taking your requests!

The Italian Tenors Direct from Italy and returning in 2020 for their third Australian tour, the Italian Tenors are three of Europe’s most successful operatic tenors, who have become a worldwide pop-opera phenomenon.

Audiences will see them combine their classical roots with Neopolitan songs and their own blend of Italian pop classics.

This is a show that has become a must see event for all who love the great arias of Puccini and Verdi, the Neopolitan standards of Caruso and Mario Merola and the melodious hits of San Remo.

Together with their live band, the evening promises to be an incredible musical montage of vocal passion and entertainment excellence.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 21

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Community grants CLUB TAREE

A problem shared is a

We chat with John Male from BlazeAid about mending fences with locals after the devastating bushfires.

C

an you tell us how and why BlazeAid came into being?

BlazeAid began in 2009 when co-founders Kevin and Rhonda Butler lost all their fencing in the Black Saturday fires. Rhonda put and ad in the local paper asking if anyone would like to bring their van and camp on the property to help renew fences. They had 20 plus caravans turn up, and BlazeAid was formed.

You're here to help after the bushfires and now the recent floods. How long do you predict you will be in our community?

We plan on being in the area until at least May 2020, or longer if required.

Can you tell us what type of works you help with?

We primarily assist property owners with the clearing of fence lines and the erection of new fences. On some occasions we may do other tasks to help out the property owners if it is beneficial to their mental health and wellbeing.

For those in need, how do they go about getting help?

We ask that they come into the base camp in their area and register with us. We are currently based at the Wingham Showground. We then send our volunteer teams out, who work with the property owner.

You do more than just mend fences - you also mend spirits. What physiological effect do you feel BlazeAid has?

There can be an immense amount of destruction after a bushfire, and often people feel incredibly overwhelmed. A lot of the people we help comment on how much of a weight is lifted when they see the work that we are able to achieve. They often comment on not knowing 22 Manning-Great Lakes focus

where to start and the amount of time it would have taken them to do the work themselves. I guess you could say, a problem shared is a problem halved.

To put it into perspective with all the wonderful work you do, how many kilometres of fencing has BlazeAid mended nationally?

Without having the actual data readily available, I would estimate that it would be in the tens of thousands of kilometres.

How many volunteers work for the organisation, and where do they come from?

There has been over 30,000 volunteers register with BlazeAid over the past 11 years, and at present there are 32 camps running and more to open, so there are still plenty of volunteers registering and volunteers at present. Most camps run on anywhere from 10 volunteers up to 150 volunteers at any time.

What relevant skills do you need to become a volunteer or can anyone help?

No skills are required, just a willingness to learn. We usually have plenty of previous volunteers here who are able to guide new volunteers.

How can we volunteer or find out more information?

The easiest way is to go to the BlazeAid website (www.blazeaid.com.au) and go to the current camps tab, where they can find details of camp coordinators and details of what is required, as all camps are different. Also, Facebook is another source of information on the BlazeAid page.

Thanks John.

Interview: Bronwyn Davis.

Following the success of the 2019 Club Taree Community Team Community Grants, the Club Taree Community Team has cemented the initiative for 2020, offering grants to a total value of $5,000 to local organisations, teams, community groups, teams and projects.

T

he grants were launched in 2019 as a way for the team to celebrate with their community the beginning of their fifth anniversary year and thank them for their ongoing support. Leader of the Club Taree Community Team, Paul Allan reflected, “In 2019 we wanted to find a way to celebrate which was reflective of the feel good nature of the team and their commitment to the local community. It was also important to us that the grants provided an immediate positive impact to sectors of our community through the successful recipients.”

In 2019 there were in excess of 80 applications, covering the entire community.

Paul stated, “It was great to see the diversity in the applications; we were enlightened about many groups, organisations and projects that previously we were unaware of. We really do wish that we could have helped all the applicants, as they are all making such a positive impact on our community.”

The $5,000 will be distributed through a series of one off grants. The total value of any one grant cannot exceed $1,000. However, there is no formula for how the value of the grants is divided. It may be five $1,000 grants, or ten $500 grants. This year the Club Taree Community Team would like to see as many people benefit as possible, so are encouraging groups to consider applying for smaller value grants, rather than automatically applying for

grants to the maximum value.

There are also no rules on what the funds can be used for, only limited to the needs of the applying organisations.

Some examples are a new shade sail for a playground, a new BBQ for a sports team, a new sign for a community group, a new watering system for a community garden. The possibilities really are endless, and the Club Taree Community Team encourages applicants to think outside the square when considering what to apply for.

The grants are not open to individuals, nor are the grants distributed in cash. The grants aim to offer a tangible solution (through consultation with the recipient). The grants needs to be used during the month of May 2020, and aren’t to be used to partially fund a bigger spend.

Last year’s recipients included the Manning Valley BMX Club, Taree Community Garden, Snugglepot Day Care, Taree Quota Club and Riding for the Disabled.

Paul stated, “The Club Taree Community Team wants to build a courageous, capable, inspiring and strong community. We encourage all groups, teams, organisations and projects to apply.”

The grants are now open for 2020. For more information, visit www.clubtaree.com.au or contact Paul Allan on 6539 4000 or via email: pallan@clubtaree.com.au Application forms are available online or at Club Taree reception.

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

image of the month.

Title: The Barrington Coast

Smoke taint - more than just the fruit So, I know we talked about smoke taint in wine grapes last month, but since then we have shared experiences with other vignerons in various wine regions and uncovered shattering tales of the long term indirect impact of the 2019 and 2020 fires.

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

Just email annette@focusmag.com.au

Taree Film Society

W

e and other local previous years' vintages to keep them going. vineyards and agricultural So, the impact won't be immediate. The businesses have suffered impact will be felt next year when supply runs the consequences of out; that is when it will start to really hurt. drought, followed by No doubt some small vineyards dependent on fires, followed by floods and to add to that, wine sales only, who do not have alternative the massive tourism slowdown. Like many fruit supply, will not survive next year. Will other businesses, wineries in many regions are that be recognised as an impact of the 2019 suffering.

- 2020 fires? The same applies for many The intensity of the horticultural businesses. smoke from the fires Now, more than has permeated the ever, we all need to berries, making the fruit think about where we unsuitable for making spend our money and THE INTENSITY OF wine. You invest in what businesses we are THE SMOKE FROM the vineyard all year supporting when we THE FIRES HAS to maximise the fruit spend our money. There is PERMEATED THE quality and yield come always a strong "support BERRIES, MAKING THE harvest time. It is a local" attitude in our FRUIT UNSUITABLE devastating blow to your region, which is wonderful FOR MAKING WINE. business to write off and keeps many small the fruit you have been businesses going. working on all year.

Rethinking our chosen There is only one harvest holiday destinations and per year, so if that doesn't work out, you have changing to an Australian regional area, or no choice but to move on and focus on the choosing to holiday in your own backyard following year and count your losses. and spending your money in your own The fruit you have been nurturing that neighbourhood will help keep our regional has been impacted by smoke still has to be centres thriving. Think about the impact of "dropped" and composted into the soil. shopping online. The convenience is very Imagine walking the rows of a vineyard appealing, but maybe you could spend a little cutting the bunches of grapes and dropping more time looking for a local supplier that all of it to the ground. Dropping the fruit is sells what you want through their online shop. devastating, 10, 20 or more acres of cutting The smoke may be gone but the taint will and dropping fruit on the ground ... think linger for some time to come, and we can about that. all contribute to strengthening our favourite So then what? In the short term, wineries places by being mindful of our day to day will rely on the remaining stock from last and choices.

Pain and Glory (MA)

B

y popular demand, Taree Film Winner of a coveted Cannes prize and one of Society will screen Portrait Of the best reviewed films of the year, PORTRAIT A Lady On Fire (M) at 6:40 on OF A LADY ON FIRE solidifies Céline Sciamma Monday 2nd March at Fay’s Twin as one of the most exciting filmmakers Cinema. France, 1760. Marianne working in the world today. Noémie and is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait Adèle Haenel turn the subtle act of looking of Héloïse, a young into a dangerous, woman who has just left engrossing thrill, crafting the convent. Because the most breathtaking she is a reluctant and elegant performances bride-to-be, Marianne of the year. To watch To watch Marianne and arrives under the guise Marianne and Héloïse fall Héloïse fall in love is to of companionship, in love is to see love itself see love itself invented on observing Héloïse by day invented on screen. With screen. With contemporary themes in period dress, and secretly painting contemporary themes in 'Portrait Of A Lady On Fire' her by firelight at night. period dress, Portrait Of is one of the greatest love As the two women A Lady On Fire is one of stories ever told. orbit one another, the greatest love stories intimacy and attraction ever told. grow as they share Tickets are $16, including Héloïse’s first moments coffee, cakes and of freedom. Héloïse's portrait soon becomes chatting. Visit www.tareefilmsociety.org.au a collaborative act of and testament to their or call 6552 3476. love.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 23

focusinterview. focusinterview.

A great day out for the whole family.

T

he Wallamba District show has been an annual event for many years. How long has it been running, and why did it originate?

2020 will be the 108th Annual Wallamba District Agricultural and Horticultural Show. On the 16th June 1900, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held in the School of Arts, Nabiac. A resolution was unanimously agreed to, “That this meeting is of the opinion that the time has now arrived when an Agricultural Association should be formed in the district”. An area of land was secured from the Lands Department, and clearing started. It was not until 1912 that the first show was held. It is thought the problem of fundraising to erect buildings was the source of the ten year delay.

It's primarily an agricultural show; what will be showcased?

Of an agriculture nature there is - beef cattle judging for various age groups, including participation from local ag schools.

Horse eventing, including jumping and dressage, poultry judging of various breeds and dairy goat competitions. These are joined by many varied classes of exhibits in the hall, such as crafts, produce, flowering plants, cooking, baking and preserves judging, children’s pet show, children’s art and photography exhibition, plus a fruit

24 Manning-Great Lakes focus

and veggies sculpture competition from the kindergarten classes of three local schools.

It’s great to see old and young alike come together and exhibit their animals and produce. So much time goes into growing, grooming, training and getting them ready for the show. Another free attraction is the petting zoo; this has proven to be very popular with the littlies.

What competitions are held throughout the day?

The horse and beef cattle events happen from 8am until approximately 3pm. The dairy goats judging is fun to watch. The pet show is an event where the local children get to exhibit their many and varied pets; this is always such a joy to watch. 5pm sees the doggy high jump held in the main ring; this is the third year for this event, and the crowds really get involved.

Where are the majority of the exhibitors from?

The majority of our exhibitors come from the Wallamba District, plus north towards Wauchope, south to Bulahdelah. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together.

You've recently applied for a grant from the State Government; how will these funds be used?

We’ve recently been granted $5,000 from the N.S.W. State Government’s Drought Stimulus Country Shows Sponsorship

Package. This will go family. What fun As a small diversion from these to sponsoring free activities do you events, the Wallamba rides on a climbing have for kids?

District Agriculture and rock wall, 3-way Family activities Horiticultural Assoc Inc bungee attraction, extend from sideshow wants the focus for this roving magician and alley, face painting, year’s show to be family advertising. music, magicians, entertainment at minimum cost.

With the current an animal petting bushfires, the local yard, the Grand community has been Parade of winning under considerable animals, an RFS truck stress. What do you think the show to investigate, mower racing, demolition brings to the local community? derby, show dogs and fireworks.

The Wallamba district had its first taste The show is run by volunteers; how of the fire season in late October, and this can we get involved? didn’t relent until the extinction of the If you’d like to join in the fun and Hillville fires. All of this devastation came satisfaction of putting on a community on top of drought conditions that are the event like this, please email Wallamba. worst in living memory. These events have show@yahoo.com.au or a call 0420 937 placed considerable financial stress on 463; you’ll be greeted with a smile. families. As a small diversion from these Where do we find out more events, the Wallamba District Agriculture information about the day? and Horiticultural Assoc Inc wants the Best place for more information is our focus for this year’s show to be family web page - Nabiac.com/show or the Nabiac entertainment at minimum cost. As part Show FaceBook page. of this approach, it applied for and was Interview with Sally Henderson. granted the funding to offset the normally Interview by: Bronwyn Davis. high cost of “ride attractions” for children.

Photography: Diane Willey, It's a great day out for the whole fotografsbydiane.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

March 2020

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

Love yourself enough to receive the best possible outcomes. This will ensure a peaceful, uncomplicated existence, giving you the quality time you need to immerse yourself in your personal life happily. Career and other responsibilities will fall into their rightful place and life will seem better balanced.

Garnet will enhance your passion for living.

Avoid taking life too seriously at present; this is why all your fears and insecurities are playing with you. This is leaving you feeling trapped in life, instead of owning it and creating it. Try to connect to your silly self and do some pranking to lighten up your energy and brighten your world.

Ruby shatters fear and leaves us feeling safe and comfortable in our reality.

You are a person of your word. Your wisdom will be greatly drawn on in this next cycle; to make the most of every possible opportunity, set some fresh goals and don’t compromise your standards. Your mind is likely to be busy recognising possibilities that exist, so make the most of this talent and seize the moment.

Amethyst is great for connecting to our higher qualities and life’s purpose.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You are gifted at being able to think laterally and offer practical solutions to life’s dilemmas. For this reason, people are drawn to your energy. Hear the wise words you are offering in a counselling situation, as these words are channelling through you for your guidance as well. Protect your energy levels by thinking yourself in a bubble.

Citrine shatters negative energy; wear some whilst helping others.

Self-esteem issues need to be addressed, as these will create scenarios that potentially ruin your most cherished feelings if not attended to. Know you are a beautiful soul, so you attract an abundance of nice things into your life.

Smile at your reflection to realign your selfworth with positive influences.

Citrine attracts abundance; carry some.

Your sensitivity is increasing and so is your wisdom. This is the reason so many people are drawing strength from you at this time. If you find you are being drained or affected in a negative way, look inward and recognise all the qualities you bare that you are proud of. This technique will charge your energy.

Clear Quartz enhances our energy; carry some.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Listen to your wise words when helping others, as these are your answers too. You will be feeling quite independent and secure as you make plans for your future happiness. You may need to protect yourself from energetic drainage, as your vulnerability increases; simply achieve this by thinking yourself inside a bubble. Selenite is great for auric protection; carry some in stressful times.

A feeling of stagnation is taking place, because your fears have stopped your progress. You must take hold of them and reshape them, and then positive things will begin to flow again. Your soul is learning selfappreciation and self-love. Listen to your wise words, as they will provide clear direction.

Turquoise is great for self-confidence.

You can expect an opportunity to fulfill a dream from a long time ago or one that you carried for a long time to cross your path very soon. Prepare your mind by recognising it and list everything needed to make it a reality, then take action and acquire a few things from the list. This way you will be armed and prepared for it and little time will be wasted.

Turquoise assists in recognition of one’s higher purposes.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Think about what you want, but be aware of why you want it because if your motive is beneficial to your highest good, you are very clever at manifesting. If your motive is insecurity based, you will align yourself with some big challenges. Remain in a positive headspace when goal setting, just to ensure a good outcome.

Clear Quartz amplifies a happy mood; hold some to set fresh goals.

Look within and identify all your attributes and qualities that you chose to bring forth in this life that leave you feeling proud to be who you are. You are getting ready to step into a new cycle, and it will be very emotionally rewarding. Your nurturing compassion will be used a lot in this cycle, delivering great self-worth.

Clear Quartz will help maintain strong positive thoughts.

Patience is one of the higher lessons you’re drawing into your reality at this time. In pursuit of exciting outcomes where you have little control of timing, avoid making hasty decisions to cure frustration, as this will alter your happy outcome. Instead, re-connect with the passion driving you.

Clear Quartz keeps us focused on positive outcomes; carry some.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 25

26 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Ruru Daniella

F

irstly, can you tell our readers a bit about you, your family, what has brought you to our lovely area?

I have lived in Bungwahl for 18 months now, with my teenage daughter Shaylani, my partner Steve and our pet cavoodle Lilly. We love that out of every window we can see the trees and so many beautiful birds.

Steve is a Worimi man from the Great Lakes Region; a few years ago, when we met and fell in love, he moved to Newcastle to be with us.

We always thought we would live somewhere on the Mid North Coast one day; I was thinking more of retirement, until that day felt too far away. Now here we are, loving our new life, which I like to call “the best of both worlds”, with my hometown, friends and family still an easy drive down the road.

Your work is very unique - can you explain in layman’s terms what intuitive healing involves, and why we need it/who it helps?

I’ll do my best … Our Mind, Body and Spirit are all connected, each influencing the other. Put simply - we are all energy, and our energy needs nurturing to create health and vitality for our whole self.

Fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and mothering are creative and challenging times in our lives … So often we do not know the way our cultures have lost the thread - the connection

- the teaching - the wisdom that is buried so deeply within our souls.

The most vulnerable time of a woman’s life must be respected and protected; it’s the miracle of life we are talking about here, bringing the next generation into the world. It’s important to acknowledge the sacredness of this - to speak up when something is wrong, to feel comfortable in doing so and to be able ask for help.

Empowering women to become their best selves through this time of great transformation, this is nature’s intention, and often we need support to help us along our way.

During a session, I hold a safe space for you to feel into, reflect on and explore your own energy, then together we create the way forward. Birth Story Listening does this through talking: I take the lead and guide the way asking specific questions to prompt your thoughts. People often think they will be sitting and telling their whole birth story; however, this is rarely the case. There is so much more to uncover beneath the surface - this is where we go.

Birth Art is wonderful when planning for a family, during pregnancy, or to support any new creative venture - a new home or business, for example. It’s a specifically guided process - this time using both talking, the art process and journalling as a way of communicating and going deeper.

The cycles of life are literally borne of women;

For any woman who has been through childbirth, they will understand that it comes with no rule book, and - certainly from this writer’s perspective - all support is warmly welcomed.

Meet Daniella Ruru - a local resident who provides a unique “intuitive healing” service to women going through what can be the most vulnerable time of their lives.

this is nature’s way. It is up to us in our modernday society to learn what this means in relation to the health and wealth of our families, communities and our home, Mother Earth.

How did you first become involved in this particular modality?

The birth of my own daughter has been and still is - a steep and long learning curve, or a bit of a roller coaster ride, if I’m to be honest! I was a massage therapist at the time, I didn’t have any fixed return to work plans and, as a new mum, I was open to change. Through our daily interactions I quickly learned that there was a need for people to specialise in pregnancy and postpartum massage; this was the beginning of my own healing journey, along with my new career.

Over the years, as I was called to, I introduced energy healing, oracle cards, channelling, intuitive guidance and life coaching - still I felt something was missing - I was called to do more. Even though it had been several years since my daughter’s birth, I had a feeling there was still more healing for me to do around my personal experience of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I also felt that somehow my clients were often needing more, but I wasn’t sure what it was they were missing.

I started looking at the work of Pam England, author of Birthing from Within, and following Julia Jones of Newborn Mothers. The importance of being heard and being held were the lessons I was learning from these wise women. I went on to further studies and qualified as a Postpartum Doula with Julia Jones. I also qualified as a Birth Story Listener and Birth Art Mentor with Pam England. For their generous souls, leadership, passion and insight, I’m forever grateful.

What have you learned, and what has this

work taught you?

I’ve learned just how much birth matters - I’ve learned about the far-reaching effects of each individual woman’s birth story, for her family, her community and ultimately our world. I’ve learned that there is a global movement, with so many communities around the world finding their own unique ways to heal the culture of birth.

Any particular words of wisdom for our mums and mums to be out there?

You are enough! All your babies really need is you! It’s TRUE! Learn how to support yourself well in your role as a mother, and the rest will take care of itself. There is Self-Care and there is Soul-Care, be curious - learn what this looks like for you. Please ask for help - it can feel scary and so counterintuitive to our independent “I’ve got this” culture, but please give it a try.

I promise the more you ask, the easier it gets.

Get to know your neighbours, your community, and remember it really does take a village, so make a plan to create yours now. As women, we are by nature curious, creative beings with great imaginations and massive opportunities to transform and grow, with so much good to offer our world. However shy, unworthy or humble we may feel, our world needs our light, so we must practice shining brightly … do the inner work. No one else can do this for us - it all comes from within.

How can people contact you if they want to find out more?

You are welcome to get in touch by phone, email, text or social media message: 0438 916 561, hello@daniellaruru.com.au FB @healingsessionsformums INSTA @Daniella_Ruru Thanks Daniella.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 27

KELLIE, JESSICA & LINDA SMART COAST CONVEYANCING LICENSED CONVEYANCERS

What is your business vision for 2020?

I see Smart Coast becoming a household name. The place local clients turn without thinking when they decide to buy or sell.

And the place people tell their friends about. (Kellie).

If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it?

Buy a block of chocolate and some lollies! I have a big sweet tooth and if it’s my last $20, I want to enjoy it. (Kellie).

How do you juggle work/life balance?

We support each other so we can take time off when needed.

We are happy and confident people who love seeing the business grow and our families (including the dogs) are the centre of that always. (Jessica).

As the newest member, please introduce yourself.

I’m Linda. It is an absolute pleasure working with the girls at Smart Coast in such a fun, positive environment with a can do attitude. I have been working in the local area in conveyancing since 2006.

Flexible working conditions at Smart Coast has allowed me to spend more time with my family, dogs and various farm animals, as well as cultivating my small acreage utilising permaculture principles. (Linda).

28 Manning-Great Lakes focus

JESS KARNAGHAN R E S O LV E A N D E V O LV E F O U N D E R , HOLISTIC LIFE COACH AND NLP TRAINER.

Overview of your business.

My business offers certification training and workshops in Personal and Professional Development.

I also see clients individually to help them overcome and clear any internal barriers to reaching their goals and living their most fulfilling life.

What is your business vision for 2020?

To collaborate with other like-minded therapists, coaches and healers in the community to create ongoing wellbeing workshops and classes.

I aim to offer everyone in the community the opportunity to experience personal development and growth for their mind, body and spirit.

What are your greatest strengths?

After many years of studying various healing modalities and also the latest research in neuro-science and mindset, I have a wide range of tools to help people with many different challenges.

I can also use intuitive guidance during individual sessions that can bring extra clarity to an issue.

D O N N A Carrier BENT ON FOOD/BENT ON LIFE OWNER

Please introduce yourself and your business.

I have two businesses, one is Bent on Food Café/Catering Co, and the other is Bent on Life Homewares and Gifts. The café has been operating for 15 years with a focus on local produce and sustainable practices. Bent on Life has been operating for 10 years, with similar core values. Our main seller, Chalk Paint

by Annie Sloan, is the world’s best furniture paint. I love to show people how they can turn their tired old furniture into a special piece for their home, with no sanding or priming.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

My team, the networks I have built, my gut instinct and my ability to see the big picture are my strengths. I like to think that I am empathetic, which makes me good at hospitality.

Oh, and I am fussy.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self?

To be honest, I struggle with this, as I also spend a lot of time in committee meetings, seeking community funding, checking out initiatives, and looking for ways to improve the businesses.

I like to paint furniture and write, I make sure that I go to the gym and try to spend quality time with family and friends.

I am not great at relaxing, but I love to read, so I have been forcing myself to take time out for reading. I have a café, but you will rarely see me sitting around cafés drinking coffee. I like to keep busy.

HOLLY NEWTON C A R L E Y Burke L A I N G + S I M M O N S M A N N I N G VA L L E Y P R I N C I PA L

What was it about real estate that you made you choose it as a career?

S T A C E Y Evans S TA C E Y L E E ’ S C E N T R E S TA G E P R I N C I PA L

How did you get started in your industry?

I have been in the performing arts industry since I was around eight. I started as a gymnast when I was six and then added performance and singing at around 10. I was lucky to have performed around the world and up and down the coast from a young age.

What is your business vision for 2020?

As a team, we have created this vision statement, as we felt it really captured who we are as a studio: ”Celebrating Individuality, Self Expression and Creativity with our SLCS Family”.

From a performance perspective, we have many events within our community that our students will be performing at, along with our very exciting “Grease is The Word” Showcase on the 27th of June, and our End of Year Musical Production will be the 12th of December, both of which will be at the MEC! What are your greatest strengths in business?

Just to name a couple - we embrace each student’s unique qualities, and our incredibly passionate team and SLCS family!

I love our industry for its many tangible and intangible reasons.

Whether finding a first home for a client, helping a conflicting couple through a separation, or a retired client downsizing into a new lifestyle, my vocation is helping people through the process.

What is your business vision for 2020?

Growing our brand awareness, increasing our physical team with the addition of new sales specialists/property managers, and continuing to bring to market the latest real estate marketing trends and technology.

In 2019, our property management operation grew immensely, and our vision this year is to continue to provide the best value to our landlords and services to our tenants.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

Laing+Simmons is all about people. Having personal strengths that include having empathy, being accountable, being personable/positive, always smiling, being adaptable to change, and being a team leader are what makes me, and my team, succeed.

Quote to live by?

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

D A R L I N G S O F A U G U S T O W N E R / C R E AT O R

Tell us about your involvement in the local community.

Being a primary school teacher as well, it has been such a blessing getting to meet so many wonderful children and families through the various schools I’ve worked at. I now have the pleasure of seeing them come in and visit me at my store, along with so many other wonderful new people I have met!

I’m a bit of a social butterfly and it really does fill my cup to have constant conversations with our community members. I love hearing all about their passions, their gifts and their life stories.

How do you juggle work/life balance? It’s something I’m still working on, to be honest. My business is both an online, international boutique and a physical store, so I feel like I’m working 24 hours a day some times. An important rule that I’ve given myself is that whenever my daughter is in my presence, I put my phone away. My hubby, Dan and I also have a “Electronics down at 7:30pm” rule. It helps keep us accountable and “present” with one another. Family time is my number one priority when we have the opportunity to all be together.

If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? What a great question! At the moment my pregnancy cravings are screaming “Marvellous Creations Chocolate” to me, but I think I’d probably spend it on a little surprise to see big smiles on my hubby and daughter’s faces.

Quote to live by? Be KIND to others but most importantly, be KIND to yourself.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 29

Amanda Evans G AT H E R + P L A C E P R O P E R T Y S TA G I N G + I N T E R I O R S T Y L I N G OWNER + ST YLIST

What was it about interior design + property staging that made you choose it as a career?

After going through my own home renovation and seeing the space transformed into its fullest potential, is what really hooked me. For me, it’s all about the relationship with my client. It’s not just about putting a room together; it’s about bringing the client's personality and lifestyle into the room to create a cohesive + functional space. What drives me most is seeing the smile on the client's face when they see the finished product.

What is your business vision for 2020?

To triple the property staging + styling side of my business by entering the Port Macquarie and Forster/ Tuncurry Real Estate markets. I have a warehouse of stock to create different styles in each home I stage for sale, depending on its location and target market.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

My ability to build relationships, great time management, attention to detail and up front honesty.

Quote to live by?

“Make it simple, but significant.” – Don Draper.

Who is your ideal client/customer?

Every client is ideal. What I do best is understanding the needs, wants and style of the client, earning their trust to create their ultimate surrounding on any budget.

A M A N D A @ G AT H E R A N D P L A C E .C O M . A U G AT H E R A N D P L A C E .C O M . A U 0 4 0 9 5 74 2 8 0

30 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Evans Amanda

A

manda, please introduce yourself if I could intern with him. He said yes! So, I travelled to and share your connection to the Newcastle every week to learn and work with him. He Manning-Great Lakes. then offered me a job, and it went from there. I learnt a lot I have lived in the Manning Valley most working with Stewart. He is a great mentor, and I admire of my life, with schooling at Tinonee his work greatly.

Primary and then secondary schooling How did you manage starting a new business from at Taree High. I moved away for tertiary scratch and juggling McDonald's? education in marketing/management, Lucky for me, time management is one and then returned for love! Craig and of my skills. When starting a business, I have three sons and have owned our it’s a lot of extra hours - as the behind Juggling the transition own businesses in Taree for 14 years. We the scenes set up is huge. Lots of early of businesses and also have a wonderful supportive family and mornings and late nights, but I never family can be tricky. friend base here. We love where we live! worried about it, as I was excited and I see it like a see-saw.

You are a women of many talents, loving what I was doing. Once it’s done, You fluidly move from with your interior design business it’s done. So, I focused on that. one thing to another, going amazingly well. How did you Juggling the transition of businesses depending on who, when and where you are needed get started down that path? and also family can be tricky. I see it like and the tasks at hand.

We purchased our current home a see-saw. You fluidly move from one 10 years ago, and the home was 40 thing to another, depending on who, years old and needed some renovation when and where you are needed and the and floor plan alterations. We hired a tasks at hand. Having a very supportive fabulous interior designer from Newcastle, Stewart Horton husband and family was also key. from Horton & Co. I loved everything about the process, You and your husband, Craig, have owned from the design aspect, furniture selections and even the McDonald's in Taree for quite some time now. Tell us mess of living in the house whilst it was being transformed. what it’s like to look back on when you first started I had already started studying interiors, so I asked Stewart there to where you are today?

I’m not usually someone who looks back and reflects, as I feel life evolves and everything happens for a reason and you just keep moving forward. But now, looking back - wow!

McDonald’s is a fantastic business to own, which creates amazing opportunities. The biggest thing I take from looking back is to always take every opportunity that is presented to you. Have a go and make the most of it.

Who inspires you in business and in your everyday life?

It’s individual qualities in people that inspire me.

Intelligence, determination, compassion, loyalty, honesty and passion.

What advice would you give to those women who are wanting to start their own business or make a career change?

It’s never too late to make a change and do what you love.

Never underestimate the power of preparation. Do your research and gain experience on the ground if you can. This gives you a huge advantage moving forward and not only that, builds your confidence. Make sure you have a great accountant and don’t be afraid to ask for help in areas that are not your strong points.

With a busy life such as yours, how do you keep yourself sane and in check?

I’m an early bird, so I enjoy getting up and starting my day with some exercise at Anytime Fitness. I love it there. I find having a fitness routine as part of my daily schedule helps me tremendously with everyday life, including stamina, strength and mental clarity. A couple of Active Barre classes during the week nights as well completes my exercise regime. My husband, Craig is also pretty good at keeping me in check! Ha ha!

Fast five: Chocolate or lollies - lollies.

Red wine or white - white.

Cats or dogs - dogs.

Beach or bush - shopping?

Books or movies - both.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 31

AMANDA TROTTER AMANDA TROTTER BEAUTY SPECIALIST OWNER

How did you get started in the industry?

I always knew I was going to work in the beauty industry from a young age, regularly setting up a home salon in the lounge room of my family home. I started my training in 2005, first in makeup artistry then moving into beauty therapy and have continued to upskill since then.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

The beauty industry moves at such a rapid pace, so a strength of mine is that I’m always attending different training courses and product events, to ensure I’m offering only the best.

Business vision for 2020?

In 2020 I want to continue to grow my business and grow my knowledge. I am deeply passionate about continuing to offer my clients the best results based treatments, while making them feel radiant and glowing inside and out as they walk out my door.

Quote to live by?

Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

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MELISSA BOURKE NEW BAR SALON OLD BAR OWNER

How did you get started in the industry? It was my dream to become a hairdresser from a very young age. I got my first job at 13 sweeping the floor of a salon, and began an apprenticeship as soon as I could. Over the years I have had the privilege of working in some really amazing, industry leading salons. It is from this 17 years of experience that I have been able to create my own unique salon that reflects both my personal style and the trends of the industry.

What are your greatest strengths in business? I love providing a high-quality service, while keeping it intimate for the client - making them feel comfortable and at home within the salon. I pride myself on my ability to tell what hair colours and styles suit each individual’s features - I love what I do and love making people feel good about themselves Business vision for 2020? My vision for 2020 is to ensure that I’m keeping the community connected with the latest trends and techniques, whilst using the highest quality procedures and products. I am constantly looking for new ways to delight my clients - we currently offer barista coffees plus complimentary wine and snacks with hair services, along with specialised treatments and extended trading hours to meet the needs of clients.

Quote to live by? Fall in love with the process of becoming the very best version of yourself.

D A N N I Harrison DANNI HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY OWNER

What was it about photography that you made you choose it as a career? I love capturing memories; a photo is a memory to cherish forever.

I get to be the one that captures a bride and groom’s reaction on their wedding day. I’m the one who gets to pose brand new babies into squishy little positions, as their parents watch in awe of their new creation. I have been able to capture proposals and women’s beautiful bumps before becoming a parent. I become a part of families, as I’m there documenting all their big milestones. I chose to become a photographer because as clichéd as it sounds, I truly am doing what I love!

What is your business vision for 2020? My vision for 2020 is to continue to grow my successful business, keep setting and smashing my goals, all whilst continuing to learn and develop my skills.

What are your greatest strengths in business? The first thing that comes to mind is the rapport I have with all my clients. The amount of times the parents say, “You won’t get a smile out of my children” or, “My husband hates photos; you wont get him in any”. With me, the dads and kids have fun and comment on the awesome experience.

It isn’t just about knowing how to take a perfect photo; it’s about making the experience one that everyone is comfortable with and enjoys.

Quote to live by? Nothing good comes from easy!

JESS K ARNAGHAN REVOLVE AND EVOLVE

Memories are held deep in our subconscious. As an adult, the smell of pine trees and the sound of magpies take me back to my childhood happy place: camping. The subconscious is a powerful tool; it controls what we think of ourselves, the world, our beliefs, and fears. Life Coach and NLP practitioner, Jess Karnaghan, has delved deep into learning more about human behaviour and believes in empowering her clients with their own knowledge for a powerful transformation.

H

i Jess. Please introduce yourself and share your connection with the Barrington Coast region.

Hi, my name is Jess Karnaghan; my interests and passions include reading, learning, meeting new people, travelling and spending time in nature.

I moved to the Hallidays Point area with my husband, two year old and eleven month old only six months ago and absolutely love it here. I grew up in Newcastle and would regularly come to the Forster-Tuncurry area for school holidays.

While on holiday in Tuncurry as a teenager, I had my first undeniable “spiritual experience” with a clairvoyant, which propelled me on a lifelong journey to better understand the mind/body/ spirit connection. Because of that, this area has always held a special place in my heart and I dreamed of the possibility of moving here one day - and now here I am!

Your business, Resolve & Evolve, is all about helping people re-discover their true passions and aligning these values to become the highest version of themselves.

Tell us a little about your background and how this venture came to fruition?

My curiosity about all things related to human potential led me to study Reiki at 18 and then several other energy healing modalities during my twenties. At the same time I was working in an emergency services agency and was exposed to a lot of stories of suffering, trauma and violence. I believe regular energy healing and meditation were the only things that kept me from full burnout during those years. I wanted to learn more about human behaviour and why people make certain disempowering choices and how I might be able to help them choose differently.

I became a qualified Life Coach and also Both Life Coaching and NLP impart the power studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). and importance of using language as one of I have been practising NLP, life coaching and your most valuable tools for success. Most energy healing part-time over a number of years, people use negative words to describe their but it wasn’t until I moved here that I felt the situation and even describe their goals with strong urge to officially launch my business and words about what they don’t want instead of make my services more accessible; so Resolve what they do want. A simple practice of getting and Evolve was born! a client to notice the words they use to describe I love the synchronicity that coming to this their life and re-framing their goals in a positive area has once again pushed me out of my way can make all the difference. comfort zone, just like it NLP then helps you did when I was 15 and understand yourself in a inspired me to step up my deeper way by teaching contribution in a bigger way. about the subconscious A simple practice of It’s a pretty magical place. mind. It explores the getting a client to notice You’ve been pretty active connection of our past the words they use to in the community in the experiences and the describe their life and last six months - can you meaning and beliefs we re-framing their goals in tell us more about MIBA? form from them, and a positive way can make I was a bit nervous about how that can lead to our all the difference. moving to a new area with programming or auto-pilot two young children and reactions and behaviours not knowing anyone here. we have as adults.

I happened to find a post I use NLP processes to on a local page about “Mums in Business help a client “clear out” unrewarding behaviours Association” (MIBA) networking meeting; or beliefs that have been influenced by other which any women in business (not just mums) people or negative events, and resolve any can attend that was child friendly. I went to a underlying emotional pain. Clients then feel meeting in my first week of moving here and empowered with the freedom of choice on who have since found beautiful friendships, support they want to be and how they want their lives to and business as a result. I was even the guest be. I believe so much in empowering my clients speaker for the February meeting! We had a fun with their own knowledge for transformation. and interactive morning learning about how to I became a qualified NLP trainer so that I can use our mindset to overcome money blocks and teach other people how to become qualified attract more wealth into our lives. practitioners.

You have many qualifications under your What can someone expect from a session belt, including Life Coaching and Neurowhen they book in with you?

Linguistic Programming (NLP). Tell us how An initial session with me is ninety minutes, you implement these into your practice/ to allow enough time to get to know you, your sessions. history and desired outcomes. Subsequent

sessions I offer either sixty or ninety minute sessions. The beauty of holistic coaching is that every session is different and specifically tailored to the needs of the client at the time. Generally, some of the sessions are dedicated to exploring what is coming up presently and looking at how you feel about your core areas of life and what you would like to improve. Then we delve a bit deeper using NLP processes or an energy scan to see what some underlying issues are that could be contributing to the problems presenting in your life, and we work on clearing those. After every session, a person can expect to have more clarity on a situation, resolve emotional pain and have inspiration on how to move forward.

What is it about your role that you love so much?

So many answers to this question! It absolutely lights me up when I can help someone discover more love within themselves and for themselves. I love that I can help others heal from the past and reach their full potential.

I enjoy when people have what I call a “jigsaw piece moment” and suddenly have a profound insight or understanding into what a pattern playing out in their life has really been about, and from then on have the freedom to move forward from it. It is also incredibly beautiful when a client has a “bliss moment”. This is when they connect in with their true nature and inner wisdom and experience the amazing peace and transformation that brings to life.

For anyone who would love to get in contact with you, how do they do so?

I see clients online via zoom, in person at the Healers Nook within Forster Yoga Studio or in my home therapy room in Failford.

They can find me on Facebook, contact me via my website www.resolveandevolve.com.au or email jess_karnaghan@outlook.com Manning-Great Lakes focus 33

ANITA BUCKLAND-TYLER ETC TEAM LEADER, MANNING

Anita helps people find meaningful work that supports their injury, illness or disability via ETC’s Disability Employment Services.

W

hy do you work in this industry and for ETC? I’ve been in the employment services industry for 12 years now, and I still get the same satisfaction of helping someone achieve their goals as I did when I first started.

Caring about your customers is an integral part of what I do - if you didn’t, you wouldn’t help anyone and would burn out pretty quickly.

I am proud to work for ETC, as it’s a not-forprofit company that provides a person-centred approach to helping people. ETC has a genuine interest in the communities it operates and provides financial assistance to many local projects and community-based organisations.

I am happy to say I work for ETC as it truly is a

company with integrity.

What is the most interesting part of your industry / role?

Working closely with my customers to help them achieve their employment and ultimately personal goals is the best part of my job. While there can be many trials and setbacks along the way, achieving the goal of securing and maintaining suitable employment, watching the individual grow and the changes it makes not only for our customer but also their family will always outweigh any difficulties experienced along the way.

What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work?

That’s easy: PEOPLE (family, friends and community). My job helps people who may need

extra support or guidance in finding work, due to injury, illness or a situation in their life. It may require intervention in some way, presenting opportunities that they hadn’t considered or just listening and believing in them until they believe in themselves. Whilst gaining employment may only be a small part of a person’s journey in life, it can definitely change their world and that of their family - which is why I love doing what I do.

When it comes to networking, what’s your top tip for success?

Regularly attend networking meetings and be accessible to others to answer questions about your services/industry. Don’t forget to nurture relationships with your contacts to help raise your professional profile and broaden

your access to opportunities (including working through any industry challenges together).

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

That’s a hard one, but I would have to say my grandmother. She never judged or criticised your choices or mistakes. She celebrated our successes and provided advice and encouragement when things didn’t go to plan (usually with a cuppa and a warm hug if you needed it). Love, honesty and time were the greatest gifts she offered. So, I guess in a way that reflects the work I do now and the person I would like to be.

If you would like to some help finding meaningful work that supports your injury, illness or disability, contact Anita at ETC today on 1800 007 400.

Finding you meaningful work that supports your injury, illness or disability.

We’ve helped thousands of people find work and our approach is simple.

Finding a job that fits you!

Call Anita, our DES team leader in the Manning, to discuss how ETC can help you.

For more information visit www.etcltd.com.au

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A M A N D A Tate

K R I S T Y Trenchard, S H A R Y N Hinton & S U Z I E Hignett

O W N E R L J H O O K E R TA R E E

H E L L O W O R L D T R A V E L TA R E E S E N I O R T R A V E L C O N S U LTA N T S / D R E A M M A K E R S

As we celebrate women in business, it is nice to remind people that we are also wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunties and if we have any time left, hopefully a friend.

Running a business is full on and there is little time to nurture relationships, let alone yourself, when in fact looking after oneself should be our first priority. You are juggling so many balls, you just don’t have time to get sick; you are too tired to organise that dinner party with friends and the weekends are usually spent catching up on paperwork and getting ready for the next week.

Sound familiar? I find the hardest judges are women, who critique your business, how you look, how your kids behave and maybe even your marriage. Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, I have time to think and reflect on my career and enjoy the rewards of being in business.

I am also at an age where what people think they know about me doesn’t worry me. Those keyboard warriors on Facebook taught me that lesson years ago, although I will never understand why people want to absolutely crucify someone in a public forum. I am really aware how impactive short statements can be, so my aim is always to encourage, inspire and support people when our paths cross. We have employed many people over the years, and they come and go for whatever reasons, but I would hope that their time with me has been fruitful. Most of my team are women, and I could not do what I do without this awesome bunch of strong, intelligent women who come to work every day and share my vision, contribute to our culture and work their butts off to ensure their job is done professionally, efficiently and with compassion.

Helloworld Travel in Taree was born out of the closure of a previous brand of travel agency.

Robyn and James Flanagan from Wauchope Travel knew what highly experienced and motivated staff the three ladies had been for many years and couldn’t pass up the chance to relaunch with the popular Helloworld Travel Brand.

All locals, the three ladies have continued to pursue their shared passion in helping travellers to have the best possible travel experience. It has been over a year in the new look office, and many long-term clients have returned to have their travel needs planned and booked.

The travel industry is constantly evolving, and we must remain adaptable to new destinations, new products, and different

ways of doing business. Sharyn, Kristy and Suzie are all passionate travellers, and in the year since we relaunched, have visited such exciting destinations as Egypt, Cambodia, Europe, Vietnam, Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands.

The up-to-date information gathered on their travels helps them to really get to the heart of a place, and willingly share their knowledge with their clients and colleagues.

Our amazing team and community focused new owners have been welcomed and well supported by the business community in Taree, Harrington and the surrounding areas.

We have joined Chamber of Commerce and sponsored TasteFest in an ongoing desire to participate in the Manning area. We look forward to seeing you in store!

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D R S C A R L E T T Shackleton G E N E R A L S U R G E O N F O R S T E R P R I VAT E H O S P I TA L

I am a General Surgeon with a special interest in surgical oncology and laparoscopic surgery. I’m from the UK, but came to Newcastle in 2008 to continue training. After completing my fellowship in Tasmania, I worked in regional centres all over Australia, as well as with the Royal Flying Doctors Service in outback Queensland. Settling down back in Newcastle, I’m excited to come to Forster regularly to maintain my commitment to rural and regional patients.

How do you adapt to change?

I’m lucky that I love change, but if all the possible choices and outcomes seem overwhelming, I try to just come back to the one next action I need to take and go from there. The right path always seems to become clear.

What are your strengths?

I understand how frightening it can be for a

36 Manning-Great Lakes focus

patient when they need surgery. I think I’m good at explaining treatment choices to my patients in a way they can understand, which allows them to to take an active role in their recovery and lessens the fear of the unknown.

What excites you about your job?

I’m really excited by all the current advances allowing minimally invasive surgery and less surgical intervention for patients. It’s a real privilege to have a job where I can see the difference I make every day.

Tips for maintaining balance?

I don’t know if I’m too good at this yet, but a walk by the sea or chat with a friend always seems to reset me.

Quote to live by?

You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. (Martin Luther King.)

K O M A L Chandra G R E AT L A K E S P H A R M A C Y P H A R M A C I S T / O W N E R

How did you get started in your industry?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a part of the health industry. Whilst in high school, I did work experience at a small family owned pharmacy and fell in love with the profession. I was lucky to be offered a scholarship to study at university and secured work both during the holidays and after graduation in the pharmacy.

I joined the team at Great Lakes Pharmacy over five years ago and am now a partner in the business, making my ownership dreams a reality.

How does your business adapt to change?

We are constantly learning and evolving as the needs of the community changes. We openly engage with customers and seek feedback on what they like and what we can improve on.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

Having great patient relationships and provid-

ing exceptional service. I want us to care for our patients as if they are family. I know I am only as strong as the people I surround myself with, and the team is my biggest asset.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self?

This is a work in progress! Being accessible all the time, especially as a business owner, means it is a constant juggle, making work/life balance tricky.

I have learnt to prioritise family time since having my daughter and make sure my phone is away, so I can be present when at home. I’m also lucky to have a supportive husband, who ensures I have some “me time” to relax and recharge. Self-care is important, as I must be the best version of me to be the best for my team, patients and my family.

Quote to live by? Do something today that your future self will thank you for!

M I A Tycehurst FORSTER YOGA STUDIO BUSINESS OWNER AND YOGA TEACHER

Please introduce yourself and your business?

We are a team of 14 passionate yoga teachers offering yoga to all levels every day of the week. We like to keep it real and make yoga accessible even to those who have not ever been into personal growth or fitness. In the end, we all have our things to deal with in life, and we love how yoga provides us with tools on how to cope with it all and make you feel amazing inside and out at the same time.

How do you juggle work/life balance?

I’m lucky, my daughter is now 10 and it’s so much easier compared to a few years ago. I often see mums with younger kids putting enormous pressures on themselves trying to make it all fit. I’ve been there, thank GAWD for yoga!!! Yoga has taught me to just enjoy this relatively short time of motherhood. I’ve learned to put my wellbeing first, and then the other things will fall into place. When I have too much on, I take a break and make sure I feel lovey-dovey again. Whatever I create must come from love, and not from stress or fear.

Quote to live by?

“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in one drop.” It gives me power and faith, we are all One.

KARINA GERSBACH VA L L E Y V I E W FA R M & C O O W N E R & C O O K O F O U R FA R M G AT E K I TC H E N

Please introduce yourself and your business. Hi, I am Karina Gersbach from Valley View Farm & Co. My husband, Adam and our girls live on the farm and grow several varieties of award winning organic garlic and operate our rustic Farm Gate Kitchen.

The Farm Gate Kitchen is my baby, with the support of legendary barista Lucy and our awesome cake maker Janeece.

What are your greatest strengths in business? The ability to have total freedom in deciding what dishes get on to my menu every week is empowering. Cooking rustic farmhouse dishes from around the world using our organic garlic and as much local produce I can source is my weekly challenge. This is something new and exciting for our area, teamed with our incredible dining space set within our restored dairy and beautiful gardens.

Tell us about your involvement in the local community.

The vision we have always had for our farm has been to create a space for the community to come and learn, feel and experience the reality of growing your own organic food in a sustainable way. Furthermore, by showcasing other local artisan growers and producers, the community can experience the talent of our region in one place.

R E N E E Gilbert VALLEY INDUSTRIES C O R P O R AT E S E R V I C E S M A N A G E R

Please introduce yourself and your business?

I am Renee Gilbert, the Corporate Services Manager for Valley Industries. Since joining in 2014, my role has grown to encompass human resources, coordination of supports, training, school leaver supports and much more!

How does your business adapt to change?

Valley Industries launched in 1971 and is now proudly one of the largest employers in the Manning Valley.

We have over 400 wonderful employees providing support for over 180 Participants - to help them achieve their ambitions and goals under the NDIS. What are your greatest strengths in business?

My greatest personal strength is the ability to juggle! With such a large organisation, spread across multiple sites, I need to be quick thinking, flexible and responsive to whatever the day brings!

Within Valley Industries, our strength is our people.

Without our passionate and dedicated staff, Valley Industries would not be the service provider we are today.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 37

NIKKI, NAT& PENNY

M A R I K I Boshoff

INSURANCE ADVISERNET

U LT I M AT E E Y E C A R E O P T O M E T R I S T / O W N E R

Please introduce yourself and your business.

Hi, we’re Nikki, Nat and Penny, Insurance Advisers from Insurance Advisernet. (IA).

What is your business vision for 2020?

Continue developing our local relationships to build trust and expose the company to more local business owners.

How does your business adapt to change?

We’re in a reactive industry, so change is a constant and accepted part of it. No two conversations or clients are the same. IA has developed technology to help advise our clients on risks within their business showing their exposures and how to mitigate.

What are your greatest strengths in business? As a team, we have over 100 years’ experience in most facets of the industry, including underwriting, claims and customer

38 Manning-Great Lakes focus

service. This enables us to be better equipped to negotiate favourable terms and conditions when placing cover and securing positive outcomes on claims.

Tell us about your involvement in the local community. Presently we’re offering claim support to bushfire affected locals who might be with a direct (competitor) insurer. This involves helping them understand their entitlements under the policy to negotiate positive outcomes.

This advice is being offered free of charge.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self?

We all have young families, so it's near impossible to get a true balance, but you’re always striving for it. That’s why we offer our team flexibility, so we can all share in those moments at school or in life that you only get one shot at.

Overview of your business: As an independent optometrist, we provide a full range of optical options, ranging from clinical care, medical eye health treatment, spectacles through to contact lenses. Ultimately, our patients have the freedom to choose what is best suited to them with the knowledge and recommendations provided by myself, the optometrist, and our highly trained and qualified team.

What is your business vision for 2020?

We aim to deliver a consistently high level of optometric care with old fashioned customer service, with the latest technology, combined with full scope clinical eye care and a full range of options for your individual needs. It is the year 2020: the year of good vision for life.

What are your greatest strengths?

Knowledge, expertise, service, modern, precision

equipment and an excellent patient-customer experience is what sets us at Ultimate Eyecare apart.

Our philosophy is built around the idea that your eyes are the windows to your soul, so we take what we do very seriously and we are very passionate about delivering the best in eye care.

I like to manage ocular disease and thus continually establish and maintain good relationships with local GPs, pharmacists and ophthalmologists.

We are a very family-oriented practice and believe that the best advertisement is word of mouth. My staff and I are always friendly; we want to know our patients by their first name.

We feel like a happy family, where we aim to achieve the best solution for everyone every time.

A M A N D A Dwyer A M A N D A’ S V I P C L E A N I N G O W N E R / P R O P R I E T O R

Please introduce yourself and your business.

Hello, I’m Amanda. I’ve owned my business for four years, and I’m completely passionate about cleaning. My business offers a VIP cleaning and treatment service for that royal touch using chemical free Enjo products!

What is your business vision for 2020?

To have a large team of cleaners working with me and my brand and continuing to promote the use of Enjo products to efficiently clean your home and protect our environment.

How does your business adapt to change?

My business has been born out of our planet’s need to protect the environment in every way that we can as humans. This is incredibly important to me in business and at this time in our climate’s situation. Enjo products are so

effective and cause no reaction in people who suffer from sensitivity or allergies.

What are your greatest strengths in business? I leave a home sparkling clean, and I love my job! I am not afraid to get behind all your furniture items to make sure everything is clean and clear of dirt.

How do you juggle work/life balance?

I remain on the ball at all times! I am very organised. I also have two teenage children. I value face-to-face customer service. My business thrives on direct communication with my clients.

Quote to live by?

Be happy! We’re here for such a short time!

I believe a clean home gives joy and creates a healthy, ordered life. I believe if you can turn your passion into something you love, happiness will follow!

DEB HOPPER

LIFE SKILLS 4 KIDS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, AUTHOR, TRAINER, PODCASTER

P

lease introduce yourself and your business.

Hi, I’m Deb, an occupational therapist working with kids and adults who struggle with sensory processing, behaviour and anxiety.

I do this through • Part-time face to face occupational therapy locally; • Supporting occupational therapists around Australia with professional supervision; • Two online memberships; • The Anxious to Calm membership for parents with anxious kids; • The Kids OT Pod for Occupational Therapist; • Creating online courses for parents and professionals; • Being an author! I have currently written four books. My most recent was the Teaching Kids to Manage Anxiety: Superstar Practical Strategies; • The Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast - which has practical tips for busy parents and professionals.

What is your business vision for 2020?

To create online courses to support parents and professionals locally and around the world.

The first, Build Your Sustainable, Profitable Therapy Business Five Week Boot Camp for therapy professionals starts this week, supporting therapists to start their own therapy practices, so more families can be supported!

The next courses will teach strategies to parents and professionals to help with working with kids with sensory processing and anxiety and are based on my full day workshops for each.

Being online means that everyone around the world can access them and gives me a global reach.

How does your business adapt to change?

Being a small business means that I can pivot to meet needs very quickly, whether that is implementing new therapy programs or strategies for local therapy children, or creating a new course for online quickly.

For example, as I write I’m in Melbourne for

four days training with world expert in Social Thinking® / social skills Michelle Garcia Winner.

I’ll be integrating ideas from this program into my 1:1 therapy and Anxious to Calm parent membership within two weeks.

I’m also not scared of investing in new tech to make the business more efficient.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

• I invest heavily in my personal and professional development through courses and mentoring; • I’m always looking for new ideas for business and therapy; • My team supports me so I can focus on my “genius zone”.

Tell us about your involvement in the local community.

I’m a member of the Forster Triathlon Club and love being a sponsor of the All Abilities Kids Triathlon each November. It’s a great initiative to encourage kids to be active and to give it a try, new skills and resilience.

What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self?

Lately I came across a concept that you cannot balance life. It’s impossible. Instead, we juggle.

When a “ball” comes down, focus on that 100% and the others stay in the air. So focus on work at work and home at home. Always a juggle, as my office is at home!

If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it?

Rice and beans, a pack of seeds and petrol to get to work.

Quote to live by?

“We’re not held back by what we don’t have, but by what we don’t use.” Bob Goff, Everybody, Always.

Let’s connect! You can find me at www. lifeskills4kids.com.au and join our newsletter for practical and helpful tips, or join the Life Skills 4 Kids Podcast.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 39

E M M A Jenkins & A L I C I A Tancred PAC I F I C C OA S T P R O P E R T Y N E T WO R K

Please introduce yourself and your business.

Alicia Tancred, mother of the two most amazing young boys, Licensee of the Sales and Permanent Rental Departments. Emma Jenkins, Licensee of the Holiday Management Department.

Pacific Coast Property Network is one of Forster’s largest real estate agencies, offering sales, holiday and permanent rental management.

What is your business vision for 2020? Our 2020 vision is to deliver exceptional and personal service to our clients to achieve the best result for them, building lasting relationships and always maintaining integrity and our motto - we love what do here at Pacific Coast!

How does your business adapt to change?

Our strong and vibrant team across the Pacific Coast Property Network are full of energy and passion. This allows us to work collaboratively,

40 Manning-Great Lakes focus

drawing on a broad range of experience and expertise. This makes facing any challenge or change easy to deal with, not just adapting to change, but to drive the change. It’s fabulous to be part of a team where everyone loves their job.

What are your greatest strengths in business?

Alicia - My positive attitude and organisational and people skills. Looking at situations and people with a glass half full approach and a smile always ends in a better outcome, and I’m super organised!

Emma - My genuine passion for the people and properties we care for, both owners and guests.

I continue to manage a portfolio of properties and feel that being an organised hands on manager best allows me to lead our holiday team.

If you were down to your last $20, how would you spend it? Doughnuts!

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

Tuncurry Coaches DAY TRIPS Saturday 18th April 2020 - Hunter Valley Steamfest featuring a vast array of steam engine locomotives and antique machinery from all over Australia. Or, just enjoy the live music, historic heritage walks and over 100 market stalls and gourmet food stalls. Lunch at own expense; cost: $85.00 per person.

up Whiten

Tuesday 19th May 2020 - Lemon Myrtle Farm, Pub with No Beer and Abundance Nursery Join us for a day trip north to Perry’s Lemon Myrtle Farm, The Pub with No Beer and the Abundance Nursery near Laurieton for afternoon tea on the way home. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included; cost: $70.00 per person. Full itinerary available online or by calling 0412 647 790.

LIVE SHOWS Wed 15th - Thur 16th April 2020 - La Traviata Opera on the Harbour.

Cost: $600 per person twin share; single room add an extra $180. Full itinerary available online or by calling 0412 647 790. Five star opulence overnight tour; be wined and dined in style.

Wednesday 12th August 2020 - The Secret Garden Lyric Theatre Sydney (includes dinner). Cost: $160 per person.

Wednesday 28th October 2020 - Fiddler on the Roof Sydney Opera House (dinner at own expense). Cost: $140 per person.

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

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whitening removes internal stains through a process called oxidation. The most common ingredient used for whitening teeth is peroxide gel.

Home or Away?

The take home whitening system self confidence. On the other hand, usually involves a custom tray filled the embarrassment of revealing grey, with a whitening solution from 10 - 20 yellow, or discoloured teeth could be per cent concentration. The patient enough to make wears the trays as someone too prescribed by their embarrassed dental professionto smile ... and al for 20 minutes what a pity that to hours over the IT’S USUALLY POSSIBLE would be. Morecourse of a week, TO ACHIEVE A SHADE over, stained until they get the THAT IS SIX TO EIGHT teeth can affect desired result. The SHADES LIGHTER, TAKING a person’s overall Take Home SysYEARS OFF YOUR SMILE self image, their tem requires an self confidence initial consultation, AND MAKING YOU LOOK and their sense impressions and AND FEEL YOUNGER. of self worth. So then a follow up why not aim for a appointment to brilliant smile and fit the trays and whiten up! begin treatment.

Unlike simple scaling or polishing, The benefit of the take home system is which is a purely mechanical process YOU are in control of your whitening, that removes superficial stains caused and can choose the shade you like. by coffee, tea, and red wine, tooth Also, you can top up your whitening at aving an attractive smile - whether God-given or courtesy of a highly skilled dental professional - is important for

any time, and down the track additional tubes of the whitening solution can be purchased for $20 - $30.

The in-office whitening system is a one-off treatment that uses a higher concentration of peroxide gel and takes from 30 - 60 minutes in the dental chair, under the supervision of a dental professional. The in-office system gives patients the confidence that their treatment is being supervised, but this tends to cost more if they ever want to repeat the process, as they have to completely repeat the treatment.

What Can You Expect?

It’s usually possible to achieve a shade that is six to eight shades lighter, taking years off your smile and making you look and feel younger. Your teeth can become sensitive during the treatment, but the effect is transient, and with care causes minimal discomfort.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our March Take Home Whitening Special for only $199. For more information, contact the caring team at Sundial Dental Taree 6551 1005 or Laurieton 6559 9276 or visit www.sundialdental.com.au Manning-Great Lakes focus 41

F O C U S

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Business Minds with Bronwyn Davis of Clui Creative

focus_contributor.

Andrew O’Sullivan

Associates Landscaping We chat to renowned landscaper designer Andrew O’Sullivan about incorporating the P.E.A.C.E design philosophy into our gardens and landscaping.

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our business, Andrew O’Sullivan and Associates Landscaping, is focused on sustainable designs. How did your passion begin?

It started as a child, growing up in Sydney. We were poor and through necessity, my mother showed me the magic of reuse. We had nearly every domestic animal, and all the structures were built from salvaged materials. With the art of composting, worm farming and seed collecting, we could grow an abundance of organic produce. With so much going on, the schools would come for excursions. At 20 I started my landscaping business in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, and for the past 35 years have used salvaged and reused objects to dress up million-dollar homes.

Your design philosophy is P.E.A.C.E. - can you elaborate?

As I progressed, the media loved me for my creative reuse and design. I was asked to do a talk at the Institute of Horticulture; they wanted some points on the lecture to market it. Firstly, it had to be practical, secondly environmentally sound, thirdly aesthetically pleasing, then cost-effective and educational. The woman who was taking the notes realised that the five major points spelt peace. It has evolved since then and encompasses a spectrum of information to design almost anything respectfully. Practical, Environmental, Aesthetically Pleasing, Costeffective, Educational.

Your mission statement is “An ecologically conscience approach to creating practical and pleasurable places of interest”. How do you achieve this for your clients?

Three things are needed. Firstly a wish list; this is everything the client wants from the landscape. Secondly a theme; what’s the overall look you’re after. Pictures of what you love gets everybody on the same page and thirdly, a budget. This doesn’t dictate what you can or can’t have; it basically tells you the time frame you can have it in. If large, you can pay others and buy materials, and it can be fast.

If small, it means you’ll be doing more of the work, and salvaging more materials; the end project can have all the same elements, just over a longer period. Once the three things are known, I attend a site consultation, I assess the area, existing materials, plants, aspect, soil conditions, adding anything missed. We then come up with a concept plan and a rough pricing. I aim to turn your dreams into reality and within budget.

You established the first landscape salvage and reuse business, using so called “rubbish”. What are some of the benefits of using salvaged materials, and how can they add value?

Often people clear the block of structures, plants, trees, paths, topsoil and rubble before starting the landscape or build. This costs money to remove, then they have to replace them, costing to re-purchase. The old timbers become decks, pergolas, seating, garden beds, animal pens. The bricks and rubble can be used as drainage, retaining walls or structures. The trees and plants can be relocated, materials can also be sold to help fund your landscaping.

Some just want them gone, so this is where I started keeping them for other projects, hence I made salvage and reuse a bigger part of my life, and the media loved it.

You were a presenter on ABC’s Gardening

Australia, which was from old toys. What I love One thing that could be hugely successful. at the moment is wicking exploited more is fresh Why do you think the beds; they’re water herbs and produce at show was such a hit? efficient powerhouses your backdoor. With I played a big part for growing produce. our wicking bed system in setting up Backyard Connect worm farms to you can drop your food Blitz, Channel 7s them and watch them scraps in and pick some fresh Australia’s Best grow; you now know produce. So simple.

Backyards, I was a guest why I don’t have TV. presenter on Better We also have them in Homes and Gardens, schools, and it’s great as a Burke’s Backyard, and teaching unit. then I found the ABC’s Gardening Australia; Gardens are an extension of the home.

I found they were less commercial, and I What do you think people are wanting aligned with their ethos. I stayed there for from their gardens, and what do you think six and a half years. I had to laugh; at one they often overlook? stage I was on Channel 10, 9, 7 and 2, and I People are realising whatever they have didn’t watch television. It’s been 26 years now inside their home they can have outside. since I’ve turned one on. The show covered Whether it’s a dining area, outdoor kitchen down to earth gardening, with a team full or shower. One thing that could be exploited of knowledge. Today it’s the longest running more is fresh herbs and produce at your back gardening show on TV. door. With our wicking bed system you can You are known as Mr Bali; why have you drop your food scraps in and pick some fresh acquired that name? produce. So simple.

Twenty five years ago I imported some What are your future plans for your pots and statues, thatch roofing and set up business? a few homes in Balinese style. I then entered Expanding my education centre in Tuncurry, my gardens into the Australian Open Garden so as well as running sustainable courses, scheme. Most people had 400 guests over we are also including a holistic approach a weekend; I was getting 1,200. From that I on health and overall wellness. We are also picked up clients who loved the style. promoting our range of wicking beds. Our You have dedicated much of your time modular version is perfect for home, renters, teaching children. What do you hope they nursing homes, basically anyone wanting fresh learn from you? produce.

I love sharing knowledge and inspiring Where can we find out more information? others. Replace the saying teach a man to fish andrew@aolandscapes.com.au or Facebook, with inspire a child to garden; it’s a gift they wicking beds or get wicked or on can use for the rest of their lives. I run courses 0416 284 228. like kids scapes and children making gardens Thanks Andrew.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 43

focus_contributor

JOHN STEVENS FROM MIDCOAST BUSINESS CHAMBER

Photo credit: instagram.com/dropzone.photography

FEBRUARY HAS BEEN A PRETTY CRITICAL MONTH FROM A STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE for our business community and for the organisations that support business.

44 Manning-Great Lakes focus

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ith much appreciated rainfall bringing some relief to the sectors of our business community which have been affected by water shortages and restriction, and most of our national bushfire crisis shifting into “recovery mode”, now is the time for us to get moving on advocacy and action that will make the most of our opportunities to keep our community strong and to help those most affected recover.

As a result, the Mid Coast Business Chamber held their first meeting for 2020 and a change in the make up of the committee has taken place, giving opportunity for fresh energy to apply where it’s needed most. There are many words of thanks that need to be given to those who have stepped down or changed their roles, and words don’t particularly do justice to the gratitude owed those who have given their time. Of note, special thanks is given to Liz Jarvis, who has given more than most to the Mid Coast Chamber - particularly since she has held the roles of President, Treasurer and Secretary simultaneously in recent months. Cliff Hoare has also stepped out for Mike Parsons to step in, and Cliff’s service will be missed.

Additionally, through changes in the Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber, Gary Gersbach has also left the committee. The committee for 2020, then, is made up of John Sayhoun (Bulahdelah Chamber), Rick Wraight (Myall Coast Chamber), Paula Gilmour (Old Bar and Manning Point), Mike Parsons (Harrington

Crowdy Camber), James Hooke (Gloucester Chamber), Liz Jarvis (Wingham Chamber) and myself on behalf of Taree. We have begun roundtable discussions with MidCoast Council, Destination NSW, the NSW Chamber, RDA Mid North Coast and more and are optimistic we’ll have more to report in the coming month.

Lastly, the Mid Coast Business Awards committee is in preparations for 2020, and a recent change in the committee has seen some longstanding members move on from their roles this year. In particular I’d like to thank Jenny Ashton and Kevin Ellis for their tireless efforts and contributions in having made the event one that has continued to evolve, be responsive to feedback and be exceedingly well received.

Of particular focus for the Mid Coast Chamber for the coming period is to ensure that our business community’s needs aren’t forgotten by those with the capacity to make a difference, given the onslaught of new challenges to our state and nation. Our greatest challenge is that, whilst many across our country have been affected by fires, droughts and even floods, our community’s ability to wear these challenges are particularly challenged against the context of years of changing business trends that have taken their toll. Despite this, our great community is resilient, blessed with plenty of advantages ready to be leveraged and galvanised by a sense that only when we work together will we see some of our challenges well resolved.

m ney matters. with Jonathan Tickle

Footballers, High Impact Sport and Recreation Enthusiasts Take Note

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ver the past year, there have been five clients who were injured during sport and recreation pursuits who were assisted with claims under income protection and specified injury cover.

Some of those players had young families and it was their wives who said, “You go and see Jono and get some insurance, or you are not playing!”

More particularly, those who are selfemployed, because they don’t have sick leave to call on, can be in dire straits financially without cover.

The trap for the unsuspecting is that the very basic cover held within the “Mysuper“ products such as Industry Superannuation Funds may offer cover up to 75 - 85% or pre-disability income; however, there is no capacity to pay a lump sum for specified injury for cover held within a superannuation fund.

If the superannuation fund insurance has a 30 day wait period before being able to claim, it is generally 60 days before money is forthcoming.

The immediate out of pocket medical expenses then becomes a challenge for most young people.

What is the solution?

I generally arrange a combination of income cover within super, with about 20% of the premiums to be paid outside of superannuation to fund cover such as accidental injury and specified injury.

This allows for a lump sum to be paid almost immediately outside of superannuation, while the wait period for income cover ticks over.

With the bulk of the premiums still coming

from superannuation, this doesn’t mean you have to change superannuation funds; the out of pocket premiums to give protection while playing sport is affordable.

The risk is too great not to have cover, and I liken the insurance cover as a price to pay to play sport or enjoy other active pursuits, in the same way that there are registration costs or other fees to be met before you can play.

I have also found that writing decent cover on level premiums ends up saving money in the long run, when compared to what the cost of inferior cover is within many superannuation funds.

Example of a Claim “Jock” (not his real name), is a truck driver, employed locally, who is a keen sportsperson.

A knee injury on a weekend meant that he could not climb into the truck cabin or safely operate the vehicle.

He lodged a claim on insurance immediately on his income cover, which included specified and accidental injury.

Knee reconstruction followed, and time was needed to heal a fracture.

For a white-collar worker, while there would be no issue with return to work soon after surgery, for a truck driver, return to work becomes more complex.

Because of the liability risk to the insurance company, they have been insistent on “Jock” having the cost of occupational therapists and an intense rehabilitation program all covered, in addition to the income cover he was receiving, to ensure that Jock could operate as a truck driver at 100% capacity before returning to work.

Quality cover is essential if incapacity means the difference between financial disaster, and recovery both financially and medically.

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 Authorised Representatives of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd | ABN 93 161 647 007 | AFSL 449221

When the second wife beats the kids to the inheritance The looming legal battle over the estate of the late former prime minister Bob Hawke - estimated at around $18 million could be a bitter one, as one of his children from his first marriage challenges the right of his second wife to receive the bulk of his estate.

In his will Mr Hawke left $750,000 to each of his three children from his late first wife Hazel, and the same amount to his stepson. His second wife, Blanche d’Alpuget got the rest when he died in May 2019, including a $9 million mansion and a $3.6 million apartment.

Now his 59-year-old youngest daughter, who has had trouble with drugs during her life, is challenging the will, seeking a larger slice of the inheritance.

Wills and estates specialist at Stacks Law Firm, Joshua Crowther, was asked by the media for his expert opinion on her chances of success.

Mr Crowther said Ms d’Alpuget had a good chance of maintaining her share of Mr Hawke’s estate, as inheritance laws looked more favourably upon a second wife than they do on the adult children.

“The court generally, or almost always, regards the surviving spouse as the primary object of obligation of the deceased,” Mr Crowther told Daily Mail Australia.

“Comparatively, adult children are, let's say, a rung down in the pecking order,” he told the paper.

Mr Crowther said the prospects for adult children are much better if the estate is a large one. Courts tend to have little regard for claims of “fairness” during the person’s life, but focus on whether the inheritance is unfair, having regard to the individual’s position at the time of the hearing.

The court may consider allegations Mr Hawke’s youngest daughter has raised, but it is up to the court to consider any matter it deems relevant.

And there is a risk of a costs order being made against a claimant.

Mr Crowther said that under section 57 of the Succession Act 2006 (NSW), certain people can challenge an estate within 12 months of the death. This includes spouses, biological children, carers, former spouses or de factos, grandchildren and even friends of the deceased.

“People other than spouses and children have to establish that they were members of the household and were either wholly or partially dependent on the deceased, and that the deceased had an obligation to provide for them in a will.

“The financial needs of the claimant are carefully considered, but courts are less inclined to make provision for adult children who are well established and financially secure.”

If you have a case, Stacks has the expert

02 6592 6592

stacklaw.com.au/taree Manning-Great Lakes focus 45

MAJOR REGIONAL HEALTH Our region is undergoing a major transformation in the development and upgrade of health and medical services through multi-million dollar investments currently underway and scheduled to begin soon.

Radiotherapy Cancer Services Local cancer sufferers requiring radiotherapy will no longer have to travel to Newcastle or Port Macquarie to receive radiation therapy services after the Federal Nationals announced a $63-million package to boost services in regional Australia, including a new multi-million dollar service for the Manning-Great Lakes.

The funding is in addition to the $6 billion a year the Federal Coalition Government provides for cancer treatments and services.

Radiation therapy is another important component in modern day cancer treatment helping to save many lives. It is absolutely vital that our region has access to these services and I’m absolutely thrilled the Minister has signed off on this important initiative and will be rolled out throughout this term of government.

It is vital that we do all we can to provide cancer care for patients living in Australia.

We know that radiation therapy can open up options for people’s cancer treatment mix. It is a proven, life-saving used in 48 per cent of successful cancer treatments.

It helps patients with certain types of cancer avoid expensive and intrusive surgery, saving them thousands of dollars and avoiding long recoveries.

Yet we also know that a key barrier to radiation therapy in Australia is not cost, nor its effectiveness.

It’s lack of access.

The federally funded initiative will provide greater access, help and support for people fighting cancer.

$3.5 million Headspace The Federal Coalition Government is allocating a $30-million over four years towards an expansion of headspace centres across Australia.

One in four people aged 16 to 24 experiences some form of mental illness every year and three-quarters of all mental illness manifests in people under the age of 25.

Intervention at the earliest possible stage is important to reduce the duration and impact.

The new centre will provide vital services and deliver innovative support for young Australians throughout the Manning-Great Lakes region I want to ensure our young people are able to have access to the information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it. These guaranteed new frontline services for our region worth $3.5-million over four years will help deliver that support.

The headspace program aims to improve access for young people aged 12 to 25 years who have, or are at risk of, mental illness. headspace offers early intervention services across four key areas—mental health, related physical health, social and vocational support, and alcohol and other drug use.

Services provide tailored and holistic mental health support, working closely with young people at a crucial time in their lives to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.

Dr David GILLESPIE MP 46 Manning-Great Lakes focus

NATIONALS FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

UPGRADES UNDERWAY MRI Services Patients in the Manning-Great Lakes area will be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions, with a new Federally-funded MRI licence for Manning Base Hospital.

This multi-million dollar health project for our region means locals will be able to access a Medicare rebate for an estimated 3,354 Medicare rebatable services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.

An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.

It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.

The installation of MRI equipment at the Hospital is expected to occur by May with clinical services to commence from July.

Manning Base Hospital upgrade and new Forster-Tuncurry Hospital With over $140-million being invested in a major upgrade of Manning Base Hospital and planning underway on a new Forster-Tuncurry Hospital, the region’s health services are in for a significant boost.

I’d like to acknowledge the work of my State colleague Stephen Bromhead who has spearheaded the campaign for the first two stages of the Manning Base Hospital upgrade worth $140-million and securing the investment for the new ForsterTuncurry Hospital. Coupled with our multi-million dollar investments in radiotherapy, MRI, headspace and of course local academic and training of medical, health and nursing students, our region will continue to develop as a regional leader in health service delivery.

Medical, Nursing and Health Students studying and Training here The Federal Coalition Government is ramping up its Stronger Rural Health Strategy. The $550-million strengthen local health services and deliver more Australian doctors in regional and rural Australia delivering around 3,000 additional doctors for rural Australia, more than 3,000 additional nurses in rural general practice and hundreds of additional allied health professionals in the regions over 10 years, ensuring people living in places like the Manning and Great Lakes have better access to health services.

The Strategy will provide greater opportunities for Australian doctors through better teaching, training and retention.

This means better qualified GPs, nurses and allied health professionals will have opportunities, through training and other incentives, to live and practice in towns like ours, instead of remaining in big cities.

The comprehensive package, which builds on a number of important local health initiatives including the Federal Government’s investment Rural Doctor Training Hubs and the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program operated by Newcastle University in Taree, will be delivered over the next ten years and fundamentally change the training and supply of rural and regional doctors and will transform medical training in the regions.

Shops 2&3, 43 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 144 Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430 david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au

02 6586 4462

02 6557 8910 davidgillespie.com.au

Authorised by David Gillespie MP, National Party of Australia, Shops 2&3, 43 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446.

DavidGillespieMP Manning-Great Lakes focus 47

focus_style

cotal dreaming Bjorn Oval Mirror in Brass

bathroom palette

Plantation Shutters

Aqua Gloss Aria Ripple Subway Ceramic Tiles

Phoenix Gold Vivid Shower Head

Livornio White Freestanding Bath Stylish Plant in Basket

48 Manning-Great Lakes focus

BLE Building Award winning renovation specialist BLE Building specialises in custom design for all renovations and extensions for existing dwellings, as well as new home builds. No home is too old or too new to transform.

Shower Screen

Our team prides itself on taking the stress out of what can be an overwhelming process for people whilst bringing new life to their home, be it in their bathroom, kitchen or other areas of their home.

Nothing enhances a bathroom more than a new shower screen. Whether you are building from new, renovating an entire bathroom or just updating your shower screen, Milligans can offer a quality solution that matches your needs and budget.

For so many Australians your home is your greatest asset, so making the right choices when building or renovating can ensure great satisfaction and long-term value.

Ben Edwards has recently been awarded the prestigious 2019 HIA-Laminex Northern NSW Winning Bathroom of The Year Small Bathroom Award, as well as publishing a book, The Insiders Guide to Building Your Dream Home, for people considering building or renovating a home.

BLE Building has a passion for including recycled timber products wherever possible throughout their projects, as the team recognise the hidden value and benefits of such materials.

We are more than happy to listen and talk with you about your needs and provide you with our brochure and information regarding the process.

For people interested in talking to us about a possible project, please contact us by phoning BLE Building on 0401 362 964, Email: blebuilding@gmail.com - Facebook: BLE Building Contractors, Instagram: @blebuilding.

All enquiries are welcome; no job is too big or too small!

Milligans can fulfil your needs.

Milligans has been providing their customers

• frameless, semi-frameless & framed shower screens

with high-quality products for more than 40

• “Manhattan” sliding frameless shower screen

and liceneced staff are here to assist your with

• “Momentum” sliding semi-frameless shower screen

make it easy. Our Modern Splashbacks,

All shower screens are customed designed and manufactured by our Licenced Glazier and meet.

Australian Standards. Whatever your requirements are in a new shower screen,

Years, (established since 1974). Our qualified your next bathroom renovation. Milligans coloured or photographic or colour of choice, are a beautiful addition to your shower or kitchen.

Milligans custom make mirrors, polished or bevelled edge.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 49

L I F E S T Y L E

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QUOTA I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Quota Forster/Tuncurry is delighted to present International Women’s Day on the 9th March and the second expo “Enjoy Life” on the 21st March.

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he expo showcases some of the many activities that are available for enjoyment in our beautiful area. This event was first held in 2018 and was extremely well attended. Once again the stall holders will be pleased to have this opportunity to talk about their not-forprofit club or organisation and share their interest and enthusiasm.

For many who attended, this expo proved to be the way they could find out more about a volunteer organisation before making a commitment. Questions could be asked in this informal and friendly venue, and perhaps most importantly it gives people the opportunity to meet and chat to some of the members of the organisation.

People who have recently retired to the area especially benefited from the information day and learned just how many different interests and skills there are in our community.

Many residents have left their family and friends to enjoy retirement in this lovely region.

It is especially important for them to make new friends and feel they belong. With the stall holders, they can share enthusiasm and maybe learn new skills.

Come along and see for yourself the wide variety of stalls there are.

People feel reluctant to step out and join a group when they know very little about it.

We encourage you to come along and see what is available in this area and meet some of the enthusiastic members of these organisations.

Look out for the Quota hostesses in their distinctive blue shirts.

Tuncurry Memorial Hall (turn left over the bridge in Tuncurry), Saturday, March 21st, 10am ‘til 4pm.

FREE ENTRY - all are welcome, and refreshments are available.

For further information, please ring Elizabeth 6555 5781 or Christine 6557 5627.

QUOTA INTERNATIONAL OF FORSTER TUNCURRY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ...

Monday 9th March 2020, with a brunch at Sporties - 65 Beach Street, Tuncurry.

Guest speaker - Roz Dreise.

Roz will speak about her many achievments working in the local community since 1975 - including being winner of the Great Lakes Council Citizen of the Year, Australia Day Awards, 2015 - and tell us of the work of her friend, Guyra-born Gemma Sisia.

Gemma has successfully set up the school of St. Jude in Tanzania. Her aim is to “fight poverty through education”.

10am start - cost $30.

Bring your friends - tables of eight.

Bookings are essential; contact: Jan Irvine 6555 7219 or 0457 192 065.

Manning-Great Lakes focus 51

focus_guest contributor Ainslee Dennis from

Hands+ An intimate and confronting encounter with extreme poverty and human trafficking 10 years ago compelled Ros Jamieson to step out in faith to begin Fair Trade Downunder Hands + Hearts.

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air Trade Downunder Hands + Hearts is celebrating its 10 year milestone and its impact on communities in 15 countries. How did it begin?

My husband, Will, and I went to volunteer at Crossroads International in Hong Kong. It delivers aid by the container load all over the world, not only during disasters, but all the time to the poor in remote places. We were helping to pack shipping containers, and it was during that trip that I was confronted by the poor for the first time; it was up close and personal, and it changed me.

We walked past people sleeping in the street with dogs, people without limbs begging, and completely destitute people without eyes. Because I am aware of trafficking, I saw that happening and was powerless to do anything. It was very scary, and being confronted with that reality left me shocked.

It changes you, because you see it and think, it's wrong, it's unjust, and as a Christian I want to stand for the solution of justice.

During my time in Hong Kong I also volunteered in the craft shop and couldn’t believe the quality of the handcrafted fair trade items. My background is in handcrafts, because I am a diversional therapist, so my first thought was that I could possibly do something like a craft or coffee shop; it was God saying, you can do something. Ideas started rolling around in my head a little bit and at the same time the empty nest stage of

52 Manning-Great Lakes focus

my life was happening; it all came together. averages around 40 each year and I nearly Fair Trade Downunder Hands + Hearts cry when I think of that, because I've met so sells its products in Australia through many people, told my stories so many times, Hands + Hearts events. How does it and blessed so many artisans in so many work? countries; it's quite incredible, and I am very Your home, office or community hall takes humbled by that. on all the colour of an international bazaar, Have you met many of the women who filled with beautiful handcrafted items when make the handcrafts? you host a Hands + Hearts event.

We've been overseas three times so far, Each item has come from someone’s hands in 2014, 2016 and 2018, and we are going to your home. And every again this year. It’s to gift, or piece of jewellery, see them, meet them, or child’s handmade toy shake their hands, and that you or your friends give them a hug. We buy, sends the gifts of want to see how they WE WALKED PAST dignity and hope back to work and where they PEOPLE SLEEPING IN the one who made it. work. It's such a joy to THE STREET WITH From your living room, meet the women who DOGS, PEOPLE WITHOUT office, or community make these things and LIMBS BEGGING, hall, you are changing wonderful to know they AND COMPLETELY lives. We are not salesare all properly paid DESTITUTE PEOPLE people; we are simply for their work. They WITHOUT EYES. a bridge between your smile, they've got light compassion and their in their eyes, they don't need - a bridge made of all know Jesus, but a lot beautiful handcrafted of them do, as many of gifts and toys. the projects are Christian based.

What impact has Hands + Hearts had We met a lady who makes little angels over its 10 years of operation? while in Mongolia in 2018. It is called "Angel I held the very first event in 2010 and had for the Broken", and all the money she 23 parties booked. When I went to the first makes is given to an alcohol rehabilitation one, I prayed all the way there: please let me program. sell $200, and at the end I had sold $700. In She lives in an apartment complex in the the first year I did 57 parties and as I've just city, and the garbage bins where everyone done my 10th year, I've done 416 parties. It leaves their rubbish are always full of glass

alcohol bottles. She collects them, breaks them, and cuts the pieces to shape with glass cutters. Then with her secret special clay recipe, she rolls and covers the edges and makes arms. She uses a syringe to make the hair, and then shapes the wings. Four days later they are dry, and then she will stick on little stars and the eyes. Her $12 angels are making a difference to hundreds of people.

Is there a moment when you have felt overwhelmed by the positive impact of Hands + Hearts?

I asked to see where 150 women worked in Manilla, which meant visiting them in their homes in the slums. Seeing them was so moving, as no-one had visited their homes for 35 years.

The day we arrived they brought in the items they had made, because they get paid by the piece, but not only did they bring the things they had made, they also brought food to give us lunch, they prayed for us and sang, "Lord You Are Beautiful" in English, and sang another song in their language. It was so humbling.

How can the community support Hands + Hearts?

Book a Hands + Hearts event. Your purchases will help restore their dignity and purpose and a small part of your life story will be written with love on the hearts of those whose lives you have changed - it is a life-changing, world-changing experience.

Visit the website to book: www.fairtradedownunder.com.au

was founded by Greg Frost and is conveniently located inside the Astina building at 7-9 Beach St., Forster. The business was developed with the vision of offering hearing services with old fashioned service, quality and price values and spreading hearing awareness to the local community.

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reg has worked in audiology for over twenty years.

He has much experience within the industry and is well known to many in the field, having had a role on the board of the Hearing Aid Audiology Society Australia.

Here at 3rd ear Hearing we pride ourselves on being an honest and client focused company with a real commitment to offering the best customer service and getting the best possible outcomes for our clients.

We offer a range of services to look after all hearing needs, from diagnosing hearing difficulties, to fitting, servicing and maintaining hearing aids.

3rd ear hearing is a locally owned and independent hearing services provider. What does this mean?

This means we are not locked into any contracts with hearing aid manufacturers and are able to fit clients with the best hearing aid, no matter the brand, that best suits the client’s hearing loss and lifestyle needs.

At 3rd ear Hearing we believe that everyone over the age of 55 years should be having a hearing screening as part of their overall health check.

Our mission is to spread hearing awareness to the wider community, and we need your help to reach these clients.

Please see the below criteria of clients who would benefit from a hearing screening today: - Anyone on a part or full pension; - DVA Gold Card holders; - Any person who has been exposed to loud noises

throughout their life, either at work or during leisure activities; - Any person over the age of 55; - Any person who feels their hearing has deteriorated; - Any person who feels one ear is worse then the other, even if they don’t have any perceived hearing issues; - Anyone having issues with their current hearing devices.

The average time it takes for a person to seek treatment after they first notice a hearing loss is seven years!

Let’s work together to close the gap!

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kinetic MEDICINE

Dave’s* shoulder hasn’t been “right” for a while. He’s pretty fit for someone in their fifties, but he wouldn’t call himself old - especially since he still gives a bunch of younger people a decent challenge at the weekly parkrun.

B

ut as a tradie, it’s the little things that have started to get to him. Lifting his arms over his head, reaching into awkward positions - it’s the little things that have been challenging his ability to keep on soldiering on. It’s in the odd moments though, when

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he doesn’t even know what he does to make it sore, that really get to him. Sometimes he causes himself such grief that it’s hard to sleep at night; he tosses and turns trying to get comfortable.

It was his wife who first told him that he should do something about it. Tired of having him cranky all the time, worried that he might

be ignoring something that could cost him He and his wife asked around thoroughly dearly later on, she urged him to seek some to make sure that the surgeon they saw help. She booked him an appointment with was one they could be confident in, and one particular health professional, and he they cautiously booked in for the nearest reluctantly went along with it. The consult available time. Predicting the worst, they went fine, the massage was pretty painful, were particularly surprised by the result of but it seemed to feel better afterwards. the consult. The surgeon, who impressed Within a day, though, it was back to the them with his manner and his reputation, had same old tricks. The next time he went, he encouraged them that surgery was not the got some exercises. Some of them were OK, preferred option. The surgeon, in fact, had but he didn’t really said that given his history understand how they it would be hard to know were going to help. if the tear had occurred Others just plain hurt. recently or sometime The surgeon said that, So just as quickly as he previously and that given given the right kind of had begun, he had lost he hadn’t had good approach, it could get faith that his shoulder shoulder function in some strong enough to not was actually going to time, it was worth him need surgery, and that get better. trying to get help getting it would be a far less risky Not too much time moving better. thing to do than to just had elapsed from that The surgeon said that, go ahead and operate. point when Dave had given the right kind of an accident at work. approach, it could get Being self-employed strong enough to not only made the stress of the situation worse. need surgery, and that would be a far less He saw his GP, who sent him for scans, risky thing to do than to just go ahead and only to reveal what he was dreading - a operate. And so instead of a hospital date rotator cuff tear. He had a few mates who with the knife, they left with a referral to had been through surgery for that kind of someone the surgeon said they could trust.

Head to www.kineticmedicine.com.au to read injury, and it didn’t go well. Reluctantly, on more about Dave’s story. the encouragement of his wife and his GP, he *Name changed for privacy reasons. booked an appointment with the surgeon.

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An Eyecare Plus

OPTOMETRIST

check

DOES MORE

than just YOUR

VISION

We asked what the optometrists do at Eyecare Plus that is different to an ordinary eye chart test ...

P

eter McKay from Eyecare Plus in

thoroughly check your eye health. For the last 80 years they have serviced the locals of Taree says: “Well, we understand The Manning- Great Lakes by investing in why some children get distracted, the latest testing equipment that helps in the but we are not teachers. early detection of eye disease like glaucoma, “We detect some diseases, but macula degeneration and we are not doctors. cataract.

“We help you to see “We now have the latest things clearly, but we are not testing equipment for dry eye psychologists.

DRY EYE and the newest treatments to “We can help your golf TREATMENT give long lasting relief from handicap, but we are not WITHOUT THE dry eye without the need for golf professionals.

NEED FOR EYE eye drops,” says Dale Rolfe, “We may help with your DROPS. Optometrist at Eyecare Plus headache, but we are not Forster.

New Intense Pulsed pharmacists.”

Light treatments are available In fact, an eye test at at both Forster and Taree.

Eyecare Plus is a thorough Both Peter and Dale say, “If we are not 30 - 45 minute appointment called Checkup your optometrist already, we would like to Plus. At this examination they not only check be.” your vision and help you see clearly, but they

WHO’S YOUR OPTOMETRIST? Did you know that Eyecare Plus Optometrists do much more than simply check your vision and prescribe glasses?

We also understand why some kids get distracted, help reduce vision-related headaches and even help reduce your golf handicap with sport-specific prescriptions.

Everyone needs an optometrist. If we’re not yours, we’d like to be.

Visit your local Eyecare Plus Optometrist today.

Online bookings: eyecareplus.com.au

Dale Rolfe Optometrist

Eyecare Plus Forster 1/12 Wharf Street Forster NSW 2428 02 6554 7817

Peter McKay Optometrist

Eyecare Plus Forster Stockland Shop 105, Stockland Forster, Breese Parade Forster NSW 2428 02 6555 7000

Eyecare Plus Tuncurry 2/62 Manning Street Tuncurry NSW 2428 02 6555 8233

Eyecare Plus Tea Gardens 3/197 Myall Street Tea Gardens NSW 2324 02 4997 0288

Eyecare Plus Taree 181 Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430 02 6552 5044

Eyecare Plus Gloucester 68 Church Street, Gloucester NSW 2422 02 6558 1800

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HOME Rod Lewis and Scott Marsh Home Instead Senior Care Mid North Coast is the trusted choice for in home care and companionship services. They are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of local seniors and their families. Chrissy Jones spoke with owners Scott Marsh and Rod Lewis about how they support seniors to age well in the comfort of their own homes.

H

i Scott and Rod. Can The first step is to register with My Aged you tell us a bit about Care, the Government Assessment Agency.

Home Instead Senior They can arrange a face to face assessment Care Mid North Coast. for you in your home to discuss what Home Instead Senior Government subsidised services you might be Care Mid North Coast eligible for and any charges or co-payments. is part of a national network of over 38 Unfortunately, there are waiting times for a HISC offices around Australia, each office number of services, due to the high level of being individually owned and operated. We demand. opened our first office in Port Macquarie in If you currently receive services and feel September 2015 and they are not meeting have since opened your needs, we would offices in Kempsey, encourage you to Tuncurry and most speak with your service IF THEY ARE ACCESSING recently Bellingen. provider and talk A GOVERNMENT HOME Our team of over 120 to them about your CARE PACKAGE, PEOPLE CAREGivers provide concerns. Frequently CAN CHOOSE THE services to over 320 seniors do not speak PROVIDER OF THEIR seniors each week up, but we value your PACKAGE FROM A LIST OF across the Mid North feedback, as this is how GOVERNMENT APPROVED Coast from Coffs we improve what we do.

PROVIDERS AVAILABLE Harbour to Forster, Can seniors change FROM MY AGED CARE. delivering over 6,500 their service provider hours of home care if they wish? service each month.

If they are accessing a You mentioned you Government Home Care have an office in Tuncurry?

Package, people can choose the provider Yes, we have an office at Shop 8, 1-9 of their package from a list of Government Manning Street covering the Great Lakes and approved providers available from My Aged Manning regions. The shopfront operates as Care. an Ageing Information Centre and is open We provide free Care Consultations to Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, or by those considering changing providers, so appointment. Please pop in and see us for they can compare costings and decide which information on what services and support provider best meets their needs. HISC Mid might be available to you.

North Coast offers one the lowest Package Do you have any advice for people Management and Care Management charges considering services and support to across the Mid North Coast. remain at home?

“To us, it’s personal”, and it always will be.

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North Brother Mountain

Laurieton CBD

Queens Lake

A peaceful oasis awaits you If you are looking for a vibrant community of like-minded people and enjoy waking up to picturesque water views, then retiring at a Stockland village could be just what you’re looking for. We have the perfect one, two or three-bedroom open-plan villas, all designed with your comfort in mind.

Chat with our Sales Professional on 1800 72 71 70 or visit stocklandretire.com.au/nsw today.

Queens Lake Retirement Village 349 Ocean Drive, Laurieton

Camden View Village 12 Laurie Street, Laurieton

Golden Ponds Resort Cape Hawke Drive, Forster

• Located right on the lake • Two and three-bedroom villas and units, some with lake views • Walking track along lakefront • Village bus • Heated indoor swimming pool and spa

• • • •

• • • •

Retirement 59 Manning-Great Lakes focus

Two and three-bedroom villas and units Close proximity to beaches Located in the heart of Laurieton CBD Easy walk to shopping centre and medical facilities

One, two, and three-bedroom villas Full-size bowling green Village on 32 acres of gardens, forest and ponds Active social club

Freecall 1800 72 71 70 stocklandretire.com.au/nsw

Let’s talk all things yoga Advanced Oral Surgery Solutions To Help You Smile Again Experience state of the art, high quality oral and maxillofacial surgical care with a gentle and caring touch. Do you suffer from any of the following: • Impacted or fractured teeth • Dental implants • All-on-4TM • Orthodontic surgery • Temporomandibular joint surgery / joint replacement • Sleep apnoea surgical correction

60 Manning-Great Lakes focus

• Bone grafting • Oral pathology / cancer • Facial trauma Visit www.hunteroms.com.au for more information.

Phone Hunter OMS on (02) 4962 4343 or contact info@hunteroms.com.au for any questions you may have regarding treatments or to make your appointment.

The practice is located at Suite 2, First Floor 18 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow, NSW 2292.

Yoga is enjoying a resurgence not seen since the 1970s. This ancient practice has many benefits for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Don’t discount it because you think you are not flexible enough - or can’t quite attain the positions reached by the Instagram Yogis that are so popular at the moment. There are many variations available, particularly for seniors, who, at an age where they have attained maturity, wisdom and perspective, may be looking for a more holistic alternative than that found in your typical aerobics class.

Most fitness trends these days tend to focus primarily on looking good, but a regular yoga practice comes with many broader benefits.

The website www.doyouyoga.com lists them as follows: • Improved joint health and flexibility

• Improved balance • Reduced blood pressure • Increased mindfulness • Improved memory • Improved digestion That all sounds great, and, if you think you would like your yoga served with a dose of humour and even the inclusion of a furry friend, Yoga with Adriene comes highly recommended.

With hundreds of free videos you can access via YouTube, Adriene has all yogis covered, from beginner to advanced to seniors and everything and everyone in between. With so many lovely benefits, no specialised gym equipment required, and you can do it anywhere at any time - why not grab that yoga mat and give it a go - you have nothing to lose and lots to gain.

Namaste!

Forster Tuncurry Physiotherapy and Allied Health Our approach to injury management is unique due to our cutting edge “Pain to Performance� philosophy. This allows our clinicians to diagnose and treat your pain safely and effectively, getting you moving again as quickly as possible.

We can then identify and rectify poor movement patterns that may have contributed to your injury.

This reduces your chances of further injury and allows us to implement a specific longer term

programme, allowing you to be your best.

Complementing our holistic and goal oriented approach, we are very pleased to introduce Deanna Parvin.

Deanna is an exercise physiologist and adds a further dimension to our team of movement experts by conducting work conditioning programmes for Work Cover clients, diabetes classes, individual strength and conditioning sessions and falls prevention.

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focusinterview.

Deborah HAZLETT

F

Deborah Hazlett is in an inspiration! Her life’s passion is the ocean … you could go so far as to say she has it in her blood. Here’s her story.

irstly, can you tell our readers how long you’ve been living in Forster, and what brought you here?

I moved from Blue Bay, near The Entrance on the Central Coast, and I have been living in Forster for three years now. I have surfed all my life, and I fell in love with Forster - I just love the crystal clear water here (and also found that the Central Coast was becoming very overpopulated). Moving to the area also means that I am able to surf the point or breaks at Seal Rocks.

Tell me about your love of the ocean, and the wildlife and marine life that populate it. How did it all begin?

I was raised on the NSW Central Coast at The Entrance and I lived on the beach at Blue Bay, so my family were always involved in different water activities. Since the early 1960s, for two weeks every year, my father would organise a camping trip to stay on a deserted island on a coral atoll in the Great Barrier Reef.

We would watch turtles crawl up the sand, dig their holes and lay their eggs, then cover them over for incubating and swim away, returning to the same island year after year. I have never forgotten when I was 12 diving on the reef, where large tiger sharks were swimming all around us. One shark swam right up to me face on - I was trembling with fear and had my spear gun facing its wide jaws, but I would never shoot it … I just love nature!

It was fantastic being on the islands with only a few people, and nature. The Barrier Reef was in excellent condition, and the marine life was plentiful. Those holidays taught me so much about nature and how to survive 62 Manning-Great Lakes focus

on a coral atoll, and when we left after our two weeks were up, we would take away our memories and leave only footprints!

At the age of seven, I swam 10 lengths of the swimming pool at The Entrance and was allowed to go surfing from then on. When I was 10 years old, I received a 7’3” Scott Dillon single fin surfboard.

I felt so at peace with the ocean. It was my life away from the rat race on land!

You have also been a pro surfer - can you share a bit about that?

I have competed since 1973, going right through to the Australian Titles for Surfing, Body Board and Knee Board. I turned professional in 1978 and competed in Surfabout in 1978, ‘79 and ‘80, as well as competing 10 years later in the 1990 Bundaberg Rum Masters.

During that time, I also had a bad accident in the water, which resulted in damage to three vertebrae in my neck and left me in agony much of the time. I received treatment for the damage and pain, and suffered severe depression, but what saved me was actually the water! The cold water of the ocean actually gave me relief from the pain (much like the ice packs I used), and I was able to push through and become a professional surfer.

However, my pro surfing career ended shortly after competing in the Bundaberg Rum Surf Masters in 1990 when, while I was walking back from the presentation to the caravan park I was staying in during the competition, I came face to face with a crazed gunman wearing a balaclava and randomly shooting from a semi-automatic .223 calibre rifle and a pump action shotgun. It turned out that he shot and killed one person, and seven

When I was 30 years old, I attended a Pentecostal Church on the Gold Coast and became a

others were injured. The living life. gunman was eventually You now channel born again Christian, and shot by police, but the your energy into this was a turning point result for me was that other creative outlets, in my life. Since that time, I collapsed due to the including some despite still being a ‘loner’, shock, followed by amazing photography.

I never felt lonely, and I’ve Post Traumatic Stress Tell us a bit more about had this relationship with God in Disorder. that. my heart ever since.

Through this all, I have been taking however, the surf gave photos since I was 10, me peace. when my family started When I was 30 me off with underwater and land film cameras. years old, I attended a Pentecostal Church My “Crystal Wave” photography actually on the Gold Coast and became a born again started around the time I was looking for a Christian, and this was a turning point in house in Forster, and I would drive to Seal my life. Since that time, despite still being a Rocks with my underwater Nikon Coolpix “loner”, I never felt lonely, and I’ve had this AW130 camera and stand in the water where relationship with God in my heart ever since. the waves were breaking, taking photos until Your love of our wonderful oceans has also inspired you to educate people dark, looking for that perfect photo. (especially children) about how to keep it I became obsessed with taking photos of clean. Can you tell me about that? different shaped waves. In fact, I feel like I have I used to have a recurring dream - it was taken my photography to another level, as I’m of children in the Pacific Islands standing in so close to a wave that I can see through it. At their blue uniforms at school, with their hands times I’ve seen fish, turtles, sharkes, eagle rays held high as they were smiling with their big and dolphins swimming inside the crystal clear white teeth. I didn’t know what that meant of water of waves. course, but after 2007 when I went to Hawaii How can people contact you for more to watch the Billabong Pipeline Masters, I felt information? like I had regained the confidence to travel If anyone is interested in my photographs, again, and I started visiting the islands in the they can contact me by email - surfiechick52@ Pacific, visiting schools and hospitals doing bigpond.com talks on keeping our land and oceans free from My photos will also be on display and rubbish. I realised that this was the dream I’d available for purchase in the General Store at had!

Seal Rocks.

I did this for six weeks every year for the Thanks Deborah. next 10 years, and I knew this was my calling from God, and it made me feel like I was finally Interview: Ingrid Bayer.

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