Issuu

Feature Story MANNING-GREAT LAKES

Kirk Owers

November 2012 // issue 69

f e s t i v a l .

STEF WINWOOD Stef relishes her city and country lifestyle and has managed to meet the challenges of working in the corporate sector while breeding rare horses.

PACIFIC PALMS PUBLIC SCHOOL Students and staff, both present and past, will gather at the school on 10 Nov to celebrate its 75th anniversary – a major milestone in its rich history.

JULIE WELSH Making a difference in someone’s life is a great help but for Julie, who is a volunteer at Lifeline, it’s meant finding a more meaningful way of living.

editor's note.

editor.

from the

Jo Atkins

Welcome to the November issue of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. ello everyone. It’s my very first issue of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS, and I’d like to say thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome in my new role!

The Manning Valley and Great Lakes region is a very special place for me: I was born in Taree, and spent my early childhood years in the beautiful country township of Wingham. And although I moved away from the area for some years, I later returned to live in Comboyne for 14 years, on a property that spanned both the Manning and Hastings shires. Here I am now sitting in my office, looking out the window at the sparkling river in Forster ... something about the area just keeps drawing me back! ON THE COVER Our front cover this month is dedicated to Style Riot – the fabulous festival that celebrates our local youth, art, music and surfing. A sincere thanks to Tom Donnelly for being our cover model. Many of you in the local bodyboarding community would know Tom, who’s also the talented photographer for this year’s Style Riot event. Tom was photographed in his element, on the beach, with camera at the ready, by Craig Mason of East Coast

Photography. Style Riot will be held over two weekends, with a surf expression session and art exhibition on November 11 and a music night at Club Forster on November 17. Read our interview with Luke Sounness, Style Riot Co-ordinator, on page 14. STORIES AND INTERVIEWS There are a lot of special events and venues to visit around the area throughout November. Whether you love being on the water or like to soak up the culture in an art gallery – you’ll find something to pique your interest. Oue local dragon boat club, the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, are holding their inaugural regatta on November 24 and 25. Dragon boating is one of the fastest growing sports in the world ... get down to Elizabeth Parade, Forster Keys, to find out why! An enterprising group of TAFE Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts students have opened a unique gallery and exhibition at Stockland, Forster. Pop Gallery will run from November 8 to November 30, with many exciting artworks on display and for sale. Five per cent of the proceeds generated from art sales will go to The

contacts. Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf Street, Forster 2428 PHONE: (02) 6555 3381 FAX: (02) 6555 7338 EMAIL: mglinfo@focusmag.com.au WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au

Wishing Tree, giving many kids a chance to celebrate a wonderful Christmas this year. Another suggestion for a great morning or afternoon out is to visit the Taree Craft Cottage, on the corner of High and Pulteney Streets, Taree. This delightful cottage is a treasure trove of beautiful handicrafts and has a café chock full of scrumptious treats. It’s Christmas soon ... and what better place to find a unique, one of a kind gift! EDITOR’S PHOTO This month’s Editor’s Letter photo was taken by Chris Hibbert. Thank you to everyone who sends their photos in – please keep sending them through to jo@focusmag.com.au – I’d like to use as many of them as I can. FINAL SAY One of my favourite quotes from a truly great author: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis.

Jo Atkins – Editor jo@focusmag.com.au

EDITOR: Jo Atkins

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Mason, East Coast Photography 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 www.eastcoastphotography.com.au

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Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed d tto b be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Manning-Great Lakes Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2011 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

manning-great lakes focus 3

focusinterview.

Kirk Owers. Pacific Palms photographer Kirk Owers reflects on a c re at ive c are e r whi ch h a s t ake n hi m all ove r th e w o rl d …

hat was it that first interested you in photography? I was a dreamy kid, always escaping into books, head phones and surÞng magazines. I admired good photography for a long time before I picked up a camera. By then I was travelling overseas, working in ski resorts and visiting the surf meccas. I wanted to capture what I was seeing and experiencing. I was living for the moment and wanted to hold on to those moments in some way. I knew it couldnÕt last. I took photos, created albums, had little slideshows for friends, kept travel journals and didnÕt expect it would go any further. What was your big break? I won a travel writing competition judged by the Lonely Planet publishers. The prize was two return ßights to Buenos Aires. I saw this as an opportunity, rather than a free holiday. I quit my day job, packed my camera and went looking for stories across South America. The editor of Powderhound wrote me a nice letter of introduction, which opened a few doors in the Chilean ski Þelds. I did the Inca Trail in Peru, went surÞng in Brazil and dodged riots in Bolivia. When I returned, I managed to sell six or seven stories to as many magazines and was on my way. Being able to produce words and photos proved an advantage. Twelve months later, a travel magazine asked me to go to Spain. The Spanish Tourism board paid for everything. I quit my day job again. Where in the world has your photography taken you? IÕve been very lucky. Europe twice, Indonesia and Hawaii several times, India, New Caledonia, Fiji twice, Ireland and Wales, Cambodia, South America, New Zealand, Lots 4

manning-great lakes focus.

of Australia, Tahiti, New York, Vietnam. I love going away, but it happens less now that IÕm a family man. Coming home is always a joy. PaciÞc Palms and the I got in a tuk-tuk, Great Lakes region are we took off, and . She pretty amazing. Travelling a girl ran after usw fe a r fo ed w llo fo only highlights how nice aged blocks and man ck. I it is around here and ba e th on p m ju to ft. She how good weÕve got it in had no rupee le single a Australia. clung on. I took which eventually led to a In your opinion, photo.” move to Sydney and a stint what are some of the as deputy editor of Waves. I most beautiful places to still write for both regularly and photograph – and why? sporadically for a few US and European India is fascinating. It would be very surf mags ... some travel magazines too. difÞcult to take a boring picture in India. For the last eight years IÕve concentrated on I was in the north of the country to do a story wedding photography, which is much more on volunteer tourism, and that took me to challenging and rewarding than I would have some out of the way places. ThereÕs obviously ever imagined. And I take a lot of photos of a huge gap between the have lots and have my kids. Too many, they will tell you. nots. What’s a ‘snapshot’ moment you caught Millions scrap out a very tenuous living on film that will stick in your mind well below the poverty line. So from a social forever? documentary perspective, there are a lot of The last photo I took in India. WeÕd been stories to tell. I wouldnÕt say the India I saw is wandering the streets of Old Delhi, and especially beautiful, though. Tahiti is beautiful. it was time to leave for the airport. I had Shelley Beach is beautiful. My wife is beautiful. unintentionally created a bit of a scene by Do you have to say that, so that she will handing out the last of my rupee to some let you go away? street kids. I was swarmed. I got in a tukOh look − it all helps! She is though. tuk, we took off, and a girl ran after us. She What type of photography do you followed for a few blocks and managed to specialise in? jump on the back. IÕm very interested in photojournalism Ð I had no rupee left. She clung on. I took a photos that tell a story. I did work experience single photo. The driver stopped and chased for the Newcastle Herald, which led to paid her away. I felt terrible. Two blocks later, work for the Northern Rivers daily, The she was back. I found some US dollars and Northern Star. I lived at Lennox Head for three gave them to her. She snatched the money years shooting for the paper and hustling freelance jobs. I was able to shoot the Bluesfest and disappeared. ItÕs a strong shot. ItÕs been published a few times and was a Þnalist in for three years in a row, which was a blast. Getaways photography competition. But I also started writing for Tracks magazine,

“

it sticks with me because of the girl and the circumstance. ItÕs an uncomfortable image, but it shouts a story. Where to next? IÕve got a busy wedding season lined up, which IÕm really looking forward to Ð lots of weddings at TionaÕs Green Cathedral, Mobys Resort and the PaciÞc Palms Surf Club. And thereÕs a bride who will be arriving by horse and carriage up at Barrington. Horses kind of freak me out, but as long as I donÕt have to ride one, I should be Þne. I might be able to sneak away for another work trip if IÕm lucky. TheyÕre a bit harder to organise nowadays. I canÕt quit my day job and disappear. Where can people see more of your work? I went to the big wave spot ShipsternÕs Bluff in Tasmania earlier this year, and that story should appear in Tracks soon. I usually have a feature in Waves, and IÕve got a story from a recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia out in the current edition of Get Lost magazine. My website has a lot of my photography: www.kirkowersphotography.com.au ThereÕs some travel imagery, but itÕs mainly geared towards weddings. IÕm really enjoying updating the blog on the site; itÕs a great way to use photos sequentially to tell a story. I tend to fall behind with all the updates, but itÕs great to be busy. Thanks Kirk. Interview by Jo Atkins.

inside this

Issue 69 - November 2012

Dragon Boats

13.

Taree Craft Cottage

26.

In a beautiful heritage cottage on the corner of High and Pulteney Streets, Taree, you’ll find an enterprising and industrious group of people. The Taree Craft Cottage, run by the committee and volunteers of Taree Craft Centre Inc, is a hive of activity, and Pam Eyb, Vice President and Publicity Officer, is happy to tell us just what makes this cottage so unique …

38. 28.

Jobs & Skills Expo Renee Hawkins, Local Employment Coordinator for Mid North Coast priority employment area, provides some details about the upcoming Jobs and Skills Expo planned for November 7 …

usual suspects.

the

9. what’s on for November 16. eat featuring local restaurants 29. star guide with Terri 51. tourism update with Richard Old.

No matter where you are in the world, d, read Focus for free online every month @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/mgl.focus w www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

manning-great lakes focus 5

focusinterview.

Making a difference in someone else’s life is invaluable … but so is doing something that will have a positive impact on your own life. Julie Welsh is a Telephone Crisis Supporter with Lifeline, and says the personal rewards she has received through this role are immense. Are you looking for something that will fulfil both your need to help others, but also aid in your own personal growth and development? Lifeline may just have the solution …

Julie Wel sh - L ifeline

lease introduce yourselves to the readers ... I’ve lived in the Manning Valley since I was 13, and Wingham was my base town until my husband, son and I moved to Hallidays Point around 3 years ago. We are parents to a large, happy blended family of 8. Why did you decide to become involved with Lifeline? I’ve always had an interest in what makes one tick … how we become the people we are from our surrounding life circumstances and our individual characters. I have conducted my own business as an accredited masseuse since 1998. As I worked with people, I soon became aware that counselling was at times a part of the treatment. The natural progression for me then was to attain an accredited Diploma of Counselling. Lifeline training provided me with additional experience, which went hand in hand with the Diploma. My thirst for knowledge has led me to complete training in areas such as grief and loss, mental health, addictions, family and relationship problems, domestic and family violence, stress management, palliative care, meditation and mindfulness. My first thoughts were to do one year with Lifeline, but as it now stands, I am coming into my sixth year. In what capacity do you volunteer with Lifeline now? I’ve completed a Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills and am a Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter (TCS). How many hours do you volunteer each week? I usually do approx. a three hour shift per week (times to best suit my lifestyle). This allows me to complete 92 hours per year and an additional 20 high demand hours, which is necessary to maintain accreditation. Throughout the year, I’m also required to complete three supervision groups and one professional development session. In addition to the valuable service you’re obviously providing to the community, what are the benefits you believe you’ve personally received through your work with Lifeline? I am endlessly amazed at this excellent service to the Australian community! This experience has opened my eyes to a more meaningful way of living. My perspective has changed on many aspects of life, and I am forever grateful for this. Lifeline volunteering has shaped me into being more broadminded, non-judgmental, empathetic and compassionate within myself, and I’ve learned not to take my own life for granted. I learn so much from the callers! Their strength and resilience, perseverance, gratitude and patience … it’s a two way path − the giving and receiving. It’s all about what’s real in life. By being anonymous, people tend to be up front, laying their hearts out on

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the table … revealing their innermost self. It’s a great privilege to be that they will be supported and heard. The TCSs work in ways that given the trust from a complete stranger and welcomed into their allow the caller to be the expert in their own life. They believe that world. people can change and that every caller has strengths, abilities, skills Being a TCS for the past 5 years has given me a great deal of and knowledge which will enable them to work towards their own experience across the board within the counselling field, including solutions. a vast amount of communication skills. The hands on approach, as What was your experience at the Lifeline training course? well as the theory, prepared me to be able to work within this field. I’ve heard many talk as if Lifeline is like a big happy family. I You must get to listen to lots of concerns and issues brought suppose it is similar in many ways. At various times whilst training, up by people from all different walks of life in your role as the trainees’ emotional issues would surface, and it was nice to a Crisis Support volunteer. You obviously have to know that you had someone to talk to if you were feeling a little deal with tragedies and traumas at times emotional from your own past experiences. ... what would you say to people who Once the group started to settle into the course, we have the perception that a role with were able to open up and trust that confidentiality Lifeline operates Lifeline would be too depressing, or between each other was secure. We all seemed y, da r 24 hours pe g upsetting? to understand, support and accept each other on al k, ee 7 days per w and a s Yes, the calls may be upsetting, but re individually. nt ce 42 with ntres because of our previous professional Final words … number of sub ce stralia. situated across Australia training we are prepared to assist any A crisis is someone’s personal reaction to an Somewhere in Au caller who may be experiencing a crisis, event or experience in their life they find hard to to ll there is a new cainute.” including suicide, abuse or trauma. All cope with. People may experience crisis as a result m y er Lifeline ev Lifeline TCSs complete a 2-day ASSIST of many events. (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) The main aim of crisis support is to help reduce course during their training. The volunteers stress and improve the person’s ability to cope with their will not be put into a position where they cannot current situation, as well as with future crises. emotionally and mentally handle the calls. We as TCS Lifeline operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, along with have a supervisor (whom is only a phone call away) for 42 centres and a number of sub centres situated across Australia. every caller. There are other callers’ issues which may press the TCSs’ Lifeline also has an international based service with a number of buttons (making one feel uncomfortable), including relationships, centres in different countries. grief and loss, mental health issues and addictions. We as volunteers Somewhere in Australia there is a new call to Lifeline every always have a supervisor to debrief with after the call if needed. minute. Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support. Check out facts and Using self-care techniques (e.g. relaxation time, a massage, walk information at www.lifeline.org.au on the beach, listening to music ... whatever works for you!) was Thanks Julie. a huge part of our learning, and applying these strategies is an Interview by Jo Atkins. absolute necessity to detach from the possible emotional residue Photo pictures Julie Welsh (left) and Maggie Godsmark – from those who call us at Lifeline. Telephone Crisis Supporters. Overall, the volunteers seem to manage to keep good humour, even when at times things have appeared overwhelming. I will say that at times some TCSs may be a little shaken from a the plug! heavy duty call, but this is to be expected … after all, we are only Lifeline Mid Coast is currently seeking Telephone Crisis human, and sometimes we can’t just switch the feelings to off! Supporters to start training in February 2012, and Being a TCS means working directly with a wide range of people interested people should register now. who are reaching out for a variety of reasons. To work with people takes a high level of skill, and the TCSs have the ability to genuinely For further information, call 6581 2800 or listen and warmly connect to others. They create an environment visit: www.lifeline.org.au/midcoast of respect, thus permitting callers to speak openly. Callers know

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focusinterview.

ST E F W I N WO OD.

Working as an Investor Relations Manager in Sydney and also as a rare horse breeder on her farm in Upper Lansdowne, Stef Winwood definitely leads a double life. Stef explains that although one job calls for boots, and the other high heels – the keys to balancing these two diverse lifestyles are communication, integrity and ingenuity!

i Stef. Where did you grow up, and where do you actually live now? I grew up all over New Zealand, as my father’s engineering work meant that we moved a lot over both the North and South Islands. I went to something like 16 different schools, including a period of home schooling. I found a love of horses at the age of 7. Every spare moment from then on was spent roaming the countryside either in the back of a horse truck or on horseback … Now I still do a lot of miles between Sydney, where I work, and Wedgetail, where I live with my husband near Upper Lansdowne. You’re an Investor Relations Manager for a public technology company in Sydney. What does this job entail? I work for an exciting green technology innovator in Sydney called BluGlass Limited. The company is bringing to market a revolutionary semiconductor technology which makes ultra high efficiency devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), which will begin to replace your current light bulbs in the next few years. The anticipated energy savings from LEDs globally is said to be enough to close 133 nuclear power stations. The company also conducts fundamental research into concentrated solar cells, in the hopes to bring solar to grid parity with conventional energy generation techniques. My role in Investor Relations and Marketing is to work with our investors, manage the ASX communications requirements and translate the technical achievements into everyday language. It involves a lot of market research, government lobbying and juggling technical and investor requirements, but I get to work with really creative and innovative people in a really motivated workplace. You also breed horses in Upper Lansdowne.

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What breed do you specialise in? saddlehorses, youngstock and stallion services We are a boutique breeder of performance for sale, but we are not yet commercial. We horses based on heritage Australian bloodlines, focus on breeding some very nice quality horses that go back to the horses that helped establish that our clients love, rather than breeding Australia as a nation and those that served large numbers. (Although, we did have three under the Australian Light Horse. Because stallions at stud last year!). The stud currently of the harsh environment that the pioneers just pays for itself (well … that’s how I tell the encountered when they arrived in Australia, story! My husband’s version would probably they had to set about establishing a hardier type be a little different) and we would love to get of horse that could survive on what were very it to the stage where it is growing and gaining limited resources. reputation and have the foals out and about Instead of having a separate horse for each in some notable stables. It takes time for the job: plough, cart, saddle and sulky, youngstock to grow up and attract attention, they needed a horse that could but I’m pretty sure they will! do all of the above … and How do you manage to juggle ultimately that, combined two such diverse jobs? to n w da with the harsh Australian I think the diversity is part ng ki Wor ith landscape, created a of what makes it work. I dusk wrestling wily ssar uniquely versatile and want to have my high heels nature is not neceking or w an th er pl sim hardy horse. and riding boots too! Both g lin wrest nine to five and r; Some of the my stud and the company with a compute bit more a e foundation stock we that I work for are doing ar rs compute !” ly nd ie have sourced comes things differently. Beating fr er us from old remount a new track is always the stations, found in the same hardest thing to do and while environment that they have both roles have unique challenges, survived in since the late 1800s. I think the skill sets are basically the They are an old fashioned looking same. Whether you’re communicating with horse, perhaps more handsome than government, investors or horses, the shoes are pretty. They are a warmblood horse and what different, but ultimately you have to be a clear really set them apart is their strength, soundness communicator, have a lot of integrity − and and stamina combined with a lovely sensible some ingenuity doesn’t go astray either! and trainable temperament. We have bred some Horses are the best judge of character, youngstock that we are quite proud of and and I think if you can teach a 600 kg animal are excited about their future, as we campaign to load into a small box with wheels (horse’s them in dressage and possibly eventing. perspective) willingly, other communication Is your horse breeding operation a challenges look much smaller! commercial concern? Do you sell stock, How often do you get to leave your day job or are you breeding to add to your own in Sydney and visit your horses? personal stable? Actually, I spend more time in the Manning A bit of both, although I have found that I Valley on the farm than I do in Sydney now. I am a few years down on the waiting list for travel down for a few days in the office every my own foals! We do have a small number of fortnight, but the rest of the time I work

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remotely from the farm. Wireless broadband means I can be at work just about anywhere. What do you like most about the different lifestyles you find in both the city and the country? I love the autonomy of working on the farm and the connection that you have to have with the environment, as it is often unpredictable and untamable, so you have to work with it − not against it. In the last 12 months we have had to deal with both floods and bushfire (most recently this weekend) on our property. People think that the farm is the simpler of my two lives, but I’m not so sure! Working dawn to dusk wrestling with nature is not necessarily simpler than working nine to five and wrestling with a computer; computers are a bit more user friendly! While it’s so hard to tear myself away for a trip to Sydney (this could be because I have to get up at 3am), once there I am totally immersed in my work and love the dynamic nature of my job. What’s a favourite quote you feel particularly relates to your life? My first job out of school was at the ‘Ecole D’Art Equestre' (School of Equestrian Arts) in Ecublans, Switzerland, and there I learnt some trapeze and tight rope. I was terrified learning the trapeze and was refusing to leave the platform. My instructor told me, “Throw your heart out over the bar, and your body will follow! Your body cannot be anywhere but where your heart is” … and he was right! It became easy from that point. I have interpreted this more broadly in my life to mean ‘throw your heart into it, and it will happen’. Where can people contact you? Stef Winwood Wedgetail Equine www.wedgetailequine.com stef@wedgetailequine.com Thanks Stef. Interview by Jo Atkins.

W H A T’ S O N A RO U N D T H E R EG I O N / / N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 2

What’s MANNINGG R E AT L A K E S

24-25

Show & Shine

Hosted by Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club, vintage, veteran, classic, modern and hot rod vehicles will be on display. Judging in multiple categories will take place, with trophies awarded to the best vehicles. When November 25, 9am - 3pm. Where Stockland Shopping Centre, Breese Parade, Forster. Contact David Kelvin on 6559 2242 or Ray Sonter on 6557 5567.

Forster town markets Visit the markets to experience around 50 stalls, with an array of pre-loved, handmade or home grown items. Find an amazing selection of jewellery, craft, homewares and art for sale.

When Sun 11 Nov 2012, 8am to 2pm. Where Town Park, Forster. Contact Phone: (02) 6554 9348.

Dragon Boat Regatta Details: Great Lakes Pearl Dragons are hosting their inaugural regatta. The event will be contested by teams from Dragon Boat NSW, sports and community groups and schools. Entry open to anyone over 12 years. Spectators welcome. When Saturday 24 November 2pm - 4pm and Sunday 25 November 8am - 3pm. Where Elizabeth Parade, Forster Keys, Forster (entry off King George Parade). Contact www.glpd.webs.com or Trish Ping: 0402 493 879.

Exhibition The Studio: Australian Painters Photographed exhibition is a voyeuristic look inside famous artists’ studios. Australian Painters Photographed by R. Ian Lloyd takes us on an exclusive behind-the-scenes photographic tour of a variety of Australian artists working in their studio environments, providing a unique insight into the minds, moods and creative processes of some of the nation’s most acclaimed painters. When Friday 26 October until 2 December. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday 1pm to 4pm. Where Manning Regional Gallery, 12 Macquarie Street, Taree. More info Contact Sue Mitchell on (02) 6592 5455 for more information.

manning-great lakes focus 9

Matters.

legallight.

[ with Alan T ickle ]

Dear Alan, You have referred in the past to Financial Health checks in some of the FOCUS stories. What does that entail? I am married, age 32, my husband is 35 and we have two children. We have a mortgage of $230,000 and joint income of $138,000. There is life cover in my husband’s super enough to cover a mortgage. RW. Dear RW, The objective of a financial health check is to line up what is important to you as a family on a personal level and financially and ensure that those priorities are able to be met. The check list for a young family such as yours would be different to someone either approaching retirement or already retired. In your case, covering issues such as budgeting to meet commitments such as mortgage payments, including reviewing loan structure, saving for a child’s education, ensuring that Wills are in place, and most importantly, ensuring that there is adequate insurance to provide financial security in case there is sickness or disability and in the event of death, to ensure that there is a lump sum of money to assist the family, would all be priority considerations.

Justin Stack.

Wills. Having a Power of Attorney and Guardianship in place confers the authority for others to act for you while you are alive. A Financial Planner can assist by co-ordinating Estate Planning when referring to a legal practitioner. Financial Risk Protection There are insurances available to provide income or lump sums in times of permanent or temporary disablement or death. Income Protection Usually up to 75% of the taxable income can be covered through insurance for a set period of time or through to age 65. The premiums for Income Protection are tax deductible. Trauma Insurance Having a lump sum payable on diagnosis of a major illness can save many families from financial disaster as well as enable top medical treatment. There are around 40 serious illnesses covered under Trauma Insurance. Children can also be added to their parent’s policies for child trauma coverage. Life and Disability Cover

Facebook, Twitter not immune from contempt and defamation laws. Trial by Twitter and Facebook is against the law. he law regarding the justice process is very clear – as soon as a person is charged with an offence, especially murder, it is illegal to publish anything about the accused that might jeopardise them getting a fair trial. They are presumed innocent until found guilty in court.

outpouring of grief, anger and rage on

Newspapers, radio and television can’t publish details of an accused’s prior convictions or charges against them. They can’t run any commentary on the guilt or innocence of the accused. They can’t publish photos or information about the accused that may influence a witness or juror.

interfere with the administration of justice”.

Break these laws and the publisher and reporter can be held in contempt of court and face stiff penalties, even jail. Everybody has the right to a fair trial, and these laws are designed to prevent witnesses or juries being influenced by what they may see in the media.

give the defence a chance to argue he can’t

But today, any individual who sets up a Facebook page, website or Twitter account is, in effect, a publisher. Just like a professional journalist, social media users are also subject to these laws.

law was out of date, as social media is

evidence produced in court to reach a just

contempt of court or defamation.

I tend to do the budget last to avoid the tendency to look at what income is currently available, rather than where the priority needs to be. The budget can then line up to meet what are agreed priorities. The following are some important remedies to provide a frame work for Financial Security:

A lump sum becomes available on death

Having an efficient mortgage structure and

The issue of how much social media can interfere with the justice system has exploded after a man was charged with the rape and murder of Jill Meagher in Melbourne.

Will and Testament, Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning

ensuring the most tax effective method of

The tragic case saw an understandable

A Will gives direction to where your assets are to go on death, and a Will can also be used to make financial or guardianship provision for a child.

contributes to financial wellbeing.

Getting married or a divorce invalidates former

with a family’s financial wellbeing.

or permanent disability with that type of cover. A financial planner can advise on the options available both within and outside of superannuation. Mortgage structure and superannuation

superannuation contributions saves money and Conclusion: Just as we should have regular medical checkups so that problems can be dealt with while they are treatable, the same applies

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

10 manning-great lakes focus.

social media. The unprecedented level of abuse and rumours about the accused man prompted police to plead with people not to post anything on social media that could “endanger the accused’s presumption of innocence, as it had a very high potential to For three days, police asked the US-based Facebook to take down several Facebook pages that contained details of the accused man’s past and advocated violence against him. Even Mrs Meagher’s family begged Facebook to take down the sites, as it may get a fair trial. One site had more than 44,000 likes and was still growing before Facebook finally agreed to remove the sites. But others have since appeared. This prompted debate on whether the unstoppable. Some asked whether the presumption jurors would be influenced by such publications was right, and perhaps it was time to trust jurors to stick to the decision. But until then, social media users should remember they could end up in court for

Feels nothing like a small car. It takes a lot to win World Car of the Year 2012, or in this case a little. Test drive the Volkswagen up! and you’ll discover it’s big on the inside and yet small on the outside. It’s got room to fit four adults comfortably, a versatile 251 litre boot, and is so safe it’ll even stop itself in an emergency.# Basically, it’s everything you’d expect from a big car, without the big car. Try one on for size at John Oxley Volkswagen today.

World Car of the Year 2012

Your Volkswagen Partner

John Oxley Volkswagen 130 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie MD7571 Tel. 02 6588 8555 www.johnoxley.com.au # City Emergency Braking helps the driver avoid a low speed crash or reduce its severity when the vehicle is travelling between 5 km/h and 30 km/h. It is not a substitute for the driver’s attentiveness, responsibility, or driving skills. Function may become inactive in some driving conditions or adverse weather.

12 manning-great lakes focus.

focusinterview.

Dragon boat

Anne Ditton and Trish Ping.

Dragon boating is one of the fastest growing sports in the world – it’s great exercise for young and old, encourages camaraderie and teamwork and allows participants to enjoy our stunning local scenery and waterways. Great Lakes Pearl Dragons members Anne Ditton and Trish Ping are excited to announce that the club’s inaugural dragon boat regatta will be held on November 24 and 25, promising a fantastic weekend outing for everyone!

hat’s the history behind the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons? Trish: A group of locals got together and in July 2009 called a public meeting, at which a steering committee was formed. Anne: I was on the original steering committee in 2009 and actually suggested the name of our club, Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, which was supported and accepted by the rest of the committee. So we had our name early on, then registered as an incorporated organisation and joined Dragon Boats NSW (DBNSW). What’s your role with the club, and how did you originally become involved? Anne: As mentioned, I was one of the original steering committee which established the club and have been a member since 2009. As well as paddling, I am one of the coaches and I have also held positions on the executive committee. Trish: I am an Indigenous Australian and have been with the Pearl Dragons since May 2010, after I lost my husband to cancer in July 2009. In 2011, I became a coach. I am the female Club Captain and also a member of the executive committee. I have also been the newsletter and publicity person. How often does the club meet for training and/or meetings and social events? Trish: Training Sessions on the water are: Tuesday mornings – 5.45am for on the water (OTW) at 6am; Wednesday afternoons – 5.30pm for 5.45 OTW; Thursday mornings – 5.45am for OTW 6am; Saturday mornings – 2 runs 6.45am for OTW 7am and 7.45 for

OTW 8am. giving it my all; the adrenalin rush at the The executive committee and fundraising starting of a race and feeling completely committee (as we are a non-profit club) meet spent at the finish … it’s the best feeling in once a month, as do coaches and sweeps. the world. Also, I enjoy doing all this with a Social Events can be organised by our boat full of team mates. fundraising committee or members of the The club will be holding its inaugural club. For more info, please go to our website: regatta in November. When and where www.glpd.webs.com will the event be held? For you personally, what’s the best thing Trish: The regatta will be held on about dragon boating? Saturday 24 November, 2pm - 4pm and Anne: Dragon boating is a Sunday 25 November, 8am - 3pm. great sport, because people The venue will be Elizabeth from 12 years and up can Parade, Forster Keys, Forster participate to their ability (entry off King George Paddling can be enjoyed on a and develop more Parade). mped social level or rapetitive fitness while enjoying Spectators are most up into the com rtunities the outdoors. It is welcome to come along. level, with oppo e th particularly good for in What else will actually to travel with d an te ta rs te more mature men and happen on the day of in state, women, even if they the regatta – will there internationally to ttas.” compete at rega have never played sport be separate heats and before. The teamwork events for different classes develops camaraderie, and of boat and/or skill level as strong friendships can develop well? between the paddlers. Paddling can be Trish: Heats will be separate e.g. DBNSW enjoyed on a social level or ramped up into sports teams will compete in different heats the competitive level, with opportunities to the Community and Junior teams. The to travel within the state, interstate and finals are determined on places in the heats. internationally to compete at regattas. There will be a 2 km race (Saturday Trish: personally, I've been a competitive afternoon) for DBNSW teams only – starting sporting person for the majority of my life, at 2pm. On Sunday, 200 m sprint races for involved with touch footy and netball; I’ve Sports, Community and Junior teams start at had coaching experience in both of these as 8am. well. I fell in love with dragon boat paddling First, second and third place getters in the after my first experience, which was at DBNSW final will receive a trophy, as will a regatta paddling in a community boat. community teams and school teams. For me, it's not about winning a race: it's Food and drink (coffee/tea) stalls will also about challenging myself; the satisfaction of be available. knowing and doing my absolute best and Will the regatta be open to anyone

“

who’d like to try dragon boating, or is some level of boating skill required? Anne: To compete at our regatta, a person must be over 12 years of age and be entered in either a sports team or a school or community team. No previous experience is required, and all the community teams are able to have some coaching from GLPD coaches and sweeps prior to the regatta. There is a cost to enter either as a full community team, or $20 for DBNSW paddlers and $10 a head for Juniors. What costs to the GLPD will be associated with the event? Anne: GLPD has to pay DBNSW for public liability insurance cover; NSW Maritime for an aquatic licence and exclusive use of the waterway on the day of the regatta; boat hiring costs to the other teams providing dragon boats; hiring of portaloos; hiring of a PA system; donations to local surf clubs, which will provide safety boats; purchase of food for up to fifty (50) officials and volunteers; and sundry other items. MidCoast Water has generously supported our regatta with a grant of $1,000 and the loan of a marquee and notice boards to display race results. Where can people go to find out more about the club and the regatta? Trish: Visit the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons website: www.glpd.webs.com, the Forster Information Centre or contact Trish Ping: 0402 493 879. Information about our regatta also can be found on the DBNSW website at: www.dbnsw.org.au Thanks Anne and Trish. Interview by Jo Atkins.

manning-great lakes focus 13

focusinterview.

f e s t i v a l . The Great Lakes area will come alive to celebrate youth, surf, art and music over two weekends, November 11 and 17, with the Style Riot festival. Now in its fourth year, Style Riot’s event co-ordinator and co-owner of THE STASH HOUSE & NCAC DENIM CO, Luke Sounness shares his excitement about what promises to be two hugely entertaining weekends of fun!

hat exactly is Style way we are trying to do the same thing. Riot? This year the scope of the event has become Style Riot is an a little broader again; thanks to Dan Stallworthy, event that showcases the event will have more of a fundraising focus. and supports local Through the surf expression session and sponsoryouth culture in the ship from other local businesses, funds are being areas of music, art and surÞng. There are several raised for Ronald McDonald house. A very worthy local small businesses that rally together to make cause, so make sure to answer your door when it all happen, and weÕve had great support from Dan comes knocking! other local organisations such as Club Forster and What’s your role with the festival? Boomerang Beach Board Riders. This will be the Well, apart from rigging the surf comp, plenty fourth year we have run the event, and we are of shameless self promotion for our business (The really stoked to be holding it again this November Stash House) and eating tons of hors dÕoeuvres at 11 and 17. the art exhibition, not much really! Just kidding! Over the years there have been some really Since weÕve done the event a few times, itÕs hilarious moments − the surf expression session easy now; I just kind of co-ordinate everything. day always has such a sense of community, along We are lucky to have great people involved. This with being a good laugh. I have vivid memories year for example, weÕve had Caitlin McDermott, of Ivor Morrell going on a drop in rampage and a talented local graphic designer, take the reins getting high scores for doing just that! on a lot of things − she has arranged the There are not too many surf art exhibition, helped bring in new comps that would let you sponsors and made all the event get away with that kind of promotional material (the sion The surf expres art stuff, but thatÕs what itÕs poster on opposite page). session day and all about for us − creating When and where will ay nd Su exhibition is on d then a fun atmosphere and Style Riot take place this an r, be 11 Novem e have w having a great time. year? 17 ay rd tu Sa on at Club What’s the concept WeÕre running it over the music night behind the event? two weekends in November. Forster.” ItÕs about bringing The surf expression session people together for some day and art exhibition is on fun and also raising the proÞle Sunday 11 November, and then on of some of our local creative types. Saturday 17 we have the music night Originally in 2008, we ran the event at Club Forster. in partnership with Youth Pathways; it The surf expression session day will be held at was created in response to the need for a one of our local beaches and is free to enter. This bit more music and entertainment in the local year we have several divisions: menÕs, womenÕs, area. From there it expanded to include the art the retro sesh (single Þns etc.) and for the Þrst and surÞng. Every weekend people travel to time, bodyboards. ItÕs not your normal surf comp Newcastle or Sydney, just for a bit of entertainstructure, so we invite anyone who enjoys surÞng ment. People like Stef and Damo from the Aztec to enter. People progress through heats for any do such a great job in helping bring live music to number of reasons, from the silly outÞt they wear town and creating a bit of culture, so in a small to a single move they might pull off. Registration

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14 manning-great lakes focus.

will be open from 7am Sunday 11 November at Tuncurry Beach car park. On Sunday afternoon weÕll also be having an art exhibition. From 3pm at the Aztec Mexican Restaurant, Forster, we will be showcasing the work of around 20 different photographers, tattooists, painters, illustrators and graphic designers. We have a couple of ex locals who are now in the creative industry exhibiting − Tab Gallen (Tabbatha Jane Photography) and graphic designer Bryce Collins. As well as a handful of artists from Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne, we will also be showing the works of creative locals such as Tom Donnelly, Scott Fantini, Jayden Kennedy and Louis McDonald. The theme is loosely based on youth, surf, street, skate, fashion and tattoo culture. Stef and Damo will be providing food, with their new Mexican tapas plates to share from $10, as well as $25 Corona buckets and $5 glasses of Sangria. ThereÕll be some live music as well! The following weekend on Saturday 17 November, weÕre holding a massive night of music at Club Forster. We have Perth DJ the Nod, DJ Skoob, G Fresh and local band, Galleri. The whole night is designed to have a big party vibe! We have sponsor giveaways, a diverse mix of music and an opportunity to get everyone together for an awesome time. Tickets are $15 and limited and on sale now from the Club Forster website: www.clubforster.com.au) or directly from the club. Doors open from 8.30pm on the night and tickets will also be for sale at the door − we recommend you get one now, so that you donÕt miss out! Why do you feel it’s so important to promote youth and what they can achieve in our local area? Local youth need to feel like there are opportunities available here that are relevant to them. ItÕs that simple. Opportunity, however, in our opinion, is not something that just lands in your lap; you have to get active. Living in this area is

often seen as a hindrance to any kind of creative progression, but that does not have to be the case. Take Tom Donnelly, for example: a passionate amateur photographer who this year is our ofÞcial event photographer − the event gives him a chance to hone his craft, gain more exposure and begin the process of turning his hobby into a profession. Who are this year’s event sponsors? WeÕve been fortunate to have the help of some really progressive local businesses; theyÕve supplied prizes, their time and expertise in making the event a reality. I think itÕs great that we can all work together to make our community stronger. Jack and the team from Tartt have given us a ton of vouchers to hand out as prizes for the surÞng day, Shane at Primary Screen Printing has taken care of all the event shirts, Tony from Witts Quality Meats has supplied a mountain of Þne gourmet fare for the surÞng day BBQ, which will be available free for all the competitors and spectators, Sue and Deb from JuJu are making sure we have some really unique fair trade prizes, Stef and Damo from the Aztec have been kind enough to let us use their venue for the art exhibition, and Dan from Dan Stallworthy Building has been taking care of the fundraising and site management for the surÞng day. Also, I would like to say a special thanks to Eddie at Club Forster; he has always been a great supporter for the music side of the event. More info? People can Þnd more info online: www.thestashhouse.com.au or on the Facebook page (search STYLE RIOT Ô12). For any questions, please contact me on 0405 559 485. Thanks Luke. Interview by Jo Atkins. Photo: Event Sponsors from left to right, top to bottom Ð Caitlin McDermott, Tony Witt, Sue Fantini, Jack Yeates, Stef Hiles, Shane Dalton, Luke Sounness, Ben Sounness, Dan Stallworthy. Sponsors photo by Tom Donnelly.

Manning-Great Lakes

Cover Dish Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Basil Hollandaise and Fresh Orange Juice from Reef Bar Grill.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 16 manning-great lakes focus.

eat. Crème brûlée

Bent on Food

Bowers Café

Bent on Food is the perfect place for Sunday breakfast or lunch in our new garden out back; it is a safe place for children and a relaxing space for your enjoyment. Book now for your Christmas function; we can look after small groups or more larger parties ... how about a corporate cooking class? Check out our website for menus and ideas.

Bowers delights in making all food in house, using the freshest local produce and serving locally roasted coffee. Perfect for functions and intimate weddings. Only 5 minutes from Taree and Wingham, with a peaceful rural outlook. New buffet breakfast on Sunday mornings, 9am - 11am, $12.50pp. Bookings recommended.

Come in and try our new range of Bent on Food local infused olive oils, or organise your corporate hampers. We can send a gift of local produce anywhere in Australia. We have a fabulous new breakfast menu which is already proving popular: try French brioche toast, bacon, caramelised banana, Hastings Valley yogurt and maple syrup.

Now taking bookings for Christmas parties.

Head Chef Paul.

461 Kolodong Rd, Taree t 6550 1230

95 Isabella Street, Wingham NSW t 6557 0727 w www.bentonfood.com.au

open 9am – 5pm, 7 days. Closed public holidays.

open breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week (phone to check hours on public holidays).

Prawn Pad Cashew Nut

The Bellevue Hotel Bistro

Sheppo’s on the Green

Have you experienced the Bellevue Hotel Bistro lately?

Taking Christmas party and function bookings now – call 6551 3677. Catering to meet your requirements and budget i.e. – alternate drop/ buffet/finger foods. Casual or formal settings available, including full tablecloths, chair covers, sashes and table decorations. Daily $7 lunch specials; choices are endless; dine in or take away. Nightly dinner specials, or choose from a huge variety of Aussie and Thai cuisine. Bookings appreciated.

We have recently completed some wonderful renovations in our kitchen, and we also have a new menu for you to try! We are still offering all of our great specials through the week, including $9.50 lunch meals (sirloin steak, grilled chicken breast, beer battered fish), Monday night beer and burger $10, Tuesday lunch lobster mornay half $20, full $28 (to avoid disappointment, please pre-order three days in advance), Thursday night schnitzel and beer $10. Our friendly, experienced staff look forward to seeing you soon!

Chefs Luxmee & Wayne

Our Chefs Hayley & Jason.

This is the perfect place for your Christmas party.

Manning Street, Tuncurry t 6554 6577 Open 11:30am - 2:00pm & 5:30pm - 8:00pm Sunday to Thursday 11:30am - 2:00pm & 5:30pm - 8:30pm Friday & Saturday

Taree Leagues Sports Club, 43 Cowper Street, Taree t 6551 3677 open 6 days: lunch 12 - 2pm; dinner 6pm - 8.30pm. Closed Mondays.

manning-great lakes focus 17

eat.

FLOW Espresso Bar

Beach Bums

“FLOW – For the Love Of Water!” Two items off our Spring Lunch Menu; enjoy with a beer or glass of wine. • Roast Vegetable Timbale: Layered Roast Eggplant, Sweet Potato, Capsicum, Zucchini, Pumpkin and Danish Feta coated with a Basil and Walnut Pesto Baby spinach salad $15 • Locally Caught Beer Battered Flathead Fillets served with Chips, Garden Salad, and House made Tar tare sauce. $15 Dinners Friday and Saturday Nights – Menu changes dependant on local seafood delivery. • Whole Baby Snapper, with Chili and Coriander Sauce atop an Asian Salad with Side of Saffron Rice $28 • Crispy Skin Chicken Breast Supreme stuffed with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Feta, wrapped in Bacon and finished with a Madeira Jus + Seasonal Vegetables $26 Function menu’s ready for Xmas parties! www.facebook.com/flowcafe

It’s whale time again! The perfect excuse to relax overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Sample our new exciting menu, changing daily, while watching the majestic, migrating Humpbacks. Feel free to ask for binoculars. Open early for breakfast, lunch coffee and cake. This certainly is the place to be seven days a week.

Owners Kate and Darrin.

North and Beach Streets, Forster Main Beach. t 6555 2840 w beachbumscafe.com.au

31 David St, Old Bar t 6557 4224

open seven days a week from 6:30am. (weather permitting)

open Tue to Sunday, 8am to 4pm and Fri and Sat nights from 6pm. Closed Mondays. Fully licensed. Bookings recommended.

Pork belly slow Baked with Lemon Grass and Garlic, with a Fig and Marsala Jus, on Potato and Leek Rosti with Baby Spinach and Bok Choy.

Raw Sugar Café

Bean Bar

Our food is prepared by our qualified chefs, using only the freshest local ingredients and served by experienced and friendly staff. Our specials board changes weekly! Don’t forget our fantastic fresh fruit smoothies, frappes and fresh juices. Come in and enjoy the five star experience today. Open for breakfast at 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am and afternoon tea until 4pm.

MANNING VALLEY COMBINED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HOSPITALITY FINALIST 2011 WINNER 2010 AND 2012. NOW ALSO FEATURED IN THE AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE www.agfg.com.au Tony and Ray and the Staff welcome all along to their award winning Bean Bar. Open for Breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and A La Carte dining every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Specialists in all types of functions any day OR night of the week. Owners Ray and Tony.

Freshest local ingredients.

214 Victoria Street, Taree t 6550 0137 open 7.30am to 4pm.

18 manning-great lakes focus.

1 Pulteney St, Taree, set on the Manning River t 6550 0022 w www.beanbarcafe.com.au open 7 days breakfast and lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

eat. Homemade Bircher Muesli with mixed berry and yogurt.

Escape the heat with our delicious desserts made daily.

Reef Bar Grill

Club Taree

Seriously, why would you ever sleep in when you live somewhere as great as this? Now, for all the walkers, surfers and gym junkies who’ve been out early embracing the day, Reef Bar Grill is serving the freshest breakfast in town. Reef not only features breakfast classics – silky benedicts and big brekkies from the grill – but also a contemporary menu of healthy and light mueslis, fruits, and sweet starters. Catch up for coffee with friends, spend some quality minutes with the family, and enjoy the best view and freshest breakfast in town at Reef.

The Lilly Pilly Café at Club Taree offers a selection of light meal options perfect to enjoy during the warmer months.

Breakfast at Reef, brought to you by the first footprint on the beach and the first wave at dawn.

From filled baguettes, Turkish bread melts, gourmet wraps and toasted sandwiches to a variety of healthy salads and daily selection of rustic pizzas, there is something for everyone. The Lilly Pilly Café also features a range of classic ice cream desserts, along with hot and cold beverages and a selection of biscuits, cakes and slices to enjoy following your meal. Chef Peter and Manager Ian

Shop 1, 2-6 Wharf Street, Forster t 6555 7092

The Lilly Pilly Café, open 10am daily at Club Taree.

121 Wingham Rd, Taree t 6539 4000 w www.clubtaree.com.au

open Lunch & Dinner Monday - Friday, Breakfast - Lunch Dinner, Saturday & Sunday - 7am till late

open times may vary.

Breakers at Sporties

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

Two of the region’s most popular chefs, Dylan Gummer and Ian Robinson, have returned to Tuncurry’s friendliest club, the Sporties, and promise you a gastronomic delight in the very comfortable and stylish Breakers @ Sporties. Along with a brand new menu that will please the most discerning diner, the boys offer great specials – 7 days a week! For starters, their lunchtime special, ‘Fish and Chips’, at an amazing $5.50 for members is very hard to beat. If you haven’t been to Breakers @ Sporties lately, do yourself a favour – ‘cause the BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

Open 7 days per week for breakfast lunch and dinner. Lunch Specials: available Monday – Friday 12 meals for $12 each.

Beach Street Tuncurry t 6554 9270 open 7 Days for Lunch and Dinner. Lunch: 12pm-2.30pm Dinner: 5.30pm-8pm

Chef Kevin Williams.

Chef Dylan and Ian.

Dinner Specials: Monday: $15 schnitzel night Tuesday: 12 meals for $12 each Wednesday: $12 steak night Thursday: ‘Redback Special’, 3 courses for $20 Friday: $15 pizza and pasta night Sunday: $12.50 two course lunch or dinner, Roast + Dessert

Head Chef Scott Hyde.

Harrington Waters, Josephine Blvd, Harrington t 6556 0555 open Breakfast: 7.30am - 9.30am Mon-Fri, 7.30am - 10.30am Sat Sun. Lunch: 12pm - 2.30pm every day. Dinner: 6pm - 8.30pm every day. manning-great lakes focus 19

focuseditorial.

focusinterview.

SteveAttkins. Stev from Great Lakes Winery

WINE TASTING FOR EVERYONE.

Scott

Some people find visiting a winery a little bit intimidating, believing they will look silly because they don’t know anything about wine. hat is a misconception – the main purpose of a tasting room at a winery is to educate. Wineries want you to learn and if they are doing their job properly, the people serving will take the time to share their knowledge with you.

sweet pineapple can be detected. Sometimes you can smell the wood (oak barrels) that the wine may have been stored in for a while or an earthy smell – the very dirt the vines have been grown in! Wine shouldn’t smell vinegary or off. If your nose tells you the wine is not good – trust it – your nose knows.

It can be as simple or as complex as you And finally, your sense of taste and want it to be ... you can simply how it feels in your mouth. try each wine and like it or It might feel tingly on the not ... or you can work a see easily can tongue or velvety smooth You little harder and let your nice clear, clean, – the flavours might be senses take over, so you crisp white wines – there subtle or, in contrast, really experience each may be a tinge of green overpowering. There may of bit little a e wine's attributes. Sight, or mayb . rance appea be strong acid or mouth n golde a smell and taste can all don’t want to see a You fi lling fruit ... what you have a role to play when cloudy, off colour.” are looking for is a good sampling wines. balance of these properties The colour of wine in good that leave a pleasant taste light can be revealing. You can in your mouth. Your taste buds easily see nice clear, clean, crisp white will also be influenced by a variety of other wines – there may be a tinge of green or factors, including the time of day, what you maybe a little bit of a golden appearance. have been eating before tasting wine, your You don’t want to see a cloudy, off colour. mood and the environment you are in ... and Reds also will vary – colours may be light red sometimes even the glass you are drinking to deep red to even purple – but a red wine out of! should not look brown or murky. If visually So the thing to take away from this is to use the wine isn’t appealing, it probably won’t your senses, and take your time. Plus – if taste good either. you tried something once and didn’t like it, If you have a good sense of smell, it can be try it again at some later stage. You may be as effective as your taste buds. A variety of surprised to find your experience of that wine fruit flavours, from bitter citrus through to is completely different next time round.

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Head Chef Harrigan's

ow long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes, and how long have you worked in the industry?

would have to be the first sauce I mastered, and to this day everybody loves it.

What are some of your favourite local ingredients to cook and why? Fresh local seafood, straight out of I moved up here from the Central the water and onto the plate. I Coast and finished my especially love cooking all the HSC and started my different varieties of fish. I apprenticeship in 1992 I am currently w am currently working on a ne a at The Australian on working s ' an new menu for Harrigan's rig Hotel in Wingham. ar menu for H a e ur at fe which will feature a ill w I won the 'Small which e, a at pl g in st ta d seafood tasting plate, a oo Businessman's' seaf ter for two, at pl d oo af se seafood platter for two, award when I was oysters, a fish of the day, ies a fish of the day, oysters, just a second year and other delicac and other delicacies from apprentice at the ” from the sea. the sea. hotel. I went on to finish my apprenticeship at the hotel, and then I ran the kitchen. I ended up being at The Australian for about 5 years. After that, I worked at The Bushland Tavern in Taree, Taree RSL and then the Manning Hotel for 7½ years. I have only just started at Harrigan's in May of this year and love the challenge that working here gives me. What is the first dish you mastered? I would probably say my Dianne sauce. It

What can people expect from a Harrigan's experience? Great value for money, great atmosphere and above all else, sensational food! What are the highlights on the menu that you believe should most definitely be tried? Well of course, all the seafood, my Dianne sauce on a beautiful scotch fillet, or the lamb shanks are always a favourite.

s o c i a l s c e n e with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

Right. Joan Martin. Pictured. Doc Neeson.

Below. Jamming at Bent on Food.

Right. Suzanne and Jenelle at Nash Solutions party. Below. Helen Knight Up in Annie's Room.

Left. Mitch from Doc's band.

Pictured. Bec and Tonia at farewell.

Pictured. Caravana Sun at Bent on Food.

Below. Debra Lee, Tim and Di at gallery.

Social/scene.

Above. Drumming lessons with Afro.

October has been a massive month. Just when I thought I may get on top of things, everything changed. Staff shortages can really affect a gal’s social life, that’s for sure. I must say my wine intake didn’t decrease, but it was more like reaching for the bottle to give me some sanity than partaking in a social beverage with friends! There were a few things to celebrate too: a baby, a birthday, a concert and a farewell were all great reasons to lift the glass.

tober saw just a few festivals in the region: Old Bar Beach Festival, Breakwall Festival in Harrington and Wingham Akoostik Festival were all a great success. The long weekend in October is the date to remember each year for the Old Bar Beach Festival, with the yearly Kombi parade, gourmet food and wine, a specialty car show, fashion parade and live music. Old Bar Beach Festival holds the Australian record for the most Kombi/transporters gathered in one area at one time. I just love Kombis, and I am still getting over the fact that my dad wouldn’t let me buy one as my first car ... I dreamed of spending my life living in my Kombi and listening to Bob Dylan, but my parents had different ideas. Dad said they were unsafe and tended to catch on fire ... lo and behold, one caught fire in the back lane last week. I still don’t care; I want one – still the rebel and still determined not to do what I am told! The following weekend Ash Grunwald and Caravana Sun joined Galleri, Daniel Coates Music, James Bennett, Peggy van Zalm, The Single Fins, Pete Sot, Little Big Wolf, Matt Arnott, Tor and TheFUNsun! at the Harrington Hotel for the Breakwall Festival, another fabulous event for music lovers. Wingham Akoostik Festival saw a huge line up – too many to mention. Two stages saw local and visiting acts, with a broad range of genres for all to enjoy. I was busy at the café most of the weekend and missed much of the festival, but I did enjoy Deborah Conway on the very hot

Saturday and saw Caravana Sun, James Johnston At Bent on Food, we have been fortunate to and The Workshop after work on Sunday. There have staff who stick around for a long time. I were so many fabulous acts, and I loved the know that when I was growing up in the region, vibe in the town. Myself and a few friends had I always knew that someday I would need to been doing some drumming lessons with the broaden my horizons, which I did. I have always very talented Afromoses and hoped to join him encouraged staff to go out and experience other on the stage; but alas, it wasn’t to happen – places, but I wasn’t ready for so many at once. too busy feeding the people. On the Saturday So we say farewell to Bec House, who is off to night, Bent on Food stayed open feeding guests, Coffs Harbour, and Amanda Kennedy, who will including Grace Knight and Doc Neeson, who be leaving us to move to Newcastle. Tonia both said they thoroughly enjoyed our Collier also left us to rest her wrist, doctor’s hospitality. Caravana Sun were orders! Will and Rebecca Willder also brilliant in the garden out had their first baby, little Quinn, back, and there was lots and he took a month off, so ill w Next month of dancing with a bit of we had a get together in the of t ar st e th bring s, ie rt a jam session after the backyard with a few tears and pa as tm ris the Ch more band. Doc and his band, some nibblies. more work and s once which included an ex I was fortunate to get to fun. The year ha before again flown, andbe Wingham local, Mitch, the Manning Regional too long we will as stayed and chatted Art Gallery for the first tm ris doing the Ch over a few beers. Doc time in many months to .” ng pi shop serenaded me with 'Donna' the opening of a fabulous songs and left at 3am. exhibition by painter Ted Hillyer. I know I said this last year too, The exhibition, called Summer Light but thanks must go to the organisers was of readily recognisable landscapes of these events, who give their own time for of the region – fresh and bright and a pleasure the love of music and for the community to to view. Along with Ted’s paintings was an enjoy. They also attract tourists to the region exhibition of amazing sculptures by Michael and help to promote young musicians. In the Kolbe, created with steel and recycled materials words of Billy Bragg last night on Q and A, – birds and animals, with their poses captured when speaking about the new download era just beautifully. As usual, the food was excellent, where everyone thinks music is free, “You can and it was great to see so many people in experience a download, but you can’t download attendance. The staff and friends of the gallery an experience”. There is just no comparison to do a fabulous job. live music. We hosted a lovely birthday lunch on Sunday,

“

October 21 for Joan Martin, who celebrated her 84th birthday in the café with her lovely friends. She was proudly seated at the head of the table, and they were a pleasure to look after. They all enjoyed lunch, and Joan partook in some of our banana cake whilst we all sang happy birthday to her. I also celebrated my birthday this month and took a day off at the property; some of the girls dropped by with some bubbly, and it was a lovely quiet, unplanned way to spend the day. Another birthday was Nash Solutions' first birthday, which was spent at downtown Wherrol Flat over a BBQ and a few drinks. I would also like to extend a happy birthday to all my Libran friends who celebrated their birthdays in October, especially to Gai Wespi, who turned 50! Next month will bring the start of the Christmas parties, more work and more fun. The year has once again flown, and before too long we will be doing the Christmas shopping. There are some great places to shop in the ManningGreat Lakes region; you can make it a social event and take in lunch and some shopping with friends. This year, why not shop local and support the local community; it’s much more fun than looking at a computer screen and hitting that 'buy' button. As Marcia from Ashlea Road proudly states on a poster in her window: “Small businesses are like muscles; use them or you will lose them”. I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties, anything! Send pics and info to donna.carrier@bigpond. com. Cheers, Donna. manning-great lakes focus 21

22 manning-great lakes focus.

focusinterview.

Tin

W SPARRO

Up and coming band Tin Sparrow is part of the lineup at this year’s Festival of the Sun. This year has seen them touring extensively and releasing a new single ... even receiving some airplay on a couple of popular American TV shows. Performing at more festivals in the future is also on the agenda for this popular group.

ell us a little about Tin Sparrow and how and when you got together? Well, we’ve been together for two and a half years now. Most of us got together at uni, and the singer, Matt, he went to school with our drummer. So we came from a few different places, but once we got together and started fleshing it, out it kinda worked out well. Give us an overview of the band members and that ‘something special’ they each bring to the group. We have Matt Emery, who is our singer, leader and front man; he is an excellent songwriter, and I guess he respects a lot of the classic Australian songwriters like Paul Kelly, and that comes across in his writing. Our drummer, Mark Pickles, who is an excellent drummer and musician – he is a bass player, guitar player and has a really nice voice; Sonia Van Hummel is our sole female member and aside from being a heartbreaker/heartthrob for all the male audience members, she too is excellent musician and has an amazing voice – she can play like three instruments at once! It’s pretty awesome. And then there’s me; I play guitar. So you guys had a new single out in October? Yes, that’s true. We just finished recording it a couple days ago in Melbourne with Tom Youngset from Big Scary, and this single signals a bit of a shift from our usual kids’ stuff. We’ve tried a few different ideas out and thought it’s a little more Pop focused … umm yeah; we’re pretty stoked with it, and it should be out in a few weeks. You said that Matt is your main songwriter? Yeah, he generally comes up with the main sort of

core idea – and then we get together and flesh it out You have toured with some big bands and artists with him. too and opened for their gigs on tour. What You’ll be visiting Port Macquarie this December opportunities has that given you for exposure? for Festival of the Sun. Have you guys played We went through with Matt Corby, and it many festivals over the last 2½ years? was actually a pretty crazy first half of the Ah, we’ve played a couple. The first one we year. We went around with Husky, then really did was Peats Ridge, which was a Matt Corby and then Boy & Bear for 6 couple of years ago. We were pretty weeks, and cruising with massive scared about it, and we haven’t really bands like that, you just learn played many since, but we will be so much. The main thing is What could be g doing a few this December and seeing the amount of hard better than goin g we’re super excited – especially in work and effort that goes hang to a festival and h of weird for me personally. into a show of that size our with a bunc ng heaps I mean, what could be better and sort of learning from people and seei getting of bands of while” than going to a festival and those guys who have been some sunshine! hanging our with a bunch of on the road a lot longer weird people and seeing heaps of than us ... seeing how they bands while getting some sunshine! conduct themselves and just So yeah ... I am pretty stoked. sort of learning the ropes from A couple of the songs you have them. produced have been picked up by hit TV And it must be good to be able to shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Body of leverage off their fan base, as they have a huge Proof. How do opportunities like that come following? about for such a young band? (Laughs.) Yeah! Especially Matt Corby and Boy & Well … I guess it’s the work of our publisher, who is Bear – their fans are hard core. It’s amazing to be able based out of Melbourne, and well ... I guess we owe to play in front of them and try our best to steal a them a lot of thanks for pushing out our music to a little bit of the limelight. It helps a lot. few different places around the globe. It’s worked out So what’s on the calendar for 2013? pretty well. Well, I believe we’re working on a new EP, which That must have helped create some momentum should be released about March next year. We’re for the band? playing one or two festivals early next year as well, Yeah, in a way for sure. I mean, with a show and I guess we’re just planning on expanding what like Grey’s Anatomy, they have a huge audience in we’re doing and to keep pushing and putting songs America and we have never been over there, but out and meeting new people and having fun. hopefully when we do, maybe that sort of stuff will Tin Sparrow will be playing at FOTSUN on help us in the long run. December 14 & 15. For tickets, go to fotsun.com

“

manning-great lakes focus 23

News & Supamart. Pa ull and Tricia Edwick moved to Pacific Palms in 1994 Paul for a sea change. They knew the area well, as they have been holidaying here since the early ‘80s. They first owned Blueys General Store, and then in early 1995 they opened a second shop in Smiths Lake, which they now fully manage after selling the Blueys business in 2001. “At Smiths Lake News & Supamart, we love to meet and chat to all our customers and always look forward to meeting new people from all over the world who travel though this beautiful area,” Paul and Tricia said. They have a huge range of stock and cater for different needs during the peak holiday periods. Newspapers, magazines, DVD hire, grocery, fruit and vegetables, milk, ice creams, icy cold drinks, ice, bait and tackle and many other items can be purchased in store, along with an expanding range of giftware, gift cards and both internet and mobile top up credit and fishing licences. They now sell Evodia, which are all natural skincare, bath and body products, fragrances and luxurious home fragrance such as candles and diffusers. No harmful ingredients, parabens, artificial colours or preservatives are included in any of the products.

24 manning-great lakes focus.

Sands Refreshments Keeping our bodies well hydrated is a basic component of a healthy lifestyle. Steve and Sue are proud local distributors of Mount Seaview Natural Springwater (MSNS), which has been operating on the Mid North Coast since 1999. Our product is bottled daily at Seaview Springs to bring you the freshest water on delivery, and we place great importance on cleanliness and quality control. A mineral/spring water refers to a groundwater obtained from subterranean water bearing strata, that in it’s natural state contains soluble matter. Ozonation is a recommended process and combined with filtration, is a proven method for the killing and removal of any bacteria that may be contained in the water.

Major credit card, cash and eftpos facilities are available.

We are the largest local independent distributor on the Mid North Coast. We are becoming widely recognised for our high levels of minerals and electrolytes in our water. For all your social/sporting events, business, work and home use, feel free to contact us at Sands Refreshments: Steve on 0422 182 137, Sue on 0416 239 816 or the office at Mount Seaview (02) 6585 1612.

They pride themselves on their service and product range. Come in and say hi to Paul, Tricia and the team. We look forward to seeing you there!

Free home delivery on our range of 15 litre, 600 ml, 1.5 litre and 10 litre bottles of spring water. Plus, coolers and dispensers available for your needs.

We Care – the Night Shift Project. Across Australia, there are over 16,000 men, women and children who are sleeping rough on any one single night. Of those who seek emergency accommodation each day, up to 80% of families and 60% of individuals will be turned away.

Kitchen Garden – SKYFALL PREMIERE. The Forster Public School Kitchen Garden Program invites you to celebrate 50 years of James Bond. The latest 007 film, SKYFALL (M) will premiere on Thursday 22 November, 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start. Tickets are $18 per person and include

aged 8 - 12 essential life skills.

delicious gourmet refreshments

Over 180 hours of cooking and

showcasing produce from the kitchen

gardening is taught to every student

garden. All money raised will help support the program, currently not funded by the government.

Everyone’s basic human right to dignity is what is propelling us to implement the We Care − The Night Shift Project into the Manning and Great Lakes communities. Homelessness is beyond the scope of housing and emergency accommodation, and therefore we see a growing concern to assist all that may end up sleeping rough tonight.

from Years 3 - 6, instilling the importance of growing to the seasons, harvesting at maturity and eating

The Forster Public School launched

wholesome food made from the spoils

Movie premiere 007’s SKYFALL (rated M)

the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen

of the student’s own garden.

Venue Great Lakes Cinemas, Tuncurry.

Help our committee of volunteers raise

Date/Time Nov 22; 5.30pm for refreshments; film starts 6.30pm.

Garden program in September 2010, after receiving initial funding from the Stephanie Alexander Foundation to build a kitchen and expand the existing garden. The program’s first official

much needed funds to pay for kitchen and garden specialists, ingredients, maintenance and supplies.

classes began in 2011 and since then

Proudly supported by Stephanie

the program has prospered with the

Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation

amazing support of the community,

and NAB and the Forster Tuncurry

teaching a total of 400 plus children

Community.

Cost $18 per person, includes movie ticket and delicious refreshments made in the school kitchen. Tickets can be purchased at Forster Public School, phone 6555 6766 or email: becpearson@yahoo.com.au

We Care – The Night Shift Project was initiated in the winter of 2012 by five Taree TAFE students studying Certificate IV in Community Services. Their goal is not only to bring about awareness of homelessness, but also to get 200 care/crisis packs, which will include a Backpack Bed from Swags for Homeless (swags.org.au). Swags for Homeless supply international award winning Backpack Beds specifically for the homeless, which are proven to be lifesaving. The Care packs will have a list of all service providers in the local area, as well as help/crisis lines details. The Mid North Coast remains one of the most disadvantaged postcodes in the state of New South Wales, and homelessness is becoming a growing concern amongst our community. We have been touched by many who have shared their own personal stories of homelessness. All donations to help purchase Backpack Beds can be made at: http://fundraise.swags.org.au/event/nightshift Let’s get together and show ‘We Care’.

manning-great lakes focus 25

focusinterview.

cottage In a beautiful heritage cottage on the corner of High and Pulteney Streets, Taree, you’ll find an enterprising and industrious group of people. The Taree Craft Cottage, run by the committee and volunteers of Taree Craft Centre Inc, is a hive of activity, and Pam Eyb, Vice President and Publicity officer, is happy to tell us just what makes this cottage so unique …

hat’s your involvement with the Taree Craft Centre Inc.? I’m currently the Vice President of Taree Craft Centre and part of their publicity team. I first joined Taree Craft Centre in about 1995 when they were situated in a small, dark room underneath the grandstand on Johnny Martin Oval, which they leased from Greater Taree City Council. I wanted to meet other people with an interest in craft and within a couple of years, I became President of the group. In 1997, we staged a small craft show in the Masonic Hall in Albert Street and by charging a gold coin entry, we raised $2,000 for the Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre, which was about to be built. We decided to expand the craft show and try to raise enough money to establish a permanent home for the Craft Centre. We named the show ‘Craftathon’, and within 2 years the show became more successful than we had ever dreamed possible. After 14 annual shows, the dream of a permanent, self-sufficient Craft Centre for Taree has been realised. How and why was the centre first established? In 1975 Leonie Bell, a local artist, placed an advertisement in the local paper asking people interested in establishing a craft group to attend a meeting. Three hundred people turned up at that meeting, and Taree Craft Centre was born. They were a thriving group for several years, meeting and crafting in an old school house at Pampoolah. However, a flood caused great damage and the group relocated to various locations over the years, always having to raise rent through the sale of craft, and other fundraisers. It was Taree Craft Centre members who originally established the Hub Markets in the grounds of Taree High School many years ago. This market still flourishes today at Taree Showground, now under the management of the Lions Club. Who/what are some of the different groups

26 manning-great lakes focus.

and classes held regularly at the centre? With the assistance of a government grant, in 2010 we were able to extend the cottage by adding 2 large classrooms and a small café. The classrooms are in constant use, day and evening, with seven patchwork groups sharing their skills, as well as people practicing lace making, porcelain painting, cake decorating, paper crafts, knitting, crochet and tatting. We also conduct a craft class for young adults with a disability, and we are very proud of our group of local Indigenous women, who are learning to sew and who will soon be selling some of their work through our craft shop. The craft centre is a not-for-profit organisation. How is the group able to stay afloat financially – do you receive government assistance? Taree Craft Centre receives no funding to help cover their extensive overheads, which include public liability insurance, building insurance, Council rates, water rates, audit fees, power, phone, maintenance and administration. However, we have always been aware that the Centre needs to be completely self-sufficient to survive, and we now have several income streams to achieve this. We display and sell quality, handmade items of craft, made by our members, and the Centre retains 20% commission. The groups using the Community class rooms pay a small fee, and the Cottage Café makes a small profit. After a two year absence, Craftathon was brought back to life in August, at Taree P.C.Y.C. and this annual injection of funds allows us to make major improvements to the community classrooms. We recently installed solar panels on the roof, which will help to make the Centre viable for many years to come. What special events will the centre hold over the next few months? On 10 October, we held a ‘Pink Party’ in our café and raised almost $1,000 for Breast Cancer research, and on 19 October we participated in ‘Loud Shirt Day’ to assist deaf children. We have

regular working bees to sew turbans for the Oncology Unit at Manning Hospital, and these are given to women suffering the ravages of cancer treatments. Our Papercraft Artists group is busy producing ‘boomerang’ Christmas cards for our troops in Afghanistan, who will add their personal messages and send them home to their loved ones. We have an ongoing project to hand knit warm, woollen beanies and scarves, also for our overseas troops. We always participate in the Manning River Summer Festival and are currently planning an event to be held at the Craft Cottage in January 2013. From 12 to 20 April 2013, our Centre will come alive with the display of dozens of exquisite patchwork quilts in our bi-annual quilt show, co-ordinated by one of our very talented Patchwork Teachers, Kerry Wakely. What are some of the centre’s achievements you’re particularly proud of? I think the achievement we are most proud of is realising our dream to establish a permanent home for craft in Taree. It has proved to us that if you think positively about a project and work hard, anything is possible. We have come a long way from that small room beneath the grandstand, and it is very pleasing to see the number of people who use the centre. Why do you feel the centre offers a valuable service to the community? Taree Craft Centre is a meeting place where new friendships can be forged and new hobbies learned. Currently we have around 70 members and always welcome enquiries from prospective new members. There are so many activities in which to get involved. We have 3 craft outlets, one at the Tourist Information Centre at Taree

North, a small shop in Centrepoint Arcade and the Cottage gift shop. These outlets are happy places to work, and are staffed by our members, who on average work 2 days per month. We have a social crafting day each Friday called ‘Craft ‘n Chatter’, open to everyone, members and non-members, and there are some lovely crafts to be learned by joining in a day class. A lot of our members are in their senior years, with many of them living alone, and their craft activities play a very important part in keeping them active and connected. Where can people go to find out more information? The best idea is to visit the craft cottage on the corner of High and Pulteney Streets, Taree and have a chat to the members on duty. We would love to tell people how they can become a member, join in a craft class, or answer any other questions they might have. While there, they can browse through our beautiful craft shop and maybe have a coffee in the café. We would like to hear from groups who are interested in using our classrooms, whether it is for craft activities, meetings or other suitable activities. There are a few vacancies, especially evenings and weekends, and Anne Bloomfield, our bookings co-ordinator, will be able to assist. Information is also available at our other two craft outlets, at Taree North in the Tourist Information complex, and in Centrepoint Arcade off Victoria Street. Phone Enquiries: The Craft Cottage or the Cottage Café: 6552 5777. Becoming a Member – Wendy 6553 2699. Room Bookings – Anne 6553 2602. General Enquiries – Pam 6552 5552. Thanks Pam. Interview by Jo Atkins.

Join us at Stockland, Forster.

Don’t Expect the Usual.

Out of the Box Exhibition

POP Gallery – a group of students from

where there’s no commercial or town gallery.

the TAFE Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts

We wanted to hold a quality commercial,

have devised a POP up gallery, called POP

professional standard exhibition, at the same

Gallery 2012 at Stockland, Forster, which

time introducing the option of using empty

will challenge viewers to think about the

spaces for art. But first we had to initiate our

role art plays in our community.

own gallery. So we have, and POP Gallery

Final year students Nyaree Donnelly, Graeme

2012 was born.”

Macey and Faye Collier are on a crusade to

The exhibition opening on Thursday night,

shock, challenge and inspire the community

November 8, will be a smorgasbord of

of Manning-Great Lakes to think about art,

entertainment and culture. All the artists from

and how integral it is in self-expression and

the TAFE Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts will

community development.

be there to discuss their works, as well as the

They are utilising the empty space at Stockland

Cultural Director of Maitland Regional Gallery,

Forster, near Jamaica Blue, for three weeks as

Joe Eisenberg OAM, who will officially open

an interactive space, completely fitting it out

POP Gallery 2012 from 6pm. The ticket entry

with the help of several major sponsors.

of $10 includes art, music and quality food

Exhibition curator Graeme Macey explained:

and drinks. Everyone is welcome.

“Our class talked about our future prospects

Further information: Nyaree Donnelly on 0404

as practising artists in the Great Lakes region,

279 710 or Graeme Macey on 0424 792 443.

Out of the Box; an exceptional, unusual, interesting surprise. This is exactly what art, music and food lovers can expect when they come to Great Lakes TAFE’s exhibition opening called Out of the Box this month. Students from Great Lakes TAFE’s Certificate IV in Visual Art & Contemporary Craft will be exhibiting their best creative outputs from the last 12 months – works in 2D & 3D, drawing, photography, painting, print making, sculpture and video installation.

coffee, great finger food and take in music from local musicians,” said Anne Sefton, one of the artists and main publicist for the exhibition. Anne explained that musical entertainment will be provided by Benny Brown, a local singer, and there will also be fire dance performed by Karina and Max Power of Fire Power.

Out of the Box gets underway with the official opening from 6pm on Thursday night, November 15 and continues during TAFE hours until Thursday, November 29.

“We are also delighted that Dr Jim Frazier, locally-based artist, inventor of the Frazier lens, naturalist and Academy and Emmy awardwinning cinematographer, will be opening the event and saying a few words about his work in Hollywood and in wildlife cinematography. Jim is very keen to advance the marketing potential of local artists.”

“Thursday the 15th will be a really interactive evening, where guests wander the Gallery Corridor and sculpture garden, enjoy barista

Just turn up ready to enjoy the night and be prepared for an extraordinary and exceptional cultural feast.

OUT OF THE BOX. ART EXHIBITION / MUSIC / FOOD

B I G

N o v e m b e r

O P E N I N G

THURSDAY

15.11.2012

2 0 1 2

N I G H T 6.00PM

Certificate IV Visual Art & Contemporary Craft end of year student art exhibition Opened by Dr. Jim Frazier (inventor, naturalist, artist and Oscar & Emmy winning cinematographer) At North Coast TAFE, Great Lakes Art & Design School, Gallery Corridor, L & Q blocks, Northern Parkway, Tuncurry Phone: (02) 6555 06 16 FREE Y ENTR

manning-great lakes focus 27

focusinterview. Three enterprising locals have combined their passion for art, their training as TAFE Advanced Diploma Fine Arts students and some serious ingenuity to create an amazing gallery space at Stockland, Forster. Nyaree Donnelly, Faye Collier and Graeme Macey would like to see a viable future for practising artists in the Great Lakes region – which has led to the creation of Pop Gallery and a unique exhibition, opening on November 8.

POP

gallery

hen did you all first become interested in art – who/what inspired you? Nyaree: I have always created things. If I wasn’t drawing or painting, I was sewing. My grandmother was a great influence. Faye: High school kindled my love of art. This passion has smouldered on over the years, until it was fanned into life doing Fine Art courses at Great Lakes TAFE. Graeme: I have always had a passion for drawing and painting. I spent long periods in hospital as a child, and drawing was something I could do from a hospital bed. How did the idea for the Pop Gallery exhibition you’re planning to hold in November evolve – and what are the short and long-term aims behind the concept? Graeme: As Advanced Diploma Fine Arts students, we talked about future prospects as practising artists in the Great Lakes region with no commercial or regional gallery. The situation for any of us was if you want to hold a quality commercial and professional standard exhibition with gallery experience, first you have to build your gallery − so we have. One of the intentions in the setup of Pop Gallery was to establish it as a functional commercial enterprise, or as close to it as we could get. Of course, the underlying objectives of the enterprise are to showcase and promote the talented and energetic artists of the Great Lakes TAFE Art and Design School. TAFE is the foundation for Pop Gallery, without which this enterprise would not have been possible. It has given us the skills and confidence to 28 manning-great lakes focus.

promote the visual arts and to engage with the wider community. The intention is also to test, or model, possible concepts for the future Pop Gallery as a repeat exercise or as a precursor to other creative arts enterprises (we have some other ideas for Forster). Tell us more about the Pop Gallery exhibition ... when and where will it be held, and when’s the opening night? Faye: The Pop Gallery is at Stockland Forster, just near Jamaica Blue. We will be open from 8 to the 30 November. With a constantly changing exhibition of artworks, we will also have a variety of in-gallery events and demonstrations.

Our gala opening is on Thursday 8 November, starting at 6pm. There will be live music, local band The Cubs, plus Steve and Jay. Come along and enjoy mouth-watering food from All Things Yum and be in the running for exciting lucky door prizes. What types of artwork will be displayed at the exhibition? Graeme: There will be an exciting range of styles on display: prints, paintings, drawings, street art, mixed media and textile art. There will be so much to choose from − something to suit everyone. There will be works from Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and the Indigenous Design Group. The individual artists participating include: Roy Prentice, who has just been announced as winner of the North Coast Institute Student Association Art Acquisitive Prize, works in pastels, oils, pencil and charcoal producing life

drawings, portraitures and landscapes. Maddie Main describes her own work as completely ‘weird’ in concept. She uses installation art, digital animation, ink, pencil, collage and acrylic on board to create intriguing fantasy images that often contain birds and faces. Katrina Norman, who after winning the emerging artist award in the Pacific Palms Art Prize in 2011, has been inspired by William Kentridge’s works to develop both drawings in charcoal and paintings in a fabulously expressive style. Louis Macdonald’s focus is on Flash Art and social commentary. He will be exhibiting a work inspired by street art in mixed media on board. Jana Pearceova, already a practising designer and teacher at the Manning Regional Gallery, works in textiles. She creates subtle beauty using plants and found objects to create dyes and prints onto fabrics. I understand a special charity partnership has been established with the KMARTSalvation Army Wishing Tree. In practical terms, how will this partnership work? Nyaree: We will be donating 5% of artwork sales to the Wishing Tree. With this money we will be buying toys to put under the tree in our local Forster store. We plan to purchase two kids’ bikes plus helmets, and art supplies for as many kids as possible, so we can share our love of art with the next generation. What people/sponsors would you like to thank for supporting Pop Gallery? Nyaree: TAFE administration staff in the first instance, without whom we could never have launched this project. We thank them for their faith in us for what has been a major undertaking; in particular, the Fine Arts School,

led by Head Teacher Steve Williams. Under his leadership, the school has reached a high level of maturity in fine arts education. It clearly has a significant ongoing role in supporting many artists as sole practitioners across the region in their professional practice. Sharon Davis has been the relentless gobetween, and nothing has ever been too much trouble. Graphic designer Kelly Austin has shared her expertise to help Pop present the best face possible to the world. Catherine Calvin is just the best and coolest person on campus, as the link between us humans and the institution. A huge thank you to Sara Randall, as marketing Manager of Stockland Forster. Sara agreed to the key things that made the project happen so seamlessly. Nothing was impossible, and her tolerance appears unlimited. Thanks also to Bunnings, who supported us under their community support program, the Mobile Framer Peter Hassal, and the Student Association. Richard Old from the Forster Visitors centre has also provided invaluable support and assistance. Where can people buy tickets for the opening night, or find out more info about the exhibition? Tickets are $10 to the opening night, 6pm Thursday 8 November. They’re available: by phoning 0404 279 710; from the Manning Regional Gallery front desk; from Claire Skehan at Sun Printing, Hudson Street, Taree; or from our stand in Stockland Forster on Sunday 4 November. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night. Thanks everyone. Interview by Jo Atkins.

NOVEMBER 2012

WITH TERRI

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Now is a great time for a holiday, rest or time out. Your clever mind is in need of refurbishment. Nothing will help to bring fresh influences into the picture like a change of routine. Reflection time is invaluable, as it will help you distance yourself from negative influences and prioritise positive ones. Selenite is great for shattering negative thoughts and influences.

Try to recognise and free yourself from your past obstacles. By looking at them from a new perspective, you will see how they benefited you. Your divinity or personal power is at stake, so love and honour yourself enough to allow those negative influences to become your strengths. Malachite brings past hurts to the surface for recognition and release.

Don’t allow other people’s negative thoughts into your reality. Distance your-self from any dark influence, as you are shining at present. Love holds some nice surprises; you only need to be available emotionally and with your sweetness of spirit, this should be easy. Have fun and laugh more, so as to not get weighed down by others. Selenite keeps positive thoughts and energies prominent.

CAPRICORN.

TAURUS.

LEO.

December 22 - January 20

April 21 - May 21

July 24 - August 23

You need to acknowledge your clever self, as this recognition will align you with future success. Set some fresh goals and keep them to yourself, so others will not dampen your excitement. Remain positive to disconnect yourself from negative possibilities. Make laughter a priority for a couple of weeks, to feel the difference. Sugilite will give life a sense of ‘newfound’ love.

SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22

Time to party and celebrate the nice things in life. Social influences will serve you well at this time. Try and avoid heavy situations and negative thoughts, as your sensitivity is peaking. A great time for travel or adventure so if a holiday is not possible, try a creative activity or learn something new of interest. Rose quartz is great for bringing passion into our thoughts and energy.

Your headstrong personality is favourable for positive change at this time. Understanding and practicing the difference between stubbornness and head-strength will benefit you enormously. Set some exciting fresh goals and give yourself permission to succeed. It is time for you to shine. Turquoise is great for self-confidence.

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Try not to ‘day-dream’ too much, as this will have a de-motivating affect on your energy. Set some short-term, easy to reach goals and give yourself permission to succeed; then go for them full steam ahead. Your determination is waking up with speed. Citrine keeps us focused on the task at hand.

VIRGO.

SAGATTARIUS.

August 24 - September 23 A

November 23 - December 21

New changes to your outlook on life are working favourably at this time. Try not to lose momentum, as this energy will propel you into success more efficiently than any other influence. Set some fresh goals too, as this will benefit you. Social changes can be welcomed, with new vibrant friends coming into your reality. Clear quartz will empower you further.

Your brightness in your spirit is strength for others at present. Protect this precious commodity, by recognising the things that drain you and avoid them. Physical activity is a must for your body at this time to maintain this happy vibration. Keep your-self intellectually satisfied as well. Citrine connects us to our creative genius.

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Insecurities are playing with your thoughts lately. Try doing some selfempowering exercises like smiling at your reflection and giving yourself some compliments, as this will align your true identity and take care of negative self-thoughts. Connect with your heart’s ability to love hugely. Ruby shatters negative destructive thoughts.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Try not to be concerned by what you believe others think of you, as this will cause distractions from your goals and place unnecessary hurdles on your path. Recognise how much you choose to do for others and the joy this repays you with, and make yourself a priority. Amethyst helps align us with our purpose.

PISCES. February 20 - March 20

Take some time out of your busy schedule to smell the roses and sweetness life has to offer. Your focus on your tasks has brought a seriousness to your energy which could easily drown your creative flair. Honour your-self enough to prioritise happy thoughts; lighten up and laugh more. Turquoise is great for a happier vibration.

Corner Albert and Manning Streets Taree 6551 5858 Wharf Street Forster 6555 8356

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manning-great lakes focus 29

PRESENTED BY triple j

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30 manning-great lakes

focuseditorial. from Coasting Ho Home me

There comes a point in time that we have to decide to renovate, knock down and build or move.

AmandaPriester

reno

he bright, loud, fun, riot of colour we are seeing in fashion, as it arrives into stores on all budget levels, is also about to burst into our homes. There are certain rooms of the house that show their age and date before others. These two rooms are the bathroom and the kitchen. Fittings and finishes change rapidly, with new technology being able to create new surfaces and appliances. Where to start with these areas is a large and time consuming job. Most good kitchen suppliers will have an in house designer who will be up to date on what they can build and the latest fishes that are available. You need to think about what you want

Darker colours can be dramatic, but also show marks or smudges, over a lighter colour. Combining textures here is a great way to give your kitchen a distinctive look – stone, glass, wood, stainless steel, polyurethane painted surfaces. All these finishes are common elements to work with, and this is where your mood board or scrapbook will come into play. Talk to your kitchen designer about ways to make your elements give you a distinctive style. Use the online mood board Pinterest, and carry your thoughts on your mobile as you go. Bathrooms are a little bit like kitchens in the questions you need to ask and what you want to get out of them. Do you want a spa feel here? Is a beautiful freestanding bath something that you desire?

“Start by listing what your ‘dream’ kitchen would have and work back from there. You can create a mood board, bringing together your thoughts and favoured colours and textures.” the space to achieve; does your family eat in the kitchen environment, do you want a large gourmet oven and stove arrangement to cope with all the cooking you do, is electric, gas or induction cooking for you? Maybe you do not cook much and a great microwave is all you require. While looking around at suppliers, and appliances, gather samples of tiles, timber, laminates and paint colours that appeal to you; have these ready when you talk to your kitchen builder. Kitchen designers will help you decide on your workflow patterns and help create a layout that suits the space you have to work with and what you want to achieve. Appliances are moving forward rapidly – ovens that clean themselves ... yeah! A growing trend is for retro styled fridges in bright colours; is this for you? There are fridges that offer new combinations of storage, French doors and bottom mounted freezers; this arrangement allows you to have all your fresh food at eye height, showing you exactly what you have, and it helps to curb food spoilage. Maybe you need a wine cabinet to store the vino. Deciding on surfaces and colours can make the difference when it comes to cleaning.

How do you want the wet areas to blend with the functional fittings like the vanity or storage? Again, a bathroom designer or specialist will help to guide you through this process. Make sure that all the things that you want to have actually fit in the room; a great way to work with small spaces is to measure out paper shapes in the sizes of the elements to be brought in, and play with your space. Textures in this room can be the best way to give you a stylish look. Mix tile combinations to see how you can create some wow factor. Do you need a shower screen? Hotels are a great way to see new bathroom trends in action. A lot of hotels do not have shower screens and use raised floors in the shower, with ‘gutters in them’ to drain water and create the ability to move from wet areas to dry. Cleaning should be considered a major factor in what you do here. The less work, the better. But remember, there are no right or wrong ways to work through this. Trust your expert opinions, and use your research to guide you. When it is over, make sure you enjoy a good soak in that beautiful bath; it’s not just there to look good! manning-great lakes focus 31

focusinterview.

Pacific Palms Public School

HERYL RODHAM RETIRED TEACHER/LIBRARY The school’s history ... The story of PaciÞc Palms Public School began in 1936, when a Progress Association was formed to raise money to build a school. The get togethers, card parties, afternoon teas and rafßes added much to the social life of the community. The site chosen for the school was a small hilltop above the creek at Charlotte Bay on Wallis Lake. Bullocks cleared the land, the timber needed was credited to the Association, and the wooden building was built by local bush carpenters. On May 25, 1937, Leo Toomey, the newly appointed teacher, opened the school. Twenty pupils of various ages turned up − some too old − some too young. Trouble was É there was no furniture. Early pupils remember sitting on Þsh boxes until the Department of Education's desks, chairs, blackboards and easels arrived a month later. The community was made up mostly of battling Þshing and small farmer families. Times were tough, and it took several years of continuous fundraising to clear the debt. Despite the Department's considering purchasing the building from the community, it remained a Provisional School until 1957. By the 1950s, businessmen who saw the potential for tourism and development in the district moved in, and sand mining in the area provided some employment for new arrivals. However, the area was unknown, and progress was slow. The school's numbers remained generally under twenty until 1969. In the early 1960s, the Þrst of the modern beach subdivisions was developed. The school population rose, and the little bush school needed to adapt to a new world. The name Charlotte Bay Provisional School changed to PaciÞc Palms Primary School on 1 January 1966. Electricity was connected, and a new building was added in 1969. But, the old building was showing its age, and the pit toilets were becoming an embarrassment. A second building was brought from Nabiac in 1972, but the 32 manning-great lakes focus.

old site's days were numbered. The district's population was now in the beach areas, and the Education Department chose the new site for the school behind Boomerang Beach. The school's population of 72 students, three staff members led by Headmaster Bob Ezzy and the ex-Nabiac building relocated to the present site in April 1979. (Reference: Battlers All, by Bob Budge).

Two hundred and sixty students and 30 staff members will be very excited to celebrate Pacific Palms Public School’s 75th anniversary this month. This major milestone provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the school’s past – but also to look towards the future ..

grant from the government, the shadecloth was dismantled and our new Covered Outdoor Learning Area was constructed. So, imagine our excitement when in addition to a vast covered outdoor area we were informed that a new hall funded under the Building the Education Revolution program would be built at our school! This was a huge project that was completed in late 2010 and ofÞcially opened in 2011. The hall has been a wonderful KERRY TULLOCH addition to our school facilities. Events, includ10TH YEAR AS SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. ing our whole school assemblies, indoor What have been some of the most sigsports activities, visiting performances nificant changes at the school since and numerous after school commuit opened? nity activities can now take place There have been many regardless of the weather. changes to the school Festivities start Visitors to the school a at 10am with since it Þrst started at the d an st pa also notice the beautiMarch Past of Boomerang Beach site g in gg di , ls pi pu t ful grounds. The school presen in 1979. The growth the time capsule up gardens, under the care in population has been with and replacing it r the of our previous General signiÞcant; but also the a new capsule fo ation Assistant, Kevin Holland, br le ce y ar schoolÕs facilities. Under centen h BBQ and nc and in recent years John lu a , 37 20 in the leadership of Principal srooms.” as cl Wood, have always been en op Bob Ezzy, followed by Princarefully maintained. However, cipal Ken Pares and then myrecently with the availability of self, many wonderful additions extra funding we have been able to have been made to the school. Bob make some major improvements. The Year 5/6 was responsible for the challenge of relocating area has been beautifully paved and gardens the school from Charlotte Bay to Boomerang planted. We also installed new play equipment Beach. During Ken ParesÕ time as Principal, and built a sandpit for the younger pupils. the school was fortunate to have some ageing What are some of the achievements demountable classrooms removed and replaced school staff and students are proud of? with four well-appointed new classrooms. In We are always proud when our ex-students addition, a new student amenities block was are elected into leadership positions at Great installed. During my time as Principal, further Lakes College, and this is something that hapadditions have also been made to the facilities. pens on a regular basis. There was great excitement when the Ex-students have also gone on to excel schoolÕs exterior makeover occurred. Instead of in many academic areas. Of particular note the traditional and very unappealing mustard would be David Llewellyn, who was named as yellow, the school was repainted in an attraca Rhodes Scholar. Another previous student, tive shade of soft purple. It was the talk of the Robbie Bishop-Taylor, was presented the Maccommunity for a while, but now everyone who quarie University 2007 Eureka Prize. visits our school comments on the beautiful And it is not only students who are being colour scheme. recognised: retired teacher and 75th anniAnother exciting time was when our shade versary committee member Shirley Craig was cover started to show its age. After much recognised with a Director GeneralÕs award for discussion and fantastic fundraising support her outstanding contribution to education. from the P & C, along with a dollar for dollar

“

As a Principal, there are two things of which I am particularly proud. Firstly, the dedication shown by every member of staff to ensure that our school provides a safe, caring and friendly environment for every child. Secondly is the quality of the learning environment. Staff members work cooperatively together after school and often on the weekend planning lessons, talking about individual needs and most importantly, sharing their expertise. High quality explicit instruction occurs in every classroom delivered by highly competent educators. What festivities are planned to mark the school’s 75th anniversary on November 10? Festivities start at 10am with a March Past of past and present pupils, digging up the time capsule and replacing it with a new capsule for the centenary celebration in 2037, a lunch BBQ, and open classrooms. In the evening there will be an adultsÕ social function in the school hall commencing at 7pm at a cost of$10 per person − bookings are essential for the evening function. All pupils and community members, past and present, are welcome to attend. The only costs involved will be the BBQ lunch, purchase of commemorative mugs and the evening social event. Looking ahead, what are some of the plans the school community will work on to ensure continuing success? We will continue to work closely with our parent community for the betterment of the school. This will be particularly relevant in 2014, when the school will no longer receive signiÞcant National Partnership funding. Another area of rapid growth is in the area of technology. It is hard to keep up! Our staff are continually embracing new technologies. We plan over the next two years to further build on our technology expertise and opportunities for students. SigniÞcant funds will be allocated to provide laptops and iPads across the school, and staff members will undergo training to equip them for this growth. Thanks Cheryl and Kerry. Interview by Jo Atkins.

Relationship Difficulties? Tell us a little about Co-dependents Anonymous â€“ whom do they assist? Coda assists anyone who is trying to improve their relationships with other people. These can be friends, partners, work colleagues, employers, family members. It can also assist anyone who is in a relationship with someone suffering from an addiction, or from a family where addictions existed, but is not exclusive to this. It is helpful for people who feel trapped in repeating the same life experiences and want to change, but donâ€™t know how to.

Coda assists anyone who is trying to improve their relationships with other people.

If someone was unsure about whether it was right for them, what advice would you give them? The advice from Coda is to come to 6 consecutive meetings to decide whether Coda is right for you. There are two local meetings a week in Tuncurry. There is no obligation to keep attending; anyone can come as often or as little as they like. The cost is a gold coin donation, and newcomers are asked not to

contribute.

What are the benefits to those who attend? The benefits are greater for people who come regularly and can vary. For many, it is the start of a new better life, as old baffling self-defeating behaviours gradually disappear and are replaced by new healthy behaviours. Relationships with other people become healthier, new opportunities start to arise, along with a sense of self empowerment.

manning-great lakes focus 33

focustechnology. with Cameron Illingworth from Harvey Norman.

TECH

hat Windows 8 will do for seamless integration between devices is something people have been dreaming about for years. If I had a dollar for every time a customer has asked me, “Why can’t all my devices just be the same? Why do I have to learn each new gadget” ... great thing is, Windows 8 gives you that experience.

Cross platform experience. What makes this release unique is the ability to have the same user interface across all of your devices.

The anticipated release of Windows 8.

“

This is achieved by using cloud based storage Microsoft is calling 'Skydrive'. When you log into the PC, it finds your settings and files on the Skydrive out in the web, displaying the same basic settings and files you have saved on the drive.

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Agility

34 manning-great lakes focus.

Subject to availability, dealer recommended drive away campaign price for vehicles ordered between 1 October and 31 December 2012. Per week offers based on above recommended drive away prices with a $390 finance documentation fee and, in NSW only, applicable mortgage stamp duty payable upfront, on a 60 month Agility Asset Loan with 10,000 km p/a allowance. 1. Upfront deposit: $10,000, Monthly repayments $645.06, Total amount payable $72,710.88, GFV $23,440. All offers restricted to approved business customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd ABN 73 074 134 517. Kilometre Restrictions and Fair Wear and Tear return conditions apply, full details available at your participating authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Seamless sharing and integration. Windows 8 has integrated their software with Linked-in, Twitter and Facebook, to make sharing of files much easier.

Basically, your experience l is the same on alets, bl Ta 8 s w Windo es Windows 8 Phon 8 s w and Windo PC’s.”

Basically, your experience is the same on all Windows 8 Tablets, Windows 8 Phones and Windows 8 PCs. So you physically see the same layout of tiles and settings using the same login details on all of your technology (Watch out for Windows 8 digital cameras; they won’t be far off).

If you’re not excited right now about where technology is going, you should be. Two words: Windows 8. It’s the most talked about release from Microsoft since Windows ’95.

This also gives users the ability to log into their files on anybody’s Windows 8 PC wherever they are – a feature called guest account login.

It takes less clicks to make it happen with the share 'charm' enabled, by simply sliding your finger or mouse to the top right of the screen. Also in charms are quick links to search, settings and devices and printers, making customisation of the device simpler.

Windows 8 finally gives us a chance to focus on content rather than navigation of a device, which makes for an exciting future. Xbox owners will see new media integration and connected TV capabilities and may have already seen the software updates recently, with a move to tiles in the interface before the release date. Windows 8 is currently available for just $69 and updates from windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. Get into it! CI.

focusbusiness. with Tim Deverell from Manning Valley Business Chamber

B U S I N E S S

L A U N C H

tim deverell. This is my first article on behalf of the Manning Valley Business Chamber, and I would like to thank Peter Lyne for the outstanding service and support he has provided over the past 6 years to not only the business community, but the Manning Valley community in general. Peter will be sorely missed, and I am aware I have big shoes to fill. he Manning Valley Business team brings with it a fresh perspective and Chamber held their Annual new ideas that will see the Manning Valley Awards night at a Gala business community move forward over the Presentation at Club Taree on coming year. September 21. With over 280 There have been a host of new businesses people attending on the night, it was an open or commence operations in the Manning outstanding success and indicates the Awards Valley over the past month, which is an night is an increasingly popular fixture on the indication of the potential the Manning Taree social scene. Valley is offering the business community. Guests were captivated by an inspiring A new concept in retail convenience stores speech from our guest speakers, Sharon and has opened at BP Taree, called the 'Jack Allan Cohrs, who were the first Australian Rabbit Company', which offers a new level born couple to reach the summit of service and a range of products, of Mount Everest. The really along with an upmarket store impressive aspect of their layout. The idea behind this story is that Sharon has been developed by The Chamber l was diagnosed with a local businessman, held their Annua on breast cancer in Wade Death, and the General Meeting d 28 September an 2007. Sharon’s story Taree store is the first ckson as elected Geoff Ja is one of inspiration, store in a planned roll ent, Alex Cosway id es Pr as she became the out across Australia. t, Jenny as Vice Presiden y first Breast Cancer We also have a new ar et cr Se Ashton as as n survivor in the world antique and collectables ow Br le and Ky r.” to achieve such a feat store in Manning Street. re su ea Tr and together with her Additionally, we have a new husband Allan, combined legal firm in the region, LHD huge strength and determination Lawyers, who have opened premises together with plenty of discipline by in Pultney Street. Finally, we also have a supporting each other to reach the new insurance group, Insurance Advisernet, summit on 20 May 2011. Many people having a grand opening in Macquarie Street, spoke openly about how moved they were by Taree. So all in all, some very good news this amazing story. for our local Taree economy and business There was strong competition in all community generally. categories and a host of worthwhile winners, To finish, it was interesting to note that a with the major Award of Business of the Year recent survey from the retail world revealed going to Wingham Valley Vets. The prestigious there was a very low level of customer service Bruce Cowan award was presented by the satisfaction in Australia. It noted we ranked 2011 recipient Ray Stack and was awarded to poorly in the world for dealing well with our Bruce and Beryl Steber. Other popular awards customers. It is critical that all businesses were the Employee of the Year, Brett Drumgold evaluate their customer service levels – both from Saxby’s, and the People’s Choice Award staff and management. The life blood to went to the Taree Newsagency. The Manning your business is the business where people, Valley Business Chamber would like to thank customers and clients continually 'judge' all involved, and we look forward to making whether they are happy or not. Critical analysis the 2013 Awards bigger and better. of your own business is essential. This is very The Chamber held their Annual General important coming into the busy trading period Meeting on 28 September and elected Geoff that is the final quarter of the year, including Jackson as President, Alex Cosway as Vice Christmas trading. First impressions are lasting President, Jenny Ashton as Secretary and Kyle impressions – make them count. Good trading Brown as Treasurer. The new management to all our local businesses.

“

Insurance Advisernet Australia manning-great i t llakes k ffocus 35

B U S I N E S S

L A U N C H

I s t h e r e a missing piece i n y o u r i n s u r a n c e ? Insurance Advisernet Australia

Welcome to Insurance Advisernet Australia (IAA), Mid North Coast – your missing piece of the puzzle. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of meeting with Jeremy and Nikki Thornton to check out their all new office space at 7 Macquarie Street in Taree and found out just what makes their business tick ... ell us about your business. How long have you been operating? Our business – Complete Risk Solutions Pty Ltd – commenced on 30 September 2011 after the purchase of a small portfolio. We spent the first 12 months getting to know our new clients and working on some projects throughout other regions. We are a 100% locally owned and operated family business protecting local businesses. We act as an Authorised Representative of Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Ltd. IAA has been in existence since 1996. This gives us national buying power that we can deliver on a local level and gives us stronger negotiating power when it comes to a claim or arranging

36 manning-great lakes focus.

ns, so as as tto o be b bet ett tter tter favourable terms and conditions, better protect you. us business, we Being a community conscious support lots of local events and groups – from our daughter’s school’s P&C and fete, to local dance groups and church groups. We are also proud to be partners with The Manning Valley Tourism board. What do you offer prospective clients? You work so hard to make a profitable business, you take great pride in how it presents and what it offers; what would be a shame, is if your insurance was not correctly tailored to your specific needs, and you lost it all. How would you repay suppliers, and what happens to staff and their families? We save you time and stress by offering an

en nd to to end end service se service on risk assessment and review, end plac pl acement of insurance and claims. W placement We lodge your claim and track it all the way to settlement. We want Manning Great Lakes businesses to be better educated about protecting their business. We do this by being available more readily, with free advice and information via our social media pages and face to face. We believe knowledge is power and if the community is better educated, then it is better protected. Why choose your business over your competitors for insurance needs? IAA represents you in your insurance dealings 100%. If going to a Direct Insurer or an Insurance Agent, they act as agents of the insurance companies. IAA works on an unbiased basis, with your interests first and foremost at heart to

develop tailored solutions. What advice do you get from a direct insurer? When you need your insurance the most, how confident are you at negotiating a claim directly? We’re in your corner of the ring. Not all insurance brokers are the same. When was the last time your Broker reviewed your business? What are you paying in broker fees for their service? We saved a number of clients on average $300 in broker fees alone. In doing that, we also completed a review of their business and re-marketed to other insurers to ensure they are getting a fair deal. This is part of how we protect your business by keeping our costs (broker fee) down. Being a husband and wife team, what do you each individually bring to the business?

focusinterview.

B U S I N E S S

Jeremy Thornton – AKA Jay – I’ve worked on both sides of the insurance industry, gaining experience working with some of the country’s largest insurance companies. I’ve also been involved in broking in metropolitan areas and working on some larger corporate insurance programs for major buying groups. I am Treasurer of the Taree Zone Chamber and am an active supporter of The Manning Valley and Forster Tuncurry Business Chambers. I bring knowledge, understanding and sincerity to my role and utilise these with my technical skills to best represent our clients business. Nikki Thornton – Having a long background in media, I bring skills in communication and marketing. I was born and raised in Taree and have strong knowledge and understanding of the local area. I started my media career here in the Manning as a creative writer at 2RE/MAX FM in the late 1990s. I recently completed my Tier 2 Insurance Broking qualifications to further assist our clients. Where can we find you, and what hours are you open? We’ll come to you or you may visit us in our modern office upstairs of the RTA in Macquarie Street, Taree. Our office has undergone major renovations to make it comfortable for you. We make it easy by being open when you need us. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, plus we are the only insurance

L A U N C H

brokers who open on a Saturday urday morning for your convenience. Thanks Jeremy and Nikki – all the best with your business ventures now and into the future. TESTIMONIALS: tractor): Kevin: (Earthmoving Contractor): nd you on “I would also like to commend the level of service you are providing to my business. Your attention to detail, esponses accessibility and the quick responses you provide far outweighs my previous experience. This also gives me peace of nd confidence mind in the cover we have and nd equipment going forward as the staff and numbers increase. I can onlyy see us doing ” more business in the future.” ouldn’t have Shane from Taree: “I wouldn’t lse.” my insurance with anyone else.” m Kerry Johnstone: Tourism er Taree City Development Officer, Greater ack to the Council: “Since relocating back rs of Complete Manning Valley, the Directors Risk Solutions have made a clear and d in their local genuine effort to be involved community at every level. Byy becoming Partners of Manning Valley Tourism, ve been able Complete Risk Solutions have anning Valley to assist Council and the Manning ng to the Tourism board by contributing g budget overall destination marketing of the region. Support from companies like Complete Risk Solutions is integral m, and we to the success of this program, m.” appreciate every one of them.”

To n y L u m t i n - TJ L B u s i n e s s A d v i s o r s Here at TJL we have strong beliefs in helping every one of our clients achieve all-round financial and family success. Whilst I’I’m only new to the area, having recently ta taken over McPherson Burgess & Associates Associates, the people behind TJL are all the same. I pe personally have nearly 20 years experience in the Indu Industry, with 8 years of that being a principal. We have spent the last 12 months focusing on our IT iinfrastructure and systems to enable us to deliv deliver to our clients on a more timely and efficient ba basis, this is an imperative part of our business aas it should be for your business. There are many n new and innovative software providers out there n now and we at TJL can help you find the right sy system for you and your business and work close closely with you to ensure its success. We believe if yyou are a small business owner, and you’re spe spending any more than 5 hours each week on b book work it’s too long. We also focus on what drives you individually, and for mo most people that is working to payoff a mortgag mortgage and feed the family, we have some interesting interesting, tried and true ways of helping you achieve th this in a much faster timeframe than you may think possible. “Tony aand the TJL team have made it a priority to not only understand my company but to find out what iis important to me and my family” Mitch Hea Healey (Former Cronulla Sharks Great).

manning-great lakes focus 37

focusinterview.

jobs & skills Expo

Renee HAwkins

Local Employment Co-ordinator for Mid North Coast priority employment area

Local Employment Co-ordinator for the Mid North Coast priority employment area, Renee Hawkins provides some details about the upcoming Jobs and Skills Expo planned for November 7 … The Expo will be held at the Taree Police Citizens Youth hat’s your job title/position, and Club at 95 Commerce Street, Taree. The doors will open what’s involved with this role? at 10am and close at 3pm that afternoon, and entry is I am the Local Employment Cofree for both job seekers and exhibitors. There will also ordinator for the Mid-North Coast be a free sausage sizzle, as well as free photocopying priority employment area. I am facilities for job seekers. contracted by the Department of Education, Employment Who will be some of the presenters/exhibitors on and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to work closely with the day, and how will they showcase their services? key stakeholders in my priority employment area to help While I’m not able to provide specific details regarding find solutions to local labour market issues and boost confirmed exhibitors for the Expo, exhibitors generally participation in the region. include local employers, employment services An important part of my role is to maximise providers, training providers, industry groups existing Australian Government investment and community groups, as well as in the region and promote the take up government and other agencies. of relevant education, training and s ill sk d an bs jo e The Expo will also have a jobs employment measures at the local Th ed expos are design board, which will display jobs on level. Importantly, I also work d skills offer and a skills board, where local closely with the Department of to create a jobs an ng gi in br , ce marketpla training organisations can promote Human Services to plan and employment er th ge to courses available in the area. deliver Australian Government s and services provider ns, as well How many years has this Expo Job and Skills Expos. tio sa ni training orga r he ot now been held, and what has What’s the aim of the Jobs d an t en m as govern ers oy pl been the feedback received from and Skills Expo planned for em ith w , es agenci ... ” s er previous years? November 7? ek se b jo d an By 7 November 2012, 64 Australian On Wednesday 7 November 2012, Government Jobs and Skills Expos will an Australian Jobs and Skills Expo will have taken place across Australia, with Taree be held in Taree. Jobs and Skills Expos marking the 65th. As of 18 October, almost 215,000 provide a unique opportunity for local job seekers job seekers have attended the Expos and over 22,700 and people interested in undertaking further skills people have been connected with jobs and training training to meet a range of employers and training opportunities, including apprenticeships and traineeships. providers in a single location. The main aim is to provide Feedback from job seekers and exhibitors has been real job opportunities for local people. overwhelmingly positive. The Jobs and Skills Expos are designed to create a jobs Dealing in facts and figures now: could you give and skills marketplace, bringing together employment us some idea of the current unemployment figures services providers and training organisations, as well as for the Manning-Great Lakes area, and how this government and other agencies, with employers and job compares to the state and national average? seekers, all under one roof, all on one day. The Taree Jobs Data in relation to unemployment and participation and Skills Expo is part of the Australian Government’s for Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Regions ongoing commitment to action at a local level in areas is available in the quarterly Australian Regional Labour that are still doing it tough. Market publication, which is available at: www.deewr.gov. Where will the Expo be held, and what time will the au/Employment/LMI/Pages/ARLM.aspx doors open?

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Where does there appear to be a genuine skills shortage or area that needs to be addressed, and how do you believe this Expo may help with this issue? DEEWR regularly undertakes surveys of employers’ recruitment experiences to assess their experience in recruiting workers in particular regions and industries. These reports can be found at: www.deewr.gov.au/ Employment/LMI/RegionalReports/Pages/default.aspx The last survey released for the Mid North Coast priority employment area was in August 2011. It suggested that the occupations most difficult to fill by employers in the Mid North Coast were chefs, motor mechanics, registered nurses, child carers, aged and disabled carers and kitchen hands. While Jobs and Skills Expos are not intended to directly address skills shortages, they do provide a great opportunity for employers with difficult to fill vacancies to engage directly with interested job seekers. Who would you most encourage to attend the Expo – i.e. students, unemployed, youth, older people? Jobs and Skills Expos are open to everyone – including people looking for a job, students and people looking to retrain or find a new career. On this basis, I would encourage any and all interested people in the region to attend. Thanks Renee. Interview by Jo Atkins.

more information! Anyone interested in attending the Australian Government Jobs and Skills Expo at Taree or exhibiting at the Expo can visit the Department of Human Services website at www.humanservices. gov.au/expos for further information. Employers can also call the Department of Human Services’ National Business Gateway on 131 158. Or, contact Renee Hawkins on 0402 507 697 or at renee.hawkins@deewr.gov.au

Help shape the future of the Great Lakes The protection of the environment consistently ranks as a high priority with the Great Lakes community and supports our lifestyle and local economy. It forms one of the four Key Directions in Great Lakes 2030, the community's strategic plan for the future of the area.

Cape Hawke Veterinary Hospital

Council invites the community to participate in a review of Great Lakes 2030, to ensure it continues to reflect its priorities and aspirations. It also seeks community input on the continuation of the current Environmental Special Rate (ESR) past its 2013/14 expiry.

Beware the dreaded paralysis tick! Clinical signs of tick paralysis usually develop within 3 - 4 days after tick attachment but, in some very rare instances, signs may not be seen for up to a week or two after attachment.

The ESR has been in place since 2001 and has allowed Council and the Community to manage our natural assets. It has enabled Council to attract additional external funding, which has more than tripled the value of the funds that have been expended on delivering the following: • improvements in water quality; • better conditions for oyster production through repairing and constructing wetlands; • restoring river banks and protecting sea grass to increase fish habitat; • maintaining recreational opportunities on our waterways through dredging works; • reducing the threat of environmental and noxious weeds; • developing partnerships and supporting landholders and businesses to implement practices and programs to promote sustainability.

Signs most commonly seen include: • Vomiting and/or gagging or refusing food. • A slight wobbliness of the hindquarters, which worsens to paralysis and inability to stand. • A change in the sound of bark or miaow. • Difficulty breathing (slow and laboured, often with a grunting noise on expiration).

A community engagement program has been prepared to encourage community input. For dates and times, see the advertisement on this page, check Council's website or contact Council directly. We look forward to your participation.

Bayer Kiltix Collars for dogs can also be used in conjunction with this for added protection, which protects for up to 6 weeks. For cats, use Fipronil Spray only.

If your pet is showing ANY of these signs, it is IMPORTANT to seek veterinary treatment as SOON AS POSSIBLE, as untreated animals may die. Daily examination of your pet for the presence of ticks is an effective form of prevention, provided it is done diligently. It is also advised to use preventive products such as Bayer’s Advantix, which will kill both fleas and ticks when applied every two weeks (toxic to cats).

Phone 6554 5811 to make an appointment.

Look up to education It’s our future. The Manning Valley and Great Lakes communities are to be congratulated on their recent engagement in community consultation for the Regional Education Plan. Over 600 parents, students, teachers, businesses and organisations participated. The Manning Valley and Great Lakes Education & Skills Forum Project team have seen the preliminary strategic plan and believe it proposes many positive initiatives for the area. The draft plan will be available shortly through the Manning Valley Education and Skills Forum and the Great Lakes Education and Skills Forum. The community is invited to comment on the final plan by considering the proposed strategies and ranking them in terms of outcomes for young people. The plan presents many innovative, locally focused by nationally significant products, which create opportunities for both our region and for a broader national market. It creates significant regional leadership and advocacy opportunities that will position the Manning and Great Lakes as leaders in the regional education supply chain. The Manning and Great Lakes Look Up To Education Strategic Plan is developing and contributing to the Australian Government’s agenda in driving up re-entry into education and workforce participation for young adults.

Further information about the plan is available Council websites: www.gtcc.gov.nsw.gov. “onau orboth www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au . The time for final community comment will be between Monday November 5 and Friday November 23 ...

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Key supporters of the Look Up to Education Plan are Great Lakes Council, Greater Taree City Council, TAFE, Taree Campus, Taree Community College and Mid Coast Connect.

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A spring time health journey Part III We have decided we want to be healthy, but surprisingly we have found that our concept of health and what it means to be healthy, and what we need to do to be HEALTHY, are different from what we thought.

ur health has components that must all be present and functioning fully, 100% of the time, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We have to evaluate where we are on that scale, why we are in that position, and decide whether we want to CHANGE and what we are going to do about it.

the correct way. Perhaps you have old injuries, previous surgery, wrong exercise, an incomplete diet, unresolved stress, or there may be missing pieces in your plan. Your degree of response depends on many critical parts, but YOU must start! The most significant and frequent omission is failing to ensure the computer of your body, the BRAIN and NERVE SYSTEM, are communicating to every cell of your body to enable them to FUNCTION fully.

That involves choices based on wide-ranging information, a commitment to do it, and preferably an understanding of the What we could consequences of those call WELLNESS: the CHOICES. the destination of

Chiropractors, with their 5 - 6 years of university education, are the professionals specifically trained to ensure the integrity of e best journey to be th be. ” The right plan and this control system and ly ib ss we can po action enables you its communication to all to regain some vitality, cells and tissues so they restore at least some of synergistically and holistically your lost mobility, and enjoy a work together to enable you to greater level of personal freedom maximise your HEALTH POTENTIAL. and interaction with your families. Dr Keith Bastian has continued to study

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What we could call WELLNESS: the destination of the journey to be the best we can possibly be. Some simple things which are now habits in your life, perhaps need some review. Possibly you need a ‘coach’ to ensure

Rest Among The Gardens. When the Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens opened in December 1997, the people of the Manning and Great Lakes regions were pleased that loved ones were able to be farewelled at home rather than out of town. When the Crematorium and Gardens opened, cremation accounted for only 30% of funerals, with burial being the more popular option. Today that trend has been reversed, with 75% of funerals in our region resulting in cremation. In the early days, many people were not aware that Memorial Gardens also included the region’s newest cemetery. While cremation remains popular, burial still forms an important option for many within our community. In an effort to change the stigma surrounding dilapidated and poorly maintained cemeteries, the Management of the Memorial Gardens had a vision of presenting a modern park-like cemetery for the people of our community.

The grounds provide three burial options, to cater for all sectors of the community. The Lawn Cemetery is the main area located on the Northern side of the grounds, where formal gardens surround the granite headstones. Beautify maintained gardens provide a year round place for tranquil reflection. The lawn cemetery option includes the headstone and inscription plaque, lifetime maintenance of the gardens and can also cater for double depth burial. In addition to the lawn cemetery, where all the monument designs are uniform, the gardens also provides for individual memorials through the monumental lawn and the full monument sections. The monumental lawn, as it sounds, is a lawn cemetery that allows families to individually design a headstone and base and place it on the provided concrete beam. The full monumental section allows families to provide the more traditional full monument.

and practice for 45 years, as he loves to see people regain their sparkle. It’s not true to say, “I have tried everything”, unless Chiropractic is included, and then the comment is, “Chiropractic adds life to years and years to life”.

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Social Support for Senior Residents on the Mid North Coast Baptist Community Services (BCS) has been successful in receiving grant monies for the Social Support Monitoring program that they manage on the Mid North Coast.

he successful tender was aimed at helping the socially and financially disadvantaged aged clients of the Mid North Coast area. The grant will facilitate a well needed holiday for 15 of BCS’ Mid North Coast clients that met the criteria of being financially disadvantaged or socially isolated and take them on a 7 day holiday. BCS Co-ordinator Jo Cowan said that she was “delighted with the funding news and that the grant monies will go towards enriching the lives of people, as well as overcoming some barriers such as social isolation. We are in the early planning stages and are

considering a cruise up the east coast of Australia. The project is an exciting and unique opportunity for BCS”.

The program also provides d maintenance an for support servicesd the aged, frail ansability, people with a di n for allowing provisioin their clients to remain own homes.”

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The Social Support Monitoring Program is about providing tailored care solutions to serve clients in the Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Gloucester local government area with social and memory support needs. The program

also provides maintenance and support services for the aged, frail and people with a disability, allowing provision for clients to remain in their own homes.

The program endeavours to encourage clients to be actively participating in social and community life. BCS makes every effort to help the client increase their access to services and activities, thus reducing social

isolation. Residents of the Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Gloucester local government can be referred to the program. Eligibility is assessed by a BCS Coordinator in consultation with the prospective care-recipient, their carer(s), and health professionals. This information is used to develop an individualised care plan. Referrals are assessed on individual needs and resources available.

At BCS Kularoo Centre Your Care is Our Passion

Book a tour today: The BCS Kularoo Centre offers low care, high care, dementia care and respite care services with special overnight accommodation for visiting friends or family.

BCS Kularoo Centre Cnr Kularoo Drive & Boundary Street Forster (02) 6555 1600 or take a Virtual Tour at www.bcs.org.au

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focusinterview.

with Sharon Fowle

Business B

Linda Dade. Banks and Dade Family Chiropractors

ave you always been in this industry? What’s your background? I have always been really interested in health but have had a varied career path. In 1985 I ended up working on Dunk Island in Far North Qld as their Public Relations and Activities Manager and met and married the skipper of the game fishing and reef exploring boat operating out of Dunk and Bedarra Islands. Consequently, I found myself as number one deckhand, hauling anchors, gutting fish and taking people snorkelling and reef exploring. It was a truly wonderful experience. Rachell, our daughter, was born in 1991, and after that I discovered chiropractic. I believe I was suffering from post natal depression and (thankfully!) had a bad back. My dad was a builder and had always used chiropractic. I attended the local Chiro and found my health improved so dramatically, that I was out walking one day and it came into my brain that this is what I had to do. I literally went to a phone box and rang the Chiropractic Association, and my journey began. We moved to Sydney, and I began my degrees at Macquarie Uni as a 40 year old with a 4 year old, and the rest is history. It was a tough 8 years and there were great costs, but everyone tells you to find your passion and run with it, and I am so excited to be able to do something I love every single day, living in such an amazing area. It is bliss! Linda, your business won ‘Business of the Year in 2010’. What advice would you offer to others wanting to stay successful in this town? I love seeing this town full of tourists and busy and happy – it rocks my socks. In business, I believe you have to be consistently persistent (or is that persistently consistent?) A positive attitude, excellent customer service, systems in place, happy, efficient and well trained staff and bringing your joy of wanting to be here doing what you love to work every day are all part of it. I am also a BIG believer in the law of reciprocity. Support those that support you! Mark is a member of Business Network International (BNI), which is a group of likeminded business people. Word of mouth is the best method of recommending our type of business, and it has proven a valuable key to 44 manning-great lakes focus.

the herw rwiis ise no ise nott be be aabl be bl accessing people we would ot otherwise able to reach. We are also members of the Chamber C d Great G t Lakes L k Women W B i off Commerce and Business Buddies Network. It is also essential to stay current with social media, achieving a solid online presence and being involved in community groups.As small business owners in this town, we embrace shopping locally. It just makes good business sense to support those around you. After viewing the movie The Economics of Happiness, you quickly realise the value of supporting local community. What are some of the highlights of living and running a small business in Forster? It was a tough 8 We love the years and there interconnectedness but were great costs, u to yo lls of living in a smaller te ne yo er ev n and community and seeing find your passioI am so Yes, it can be tough d run with it, an le to do the effect that helping at times ... but when excited to be ab every one person can have on ve you have such a something I lo in such g in liv a whole family. Mark is y, shared vision, it is very single da .” a surfer, and we walk the an amazing area worthwhile. We also run dogs on the beach every a practice in Gloucester morning. Where else can you and work there on opposite do that and still make it to work days, so we do have some space. on time? Our backgrounds are similar; we both The drive out to our other practice in travelled separately back from FNQ (Mark from Gloucester lets us experience a much wider Airlie Beach) to attend uni. We met at uni, about range of lovely people than if we just worked in halfway through our degrees. a city. Also, there is still reasonably easy access to Anyway, our vocation is our vacation – we Sydney to visit family and attend seminars and recently travelled to Indonesia and ended up conferences. adjusting locals. It was great to be invited into My only concern is that a lot of young people the villages, and we want to do more of that. do have to leave to attend special courses and I heard you recently had a brush with fame. university. Rachell left when she was 16, and it What was that about? was a very difficult time. However, I commend Ah yes, the movie at Seal Rocks. Via an agent the Great Lakes Education Fund, which is run by in Sydney, we were requested to attend the set a board of local people including Daniel Romer a few times to adjust some of the actors and from Gloria Jean’s, Wharf Street. crew during the filming of the new Naomi Watts The board assists young people from the movie, The Grandmothers. Great Lakes area to pursue tertiary or vocational We believe we received this opportunity education and training. Students are given because of our online presence. It was a bit of scholarships, and the grants are matched by the excitement for us! university they attend. They are about to give out What is your vision for the future? their first grant, which is very exciting. You can One of the driving factors to get through my find out more by visiting their Facebook page. degrees was to help young mums with healthcare You work and live with your partner. Any choices. My mother was the wise woman in the tips on keeping it together? village, and often young mums would turn to her I would suggest you either take up stand up for support if their children were not well. I saw paddle boarding or buy a board for your partner! the value of not only natural therapies, but the

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difference a little support made. Life is different now; there often is not that support, and I was recently reminded “it takes a village to raise a child”. We are very passionate about education, and with other healthcare professionals will be running a forum in February based around childhood development. I have recently completed a series of workshops in Melbourne concerned with children’s milestones and neurological development. We looked at why so many kids are having difficulties and what is causing the explosion of childhood diseases, allergies, autism, learning difficulties and behavioural issues like ADD & ADHD. The Forum will be aimed at families and will lead into a series of workshops to provide answers and support. We are very lucky to have some incredibly big hearted healthcare professionals in this town who are constantly upgrading their skills and are available to help. This program will be run with the Forster Neighbourhood Centre. We live in such a beautiful environment; I believe it should engender health and happiness. I am starting with the kids but have a plan to show movies like Economics of Happiness and Thrive to raise awareness of what is possible if we come together and work for the good of all. Aside from that, just doing what we do every day helps change lives, which is a wonderful thing. Thanks Linda.

Taree Film Society Taree Film Society presents the stylish Swedish thriller Last Will, at 7pm, Monday 19 November, at Fay's Twin Cinema.

rom the producers of The police not to disclose anything she has seen. Millennium Trilogy comes a A terrorist group with connections to the series of new Scandinavian Middle East quickly admits responsibility for crime thrillers the murder. based on Liza However, Annika Bengtzon, Marklund's worldwide believing that the police and best sellers. Annika press are concentrating Two people Bengtzon is the of e on the wrong shooting are shot, on versial heroine of eight books victim, starts her own them the contro icine, (this is the sixth) Laureate in Medscientist investigation, with her Aaron Wiesel, a into by the best-selling journalistic skills leading whose research ade him novelist. her closer to uncovering the has m

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stem cells

While covering the enemies.â€? annual Nobel Banquet for tabloid Kvallspressen, crime reporter Annika Bengtzon witnesses a spectacular murder right in front of her. Two people are shot, one of them the controversial Laureate in Medicine, Aaron Wiesel, a scientist whose research into stem cells has made him enemies. Annika is the key witness and is bound by

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inner workings and power struggles within the close and secretive Nobel Committee. The situation becomes increasingly dangerous; soon she will understand how far people are willing to go to get that most prestigious prize of all ... For further information, tickets or subscriptions, please phone 6552 3476, email tareefilmsociety@yahoo.com.au, or find the Society at the food table in the foyer.

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Cruising has always offered a relaxed and great value all inclusive holiday, with some well designed and varied itineraries ...

â€?

Oncology Aesthetics

at Anoush Beauty I have recently completed a course in Oncology Aesthetics and am now a qualified Oncology Aesthetician. With this qualification, I am very excited to be able to offer this exclusive treatment as part of my services.

Travelscene Gloucester. When icons of the baby boomer generation hit 50, it removed the notion of 50 being old; that, plus the fact that a lot of people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and some even older are in much better shape. They view themselves as being younger and, because they view themselves that way, they act accordingly.

The thought of travelling alone can be

At Travelscene Gloucester, we pride ourselves on tailor-made holidays for our clients, with their needs uppermost in our planning process. Our staff are seasoned travellers and understand the ingredients that go to make up a great travel experience. Whether the need to take a wrong turn every now and then, to be amazed and to see the unseen in your travels, pursue your passion, be it gardening, art, golf or just a desire to see the world, there is a trip to suit.

experienced tour escorts.

daunting; however, there are many travel products that cater specifically for those travelling alone without an extra impost on the cost of the trip. Small group tours are a particularly enjoyable way for single travellers to see the world and offer tours to fascinating destinations with knowledgeable and

Cruising has always offered a relaxed and great value all inclusive holiday, with some well designed and varied itineraries. Australia has become a favourite destination, attracting more and more cruise ships to our shores, and the competition is hotting up. Our highlighted cruise special with Princess Cruises is one of the best on offer. Call us today for details: 1300 889 351

What is Oncology Aesthetics? Oncology Aesthetics provides skincare services to cancer patients while they are undergoing treatment therapies or recovering from radiation or chemotherapy. It is designed to provide an additional form of healing to people living with cancer and ease the disease's effect on the skin. How does it work? Cancer therapies, particularly chemotherapy, present numerous skin conditions, due to the toxicity to the body causing many manifestations on the skin. As a skincare professional, I will analyse your skin condition and will provide therapeutic treatments with the use of specific products to achieve maximum results. What are the treatments? Any beauty treatment in my salon will be adjusted and customised to meet the needs of clients who are undergoing cancer treatment. Using only non carcinogenic products, the

treatments will include therapeutic massage, primarily on the face, neck and decollete area, and also hands and feet. Why offer aesthetics treatments? A form of touch therapy can be soothing, relaxing and nurturing and gives the cancer patient hope, encouragement and helps them to feel better about themselves. For many cancer sufferers, the cost can prevent them seeking aesthetic treatments for themselves. If you are thinking of giving your loved one or friend a gift, why not present them with a gift voucher for an aesthetic treatment with Anoush Beauty. Ring Elsa on 6557 5544.

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I t ’s neve r t oo l ate t o e nj oy t he b enefits of exerci se... Many any older people abandon physical a a activity because they believe some common misconceptions, such as older people are too frail or physically weak, the body doesn’t need physical activity as it ages, or because they are afraid that they may injure themselves. owever, the truth lies in various studies that show that it is never too late to get fit. The human body responds to exercise, no matter what its age, and there are many health benefits.

with a range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Regular exercise will assist an older person maintain an appropriate weight for their height and build.

Loneliness – can have serious health consequences, with similar impact to high blood pressure, lack of exercise, obesity or smoking. Loneliness also has a major impact on how we assess our own health. People who feel lonely once a day or once a week, rate their personal health much Remember le p lower than people who only feel lonely once a eo that p 5, 6 f o e ag e month or once a year, so treat this with a dose of th over y more than an fun and friendship and join in a group activity at up, other age grou the Y. eq ate

Muscle – the size, strength and endurance of the muscle decline as a result of sedentary lifestyles, not age, but the good news is muscle mass can increase in the older person after regularly exercising for a short period of time. Bone – density begins to decline after the age of 40 and accelerates at the age of 50. Older people, therefore, are more prone to bone fractures. Exercise can reduce the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis, and weight bearing exercise in particular will keep bones healthy and strong.

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require ad ls to fitness levemaintain help them ce.” independen

Heart and lungs – regardless of age, people are able to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness through regular exercise. Joints – require regular movement to remain supple and healthy. In particular, people with arthritis can benefit from aerobic and strengthening exercise programs. Body fat levels – carrying too much body fat has been associated

Where to get help – your local YMCA, located within the Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre, offer exercise programs for older people: Pryme Movers for the active over 60 and Easy Movers for those with an illness such as severe arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or when recovering from a hip or knee replacement.

On a final note, remember that people over the age of 65, more than any other age group, require adequate fitness levels to help them maintain independence, recover from illness and reduce their high risk of disease. That should be all the motivation you need to contact us on 6591 7199 to find out how you can get started.

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Hutchinson Family Funerals. Hutchinson Family Funerals will simplify

We will organise an order of service, your

the process of arranging a funeral in

choice of music burnt to a CD; we can also

hope of lightening the burden of such a

arrange a photo DVD with music backing.

stressful time. Our caring staff will guide

This will be yours to keep in memory of your

you through all the arrangement details

loved one.

in the privacy of your own home or in

Hutchinson Family Funerals offer every kind

our office.

of funeral for every kind of religion. Non

We will arrange everything from church and

religious service is catered for.

chapel bookings, meetings with ministers and

As part of our service, we can arrange

celebrants and any special requests or beliefs.

collection of ashes and help with selecting an

We are able to offer our own chapel for small

urn, or helping with interment of the ashes.

services and/or viewing, and we can organise

At Hutchinson Family Funerals we provide pre

catering with the use of the chapel.

arrangement and pre payment options with

At Hutchinson we offer a range of caskets

Funeral Plan Management.

which are on show for you to view; we also

Any pre arrangements or funerals emanating

offer a small selection of enviro friendly

from this ad will receive a $400 discount.

caskets. We will arrange all floral tributes, and

With care, respect and dignity, we can tailor

we also have a wide range of stationery for

a funeral service to meet the wishes of the

your selection.

deceased and the familiesâ€™ needs.

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focusTourism.

Richard Old - Great Lakes Manager Tourism & Marketing

Richard Old

Tourism Summer is close. The days are longer and warmer, the water has the beautiful blue/green colour to it and the outdoors beckons. efore long, the region will be buzzing to the sound of holidaymakers recharging their batteries, reconnecting, resting, relaxing and/or just plain enjoying themselves.

the greatest responsibility for this, it really is a job for us all, for from a visitor’s point of view, every interaction they have forms part of their experience.

are? Visible staff and management is an asset – don’t hide out the back or behind a counter. 5. Go the extra mile. Exceed expectations.

The best thing is satisfied customers will do a lot of our advertising. Most people While we have visitors throughout the consider doing business with a certain year, summer is the time that people flock company because of recommendations. to our region, cramming as much holiday It is no different when deciding on a as they can into the time that they have. holiday. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising there is and the most cost You cannot really blame them, as effective. With social networking this is a fantastic region full of sites so powerful, a bad natural beauty and endless experience can be posted experiences – from a in an instant, with the beachside sunrise to Tourism and whole world capable e ic deep green forests – customer serv ith w d an of viewing the e from breakfast on are inseparabl and s ke La comments. at the Gre the edge of a lake to

6. Are your customers greeted when they

a fantastic seafood dinner – we have all the ingredients for a memorable holiday.

Exceptional customer service is essential to continuing success. In today’s competitive marketplace, if you don’t provide a high level of service, you won’t attract and retain customers.

the customer.

Here are some tips to keep customers coming back and creating a memorable experience:

economy. It is everybody’s business, and

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relying Manning Valley urism, to on ily so heav that it is little surpriseomer st cu l na io except ount. .” service is param

A memorable holiday involves all part of the stay – accommodation, food, activities and customer service. Tourism and customer service are inseparable and with the Great Lakes and Manning Valley relying so heavily on tourism, it is little surprise that exceptional customer service is paramount. This is what can set us apart and makes us stand out. Get it right, and we win loyal customers – get it wrong, and we lose customers, their friends and family. Get it wrong, and now a customer can instantly tell everyone they know! As a region with tourism at its heart, our goal must be to provide the highest standard of customer service possible. While the business community shoulders

1. The quality of customer service cannot exceed the quality of the people who provide it. Invest in your staff.

walk in the door? Make eye contact and say hello like you mean it. 7. Give customers the benefit of the doubt. 8. If a customer makes a request for something special, do everything you can to say yes. 9. Don’t avoid complaints – see them as

Baker and Borthwick. Living in our area has many advantages. To make the most of it, you should plan while you can. You never know what’s around the corner. Estate planning means getting your family assets in the right mix and protecting those assets for your enjoyment and your beneficiaries. If you have never used a lawyer before, this is a time when you need to, and, make it count. Protecting your Future You need a Will, probably a Power of Attorney, as well as an Enduring Guardianship. If you have superannuation and other funds, you will need a Binding Death Nomination (preferably Non-Lapsing). Otherwise, someone you do not know or trust could deal with your property, health and future. Joan and Laurie Hagan are a husband and wife team of lawyers offering a range of advice to get your affairs in order. Joan has a special interest in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Guardianships and Conveyancing. Laurie has qualifications and experience in Commercial Law including Superannuation, Companies and Trusts. Baker and Borthwick are registered tax agents and company agents. They can advise you on all property options – sales, purchases, retirement bonds and leases.

golden opportunities to improve. 10. Talk to your customers. Personal service is a valuable tool, and to achieve this you need to know something about Exceptional customer service is not hard and ironically, we all want it. It is about listening to your customers, providing not only a service, but an experience. It’s all about ‘attitude’. Tourism is our largest industry, bringing over $136 million dollars into our we all benefit from it. Therefore, for this summer to be successful, we all need to showcase our region and provide exceptional customer service. In the coming weeks, we will all be at

2. Staff will treat customers the way they are treated. Employees take their cue from management, so lead by example.

both sides of customer service. So go easy

3. Do you know who your customers are? If a regular customer came in to your business, would you recognise them? Get to know your raving fans – say thanks.

can rave about you to their friends.

4. Do your customers know who you

Marketing.

on staff who are working hard and make sure your customers leave happy, so they All the best, and have a brilliant summer! Richard Old, Great Lakes Manager Tourism &

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focusinterview.

Great L akes

Historic AutomobilE CLUb

h o s t s a S h ow & S h i n e e v e n t .

If you love vehicles in all shapes and forms – whether classic, vintage, veteran or hot rods, November 25 is definitely a day you should mark on your calendar. David Kelvin from the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club explains that the club will host the third annual Show & Shine event at Stockland, Forster…

ow long have you been involved with the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club, and why did you originally join? I’ve been involved with the club for about 15 years, since I first moved here from the Sydney/Central Coast area. I’ve been involved with car clubs for the past 40 years, and when I moved here and didn’t know anybody, I thought the car club would be an ideal place to meet new people with a common interest. How many members does the club have today? We have about 150 members. Most of our memberships are family memberships – it’s a very family-oriented club based around a love of vehicles of any kind. We also have members with motorbikes and commercial vehicles, as well as cars. What is the criteria for people interested in joining the club – what kind of vehicles do they need to own (if any)? We have all makes of vehicle in the club, but there’s no criteria that you have to even own a vehicle, or an old vehicle. Some of our members also have more modern vehicles and come out on our runs with us, just because they enjoy getting their cars out. Where and how often does the club generally meet? We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at the Marine Rescue Headquarters on the breakwall at Forster at 7pm – that’s our general meeting. We also have quite a number of runs and displays and events throughout the year that people can take part in. What’s involved with the ‘runs’ you mentioned? The runs involve starting at a meeting point – one of our frequent starting points is the Rockpool in Tuncurry. We go for a short run, then have morning tea, possibly visit a local venue such as a museum or other place of 52 manning-great lakes focus.

interest and then often drive on and end up somewhere nice for lunch. After eating and a lot of socialising, everyone makes their way home. Sounds like a lot of fun! It is! Our club is based around families – the cars are certainly the ‘cement’ that keeps everyone Gardens last year. It’s together, but as I mentioned, The Great Lakes ile ob m to Au ric to a very original car; it’s you certainly don’t have to is H 0 only done 72,000 have a car. The whole idea is Club has about 15 familymembers. It is a sed miles, so it looks as if just to go out regularly and oriented club ba vehicles it’s just driven out of enjoy yourself, and if you do around a love of the showroom. have an old car – to keep it of any kind.” The club will hold running. its third annual For those of us who don’t Show & Shine event on know a lot about cars, November 25. Where will what exactly is the difference the event be held, and what between vintage, veteran, classic time will it kick off? and hot rod vehicles? It’s being held at the Stockland shopping This is a common question, actually! Veteran centre in Breese Parade, Forster. It starts at vehicles are vehicles that were built before 9am and goes until about 3pm. 1919; vintage vehicles were built from 1920 What types and how many vehicles are – 1930; and after 1930 it’s basically a hotch you expecting to turn up on the day? potch and call them anything you want! Cars We’ve had a lot of enquiries so far, and basically from 1930 – 1945 are very often we’re hoping we may get up to 200 vehicles. called post-vintage, and anything after that We have a Ford club with their XYs coming up can be called a classic or a collectible. from Sydney; one of the hot rod clubs is also Hot rods are slightly different: hot rods coming. There are other clubs we know who and street cruising machines are usually are coming – like the Triumph club and the modified and can be built on an older vehicle’s MG club. There’s going to be a great variety chassis, or built completely from the ground of vehicles on display. I believe some of the up. Some of the people with hot rods and local motorbike clubs are coming on the day street machines spend literally hundreds of as well. thousands of dollars on them, and they are a What will actually happen on the beautiful thing to behold in their own right. day – will there be judging for various What type of vehicle do you actually categories of cars, and will there also be own? additional entertainment provided for I’ve owned around 60 or 70 classic and spectators? vintage vehicles over the past 40 - 50 years. The entertainment will be the vehicles I’ve specialised very much in English vehicles themselves – they’ll be parked (as much as and owned a lot of MGs and MGAs, MGVs and MGTFs. At the moment I’m driving a 1972 possible) in their years or their makes. They will be then be judged, and there’s about 15 Triumph 2000 sedan, which I found at Tea

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categories, including the best modern vehicle, best motorbike and best commercial vehicle. The vehicles will definitely be the star of the show! For refreshments, there is the shopping centre adjoining with its many facilities. Who are your event sponsors? Shannons are sponsoring the event – this is the third time they’ve done so. They’re supplying us with all of our trophies, which is great. Shannons is an insurance company that specialises in vintage and classic cars, older and collectible types of cars and motorbikes. Stockland has been of great assistance and are allowing us to use their space, and we’ve also been getting a lot of publicity and assistance from various car trade journals, the Advocate, FOCUS and the Manning River Times. Is there any cost involved to attend the Show & Shine, and where can people find out more information about the event or the club? There is no cost involved to attend the Show & Shine, and all the prizes are being donated by Shannons. For anyone who wants further information, they can either ring me on 6559 2242 or Ray Sonter on 6557 5567. Email enquiries to: david.kelvin@bigpond.com “We’re looking forward to seeing lots of people at the event. The motto for the day is: “If its got wheels and you love it, we want you to show it!” Thanks David. Interview by Jo Atkins.

focusinterview. D av i d Ke at i n g

THE NORTH COAST

Series

Teams of surf boat crews will contest rounds 2 and 3 of the North Coast Surf Boat Series (NCSBS) at Main Beach, Forster on November 3 and 4. David Keating, Boat Captain for Forster Surf Life Saving Club, shares some history about the Series, which promises two days of action on our local waves …

hat exactly is the North Coast Surf Boat Series, and how did it all get started? The North Coast Surf Boat Series is a Premiership of 10 rounds held along the North Coast of NSW. The North Coast Surf Boat Premiership was Þrst proposed circa Õ93-94. It was the brainchild of Greg ÔWhaleÕ Coleman from South West Rocks. Whale contacted Michael ÔCactusÕ Moran from Macksville Scotts Head about how they'd go about starting the series, and it snowballed from there. They contacted representatives from Clubs as far south as PaciÞc Palms and all the way up to Cudgen. The series has had Clubs from PaciÞc Palms, Forster, Cape Hawke, Black Head, Taree Old Bar, Crowdy Head, Crescent Head, Hat Head, South West Rocks, Macksville Scotts Head, Nambucca Heads, Sawtell, North Beach, Urunga, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Red Rock Corindi, Yamba, and Cudgen competing on a regular basis over the years. There have been a number of crews from the NCSBS that have won medals at country, state and Australian championships in both open and masters divisions − Forster Masters being one of the successful clubs. Since 2008, they have achieved bronze, silver and gold at state championships and bronze and silver at Australian championships; they are still after the Holy Grail of surf life saving, being a gold medal at the Australian championships.

The series was also a leader in having a womenÕs division, Blackhead being the inaugural winners in the 1994-95 season. How many rounds will be contested in the 2012- 13 series, and where will they all take place? The rounds for 2012-13 are as follows: Round 1 – 20 October 2012 @ Crescent Head Rounds 2 & 3 – 3 & 4 November 2012 @ Forster Rounds 4 & 5 – 17 & 18 November 2012 @ Scotts Head Rounsd 6 & 7 – 15 & 16 December 2012 @ Woolgoolga Round 8 – 5 January 2013 @ Bonny Hills Round 9 – 2 February 2013 @ Scotts Head Round 10 – 6 February 2013 @ Coffs Harbour So, Rounds 2 & 3 will take place at Main Beach Forster, on November 3 and 4. What time will the event kick off? Racing starts 10am Saturday and 8am Sunday. There will be a function on at the surf club on Saturday night for all members and guests, starting at 5.30pm. How many entrants are you expecting will compete on the day, and what clubs will entrants be representing? Approximately 45 - 50 crews (5 in a crew) will race over the weekend. These will be from Minnie Waters, Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Crescent Head, Red Rock Corindi, Macksville Scotts Head, South West Rocks, Tacking Point, Wauchope Bonnie Hills, Forster, Cape Hawke. What exactly is involved with each race

... over what distance will teams have competitions differ from the original to paddle? surf rescue boat design? There will be 3 rounds for each division Surf boat rowing is an iconic part of surf and depending on numbers, each race can life saving. The original surf boat design have up to 7 boats racing. If there are more came from the whaling boat and also has than this in a division, then there are heats a historic connection with the landing to cull down to allow for a maximum of 7 craft used in WW1. TodayÕs hybrid craft is boats to compete in the round. designed as an out and out racing Each boat has a crew of 5, craft. being 4 rowers and a What do you see as sweep at the stern, being the main aim of The image of the r ve who steers the boat. the North Coast Surf Aussie surf life sa surf boat The Divisions Boat Series? is iconic and the d to the competitions ad are ÔAÕs, Opens, NCSBSÕ aim is to n with visible interactio U23s and U19s. All promote the surf life l as the the public as wel pment these divisions can saving movement, as lo education & deve be male or female well as the sporting g tin of new and exis crews. The Masters component of surf .” rs be mem 160s and 200s means boat competition. At the the ages of the 4 rowers Australian championships, are added up and must at there are over 4,000 least total to either 160 or 200; competitors alone in the surf boat the sweepÕs age does not count in any age events. divisions. The sweep can be male or female The image of the Aussie surf life saver in any crew. is undeniably iconic, and the surf boat Crews row out to colour coded buoys competitions add to the visible interaction set at approximately 400 metres out to sea; with the public, as well as the education they must round their designated buoy and development of new and existing and on their return go through a second members, which is continuous. set of buoys called gate cans. If they do Who can readers contact if they’re not navigate the correct buoys, they are interested in learning more about the disqualiÞed. Testing ocean conditions can Series? make this a difÞcult job and can cause roll For any information regarding the Series, overs and other problems. please contact Dave Keating, Forster Surf Surf boats have long been involved in Life Saving Club Surf Boat Captain: Australia’s surf life saving movement, 0414 702 081 or email: dcmdck@hotmail. having been used extensively in many com ocean rescue missions. How much Thanks Dave. does the typical vessel used in today’s Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Custom Building Homes In The Manning Great Lakes And Beyond ...

Brandon Calder Homes. Brandon Calder specialises in quality custom built homes; imagination is the key to design and construction, and it is evident that a lot of careful planning goes into his beautifully designed homes. Recognised for their contemporary modern feel, Brandon Calder Homes are built using only quality craftsmen and suppliers, offering the best in materials and the latest innovative products. The buildings’ interiors are usually quite spacious, with an open plan through the kitchen, family, living and dining areas. The exteriors are also cleverly planned with designed landscaped grounds complimenting the environment. A majority of Brandon Calder Homes can be seen on the canals of the North Shore in Port Macquarie. Although Brandon is well recognised for these beautiful waterfront homes, he also specialises in renovating existing properties. The best way to see Brandon’s work is to view the gallery on his website and if you are after a referral, the testimonials page on this site is

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a great reference to his work. Combining high level finishes of beautifully crafted materials, with exceptional construction, detailing and quality of workmanship, your custom built home will be truly unique – an individual design unlike anyone else’s. With a priority to establish a good working relationship with clients from the very beginning and to acknowledge that clients are the most important aspect of the business, Brandon Calder Homes welcome the opportunity to talk to you about the construction of your new home in the Manning-Great Lakes region and beyond. Phone: 6583 4637 or Brandon direct on mobile: 0403 348 288, or check out the website: www.brandoncalderhomes.com.au for more info.

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HOT WATER