Manning-Great Lakes i79

Feature Story y MANNING-GREAT LAKES

September 2013 // issue 79

Monkey Baa Theatre

editor's note.

Jo Atkins

editor.

from the

Welcome to the September 2013 edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS! h – happy days! The sun’s out, the beaches are starting to get crowded, and a judicious half an hour spent people-watching in town reveals that everyone is starting to shed their drab winter woollies for bright, bold T-shirts, shorts and dresses.

About the only downer I can see with the changing of the seasons is that our local magpie population have suddenly changed from contented, placid birds into ferocious, dive-bombing, heat-seeking missiles. I’ve heard lots of complaints about magpies recently – just remember to give them a wide berth. Their breeding season won’t last forever!

To celebrate the season, we’ve put together a fabulous spring fashion feature. Maybe it’s time to update and refresh your whole look? You’ll get some terrific ideas from this edition of FOCUS. ON THE COVER Craig Mason, our photographer extraordinaire, shot our bright and colourful cover photo this month. Our gorgeous models are Amanda Davis and Misha Cotter. Hair was styled by Kut n Run, Amanda Davis; makeup was provided by Kristal at Devoted 2 Beauty; dresses were supplied by Ballistic Chix, Forster; and the shoes are from Manning Shoes. Thanks so much to everyone – not forgetting also, our fabulous FOCUS team, Jasmine McQuillan and Jess Zammit, for bringing the cover shoot together.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE There’s no shortage of content again this month. Monkey Baa Theatre Company will be visiting the MEC with their production of Emily Eyefinger – a play both young and older audience members will adore. And once again, we prove that the Manning-Great Lakes area has no shortage of young talent! We interviewed Year 11 student Jake Davey, who was the winner of the Old Bar Idol contest in 2012, and we also caught up with the stunning Jasmine Farlow, who was born in Forster and is about to represent Australia at the Face of the Globe pageant in London and Paris.

EDITOR’S PHOTO This month’s photo was taken by Daniel Kirkman. The surfer in the image is Bradley Macdonald, and it was taken at The ‘Tanks’ on sunset, so that he was completely silhouetted carrying as much surf equipment as possible to provide lots of shapes and sharpness with a bright sunset background.

FINAL SAY “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~ Coco Chanel.

Jo Atkins – Editor jo@focusmag.com.au

EDITOR: Jo Atkins jo@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

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COPY EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse reg@focusmag.com.au

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

FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS. Essential Energy

manning-great lakes focus 3

focusinterview.

In many ways life has come full circle for Gloucester-born Steve Atkins, CEO and Director of Healthe Care Australia which, in 2012, purchased Mayo Private Hospital in Taree.

STEVE ATKINS

S

teve you were born in Gloucester and grew up in Taree. Tell us a bit about your connection to the local area? I lived here in Taree until I was eighteen and moved away

for university and work. Both my parents, Don Atkins and Pam Rinkin, were Gloucester locals and my 93-year-old grandmother Gladys Atkins still lives in Gloucester. I’m sure some of the older folks in the area will remember my father as a pretty handy league and cricket player.

We were living in Gloucester in 1970 when my dad was killed in a car accident at the age of 31. At the time, mum had a six year old (my sister Sharon), a one year old (my brother Peter), a new baby (me), and was pregnant with my younger brother (Craig). By the age of three, Craig was diagnosed with Autism, so mum moved us all to Taree so Craig could more easily access the Dundaloo School. The rest of us attended Chatham Primary School and later Chatham High School.

Mum never remarried but she was heavily involved in a raft of associations and sports groups in Taree, and it’s fair to say our house was always very busy.

Looking back – how was it growing up in Taree and what are your memories of the community? I have very fond memories of

4

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Healthe Care Australia

growing up here. At the time Chatham High was a big school, with 1,200 kids, so we all grew up with a big circle of friends. I also remember a very strong community spirit; people went out of their way to help others. I think that same community spirit still exists today.

When I was a teenager, John and Bruce Yarad (of Yarads Menswear) let me work in their shop after school and on weekends. I recall their generosity in doing this, as it was clear at the time that I was not what you’d call an ‘asset’ – but it was my first exposure to the basic principles of business. Later, when I was doing a lot of running, Mal Saad (of Manning Shoes) kept me supplied with trainers. He knew my Mum couldn’t afford the good ones and I think he helped me out to avoid me continually pitching up to the big city races and the occasional Australian Championships in my $15 Dunlop KT26s from Kmart – which I had done up until that point!

I also loved the country lifestyle and spent many weekends and school holidays milking Jersey cows on my uncle and aunt’s (Lindsay and Shirley Wilson) dairy farm in Marlee, near Wingham. As the local dairy farmers know, you get a fair appreciation of hard work on a dairy farm.

You mentioned running, but you started out in other sports first? Like a lot of kids in

Taree, sport was a big part family life. My older brother Peter was a very good rugby player and played halfback for Taree Old Bar, and my cousin Brian Wilson was also a very good halfback for Wingham. I wasn’t any good at league or the other popular sport at the time – cricket.

Uncle Ollie Rinkin, from Gloucester, is a bit of a local hockey legend so I thought I’d give that a go. But, when I tried hockey in the PE classes at Chatham High with some of my peers, it appeared to be the most dangerous sport imaginable, so I avoided that too!

As a young teenager, basketball was my main sport. At the time Chatham High School was known nationally as a leading rugby league school, but it also developed one of the better high school basketball teams in the State. We had an extremely dedicated, although somewhat unorthodox, coach in Garry Stephen, whose car I ran behind to training at 6am three mornings a week for five years – much to the amusement of him and everybody else. Garry actually coached several teammates to the professional basketball ranks but, sadly, at the age when they all grew tall, I did not!

How did you break into competitive running? The annual cross country was not the favoured event of the Chatham High calendar; we all had to do it but we never really ran. One

year my older brother Peter challenged me to race him in the cross country and, like any self-respecting younger brother, I accepted.

Anyway, I beat him by about four kilometres and it sort of went from there.

What do you remember about your first race? My first real race was a fun run in Forster. I was about 14 years old and I didn’t listen to the instructions about the route; I thought I’d just follow everyone else. I soon found I was out in front so I decided to follow the police car at the head of the race. When the police car stopped at the red traffic lights, I stopped and stood behind the police car until the lights changed and we proceeded – but only after the other runners had caught up!

You obviously improved after that. You went on to be a middle-distance runner at national level – at one stage ranked in the top 10 runners in Australia. That was for the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, cross-country and half marathon. I guess the highlights were running a four-minute mile down George Street in Sydney against Steve Cram, and racing against Robert De Castella in a pre-Barcelona Olympics national half marathon. I met a lot of great people and enjoyed running.

Because of your running, you were offered a university scholarship in the USA but declined due to injuries. How did you go

from running races to running hospitals?

I seriously considered accepting a scholarship at Central Washington University. However at the time I knew a lot of really good runners who had just missed the Olympic team and all their eggs were in the athletics basket, so it was going to be tough to make it to the top of the sport. I decided it was time to get a real job.

I was still running, but started managing a sports medicine business in Newcastle and went on to do business studies at university.

Through this business, I became involved in hospital management and landed my first hospital CEO job in Melbourne when I was about 28 years old.

In 2005 Healthe Care Australia was started. Tell us a bit about Healthe Care?

We started the Healthe Care company in late 2005 with the purchase of five hospitals from Ramsay Health Care. Healthe Care is a fully Australian-owned company. We have a small shareholder group and we are partnered with one of Australia’s largest private equity firms, Archer Capital, based in Sydney.

You’re the CEO of the Healthe Care Australia Group, and a Director and shareholder.

How has the company changed since 2005? Healthe Care now has 14 hospitals and several other community-based healthcare

businesses located along the eastern seaboard of Australia. We have grown to an annual turnover of approximately $425 million, employing more than 6,000 people.

Along with Mayo Private here in Taree, we have hospitals in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Gosford, Dubbo, Burnie (Tasmania), four in Melbourne and three in and around Newcastle.

How does it feel being back in your old stomping ground in Taree? For the past decade I’ve been living and working between Sydney and Newcastle. Since Healthe Care purchased Mayo Private, I’ve been spending time back in Taree. I really enjoy being part of this community again, to the extent that I’ve recently bought a house here in Taree.

When did Mayo Healthcare Group become part of the Healthe Care Group? We took over the operational management of Mayo Private on 1 July 2012. Even though I grew up here, I was amazed to discover the hospital has been running continuously since 1922. It was a big vision to set up a private hospital in Taree in those days, and the owners of Mayo have done a great job maintaining a very strong service for more than 90 years. Prior to Healthe Care acquiring Mayo Private, the Bushland Health Group operated the hospital on a fiveyear management contract with the previous owners, and made a positive contribution to

the hospital.

When Healthe Care purchased Mayo Private, we were keen to move forward, so on 2 July 2012, one day after the management changeover, we commenced a $10 million redevelopment overseen by Mayo’s Chief Executive Officer, Brett Goods. We’re very pleased with the outcome of the redevelopment.

What’s new at Mayo Private, and what does that mean for the community? The $10 million redevelopment created an additional 22 inpatient beds, including a new mental health wing which doubled the previous number of mental health beds. More consulting rooms for specialist doctors were added.

Construction also included a new renal dialysis unit and two new operating theatres – one fully commissioned and one for future use.

A new pathology and radiology facility was built. This building houses Taree’s first MRI scanner – operated by Mid North Coast Diagnostic Imaging. The MRI is not just for Mayo patients; it is for everyone in the community.

Having a Medicare-eligible MRI in Taree means people no longer have to travel to Newcastle or Port Macquarie for their scans.

The redevelopment at Mayo Private has increased capacity to meet current healthcare needs, and is better positioned to meet the growing health needs of the Manning and

Great Lakes region. It also means we can accommodate more doctors and introduce additional services, which we’re very excited about.

That’s a lot to get done in a year. What’s next for Mayo Private? I treat the responsibility we have in owning Mayo Private with great care and respect. We want to ensure people see their local private hospital is in good hands with Healthe Care. Our attitude, when we purchased the hospital, was that we had to be a part of the community, we had to be an active participant in the overall local health network, and that we had to assist with local initiatives where we could.

In the past year we have sponsored local events such as the Business Awards, Flair Fashion Awards, Taree & District Eisteddfod, charity fundraisers like Can Assist Manning Valley, and donated funds for schools, sports and arts events. We have also empowered our staff to nominate local clubs and groups who would benefit from ongoing sponsorship.

We are committed to the area and the people who want to access private healthcare services locally. Brett Goods, as CEO of Mayo Private, and I, as an owner of the hospital and CEO of the Healthe Care Group, will continue to look for ways we can enhance those services.

Thanks Steve. manning-great lakes focus 5

focusinterview.

Monkey

LOCAL THEATRE

Baa T H E AT R E COMPANY

The story of a girl with a sense of adventure and the most amazing gift – an eye on the end of her finger – Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s production of Emily Eyefinger is both heart-warming and uplifting. Suitable for school age children and adults alike, the play will take centre stage at the Manning Entertainment Centre on September 13. wo of the fabulous cast, Sandra Eldridge (the loveable but very batty Great Aunt Olympia) and Christopher Tompkinson (the dastardly and wicked Arthur Crim) are thoroughly enjoying being a part of the production …

Sandra, what’s some of the history behind Monkey Baa Theatre Company?

Sandra: I was one of the founding members with Tim [McGarry] and Eva [Di Cesare]. We set the company up in 1997 with an adaptation of the The Bugalugs Bum Thief. Basically, we were three freelance actors who got together, wanted to create something and do some adaptations – and what we thought would be 6 months’ work turned into, well … heading into our 16th year!

Initially we started touring in schools, and within a year we did a season at Glen Street Theatre, and the theatre manager there, Greg Randall, suggested we perhaps take our work into theatres. So, we’ve been touring Australia in theatres now for about 15 years.

Christopher, how did you become involved with Money Baa? Christopher: I guess the first connection I had with Monkey Baa was through the Australian Theatre for Young People [about 4 or 5 years ago] when there was a cooperative arrangement on developing a show called Hitler’s Daughter. I facilitated a couple of workshops, working with young people and getting their responses to some of the themes and ideas around the adaptation of that wonderful novel ... which Monkey Baa has just recently been touring overseas!

That, of course, is how I met Tim, Sandy and Eva – and we’ve just kept in touch. This [production] is my first opportunity to work as an actor for the company – and it’s been fantastic!

Describe your characters in Emily Eyefin-

6 manning-great lakes focus.

ger for us … and take it home. She has no moral issues Christopher: His name is Arthur Crim; he’s with tomb raiding whatsoever. She flies a very a criminal mastermind …, at least, in his own old put together plane that she bought in a criminal mastermind! He’s always foiled by the museum. wonderful powers of Emily and her eyefinger.

How does the story of Emily Eyefinger He finally breaks out of prison and is on a unfold? mission to GET THAT EYEFINGER. He wants to Sandra: Basically, Emily is born with an eye chop it off with a chainsaw, or a machete, or on the end of her finger. She gets a lot of whatever means he can … so he’s a horribly publicity, because she solves a lot of crimes villainous, egotistical, conceited, wild and with the help of this eye – so at the beginning maniacal creature who runs around in a top of the play she’s questioning whether or not hat with a cane and a long, long cloak-like she’s just Emily, for herself, or whether all she jacket – while still wearing his prison is is an eyefinger, and nobody actually sees pajamas. I think maybe as a master Emily. So she’s having an identity criminal he’s one or two rungs crisis, at age 9! below the truly great master In the midst of this, her criminals of our time, but he’s best friend, Malcolm ... as an actor too, convinced of the genius of Mousefinder finds a l rfu it's been wonde his own ideas. map leading to the to be able to be so You’ve done wondertomb of Tutenkato – e ag extravagant on st fully well describing him mouse. Malcolm, ho w play a character – I don’t think I’ve ever who unfortunately is d an is so narcissistic heard so many adjectives dressed as a mouse, so d self-possessed an in one sentence before! has an incredible abilexpressive.”

Christopher: (Laughs). He ity to find mice – much is a colourful character; he may to the delight of his dad, only be clothed in black and white, Professor Mousefinder, who but he has a very distinctive laugh, and is as batty as Aunt Olympia is. a curly moustache. He’s a villain in the tradition The Professor and Malcolm go off of Jack Lemmon from The Great Race – the to find the tomb of Tutenkamouse, and they kind of Vaudevillian villain – the villains that get lost. Emily has to go to their rescue with cackle and guffaw and celebrate their own her Great Aunt Olympia – and then of course, victories JUST at the crucial moment that they Arthur Crim and his sidekick, Doug, escape are perhaps about to get caught … from prison and go after Emily to get her eyeSandra … Great Aunt Olympia. What’s she finger. So it ends up with them all in the jungle like? and eventually in the tomb of Tutenkamouse Sandra: Great Aunt Olympia is completely – which is a very frightening place. Is there and utterly batty. She’s kind of like … an old anything you’d like to add to that, Chris?

Agatha Christie sort of character … she’s an Christopher: Yes … there’s this AMAZING archaeologist and she has a stuffed monkey, villain, always doing extraordinary things! who’s her bestest friend and companion. She’s (Everyone laughs). completely nuts; she’s wanting to find treasure What have you both enjoyed most about

“

this production?

Sandra: The shows have been wonderfully received, but for me, a show we did yesterday had the most delightful audience. They were yelling out lines to us – and they were lines we had written, before we could say them!

They were so engrossed in the story, they knew exactly what to say and move the plot along!

At the end of the performance, they not only gave us applause, but a huge hip hip hooray three times, which had us all in tears.

Christopher: That was certainly a highlight.

I guess as an actor too, it’s been wonderful to be able to be so extravagant on stage – to play a character who is so narcissistic and selfpossessed and so expressive. I got a wonderful costume from the designer Mark Thompson, and it’s just been a sensational opportunity to play with all these actors … and to twirl my moustache. Oh – did I mention I had the opportunity to grow a handlebar moustache?

I think you may have mentioned that once or twice …

Christopher: (Laughs). I’m quite proud of that too!

What do you see as being the primary message of this production?

Christopher: I think the wonderful thing about this production is how it says we’re all unique, we all have something to offer, and we all need to find a way of not only being accepted by other people, but accepting ourselves, for our own differences and strengths …

Thanks Sandra and Christopher.

the plug!

See Emily Eyefinger at the MEC on September 13 at 10am or 6pm. Tickets cost $19, or $15 for subscribers and friends of the MEC. Call Movies Games & More for bookings: 6552 5699.

inside this

Issue 79 - September 2013

13.

8..

8

FT Mudcrabs.

Don’t let the cold water deter you from taking a dip if you love to swim! The Forster Tuncurry Mudcrabs is a small, local winter swimming club that’s big on heart and camaraderie. Tim Cusack explains that club members meet for swim sessions from May through to September each year …

Kate and Ahmed.

19.

Sharon Fowle interviews Kate (from Taree) and Ahmed Jabbie (originally from Sierra Leone) ... a romance and subsequent marriage that was helped by a twist of fate, neither Kate nor Ahmed would have ever considered possible.

Jake Davey.

52.

Winning the Old Bar Idol contest in 2012, with an EP under his belt and a new album in the works, Jake Davey has the brightest of futures ahead of him in the music industry …

usual suspects.

the

11. What’s On for Septermber 22. eat featuring local restaurants 46. Star Guide with Terri 62. Tourism Update with Donna Hudson

No matter where you are in the world,, 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 7

focusinterview.

Graham Graham Kelly has spent countless hours working on his multiple model train layouts – and the proof of his hard work, as they say, is ‘in the pudding’. The photos of his extensive collection showcase his skill, dedication to detail and obvious passion for his hobby!

H

i Graham. How long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes – what b brought you here origiy? nally?

I came to Forster in 1981. My sister had moved here and friends were building the caravan park at Pipers Bay and offered me a job. I spent about three years there, fell in love with the Great Lakes and never left.

When and where did you acquire your first model train? What type was it?

I did set up a train set for my son when he was two or three years old, back in the ’70s, but that didn’t last. So I have only been building model railways for about four years.

What is it about model trains that makes you want to collect them?

Today the quality and availability of not only model trains, but everything that goes with them to make the complete package is very exciting to me, as I like to be creative and make the layouts as realistic and visually exciting as possible.

Describe your collection of trains for us ... how much rolling stock do you have, and what models/ types are they?

I have both HO scale and N scale. I mostly try to keep to the eras of the layouts. There are two 440 American steam locos and a cute little De Witt Clinton, one of the first steam trains, pulling stagecoach carriages on one layout.

The N scale layout may have five trains running at once, pulling a variety of rolling stock from passenger carriages to logging, oil, containers, coal, livestock and cabooses. I haven’t counted lately, but there are well over fifty all up.

What’s the favourite locomotive in your collection – and why?

When I started my first layout, I bought an N scale

8 manning-great lakes focus.

EMD GP40 diesel loco. It had a Chessie system logo What’s something you’d like to add to your layout and it was blue and gold (Eels colours). Sadly, one day, or train collection that you haven’t been able to I dropped it and broke one of the drive wheels. I think purchase or source yet?

I nearly cried, as it was far superior to others I had purActually, I fixed that problem on a recent trip to chased later. It still sits in the yard in pride of place.

Dubbo. I wanted a working ferris wheel for Kellyland and Tell us about your layout. Did you build it all yourcouldn’t find one anywhere. I stumbled upon this place self, and how long did it take you to complete? called Traintasia. They had one and many more, as well, Actually I have three layouts and my first layout I comso I bought a couple. They also have an amazing German pletely demolished, so I suppose that makes four. themed layout complete with sound effects. Well worth I have Kellyville, an N scale American ’60s a visit. and ’70s industrial style layout. This one Does your love for model railways exis digitally controlled, so I can run sevtend to real trains as well? Do you eral trains from one controller with have a real-life train experience sound coming from each loco at you can share with us? ut the same time.

To be honest, not really …

The N scale layo ains Next is Kellyland, just for but that might be changing, as may have five tr , pulling fun, an HO layout with three I seem to check out the coal running at once stock ng lli ro of y working fairground rides, a trains when I am in Newcastle. a variet carriages slot car set in the middle and My biggest memory of trains from passenger , ntainers to logging, oil, co two trains running around the was when I was in the Navy in d co al , livestock an outside.

Melbourne, and they used to .” es caboos Finally, my favourite! Kellysburg send us to and fro on leave to − an HO American Civil War layout Sydney in what we called the cattle with two 440 steam locos and the wagons − those trains you see in De Witt Clinton. Rolling stock was hard Agatha Christie movies. to find for this one, so I had to kitbash some Also, I would catch the rattlers from Parof them. There are also over 1,500 hand painted ramatta to Sydney to get to Garden Island. soldiers, horses and wagons on the layout. It has taken Why would you encourage others to take up an inabout four years to get to this stage and every time I look terest in model railways ... what satisfaction do you at them, I seem to find something to add or change. personally get out of your own collection?

Where do you find is the best place to source new Anyone who has an interest in trains, or just modelling bits and pieces for your collection? in general, will get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction out Obviously the internet is great for seeing what is availof this hobby. I started building war ships but they didn’t able, and I have sourced some items from the U.S. but move, so trains were a good option, as I could still build the postage is very expensive. and create things with my hands; it was a win-win situaFrontline Hobbies in Newcastle has a good range and tion for me. It is a great way to relax and while away the Vic Barnes at New Lambton; these are two favourite time while you have a lot of fun! shops I frequent.

Thanks Graham.

“

International Resort Brand

FINDS A ON DIAMOND BEACH In an exciting development for Diamond Beach and the wider MidNorth Coast region, Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest and most diverse hotel company, has expanded its presence with a new franchise agreement announced for Diamond Beach.

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nder this arrangement the former Australis Diamond Beach Resort and Spa has recently been rebranded as Ramada Resort Diamond Beach. The franchise agreement is part of Wyndham Hotel Group’s strategy to grow the Ramada brand, one of its 15 brands in a worldwide portfolio of 7,410 hotels, throughout the South Pacific. Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group in the South Pacific, Barry Robinson said, “We are committed to executing on our strategy to develop and grow the Ramada brand throughout our key markets in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. By engaging with leading developers and hotel owners throughout the region, this provides the opportunity to expand our portfolio of premier hotels and resorts in leading holiday destinations.”

Ramada Resort Diamond Beach is an absolute beachfront resort adjoining the Knappinghat Nature Reserve on Diamond Beach North. Offering a range of accommodation options, the award winning 3 Nippers restaurant, conference and wedding function rooms, Ramada Resort Diamond Beach has something for everyone. There are two resort pools, a championship sized tennis court, gym, Endota day spa, bike and canoe hire and holiday kids’ club. Developed in 2006, the Resort has become extremely popular with both families and travelling couples and will provide accommodation for more than 35,000 guests over the next 12 months.

Resort General Manager, Matthew Wooldridge said that the Ramada rebranding represents the next exciting stage in the evolution of the Resort.

Whilst our offering of a unique beachfront resort

location, catering to a wide variety of guests will not change, our market reach and brand will be significantly expanded through the Ramada and Wyndham marketing channels. Already, only a couple of weeks after rebranding we are seeing enquiry from outside of our traditional markets and not surprisingly from some overseas residents.

We believe that Ramada Resort Diamond Beach sits well within the Ramada network alongside resorts in Port Douglas, Hervey Bay and Phillip Island and look forward to welcoming new visitors to the region through this new association.

Ramada Resort Diamond Beach has plenty to offer residents in the local region, so whether it’s for your next family celebration, a wedding, a school formal or conference our Saltwater Function Rooms offer flexible room sizes and a great aspect. Our award winning 3 Nippers Restaurant

offers a great selection of freshly prepared meals in a light and airy environment overlooking the lily filled pond and is open for dinner Monday to Saturday, lunch Thursday to Sunday and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Phone 6559 2719 or 6557 3871 to make your next booking. Diamond Beach enjoys the neighbouring region of the Great Lakes. It provides guests with an idyllic base to explore unspoilt waterways, pristine beaches, national parks, and ancient rainforests.

The resort is a comfortable three hour drive from Sydney, located 20 minutes by road from both Forster to the South, or Taree to the North.

Ramada Diamond Beach Resort adds a new Australian destination to the growing network of Ramada hotels in Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand in the South Pacific region.

manning-great lakes focus 9

Matters.

legallight.

[ w ith Alan Tickle ]

P o w e r [ow f Ai th t o rAnlean m yiickle t hk ale wi tt h ay n– T Ti ck c l en d] r e a l i t y wit

The proposed levy on deposits is not a tax on banks but a tax on deposits

Justin Stack.

There are a lot of mysteries, myths and misinformation around the Power of Attorney, but there needn’t be if you understand and know the truths behind it. power of attorney is a document

A

to be proved in court.

you can sign to appoint another

The powers you give can be as wide or as narrow as you wish. You can set limits on financial transactions and confine it to just paying bills.

It doesn’t have to be a lawyer. It can be a

In NSW, the power of attorney does not give power to make personal decisions or decisions relating to health care or lifestyle on your behalf should you lose the capacity to do so. If you want to do this you will – while you still have the capacity to make such decisions – need to appoint what’s called an enduring guardianship.

person as your attorney to act for you in legal, financial and

property matters. friend, family member or someone else, but must always be someone you trust implicitly.

You can have two or more people who can’t act without the other’s approval.

The times when you may need a power of attorney include: • You are going overseas or are out of touch for a while and would like someone to have the power to deal with your financial, legal or property affairs while you are away.

• You may be facing a time when your decision-making capacity becomes impaired, such as a medical or health problem.

• You may be physically unable to execute documents or duties and would like another person to be able to deal with your affairs.

• You may be going into hospital or care for an indefinite period of time.

You don’t have to sign over all power to your attorney, and in some cases it may be best not to do so. They are accountable to no one. If wrongdoing is suspected, it will have

There are two types of powers of attorney.

• A General Power of Attorney is only valid while you are still personally able to carry out any of the powers you have given your attorney, such as banking and selling property.

• An Enduring Power of Attorney is for when you will need someone to make decisions for you, as you lose the capacity to do so for yourself. These appointments have to be witnessed by a solicitor, barrister or court registrar, and must be made while you are still of sound mind.

There are all sorts of legal requirements, pitfalls and caveats on these powers, and it would be best to consult a legal expert before committing yourself.

he levy announced by the Federal Government is to be implemented by the way of fixed fee of 0.05% on deposits up to $250,000. There are a number of possible reactions by the institutions to such a levy. There have been some responses from smaller institutions, but banks options may be: (i) absorb the fee and deliver a lower profit to shareholders (ii) source additional revenue through fees and higher mortgage rates, or (iii) reduce the deposit rates paid to investors.

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Australian Bankers Association head Steven Munchenberg said that he expects that the banks will pass the levy on to customers in terms of lower interest rates on their deposits. Combined with an anticipated cut in official interest rates, Australian savers face the prospect of a one-two hit to their income stream in quick succession, after already suffering significant reductions in income streams following a series of successive interest rates cuts since October 2011.

The cost to systems was enormous back in the 1980s when Financial Institutions Duty and Bank Account Debit tax was introduced to simply become a collection agency for the Government.

I well remember weeks of searching transactions on microfiche and manually calculating the duty when I worked for a bank at that time, as the tax was passed retrospectively.

I ended up being off work for a few days due to the effects of eye strain and resultant blinding headaches, so I have less than fond memories of that piece of legislation!

There is a solution though … make it an election issue and demand assurances from the present opposition that it will be scrapped.

Low Interest Rates will Hurt Investors Sacrifices in income levels and lifestyle will be a symptom of low rates that are embedded in the lower returns from bank deposits, making

alternative sources for yield more compelling.

Take, for example, the current Australian equity market yield of around 4.3% net. After including the full benefit of franking credits, the gross yield of the Australian share market becomes 5.7%, which is more than double the RBA cash rate.

Investing in a parcel of shares or a Managed Fund that has concentration of the blue chip and higher yielders can provide income that is greater than cash or fixed term rates, with the added bonus of potential increase in capital value over the medium to long term.

Challenges to Income and Diversified Fixed Interest yields When interest rates are falling around the world and generally volatile, fixed interest fund managers produce excellent returns through trading activities.

As rates overseas are close to zero and the lowest in memory in Australia, the scope of adding additional returns from trading has diminished.

The scope for producing reasonable returns in conservative portfolios will be challenging and the paradox might well be that portfolios that are less conservative might well produce more income.

Centrelink There should be questions asked of the federal government why they have not reduced the rate of deeming on deposits below 4% when determine pension entitlements given that average bank term rates for 1 year are in the order of 3.3% .Any strategy that increases Centrelink income can in-part offset a drop in dividends from fixed interest.

Your Financial Adviser is best equipped to review strategies to ensure that you are getting the best results in that area as well as revisiting overall asset allocation.

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.

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4 Tallwoods Golf Course and Resort Black Friday Ball Dutch Auction Dut Camp Quality Manning Valley Support Group is holding a Dutch Auction Auction.

When Saturday 7 September at St John's Hall, Victoria Street, Taree, commencing at 12.30pm.

Entry fee of $6 includes afternoon tea.

Bookings may be made but not essential.

More info and bookings: Phone Margaret on 6552 4676.

Child Protection Walk

Friday 13 September, in support of the National Stroke Foundation. A glass of bubbles on arrival and a stunning 4 course degustation. Special guest will host the evening and run a silent charity auction.

It's Child Protection Week from Sep 1 - 7, and 'Child Protection is everybody's business'. Join us for a walk to acknowledge the importance of protecting young people.

Live entertainment from Matt Zarb.

Where Meet at John Holland Park, Forster (next to trampolines).

When Friday 13 September.

Tickets $85pp for non members and $80pp for members.

More info please visit our website www.tallwoodsgolf.com.au

When Wed 4 September at 11am.

Contact Homebase Youth Service – 6555 5622 or Communities for Children: 6539 2003.

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WITH A DIFFERENCE Major field days have become a rather sterile affair, with polished machines sitting pristinely with 'Please Do Not Touch' signs plastered all over them.

helmsford Farm Machinery have decided to take a different approach by organising a two day 'hands on' Field Day, encouraging potential buyers to get on and drive their range of new machines. Held over Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September, the days are aimed at everyone from full-time farmers to families on small acres, or even large house blocks.

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“We’ll have everything from ride on mowers, to mini loader backhoes right through to the new state of the art Kubota M135GX tractor. You can drive the RTV, a two seater four wheel drive replacement for a quad bike, or have a spin on a Zero turn mower. We will be running the M135GX with 3 m multi disc plough preparing a lucerne paddock and showing off the flexibility of the Farmtec aerators.

“As many more women are now looking

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after mowing and general tractor work, we are keen to get those women who are yet to experience modern equipment up in the saddle. Tractors are no longer the brutishly heavy cantankerous beasts they once were and are actually quite good fun to operate,” says Grant Johnston, dealer principal.

Various experts from some of the leading tractor mower and implement companies will also be in attendance to answer any questions and give advice.

There is a general acceptance that glossy brochures and fancy internet sites do not give a real feel for the quality and durability of a product. Nothing beats actually driving a machine and, as with any major investment, a proper appraisal is essential. Located at the Dawson River bridge just north of McDonald’s on Manning River Drive, Taree from 9.30am until 4pm.

Nothing beats actually driving as with a machine and, ment, st ve in any major l is sa ai pr ap er a prop es sent ial.”

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FORSTER RY TUNCUR

Don’t let the cold water deter you from taking a dip if you love to swim! The Forster Tuncurry Mudcrabs is a small, local winter swimming club that’s big on heart and camaraderie. Tim Cusack explains that club members meet for swim sessions from May through to September each year …

i Tim. What’s your role with the Forster Tuncurry Mudcrabs, and how long have you been involved with the group?

I am the current Vice-President of the club and have been a Mudcrab for three years. I have not been involved in a club where new members are made to feel so welcome and everyone is equal.

Share a bit of the history of the group ... when was it established, and how has it evolved over the years?

The ‘Mudcrabs’ are in their 34th year of winter swimming, with our oldest member, Bruce Kellow, being 87 and our youngest (honorary), Harper Cusack, 7 months old.

We were originally known as the Cold Tooths, but changed our name in the mid ’80s. Obviously, members come and go over the years, but we boast a high percentage of swimmers who have been with the club for decades.

We have a membership of around 50 and are a small club, which offers the kind of camaraderie that benefits all of our members as well as having a strong focus on family and community.

What’s the aim of the Mudcrabs ... what types of people typically join?

The aim of the Mudcrabs is to provide an environment where anyone of any swimming level is encouraged to have a go and get into the water (albeit, it’s sometimes cold).

Races are handicapped, and the aim is to have an exciting finish at the end of each and every race.

Members race against their individual handicaps, and points are awarded based on performance.

We have a family of three generations involved in the club, and many members bring their children and sometimes grandchildren along to enjoy a swim on Sunday mornings.

recently enjoyed? What are some upcoming events you’d like to highlight?

One of our new members, Ben Summers, is the current Northern Districts Winter Swimming Open Champion. Also at the 2013 Championships, our club finished second overall. As we are one of the smaller clubs, this is a great achievement.

In 2014 we will be hosting the Northern Districts Winter Swimming Championships at the Forster Bullring. This swim meet is attended by Winter Swimming Clubs from the Central Coast through to Newcastle and up to Port Macquarie. This swim meet attracts in excess of 150 competitors and is a great opportunity for us to showcase the Forster- Tuncurry area, community and businesses.

We are a Winter Swimming Club each and swim at 9am ng ci en m m Sunday, co in ay nd Su the first the last May through to ber.” em pt Sunday in Se

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When and where do you guys regularly meet – do members actually get together all year round to swim?

We are a Winter Swimming Club and swim at 9am each Sunday, commencing the first Sunday in May through to the last Sunday in September. A number of our regular Mudcrabs swim every day around 9am at the Bullring Ocean Pool Forster.

Sunday mornings will always consist of a 50 and 30 metre event. Every second week there is an optional third swim that ranges from a 100 metre swim, a ‘dash for cash’, or a relay. The aim is always a good time amongst friends.

After swimming, we retire to Forster Surf Club for breakfast, that consists of a hot soup made by a different member each week and a barbecue.

What are some of the successes the group has

Where do people go to find out more information?

You can attend our registration day, which will be held in April 2014, for which an exact date will be set in the near future, or email us at forstertuncurrymudcrabs@gmail.com for more information. New or potential members are encouraged to make contact, and all relevant information will be provided as soon as possible.

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Tuncurry Races A great day's racing fun and entertainment at the Tuncurry/Forster Jockey Club on 14 September. The running of the 'Tuncurry Mile' is the feature race of the day, with prize money to the value of $10,000.

The famous Australian and international sprinter 'Take Over Target' will be at the Tuncurry track for an exhibition gallop. This renowned race horse conquered the world of racing. He was purchased for the rock bottom price of $1,200, and then went on to win $5m! His trainer, Joe Janiack, a part time taxi cab driver, was carried to the highest heights of horse racing when he brought and trained this world famous horse.

This is a great opportunity to 'Shake Off The Winter Blues' with Pavilion tickets still available for $40 for members, aged pensioners and

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children. Non members $45 per person.

A private bar will be available for the purchase of beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks, and a bookmaker is in the pavilion area.

The Pavilion is very comfortable and decorated to the nines; there's a timber floor, bar area and Jazz music, all situated right on the finishing post with a full view around the track.

General admission is $5 for members and $10 for non members. On the day there will be a Jazz band, champagne, wine, beer, food and a great day's racing. Don’t miss all the excitement at the track! Gates open at 11am, with free buses running from the Forster Keys all way out to the track in Tuncurry. For tickets and information, please ring Marg 0429 967 823.

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Richard Green has spent the last 20 years travelling across and photographing Australia's remote and wild destinations. Richard's point of difference: as well as being a photographer, he is also a highly skilled helicopter pilot who flies around the country taking photos of the raw splendour of the Australian outback. His photographic exhibition, REMOTE & WILD will be showing at the Manning Region Gallery from August 16 to September 22.

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s a helicopter pilot and photographer, how do these two professions mesh together for you? How long have you been involved in both?

Neither of them are professions.

I was trained as a physicist and went into computers.

Back in the late '60s when I was being approached in computer graphics, I started organising conventions on my research topics to find out what the Americans were doing. The conventions that I was organising with the University of England proved to be very successful, and they grew until the university decided they were getting too big and too risky to fund.

I found a way of running them myself, and 17 years later ended up with one of the largest convention companies in the world, which was eventually sold on the London Exchange.

What motivated you to start capturing Australia's nature and landscapes?

I retired at the tender age of 49 in London and decided to emigrate to Australia. I had been to Australia a couple of times and loved the bush, and photography for me goes back over 60 years, when I used to run the photography club at my school.

I got my first camera at 13, so I have always been into photography. My interest in helicopters came later, when I sold my company. My lawyer had a helicopter, and he took me for a ride up the river Thames one day.

I was into motorbikes, so being in a helicopter was like

riding a motorbike in 3D, so it was love at first sight. out of the way locations. I really enjoy being out in the Then it occurred to me what I could do in my retirewild environment; a dinner out by a campfire in the ment. I have always enjoyed the environment and the bush is far better than a fancy dinner at the Ritz. bush, so I thought I would go to Australia and fly a Tell us about some of your career highlights and helicopter taking photographs, which I have achievements. now been doing for 23 years.

I'm proud that I've had a show with my Describe some of the scenes photographs being displayed around the depicted in your photography country for the last two years, with – in what area of Australia another year to go. The book ReI got my first are some of your favoumote and Wild appears to be very camera at 13, so rites taken? popular; people love the book. en I have always be My The Australian landscape The reason behind creating y. into photograph ters really is very dramatic and these photographs and the book op interest in helic very beautiful, and the is that perhaps when people see nI came later, whe .” thing about Australia is that the images, they will get a better ny sold my compa it is empty; there is so much understanding of the beauty of open land to explore. It's wild the wild environment and perhaps and remote, and there is nobody want to protect it a bit more. around to complain about the What can visitors expect from your helicopter!

REMOTE & WILD photographic art exhiWe have an apartment up in Darwin, so we bition at the Manning Regional Art Gallery regularly go there, and I would plan a photorunning from 16 August to 22 September? graphic itinerary which is based on where I can The story lends itself beautifully to intricately detailed get fuel for the helicopter. photographs up to 3 and 4 metres in length, meaning I use Darwin as a base to go out to Arnhem Land or visitors to the gallery can visit the most remote and wild Western Australia and the Northern Territory ... parts of Australia without leaving the gallery.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Thanks Richard.

The helicopter I enjoy because of the technical Visit Richard's website: challenge. My background is in engineering, so it's an www.richardgreen.net.au to view his amazing interesting challenge. It is primary for transport to these images or to purchase his book.

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Forster Holiday Village.

Forster Holiday Village boasts one of the best locations in town! Close to not only the patrolled beaches and the lake, but Forster's main street shopping precinct and local club entertainment as well.

Panda-monium at Billabong Zoo It's been 'Panda-monium' at Billabong Zoo since the arrival of the two beautiful Red Pandas.

Sisters 'Rato', meaning red, and 'Tito', which is a type of bamboo, made the journey from Mogo Zoo just in time for the July school holidays. The four year old pair have settled very quickly, and Billabong keepers have been enjoying getting to know their very different personalities.

Rato is very confident and bold and even a little pushy when it comes to her food – choosing to climb onto her keeper’s shoulder to steal the best treats! Tito is a little more timid and likes to check things out from a distance, before choosing to be involved. Like their much bigger, distant relative the Giant Panda, the Red Pandas enjoy a variety of bamboo species, as well as enjoying fruits, vegetables, berries and eggs.

Rato and Tito will feature in their daily feeding presentation at 2.30pm during the September school holidays.

There are so many great facilities, including: • Solar heated swimming pool • Half court tennis • Basketball hoop • In ground trampoline • 4 FREE BBQs • Children’s sandpit and playground • Minutes' walk to beach, lake, shops, clubs and restaurants • Only minutes to golf and bowls clubs and ten-pin bowling • WiFi zone – Wireless Broadband Access At Forster Holiday Village we offer a selection of accommodation styles to create a memorable holiday experience that suits each guest. Our spacious cabins, set amongst gardens in a village setting, are all fully self-contained and include all bedding and linen. A complimentary starter pack of coffee, tea, sugar and milk is provided for your convenience.

KIDS STAY FREE Mention this ad when you book and then when you stay in any of our units or cottages up until 20 September 2013, your kids will stay for free! Reservations can be made on our secure online booking page, or by calling (02) 6554 6027.

Molly-Rose Designs You have recently moved into your very own shop after being an online store; what were the reasons behind this?

A lot of my customers wanted to see the products in 'real life' so they could coordinate and put together the items that they needed for their parties. There were no other stores in Taree or the surrounding areas catering to the market so to coincide with the website, the store was opened in April of this year.

What is unique about Molly-Rose Designs?

My catch phrase for Molly-Rose Designs is 'from the invitation to the icing on the cake!' and that is exactly what is available.

I can not only help you create personalised invitations, but also all the matching party items that you might like for your party, anniversary etc. such as cupcake toppers, buffet labels, stickers for your gift bags, right down to the edible icing to match in with your theme for your party/celebration.

For those you can't make it out to the shop, are they still able to shop online?

Certainly! A lot of local customers are busy at work during the day, so they have the flexibility to purchase on the website and then choose the local pickup option at checkout and pick up at their leisure.

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focuseditorial.

he Rotary Club of Wingham Town & Country Expo being held over three days, Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September at the Wingham Showground, promises to be a great day out for all the family. There will be something for everyone with many exhibits, live music from a variety of bands playing many genres from rock, pop and country music + much more.

A fire fighting exhibition on the Friday from the students of Wingham High who have recently formed a firefighting cadet corp, this will be supervised by one of our Rotary members John Dorrington will be very informative and there will be car displays on the Saturday and Sunday with various competitions within each of the car groups, for example vintage and utes.

Many informative talks and demonstrations will be held across the weekend including a quad bike safety demo by Polaris Motorcycles at 10am on Saturday 14th, Taree and Wingham Produce will present a talk on animal

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welfare and feeding and Karen Yarnold will demonstrate how to show and display cattle plus give a talk on the general care of cattle.

Wingham Rotary is in its 68th year of service and is the only service club in Wingham. We have a membership of 27 persons, including 5 ladies. Our club supports many Rotary programs including Youth Exchange, Driver Awareness, Agriculture courses, Science Challenge, Youth Leadership and many more, we support local town projects, schools and the eradication of polio.

This year our main financial recipient from the Expo will be the National Breast Cancer Foundation. We are pleased to have Sharon Pullen presenting a talk on Women’s Breast Caner on Friday 13th at 11am. Sharon is very knowledgeable and will also offer a questions and answers time.

With entry at only $2 per person, there should be no excuses for not supporting this fun weekend, knowing you are helping the Womens Cancer Foundation and the local community. See you there!

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forster

RUNNING F E S T IVA L

n Sunday 8 September 2013, hundreds of people will converge at Forster Main Beach to compete in the Brooks Forster Running Festival.

Men, women and children will compete in different events on the day, and all of the competitors will have varying levels of running experience and individual reasons for competing.

For some, it will be to challenge themselves, to win the race, or achieve recognition in their chosen sport. For others, the day will be about fun and taking part in a community-oriented event.

One competitor, who only competed in his very first competitive run earlier this year, will be using the event to help raise awareness of a charity that is doing the hard yards to support Australian Defence personnel who have been physically or psychologically injured while serving their country.

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Keith Robinson will be competing in the Anytime Fitness 21.1 km Half Marathon event on the day. His aim is to raise money for Soldier On, whose purpose is “to enhance recovery, inspire communities and empower Australia’s wounded, giving those who have served our country the dignity they deserve and the chance to do and be whatever they choose”. See www.soldieron. org.au for more information.

To follow Keith’s progress and training schedule in the lead up to the Running Festival, visit: Facebook and search Keith's Run for Soldier On. Keith encourages people to donate to this charity and to support our often unsung Australian heroes. Every dollar helps! Donations can be made at: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/keith-1

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Sharon Fowle interviews Kate (from Taree) and Ahmed Jabbie (originally from Sierra Leone) ... a romance and subsequent marriage that was helped by a twist of fate, neither Kate nor Ahmed would have ever considered possible.

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hmed was quite young during what he calls “the senseless civil war” 10 years ago.

He lived with his mum and dad, 2 sisters and 4 brothers.

He grew up in Bo Town in

Sierra Leone.

During the war, rebels would attack their village without warning. These constant and often punitive raids caused many families to be displaced. Ahmed's own family fled in all directions, causing his sister to be lost when she was about 5 years old, and she’s never been seen again.

“My family were not together for a few months at a time after the rebels attacked. It was never intentional to split up. Ambushes happened early in the morning while we were sleeping,” Ahmed reported. “One time I was in my grandma’s room and was left alone; everyone was gone. I was 6 at the time. It was very frightening; I woke up alone and went to an uncle’s house, and they were fleeing too. They saw me, and I went with them.”

They were ambushed again. “We all got out and went into the bush, and my uncle was captured and killed in the car in front of me. I was then on the run. One of my cousins went running into the bush; we met others there, so we hooked up and stayed together and they helped us to be safe. We went to a refugee camp, not far from where the incident happened. We stayed there for a short time hiding in the village. We walked back to where we had lived to get food and to search for lost family members. Thankfully, my mum, uncles and brothers where there also.”

The attacks continued, but eventually the war stopped a few months later. The situation improved for Ahmed’s family and neighbours, but anger over the war caused some villagers to retaliate angrily and loot the villages. They began their fight for a democratic state with access to medical treatment and education. There was a one party system for a long time, and no one had the opportunity to vote. Over time, things improved.

“While there is still a lot of corruption, at least we can now vote. It is still the case that some have the opportunity to be educated and some do not. 90% of the population of Sierra Leone are very poor and live on less than $1 per day.”

Like everyone else growing up in Sierra Leone, Ahmed’s passion is football. He and his two brothers had the opportunity to play for a soccer team through their early schooling, and Ahmed received a scholarship for high school because of his talent and commitment. The scholarships are funded by overseas donations.

“I was 12 years when I began my scholarship in high school. The scholarship paid for the full term of high school. I played second division soccer. I also joined a community team outside of school. My soccer improved and over time I was moved to the first division team. That’s when I moved from Bo Town and went to the capital, Free Town. I stayed with my uncle and was playing and competing with other teams.

“I travelled with a friend to Senegal Dakar.

They are French speaking in Senegal, but I spoke Creole. We didn’t know anyone. We made a friend, and he let us stay with him.”

Ahmed explained that people in their country are always willing to help their fellow man.

“We found a place to play soccer and stayed there for 6 months. We had been given money from people for playing soccer. We went to the city to the business centre to look for work or to find something we could sell. We bought some shoes and the more money we got from soccer, the more shoes we bought and gradually built up enough shoes to start a business.”

This helped Ahmed supplement his income enough to give him the opportunity to leave the country in search of a better life. After a few years, he had saved enough money to get himself to Indonesia.

Senegal has many internet cafés, and Ahmed had made friends that lived in Indonesia over the internet. He built relationships but when he went there, he found it to be over populated.

Venturing even further afield, he contacted

some friends in Thailand. Ahmed moved to and Kate’s studies were ending and she was Bangkok, where he lived in a hotel for about 3 due to return to Australia. “We hadn’t decided weeks waiting for his other friends to return from what we would do at that point,”Kate said. She playing soccer in other regions of Thailand. travelled for a bit and came back to Australia in While Ahmed was there, he met Kate in June 2010.

September of 2009. Kate was in Singapore studyThey kept in touch via long distance but soon ing on an exchange program, doing a bachelor realised they wanted to be married. Kate helped degree in international studies. She had a week Ahmed to organise the necessary documents, break from uni and with 2 other roommates, deand by August 2010 he was ready to come to cided to go on holidays to Thailand. They Australia. Ahmed had to apply through the South arrived in Bangkok, went to Khao African Australian Consulate for his immigration. He applied for a marSan Road and had dinner. riage visa, which was only valid They were sitting in a My family were for 9 months. He waited alone bar, one of Ahmed’s not together for for 5 months for the visa to friends approached e a tim a few months at . ed come through. ck the ladies, and they ta at after the rebels l na io Ahmed finally moved to nt all came over to chat. te It was never in es sh bu Australia on 3 March 2011.

They moved on to m A to split up. e th in y rl ea Kate and Ahmed set up a club and stayed ed happen were e w le hi w home in Sydney, and were there ‘til 4am chatng ni mor .” ng married at Kate’s home in pi ting. Ahmed took Kate’s ee sl Taree in June 2011. They now contact details, but there have a beautiful son, Jylah. Kate was no plan to meet again. is currently on maternity leave and is However, the following evening looking to utilise her skills in a social workthey were coincidentally at the same ing environment. She is also a volunteer with place. Kate wasn’t supposed to be there; an organisation called ‘Alive’ and has worked she was supposed to be going to a Thai on Christmas Island, assisting refugees to intefestival in Krabi. However, all the places were grate and learn about Australian society. booked out, and they had to stay another night “I would like to go to Sierra Leone to find in Bangkok. out about the culture,” Kate says.

Meanwhile back in Australia, Kate’s gran had Ahmed intends to earn money by playing passed away. Kate’s mum didn’t want to tell her soccer. He also runs a small clothing business. while she was so far from home; although if she He’s had a recent injury, but this has not dehad, Kate and Ahmed would never have met. terred him either. “It is lucky I live in Australia.

Ahmed and Kate kept in touch via Facebook If I were in Sierra Leone I wouldn’t have had and Skype. Their relationship grew, and the the operation to fix my leg. I would like to go following November they decided to meet each back to Sierra Leone someday to set up a charother again in Phuket. Ahmed was out of money ity for soccer players to help them get proper by the time he got to Phuket and Kate was nertreatment. vous about the relationship.

“I broke my legs falling from a mango tree Despite clichés about financing a ‘Prince of Sierra Leone’, Kate’s heart told her she could trust when I was a kid. The witch doctor set my legs in the sand, buried them, and I had to stay in Ahmed and she was able to help him out a little that position a couple of hours each day until financially. Kate visited him once a month from they were mended.”

Singapore. Their last meeting was in May 2010,

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hy were the Great Lakes Cultural Awards originally established?

Leigh Their aim is to recognise creativity in our community. I have always been committed to the importance of creativity in our lives and the need for a cultural dimension. Until the Awards came into being, there was little public acknowledgement of cultural activity in our area. The notion of the Awards also led to the development of a Great Lakes Cultural Plan.

Elizabeth: The Awards grow creativity within the Great Lakes Region and help promote the achievements of individuals and organisations.

These Awards contribute to the cultural and arts communities, providing community engagement and participation.

Who were the people behind the original idea ... and who are the current committee members?

Leigh Actually, it was my idea. I put it to GLAN (council’s Arts Network advisory committee) in 2006, with the support of Steve Williams, then Head of Art & Design School at North Coast TAFE, plus Amanda Ellis, council’s Community Development Coordinator. Steve encouraged Croker Oars to be a major sponsor, with the event itself sponsored by Dot and Gordon Redman, supported by Company of Voices.

Mayor John Chadban was very enthusiastic about this cultural recognition and presented the first Awards.

The Awards are always creative art works in themselves, produced in collaboration with a local industry or arts organisation, rather than the usual ‘trophy’.

The first Awards were in 2007, and they are made every two years.

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This year’s base working committee is Nyaree Donnelly, Chris Jones from Great Lakes Library, Elizabeth Tinker, acting Head Teacher of IT and Creative Industries North Coast TAFE, Beryl Henderson from Conservatorium Mid North Coast, Trish Wallace from Forster Neighbourhood Centre and of course Lyndie Hepple, who is central to our administrative success, from Council, with me as Chair. Our current Mayor, Jan McWilliams, will make the presentations.

When and where will the Great Lakes Cultural Awards be presented this year?

Beryl On Saturday, October 5, at Tuncurry Memorial Hall in Point Road, on the shore of beautiful Wallis Lake. We think this is very appropriate, as the hall has been central to the area’s cultural development since its erection in 1921. People are invited to come along at 4.30pm, to celebrate the coming of summer and to enjoy the displays. Families are most welcome, with the celebration finishing by 6pm.

What will happen on the night, apart from the presentation of the awards … will there be entertainment and refreshments?

Leigh We will have a display of artworks, and local musicians will play for us. Included in the ticket price will be light refreshments (donated by generous local sponsors), with juice or a glass of wine (for the adults) on arrival. Our wine growing sponsor will have a table set up for those interested in purchasing local wine. It will be a great chance for general networking of creative workers and community members. Come along to see what’s happening in your area.

What categories will awards be presented in?

Nyaree We want to recognise both talent and hard work – both essential features of art practice. We have seven Awards, three each

Councillor Leigh Vaughan, Elizabeth Tinker, Nyaree Donnelly, Beryl Henderson are the hard-working crew behind the Great Lakes Cultural Awards. October 5 is a date to mark in your diaries, as local talent is celebrated at the Tuncurry Memorial Hall …

(Individual, Group and Youth) in two categories: dents with the opportunity to work on a real Visual Arts and Performing Arts, and a seventh industry brief within real timeframes. The results for an individual who has contributed Enlightwill be evident on Awards night, when each ened Support to any creative discipline either winner will be presented with an Award which by endowment or creative practice. We have is a well-designed object and aesthetic work of independent judges to select the winners from art. the nominations.

The promotional material will be in circulation Describe some of the submissions received shortly, and our students’ work on these posters for the awards – has there been much variand flyers will surely hold your attention. We at ety amongst the entries? the Art & Design School encourage everyone Beryl Without being too specific, because in the community to attend the event. we want everyone to come to the What is the committee’s hope for the Awards to see for themselves, I Great Lakes Cultural Awards movcan say we’re amazed at the ing forward … what are the broad spectrum which the committee’s goals? nominations represent Leigh That the Cultural − everything from Awards become a ‘must Students choral work through be involved in’ event enthusiastically lenge photography to arts for everyone in our took up the chal king or workers. Come along area, that we continue and have been w g and congratulate the developing a culture of with Engineerin e TAFE Services at Tare winners yourselves. support for our creative ype on to create a protot Tell us about the industries, implementtheir 3D Printer.”

Cultural Awards that ing the Cultural Plan, and have been created for ensuring that Great Lakes, award recipients. Where as well as being physically and and how were they made? geographically beautiful, continElizabeth Previously Croker Oars ues to grow as a vibrant, creatively and Plastiglass Pty Ltd produced our Awards, exciting place. but this year students studying Graphic design How much do tickets cost for the event, at the Art & Design School Great Lakes Campus and where can they be purchased? were given the opportunity to design and create Nyaree Tickets are $10 (children half price the Awards and all promotional material. and those under 12 free) and can be purchased Students enthusiastically took up the chaleither from Forster Neighbourhood Center or at lenge and have been working with Engineering the door at the event. For more information and Services at Taree TAFE to create a prototype on updates, visit us on Facebook at: their 3D Printer. Students worked closely with www.facebook.com/CulturalAwards the Cultural Awards committee to take their or Great Lakes Council’s webpage at: design concepts to completion. www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au Working on the Awards has provided stuThanks everyone.

“

Pack your bags and head to Port Macquarie in October, where you can whet your appetite with the diverse range of local produce, wines and beers on offer at the SBS Feast Tastings Food and Wine Festival. d avi d t s i r e k as

ki c k s of f i n o c t o b e r

he month long festival has an impressive calendar of events that will take food lovers on a gastronomic journey starting with a Vintage Car Vineyard Tour and French inspired lunch at Oasis by the River on October 6 and culminating with the main event, SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings overlooking the picturesque Hastings River on October 27. See page 21 or visit tastingsonhastings.com.au for the full calendar of events.

The recipe for the main event will satisfy the most serious foodies. Add over 100 exhibitors who grow, bake and make the specialties of this fertile food bowl, cooking demonstrations by leading local and SBS Chefs, an impressive lineup

of leading local bands, children's entertainment under the sprawling Town Green fig tree and the Focus Spaghetti Eating Competition. Mix it with a dash of ambience and a splash of a brilliant riverside location, and you’ve got an award winning event!

FOCUS caught up with David Tsirekas from Xanthi Restaurant in Sydney, who will be a special guest at the festival’s main event on October 27.

David, where did your love of and passion for food and cooking begin?

I actually was a swim and water polo coach before taking up cooking when I was 28. I found the love and passion in cooking from reading books on Ancient Greece, and I wanted to find

h t more there was to the Greek cuisine outt what than the sstereotypes of lamb moussaka and souvlaki.

What influences you most for your dishes at present?

My coo cooking is inspired by the flavours that Gre food so unique and loved by millions make Greek of people around the globe.

You'll be visiting Port Macquarie in October; have you travelled here before? What are look you looking forward to?

Yes. Tasting Tas some of the local produce is at th top t of my list. I love the beach and ocean the swimming, so I hope to take a dip while I’m there.

Favourite ingredient to cook with?

It’s hard to pin down an absolute favourite, but I’d have to say that cinnamon is an ingredient that I use in a lot of sweet and savoury dishes.

Best local product you would like to use?

Line caught local Jew Fish or new moon hand caught prawn and Blue Swimmer Crabs.

Advice for producers looking to get noticed by metropolitan restaurants?

We could learn a lot from countries like Greece, where they stick to the seasonality of ingredients. This ensures that the produce is the cream of the crop, appropriate for the season and the price is always better than higher,

inflated out of season prices.

Thanks David.

David will join other well known SBS Chefs in the cooking demonstration pavilion, including: Patrick Freisen from Ms G’s in Potts Point (Contemporary Asian), Mitchell Orr, who was in the 2010 Good Food Guide and was the Josephine Pignolet ‘Young Chef of the Year’ (Italian cuisine), and local champions Eric Robinson from The Other Chef Fine Foods and Craig Freudenstein from XS Food.

SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings is focused on supporting and promoting the farmers, food producers, wineries and brewers from throughout the Greater Port Macquarie region.

This fertile food bowl produces avocados, strawberries, tomatoes, macadamia nuts, garden vegetables, free range eggs, chicken, duck, pork and a range of dairy.

The region has a long history of producing wines and boasts six vineyards and more recently has become a hotspot for brewing boutique beer.

Join the colour, spectacle and excitement of the SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings and celebrate the bounty from the Greater Port Macquarie region. For more information on the festival or to grab yourself a great accommodation deal, visit tastingsonhastings.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 21

Manning-Great Lakes

Laksa by Taree West Bowling Club.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 22 manning-great lakes focus.

eat.

Raw Sugar Café

Beach Bums

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.

There is much more to Beach Bums Café than just the best view in town. Why not pop in for your dose of spring sun? You can feast on our daily changing specials, such as spicy baked eggs for breakfast, or our signature seafood chowder for lunch, followed by the largest range of sweet treats in town. Don’t forget we have all your home barista needs too. Did I mention the whales?

Check out our Facebook page for daily specials.

Owners Kate and Darrin.

Freshest local ingredients.

North & Beach St, Forster Main Beach. t 6555 2840 w beachbumscafe.com.au

214 Victoria Street, Taree t 6550 0137

open 6.30am-3.30pm (weather permitting)

open 7.30am to 4pm.

Try one of our tempting desserts while you enjoy the views from our verandah this spring.

Bowlo Bistro

Club Taree

Taree West Bowling Club. New winter menu; same great value.

Enjoy a meal at Club Taree.

Monday Nights - $5 pasta!

Tuesday Nights - $8 homemade chicken schnitzels Wednesdays Nights - $8 fish and chips plus cash poker Thursday Nights - Club Super Draw, free kids' meals and drinks and free raffle entry Friday Nights - Monster Raffles plus Treasure Chest Jackpot Saturday Nights - cash poker Sundays - $10 roasts for lunch and dinner

The Iron Bark Restaurant offers a selection of meal options to enjoy. Choose from our selection of Char Grilled dishes, enjoy a meal from our Favourites menu, or try one of our tempting chef’s specials. The kids are also catered for, with a selection of meals for just $9.50, and the Lilly Pilly Café features a selection of hot and cold beverages, light meal options along with tempting cakes, desserts and slices.

Check your shopper dockets for our free meal deal in stores now!

Head Chef James Nossiter.

Relax in comfort indoors, or take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy the surrounds whilst enjoying a meal on the verandah as you overlook our beautiful golf course.

Chef Kevin Williams.

There’s something for everyone at Club Taree.

116 Edinburgh Drive, Taree t 6552 2094 open 7 days. Lunch 12noon ‘til 2pm.

Dinner 5.30pm ‘til 8pm.

121 Wingham Rd, Taree t 6539 4000 w www.clubtaree.com.au open from 10 am daily.

manning-great lakes focus 23

eat.

12 from 12 Enjoy $12 lunches from 12, 6 days Tuesday -Sunday!

Buddha by the Beach Spring Specials in September.

Monday and Tuesday: $10 takeaway 5 7pm: Thai green chicken curry, fish and chips, chicken burger and chips, beef burger and chips, and Nasi Goreng.

Wednesday and Sunday: Chef's Selection – two course special. Entree and main or main and dessert. There are three options available for entree, main and dessert. 5 - 7pm, $25.

Kids' meals also available for $5.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday & Sunday: Takeaway $10 pizza. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. See website for the full menu.

Little Street Kitchen Who remembers ELJAYS BISTRO, formerly of Pacific Palms Bowling Club and the Bellevue Hotel? Then you must remember LOUIS VALLAS. Now you can dine with him again at The Little Street Kitchen, Lakes & Ocean Hotel Forster. After cooking up a storm at Bulahdelah Bowling Club for the last few years, he is excited to be back by the sea. He will have all your favourites available to tempt your taste buds. He is looking forward to seeing his regular diners and meeting a lot of new ones.

Food Service Manager Louis Vallas.

Lakes & Ocean Hotel, 10 Little St, Forster. t 0424 951 701

open Mon and Tues - takeaway meals only, 5pm7pm. Wed and Sun - Chef's Selection only, 5pm7pm. Thurs, Fri & Sat night full à la carte menu.

New winter menu from 5.30pm. Mon, Tues, Wed and Sun - takeaway pizzas $10 only, 5pm-7pm.

open 6 days. 12 -2.30 for lunch and from 5.30 for dinner.

Closed Mondays.

Royal Indian Cuisine

Bonappetite Café

'Experience the best Indian cuisine outside of India.'

Royal Indian Cuisine offers casual dining through to fine dining in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Dine on delicious authentic Indian cuisine that is brought to you by experienced and friendly staff, whose aim is to make your experience at Royal Indian Cuisine so enjoyable, you can't wait to come back.

Get the real authentic taste of Indian cuisine provided by our expert team with a wide range of traditional Indian dishes.

Ray and Tony have returned to Old Bar with the new BONAPPETITE CAFÉ, the Manning Valley's latest café and restaurant with something new.

Right in the heart of Tuncurry.

21 Manning St, Tuncurry t 6557 2001 open 7 days. LUNCH Tuesday - Sunday 11.30 am - 3pm. DINNER Monday to Sunday 5.30pm - 10.30pm.

24 manning-great lakes focus.

4 Redgum Road, Boomerang Beach. t 6554 0877 w www.buddhabythebeach.com.au

Bonappetite Café, open 7 days per week for café style breakfast and lunch and at night from Wed to Saturday, as a FRENCH BRASSERIE, with a French Chef and genuine French country style cuisine.

BYO alcohol only.

Chef Spencer Weselmann

Shop 2 – 3 / 47 Old Bar Road, Old Bar. t 6553 3188 m 0411 693 458 open 7 days per week for café style breakfast and lunch and at night from Wed to Saturday.

eat.

focusinterview.

Hoi Sin Duck

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

A m r i n d e r

Open 7 days a week per week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Specials: Monday $15 Steak Night Tuesday $15 Pizza and Pasta (10% off per person / per pension card) Wednesday $12 International Curry Night Thursday $15 Schnitzel Night Friday Lunch $10 Fried Fish Friday!

Friday Dinner: Early bird special! Show your pension card for a 10% discount between 6pm and 7pm.

Sunday $12.50 two course lunch or dinner roast + dessert.

SINGH

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

Scallops, grilled and presented on watermelon with a mango, ginger & Grand Marnier sauce

Royal Indian

W

hen did you first become interested in cooking as a career? At a very early age, I became interested in What local produce features on the menu cooking. It all started as a hobby. In 1998 I at the Royal Indian? In our restaurant started working as an apprentice we try to get most of our produce cook in a restaurant. At that locally. We get chicken, time, when I became a meat, vegetables and all part of the commercial ng hi is the seafood from local fin After cooking scene, I t go I , se ur co markets. We only import e th chose cooking as my in ok co a as b jo st the herbs and spices. my fir career, and I am still rant - a the same restau What is your favourite aurant enjoying it. very famous rest dish on the menu What training for its traditional e th currently and why?

Indian dishes in have you done, It is a bit hard to choose .” ea ar and where was my favourite dish from your first job? I the menu, as they are learned my cooking skills all my favourites! But, I can while working as a part-time recommend chicken tikka masala and apprentice cook in a restaurant in prawn malabar, for its strong authentic India. At the same time, I did a 2-year flavour. course in Indian cooking.

Who else works in the kitchen on your After finishing the course, I got my first job as team? In my kitchen I have a very harda cook in the same restaurant – a very famous working and supportive team. I have two restaurant for its traditional Indian dishes cooks and two more kitchen staff, who put in the area. After that, I worked in many their best efforts into providing you fresh and reputable restaurants and hotels in Northern authentic Indian dishes.

Indian and Mumbai.

Thanks Amrinder.

“

Bean Bar AN ENTIRELY NEW NIGHT DINING EXPERIENCE NOW AT THE BEAN BAR, with a completely NEW Á LA CARTE MENU. Also, 7 days per week for breakfast and lunch with extensive menus.

Right on the Manning River and Queen Elizabeth Park.

Still Taree's premier venue for all types of specialty functions.

Owners Ray and Tony.

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.

manning-great lakes focus 25

L O C A L

P R O D U C E

F E A T U R E

Kenny - Club Forster Somkiat Vaanasiripong, known as Kenny, was born in Bangkok, Thailand and gained his locally renown skills in Thai cookery through working in his families restaurant. Now proudly standing at the helm of the newly opened Kenny's Thai Kitchen at Club Forster, Jasmine McQuillan talked to Kenny about his love of cooking using local produce, his life in Forster and his precious pooches!

H

ow long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes area? I transferred to Forster with my partner, Rex Johnston, and 2 'puppies', Paul and Diana, in May 2008, taking up a position as chef with Tuncurry Bowling Club.

Tuncurry was the sister club of my employer, St Johns Park Bowling Club in Sydney. At St Johns Park I headed up their Thai restaurant, 'Heavens', which had a tremendous following in the mainly Asian community.

Tell us what you love about living here?

Whilst strange at first, especially after the hustle and bustle of Sydney life, I have grown to love living in Forster/Tuncurry. We have lived in the same house since arriving; it backs onto the beautiful Forster Golf Course and is only 200 m from One Mile Beach – a complete reversal of living in Ingleburn for the previous 5 years. Leaving my Asian friends in Sydney was difficult, but the local 'Aussie' community has made me and my 'family' feel very welcome. I love walking my puppies on the beach and within the many parks, especially attending weekend market days.

What local produce features on the menu?

All of my recipes feature fresh produce purchased from the Manning-Great Lakes. My daily seafood blackboard specials are based on the availability of fresh local seafood. A wide range of fresh vegetables, chicken, beef and pork products purchased within the Manning are delivered daily to my kitchen. All of my entrées are freshly made each day from these fresh products.

What is your favourite dish on the menu currently and why?

26 manning-great lakes focus.

I have 4 favourite dishes d My daily seafoo on my menu at Club rd blackboa Forster, which are all of the ls are based on ia ec sp my own creation and esh local availability of fr nge of feature my special ra seafood. A wide homemade sauces. , chicken, es bl ta ge ve h fres oducts Angel Prawns – pr rk beef and po Australia. I was very proud the in crispy fried prawns, ith w d purchase ed er when I became an Australiv de e Thai herbs, coconut ar ng Manni hen.” tc lian Citizen in 1998. ki y m milk, vegetables, garlic to ily da Who else works in the pepper and rosemary kitchen on your team? sauce.

Eric Griffith assists me in the Heaven Chicken – stir fried kitchen, together with Jack and Adam; chicken, special Thai sauce, herbs, front of house is staffed by Debbie, Gina, Siri vegetables – I created this dish when I had and Sandy, who have proved to be invaluable to a restaurant in Bondi Junction in 2004; St me in this new adventure. All the support staff at Johns Park named their restaurant after this Club Forster have been very supportive and made popular dish. me feel welcome.

Kenny Prawns – stir fried crisp prawns with mild What do you cook when at home? chilli, lime leaf, green beans, pik khing sauce, Surprise, surprise ... I love to cook 'Aussie' when peanuts, 'my sauce made from my mind'. at home. My favourite dishes include roast lamb, Pork Belly – stir fried crispy pork belly, lime leaf, lamb and pork chops, T-bone steak, and pasta, all green bean, phik khing sauce, peanuts, mild chilli. served with salad or vegetables.

This dish is very popular with Forster locals.

My puppies prefer Aussie to Thai He! He! Have you travelled much to expand your So, Kenny, tell us about your precious interest in food? pooches?

I have been lucky to be able to travel the world My puppies, Diana and Paul, are like family. They as a holiday maker, having the opportunity to taste depend on me and they offer me comfort during many foods from as far away as England, France, the good and bad times; they have allowed me to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Hong Kong, integrate within the Foster-Tuncurry communities, Malaysia and the USA. I fell in love with seafood with people always wanting to take their photos when visiting San Francisco Pier eateries. My home and pet them. My puppies have a wardrobe of country, Thailand, has a wide range of cooking clothes greater then myself, and I like to dress styles, depending of region you visit. I have atthem whenever I take them out, which is always. tempted to create my own 'Thai Forster Region', Thanks Kenny. which is unique throughout my new country –

“

L O C A L

P R O D U C E

F E A T U R E

F O R S T E R & T U N C U R RY FRESH CHICKENS

BENT ON FOOD From the moment you walk through the red doors at Bent on Food, you are taken to another place.

You will be surrounded by condiments and lovely foodie goodies, along with a great selection of homemade cakes, with many gluten free options. This popular café is the recipient of at least 30 awards and is a well-known destination for food lovers. Bent on Food is not just a café; it also runs cookery classes in its purpose built cookery school and provides a strong paddock to plate experience, with a menu that showcases local produce including locally free range eggs, locally smoked bacon, locally grown tomatoes, lettuce, local Swiss Brown mushrooms and local Manning Valley grass fed beef. The garden is beautiful – a perfect place to spend a Sunday morning dining on an award winning breakfast, surrounded by edible plants.

Bent on Food is looking forward to trading Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights from 2 October. Saturday nights are reserved for private parties, on and offsite weddings, functions and music nights. A casual evening menu and a great wine list will soon be in place. You will be excited

by Wednesday night Rock Quiz, conducted by Jim Bird; start getting your teams together, and keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates. www.facebook.com/BentonFood

FINE FOOD WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH Leau Da Cha caters in fine food with a personal touch. Cathy Leaudais launched her catering business in 2007. She shares her expertise across the Mid North Coast, with 40 years of experience within the food industry.

Throughout her career she has been highly sought after for the planning, organising and implementation of small to large scale functions. Cathy has also worked in events, radio communications, television presentations, food photography and teaching.

To be working in a personalised environment with clientele, creating food to be remembered, has been vital to the underlying philosophy of Leau Da Cha. With fantastic communication skills and a high standard of professionalism, she has a natural ability to build relationships quickly. Cathy focuses on an interactive relationship with clientele to create the perfect menu for an event, which may include bar and cocktail service. Events include birthdays, weddings and vow renewal, christenings, post funeral reflections, anniversaries and work parties.

Cathy supports the entire event by collaborating in the planning and design stages of the menu, to organising all food and function needs. She then ensures the personal delivery of her menu, with all food handmade and sourced from local produce.

You don’t have to be a chef to enjoy scrumptious meals ... you just have to shop at Forster Fresh Chickens in Forster Arcade, Wharf Street, or Tuncurry Fresh Chickens in Tuncurry Plaza.

We offer a variety of easy, ready to cook meals, as well as our traditional chicken cuts.

We hand prepare everything in both our Forster premises and Tuncurry premises (in Tuncurry Plaza), with fresh chicken delivered from Steggles daily.

Our display changes daily and if you don’t see what you would like in the window, just ask our staff and we will endeavour to have it made for you.

Our selection includes: • Chicken Filo parcels ... Spinach & Fetta, Asparagus & Cheese, Tropical mango ... just to name a few.

• Delicious boned and rolled chickens ... Apricot & Macadamia, Cranberry Fig & Pistachio, Mango & Hazelnut or Tasty Garlic ...

DELICIOUS! • Scrumptious Chicken Sausages ...Try our new Honey and Macadamia!

• Mexican or Sweet chilli Enchilada wraps ... quick and easy.

We also stock whole ducks, duck breast, quails and spatchcock ... readily available when you need them.

Having a party ... let us supply you with HOT TENDER BBQ CHICKENS ... cut into portions and prepared on trays.

WE REALLY ARE A ONE STOP POULTRY SHOP! FIND US IN 2 LOCATIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. Locally owned and operated ... support small business ... we do.

manning-great lakes focus 27

28 manning-great lakes focus focus.

focusinterview.

Horticulturalist Megan Cooke works with volunteers at the Forster Community Garden, teaching them about organic gardening and Permaculture Ethics. If you’re looking for a great way to meet new people, reconnect with the earth, and eat some glorious organic produce to boot – head down to Little Street on a Tuesday morning …

C O M M U N I T Y

Garden M e g a n

H

i Megan. What is your official role with the Forster Community Garden?

My role is the Community Garden Horticulturalist, and I work with volunteers and teach them about organic gardening, growing chemical free produce and permaculture.

In the last year I have been working closely with Great Lakes Council in teaching a series of workshops on ‘Gardening for Sustainability’.

We have completed many projects, including building a vertical garden and grey water system that can be seen by members of the public at ‘The Green Project’ at the Tuncurry Tip. The participants learnt about many topics, including edible garden design, how ordinary kitchen scraps could be turned into great soil through composting and worm farming and also how to maximise the use of water in the garden.

When was the garden first established, and where is it located?

The community garden was established in September 2007, and it is located next to the Forster Tourist Information Centre on Little Street.

A lot of locals I talk to still don’t realise we have a community garden in Forster, so I would encourage people to come down and take a look around. It’s so close to the hub of Forster that people could enjoy their lunch break there or have a picnic, and there’s also a rainbow serpent sandpit for the kids to enjoy.

What is the aim of the garden?

The community garden is a social inclusion project which brings together members of the community who may not normally get to socialise with each other, including young and retired people, indigenous and non indigenous, parents with young children and families, or anyone in the community who wants to come along and lend a hand.

C o o k e

The project is not just about growing veggies, but really about growing a sense of community and creating a place where people can come along and have a cuppa and a chat or just to get share in the produce, and we also grow produce out of the house. for the Forster Soup Kitchen, which has been We follow the three main Permaculture Ethics, operating from the School of the Arts Hall in which are Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Forster, so it can be turned into lovely soup for Share. So for example, instead of using chemical anyone in the community, or those in need. The sprays and fertilisers, we have a worm farm and soup kitchen operates every Tuesday from 11am use the worm wee to liquid feed the plants.

– 2pm and is run by a team of ladies who kindly I have met some amazing people in the volunteer their time. They have provided over community over the last six years, who 150 meals a week for the community. have given hours of their time to Where does funding support be involved in this project. come from?

Describe the garden The garden The Forster Neighbourhood ... what are the 20 of consists Centre operates the project vegetables planted d an ds be large garden to and the original funding in and what types l al , es on r le 20 smal came from the Department of produce are bles and produce vegeta the r fo s of Community Services, grown? rb he y ar lin cu . Local which ceased in 2009.

The garden is local community trus ci We have received unique in that all bush tucker and been donations from local garden beds are trees have also businesses, including shared amongst the planted.”

Bunnings, Mik’s Pet Barn, volunteers, unlike other Lumpy’s Landscape Yard, and community gardens where Pacific Palms Gardenworld, to name individuals look after their own a few. plots. All garden beds are planted in We also produce a fantastic fundraising organic beautifully decorated half water tanks, therefore gardening calendar each year, which can be allowing access to all members of the community. purchased from retail outlets throughout Forster The garden consists of 20 large garden beds and Pacific Palms, including the Forster Visitor and 20 smaller ones, all to produce vegetables Centre and will be available from late September. and culinary herbs for the local community.

Donations can be made online at www.fnc.

Local bush tucker and citrus trees have also been org.au planted.

Who maintains the area – how many people We grow a variety of seasonal produce, are involved? including lettuce, dill, bananas, broccoli, kale, The garden volunteers put in many hours pineapple, sage, Chinese cabbage, beetroot and to maintain the garden, and the numbers of much more. volunteers fluctuates between three and about How does the produce get used once it’s seven. We are always looking for new volunteers, harvested? and it’s a great way to get involved in the local Anyone who volunteers at the garden gets to

“

community and meet new people. We meet every Tuesday and Friday from 9am - 12pm, and the days are flexible.

What are the benefits of volunteering at the Community Garden?

You can eat organic produce all year round, and it won’t cost you a cent! Meeting new people, learning about growing organic produce, composting, worm farming, what to grow and plant seasonally, learning new skills and just being connected to nature … our lives get so busy, and sometimes it is nice to go outside and get your hands dirty and connect with the earth. It really recharges your batteries, similar to the feeling you get when you walk along the beach in bare feet.

There are seven special trees planted on the grounds. Please tell us about these ... what types of trees are they, and what is their significance?

Seven Trees for Seven Elders is a special combination of traditional bush food trees, acknowledging seven elders from the Worimi people – the original custodians of the land on which the garden operates from. There’s a macadamia, lillypilly, grevillea, Bunya Pine and Davidson’s Plum, to name a few. One of our volunteers made some great tasting jam using the Davidson’s Plum.

Where can readers find out more information?

They can come along to the Forster Community Garden on a Tuesday from 9am 12pm and have a chat with me or visit the Forster Neighbourhood Centre website at www.fnc. org.au or email me at megan@fnc.org.au or by calling 6555 4351.

Thanks Megan. manning-great lakes focus 29

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

Right. The Last Train at the Elands Co-op Shop.

Below. Performers Nikki Bennett and Natalie Alexopoulos at MEC.

Right. Kath and Rex.

Below. Daana Stinson, Rhonda Burchmore and Tori Stinson at Can Assist.

Below. Well Creative lads with Jane Hosking at 25 years MEC

Above. Sunday evening at the Elands Co-op Shop.

Left. North Coast Tourism Awards: Grahame Nash and Donna Carrier, Donna Hudson, Anna and Andrew from Honeycomb and Cozette and Tim from Old Bar Beach Festival.

Social/scene.

Here we are heading into spring already and I do not really remember winter. guess I did feel a bit of a chill twice a week at 5am when I dragged myself out of bed to go to the gym, but in reality it has been a very mild winter – a bit scary when you think about climate change and what is happening to our planet, something left a little unsaid in the lead up to the ever-present election. Thankfully, it will all be over this month, as I haven’t found much joy in the constant debates over how we can take from me and give to him, or take from him and give to me ... all with the same result really, just played a different way. So while the banter continues, I have gone back to reading – something I love to do but often find little time for. A few pages before bed, and I can drift off into another world, one without politics, and one that I choose to find solace in.

I may be awake in a few hours with a power surge (that’s what my friend, Julie, calls them) but that is another story and not one for this column!

The town of Elands is a sociable community, and full of budding musicians. One of our talented multi-tasking cooks and local Elands identity, Peter Mullany, is actually an excellent musician and plays in many real bands, including one of my favourites: Up in Annie’s Room. Most recently, with the help of Peter, head chef Paul, aka Paul Kelly, has decided that he can moonlight as a musician too, playing in their new band every Sunday afternoon. I don’t listen to him sing, preferring to partake in his cheesecake, as I do not require earplugs for his food, and he will never win an award for his music. Everyone is welcome to the community run Elands co-op on a Sunday afternoon from 2pm onwards to sit around 30 manning-great lakes focus.

on the grass and enjoy a number of local bands. Pistol Pete, PK, Roxy and Stevie are the Highway Men, as they play a number of covers from Iggy Pop, Grinspoon, Black Sabbath and ACDC, along with their very special version of The Highway Men. Other bands to have played in recent times include Joe Presley and the Disappointments and the very popular Loungeroom Philosophy, featuring local talents, the Bailey boys from Bobin (one of them was our kitchen hand in a previous life).

Yep, the altitude is high up on the mountain, and the roads are pretty bad too, so there is no way out once you get there! Take a blanket and plan to hang out for a while; it will be an interesting story to tell on Monday when you return to work ... if you ever get out.

The Can Assist committee has been working tirelessly over the past months putting together a black tie ball to raise funds for local cancer patients and their families. It is unfortunate that most of us will be touched by cancer at some stage in our lives, be it family or a friend, and at this difficult time, it is so important that patients have the support they need to make them comfortable.

So on Saturday 10 August, Club Taree auditorium was transformed in amazing Parisian Glamour for the Can Assist Manning Valley Black Tie Charity Ball. Rhonda Burchmore entertained the audience, along with Dice Man, and together they did a spectacular job to keep the event rolling.

Rob Chapman and Bruce Moy were the Auctioneers for the evening’s charity auction.

The Can Can was performed by local dancers, Tori and Daana Stinson from Star Central Dance Academy.

A delightful dinner was served to the

340 guests in attendance, and music was performed by the Band with No Name.

Another beautiful guest was Karen Dahdah, Rural Cancer Care Coordinator for ManningGreat Lakes and surrounding areas, who spoke passionately of the hardship patients and their families face when cancer is diagnosed. The evening raised a massive $60,025. All money raised stays local and assists cancer patients and their families cope financially in the Manning Valley.

Congratulations to the committee of 13 girls and Paul Allan from Club Taree on the overwhelming success of this event; everyone is talking about it! The committee would also like to thank the local businesses and everyone who supported the event with donations and by coming along and enjoying the evening.

25 years ago the community of the Manning Valley came together with a vision to build an entertainment centre. They raised funds, they rallied support and they reached into their own pockets. Through their efforts, the Manning Entertainment Centre was born. On Thursday 25 July at 8pm, Manning Entertainment Centre celebrated 25 wonderful years, with a gala event that included a fabulous show and a full house, with many of the performers that had previously been on stage at the MEC. It was a spectacular event that began with canapés by Bent on Food and a few glasses of celebratory wine on the stage before the event.

Congratulations to the wonderful team at the MEC for the great job they do in keeping the arts in the Manning Valley.

On Saturday 17 August, a number of Manning Valley tourism operators, along with new Manning Valley Tourism and Public Relations Team Leader Donna Hudson, headed

up to Ballina for the 2013 Countrylink North Coast Tourism Awards. Honeycomb Valley Farm and Old Bar Beach Festival entered the prestigious Hall of Fame for winning their category three years in a row; this is an honour and one that we were proud to receive last year, so I know that it makes the night a very special one. Both these inductees deserve recognition for their dedication to tourism and to the community they live in. Old Bar Beach Festival is run by volunteers, who deliver at least 15,000 visitors to the Manning Valley each year; this is an amazing boost to the region’s economy. Honeycomb Valley Farm is a sustainable farm in Nabiac that is operated by the loveliest family who really believe in a sustainable planet; this is a place where lifetime memories are made. They are often featured in the media, and they attract many visitors to their farm and to the region; it is worth a visit. On top of this, Honeycomb Valley Farm also won a silver award in the category of 'New Development' for their latest development on the farm. We were thrilled to win silver in the Restaurant and Catering Category.

Well known Wingham couple Kath and Rex Sharkey celebrated their 80th birthdays earlier this month, with a lunch party at Bent on Food. Their immediate family gathered to help them celebrate, and they enjoyed lunch, champagne and a 7 layer rainbow cake made by granddaughter Helen! Happy birthday Kath and Rex! 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.

Polishing up a career through work placement

Manning River Hotel Welcome to the Manning River Hotel.

Your home for great food, entertainment and all the NRL final games live on the big screen.

Spring is here, and it's time to celebrate the warmer weather.

Why not pop down to the Manning River Hotel and enjoy one of our many mouthwatering meals from our famous Black Pepper restaurant? With daily specials and promo deals throughout the week, what better way to get over a busy day or hectic week than a nice meal with family and friends in our beer garden, accompanied by a cool beverage.

The Manning River Hotel is home to some of the best local and Newcastle bands each Saturday night. It's the best place to kick back and dance the night away. Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or even hold your end of year presentation in our lovely beer garden. Taking bookings for Christmas parties now.

Don't forget the Manning River Hotel is family friendly and has a kids' games room where they can enjoy themselves while you're watching the NRL finals on any one of our 5 big screens. We look forward to seeing you at the Manning River Hotel.

Paul Griffiths and his team at Gloucester Engineering hosted local student Jack Yates from Gloucester High School for his Metal and Engineering Work Placement last month.

Gloucester Engineering is a local business with a combined 60 years' experience in the metal fabrication industry. Gloucester Engineering specialises in aluminium and stainless steel fabrication, general welding and engineering. They stock steel, aluminium and stainless steel supplies, along with hydraulic hoses and fittings.

Jack spent one week (35 hours) with Gloucester Engineering as a compulsory component of his Metal and Engineering course and his Higher School Certificate requirements. While Jack was at Gloucester Engineering, he worked alongside qualified engineers and welders. He assisted the tradesmen with welding, cutting and grinding. One of the major jobs Jack assisted with was the fabrication of new conveyer guards for a local coal mine.

Work placement is a way of preparing senior school and TAFE students for employment. Students studying Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses as part of their Higher School Certificate (HSC) are given the opportunity to learn practical skills through experience and practice in the workplace. Most courses have a minimum of 70 hours of mandatory structured work placement completed over two years, commonly Years 11 and 12.

By sharing their industry skills and experience, employers provide an environment for students to learn real skills as part of their specialist industry studies. The employer's role is a vital part of the learning process, as it highlights the relevance and practicality of the subjects studied. Employer support has a very positive effect on school leavers, as they are able to use their newly learnt skills and apply them to the workplace, but more importantly, they learn work ethics, team work and the meaning of responsibility.

For more information on the Work Placement Program, contact Toni-lee Palmer or Kylie Reay in our Taree office on 6551 5463.

Picture: Jack polishing a newly fabricated roll bar for a 4X4 ute.

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32 manning-great lakes focus focus.

SteveAttkins. from Great Lakes Winery

watch.

BROKEN Monday 16 September from 7pm, Fay's Twin Cinema.

Casual tickets $16.

The summer holidays have just begun, and 11 year-old Skunk's afternoons are full of daydreams and curious wanderings around her neighborhood – with the exception that she must regularly give herself injections to combat her Type 1 Diabetes.

When, one day, Skunk (Eloise Laurence) discovers her bitter and angry older neighbor, Mr. Oswald (Rory Kinnear), savagely beating Rick, a psychologically-troubled boy from the neighbourhood whom Mr. Oswald's daughter has callously and fictitiously accused of rape, Skunk's innocence begins to vanish.

Trying to find solace with her loving nanny (Zana Marjanovic) and father (Tim Roth), with whom she is very close, Skunk is unwittingly drawn into

Budburst ... excitement and worry. ith the weather as warm as it has been this winter, I think we are all seeing interesting things happening in our gardens. We have been concerned about the vineyard, as the consistently mild days with the addition of the odd freak day of 25+ degrees may be bringing on an early budburst, which can have disastrous effects given that at night the temperature can drop to below zero ... as it has this past week.

So it was not a surprise when we discovered budburst had already started in the second week of August. Emerging out of what appears to be dead vines are these gorgeous little buds full of promise. For budburst to kick off in early August is highly unusual and highly risky, as we may still get a frost or two before spring arrives officially. Anyone familiar with their fruit trees in the garden will know that a frost at this time can result in inhibited or no formation of the buds that flower and develop into fruit, so we are hopeful we have seen the last of the frosts for the season.

For us the best way to protect the vines from frost damage is to make sure the plants have plenty of moisture so that when (and if) ice crystals form on the buds and draw moisture, the buds don't dehydrate. In

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her neighbours' unfolding melodrama involving violence, sex, and lifeshattering illness.

Her home, her neighbourhood and her school all become treacherous environments, where the happy certainties of childhood give way to a fear-filled doubt, and the promise of a complex, broken future.

Overwhelmed by her experiences, Skunk herself is drawn into an ethereal chaos from which she may only return through the intense love of those closest to her.

For further information, tickets or subscriptions, phone 6552 3476 or visit tareefilmsociety.org.au

ective method of frost protection protectio i n is is small areas an effective to cover the plants to stop the frost from settling on them; however, when you have acres of vineyards, it is a very expensive exercise. One alternative method to minimise frost damage is to use a sprinkler system to slowly defrost the ice that has formed on buds. This supplies the required moisture to thaw the ice, without having to draw moisture from the young buds.

While protecting plants from frost might seem a logical thing to do, it can work against you, as the plant is not given the opportunity to develop its frost resistance. Given our vines have been in the ground for a number of years now, they are hardy, and we don't expect any significant damage that will impact fruit development – but what is almost guaranteed is an early growing and ripening season, which can work in our favour.

Early budburst can mean early ripening and early harvest, which is not necessarily a bad thing given that the months of January, February and March have been bringing the highest temperatures in recent years, so a harvest at the end of January is what we would like to see. At the moment what we need is some nice spring rain.

focusieditorial.

Bent on Food wins 2 major restaurant and catering awards Bent on Food Café in Wingham took home not just one, but two awards at the 2013 Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence. The awards for excellence saw at least 130 restaurateurs compete for a plate in 24 categories.

ent on Food was up against some of the region’s top restaurants in the highly contested categories of Café Restaurant and Breakfast Restaurant, winning both categories.

B

continuously monitoring our service standards in order to give our customers the experience that they expect at an award winning restaurant.”

The awards follow Bent on Food’s 2013 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor Bent on Food owner operator achieved last month. To qualify for a he Awards for Donna Carrier said she was Certificate of Excellence, businesses e Excellence is th absolutely thrilled with the d must maintain an overall rating of an le ab most depend e results. “This is a very stringent id gu e tiv four or higher, out of a possible ita or auth st process where judges visit your to Australia’s be terers , five, as reviewed by travellers on ca restaurants and establishment anonymously TripAdvisor. e which has set th and score on absolutely every r fo k ar hm nc The Awards for Excellence is the national be gnising aspect of their experience, objectively reco most dependable and authoritative including food, service, drink best practice.” guide to Australia's best restaurants and menu selection. My staff and I and caterers, which has set the national are very proud of the awards we win; benchmark for objectively recognising best these two awards perfectly complement practice. the other submission based awards programs and help us to promote our business and the region as The winning businesses will now compete with other region finalists in the National finals to be held at a food destination,” she said. “We never rest on our Royal Randwick in Sydney on Monday 28 October. laurels, and to some extent awards ensure that we are

“

On Saturday 21 September Tinonee Historical Society Inc. will be celebrating their 10th birthday with an Open Day from 10am – 3pm at the Tinonee Historical Museum, 32 Manchester St, Tinonee.

nvitations are open to the public to come along and help celebrate this event.

A light luncheon/high tea and entertainment in the grounds, birthday cake cutting at 1pm, with opportunity to browse the gardens and Museums exhibits.

Tinonee Historical Society’s Museum offers a unique display of items relating to Tinonee and its surrounds from days past. We have a collection of family histories, photographs, a Cinema Projector, Gaol Cell and Police Stables, Heritage Garden and the restored Boom Gate and Pulley wheel from the Tinonee Punt at our entry.

Tinonee was a busy river township, with hotels, broom factories, bank, Federal Hall, timber mills and boat building being just a few of the businesses of early days.

There is more information on our website at www.tinoneemuseum.org. au – also find us on Facebook.

The Society is volunteer based and operated, with the Museum opening three and a half days of the week. We welcome new members and volunteers interested in local and family history.

Enquires: (02) 6553 1571. manning-great lakes focus 33

focusinterview. with Linda Bryant from Photography by Linda

Go Vita Taree and Forster

Business

H

ow long have you been ru rununning Go Vita in the area?

We opened our first health food shop in Taree just over 11 years ago. That was called Worth Eating Organics, which was in Centrepoint Arcade. We joined with the Go Vita group about 12 months after that and changed our name to Go Vita Taree. In 2006 we opened our Forster shop, which we just recently moved to 23 Breese Parade, next door to NRMA, just up from the shopping centre. Lots of people are still thinking we closed down, so obviously we need to work harder at getting word out about our new location. Our third shop, in Manning Mall Taree, we opened 5 years ago.

What was your history before then?

Completely different to now. We lived in Sydney and I was working in IT, doing computer network support and Y2K upgrades for a few of the major banks and insurance companies. The IT skills do come in handy looking after our computers at the shops. I certainly don’t miss the work though; I love what I am doing now.

You've opened 2 new shopfronts in the last year.

How has business changed for you in this time?

Well, certainly my life has gotten much busier.

After relocating our Taree store to Pulteney Street last year, we were so happy with the new shop, we decided to move Forster out of the shopping centre into bigger premises too. Our customers at Forster had been begging us for years to start selling organic fruit and veg and lots more grocery options, but we just didn’t have the space to do it. Well now Forster is the biggest of our 3 stores, and our regu34 manning-great lakes focus.

lars are are really rrea ea eall alllly happy hap ha appy ppy with the change. We have been they need to be very careful. Also with shopping lars from overseas, particularly with health supplements, able to hugely expand on the range of products we 20 lines in bulk foods at you definitely don’t always get what you pay for. offer. We have put in over 200 AQIS (Australian Quarantine Inspection Service) conboth new stores. Bulk is great, because customers stantly finds products that are meant to be natural get a better price on their food and they can buy as but actually contain pharmaceutical drugs, and often much or as little as they want. It is very much going they don’t even contain the ingredients they claim back to the old ways of scooping out your food into on the label. bags and weighing them at the counter. Our What would you love to see hapcustomers are loving it! We have also pening in the business in the been able to increase our organic next 12 months? fruit and vegetable range, with shopping e in nl O Well, I think I need to stop, quite a few more local organic st can’ t offer the ju breathe and give my shops growers coming on board. rsonal customer the pe t in a good going over. With so We are now just getting into ge experience they f are much expansion so quickly, af home appliances like juicers, st ur our shops. O to d ne over the last year, it has ai alkalisers, food processors, tr y extensivel ce vi ad rt been a little crazy. I think it's pe ex dehydrators and lots of other e provid health of r ne an m important to regularly look l al healthy kitchen options like on s.” m le ob at your business through a pr NeoFlam non-stick cookware. customer's eyes, and see what I guess the bigger picture of they see. That way we can always how our business has changed is improve on what we offer. that we are no longer just a vitamin and What are the best things about living in supplement shop. You can pretty much do the Valley? your entire grocery shop with us – except toilet We live out at Hillville on 40 acres. It is such paper; we aren’t selling that yet! a beautiful part of the country. We have sheep, Do you see the changes with online shopping as chooks, dogs and an alpaca. I love that I can live in a problem or an opportunity? a rural location, but I am still only half an hour from Online shopping just can’t offer the customer the fabulous beaches, great restaurants and there is personal experience they get in our shops. Our staff really great support for local live music at the moare extensively trained to provide expert advice on all ment. We try and get out to see a band, or go to a manner of health problems. We also have a naturmusic festival or something like that pretty regularly. opath, Judy Clarke, who works in store and does It's not long now till Wingham Akoostik Festival in consultations with a full herbal dispensary. Many onOctober, I can’t wait! line shoppers rely on the internet for health advice, and there is so much incorrect information out there; Thanks Stephanie.

“

focus on fashion

Dresses and Shoes Ballistic Chix

Hair Amanda Davis, Kut n Run

Makeup SILK Mineral Makeup by Kristal at Devoted 2 Beauty

manning-great lakes focus 35

focusinterview.

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a Farlow, e n i m s l Ja ut g mode , is abo n l i r i n g n r u t e S rst bred Fo he Face t d t n a a e n r r bo on fi atwalk on c e h t t in Lond t to se n a e g sent lobe pa o repre t e c of the G n a ch s is ris. The at Lake e r G e and Pa h d nd t ’s thrille stralia a e u h s A … h t e o in b for Jasm r u . o n o rtunity an h o p p o mazing at the a

i Jasmine.

Whereabouts in the Manning-Great Lakes area did you originally call home?

I grew up in the gorgeous town of Forster in the Great Lakes and still am proud to call it my home town, even though I currently live elsewhere.

grown up, but also where I want to someday retire. I already have a house in my sights, though retirement is very far in the distant future.

Where are you based these days ... and what led you to move away to the city?

Currently I’m living in Newcastle NSW. I moved there from Forster after school to further my education. Luckily, it is not too far away from home, but sometimes with so much to do it can seem a great distance.

After this, I entered a few local competitions, where I was approached by photographers, and it just seemed to bloom from there and is now something that I absolutely love.

H

What’s something you like to remember about your time spent growing up in the area? There is so much about the area that I loved and still do love. The beaches are definitely a big one, the canals at the keys, snorkelling and the feeling of a close, small town which acts more like a family than a community.

It’s such a gorgeous place and is not only somewhere I am ow sh is proud to have it n Whe

“

time, you can a tiny n ofte be stuck in of ll fu change room ve a ha ly on d people an ut in es maximum of 3 m next ur to change into yo on ck ba outfit and be lm.” stage looking ca

36 manning-great lakes focus.

How did you first become interested in modelling? I guess it is something I just fell into. I was originally interested in acting but after approaching an agency, was persuaded to try modelling.

How has your career tracked to date ... what modelling gigs have you been a part of that you particularly enjoyed?

This year alone I have done so much, it’s hard to choose just one thing. I have featured in OZ magazine, America’s UNIQ magazine, America’s Swimsuit Illustrated, ZOO Weekly and Australia's Swimsuit Edition, just to name a few magazines.

I have also participated in runways and promotions for labels such as Hello Molly, Christel shoes and companies such as Westfield.

There have been so many castings, shoots and

“

With so many competitors putting their hearts into the competition and raising funds for the Rainbow Child Foundation, I expect it can be anyone who walks away with the crown.I personally am just honoured to have gotten this far and be able to represent our country; it is such a rare opportunity.”

It is such a big step forward, but I'm looking forward to it and plan to tackle it head on and learn the most I can from the experience itself.

A big part of the Face of the Globe pageant is raising funds and awareness for the Rainbow Child Foundation, a not for profit organisation aimed at providing education and food for children who are less fortunate, so leading up to the world finals I have been hosting events and fundraisers such as raffles and trivia nights. comps, it sometimes leaves you with no free time, but I definitely wouldn't change that, because I enjoy what I do and learn from each and every second of each experience.

I have travelled around Australia for various projects and represented NSW for different pageants.

I was just selected as a NSW finalist for the Miss Galaxy pageant for 2014 and have been given the title Miss Petite Australia 2013.

I think as long as I'm in front of the camera or on stage, I will be happy.

Many people would consider modelling to be a glamorous profession. How true is this - and how much of what you do is just sheer hard work? It can appear glamorous, yes, but what you see is the finished project. There are so many stressful, cold and sometimes embarrassing moments and with the early mornings and late nights, it is definitely not an easy job. There is a lot of waiting, sitting, waiting and waiting.

When it is show time, you can often be stuck in a tiny change room full of people and only have a maximum of 3 minutes to change into your next outfit and be back on stage looking

calm.

I remember for one catwalk my skin was literally zipped into a dress I was modelling.

It definitely hurt, but you can’t show that on stage. Don't get me wrong though; there is the dazzling side too … like getting to wear amazing designs and makeup you otherwise would never get the opportunity to wear, and it is such a great feeling to see the designers’ faces when the show is all done and dusted and has gone off without a hitch.

It’s like anything really; you get the good and the bad.

You’ll be travelling to Paris and London in October to represent Australia at the Face of the Globe pageant. How exciting! Tell us a bit about this competition and how you were chosen to take part ... I’m very excited about this particular competition and so proud to be representing Australia. It was a shock, really; I applied to a casting online, but never thought I would actually be chosen. I answered a questionnaire and submitted some recent images, then was stunned to receive an email saying I was to represent our country at the Pageant.

I will be continuing to do so until I leave on the 18th. I hope to hold an event in Forster, as I will not only be representing Australia, but the Great Lakes too.

What will you actually have to do at the event ... and how tough do you expect the competition to be? Once over there, I will spend 8 days competing for the title. During that time we will have photographic judging, stage rehearsals meet and greets, as well as media interviews. We will be able to meet the event’s major sponsors and present our portfolios of charity work to the judges. We will then travel and spend four nights at Disneyland Paris, where we will spend Halloween, which I hear is a pretty big event at Disneyland.

The final stage of the competition will take place at Disneyland, with a fashion wear and a ball gown section, where you will be marked on your stage presence and ability to speak in public.

With so many competitors putting their hearts into the competition and raising funds for the Rainbow Child Foundation, I expect it can be anyone who walks away with the crown.

I personally am just honoured to have gotten this far and be able to represent our country; it

is such a rare opportunity.

If I’m lucky enough to walk away with the crown, that would just be icing on a big Disney Princess cake for me!

Who would you like to thank for supporting you with your career to date?

There are so many people, I could not honestly name them all; but, I would particularly like to thank Great Lakes Tourism for being my major sponsor for the FOTG world finals and also Great Lakes Cinema 3 for their input into my sponsorship. I am so appreciative that my home town has shown such support with this, and I hope to do them proud.

Given you've experienced changing fashion trends first hand, what do you predict we’ll find gracing the catwalks for the upcoming spring season? This upcoming season it seems to be all about the vintage meeting the modern. You will see a lot of florals mixed in with bold fluoro tones. Red hot, chartreuse and lapis blue are all very big. The styles are all classic and very feminine; there is such a mixture, I'm sure everyone will find something they like. For myself, it’s the sequins and block colors.

Thanks Jasmine. manning-great lakes focus 37

focus on fashion Shoes from Manning Shoes

38 manning-great lakes focus.

Dresses and Fascinators by Justdresses4u Hair

Makeup by One Hair and Beauty

Spring Health Feature

HEALTH

M uc h lik e fi ng er pr in ts , yo ev er ne ha s d nd an di ff er en t sk in ’ ls ua id de rm av pr od uc ts ar e ilo re d in di vi du al ly ta ’s in sk ur yo to su it ne ed s.

Spring Clean Your Health We all spring clean our house and make sure our animals and car, even our garden is looked after, but we regularly forget about our health.

With spring the perfect time for asthma and allergy season to really take off, especially among children and teenagers, it has never been more important than now to check your respiratory health. Our team of proactive health nurses can perform a spirometry test, which measures how well your lungs are working, and whether something (such as your asthma) is affecting your breathing.

The most common asthma symptoms are: • Shortness of breath • wheeze • chest tightness, and/or • a dry, irritating continual cough (especially at night/early in the morning, or with exercise or activity)

To improve your asthma and reduce the risk of a severe attack, you need to treat the underlying airway inflammation with medication. This is the best way to reduce asthma symptoms and the risk of needing to go to hospital or dying from asthma. Treatment also reduces the chance that you will get any symptoms in response to something that previously triggered your sensitive airways.

With appropriate treatment, most people do not need to change their lifestyle or environment just because they have asthma.

Many people with asthma also live with at least one other condition. The most common of these are allergies, such as eczema or hayfever or even the most severe form of allergic reaction, anaphylaxis.

For more inforamtion or to check your respiratory health call in today and visit the friendly team at Medisense Health Care.

Anoush Beauty Forster Elsa Perdedjian is the owner and operator of Anoush Beauty. She has a passion for skincare and carefully selected dermaviduals as her skincare range.

We all know that vitamins are vital for collagen formation and DNA repair and together with essential fatty acids are key to skin health and rejuvenation. What does change with dermaviduals skincare is about the carriers of such ingredients.

The DMS creams are designed to mimic those first lines of skin barrier defence that are so important to skin health and homeostasis for the corneocyte. Much like fingerprints, everyone has different skin and dermaviduals’ products are individually tailored to suit your skin’s needs. Free of

emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, dyes and amines.

What is becoming increasingly apparent in today’s advanced skincare world is that it is not necessarily the active ingredients that make a good formulation, but what the active agents are encapsulated within that truly creates a skincare product with a point of difference.

The dermaviduals range contains over 40 different active serums that are encapsulated in liposomes or nanoparticles. These fuse with the barrier layers of the skin, enabling penetration of the active ingredients.

Once released, these agents permeate through the skin barrier, in a pure manner, providing an accurate and responsive delivery system.

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1. Jeanswest: Heather Print Dress - $69.99 2. Payless Shoes: Freya Coral flats - $19.99 9 3.

3 Prouds the th he J Jewellers: eweller 9ct Pendant - $199.00 4. Jay Jays: Blue and white print dress - $29.95 Indigo denim jacket - $49.95 Black studded boots - $39.95 Crochet fedora - $15.00. 5. Rockmans: Print woven tee - $39.99 6. Kmart Pleated shirt dress - $20 7. Just Jeans: Floral tank - $39.95 Basic square neck tank - $24.95 Distressed coloured ankle jean - $69.95. 8. Manning Shoes Django & Juliette Prying heel sandal (tan) - $149.95 Django & Juliette Pretta Heel Sandal (white) - $149.95 9. Eyecare Plus: Emilio Pucci Sungalsses (Made in Italy)- $550 10. Kmart (Kids): Lace top - $12 Coloured Jean - $10. 11. Best & Less: Floral print crop jean - $25 Tank top with attached Necklace - $15.

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12. Bras N Things: Deana Push up bra - $49.99 Deana Briefs - $22.99 13. Black Pepper: White top with ink detail - $59.95 Ink Vest - $89.95 Ink clam digger short - $59.95. 14. OPSM: Men’s Ray-Ban - $289.95 15. ICE Design: Waterfall jacket with lace panels - $39.95 Black and white print mini dress - $35.95. Silver and white necklace - $15.95 Multi coloured bangles (set of 3) - $15.95 16. Lowes: Urban denim cargo shorts - $39.95 California Inc printed t-shirt - $19.95 17. W.Lane: Stripe boat neck tee - $59.99 Gold trim jacket - $89.99 Pull on pant - $59.99 Necklace - $24.99 18. Best & Less (kids) Tilt black shorts - $18 Tilt printed t-shirt - $7 19. Angus & Coote: Seiko Mens Chronograph 100M water resistant $650.00 20. Payless Shoes (kids): Skip slip on canvas - $7.99 21. Millers Fashion Club: Citrus lace shirt - $34.95 Curve my body straight leg jean - $29.95 All prices correct as at 28/09/13 and are subject to change. for iPhone e & And droid d™

B Breese Parade, (PO Box 40 Parade 4020), FORSTER Tel: 02 6554 5044 T Fax: 02 6555 4843 www.stockland.com.au/forster

by Jasmine McQuillan from Focus.

by Tracey McKay from Curves Taree

overeating ?

focus on Beauty o spring is finally here! Whilst most of us are breathing a sigh of relief that the bitterly cold winter days are behind us, some of us are also anxiously anticipating debuting our fuzzy and very white extremities. While they have been snuggled up under layers to keep warm all winter, as the weather warms up, it's time to start wearing less – like some of the gorgeous spring fashion featuring in our publication this month – to events like the spring races at Tuncurry. Never fear! Your answer is here ... Faking a tan is not only the safest option, in that it does not require UV exposure to achieve, but is also just too easy to do ... with amazing end results!

S

First and foremost, your skin must be prepped.

It is imperative that you use a good exfoliant, especially if you have been using fake tan in the past. For best results, use when showering with an exfoliating glove and lots of elbow grease.

Dr LeWinn's Liquid Loofah Mineral Body Scrub contains a vitamin-enriched formula that conditions and nourishes, leaving skin soft and smooth. Next, it is time top decide what type of fake tan product best suits your needs.

UV Protection and a Tan? To get your glow on pre-poolside drinks, race day or cocktail hour and protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays at the very same time, then look no further than ModelCo's BODY BRONZE DRY TOUCH SPF50+. The 4

hour water and perspiration resistant formula is non-permanent, won’t stick to sand or rub off on clothes and simply washes off with soap and water when you want it to.

Easy on Mousse?

Goddess Bronze develops on the skin over two hours, gradually transforming you into the Bronzed Goddess Aphrodite. The beautiful light foam not only glides on effortlessly, but contains coconut and vanilla scent, rosemary extract and green tea extract, so it's almost good enough to eat! Spray away!

Napoleon Summer Sun Self Tanning Spray was designed to create a long-lasting, rich looking tan. It contains a delicate combination of colour-enhancing botanicals, moisturising agents and vitamins, including chicory extract, vitamin E and aloe vera.The aerosol spray delivery controls mist flow and ensures even distribution that never appears streaky.

Call in the help ...

If all of the above advice sounds too much like hard work, then why not call Devoted 2 Beauty in Tuncurry (6555 3003). They have two tans on offer, Moroccan Tan and Black Magic two hour tan. Both $30, and both will not only instantly give you bronze appeal, but gradually develop giving you a gorgeous tan for up to a week.

29.95

E

process your emotions in a healthy way without turning to food. It’s time to break this cycle because YOU CAN! Here are some tips to overcome emotional eating: Battle Boredom. Toss out tempting foods.

Exercise regularly. Satisfy cravings healthfully.

Delay Gratification. Reward your progress.

Get enough Sleep.

We have the power to stop emotional eating by taking one step at a time – identify the emotion, find an alternative, and cultivate a new habit. Remember, by understanding what leads to emotional eating, we can take the necessary steps to change it.

by Dr. Bobby Kumar

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When did you last have a skin cancer check?

only

f all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia each year, skin cancers make up approximately 80%. Skin cancers are caused by damage to skin cells resulting primarily from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (the primary cause in 95-99% of cases). Any sun exposure causes damage and increases the risk of developing skin cancer, not just sunburn or tanning.

There are three main types of Skin Cancer: • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) • Melanoma – the most dangerous and third most common cancer in Australian men and women Early Detection The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the more effective and successful the treatment. Early detection of skin cancer can literally save your life.

It’s important to be familiar with how your

O

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42 manning-great lakes focus.

xperts define emotional eating as eating in a response to an emotion, rather than hunger, in order to suppress or pacify emotions. Stress at work, conflict within a relationship, recent health diagnosis, sleeps deprivation, family finances, low self-esteem and other situations may lead to emotional eating. For most people, it’s the day to day stresses in life that lead to emotional eating.

But why do we turn to food for comfort?

The comfort foods we choose are foods we associate with pleasurable memories or experiences. This can lead to a vicious cycle – you have a bad day, you eat cheesecake because that’s what your mom gave you when you had a bad day at school, guilt sets in, and now you feel like you’ve sabotaged your diet, so you take another bite of cheesecake.

But there is good news! You don’t have to turn to food. With these steps, you can

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Do you tend to eat or overeat because you are happy? Sad? Bored? Anxious? Upset or Stressed? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that 75% of overeating stems from our emotions.

www.drlewinns.com.au Available locally at Amcal Max Forster and Priceline.

skin looks so you can notice any potential changes that may indicate a skin cancer.

What to look for: • Any crusty sores or sores that are not healing • Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour • New spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (particularly those dark brown to black, red, or blue-black in colour) A regular skin examination by an experienced doctor is essential to early detection and management of skin cancer.

Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, brings his extensive knowledge and experience to Skin Cancer Assessment, Treatment and Surgery. Call Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009, or email bobby@bareaesthetics. com.au for an appointment today, or visit our website: www.bareaesthetics.com.au

Spring Health Feature

HEALTH

A J de Witte Counselling

Sanctuary Skincare & Beauty At Sanctuary Skincare & Beauty we take our clients' skin and health very seriously.

Which is why we chose professional ranges of makeup and skincare that suit all skin types and skin problems, that treat and heal the skin, rather than aggravate it. Between our ranges of Sothy's, Dermalogica and Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, we can match and suit every skin type, skin problem and busy schedule! The best part of our job is making people feel better about themselves, and Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics does exactly that.

Youngblood is a dynamic makeup range that breathes new life into your skin. It is formulated with A-grade minerals, and contains no parabens, no talc and is cruelty free. It was designed to be used on patients with post surgery scarring and severe skin problems, so it truly does treat and manage your skin, as well as provide a luxurious and beautiful cover.

We offer complimentary colour matches, and we do a full range of makeup services, including: skin and makeup programs, formal and special occasion makeovers, and also bridal makeup.

We often find ourselves out on location for brides and fashion shoots; it's all part of a day's work for us!

It was through a desire to refocus her life and continue to work with people in becoming the best that they possibly can that Audrey recently opened her own private counselling practice in the Great Lakes area.

Audrey has over 20 years' experience working in ‘people focused’ positions, both professionally and voluntary. In 2011 she obtained her Diploma of Counselling and is a member of the Australian Counselling Association. She also holds a Bachelor of Theology and believes in a holistic approach to helping people.

Audrey takes a creative and respectful approach to counselling, helping people to identify and strengthen stories of themselves that they may not have been aware of. She also takes the approach that problems are separate from people and assumes that each person has many skills, competencies, beliefs, values and abilities that will assist them to reduce the influence of the problems in their lives.

Audrey offers counselling in the following: • Personal issues • Relationships • Family relationships • Loss and grief • Bereavement following a suicide of a loved one • Ageing well and living fully Audrey offers private counselling, small group programs, and workshops. She also offers loss and grief workshops for employees of businesses and community groups.

manning-great lakes focus 43

Focus on Health with Dr Shaoliang ‘Richard’ He

Palliative care in General Practice.

Last year I worked at Calvary Mater Newcastle in oncology and palliative care.

This was good preparation for general practice in the Manning.

I requested the nursing staff to contact me anytime if needed over the weekend. The patient passed away peacefully on the Sunday, and the family seemed to be a lot more calm.

The World Health Organisation defines palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illness using early identification and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual”. However, some people have a misconception that palliative care simply helps people die earlier, without offering active treatments.

Pain relief is one part of the most important jobs in palliative care. Pain medications can be given orally or by infusion. The dose should be adjusted to the level where the patient feels comfortable.

Terminal disease may be very stressful to patients and their families and requires good communication all round. On one occasion, the daughter of a patient claimed to know nothing about her father’s terminal condition.

I was very surprised, because the patient had had lung cancer for several years. The patient’s wife explained the patient had never attended consults with his daughter. So I arranged a family meeting to discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan. As a result, I could see from their faces both the patient and his whole family had their stress reduced.

Another case, a few Fridays ago, involved a nursing home patient with a terminal illness who was unable to speak for herself. She had developed some pain and difficulty in breathing. On my arrival, the patient’s anxious daughter told me that the whole family had agreed they didn’t want to see their mother suffering any longer. After discussion of the patient’s advance directives and the family’s spiritual beliefs, I adjusted the medications to make the patient comfortable. Before I left the nursing home, although I was not on-call,

44 manning-great lakes focus.

Depending on the symptoms, supportive or active treatments can be provided, such as home oxygen, laxatives and anti-vomiting medications. Some patients require palliative surgery. For example, patients who are unable to swallow may have a feeding tube inserted through their abdominal wall into their stomach for food or fluid.

I believe palliative care treats the patient as a whole person, not just physical symptoms.

It is not uncommon that problems with their personal life or spiritual issues arise.

Sometimes cultural or social factors or a patient’s health beliefs make their care very complex. Depression and anxiety is often found in patients with terminal illnesses, or amongst their family or carers. I find all of these issues need to be balanced and discussed with the patient and their family. There is not always a right or wrong option in the difficult medical decisions required. Multidisciplinary team involvement and family meetings are an important basis for quality decisions and quality care.

Overall, I find palliative care a very rewarding combination of the art and science of medicine. It is a great honour to come to know a patient in all the different aspects of their life, and to assist the patient, with their loved ones, at this final stage of their journey together.

Phone: 02 6539 3600 Email: mayoprivate@healthecare.com.au Web: www.mayoprivate.com.au

serving the local community since 1922

Mayo Private Hospital manning-great lakes focus 45

Spring Health Feature

SEPTEMBER 2013

Treat yourself to some specialist para-medical treatments at Forster Beauty Therapy.

WITH TERRI

Forster Beauty Therapy Why do we use DMK Skincare in the salon? Our clients want results, and we can definitely achieve results.

What do you suggest to look after your skin heading into the warmer months? An in-salon maintenance treatment to cater to each and every skin type. Exfoliation and sun protection.

What are your most popular treatments? Enzyme therapy with DMK to revise your skin to a healthy state, Thalgo classical European facials, and DMKC and Youngblood mineral makeup for a flawless, air brush finish on ANY skin type. Medi-Pedi, a pedicure to chemically remove dead, hard and calloused skin without the use of blades. Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal for the face. Cosmetic Tattooing, permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, lip colour or colour correction. Eyebrow waxing, reshaping and correction; we pride ourselves on great looking brows.

What are your most popular products? Vitamin C – serum or powder targets increasing collagen production, therefore firming and hydrating the skin, whilst reducing pigment and scarring.

Vitamin A – is designed to gently remove dead skin cells whilst strengthening the skin. Transdermal 30+ sunblock, a light nongreasy, non-clogging moisturising base that’s great for under makeup too. Calerase – a cream for ingrown hairs, cracked heels and dry cuticles. Youngblood mineral powder foundation – quick, easy to apply, SPF 15 and looks stunning on the skin. Essie polishes – spectacular colour range that lasts and lasts on natural nails.

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

Justice is coming into your picture, and any past conflict that yet remains to be fixed, can be. The success of this situation depends on how well you earn to let go and move ahead in lightness. Be aware of your fears, so they no longer have power over you.

Citrine is great for cleansing and clearing.

PISCES. February 20 - March 20

Your sense of justice is being tested, as are your arbitration skills. Continue your gift of offering win/win solutions, as this is good preparation for career changes. You would benefit by journalising your dreams at present, as your dreams are increasing in meaning.

Aquamarine is very powerful for dream interpretation.

ARIES. March 21 - April 20

Total change to your current circumstances can be expected. It is a perfect time to spend time in reflection to help decide what changes you would like. In setting your goals, it would be of benefit to prioritize love and passion for living, to reconnect you with joy and gratitude.

Turquoise and Malachite will bring confidence and new love to your energy.

46 manning-great lakes focus.

September 24 - October 23

Until now your focus has predominantly been on pleasing others; now it is time for you to have what you want. The problem is you don’t know where to look or what to look for, because you have never been your priority. Set some goals and be aware of your intention or motive and enjoy your outcome.

Turquoise helps us reach our full potential.

Avoid negative thoughts about yourself, as this pattern will lead to sabotage and you could miss out on very nice rewards. Your sense of deserving is being tested and the higher your self-worth is, the more good luck you will attract.

Selenite is powerful for shattering negative thoughts and creating abundance.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

June 23 - July 23 Ju

Justice is coming into play for you finally.

You can anticipate all kinds of new influences in your reality. Own your life when you live by choice, not chance, and watch how the universe rewards you. You can expect a confession or words that confirm what you previously suspected.

Ruby releases fear so we can embrace change happily.

October 24 - November 22

You are embarking on a journey of self-discovery through the influence of another person.

Love yourself enough to heal past hurts, and this will release your fear that love may not last. Soothing energy can be anticipated for weeks. Enjoy.

Moonstone helps wash away our fears and brings change to cycles.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

July 24 - August 23

November 23 - December 21

You will be likely to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the connection of another being. This relationship will have a calming effect on your energy, and much fun and laughter can be anticipated. This friendship will be likely to be a life-long one. Enjoy.

Watermelon Tormaline enhances friendship, laughter and playful energy.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Be patient and keep focused on the love of what you are pursuing. Avoid making choices or changes when you are feeling negative, as this could easiy lead to sabotage. Instead try visualising your outcome to reconnect you with your passion, and feel the excitement of what is to come.

Ruby is good for patience and passion.

LIBRA.

You have outgrown your old beliefs in life so instead of being comforted by them, you are feeling trapped. Now is a good time to reestablish some new rules or regulations to live by. Try debating your old beliefs to bring new ones into your reality.

Citrine shatters negativity and attracts an abundance of good luck.

Your restless energy and itchy feet have been for a very good reason. You are having some major shifts to your foundations in life. You are learning to trust in your ability to support yourself adequately. Remain positive, so negative sabotage cannot be a part of your reality.

Ruby strengthens our self-love and keeps us feeling safe through change.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

You are such great teachers, and your ability to share information is growing. Enjoy the opportunities the universe is placing in your path as success breeds success and the more confident you become, the more you will be rewarded. Hear your wise words, as these are also your answers.

Turquoise will enhance self-esteem and confidence.

doctor if you wish to transfer. Transfers can be arranged by

resembles a health club and enjoys a similar atmosphere,

contacting the hospital on 02 6555 1333.

with everyone working towards the same goal of wellness.

First Class Private Patient Services

Forster Private Hospital Day Rehabilitation is perfect for

When it comes to your health you expect the very best. FPH

patients who have recently been discharged from Forster

is committed to providing the highest quality of service to our

Private Hospital but need ongoing treatment. You can

private patients – whether insured or paying for treatment.

continue working with the staff and surroundings you’ve

You will be looked after by your doctor of choice and

come to know well. Our day rehabilitation services are

At Forster Private Hospital we understand the importance of providing our community with rapid services. So with this in mind Forster Private Hospital provides affordable and accessible services for people with private health insurance

receive the highest possible level of nursing care available.

also available to any members of the general community

As a private patient at FPH we make every effort to ensure

who have been referred by their doctors.

that you are as comfortable as possible during your stay.

Veterans

With this in mind we provide you with all the conveniences

and for those who wish to pay themselves.

As a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran partnering

you would expect from a private facility. Forster Private

hospital, DVA patients have immediate access to our care,

Admission Process

Hospital offers a high standard of accommodation with both

in most cases without the need for prior approval. We

shared and private rooms available. All our private patients

also provide help and support through our Veteran Liaison

are provided with en suite facilities, Wi-Fi internet and

Officer/Discharge Planner.

FORSTER PRIVATE HOSPITAL At Forster Private Hospital it’s all about you. You’ll find a professional & caring environment, with spotlessly clean rooms, and staff who treat you like a real person.

We pride ourselves in providing quality healthcare and medical excellence; combining the technology of the future, with the values of the past.

Your doctor arranges admission to FPH. For elective admissions you will be given appropriate forms to complete and return to the hospital prior to your admission.

Our Bookings staff will let you know what time to arrive, and fasting time if you are scheduled for surgery. The admissions staff will contact you to confirm these details on

digital television. Once admitted, you can keep in touch with family, friends and the office with the telephone provided

Partnering with Hunter New England Health Service

in your room. If you need the use of a fax machine or any

Hunter New England Health Service and Forster Private

other facilities just ask and we will arrange this for you.

Hospital now provide public inpatient hospital beds

the evening before your admission to hospital. For more

Day Rehabilitation Services

urgent or immediate admission the documentation can

Day Rehabilitation is designed for people who don’t require

be completed after your arrival. Our administration and

24 hour nursing care but need regular treatment to fully

nursing staff will be available to assist you and your family.

recover after an illness or injury. Day rehabilitation programs

Although we do not have an Accident and Emergency

are individually tailored for you based on the professional

Department, you may be admitted to Forster Private

assessments of our team of rehabilitation specialists.

Hospital after being assessed in a Public Hospital. Ask your

With our updated gym and pool, our rehabilitation unit

at Forster Private Hospital. As a Public Patient you will be provided with basic public hospital medical or rehabilitation treatment in a shared room and separate ward with shared facilities, but with your care taking place right here in the local community. Patients can be admitted directly by their doctor or via transfer from a public hospital. For more information please call 02 6555 1333 or speak to your doctor.

Forster Private Hospital focus on delivering high standards of patient care in a friendly & approachable manner. We’ll always have time for you, so come & talk to us, find out how we can help. medical and nursing treatment at home. At present, the

North Coast Community Care

Hospital in the Home (HITH)

Sometimes just a little help makes all the difference. Even if a government funded community care package is not available or suitable for you, NCCC can still help you live more comfortably at home.

The Forster Private, Hospital In the Home (HITH) program,

Programs are tailored to your needs and can assist with personal and domestic care. Many of our clients get support with things such as personal hygiene, mobility, continence and end of life care. We can also help with those day-to-day domestic chores, such as vacuuming, dusting, gardening and maintenance, washing and ironing to ensure you can live more comfortably. Our commitment to helping you maintain your independence includes respect for your privacy, dignity and freedom of choice.

Please call one of our friendly staff who will be able to assist you with your enquiries 1300 381 469.

soon as possible. Partnering with North Coast Community

WOUND CARE

Care, the HITH service provides appropriate patients with

CELLULITIS

the choice of receiving hospital quality medical treatment

PNEUMONIA

in their own home (or nursing home) as an alternative

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

to acute hospital admission or prolonged hospital stay,

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

is an innovative new private service being offered. For many people, the thought of being admitted to Hospital is quite daunting and many would prefer to return home as

with the aim of promoting a more rapid recovery. Patients admitted to the HITH service will be managed as if they were an inpatient in the Hospital and the service is covered

HITH service offers care and treatment to appropriate patients requiring the following treatments: INTRAVENOUS ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY ANTICOAGULATION THERAPY

BRONCHITIS AND ASTHMA URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

by most Health Funds. Each day, one of the specialist

Other as determined by your Doctor.

HITH team members will visit the patient to supervise their

For enquiries please call 02 6555 1333.

Ph. (02) 6555 1333 / 29 South Street, Forster / enquiries please visit www.forsterprivate.com.au manning-great lakes focus 47

JOIN FOR

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Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre Manning River Dr, Taree North NSW 2430 P 02 6550 0500 ymcansw.org.au/malc

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Spring Health Feature

HEALTH

Dr GUY

Taree Eyewear Taree Eyewear has joined VSP Neighbourhood Eyecare, a network representing over 360 independent Optometric Practices across Australia. VSP Neighbourhood Eyecare is included in Medibank’s Members' Choice optical network, making Taree Eyewear a preferred provider with access to extra benefits for their patients with Medibank private health insurance.

Taree Eyewear is a locally owned and operated independent eyecare specialist. Servicing the Manning Valley for over 30 years, their extensive range of eyewear suits all walks of life. This, combined with their old school customer service, makes you feel welcome and that your eye health is in excellent hands. Taree Eyewear recommend regular eye exams, so serious eye and health conditions can be detected before they become a problem.

With the use of an iPad or Zeiss iTerminal, they can video or take a photo of your new frame choices so you can easily see your new selection and can even email them to your friends or family for a second opinion.

Mark and Carol recently returned from Australia’s bi-annual optical showcase in Brisbane – ODMAFair – and are now stocked up with many of the new release spring collections.

So, call in and have a browse at 17 Manning St, Taree, or give them a call on 6552 5570.

HINGSTON.

Recently, we caught up with Dr Guy in Port Macquarie… ‘Success is to Give’ lease tell us a bit about yourself ...

I am a young middle aged surgeon with over 15 years post-Fellowship surgical experience, having served the Mid North Coast population since arriving in Port Macquarie back in 2003. My wife, Helen, and I have enjoyed bringing up our five sons, although we have been saddened to see our older two fly the nest.

P

especi ciial alllly aass I know kn now disease process is tantamount to me – especially o well the problems of presenting late with cancer only too cancer.

You specialise in breast reduction and reconstructive surgery. Why is this particular type of surgery growing among young and older women today?

As the finer details of oncoplastic breast surgery becomes more understood and accepted, women are becoming less I have particularly enjoyed making a positive contribution to keen to put up with the back and shoulder discomfort and our regional community in many ways, and find that helping headaches caused by carrying around a few extra kilos on others continues to be very important to me (my motto: the front of their chest. Likewise, they are also less likely to Success is to Give). I enjoy golf, cycling and snow skiing with bear the long term physical and psychological scars caused friends and family and have lost nearly 20 kg in weight since I by losing a breast to cancer when we now have a number first arrived in 2003 – which has been a struggle, of surgical breast reconstruction options locally given my partiality to a glass of fine NZ available to them in the public and private Pinot Noir or local Hastings beer (when health sector. Positive lifelong changes I am not on call, that is!) are a result of these types of surgical st M o re th an ju interventions, and more and more , g I am currently getting my head in ca n ce r sc re en women now see that these benefits around social media and have al ly th er e ar e ac tu vastly outweigh the personal risks recently made a beginners th in gs m an y p ro ve n and costs of surgery. entry to Tumblr, Blogger & WordPress, although I prefer speaking to groups face to face, particularly about their own preventive health care needs (www.drguy.com.au).

to th at w e ca n d o g fr o m in er ff p re ve n t su e, an d an ea rl y d em is o u t ab g n af te r th in ki th at o u r th is , I re al is ed a se rv ic e b o d ie s n ee d ed o u r ke m an u al , ju st li ca rs d o .

Dr Guy, as well as being a highly respected surgeon you are also an author and have published two books. What are these about, and why did you decide to write them?

In 1993, Dr Mandel et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine that bowel cancer screening reduces the death rate from bowel cancer in a community by one third.

However, it was not until my mother-in-law developed bowel cancer that I realised that I needed to give more attention to prevention and teach the community what I had learned in my own studies to become a cancer surgeon.

More than just cancer screening, there are actually many proven things that we can do to prevent suffering from an early demise, and after thinking about this, I realised that our bodies needed a service manual, just like our cars do. Hence the Gold Book preventive health service manuals came into being. These are now being used successfully to empower people to personally systematise their own preventive health needs (see www.gold-book.com.au). Now that I have operated on over 500 women with breast cancer, the need for catching this and other diseases early in the course of the

Tell us about your clinic here on the Mid North Coast?

My work revolves around helping over 1,000 new cases each year, offering them advice and surgical assistance as required.

Breast reduction, breast reconstruction and breast cancer surgery are my particular subspecialty interests, but I also provide significant assistance with breast and bowel cancer screening and surgery – including colonoscopy. I also enjoy performing laparoscopic hernia repairs (key hole surgery) as well as thyroidectomy to those with thyroid disorders.

Being a TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) player is very important to me, particularly while working with the theatre operating teams at Wauchope and Kempsey, Port Macquarie Base and Port Macquarie Private Hospitals, as well as helping train the next generation of medical students and surgical registrars who rotate through our region.

Over the last few years, I have also enjoyed brief stints in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and East Timor providing surgical cover for the Australian Defence Force troops temporarily based overseas.

To find out more or to contact Dr Guy, visit him on Facebook, his website www.breastreduction.com.au or www.gold-book.net

manning-great lakes focus 49

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o Shane, tell us a bit about yourself and growing up in the local area?

Well, I was lucky enough to live at Seal Rocks Lighthouse for 8 years of my life until I was 14, when I moved into Forster. These days I live in Tuncurry with my wife, Rhonda, and 2 beautiful children, Millie and Curtis. I do love the area and can't see myself moving anywhere in the near future.

When did you first discover that you had an interest/talent for photography?

Back in the '90s I had a surfing mate, Ian Stewart, who was a well known surf photographe, and seeing some of the images he would get is where my interest in photography started. I spent some time working on a tuna long line boat, where I bought my first good quality Canon SLR. I started shooting a lot of photos at every chance I could get and soon started getting some feedback that I have a 'good eye' for photography. At the time, my mum thought it was a little crazy of me to have spent over $1,000 on a camera, but she agrees now that it was a very good decision to have made such a large purchase.

Tell us about your photography business?

We cover a wide variety of photography, including weddings, portraits, newborns, commercial, real estate, aerial and landscapes – as well as fishing and unique images of the natural wonders of our area, such as underwater and wave action. We are unique in that our business is home based, allowing great flexibility to meet and work with clients.

We have a fully equipped studio designed for intimate newborn photography, staff photos and product shots.

50 manning-great lakes focus.

I have a wonderful team. Apart from me, there’s Mel, our second photographer (who shoots weddings, portraits and specialises in newborn baby photos), and my wife Rhonda, who takes care of administration, marketing and our website, as well as keeping the whole machine running smoothly!

What are your camera and lenses of choice at the moment – and why do you find these suit your particular needs?

My camera of choice is a Canon EOS 1D mark 4. This is a great, fast camera and is capable of shooting 10 frames a second, which is handy for shooting fast moving subjects like breaking waves, surfers and wild life. I have a variety of lenses that all have a time and place where they are the best lens for the job at hand. I also have an Aqua Tech purpose built water housing, which allows me to take my camera into the ocean environment where there are endless photographic opportunities.

You have won quite a few awards for your photography; please share some details?

I am very proud to say that since 2010 I have won 32 national and international awards in various categories, where the standard is judged against the best in the industry.

One of my highlights was being awarded a silver award in the wedding section in the very competitive AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) State Awards this year. You can view my awards on my website at www.shanechalkerphotography.com under the awards section.

Favourite thing to photograph?

It is hard to pinpoint a favourite. I love it all. I feel so privileged to be able to do what I love as my work and business. I am truly grateful. Sharing a couple's wedding day with them is really special. When I show them the end product and it exceeds their expectations, it's a great feeling. Capturing photos of barrelling waves is another part of my photography I always enjoy; the water has been so clear lately, so I've been trying to capture the beauty of a breaking wave from under the water.

Also working as the photographer for Fishing World magazine often makes for some fun shoots in great locations. I recently did a flight from Port Macquarie to Seal Rocks to collect a portfolio of aerial images of the local area; I got a magic day with brilliant, clear blue water and super clear skies, which made for a great collection of photos. So yes, I have a lot of favourite things to photograph.

What’s your ultimate goal with photography – where would you like to see your skill take you in future?

I've had a lot of my work published in magazines and newspapers, both nationally and internationally. But it would be amazing to one day have one of my photos in the National Geographic. Maybe to do some more travelling to cool locations with the Fishing World magazine; that would be great.

I also want to continue to constantly strive

to better my results in every photo taken and achieve the optimum product for my clients.

Any advice for anyone wanting to become a photographer?

Being a professional photographer isn't an easy way to make a living; it's a lot of hard work, but worth every bit of effort. It has taken a long time for me and my team to get the business to where it is today. I've attended a lot of seminars, where I have gained a wealth of knowledge and would recommend this for any up and coming photographers. The part of photography that a lot of people don't realise is the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.

Anything exciting coming up?

I have an exciting new project coming up, collaborating with Amaroo Cruises. I will be hosting a whale photographic workshop aimed at the amateur photographer. The cruise will be on the afternoon of Sunday 20 October, and I will be giving a talk with tips and techniques on taking photos of whales, what to look for etc.

It will be an extended trip making for plenty of time with the whales, so if you are interested in finding out more information, please don't hesitate to contact myself or Amaroo Cruises.

How can people contact you?

You can follow our photography on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ shanechalkerphotography. Visit our website at www.shanechalkerphotography.com Email: info@shanechalkerphotography.com Phone: (02) 6555 6004 Thanks Shane.

Spring Health Feature

HEALTH

TIPS + TRICKS With Michelle Young

I’m about to go back to work for the first time since having my children.

For the last 12 years, it’s been school canteen, kids, sport and the occasional coffee date. Now that I’m heading into the world again, I feel like I’ve completely lost touch with how I should look.

A: Returning to the workforce can be stressful enough, without feeling like you have to look a certain way – especially considering that it takes less than 8 seconds for someone to make a first impression of you. This means you must make that first impression count. The first (and hardest) step is recognising your own personal style. Once you have

achieved this, the rest is easy. Taking into account your lifestyle, just by having a few staple pieces you can add mix ‘n’ match items to create a whole new wardrobe that will take you through the seasons. Experiment with colour and textures; take yourself out of your comfort zone. You are only limited by your imagination.

Q: I’ve noticed that my foundation is making me look pale and washed out, and I can’t find an in-between colour. Should I just be buying a new foundation for every season?

A: Trying to find a perfectly matched foundation for the changing seasons can seem like a nightmare. But, it doesn’t have to be. Rather than buying new makeup for every season, combine a little of your winter foundation with a small amount of your darker summer foundation to create your perfect colour.

Just remember: when testing a new colour, never check it on the back of your hand. Always put a small amount on your jaw line. If the colour blends perfectly with no obvious line, then you have the perfect match.

Q: I’m 35 and have just started a job in advertising that has me meeting

with clients all day and attending social events at night. Rather than going home to change or taking a whole new outfit to change into, what can I do to make this easier?

A: Now that the days are starting to warm up and the nights are becoming bearable, spring is the perfect time to layer. Invest in a good pair of black pants.

These can be worn with almost anything, will never date and can be purchased on any budget. For day, team them up with a V-neck t-shirt in one of the season’s hottest new colours. This is a perfect way to bring your own personality into the outfit, while still keeping it professional.

Add a fitted black jacket and a pair of pointy shoes (yep, the '90s are making a comeback) and you have a funky, fresh look. To take it into the night, swap the T-shirt for a gorgeous silk shirt, trade the tote for a cute clutch, and voila! Your look is complete.

the plug!

Do you have a fashion, makeup or beauty question? Email our professional stylist and makeup artist Michelle Young from Forever Young Management at michelleyoungfym@live.com

manning-great lakes focus 51

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OL E OLD BAR ID WINNING TH N EP 2012, WITH A CONTEST IN EW E LT A N D A N UNDER HIS B KE E W O R K S , JA ALBUM IN TH T S HE BRIGHTE D AV E Y H A S T M IN AHEAD OF HI OF FUTURES D U S T RY …

THE MUSIC IN

H

i Jake. Where W did you grow up and go to school?

Hey Jo! I was born and bred in Taree, and I am currently attending Taree High School as a Year 11 student.

Tell us a bit about your family background and some of your memories of growing up in the area ...

Music is a huge part of my family’s life. With music in our veins, it’s only natural that if we can’t sing it or play it, we listen to it!

Some of my favourite memories would have to be when I started performing around the Manning. Sharing the experience of music within the community is something I have always been passionate about, and I have spent the last 2 years or so focusing more on it. The reason I’m able to live each day living and breathing music is because of my family, who were always there and still are … every step of the way supporting me and believing in what I love to do.

When and how did your interest in music first begin?

Christmas 2002 when I was 6, Mum and Dad bought me my first ever acoustic guitar! I felt instantly connected! Over the years, rarely a day passed by where I didn’t play! I was always learning and trying new things; I still am. Every single day brings a new lesson! Then at the age of 12, I decided to give singing a go. My songwriting then evolved out of the combination of singing and playing guitar.

What training/coaching have you had in both guitar and voice?

Over the time that I have been learning and using my instruments, guitar and vocals, I have had a wide variety of teachers and mentors, each bringing their own unique style to the role.

52 manning-great lakes focus.

What styles of music do you most like to play – and have to be sound engineering; however, my passion lies why? first and foremost with performing. I’m extremely excited My favourite style of music that I play would have to be to explore all aspects and career opportunities within the Acoustic Rock, as I find it extremely engaging. With a mix music industry. of my stomp box, loop pedal and guitar, I’m able Where can people go to listen to and/or purto create a solid sound. Being a soloist, this chase your music, or see you play? makes the crowd quite intrigued! www.JakeDaveyMusic.com being my Where do you get the inspiration main website will keep you up to from to write your songs? date with information regarding r Winning Old Ba My songwriting is inspired by all types of events and releases ge Idol was a hu what I see, hear and feel. Masthat occur. I have accounts on e m r fo stepping stone e sive inspirations come from Ed th a variety of social networking e m ed w and has allo ge Sheeran and Pete Murray. When websites, such as: Instagram, ga en to ce confiden e or m it comes to songwriting, I don’t Facebook, Soundcloud and I a on ly al music in the ith w s like to stick to one genre; I like update my YouTube channel si ba r la gu re to mix it up and try new things all frequently. community.” the time. I am in the midst of writMy current EP, entitled My Place, ing my very first album, and I am so is available on iTunes (digital), or if excited to release new material! you prefer to own a hard copy, Leading Describe the experience you had enterEdge Music Taree has them for sale. Also, I ing (and winning) the Old Bar Idol contest in have them for sale at all of my shows.

2012 ...

An album is in the works! I play at a lot of differMy main motivation for entering the competition ent local cafés, restaurants and clubs. The best way to was to surround myself with musicians! The event had find out where I’m playing is to head to Facebook or my a positive energy that remained constant throughout. It website. was fantastic to see the variety of talent that the Manning Final words …

Valley has on show.

This year I have had the pleasure to open the show for Winning Old Bar Idol was a huge stepping stone for me artists such as Rick Price, Travis Collins and Lauren Wheatand has allowed me the confidence to engage musically ley, just to name a few. I’m so grateful for the opportunion a more regular basis within the community. ties that have been offered to me over the past year and So, where to now for you? What are your musical would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my aspirations? journey so far!

In the process of deciding my path of study after the I have secured a set at the Wingham Akoostik Festival HSC next year, musically there are so many choices. It’s on the 19 - 20 October and also at the Lakeside Festival in going to be interesting trying to nail it down to one or Tuncurry on 2 November. two courses, that’s for sure. The most appealing would Thanks Jake.

“

Thinking about higher education study options can be confusing and there is lots of information scattered across the internet.

ions With applicat ty si er iv n for u urses and TAFE co open, w no 14 for 20 some do to itís time consider research annds w ww. your optio nipor tal. tu as midco com.au ”

“

The Mid Coast Uni Portal was created specifically for students (and prospective students) living on the Mid North Coast, to encourage them to consider expanding their horizons through studying at university or TAFE. The portal contains lots of information about various study programs offered face-to-face, by distance or online. It also gives key advice and information about what to expect when you study at uni or TAFE, the benefits of choosing to study locally or alternatively moving away to

study, and what to expect if you choose to learn through a distance or online course.

To keep up to date with new programs, events or other developments in higher education on the Mid North Coast you can click ëlike on the Mid Coast Uni Portals Facebook page or register to receive regular e-newsletters.

With applications for university and TAFE courses for 2014 now open, it's time to do some research and to consider your options. Why not try the www.midcoastuniportal.com.au for starters. There's links to the portals TAFE and university partners websites so finding the right course to suit your needs has never been easier.

CSU Excellence Scholarship The transition from school to university

number is important,” Patrick said.

has been made easy for CSU Excellence

Originally from Tasmania, Patrick said the

Scholarship recipient Patrick Boyle.

scholarship would help support his studies

As a school leaver, Patrick was delighted

and contribute to living expenses and the

to learn that he was eligible to apply for

cost of travel to his new home in Port

a scholarship for his chosen course, CSU’s

Macquarie.

Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) at

The close-knit community and support of

the university’s campus in Port Macquarie.

Patrick’s lecturers has made his transition to

Patrick said CSU appealed to him as it is well

university easier.

recognised for its Paramedics course and has

“The uni has a really good set-up for this

a strong focus on student support.

course. Smaller classes mean closer peers and

“When I received my offers, I chose CSU over

lecturers and living in Port Macquarie is really

the bigger unis, because in the profession

nice, so that’s a little bonus too.”

which I am going into, smaller class sizes and

For more information, visit: www.csu.edu.

an environment where you are a name, not a

au/4me or phone 1300 135 435.

manning-great lakes focus 53

focusabode.

GREATER G GREA TER R PORT RT MACQUAR MAC MACQUARIE QUAR Q RIE

property p roperty g guide uide

Barry Pfister B u i l d i n g

Chrissy Jones had the privilege of being shown through three homes constructed by Barry Pfister Building Pt Ltd. They are a display of the exceptional quality of build given by Barry and his team of highly skilled tradesmen every time.

F r o m t h e B u i ld er

90 Glenelg, Seascape

Barry Pfister Building Pty Ltd Barry Pfister Building Pty Ltd is a local business servicing the Manning and Great Lakes for over 15 years. Our company has been fortunate enough to work with a diverse range of architects, designers and clientele, each having their own stamp or finishing touch on their design, whether that is the use of natural rammed earth or blue stone walls or creating solid energy efficient homes.

With the use of a diverse range of building products, combined with our quality craftsmanship, we are able to create unique energy efficient homes that give comfort and ultimate satisfaction all year round.

What do you specialise in?

With the owners in mind at all times, our flexibility allows us to specialise in all aspects of the cottage industry, from small renovations and first home buyers to architectural designed homes.

A major part of our business is being team focused and orientated on our clients’ needs. From the initial consultation we are able to get a feel for the owner’s requirements and expectations, we then use this knowledge in the construction process to deliver their new home as smoothly as possible.

Barry Pfister Building is a close knit hands on family run company, offering an uncompromising service. If you are after a builder to guide you through the building process, contact us on 6555 5883 or 0409 749 699, or check out our new website.

A spacious two storey residence, taking full advanYou chose Barry Pfister to build your home. How has tage of its sloping elevation, stunning ocean views it been working with him and his team? are readily available from all vantage points. The Exceptional. His ‘subbies’ were excellent. Very willing to ground floor is self contained, an ideal locale for accept ideas and feedback, and they were fussy about doguests, having 2 large bedrooms, and well appointing quality work. They took pride in their workmanship. ed amenities.

Did you have any specific requirements?

Handcrafted Blackbutt timber stairs The house is north facing with a view over the beach lead to the 2nd level foyer, right is and ocean. Our Architectural Designer made full the Master Bedroom boasting use of this in his design, with the provision the unrestricted views to Diamond house must be energy efficient. Another item has Beach from its private balcony “ Our lifestyle was a simple small goods lift. Now my wife h, I uc m so d and en-suite. ge can get her shopping upstairs, while I play a an ch to ve ha Left is an expansive open es little more golf. sometim plan living area combining ” How does your new home suit your pinch myself. lounge, dining, kitchen and lifestyle? front balcony and side deck Upon retirement we moved from Sydney to areas.

Seascape. It was a complete sea change, with Modwood and a glass balustrade the added benefit of a well-built lovely new home surrounds the 3m sq plunge pool, installed in an area with exceptionally friendly people, where the

by Essential Pools on the side deck. With access nearest golf course is five minutes away and a walk to the from the kitchen/dining, the pool area is a fantastic beach is 300 metres. The garden is low maintenance with entertainment alcove. The remainder of the home lawns only roadside, so our leisure time is maximised. Our comprises study with rear yard access, 2nd bedroom lifestyle has changed so much, I sometimes have to pinch and bathroom. myself.

Due to the home’s north facing aspect and straWould you recommend Barry other prospective home tegically placed louvre windows allowing directional builders? airflow, no air-conditioning is needed, the home Without any hesitation. We have full confidence that he maintains a stable temperature all year round. and his team will do an excellent job.

54 manning-great lakes focus.

F rom the Ow ne r

focusabode.

F r o m t h e A r c h i t ec t Angus Laurie JAL Architectural Draft + Design The building is informed by the site;

modern living.

The design epitomises best practice solar

Viison Kitchens had the pleasure of creat-

Additional features include an abundance of space saving soft close drawers, brushed

passive design. Glazing is maximised to the

ing the kitchen for this outstanding multi lev-

aluminium kickboards, soft lighting under the

north, therefore catching the winter sun

el home in Redhead. Designer Raphael Kunzli

top cabinets, that all add to create a relaxed

commanding magnificent views north up

while the eaves and fixed louvres exclude the

the coastline and with a gentle slope to the

summer sun.

north, it makes the most of its position. Two

From Viision Kitchens

Floor construction for both levels is

of Viison put mind to task, working closely with the owners to achieve this gorgeous, yet extremely practical galley style kitchen.

happy open living space.

Extra attention to detail was taken into account to achieve the ‘dumb waiter’ to link the

main skillion pavilions have a flat roof link

reinforced concrete, that provides excellent

that contains the kitchen that opens out to

thermal mass that has a passive tempering

the pool deck. The master bedroom suite is

effect on the building’s internal temperature

expressed in a box form over the garage that

– essentially making it cooler in summer and

30 mm thick white engineered quartz bench-

space of this home is surrounded by magnifi-

warmer in winter.

tops featuring slab ends running to the floor.

cent ocean and pool views from the kitchen,

Finished off with a stunning toughened glass

dining and lounge areas, complementing this truly beautiful home.

breaks up the skillion aesthetic.

An integral aspect of the design is the pool

Well done to Barry and his tradespeople for

Tones of warm grey, aluminium and frosted glass were used for the cabinetry, topped by

position on the upper level, which provides

the construction of this house, which I hope

splashback in Red Coat featuring a ‘sprinkle

a resort feel and an integrated response to

will be truly enjoyed for many years to come.

of sparkle’ added to the paint colour.

downstairs kitchenette for those busier times when family and friends visit. Viison also supplied the laundry, study, and TV unit. The living

manning-great lakes focus 55

focusabode.

B a r r y P f i s t er B u i l d i n g

TOSCAN HOMES

9 G l e n elg , S ea s c a p e This home caters for the owner's retirement, having a disabled member of the family, ease of access and comfort is a priority. From the extra wide doorways, stairs and halls to the elevator, placement of cabinetry plus an open plan living area, nothing has been left to chance in the design.

Floor to ceiling glass walls, from G James Glass & Aluminium, open two sides of the living area to bring the outdoors in, providing a magnificent entertaining area tin an ideal position to capture superb ocean views. The 'louvrespan' system installed by All Coast Patios above the balcony is ingenious; being constructed in 4 sections, each can be individually automatically opened or closed to accommodate weather conditions. Stainless steel support beams have been sourced from

56 manning-great lakes focus.

B M Steel, adding to the strength and modern look of the structure.

The home comprises two levels. Downstairs has two bedrooms, sitting room and laundry, plus bathroom with bath and shower amenities. Upstairs has Master Bedroom with en-suite, home office and open plan kitchen, dining and lounge room.

Barry's personal touches to his builds are an added bonus to his clients. An exceptional example of this is the custom made Western Red Cedar panel lift door on the garage. From the streetscape the door is striking, adding to the tones of the exterior rendered brick and steel facade trim from Rivercity Sheetmetal and low maintenance landscaped gardens.

Generous in proportion, the home is a masterpiece of collaboration between all parties, owner, builder and architect.

From the Owner

“ Our main

of the great outlook of e to requirements wer the block of land at You chose Barry Pfister eat make use of the gr Seascape and to have to build your home. k of outlook of the bloc a house that would How has it been and serve the limited land at Seascape working with Barry at mobility of one of us. and his team? to have a house th limited These were met by Very good; we are would serve the � . us of e an open plan upstairs; on of really happy. Barry takes mobility we have a magnificent pride in his work and is uninterrupted view from committed to high quality. He our living room, kitchen area is pleasant to deal with, flexible and verandah, all of which form and keen to provide a home that meets one large area. We have an elevator between the particular requirements of the owner, even the two floors of the house, which is very if this requires some changes mid-course. practical.

We always felt he was working in our How does your new home suit your interest. Also, he is mindful of a budget and is lifestyle? keen to minimise costs where possible.

We love the feeling of space and the Did you have any specific requirements? continuity with the bushland and sea outside.

Our main requirements were to make use

focusabode.

Barry Pfister B u i l d i n g

Fr o m t h e A r c h i t ec t Howard Young/LRY Architects We were engaged by our clients to have a look at a block of land they had bought in the Seascape subdivision at Fig Tree Hill, Red Head.

For the new home their brief was simple – exploit the views to their full potential.

Our approach was to plan for an upside down house with the living accommodation upstairs; this would enable the best vantage point for taking in the view. The initial concept was that the first floor would be a lightweight and extensively glazed open plan living with the ground floor platform being more solid and enclosed with bedrooms and service areas. This evolved to owners' accommodation and living at the upper

level and guest and service areas at the lower.

The living area is located in pole position for the views and sunlight. Full height glazing on 2 sides of the room allow for a panoramic view of the landscape and beach, and retractable full height sliding doors enable a seamless indoor/ outdoor connection with an expansive terrace area. The whole of the first floor area is enclosed by a common flat roof which cantilevers out over the terrace area and transforms into an adjustable louvered roof.

We felt that whilst exploiting the views outwards we should provide privacy within and protect our clients from a fishbowl type existence where they would also be on display from outside. We achieved this in the setback of

living areas and the use of solid balustrade as a privacy screen.

It is unusual that you do feel cocooned in the house, whilst at the same time enjoying these amazing views.

From Viision Kitchens This home was the perfect palette for Raphael Kunzli of Viison kitchens to lend his flair in the design of this shmick streamlined kitchen. With hues of the ocean views in mind, the inclusion of handleless doors and soft close drawers in painted 2 pac white satin were set atop with 20 mm thick engineered quartz benchtops in the colour Haze, teamed with a blue/green seamless glass splashback.

Tucked away to one end of the kitchen is a

butler's pantry hiding away any preparation mess and easy access for food storage. Hidden under the wall cabinetry is a concealed 900 mm wide range-hood, along with the use of stainless steel appliances to complement the glass and window frames. A huge expanse of glass is used in this home to capture the green rolling hills and views over the ocean at Seascape.

Viison were contracted to do the vanities for the en-suite and main bathroom, along with the laundry, which incorporates a vanity basin to one end as the room also incorporates a shower and WC. This home oozes space and style, with the kitchen showcasing an easy care, open plan, family friendly home.

focusabode.

B a r r y P f is t e r B u i l d i n g

“ A wonderful

4 0 H i lls i d e P a r a d e , E l izabe th Be ach Rammed earth walls, angled ceiling lines, varying window configurations and external wall claddings, all combine to present a solar passive design. The home has self contained accommodation incorporating a kitchenette, bathroom and living area on the ground floor and under stair storage and a cellar space.

The top floor is open plan, the kitchen, dining and lounge spanning the front of the home, divided overhead by varied ceiling

58 manning-great lakes focus.

lines. A curved timber balcony provides a pleasant alfresco dining area off the kitchen.

A home office, 2nd bedroom, well appointed bathroom, separate laundry, plenty of hallway storage and an inviting sitting room placed at the rear of the home overlooking the back deck, complete the home and tick all the boxes.

F rom the Architect -

Ian Sercombe

The owners were fortunate enough to find a vacant block of land with a northerly aspect and views to the ocean, Wallis Lake and Booti

part of the design is the secluded Parents' Retreat located at the rear of the home. �

Booti National Park. With such a magnificent natural setting, they were keen to create a home that responded to this environment; they had a desire for a contemporary home that took advantage of the views and was designed to be cool in the summer and warm throughout the winter, without having to rely on mechanical systems.

The clients were adamant about the

quality and value of the build. Enter Barry Pfister.

With a reputation for craftsmanship, as well as constructing homes to budget, Barry and his team were a perfect fit for this project.

The primary living spaces and master bedroom have been arranged to all face the north and are staggered slightly so each space catches the cooling summer north-easterly

focusabode.

Ba rry Pfister B u i l d i n g

breezes. A generous deck flows from the kitchen area and maximises the two water views.

A central feature in the home is a two storey rammed earth wall that surrounds the main stair and soars up into the living and dining spaces. Built from crushed sandstone, the rammed earth provides an excellent thermal mass that assists in controlling the internal temperature passively as well as being strikingly beautiful. Barry and his team worked seamlessly with the contractor to ensure the rammed earth stands as a remarkable centrepiece in the home.

Locally sourced Blackbutt flooring is used throughout, which complements the warmth of the rammed earth.

High level glazing over the dining room ensures a deep penetration of natural light into the home.

The exterior is clad with a composition of weatherboard and custom-orb with the basement level finished in rendered brickwork. The astute placement of large eaves and awnings ensures minimal summer sun enters the home, but allows it to fill the spaces over the winter months.

This wonderful home is the product of a combination of an insightful client and an architect and builder with a passion for modern, energy efficient well crafted buildings.

the plug!

Barry Pfister Building Pty Ltd, Forster Ph: 6555 5883 Mobile: 0409 749 699

manning-great lakes focus 59

focuseditorial.

with Amanda Priester from Coasting Home

AmandaPriester

E M O H m a e r D

S A E ID

T

his is probably a great way to narrow down what the 20 most important features your dream home would have.

Don’t be confined buying physical things, but remember that emotional connections are important too. The final feel or ambience of the result will only enhance the effort you put in.

Here are some suggestions to help you on your way ...

Where … Where would your dream home be located: is it on land surrounded by bush, with running water and a view from a hill?

you have into this place ... well, maybe without the view?

With whom ... Is it a family home with rooms for each one of you, and a central family space to come together?

On your own with a pet to keep you company? With friends who will share your life experiences?

Is it ... Modern and minimalist, after years of clutter, pared back and refined, strong lines and surfaces?

What things do you love that oved will be either m d in or bought , an ing go ey th where are to go?”

“

Is it overlooking the coast with a short walk to the beach, which you would make time to enjoy?

Is it an apartment in the city, handy to trains, planes and entertainment?

A family home close to the school, close to the central community?

Or is it a mobile home that pulls into any place and you are home?

Maybe it is where you are right now, and the question is how to turn what

60 manning-great lakes focus.

Where would you start ... the 20 ideas for your dream home. It seems this list could be more like 100 ideas for your dream home.

Is it reclaimed, recycled and stylishly shabby, with comfortable sofas, lots of texture and a very homely feel?

Is it an easy to clean, low maintenance, a home that can be left while you travel and enjoyed when you are home?

Is it working with what you have and making the most of it?

Does it ... Have two or one levels; how do you divide your living space to suit your needs now and as your life grows or downsizes?

Have an open plan, with flow through

areas that can be easy living?

Or a more considered space, with defined areas that, are tailored to suit the needs of those who live there?

Cater to your hobbies; is there a shed, a room for reading, space for pets to play and the things you enjoy to be done?

Consider the environment, in both suiting the land and looking after your commitments to the environment?

My favourite things ... What things do you love that will be either moved in or bought, and where are they going to go?

It may be you love wallpaper and you have found a great pattern; where will you put it, and how does it effect other choices – because if you love it you’ll want to look at it?

How does your favourite statement chair work with your overall theme or scheme?

How do you work in your Nana’s sideboard with your minimalist look? You are not going to let it go!

But all in all … It’s your dream home, and it can be whatever you want.

It may only be in your imagination, or in a scrapbook that sits on the coffee table waiting for its day of operation, or it may be in progress, and whilst you are living through the building or renovation, it will be worth it when you see your dreams come true.

focus interiors

w i t h F r a n c e s f r o m I n h o u s e H o m e w a re s

I absolutely love the style and colour for spring/ summer 2013!

Discover Harrington Crowdy Head

Retro styli ng is still huge.

C

olours are electric and the prints are exotic. It is all reminiscent of a Brazilian 'Carnivale'. Colour is not fading away. It is here to stay in a big way. Again, all homewares and fashion are available in colour, from kitchenware to furniture, from shoes to clothes. Yellow and orange are very BIG, as are the blues and greens. So there is something for everyone’s taste!

We are seeing very colourful furniture this season; for example, chairs and stools.

Colourful, retro styled furniture is proving to be very popular. No matter if you’re young or old, everyone seems to relate to it. Styling from the 1950 - 1970s has a terrific feel to it.

It is fun and relaxing and still very hip! Its form is shapely and can be very textural. This era brings to mind a time when life was less busy, less stressful – perhaps this is one reason why

Just off the highway to another world ...

Discover Harrington, Crowdy Head and surrounds.

Surf Club, Harrington Hotel and Harrigan’s Irish Tavern, the area is also becoming a popular wedding destination.

Defined by one of the most unique waterways in Australia, the villages of Harrington and Crowdy Head each retain the coastal charm that is oh so rare on the East Coast.

LJ Hooker Harrington have over 50 holiday properties available offering a vast range accommodation – from the full-of-charm fisherman’s cottages, to modern waterfront townhouses within a short walk to Harrigan’s Irish Tavern, to multi-million dollar homes perched atop the headlands with uninterrupted ocean, river and bay views, the range is sure to accommodate everyone’s needs!

Located just a short, three hour drive North of Sydney, enveloped by Crowdy Bay National Park and flanked by the Manning River and Pacific Ocean, Harrington & Crowdy Head offer untouched beaches, pristine bushland & fishing facilities second to none. many people embrace it.

Soft furnishings are elaborate in colour and print, which is also quite retro in style. Many exotic prints feature fruit and birds – toucans, flamingos, pineapples, just to mention some.

So look out for these wonderful prints on cushions, napery and even rugs this season!

Throws and decorating accessories are electric – it’s a real tropical wonderland!

Visitors to the area continue to be thrilled with the large range of activities on offer, and agree Harrington and Crowdy Head offer the perfect getaway location for beach goers, surfers, golfers, boaters, anglers, bowlers, and nature lovers alike.

Take advantage of the state of the art LJ Hooker Harrington website and booking system, allowing visitors to the site to not only look at each individual properties details and photo’s, but check availability, book and pay for accommodation online – www.harrington.ljhooker.com.au

Picturesque from sunrise to sunset, and with local function centres such as Crowdy Head

Further queries can be directed to Leah at LJ Hooker Harrington on (02) 6556 1000.

The style for spring/summer 2013 resonates well with us coastal dwellers! It fits so well with our way of life and our need for natural beauty, harmony and simplicity.

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focusTourism.

Richard Old - Great Lakes Manager Tourism & Marketing

focusbusiness. with Gary Gersbach from Great Lakes Business Chamber

Tourism Richard Old I happily welcome spring each year, as I love the warm sun, crisp water, wild flowers, special events and longer days that energise the soul.

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his is a great time of year – it is when the region comes alive. Mind you, it really did not get that cold this winter, and August almost saw spring start

early.

With the cool, short days behind us, now is the time to start preparing for summer. Hard work done now will reap benefits into, during and after summer.

Businesses across our region are starting to gear up. They are laying the foundations for a ‘big’ summer – hiring staff, planning marketing, changing layouts and building partnerships. It is an exciting time!

This time of year in the region is also synonymous with fantastic events. Throughout spring, communities get outside and celebrate.

The Great Lakes and Manning Valley have a spectacular line up of events this year. There are festivals, markets, sporting events, exhibitions and fairs. This year will see the Forster Running Festival get people active and the new Challenge Triathlon bring international triathlon back to the Great Lakes. The popular Forster Film Festival and Myall River Festival are back, as well as a new event, the Lakeside Festival, all of which give us a chance to explore our cultural, foodie sides.

Contacting your local Visitor Centre or visiting the website will open up a new way of exploring this part of the coast – by events. www.greatlakes.org.au www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au Events are a window into a community’s heart and soul. Many visitors come to our region for events as they get to be a part of something more than just a holiday. Events help to break down barriers, as well as create opportunities.

They influence a community socially, culturally, environmentally, economically and politically.

At a personal level, some of our most treasured memories come from events. Do you remember the last concert you were at and the wonderment on kids' faces (and the adults as well!)

Events are vitally important for communities and are linked to wellbeing and a sense of place.

Places and communities define themselves by their events. Events in the Great Lakes are a part of how we live. We love a good excuse to celebrate and put on some of the best events on the coast. We also have a team of volunteers that is the envy of events across the country. How do I know this? Event managers and companies 62 manning-great lakes focus.

repeatedly tell me, and this is why they often keep coming back.

Events are important for tourism, they are catalysts for attracting visitors, increasing spend and stay. They are image-makers, creating profile, position, providing a competitive marketing advantage and point of difference.

Events are a core part of Great Lakes marketing.

They provide a point of difference and an added reason to visit. Increasingly, consumers are seeking ‘real’ experiences. Events provide these.

Events are good for business. They get people outside and exploring, celebrating and spending.

They are also a great platform to promote.

At present the Great Lakes has a growing calendar of events. The recent success of the Forster Adventure Race, together with new events, the growing sports tourism program and the developing cultural event program has strengthened the region’s offering of events.

Great Lakes Tourism has an approach to events that has broad appeal and depth, provides a solid resource base, spreads visitation between regions, time of year and operators, increases yield and attracts/develops new events.

The economic value of events cannot be underestimated. Destination NSW estimates a spend of $80 per day visit and $140 for each overnight visit. The more overnight stays an event generates the bigger the return. Each overnight stay with an event boosts activity in the region However, there is an added return from events that while harder to measure, is by no means any lesser value. Events can make a quiet time busy, take visitors to places they would not normally go to and bring ‘new’ people to the region.

These visitors then go home talking about their fantastic experience and plan their next visit.

So the region benefits from word of mouth advertising (invaluable) and increased visitation.

This is important for the businesses that may not see ‘on the day’ return from an event. Events generate sustained growth for the region and in turn, individual business.

So next time there is an event in town, go and check it out. Better still, why not enter or volunteer. Not only will you be supporting your own community, but you will also meet new people and enjoy a different experience.

Richard Old - Great Lakes Manager Tourism & Marketing.

ECONOMiC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY garygersbach The Great Lakes Council (GLC) has recently moved and agreed to discontinue the position of Economic Development Manager, within the Council bureaucracy. ot completely aware of all the reasons for the decision and not being previously informed by the GLC that such an eventuality was in the offing, the business community is completely dismayed that such an important role of the GLC could be abandoned without consultation and apparently without a replacement strategy or structure to fulfill a similar task.

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The Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber (FTBC) is aware it is very difficult to measure success for economic (read business) development and as such, does not wish to be disparaging of the former hierarchy.

system that could be a model to achieve better results than that previously achieved.

The GTCC has provided funding to the Manning Valley Business Chamber (MVBC) to provide business development activities, with close association and the support of the Council. This removes the biggest single impediment to business development, and that is bureaucracy. The freedom of entrepreneurial thought processes and approaches can then be introduced to the Council in a format that can dictate the ‘how to’, as opposed to the ‘can not’ approach.

The current decision of the GLC has ignited the The FTBC believes business community, The Forster the role of business ss and a number of very ne si Bu y rr Tuncu s ve development, while a lie be successful, passionate ) BC T (F Chamber ss very important pillar ne si and high achieving bu of the role a le hi w t, of the GLC, should en pm local business lo deve llar of pi t an rt po not rest entirely im ry people have been ve not rest with them but be the GLC, should but approached and/ entirely with them siness aided by the business or requested to bu be aided by the community. It has form the basis of an community.” been patently obvious economic development to the business sector committee, to initiate, that the previous system was implement and oversee such failing in a number of areas and a process. was not achieving the results for which Should the GLC agree to adopt a system of it was designed. funding to the FTBC, the proposed committee As a consequence of the GLC’s action, would then formulate the strategy, exercise it is important to recognise there is now the control and report to the GLC, through an opportunity for it, and the business the Business Chamber. community, to reconsider, plan and identify I believe this opportunity should be grasped better ways of implementing strategies and and taken up by the business community actions to improve economic development. within the Great Lakes area, be they private, ‘THE OPPORTUNITY IS THERE TO GRASP!’ corporate, or local enterprises, or local, Having said the above, there is no need to State and Federal Governments. There is no reinvent the wheel; when adopting and question the Chamber will need a high degree adapting, other more workable models could of support and assistance to achieve this, and well be the answer.

I am open to approaches from concerned and responsible individuals who believe they can The Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) has be responsive to the need. been using a business economic development

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PGH Bricks & Pavers Selection Centre in Forster has released two new collections, Seascape and Urban Metal, expanding their glazed brick offering for more design possibilities.

The PGH Selection Centre is located at 68 Kularoo Drive, Forster and is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm (Saturdays by appointment only).

For more information: Call 131 579 or 6555 5908, or Visit www.pghbricks.com.au

he new collections have been designed in partnership with leading trend colourists to reflect the tranquillity of the ocean and its surrounds, as well as the metallic sheen of precious metals. They encourage homeowners, architects and designers to experiment with new colours and finishes that can add a striking look to their project.

The Seascape glazed collection features soft, milky pastels to create a soft, calming feel that complements the casual, relaxed living and understated sophistication that defines the Australian indoor-outdoor lifestyle. By applying a ‘colour wash’ approach, the PGH Seascape bricks work harmoniously with other materials and accessories within a residential or commercial project, immediately creating a sense of stability and comfort.

The Seascape collection has been created in colours and finishes that can flow easily from interior to exterior areas. Finished with a full ceramic glaze, these bricks are perfect for internal or external use.

The four colour finishes in the Seascape collection include Pumice (grey), Lagoon (turquoise), Dusk (taupe) and Sea Salt (white).

The stunning Urban Metal collection

features bricks with fully glazed metallic finishes that literally shimmer with sophistication. The finishes give beautiful variations in colour, as the light hits the surface in different ways and at different times. These ultra-modern bricks help to create a sleek, urbanised atmosphere that is dignified, deliberate and powerful. They are available to use internally or externally and can brave the elements without losing their metallic colour or shine. Bursting with eye-catching detail, the four colour finishes in the Urban Metal collection include Bronze Sheen, Copper Lustre, Silver Spark and Zinc Shimmer.

collections expand the design options.”

Challenging convention, the innovative Urban Metal collection was a ‘Best New Product’ Award finalist at the Houses Awards 2013. Jurors described the collection as “having instant appeal” and a “sure-fire marketplace winner”. They were excited to see the continued evolution of the humble brick saying, “Brick has an inherent beauty, and this new range is just that: beautiful”.

materials for a new home. Colour selection

PGH Bricks & Pavers Design Exponent, Kathy Demos, said, “Seascape and Urban Metal are resonating with home owners, architects and designers as forwardthinking ranges for both internal and external use. The innovative and distinctive

The thermal properties of PGH bricks make them a sustainable product, adding further to their appeal and allure.

With a vast range of colours, textures and finishes to choose from, PGH Bricks & Pavers extend the ability to capture a personality or sense of style and fashion within the facade or feature elements of a design project. Whatever the design or colour trend, there’s a brick to suit a home’s individual needs.

The PGH Selection Centre is one of the best ways to view and decide on the tools, large scale displays, take home samples are available as is colour advice.

There is plenty of useful information that will make a visit well worth it. The Forster Selection Centre has been locally based for the past 15 years. The friendly staff are experienced and long-standing, able to assist you through the colour and product selection process.

In addition to the new collections, the Selection Centre offers a diverse range of products in modern colours, including extruded, dry pressed, sandstock and glazed bricks.

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Coast Focus Magazine