Manning-Great Lakes Focus i82

Feature Story MANNING-GREAT LAKES

Katie Hardyman

December 2013 // issue 82

W I T H

in the Park

T H E

T A R E E

B A N D

focus team.

Welcome to the December 2013 edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS! re you the type of person who’s chronically organised and has all their Christmas presents bought and wrapped by December 1 … or are you one of the “I’ll bury my head in the sand” brigade who leaves all their shopping until December 24?

I must admit, I swing wildly from one extreme to the other each year – but this year it’s definitely panic stations! When did December get here?

Whether you’re planning to enjoy a small, intimate Christmas or throw a huge party with scores of family and friends, the entire team at FOCUS wish all of you, our readers, contributors and advertisers, a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year. And keep it safe on our roads, everyone!

ON THE COVER The Taree City Band features on our cover this month. This talented crew are just one of the local groups who’ll be helping us celebrate the festive season, with Christmas carols and entertainment at various venues around the Manning-Great Lakes.

IN THIS EDITION Many of you would know Alan Tickle from Your Heritage Financial Planning. What many of you may NOT know is that Alan is a keen supporter of the arts locally. Read his interview to find out

A

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just how he’s involved with the carols this year.

We also spoke to Christeen McLeod from Koalas in Care about a special koala named Petal she’s looking after at the moment, local author Roz Dreise tells us about the book she recently published and launched, and young surfing champ, 9 year old Oscar Salt, shares his future dreams.

Take some time out from the busyness of this time of year, sit down with a cuppa and enjoy reading about some of our local heroes and inspirations.

EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO This month’s stunning photo was taken by Alan Small. Don’t forget we’re always looking for amazing images which showcase our area; these don’t just have to be traditional landscapes as such … if you’re an aspiring photographer, maybe think outside the box and come up with a photo that highlights what YOU think is special about the Manning-Great Lakes!

FINAL SAY A bit of humour to end the year. I’m sure we can all relate to this in some way: “What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day” – Phyllis Diller.

Jo Atkins – Editor jo@focusmag.com.au

EDITOR: Jo Atkins jo@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.

The excitement of Christmas and the pageantry that comes with this is an enjoyable time for most people. FOCUS caught up with Alan Tickle, who has been heavily involved with community carols events in the local area.

in the Park

with alan tickle lan, you’ve been involved with the organisation of Carols in the Park at Black Head now for a few years, as well as participating in the Taree Celebrations. What is in store for the community this year? The Carols in the Park at Black Head is being held on Saturday 21 December and while it is under the banner of the Hallidays Point Uniting Church carols committee, who do a fantastic job, it really is a very inclusive and enjoyable community event.

The Lions Club will have the BBQ operating from about 6pm. The City Band commences proceedings at 6.30pm, with the program starting at 7pm.

Taree celebrations are being held on the 15th, with the kids' program starting at 6pm and the carols themselves from 7pm to 9pm, culminating in fireworks.

They are the two events that I am involved with, but Wingham's is the 13th; Old Bar's 14th, Harrington's 15th; Forster-Tuncurry's 16th; Tinonee's, Friday 13th at 7.30pm. All have their own celebrations for people to participate in.

What do you think brings people out to this sort of celebration? This is really a question for individuals, because Christmas means different things to many people.

There is the religious celebration of course, but I think the common element is the sense of community contributing together with the human element of wishing all the good things such as peace and love that we all hope to enjoy.

Certainly the entertainment, the pageantry, where we can become kids again and seeing the expressions of delight when Santa struts his stuff, always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Those sorts of events can’t happen without the financial support of businesses and

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manning-great lakes focus.

local Councils, not to mention our greatest resource, which are the volunteers who make community events happen.

Give us a snippet of what we can expect this year ... The Taree event has already secured the commitment of Robyn Green, who performs internationally and on such world stages as There is a the Olympic Games. su bstantial

“

There is a substantial orchestra under the banner of Roger Griffiths and a combined choir supporting some top local talent that includes Kevin Ballard and his band 'The Trapps'.

r the orchestra unde riffiths rG ge Ro of banner choir d ne bi m co a and top e m supporting so cludes in at th nt local tale d his Kevin Ballard an '.” ps band 'The Trap

Black Head have already secured Paul Eade and Raylene Brown’s commitment, who have both become synonymous with this annual event and their kids' entertainment.

At the time of this interview, I can say that some excellent talent has been invited to perform and lead some of the community carol singing.

I am delighted that Mary Camphius will be performing at Black Head. Mary, who last year delighted people with her magnificent performance in the local Miss Saigon production, has won a host of vocal awards in her native Philippines.

On mentioning the Philippines, when we focus on peace and goodwill, spare a thought for the people in that beautiful and gentle land, who have been devastated by the typhoon that hit the city of Tacloban in particular.

We are aware that you sometimes perform at the carols and have an intense passion for not only the carols, but the performing arts in general ... My Dad’s family of 10, including his parents, were a choir on their

own with all the harmonies covered and a few instruments as well.

Mum’s father was an accomplished pianist and her sister possessed a beautiful voice, so it was something that was unavoidable.

I perform occasionally at the Black Head carols and will be in the choir at Taree, but there is far more talent to draw on than what I possess.

I continue to be amazed at the talent we have in performing arts in this area.

Have a listen to It’s Christmas Time, written and sung by Lucy Hardiman and Lucy McIntyre, and the gorgeous new song by Katie Hardyman and sung by Laura Zarb, Snowflake, to get an idea of just what is out there locally.

Those songs were produced locally by Peter Stevenson at Turn around Music, who does some incredible production work for Sony.

Peter has his hand very much involved with the Taree Christmas production, so that in itself guarantees some class.

Both Lucy Hardiman and Lucy McIntyre are performing Christmas Time at Black Head.

What do people need to bring with them to the various events? At Black Head, there is the beautiful Wylie Breckenridge Park to throw down the picnic rug or bring a chair.

There will be some candle type torches for sale for $2, but otherwise you could bring a torch.

The BBQ will be operating, and a section cordoned off for the kids to get closer to the entertainment and Santa.

If it is wet, then the event shifts to the school at Diamond Beach.

Fotheringham Park is the Taree venue, and there will be battery operated torches for sale as well as some glo sticks.

There will be plenty of food, and all being well, the fireworks will end the night with a 'Bang' at about 9pm.

Like I said earlier, there are events in other locations in the Manning Great Lakes region, so check your local guides and get out there and celebrate!

A final word ... It is for many a religious celebration and a time where people will take the opportunity to attend their churches with family and friends, remembering that little babe in a manger.

For others it may not be, but the message across all persuasions I am sure is the same, where an appreciation of the needs of others and the pleasure that comes from giving a little of yourself to help someone less fortunate, I can only hope, rings true across all nations and peoples.

Be sensible and make it a safe Christmas too, because someone’s life depends on it.

Thanks Alan.

inside this

Issue 82 - December 2013

Katie Hardyman.

6.

Katie Hardyman is an immensely talented woman, with many strings to her bow. She's a songwriter, advocate for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, and a mum of four…

Oscar Salt.

31.

Nine year old Oscar Salt is a local Boomerang Beach resident and is very aptly named, as saltwater appears to run in his veins! Young Oscar is a rising star in the surfing world, having already achieved some fantastic competition results in the short time he’s been competing.

Koalas in Care.

34.

Christeen McLeod is the Koala Care Facility Manager for Koalas in Care Inc. In her care at the moment is a rather unusual and extremely beautiful koala.

Allow us to introduce you to Petal …

usual suspects.

the

8. What’s On for December 18. eat featuring local restaurants 27. Tourism Update with Donna Hudson 52. Star Guide with Terri

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manning-great lakes focus 5

focusinterview.

Katie Hardyman Katie Hardyman is an immensely talented woman, with many strings to her bow. Songwriter, advocate for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, mum of four … she’s now combined her talents with some other amazing people to produce a book and animation which targets bullying in our schools … atie, FOCUS hasn’t caught up with you for quite a while. What’s been keeping you out of mischief lately? Yes, the past couple of years have been so busy. Back in 2011 I was lucky enough to win the prestigious Rudy Brandsma Award for songwriting excellence at the ASA national Songwriting Awards; this totally inspired me to chase my dreams and dream big.

Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to release my first debut album, A Moment in Time, release 3 new singles, direct and produce an anti-bullying initiative, work for Don Spencer’s Australian Children’s Music Foundation, sign to Red Lab Records in LA and be a busy mum to 4 beautiful children. I would, however, like a little more time for mischief …

Tell us more about the book you’re written, I’m Just a Child. I’m Just a Child started as a song which was inspired by a close family member. The song then turned into an animation and now a picture book. It was written

by Monica Markovina, my work partner and produced by both of us. We hope it will be used as an educational resource for parents, carers and teachers.

Developed in conjunction with child psychologist John Cooper, this step-by-step 'social' story is aimed at younger age school children. It can aid children in understanding how to read social cues, recognise the signs of bullying, understand what empathy is and also possibly end the bullying cycle.

The animation is now a finalist in the Australian Art Sales Short Film Global Contest. Give us a brief run down on this project ... In 2012 I embarked on creating the animation, I’m Just A Child – with a team that includes: Monica Markovina, an Australian artist, illustrator and emerging poet; multi-award winning animator and cartoonist Paul Newell; 6 manning-great lakes focus.

renowned music producer and arranger Peter Stevenson; and with the generous guidance of famed Australian cinematographer Jan Kenny.

The song is sung by Charlotte Reece: a talented young girl and bright star in the future of Australia's performing arts, also from Taree.

We have been lucky enough to be named a top 24 finalist in the Australian Art Sales short film awards and competing against world renowned cinematographers across the globe.

We are still in the running and a people’s choice award is starting soon, so keep your eyes out for the voting.

Will you be able to use your work in schools to help promote the anti-bullying message? We have an animation and a book packaged together and hope to get it into schools across Australia soon. We’re currently trialling this package in NSW schools and have had wonderful feedback from teachers and children from St Joseph’s Primary School, Taree and also from schools down the South Coast.

Here’s what some young kids at Joey’s had to say: “I thought it was a good book because it can teach people how powerful bullying can be”. “I really like how the colours told the story: the grey, black and dark blue showed loneliness, hate and sadness”. “I love the saying, ‘Don’t Hate Be A Mate’ − great message!”

We are seeking funding to complete our project and we’re looking for endorsement to make this resource available.

You’re a mum of four. How important do you think the message, ‘Don’t Hate, Be a Mate’ is in today’s school environment?

All four of my children have described various degrees of bullying that occurs in the playground, but they also more commonly identified with the word ‘hate’ as a daily occurrence in playground language. Originally I was a bit worried about the word HATE, as I thought perhaps it was too strong … but unfortu-

nately, the more research we did it appeared kids could relate to this terminology from a young age, so we came up with the phrase, ‘Don’t Hate Be A Mate’. We’ve now had it trademarked, and the feedback is positive. It’s a simple phrase with a powerful message; you know … just be nice to each other and choose to be a friend! Our approach is to CARE: • Choice - for those caught up in bully behaviour – Our message is simple; ‘DON’T HATE BE A MATE’.

• Awareness – encourage better choices for children, and direct them towards being helped and counselled out of the damaging bullying cycle.

• Relationship – developing empathy in children.

• Education – empower children through storytelling and experience.

You’re still working hard on your songwriting too. We hear you’ve recently won some awards in America for your song So Beautiful. Who was the inspiration behind your song? So Beautiful was written for my dad, my hero, for his 70th birthday. This song seemed to take forever to write; it was so hard to fit a lifetime of memories into a 4 minute song. I was lucky enough to have my producer, Pete Stevenson, help me co-write this one, and Matty Zarb gave me some great inspiration for lyrics.

Throw in two fabulous vocalists, Jarrod Sherman and Liz Hewitt, an orchestra and a beautiful tin whistle played by Pauly Zarb from England, and our song was born. We are thrilled it has won 3 major international awards: The Dallas Songwriters Association award, West Coast Songwriters Award ,and Current Finalist in the ASA National Songwriters awards and the Show Me The Music songwriters award in Nashville … I think Dad now thinks he’s a superstar.

What’s your latest single? I’m so excited to release my latest single, Snowflake, featuring beautiful vocals by Laura Zarb, stunning guitar

by Matty Zarb and violin/viola by Juen Vanhand and produced by Pete Stevenson, Turn Around Music. I wrote this song last year in a small village in France, Les Gets. I was so inspired by the mesmerising snowflakes and was truly captivated by their ‘dance’ at Christmas time.

Special thanks to MAX FM, who have used this song as the theme for their 2013 Christmas Train appeal and as always, Pete Stevenson for producing and arranging this song so quickly.

And another one of your passions is the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF)? I became involved with Don’s Spencer’s charity, the ACMF, a couple of years ago when I Googled songwriting contests for kids. I entered my kids from Joey’s, and we were lucky enough to place and then win the contest last year. Since then, I’ve been volunteering my time to help out the 5 ACMF music programs here in Taree. The ACMF inspires creativity, imagination, joy and hope by providing free music programs and instruments to disadvantaged and Indigenous children and youth at risk throughout Australia. I’ve seen first hand how well these programs are working.

I was honoured to have been part of the judging panel alongside Samantha Jade (Xfactor) Peter Northcote ,George Ellis and Don Spencer for this year’s National Songwriting Competition O. Where’s the best place for people to go to download your music? For anyone wanting to download my music, just go to itunes https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/ snowflake-feat.-laura-zarb/id744843668 Trakvan www.trakvan.com/KatieHardymanSongwriter or my website: www.katiehardyman.com Thanks Katie.

manning-greatlakes lakesfocus focus 77 manning-great

A RO U N D T H E R E G I O N // D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3

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5&7 Live & Light show One of the first of its kind in regional NSW, the Live & Light show will use artworks created by the youth of the Manning Valley and will project them onto buildings in Taree City Centre.

Over two nights in December high lumen digital projectors will be used to project artworks onto buildings, including the Uniting Church in Albert Street (5 December) and the site of the Manning Youth Services ‘Live and Loud Summerfest’ concert at River St in Taree (7 December).

When Thursday 5 December: 8 - 10pm. Uniting Church. Albert Street, Taree City Centre (FREE).

When Saturday 7 December: 6 - 8pm. Live & Loud Summerfest Concert. Harry Bennet Park. Taree ($5).

Carols On The Canals Event A flotilla of boats will traverse the canals of Forster Keys, delighting residents and spectators who can view the event from the many public parks along the course. Santa will be the star, accompanied by the Great Lakes Band playing Christmas carols for all.

For children, Santa’s elves will distribute lollies, and a donation may be given for a local charity! At the end of the tour at around 7.30pm, a nativity scene on Dolphin Reserve will be set up for more carols, and baby animals around the baby Jesus will set the scene for all to join in carolling. Residents and visitors are encouraged to join in, BYO boat, or have a picnic setting one of the many picturesque parks along the way.

When Sunday 22 December, 5.15pm.

Where Convoy commences at the Elizabeth Park boat ramp and anchors at Dolphin Reserve around 7.30pm.

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Vietnamese Cookery Class Donna takes a culinary tour to Vietnam each year, where participants visit markets and enjoy cooking classes in each city. Travel up the mighty Mekong, spend a night on a junk in Halong Bay, have some clothes made in Hoi Ann and enjoy the bustling cities of Hanoi and Saigon.

Share some of the fabulous recipes brought back from Donna’s culinary tour of Vietnam. You never know; it may inspire you to come on next year’s tour! We will make traditional Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Pho Bo and some lovely salads. This is a repeat of the last class.

When Saturday 7 December; 10am - 1.30pm.

Cost $75.

More info 0419 490 312 or email donna@bentonfood.com.au book online at www.bentonfood.com.au

focusinterview.

HARVEY Jason Harvey is a man with an eye for a landscape. Purchasing his first Nikon camera at age 15, Jason spends much of his time cruising around looking for stunning scenery to shoot.

And in the Manning-Great Lakes area, he’s spoiled for choice!

i Jason. What’s your family background? I actually grew up out at Hallidays Point, and I did my schooling in Taree.

Forster was just always a place I spent my spare time and worked, but now I live here! As much as it is a small place, I still love to be here.

I can go and set up or head to a couple of locations in one evening.

What kick started your interest in photography? It started out just being a bit of fun taking pictures whenever we were out surfing … I was always the one on the beach, while the rest were in the water.

For those with an interest in photography, who are just starting out with their first good camera – what’s the best advice you could give them? Doing it is learning it. The more pictures you take, the better a chance of capturing something you like yourself! Do some research and learn about your camera and the technique required, and there’s no limit to what you can do.

But then, I moved on to whatever came along … just trialling different things. Now I’m more likely to capture landscapes and the more natural side of things.

What’s your current camera – and how different is it from the first camera you ever used to take photos? My first camera was actually the original film Go Pro! How times have changed now.

It did a great job, but digital is now easier.

I worked and bought a Nikon D70s when I was about 15 and never regretted the choice. It’s a lot of money at that age, but the quality and options were worth it.

What subjects do you most like to shoot ... and why? Funnily enough, it can depend on my mood, but I still enjoy capturing landscapes the most. I get the most satisfaction in myself if I get a good shot.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when you’re out shooting your images? I don’t believe there are any challenges out there … get out, work with what you have, and relax!

here? Yes it sure has, which is great. It’s good to see more and more young people getting out with the camera and enjoying themselves.

I stay here because I enjoy the mix of lake and ocean. There are so many different places to explore and photograph.

I worked and bought a Nikon about D70s when I was ted et gr re r ve 15 and ne lot of the choice. It’s a but e, ag money at that tions op d an the quality ” it. th were wor

“

What are some of the favourite photos you’ve taken ... and what is it about them that you like? There would be one, and it’s of the light shining through the clouds over the lake. I still continue to like this shot. It was just before work, and I grabbed the camera out of the car just in time!

The Manning-Great Lakes area has a wealth of super-talented photographers. What is it you like most about the area – what keeps you

What would be the ultimate photographic dream for you? What are your goals? For me, it’s just the satisfaction of taking a nice shot. I think it will be something I’ll continue with for years to come.

What do you like to do in your spare time (other than photography)? Lately I haven’t been enjoying the beach as much as previous years, and you will more find me cruising around in my car or going for a stroll. Just enjoying the local area seems to be it … I’m starting to feel old!

Where/how can people connect with you, or view your work? I do have a photography page on Facebook: jason harvey photography. I upload photos on there and I can be contacted anytime through there, or by emailing jason.harvey@live. com.au Thanks Jason. manning-great lakes focus 9

Looking through a glass onion

Matters. [ with Alan T ickle ]

ear Alan, My wife and I are aged 66 and 67, receive close to a full aged pension but now struggle to live off the interest and pension payments. Is there a way to invest our money without risk and earn some higher income? RD.

D

the real value of capital (after inflation) is destined to be less over the medium to long term, where money is always invested in non -appreciating assets such as bank type deposits and cash.

Dear RD,

The alternative is the acceptance of volatility, (that is price fluctuation) but with the expectation of financial reward that comes from actually being invested and remaining so over a longer period.

The consequences of not having enough money invested or earning enough interest, might mean not replacing the car that is starting to deteriorate or not keeping the house in good repair.

There becomes a need to actually set a budget, with holidays now seeming to be a luxury.

None of that sounds pretty, but it is a reality now facing people of limited means who have simply placed their money in the best rate fixed term deposit while rates continued to fall.

Fallacy statement … shares, property, overseas can all lose money. While individual stocks and property that did suffer loss are well remembered, the broad range of those asset classes actually do grow in value over the medium to long term at a rate way ahead of inflation.

You can throw in the GFCs and other crises, but the fact still remains that exposure to growth assets over the long term provides a means to generate increasing income.

Before considering what real risk is, let us also consider what investment and volatility actually means.

While Australian Shares trusts have produced around 30% returns the past year, overseas equities have done even better.

Investment is the purchase of an asset for future financial reward, and volatility is where the price of an investment asset varies often and widely.

This has rewarded investors who did hold growth assets in their portfolio and remained invested after the GFC.

The avoidance of risk is easily explained as the need to avoid the chance of loss.

Is cash management or short term deposit an investment without risk? I consider that type of account to be a safety net for liquidity but not an investment, because the impact of inflation means the capital value of that asset declines in real value over the longer term.

Where the cost of living is not met by Centrelink and interest payments, the loss is compounded, as money is withdrawn to pay the bills.

The known risk with that strategy is that

Is there a solution for RD? Retaining adequate money in the bank for liquidity and security is important, but age 67 is still relatively young, so there is plenty of time for RD to be rewarded for being invested.

We are living longer, so people who only have the land on which their house sits as their only appreciating asset, will otherwise always remain at the mercy of prevailing interest rates.

That is not a great position to be in and is the cause of RD’s problem.

In 1992, John Waters and Stewart D’Arrietta took to the small stage at the Tilbury Hotel, Woolloomooloo, Sydney with their debut production of Looking Through A Glass Onion. What was an initially a one week booking quickly sold out and extended into a six week, sell out season. Fast forward, after a massive 137date tour in 2010/2011/2012, John and Stewart are returning with their ‘up close and personal’ 2 man show in 2014, whilst gearing up towards launching the production Off Broadway in New York. “It began its life as a small venue piece with just Stewart D’Arrietta and myself on stage at the Tilbury Hotel in Sydney. I made my entrance from a kitchen and climbed over patrons’ laps to scramble onto a tiny raised platform in the corner of the room. The audience and I were inescapably intimate with each other from the very start, and I kinda like that. Not every venue we play this time around can be exactly like that, but it’s the feeling I want to create – to take the show back to its roots,” says John Waters.

The show is not a cut-and-paste biography of Lennon or an emulation of the original recordings. On stage, with shadows from the lighting arrangement fluttering over his face, he explores the essence of the man through song and spoken word. Waters becomes synonymous with Lennon. He shies away from imitating the

artist, but so emotive is his performance, it lulls the audience into believing anything is possible.

It’s part concert and part biography, though it doesn’t seek to tell the full story of Lennon’s life.

“Rather than to impersonate, I wanted to evoke his honesty, bitter-sweet humour, self criticism and disdain for pretentiousness and pomposity,” says Waters. “The song Glass Onion was John Lennon’s postscript to The Beatles. It had such a strong image of crystal ball-gazing and peeling away the layers that it inspired the format for this show – a kaleidoscope collage of song, word, emotion and image,” agrees D’Arrietta with Waters. For the audience, this is either an emotional trip down memory lane or a wonderful introduction to the life and times of one of the most fascinating icons of our time.

FINAL SHOWS BEFORE NEW YORK

LOOKING THROUGH A GLASS ONION JOHN

LENNON In Word and Music

There are options to be considered for RD to increase Centrelink payments but regardless, getting a strategy in place is what is needed.

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.

FRIDAY JANUARY 3

MANNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE – TAREE www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/bookonline Video Ezy Taree - 02 6552 5699

JOHN

WATERS with Stewart D’Arrietta

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AN INTIMATE PERFORMANCE 10 manning-great lakes focus.

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focusinterview.

THE

f o t s u n

D e c e m b e r

2 0 1 3

John Meyer is one of the 8 members of The Good Ship – a Folk/Rock band who’ll be dropping in at FOTSUN in December. John plays guitar and sings, but as you’ll see … there’s a wealth of musical talent in this group, which play instruments you don’t often get to see at a music festival! ohn, thanks for your time this morning. I know you guys are about to start touring around, so I’m guessing you’re a bit flat-chat at the moment! Yeah, we’re putting the final touches to our new album … and just getting geared up for the tour.

mandola, which is a big mandolin. He also plays the lagerphone, which is, for those who don’t know, a stick with bottle-caps on it. He has got the world’s best lagerphone; I reckon he could hold a masterclass for instruction of lagerphones. It’s amazing. And James Lees is our drummer.

Tell us a little bit about the new album …

The album is our first studio album. It’s called The Seven Seas. We released our second album last year, and at the same time we were writing this theatre show which was ten songs that tell a story. We had some visuals, a narrator and a director on board for that. It was a different sort of challenge for the band. And it developed into this full-blown show. And now we’ve recorded those songs, and that’s our third album, which we launched at the Powerhouse at Brisbane on November 15. Then we’re doing a tour and finishing up with Festival of the Sun.

Your sound is certainly very unique.

How difficult was it for you guys to combine all of these different instruments to come up with a sound that is as distinct as what you've produced?

It is a huge challenge.

The difficulty of being Usually someone in a large band is will come to the ngg and on finding space for band with a so utt in the everyone to express we’ ll bash it ou trumpet and accordion , everyone themselves, to play rehearsal room nt will go together and differe their instrument will play lots of t bi at form a counter-melody th h, parts and go, “O how they want each other … The show sounds good.” to play it. When has been on our mind for we work some of a couple of years. It was a the songs, it’s often process of maybe six months a process of ‘just throw of intensive workshopping, not everything in a bucket and only the songs, but the narration, the then you start taking things out’. Then narrative, the story are to come together so we what’s left in the bucket at the end of the day is could present it in a theatre. something that makes sense. Usually someone How different would you say The Seven will come to the band with a song and we’ll Seas is to your first two releases? bash it out in the rehearsal room, everyone will Quite different. It’s a concept album, in a way; play lots of different parts and go, “Oh, that it’s telling a single story. So we wanted all the bit sounds good”. People can set up and let instruments, pace, and the vibe to be cohesive – that musician have a go for that section. Some not too many extra elements. When you record of our songs tend to be a bit all-in, everything a studio album, you can bring in a fiddle player playing at once, and then sometimes we try or whatever; you can have any instrument you to whittle that down, and get a little bit more want. We wanted to keep it pretty much how open. we would perform it. So, that’s a lot of acoustic Mentioning that process, how long has instruments: guitars, mandolin, piano. We did it actually taken for you to put this new bring in a few extra instruments, but it’s pretty album together? This album has come much just complementing the sound. It has a together pretty quickly, in terms of once we’d very simple, natural, Folky, acoustic kind of vibe, started to do it. We’re so used to this process, whereas some of our previous stuff has had songs come together really quickly. We all kind electric guitars and pounding drums. of instinctively know what instruments are

Tell us a little bit about the band, The Good Ship. How did you actually get together and who are the individual band members?

It’s an eight-piece Folk/Rock band. It started in 2009 when myself and the other major songwriter in the band; we just started [it] as a side-project. We had other bands at the time, and we were a bit frustrated with them. We started the band as something of an outlet for a bit of fun. We started to gather some friends around us, to play various instruments. It was really organic … Over the years, a few people have left, a few have joined. It’s sort of solidified now; it was very much an organic kind of growth for the band. We didn’t set out to do all the things that we’ve done necessarily, but it’s been an amazing ride.

Myself (John Meyer), I play guitar and am one of the main songwriters. Daz Gray is guitar and vocals. Brett Harris, also writes some great songs for us; he plays banjo and piano. Kat Cooke is actually taking lead vocals on the new single for the first time that’s an amazing growth for her; she’s our trumpet player.

Kat Ogilvie who plays accordion. Janey Mac, plays the bass. Geoff Wilson plays the fool a lot of the time; he plays mandolin and also 12 manning-great lakes focus.

“

going to sound good, what parts are going to sound good complementing each other. Often

Do you have a YouTube channel? Yes: www.youtube.com/user/TheGoodShipCrew

undertaking With this tour that you’ll be undertaking, you’re playing a lot of different venues.

What is the attraction of festivals particularly?

The best thing about festivals is you’re playing to people who wouldn’t normally see you.

We’re all about trying to spread our music to as many people as possible. We love playing live. Playing festivals is an opportunity to play to usually quite large numbers of people who may have heard of the band, but may not have had the chance to see the band. When we tour, we’re restricted so much because of the size of the country. You tend to only be playing Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, those kinds of places. You don’t really get into the regional areas as much as you’d like to. Going and playing at somewhere like Port Macquarie is going to be a fantastic experience for us.

Thanks John.

the plug!

The Good Ship will be playing at FOTSUN on at Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park, Port Macquarie.

13-14 December 2013.

The perfect New Year What is your idea of a perfect New Year's?

Chauffeur, champagne and fireworks? A guided bush to beach tour along one of Australia's most beautiful coastlines? Or a barn BBQ and drinks before being chauffered home for a wonderful night of celebration?

Combine all 3 and celebrate the New Year riding with 6 of your best friends or family. Limited numbers allowed for this fabulous adventure. Call Craig now on 0423 830 738 to book.

Horse About Tours It is Craig's local knowledge, passion for riding and eco conscious actions that make Horse about Tours second to none. Come and explore the natural bush country, where you can spend up to 3 hours winding your way through picturesque landscape of the Great Lakes, arriving on the white, sandy beaches of Tuncurry.

Craig and his experienced team at Horse about Tours provide a relaxed and friendly environment for your unique horseback experience.

Craving something more?

Slide your feet into the stirrups of adventure with our 2 day getaway through this region's state forests, beaches and river country. The day's delights will bring your accommodation, where all meals are inclusive in our exclusive package deal.

Or ... you can experience the finest landscape the Great Lakes has to offer with our sunrise and sunset tours, designed for the go getters and photography enthusiasts.

Group bookings are welcome. To arrange your beach ride or for more information, call Craig on 0423 830 738.

manning-great lakes focus 13

focusinterview.

R o z

D r e i s e

Local Tuncurry rry resident Roz Dreise’s fascination with her family’s history has led her to conduct extensive research and ultimately to write a book on the subject.

‘Bells and Bows’ was launched recently and provides a comprehensive insight into a family who established deep roots in the Manning-Great Lakes area.

R

oz, please share a little of your family and work background with our readers ... how long have you been associated with the Manning-Great Lakes area? Since 1967, when we built a weekender at Tuncurry. We came here to live permanently in 1974 and became involved in the community with soccer volunteer work at the local primary schools and service organisations, first Apex, then Rotary. I was a member of Quota, a fundraiser for The Spastic Centre; now I support the Cancer Council of NSW, the oncology room, Sal’s Room, at Forster Private Hospital, the School of St. Jude in Tanzania and I’m an auxiliary member of the Great Lakes Hospice.

You’ve recently published a book, Bells and Bows. Where did the idea come from to put pen to paper – have you always wanted to write a book? I have had a desire to write from primary school days and had kept a diary for many of my teenage years. Having a copy of my grandfather’s records from the Australian World War I archives in Canberra 14 years ago started my interest in history of the Great War again.

Lead us through a brief synopsis of Bells and Bows ... whose lives does it follow? Bells and Bows follows the journey of my paternal great, great, great grandfather, William Street, who with his wife’, Elizabeth, left Tetbury in Gloucestershire to sail to Australia in 1827 to work for the A.A. Company. It covers a little of his time at Stroud, then jumps to my great grandfather, Lewis Edward Street, who in the early 1900s purchased the largest brick retail department store on the North Coast at Gloucester. He was an astute business man, race horse owner (move over Gai Waterhouse!) and an early philanthropist.

His son, Carl, my grandfather, took over the management of the store with partner, Alf Parish, in the late ‘20s/early ‘30s. Carl continued the work of his father in helping establish the golf course and the bowling club and also continued the work of his dad in the setting

14 manning-great lakes focus.

up of a hospital, which was vital for returning World War I soldiers.

My father, Ross, joined the firm as the company accountant.

His ability to play golf at a professional level saw him hold the A grade club champion position for about 20 consecutive years and many executive positions in the club. Dad played in Pro- Ams in the Manning area with the likes of Kel Nagle and Bruce Crampton.

in I was schooled left d an r te es uc lo G p hi rs la to take up a scho r. The he ac te to become a book main part of the my in s nt de ci in traces ople I pe g in st re te in life, and ay w e met along th ced en flu in ho people w me. ”

“

I was schooled in Gloucester and left to take up a scholarship to become a teacher. The main part of the book traces incidents in my life, interesting people I met along the way (the movie actress Ann Baxter) and people who influenced me.

One in particular was Mavis, a Chinese friend of my parents. She was married to an Australian dentist, and they came to live in Gloucester when I was about 13.

I taught on and off for about 20 years and went to live in Toronto, Canada in the mid 1980s with my husband, Peter. Upon returning to Australia, I changed careers and went to work for Rural Press, then owned by Kerry Packer. I retired just before my 60th birthday, after 11 years with the print media.

An extensive amount of research must have gone into the book. For others who’d like to research their family’s history – where’s a good place to start? Researching parts of my book led to several trips to the U.K. and France. Records held in England went back to the 1600s. The huge library at Gloucester and the church records in Tetbury provided me with a lot of detail. The local papers in Taree, Gloucester, Dungog and Newcastle filled in parts of the more recent events of the Street family. Again, the Archives at the War Memorial in Canberra filled in places in the Somme where my grandfather, Carl, had fought from 1915 ‘til 1918.

I visited Peronne and Albert, as well as VillersBretonneau, where there were several museums to visit, providing even more detail.

How long did it take you to complete the book? I took about 16 months. Having chemotherapy treatment for six months this year gave me more time to sit and type, so the book was completed in September 2013.

You must have uncovered quite a few surprising, or even startling, facts when you were conducting your research. What are some of the things you found out that you weren’t expecting? Only a few unusual things … one was the fact that Ann Baxter’s father was the well-known American architect, Lloyd Wright and another that our Chinese friend, Mavis, lived in Shanghai in the late ‘30s and was in contact with the Soong sisters and their husbands, namely Sun Yet Sen and Chang Kai Chek. Mavis’ Chinese husband had a position as Head of the Government’s Public Relations Department.

Living in China during World War II exposed them to many atrocities.

What’s been the most valuable thing you’ve learned from the whole experience of writing this book and getting it published?

Wanting to have the book printed locally did restrict the size, so I cut out four chapters so as to use local people, and I was very happy with the finished book. I found choosing photos

to use more of a problem, as I was spanning over 180 years and wanted to include photos appropriate to each chapter.

You held a launch for Bells and Bows recently too. How did that go? The book launch at the Great Lakes library at Forster went well, with over 50 people attending. Wendy Machin was unable to help me launch, as commitments with an NRMA AGM in Canberra made it necessary for her to be there. John, her dad, and my dad, Ross, were great golfing friends and won foursomes Championships in Sydney in early 1950s and also played in ProAms together.

A friend from Sydney attended my launch; I had helped her raise funds when she was a Miss Australia candidate in the ‘70s.

What other creative ideas do you have kicking around ... is there another book in the pipeline? I would like to write a children’s book to demystify and answer questions they have regarding cancer and treatment. I’m working on one and have hopefully found an illustrator, and this should appeal to 5 to 10 year olds.

Where can people get their hands on a copy of your book? You can purchase my book at a cost of $12 plus $2 postage (cheque or postal order) by phoning 0409 820 126 or by email dryice1@gmail.com Thanks Roz.

focuseditorial.

SteveAttkins.

from Great Lakes Winery

Wine time YARADS

give back to the lo cal community

C

an Assist Manning Valley is very grateful to have support from one of the local area's oldest retail family businesses.

For 80 years the people of the Manning and Great Lakes areas have relied on the Yarad family to supply quality clothing to all the members of their families, firstly at their Victoria Street Taree store and then at the Wharf Street Forster store.

Over the years they have supported many local charities and sporting organisations, and it is wonderful that Joanne and Michael continue the tradition of the Yarad family.

At a meeting this week, Joanne and Michael Yarad announced a very generous donation of $20,000 to the local Can Assist Manning Valley Branch.

Can Assist Manning Valley is a local community based charity dedicated solely to supporting local people affected by cancer and their families and receives no government

B E N T O N FO O D

assistance.

All funds raised are used to assist people from the Manning Valley, Great Lakes, Bulahdelah, Gloucester, Taree, Wingham and Moorland areas to access cancer treatment, without the worry of finding extra money to cover the costs of accommodation, travel, medical and everyday household bills.

This $20,000 donation will have a huge impact on the lives of those in our local community affected by cancer. It is financial assistance at grass roots level.

On behalf of all the local families we support, Can Assist Manning Valley would like to personally thank the Yarad family for their generous support. This is a wonderful example of local business supporting their local community.

For Can Assist enquiries, call Leanne Newman 0429 425 129 or check out the website www.canassist.com.au

Bent on Food’s newest member to the team is Head Chef Nick Samaras.

N

ick started his passionate food affair in the Hunter Valley, training under some of the highly regarded traditional Head Chefs including French Chef Robert Molines. His career has seen him travel the East Coast, including Hayman Resort, to manage a 5 star Eco Boutique Resort, where he has experimented and developed his own modernist Australian cuisine. After 5 years of having a sea change at Blueys Beach, he is excited to join Bent on Food for a new adventure and bring customers some wonderful food memories.

Donna would like to welcome Nick, his wife, Natalie (also a chef) and his young family to the Manning Valley, and she is sure that the customers will make them feel very welcome.

With a new head chef in place, Bent on Food is extending trading hours to Friday and Saturday nights from Friday 6 December and

looks forward to giving locals another evening dining choice. Now fully licensed, customers can enjoy a glass of wine, beer or cider with lunch or dinner in air conditioned comfort or in the beautiful big kitchen garden.

Been driving past the Winery signs for a few years now?

W

ineries continue to be a popuChristmas shopping: sampling wine and lar destination for tourists gathering items to create unique gift hampers. and locals, as they provide an It is a great opportunity to get your hands on experience of more than just the local produce of the region, including local drinking wine. There are a number of elements cheeses, condiments, jams and knick-knacks. to wineries that make the overall experience Wineries can be a great place to find a gift enjoyable and offer a great destination when for someone who is difficult to buy for, or the you have friends and relatives crowding the 'foodie' in your life that likes something a little house and you find yourself having to different. be the entertainment director!

Come visit us at Great Lakes First of all, the majority of Winery in Wootton, just wineries provide free tasta short drive down the Wineries are ings with friendly staff ofhighway. We offer wine d typically locate fering information about and cheese tastings, cation, in a beautiful lo the wine and winery and grow our own beef, provides ch hi w happy to have a relaxed sell as much local e of you with a sens e chat with you. The chat produce as we can get ac sp d an relaxation isn't restricted to the our hands on, and we ” d. in to unw subject of wine either. work hard to make it an Part of what we love about enjoyable experience when what we do is having converyou take the time to come sations with customers from all and visit us. Make a day of it, over the world in the cellar door, which and take the gorgeous scenic drive at times transforms into a spontaneous from Wootton to Pacific Palms and have a party when we get a few visitors arriving at swim at one of the many spectacular beaches, once with everyone contributing to the jovial or a dip in a tranquil lake and lunch at a cosy atmosphere. café.

Wineries are typically located in a beautiful Or visit one of the other wineries, includlocation, which provides you with a sense of ing Villa De’sta and Wallamba Vale Winery at relaxation and space to unwind – meaning Krambach, Ghinni Ghinni Wines just north room for the kids to run around. And just of Taree on the highway or Red Tail Wines at because it is called a 'winery', doesn't mean Marlee. Pick a couple to visit in a day for a fun only wine is available. You can find ports and experience for the whole clan. liqueurs and sometimes a variety of boutique So, as you prepare yourself for the influx of beers may also be on offer. At Great Lakes families and friends over the next couple of Winery, if the kids are well behaved, we ofmonths, keep in mind the wineries you can fer a 'gourmet' cordial tasting, which is very visit – each has its own speciality, providing popular. unique experiences that you might not have It is also common for a winery to sell other realised was available. You never know what interesting items, from local produce through you might find, as most wineries are so much to antiques. What a great way to do your more than just a winery!

“

manning-great lakes focus 15

focusinterview.

Warwick Barnes & Diane Kemp

Jukebox Warwick Barnes and Diane Kemp are Forster locals with a small but beautiful collection of jukeboxes which date from the late 1950s.

Warwick spends countless hours restoring these pieces of our musical history to their former glory ...

P

lease share a little bit about your background with us ...

We moved to Forster in 2002 from Kurmond, which is a suburb in the Hawkesbury area in Sydney. During my career I was employed by Esso, initially as a representative and later as a Direct Retail Operations Manager.

In Kurmond we lived on 10 acres and decided that we were going to retire to Forster and work a little less.

How did you first become interested in jukeboxes? I was born in 1944 and was always interested in music, so during the 1950s I was a teenager and was influenced by the revolution that was Rock ‘n’ Roll. The 1950s was an era of great change, with the advent of drive in movies, TV, and transistor radios, but I was attracted to the beautiful American cars and would spend time with my friends in the local milk bar booth talking about the music of the time and those things that interested us.

In a lot of cases the booths had a wall box that played the latest music through a wonderful attraction that adorned most milk bars, the Jukebox. Wurlitzer was a common make, but I was more attracted to the designs that were influenced by the cars of the time, and companies like AMI, Seeburg and Rock Ola produced their jukeboxes to complement the attractive features of the cars. They had glass screens that were copies of Ford and Cadillac windscreens; fins that were prominent on the cars were reproduced on the jukebox.

The Cadillac V was used extensively and featured prominently in the 1958 AMI model I, and also the 1958 Rock Ola. Seeburg produced models with a configuration of Chevrolet tail lights, and it is still one of the most collectable jukeboxes.

It is easy to remember the days gathered around

16 manning-great lakes focus.

shops all over the world have catalogues with 45 records in the tens of thousands.

a jukebox with your friends making your favourite selection, and indeed today when we have guests during the evening, this scene is regularly played out.

Sometime around eight years ago I decided I wanted to own a jukebox and began a search to find one. This resulted in my travelling to Hervey Bay in Queensland, returning with a Rock Ola machine, a 1958 tempo 1 that was not playing and was a virtual wreck.

I have 500 45 speed my vinyl records in other an d an s xe jukebo at can 400 in rack s th ation ri be used for va ” y. ar ss when nece

“

How many jukeboxes do you currently own? Apart from the jukeboxes I have restored for other people, I now have five of my own: a Rock Ola tempo 1 with a rollover menu and four AMI machines, one each from 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1961. I do not even consider any jukebox after 1961, as from this time on they just became boxes where the mechanism cannot be seen operating and they do not reflect the era they belong to. The most valuable jukeboxes are all pre 1960. The valuable jukeboxes are becoming hard to find and are generally in poor condition, and it is necessary to travel to obtain what I want.

Where do you generally source jukeboxes from? The five I own come from all over: one from Hervey Bay, one from the Gold Coast, one from Melbourne and one from Adelaide.

The latest acquisition was a 1958 AMI Model I, that very rarely comes up for sale. I travelled to Narre Warren in Victoria to make sure I obtained it. This machine will be rebuilt next year, and at this stage it plays but is in poor condition.

What types of repairs have you needed to do to get your jukeboxes back into working

order? I learned very early that the only way to restore a jukebox is totally, as generally they have been messed around with to the stage that they are unreliable. I do complete restorations and use original parts, right down to the machine screws in them. Sound systems must have the original speakers and amplifiers, that are all rebuilt.

On average, a restoration takes around an estimated 700 hours, as many problems are encountered on the way. Many new panels and glasses can be bought in Europe and the USA and electrical and mechanism parts can be sourced from ‘jukebox junkyards’ in the USA, which are similar to car parts yards. 1950s jukeboxes will perform faultlessly for many years when rebuilt to manual standards, and I have restorations in Sydney and Queensland that have been playing for years without problems.

Correct me if I’m wrong ... but given the age of your jukeboxes, I’m assuming they contain actual vinyl records. If you need to replace a record, how do you go about it?

I have 500 45 speed vinyl records in my jukeboxes and another 400 in racks that can be used for variation when necessary. Generally, 45 records are in abundance on eBay, and many record

The reason for this is that jukeboxes are more popular than a casual observer would see; in Europe they are really popular, and there are workshops in Greece, Holland, Germany and England that specialise in major restorations. In Australia the interest is not as strong; however, there are still collectors who have jukeboxes at home.

A 45 re issue can cost as little as $2 to $10, but the original 1950s records, whilst still plentiful, can be much more and probably average around the $25 mark. Naturally, some of the most desirable and original titles that are favoured by collectors can run from $50 to hundreds, and I have many of these in my collection.

What types of music do your jukeboxes play – have you stuck with songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s, or have you included some modern day hits in the music catalogue? We have a selection of modern recordings i.e. 1980s, but the bulk of them are 1950s/ 1960s Rock ‘n’ Roll titles, but each jukebox has a selection which specifies Legends or Favourites that can come from any era. One of my jukeboxes has 200 selections that are specifically dedicated to music that is pre 1955 and includes a lot of the big band music, such as Harry James, Artie Shaw and the Dorseys, with singers like Jolson, Eddie Cantor, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland, to name only a small sample.

Do you hire your jukeboxes oiut for functions? I do not hire them out for functions, as the risk of damage to the panels and paint is too great and I would not look forward to repairing damaged front screens, which can be major work to reinstate.

Anyone interested in obtaining a jukebox is welcome to call me, at which time I could advise them: 6555 3305.

manning-great lakes focus 17

Manning-Great Lakes

Baked Hazelnut Latte Cheesecake from Bent on Food

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat

18 manning-great lakes focus.

eat.

A modern, exciting breakfast & lunch menu, Tuesday to Sunday from 8am

FLOW Espresso Bar

New resort sails now shading the alfresco deck

Bean Bar

For Love Of Water!

Dinners & Live Music at Flow are in full swing!

Friday Dinner – live acoustic music + new modern menu every week; local eye fillet steaks, whole baked fish, Singapore Mud Crabs, chicken breast supremes etc, all fussed over meticulously by our experienced chefs and fused with the latest sauces and vegetables.

Saturday Dinner – same special menu as Friday nights, but a little more intimate. Alfresco dining under the stars or indoor candlelit dining.

AN ENTIRELY NEW NIGHT DINING EXPERIENCE NOW AT THE BEAN BAR, with a completely NEW À LA CARTE MENU. Also, 7 days per week from 8am 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.

'Sunday Sessions' Lunch – live music, ice cold beer + fresh seafood specials to close out the weekend. Our everyday lunch menu also available.

Owners Ray and Tony.

Please visit our Facebook page to view weekly dinner menus, musicians, and coming events or to see all the latest photos.

1 Pulteney St, Taree, set on the Manning River t 6550 0022 w www.beanbarcafe.com.au

31 David St, Old Bar t 6557 4224 f www.facebook.com/flowcafe

open 7 days from 8am breakfast and lunch, and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

open Tue to Sunday, 8am to 3pm and Fri to Sat nights from 6pm.

Fully licensed – bookings recommended.

Beach Bums

Raw Sugar Café

With busy holiday preparations in full swing, treat yourself to a little time out overlooking Forster Main Beach. Try our delicious super summer salads, perfect in the lead up to the indulgent Christmas season!

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.

The espresso’s always flowing at Beach Bums Café, so call in early for your daily caffeine boost. Don’t forget you can pick up a bag of freshly ground coffee for your home barista needs too! Stuck for gift ideas for the friend who has everything? Why not grab a Beach Bums Bucks gift voucher? We can alter the amount to suit your requirements.

A few action packed events are taking place this month at Forster Main Beach, so check out our Facebook page for what’s happening locally and daily menu specials.

North & Beach St, Forster Main Beach. t 6555 2840 w beachbumscafe.com.au open 6.30am-5.30pm (weather permitting)

Owners Kate and Darrin.

Freshest local ingredients.

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

manning-great lakes focus 19

eat.

Made fresh daily - enjoy our light selections or something sweet this summer

Bowlo Bistro

Club Taree

Taree West Bowling Club

The Iron Bark Restaurant at Club Taree offers a selection of meal options to enjoy over the festive season. Choose from our selection of dishes featured on our al-a-carte menu or try one of our tempting Chef’s weekly specials.

Thursday nights also feature a Chicken Schnitzel special for just $9.00 whilst on Friday’s enjoy a roast for just $10.00. The kids are also catered for with a selection of meals for under $10.00.

Monday Nights $5 Pasta Tuesday Nights $8 Homemade Chicken Schnitzels WEdnesday Night $8 Homemade Fish and Chips Thursday Night , Kids eat and Drink Free , Our Club Superdraw and Ham Raffles Friday Night , Monster Raffles Sunday Lunch and Dinner $10 Roast

Head Chef James Nossiter.

We would like to wish all of our customers

Chef Kevin Williams.

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

a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

116 Edinburgh Drive, Taree t 6552 2094

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

open 7 days. Lunch: noon ‘til 2pm.

Dinner: 5.30pm ‘til 8pm.

Roast Duck with a Sweet Fig Sauce , in a crispy crepe , with salad

The Lilly Pilly Café features a selection of light meal options along with hot and cold beverages and tempting cakes, desserts and slices. Enjoy our Friday evening special offer and enjoy a coffee or tea plus Chef’s dessert selection for just $6.00.

open from 10am daily.

Bonappetite Café

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

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

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.

Little Street Kitchen Have you been to the newly renovated ‘Lakes and Ocean’ lately? If the answer is no, then you don’t know what you are missing out on!

Not only does the pub now have a beautiful new ambience thanks to the renovations, but the bistro is also serving up some of the best local produce cooked to perfection!

Beautiful tender steaks, mouthwatering seafood, pasta dishes and amazing burgers ...

Little Street Kitchen at The Lakes and Ocean caters to all tastes.

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.

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12 from 12! Enjoy $12 lunches from noon, 7 days, Tuesday to Sunday. $5 kids’ meals every day.

Lakes & Ocean Hotel, 10 Little St, Forster. t 0424 951 701 open 7 days. 12 -2.30 for lunch and from 5.30 for dinner.

eat.

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Coffee Grind Located in Wharf Street, Forster, Coffee Grind boasts its own unique style with its simple yet tasty and fresh menu and beautiful Momenti coffee.

From fresh gourmet salad wraps, homemade spinach and feta pie, to the original thick cut toasted sandwich, there’s something for every palate.

Make sure you bring your appetite and your sweet tooth; with some of the most delicious locally made treats, you’ll find it hard to resist.

Remember, takeaway is available and phone orders are welcome.

GRIND ESPRESSO

Matthew Thrippleton

All coffees aren’t created equal ... to Matthew Thrippleton the proof is in the drinking ... for a real gourmet coffee eperience, try the midas touch of a real master ...

59 Wharf St, Forster t 6557 5155 open 6 days. Monday - Saturday from 8am.

W

hen did a cup of coffee turn into a gourmet experience? Isn’t a flat white just milk and coffee? And what’s all the café fuss about?

Have you ever seen customers walk straight past other (empty) cafés, making a beeline for the busy café … sometimes even waiting in a queue just for their morning cuppa? It seems that coffee ain’t just coffee … well at least, it isn’t to Matt Thrippleton, the owner and head barista at Coffee Grind on 59 Wharf St, Forster.

Matt has the Midas touch when it comes to making coffee just right … from your regular flat white, to macchiatos (espresso with a touch of milk) or piccolo lattes (little lattes in little glasses – if you’re not keen on a lot of milk). It’s true; anyone can make coffee, but good coffee made well tastes so much better.

Bent on Food Bent on Food – not just a café, but a destination.

Winner of 2013 Northern Region Restaurant and Catering Awards – Best Café Restaurant and Best Breakfast Restaurant.

Fully licensed – bookings recommended for dinner.

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. On and offsite catering, cooking classes, cheese making workshops, barista training.

Head Chef Nick Samaras

95 Isabella St, Wingham t 6557 0727 open 7 days. Breakfast, lunch and tasty treats.

Friday and Saturday nights for dinner.

You know they must be serious when they have 3 coffee grinders on their bench top – one for the Momenti Coffee house blend (aromas of rich caramel and subtle spices, and flavours of smooth, sweet chocolate and vanilla), one for their Swiss Water Decaf (no nasty chemicals used) and a single origin grinder (for coffee from one specific coffee growing region) changing monthly.

Come in and try this month’s single origin – Momenti’s Ethiopian Sidamo, to see (and taste) how selecting one region can bring about different flavours in the cup … smooth, fruity acidity and a well-balanced body (yes, we’re still talking about the coffee!)

“

THEY ALWAYS FOCUS ON QUALITY – NOT ONLY IN COFFEE, BUT WITH FRESHLY BAKED MUFFINS AND FORSTERFAMOUS WHITE CHOCOLATE AND RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE. ”

Don’t believe that coffee can taste this good? All you need to do is watch the regulars leaving Coffee Grind with trays of Momenti Coffee takeaway cups to see that something good is going on. Matt and his staff ensure every customer is served promptly, and with a smile.

So the next time you’re catching up with a friend, thinking about lunch (and can’t go past a delicious thick-cut toasty), or want a decent coffee without the fuss, try Coffee Grind, but be warned – you may not be able to settle for anything less after from now on!

Coffee Grind – 59 Wharf Street, Forster (proudly brewing Momenti coffee).

For great coffee at home, try www.momenticoffee.com.au manning-great lakes focus 21

Club Forster Tour De Force is the pairing of two of Australia’s most talented musicians to replicate the phenomenon that is Elton John and Billy Joel together on the one stage. The original 'Tour De Force' began in 1994 and still continues on to this day with no sign of its popularity waning, as Sir Elton John and Billy Joel continue to tour the world together, and in their own separate shows.

Elton Jack (Lance Strauss) and BigShot (Jimmy Mann) are undoubtedly this country’s finest exponents of Elton John and Billy Joel, as they replicate the sound that is synonymous with both artists. Musically the show has no peer, as Lance Strauss and Jimmy Mann are backed by an accomplished band dedicated to providing the Elton John and Billy Joel sound, including a sax/flute player.

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The show starts with both artists on stage in

The Forster Jockey Club

intimate mode playing the classics Your Song

The future of TFJC has never look

and Just The Way You Are, before the band

brighter, with all the new infrastructure,

joins them and they launch into hits like My

stewards' tower at the top of the straight,

Life, Movin Out, I’m Still Standing, Don’t Let

ladies and gents' toilet block finished,

the Sun Go Down On Me and all the major

facilities to tie up another fifty horses,

hits!

which now gives the club a total of one

The show finishes how it began, with just the two artists and two pianos playing Candle In The Wind and Piano Man. The dynamics of the show rise and fall between the power rock songs and beautiful ballads that are recognised the world over. It truly is a captivating concert experience.

hundred horses tie up for race day, and the completion of the new Stewards' and Jockeys' rooms able to accommodate thirty jockeys, with air conditioning, TV monitors in every room, showers, toilets and a large Stewards' room with all the modern facilities.

As well, the watering system around the track is receiving a face lift, making it

Club Forster, 27 December. Tickets: members

possible to deliver more water to all parts

$20; non ,embers $22

of the track. In the New Year the Tuncurry/

Group of 10+ $15 each.

Forster Jockey Club will be applying for TAB

status, which will showcase the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry all around NSW and Australia, and which in turn will promote our region.

The Jockey Club's next meeting is on 18 January: a 'Seafood Beach Party' race day, featuring the best seafood the Wallis Lake can produce. There will also be a Beach Party Dinner Dance at the Tuncurry Bowling Club on Friday night, 17 January: the best of music, and catering including large amounts of prawns, chicken and all the sides to make a great meal. All tickets are $30 per head; tables of ten on sale for the dance at the Bowling Club.

For pavilion and gazebo tickets for the race day, please ring Marg 0429 967 823.

s o c i a l s c e n e Below. Carole and Candice Double C opening

with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

Below. Rotary North

Below. Matt Zarb at Harrigan's

Below. Cabaret

Above. Kaye's 65th birthday Left L . Making Le Cheese Ch

Above. Kim Macdonald at Welll Creative

Social/scene.

Here we are in December again, the end of another year looming, Christmas just around the corner and before too long we will be making New Year’s resolutions. was only talking this morning about how easy it is to slip into work mode and forget to get out and enjoy this beautiful region full of talented beings. We all get caught up in work, housework and chores, they all have to be done, but we do need to find a balance, says me, who decided that getting my work done today is a better option than going out. At least I have a lovely view, with alpacas, goats, cattle and horses all happily munching on the green grass.

One show I wasn’t going to miss was Taree Arts Council's production of Cabaret, and I am so pleased that we went to see this great show. For the entire two weeks that the show was on, it was the talk on everyone’s lips. Locals were chatting, laughing and singing “Come to the Cabaret”, discussing their favourite scene and shedding a tear when they spoke about the ending. The show had everything and more: great acting, great set, superb singing and fabulous dancing. Congratulations to the fantastic cast and crew for giving the people of the Manning Valley such a terrific production. I am so proud to know many of these talented people, and I can’t wait for the next major production.

I am always happy to see a new business open; it is far better than seeing empty shops. I know I harp on about it but if we all committed to shopping locally, we could grow our shopping precincts like many other regional towns have done, making them a destination for tourists to visit for shopping and eating out. Last week, I popped into the opening of Double C Saddlery, a new and very lovely saddlery based in Wingham.

Although the shop is petite, it is fully stocked with the most beautiful tack and horse gear – well worth a visit for the horse enthusiast. You will find some other little

gems there too. Good luck to Carole and Candice in their new venture.

had a really enjoyable afternoon. I thought about how many options we have in the region to listen to live music; there is Flow at Old Bar, The Aztec, Martine’s and so many more places where you can go on the weekend to hear a local or a visiting band. I must get out more!

Still on horses, November was racing month. I love Melbourne Cup and I have always been a bit of a punter; I love to pretend I know what I am talking about, by saying things like, “That horse didn’t draw I was privileged to be invited to speak at the Taree North a very good barrier,” or, “No. 3 has run the distance”, Rotary Club Business meeting last month. I spoke to and “I like that trainer,” normally followed at the end them about how I started my business and enjoyed of the race by, “I was going to back that one hearing about all the wonderful projects that too”. Sound familiar? This time, however, they were driving and participating in.

I won ... not very much, but I won a Rotary do a great job in assisting few dollars and had a great time n't people all over the world, and it One show I was at a Melbourne Cup party up at is fabulous that the Manning gong to miss was Well Creative in Bent Street, uncil's Valley has so many active Rotary the Taree Art Co ret, ba Wingham. We dined on lovely production of Ca d that groups. se 'Manning Valley Naturally' amd I am so plea great is Twenty-one people also got grass fed beef and shared a we went to see th e two tir en together recently at the Black e few glasses of bubbly; it was show. For th as w ow sh e th at Head Tavern for a surprise 65th a fun afternoon with some weeks th lk on birthday dinner for Kaye Wallace great company – hopefully to be on, it was the ta everyone's lips.” of Hallidays Point. Guests included repeated next year.

Kaye's granddaughter, Chyna (who I think I mentioned that I do not helped her blow out the candles on the get out too much on the weekends, cake), Kaye's husband, Malcolm, Ann Ryall always a bit much work to do, and it is easy and Bob Gould. to become a hermit when you live out of town.

“

We get home, pour a glass of wine, and lately we watch the grass grow. On Saturday November 3, I started the day with a cheese making workshop for 20 people, whilst one of my staff went to Harrington to cater for a christening brunch. I received a call from her to let me know the car had broken down, so off we went to Harrington with our trusty friends, Steve and Judi Wills. Steve is a mechanic, so we went equipped with a new battery. After fixing the car, we decided we deserved a drink, so we called into Harrigan's for a Guinness and we were pleasantly surprised to see that the talented Matt Zarb was playing a few tunes in the beer garden. We took in the view and the music and

I would like to finish this month’s social scene by wishing all the readers a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2014. I wish you many special moments with family and friends and plenty of relaxation time, mixed with a few parties! And remember to shop local, eat local and support our local businesses, keep jobs in our region, reduce our carbon miles and support local charities.

I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties anything!

Send pics and info to donna.carrier@bigpond.com Cheers, Donna. manning-great lakes focus 23

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n i g h t

o f

Put your glad rags on (preferably pink) and get along to Club Old Bar on December 13 for a Rock ‘n’ Rolling night of fun. Sue Gordon from the Coasters Rock ‘n’ Roll club explains that funds raised on the night will go to the Oncology Ward at the Manning Base Hospital. ell us a little bit about the You’re organising a Rock ‘n’ Roll dance, Coasters Rock ‘n’ Roll Club ... which will be held at Club Old Bar in what’s your role with December. What is the date and the club, and time this dance will be held? how many members 13 December 2013; starts at does it have? We have 7pm. We’ll be presenting s approximately 40 the Pink Cadillacs band, on ss We have le y members. I am in and the dress will be er ev at 7pm 2 l ‘ti charge of decorations '50s style − pink if t gh ni Monday ve ha d an and raffles at ar possible. ye is D ec th re fo be k ea our events and br t or a sh How much will it xt answering questions they resume ne cost to attend ... and s ague on the Secretary’s and year, at Taree Le where will funds Club.”

President’s behalf, as raised on the night they are both away at go? This event is free. the moment.

We are paying for the band

“

When and where do club members generally meet up, and what kinds of activities do you normally organise? We have lessons at 7pm every Monday night ‘til 2 Dec this year and have a short break before they resume next year, at Taree Leagues Club.

We organise social gatherings at local clubs to promote Rock ‘n’ Roll, which is great fun way to exercise. We bring bands up from Sydney and Newcastle and decorate these events in the '50s style. We attract 150 to 200 hundred people for these events from Newcastle, Port Macquarie, North Haven, Bulahdelah and encourage people to take a trip back in time for these events and dress up, also in the '50s style.

and so is club Old Bar; we are hoping to raise funds with gold coin donations and raffles to donate to the Oncology Ward at Taree Hospital. All contributions will go to them; this is a not for profit event just to help our local hospital; our Secretary works there. The doctors and the nurses who care for cancer patients, plus the patients themselves, are heroes. They are faced with an enemy that backs them against the wall, and they all come out fighting. We just want to help in a small way.

Whom should people contact if they want more information? Club Old Bar 6553 7224 or Sue Gordon 6553 1045.

Thanks Sue. manning-great lakes focus 25

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focus focusTourism.

Tourism. Donna Hudson - Great Lakes Manager Tourism & Marketing

Tourism Donna Hudson What an exciting and busy time of the year! ith the recent rain, nature is in full swing – the grass is growing before our eyes and the region seems fresher and more alive than ever. The days are longer, which means summer is here!

It’s time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the very best of the Manning Valley and Great Lakes areas.

W

Some of the wide range of activities on offer include:

The longer summer days bring more time to enjoy our fabulous climate and get out and about with family or friends at the beach, river, in the bush or simply allowing the long afternoons to blend into lazy evenings.

• The Community Garden at Cundletown has three family focused days.

• Greater Taree Libraries have movie screenings, craft making, drama, science and writing workshops. On Friday 6 December The Summer Reading Club will be launched to help keep young minds stay active over the holiday period. Young ‘would be detectives’ can register at their library.

• Honeycomb Valley Farm has a school holiday program in beekeeping and honey making.

At this time of year community come • Kids' activities are also held at the PCYC together and shine. The many and Manning Regional Art Gallery.

Carols by Candlelight For more ideas, contact the events across the region Visitor Information Centre are not possible ome along C on 1800 182 733 or www. without the support d celebrate an manningvalley.info of community year on ew n e th To help you with ideas organisations anning River M e th for when your family and and volunteers. ter in Taree or Fors friends visit, keep an eye Come out, bring on the 31st or out for the new Manning a picnic and join t rington on the 1s ar H Valley Summer Guide. your friends and January.” of It will be your Summer neighbours. I find Guide to great deals and the best part of these spectacular drives. For a day or a events is how the kids weekend away, the guide showcases immerse themselves into our top destinations, as well as some hidden everything the event has to offer, in the treasures. carols, candles/torches and entertainment.

“

After carols we then go for a drive to look at the Christmas light displays people have in their front yards. It is a wonderful lead up to Christmas.

New Year's Eve is another exciting time.

Within the region we are fortunate to have a number of options for New Year's Eve. In the Manning Valley our foreshore has changed and so have the New Year's Eve celebrations, and we invite you to be part of the exciting changes. Come along and celebrate the New Year on the Manning River in Taree or Forster on the 31st or Harrington on 1 January.

School holidays are the region’s speciality.

With all this busyness, I feel it is still important to enjoy the little things this time of year has to offer. The birds are out with their young, chickens are going clucky, cicadas are singing a symphony and the kangaroos and wallabies are venturing out for some fresh new pick. For me, it is this time of year when I end up with a collection of Christmas beetles my girls love to go and collect of an evening.

Whether you are hosting family or friends in our beautiful Manning Valley and Great Lakes areas, holidaying or travelling through, all the best for a wonderful and safe holiday season. manning-great lakes focus 27

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Yarad

family

For 80 years the Yarad's name has been synonymous with style, professionalism and great service in the Manning community.

retail dynasty was started by patriarch Callile Yarad in 1933 and together with son Michael, the business established itself as the area's premier menswear location. The same drive and passion for the business was instilled early in John and Bruce Yarad, who were guided by their father and grandfather to take over the family business in 1956, making a new era for Yarads and sparking the beginning of the changing, innovative face of the company.

“We grew immensely passionate about the industry and continued the business mission to be one of the best outlets in the state," explained John.

In the early '70s they were joined by brotherin-law Bert Assef and under their leadership, the business expanded and grew, but the core values never faltered, with customer service, affordability and trendsetting at the forefront of everything they did. Yarads has seen many changes over the years, from a change of direction in the early days to cater for a broader range of tastes and styles, to store expansions and of course, the second store opening in Forster in 1990, this time under the guidance of fourth generation Yarad, Michael – Bruce's son – and his wife, Lee-anne.

The Great Lakes community quickly embraced the family business, and it has become part of the heart of the Main Street shopping district at Forster for both locals and tourists.

Two years later the business had its biggest expansion to date and opened the doors of

Iguana Surf Wear, that has stood firm as the area's number one fashion destination.

John's daughter, Jo-anne, who had been Together, the fourth generation Yarads are working with the family business since she was continuing the family tradition, defying just 12 years old, took the helm of the current challenges of the Iguana with the assistance of retail industry by joining Clive Bloomfield, another the internet age and long term employee, and developing online stores ry We're ve both have ensured that for both Yarads and ve ha to e at fortun Iguana is a market e th Iguana to grow their of t or pp su had the leader, continuing to at Lakes customer base to an re G d an ng ni Man stock on-trend surf r such a fo international level. es iti un m m co e, and and street fashion At the core of the long period of tim this to for men, women and we look forward y business' success, an m r fo ng ui children. in cont according to John

“

years to The Yarads were on top of trends long before their bigger city rivals had discovered them, with many locals reminiscing about the Jean Age store of the '70s or the area's only allfemale beach fashion house – Beach Girl.

come.”

“We've been innovative and we've always been pre-empting the way the market is going; that's definitely been a major strength of ours, and it's kept us exciting,” explained Jo-anne.

“We pride ourselves on being the first account for Billabong in 1973, when Gordon Merchant (Billabong founder) would drop in and sell board shorts out of the back of his car; that's fashion history,” she added.

Then in 2007, after 54 years and with indelible legacy of business smarts to leave for their children, John and Bruce handed over the company to Jo-anne and Michael.

and Bruce, Jo-anne and Michael, has always been their committed and professional staff, who all share their passion for the fashion and retail industries.

The Yarads family has grown to include their staff in the tight knit fold, with their low staff turnover testimony to this.

“These people have given us years of service, and we are so grateful that they've shared out passion and helped us to take us through to where we are today,” said Michael.

Yarads Taree's manager, Nerida Schmitzer has been with the company for 23 years and is the embodiment of the business values of professionalism and unrivalled customer service, while her predecessor, Robert Gyde, was another example of this.

Clive Bloomfield started with the business

when he was just a teenager, and will next year mark 42 years with the company.

“His experience and knowledge are invaluable to us,” added Jo-anne.

The business has always known the importance of supporting the community that has supported them, and over the years has donated thousands of dollars to local charities, sporting teams and schools.

With celebrating their 80th birthday this year, Jo-anne and Michael Yarad are continuing their family tradition by giving back to the local community with their generous donation of $20,000 to the 'Can Assist' charity. This money will go towards providing financial assistance for local cancer patients and their families to cover the costs of accommodation, travel, medical and everyday household bills. All funds raised for the charity are kept within the local community to assist people from the Manning Valley, Great Lakes, Bulahdelah, Gloucester, Taree, Wingham and Moorland areas.

“We're very fortunate to have had the support of the Manning and Great Lakes communities for such a long period of time, and we look forward to this continuing for many years to come,” Michael said.

There's no doubt that Yarads and Iguana will continue to flourish into the future thanks to their forward thinking, passion and core values that have served the family well over the past 80 years.

manning-great lakes focus 29

30 manning-great lakes focus.

focus focu fo cusin interview. nte erv rvie ew.

“

I love to skate, snowboard, play soccer and hang out with my mates. I love most sports.”

OSCAR S A L T Nine year old Oscar Salt is a local Boomerang Beach resident and is very aptly named, as saltwater appears to run in his veins! Young Oscar is a rising star in the surfing world, having already achieved some fantastic competition results in the short time he’s been competing. Watch this space, ladies and gentlemen, as Oscar appears to have a big sporting future ahead of him! i Oscar. What’s your story ... how old are you, and where do you go to school? My name is Oscar Salt, and I have just turned 9 years old. I live at Boomerang Beach and I’m in Year 3 at Pacific Palms Public School.

How have you been going with this – are you loving it? I have been surfing competitively for 2 years. The last major comp that I surfed was in September at Bl's Blast Off.

Beaches in February, where I will compete at 2 stops of an 8 leg National Junior Series.

Blast Off is the second biggest junior comp in the world. Kids from all over the country come to compete in it.

Who’s been teaching you to surf – i.e. coaches, family etc.? My dad and his friends, but really all of the surfers in Pacific Palms have been helping and teaching me when I am out surfing.

How long have you been surfing? What got Last year I made the semi finals at my first contest, you interested in the first place … and this year I came 2nd. do other people in your family I love free surfing and having fun surf too? I have been surfing with my mates, but also love the now for about 3 - 4 years. I challenge of competitions and started surfing when I was the new friends I get to make. enjoy so al I about 5. I wanted to surf izabeth Beach, El What surf clubs are because it looked like a and use my friends ca be you involved with? lot of fun, and I wanted out have lots of fun I Do they help you with to try it. Dad (Adam) tricks … there trying new izzie competitions? My ‘L surfs too, and I wanted especially when local board riders club is ng!” to go out with him.

Lefts’ are worki Boomerang Beach Board What are your favourite Riders. They run a comp on the local beaches to surf at? third Sunday of every month. This Why do you like them/ year is the first time they have had what’s special about them? a division for what are known as ‘Micro Boomerang Beach is my favourite place Groms’(under 12s). to surf. I really like the south end, because it It has been a good first year, as I have won every has good right handers off the rocks. event except for one, where I placed second.

I also enjoy Elizabeth Beach, because my When and where is the next comp you’ll be friends and I have lots of fun out there trying new competing in? My next comp is at Cronulla Beach tricks … especially when ‘Lizzie Lefts’ are working!

21/22 December, followed by Curl Curl Northern I hear you’ve been entering some surf comps.

“

Last year at Cronulla I placed third, so hopefully I can improve on that this year.

Who’s your idol in the surfing world? What do you admire most about him? Mick Fanning! He is such an awesome all round surfer. I love his speed and turns, and he is able to perform in all conditions.

He has won two world titles and may win a third at Pipeline in Hawaii in a few weeks’ time at the final event of the year.

When you’re not surfing, what else do you like to do? I’m guessing you’re pretty active most of the time! I love to skate, snowboard, play soccer and hang out with my mates. I love most sports.

What would you like to do when you grow up and finish school? I dream about being a professional surfer or soccer player. I would love to do a job where I could get paid for doing something I enjoy so much.

Thanks Oscar. You’re an up and coming star in the sporting world, so expect take part in lots more interviews in the future!

Oscar would also like to thank Webster Surfboards, who help him out with his boards!

manning-great lakes focus 31

32 manning-great lakes focus.

Bent On Life Aqua’s Pool Equipment Looking for the right person to service your pool and equipment?

Look no further; Aqua is your man. Aqua (Charlie Aquilina) is a qualified Pool Technician with many years’ experience, licensed and insured.

With over 20 years’ experience in commercial and domestic pool servicing and the last 13 years as owner operator of Aqua’s Pool Equipment and Service, Charlie Aquilina and his staff will put your mind at ease.

Aqua’s Pool Equipment and Service operates as a mobile pool service covering the area between Diamond Beach to the north, Bungwahl to the south and as far west as Nabiac.

Charlie and his in-depth knowledge of your pool and how it works will happily supply, install and service any brand of pool pump, chlorinator, pool filter, pool solar heating or pool cover that you may already have or would like installed.

As well as servicing your pool and equipment, Charlie can supply and install quality brands of pool pumps, filters, chlorinators, pool blankets, pool blanket rollers and all other pool accessories at competitive prices.

Charlie also offers regular servicing and cleaning of domestic pools, holiday home pools and commercial pools and he will happily give you a quote to service your pool monthly, fortnightly or weekly.

Call Aqua’s team now and live The Aqua Dream.

Bent on Life is the region’s place to shop when you are looking for a gift with a difference. With an incredible range of quality kitchenware, French Provincial tableware and homewares, handcrafted ladies jewellery, beautiful leather handbags and great things for you and your home, there is no need to go any further than Bent on Life.

This beautiful store is filled to the brim with beautiful giftware for Christmas, including great children’s gifts from Seedling, high tea cups and accessories from Cristina Rea, along with the beautiful Woodwick candle range. Gorgeous scented diffusers and soy candles, Cecily teatowels, cushions, aprons and even cheese making supplies are all on show in this stylish store.

We lovingly gift wrap whilst you pop down to Bent on Food for a coffee, complimentary when you spend $50. If on the odd occasion you are unable to find a suitable gift, you can purchase one of our gift vouchers, which can be used for gifts, lunch, gourmet food or even a cookery class. You can also purchase a stunning gourmet hamper. If you are looking for a stylish gift or a special piece for your home that you can’t find anywhere else in the valley, Bent on Life is the place to find it. Come along to our shopping night on Thursday 5 December for a glass of sparkling, a canapé and some special goodies. Why not send hubby to the beer and BBQ cooking class on the same night, so you can shop ‘til you drop.

Open every Sunday in December, 10am - 2pm. Pop into Wingham on Thursday 12 December for the Christmas Street Carnival and do some shopping; we are open late. If you can’t make it to Wingham, you can buy online www.bentonfood.com.au and we can giftwrap and send away for you. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BentonLife

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focusinterview.

Christeen McLeod is the Koala Care Facility Manager for Koalas in Care Inc. In her care at the moment is a rather unusual and extremely beautiful koala. Allow us to introduce you to Petal …

H

i Christeen. Tell us a bit about Koalas in Care.

KIC was founded by my husband, Paul, and I and we commenced operations in the Greater Taree, Gloucester and the northern section of Great Lakes on 1 July 2005. Paul and I have been working with koalas in this area since 1993, and our group is licensed by the Office of Environment & Heritage (NPWS). The aim of our group is to rescue, care for, rehabilitate and release back to the wild sick, injured and orphaned koalas. KIC provides a 24 hour Koala Rescue Service – 6552 2183. We have an experienced team of rescuers/carers to attend to all calls. We are based in Taree, and all koala patients are cared for at our purpose built facility. We are not open to the public.

What’s your role with Koalas in Care? I am the Koala Care Facility Manager. My main responsibility is to admit/care for our koala patients in our facility, take them to their vet visits and carry out the vet’s instructions for the treatment that has been prescribed for each koala. I also organise tasks that the facility team do on daily basis, answer the phone, give the general public advice on koala issues, plus many other duties. Fresh leaf is collected several times per week and 4-5 species must be collected. This job is done by Paul and takes about 2.5 hours each collecting session.

How many koalas are you currently looking after? Does this number vary a great deal throughout the year? We are currently caring for 12 koalas and yes, the number can vary throughout the year. At the moment we are in ‘peak koala breeding season’, so from August – February is our more active time.

34 manning-great lakes focus.

However, autumn/winter ca an be quite busy can with older koalas getting sic ck and not coping c sick in the colder months. Our 2012/2013 koala breeding season was our busiest ever, with 75 koalas admitted for treatment (our annual intake is between 35 – 50 individuals). This ack k to current season is looking like it is on track be just as busy. At present we are admitting quite a few young adults, both male and female, for a variety of a car reasons.

Petal was hit by

“

injured on

and will remain there until her forearm mends, and she will then start rehabilitation to strengthen her arm for climbing again. Her jaw is healing well and posing no problems for her.

and left Introduce us to otorists the ro ad until m the gorgeous girl Bates came Eden and Kerrie on the in the photor he along and saw graphs. How did ntacted co en th ro ad; they she come to be a serious KIC. Petal was in a in your care? This ng ri condition suffe very special girl’s forearm, t gh ri d re tu ac fr ad trauma he , name is Petal. She’s w fractured ja special because she and shock.”

What else can you has two superb blue tell us about her … do eyes; normally koalas only you know how old she have brown eyes. Petal was is, and how long you expect hit by a car and left injured on she’ll need to be looked after? the road until motorists Eden and Kerrie Petal is about 2 – 2.5 years old, which makes Bates came along and saw her on the road; they then contacted KIC. Petal was in a serious her a young adult. Petal will remain in care until her arm is strong and she can manage condition suffering a fractured right forearm, climbing again, which may take some time. fractured jaw, head trauma and shock. She was attended to by Vet Donald Hood, Taree Veterinary Hospital. Donald planned to fix her arm and jaw the following day under general anaesthetic. Petal tolerated the procedure well and was intensively nursed over the next 2 weeks. It took her 2 weeks to be able to chew leaf for herself and until she was able to chew, she was given blended eucalyptus leaves and formula. She is currently still in intensive care

How unusual is it for a koala to have blue eyes? I believe blue eyes in a koala are quite rare. I know there is one other that was captive bred in Queensland. In 20 years of working with koalas, I have never seen blue eyes in any of our local koalas.

What’s the process when it comes time to release koalas you’ve cared for back into the wild? It differs greatly depending on the

age of the koala and why they were brought into care i.e. with orphaned joeys, they have to be weaned and go through a period of dehumanising prior to release but with an adult koala, they just revert back to their wild status; they remember and get quite excited when we return them to the bush. With injuries, then we have to rehabilitate them and make sure they can return to normal koala activities on release.

How can the general public help you with the work you do ... are they able to make donations to Koalas in Care, or do any volunteer work?

We rely on our own fundraising and the generosity of the public to fund the work we do in the community. Without the public’s help financially, we could not provide this service to our local koalas. Money donated stays within our operating area and we are all volunteers (no paid staff). To volunteer at KIC it is best to email your enquiry to koalasic@bigpond.net. au for more information.

How can people find out more info about Koalas in Care? www.koalasincare.org.au (all our contact details are on our website). Like us on Facebook!

Thanks Christeen.

manning-great lakes focus 35

36 manning-great lakes focus.

focus on fashion

Summer

FASHION Dresses and Shoes Justdresses4u

Shoes Manning Shoes

Makeup Aaqua Marine Day Spa

manning-great lakes focus 37

Happy 13th Birthday The Costume Party Shop has turned 13! The Costume Party Shop, formerly known as The Forster/Tuncurry Toy Library, marks its 13th anniversary this December. We owe our 13 years of success to our customers, who have lit up our store with excitement, joy and celebration.

This festive season we want you to join in on the celebrations with our party packages, designed to cater for all events and budgets. For the month of December we will be taking bookings for ALL events held before 30 November 2014. That's right; we are partying right up until our 14th birthday!

We can style your special event, whether it is an engagement party, wedding, birthday party, corporate event, Australia Day, beach party, Hawaiian party, circus party and New Year’s Eve parties.

Our $13 menu: 1. Hire costumes for $13 each 2. Balloon table decoration for $13 each 3. Balloon floor bouquet for $13 each 4. Surprise balloon in box for $13 5. Party pack of decorations for $13 6. Box of photo props for $13 The excitement doesn't stop there. With an extensive range of celebration cakes, themed invitations, lighting, tables, chairs, personalised favours, dessert tables, lolly buffets, balloon pinatas and plenty more.

Friday 13 December 2013 will our main day of celebration. If you book with us on this day, you will go into draw to win your event package for free. There will also be 'pop a balloon' with prize vouchers inside. If you cannot make it on the day, enter our competition online at www.thecostumepartyshop.com.au

38 manning-great lakes focus.

Spoil your Pets this Christmas Taree Pet Barn has everyone covered for Christmas presents this year …

Buy the children a cool new fish tank and the fish to go with it.

We have some awesome set ups available, having just brought through a whole new range of Blue Planet fish tanks. We know how much kids love Nemo (Clownfish) and Dory (Blue Tang) and we have a 30 Litre Aquatopia Complete Marine Set Up available that will fit Nemo and Dory just perfectly.

While you’re keeping a smile on the kids’ faces with their new fish tank, you can make your pets’ Christmas special too with our great selection of Christmas toys and treats. We have Christmas hats for your pets, cute Santa toys and Christmas treat packs galore.

With Christmas just around the corner, we are sure you will fall in love with something at Taree Pet Barn … it may be something cute and fluffy like our baby rabbits and guinea pigs, or the soft whistle of the birds may take your fancy … we have even made up our own special start up hampers which you can purchase to take home with that special fluffy friend the kids are getting for Christmas.Come and visit the friendly staff at Taree Pet Barn, on the corner of Whitbread St and Elizabeth Avenue Taree, or call (02) 6550 0055.

WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR PETS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In 1957 the first Cape Hawke Community Hospital consisting of 7 beds, was opened in Cross Street, Forster.

In 1959 a further 2 beds were opened.

In 1970 a new 16 bed hospital was opened, which consisted of rooms 8-14 of this existing hospital, on the present site.

In 1971 a further 9 beds where opening comprising rooms 15,16 & 17 of this present structure.

In 1981 additional services were opened which consisted of ; a further 9 beds, bring the total to 35, Operating Suite, Emergency Room, Nursery, Labour Ward, Mortuary and ancillary rooms.

A Medical Centre was built in 1987, incorporating Pathology and Radiology practices which are privately leased.

In 1990 further additions were opened which included 4 Private Rooms plus two 2 bed wards. This brought the total bed numbers to 42.

A new Day Surgery Unit and fully equipped second operating

theatre were commissioned on 16th January 1995.

Pulse Health Limited on 7th April 2008.

Extension and renovations were commissioned in April 2001 taking total inpatient beds to 62. The extension included 12 Private Rooms, 9 Two bed Rooms, 5 High Dependency Unit.

In July 2012, Forster Private Hospital extended its leasing of the property to include the first floor of the building, enabling expansion of the present 13 bed Rehabilitation Unit to 25 beds with fully equipped gymnasium.

Extension of Kitchen May 2004.

The Hospital has maintained continuous accreditation status since 1985. The hospital is a community owned facility and it’s building was funded by community effortsSince it’s inception the hospital has been leased out and operated as a Private Hospital.

We need to congratulate Cape Hawke Community Hospital and Health Association for the major community asset which sits in the heart of a community proud district. The hard work and the commitment by them have made a landmark we can all be proud of.

Community Private Health Care Pty Ltd (formerly Kizet Pty Ltd) leased the property from 19th January 1987 until the sale of the business and assets to Forster Private Hospital Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of

With the construction the hydrotherapy pool by Cape Hawke Community Hospital and Health Association, this has enabled further expansion to include Day Programs and our popular “Keep You Active” sessions.

Further plans are for the development of a Renal Dialysis Unit and the expansion of our cancer treatment services, which will provide a much needed boost to services available in the Great Lakes Area.

For any enquiries please contact the hospital on 6555 1333 or visit our website on www.forsterprivate.com.au.

manning-great lakes focus 39

DECEMBER 2013

WITH TERRI

Thank You This year Mid Coast Connect secured over 2,500 placements for students in Years 11 & 12 studying Vocational Education and Training subjects for their HSC. We have over 1000 supportive host employers and a significant number of them have been taking students into their workplace for more than ten years.

Our Partnership Brokers were active in the local community facilitating partnerships amongst business, schools, community and parents to create programs

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

LIBRA. September 24 - October 23

You have lost touch with your positive attitude regarding abundance. Set your sight on what you want, plan it out and begin seeking it towards mid-month. Your practical way of thinking will be your strength all month, but don’t compromise any new standard recently set. Distract yourself in a project, allowing your creative, artistic talent to flow and this is when you’ll sparkle, with that Gemini passion for living. New friend/friends and social outings can be expected as your tastes begin to change. Try wearing some topaz for wellbeing and prosperity.

Relationships are going to continue being a challenge for you unless you begin to honour your needs. You prioritise everyone’s needs above your own, and then wonder why you are so frequently taken advantage of. Begin today to love yourself as much as you care for others, and enjoy the difference your reality brings. You are being given another opportunity to re-educate those connected to you. All you have to do is what you want to do, without feeling guilty.

Turquoise is powerful self-love crystal. Carry it for a few weeks.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

February 20 - March 20

June 23 - July 23 Ju

To achieve that feeling of having everything that you could possibly wish for, tune into your personal strength. You have such talent with perfectionism, so enjoy manifesting every bit of reward you deserve. Just know that there is no challenge too big for you to easily conquer; all you need to do is make the commitment, then begin planning and preparing. Perhaps even try giving yourself permission to succeed. Enjoy the beautiful calm later on in the month. Smokey Quartz dispels negativity and is very grounding for your energy.

supporting young people's transition to further education, training or employment. These partnerships include the Mid Coast Careers Market, Cows Create Careers, and Education Funds in the Hastings, Great Lakes and Macleay Valley.

Our Project Officers have promoted apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities through the Careers That Care program and the Indigenous Youth Careers Pathways (IYCP) Program. These programs assist students in obtaining positions as well as providing individual support with meeting school and work requirements.

They also provided workshops to build awareness of employment and training opportunities; including the

Some fresh goal setting is urgently required to still the frustration of not knowing what is coming. You can feel change coming into the picture, you can even sense its outcome, and this is feeding the feeling of waiting for something big. The trouble is, it still isn’t happening. New goal setting will start the ball rolling. You will be divinely guided towards the right opportunity and the appropriate contacts will enter the picture to validate perfect timing.

Ruby shatters negativity and aligns us with our destiny or life’s purpose.

Adventure is on the horizon. Pay attention to all detail while you journey, as there will be many successful opportunities waiting. The only vulnerability comes back to your sense of self-worth. Consideration needs to be given to an unfinished project or task from the past.

This completion represents endings of old hurts, discovering undigested emotions, letting go of the same old hurtful nagging feeling so that you can reconnect with your magnificence and like you. Celebrate the ‘new you’ with some friends. Turquoise is great for personal power, amplifying it.

October 24 - November 22

Your very clever mind and wisdom are likely to be drawn on by those around you, this month.

You have an innate talent with problem solving, and these next few weeks will prove to you how clever and important in the bigger scheme of things you actually are. This will benefit your self-esteem. A new intellectual pursuit could prove to be quite successful as an additive to your income. Avoid turning down any social engagements this month, as a special friend is likely to enter your reality.

Azurite is a powerful crystal for insight.

Girl’s Try a Trade day and Pharmacy Connect program.

The contribution of employers, schools, TAFE, partners and stakeholders to all the programs offered by Mid

ARIES.

LEO.

Coast Connect is deeply appreciated.

March 21 - April 20

July 24 - August 23

After such a huge year, we are already planning for 2014. We invite you to share your ideas and experience to provide opportunities for our local youth. Becoming involved in our programs can provide real benefits to your organisation as well as helping young people with their education and employment.

Find out more by contacting one of our offices. More information is also available on our website www.

Change is being called for. A new way of looking at things will happen as your attitudes begin to alter. Then you may anticipate a new set of social influences, through a group or class you may attend. You might even experience ‘itchy feet’ for a while, until change in your environment takes place. A holiday may be the answer for the restlessness; however, try to capitalise on its energy to make the most of it. Become aware of your fears and then try laughing at them. Citrine balances energy.

midcoastconnect.com.au or through our Facebook page.

November 23 - December 21

Justice is being served at present. Your reality is likely to change soon, with a balancing of outstanding debts, both physical and etheric. Look at your last cycle constructively not critically, if you want clarity. There will be remnants of other people’s input you may need to tidy up, but don’t lose heart, as this is also drawing in good karma. Don’t walk away from your challenge taking no responsibility, as this ultimately was your creation. Just look for its hidden blessings with gratitude.

Rose Quartz initiates unconditional love.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

December 22 - January 20

You may be tempted to run away from a situation; this is only because you’re feeling powerless. Work on yourself and rebuild your personal strength, so you won’t be manipulated. This will bring back the honour and respect you are craving. Instead of tingling from head to foot with gratitude for the blessings surrounding you, you are focused on what you feel is missing. This is bringing forth a negative thought pattern, which could lead to depression if not changed.

Rose Quartz initiates a vibration of happiness and gratitude.

40 manning-great lakes focus.

A wonderful feeling of accomplishment will be a strong influence early in the month, followed by a sense of adventure and travel opportunities.

Quite a busy social calendar can be anticipated, with some unexpected visitors and catching up with old friends. Enjoy your creative flair at work and keep above daily stress by looking at the bigger picture. Your sensitivity is being amplified at present, so keep busy to avoid being pulled into everyone else’s problems. New goal setting will benefit you too. Carrying moonstone helps cycles end and new ones begin.

SAGITTARIUS.

You are about to tumble into an experience that you are completely unaware of. There is nothing to fear, as you are being divinely guided. You will be pursuing life with a sense of romance and will enjoy discovering a new talent. Your confidence will surge, and you can expect to feel great about yourself. New work opportunities are coming forth and are likely to be a big distraction later in the month; however, you will need to tie up some loose ends first. Calcite assists us with spontenaity.

Laughter is your perfect motto for this month, as your vulnerability has been that lately you have taken life far too seriously. This leaves you feeling trapped by your circumstance, rather than in charge of it and has led to possible depressing emotions. It is your life and it isn’t a rehearsal, so get on with it and use that wicked sense of humour and start living with a purpose.

Perhaps some fresh goal setting will help you break the habit of lower expectations. Carnelian is a very powerful motivator.

focusinterview.

Tinonee Historical Society Just a short distance from Taree is the beautiful and historic village of Tinonee. Several members of the Tinonee Historical Society Inc, Jenny Cherry – President, Pamela Muxlow – Secretary, Janette Hayden – Treasurer share a little of the history of the area. It’s well worth taking the drive to visit the village and also to drop in to the local museum ...

lease share a little bit of background information about the Tinonee Historical Society – when was it formed, and what are the society’s aims? Tinonee Historical Society was incorporated in 2003.

Before this, we were a part of Tinonee Town and Parish Chapter of Manning Valley Historical Society.

We are a wholly volunteer organisation with members enthusiastically giving their time and hard work to make this museum and its grounds something to be proud of for the community.

We aim to preserve, conserve and collect artefacts and family history in the Tinonee, Hillville, Mondrook, Kiwarrak Forest and its environs for the benefit of the community.

When was the museum at Tinonee established, and where is it currently located? The museum was established in 2003, and is situated at 32 Manchester Street, Tinonee.

The newly formed society had members pushing to have a Museum in Tinonee; this was helped along by a former resident of Tinonee, Mrs Carolyn Fazio, now living in the USA, who purchased a building at 32 Manchester Street, Tinonee in 2002 for the society to use as a Museum. This building was a former broom factory in the 1940s − the fourth and last one to operate in Tinonee.

In 2003 members came together to transform this building into what it is today, including help from volunteers workers from Mission Australia and Wesley Uniting Employment over

the years.

The Society celebrated its 10th birthday in September this year with a garden party in the Museum grounds and visitors from Tinonee and away.

What are some of the displays people can view at the museum? The Museum displays include a boating room with stories about the Manning River and boats built in Tinonee in the early years. There’s a display from the former ‘Terrace Cinema Tinonee’, including the projector, dating back to the 1930s, and cinema seating, and movie posters display.

A commerce room with part display of the ‘Chapman’s Emporium’, showcases containing War time and Red Cross displays; this includes a ‘Flag Dress’, which is included on the Australian Dress Register as a significant item in our museum. And there’s also a children’s bedroom and lounge room/parlour.

The museum has a collection of photographs and portraits of local pioneers, and our archival cupboard contains a quantity of written family histories. The museum has a small shop in our boating room selling souvenirs, history books and handmade crafts.

The grounds of the museum also include our heritage garden containing flowers as well as vegetables, which is watered from our rainwater tank received under a Federal Govt. grant.

What days/hours is the museum open?

The Museum opening hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am - 2pm, and Saturday 12.30 – 3.30pm. Visitations by appointment also.

What is the admission charge? The

admission is $3 per person, children $1, family $7.

aeroplanes landed.

Tinonee streetscape contains our local hall, Apart from looking after the museum, which is over 100 years old, plus the Tinonee what are some of the other events/ Cottages, the primary school, which opened activities the society organises? Do in 1859 and continues to grow in strength you regularly hold fundraisers or host and has one of the best views overlooking the outings for members? The society members Manning River. organise garage sales and Bunnings The former Police Station/Courthouse BBQs several times a year. We which is across the street from are continually seeking the museum is currently grant funding to assist undergoing restoration with improvements e and was built in the late th of s nd The grou of the museum e ud cl in 1890s. The museum also so al m museu infrastructure. The en has the original gaol rd ga ge our herita members regularly well as s er w lockup and the Police flo ng ni contai attend workshops hich is w , es stables, which have bl ta ge ve as r rainwater as part of the recently been rebuilt, watered from ou r a de Mid North Coast and also the recently tank received un t.” an Chapter of Museums restored Boom gate and Federal G ovt. gr Australia, and we are pulley wheel from the affiliated with the Royal Tinonee Punt.

Australian Historical Society.

Is the society actively seeking Members attend other local new members and if so, how do museums’ exhibitions and functions. people go about joining? The Museum Society members are representatives on is always looking for new volunteer members, the Greater Taree City Council Strategic who are welcome to contact the Museum Heritage Advisory Committee, who meet biduring opening hours. monthly.

Membership fees are $10 per year per person One would assume members of the and the financial year is from the 1 June - 31 society are generally history buffs ...

May. Age is no restriction, but a love of history so what’s a little-known or surprising is a help. historical fact about Tinonee you can What are the contact details for the share? Just up the river from Tinonee is museum? Members can be contacted via Mondrook, which was the home of 1881 phone on 6553 1571, email Tinonee_ Melbourne Cup winner, Zulu, and his remains museum@hotmail.com or our website www. are buried in the area. There is a lane now tinoneemuseum.org.au named after him − Zulu Lane. In wartime Thanks ladies. there was also an airstrip at Mondrook where

“

manning-great lakes focus 41

Leaha’s Hair Studio Leaha’s Hair Studio is now in 2 great locations: Tuncurry and Old Bar. Leaha has owned the salon in Tuncurry for almost 5 years and decided to expand her business to a brand new salon in Old Bar. Both salons offer all our great services, from cuts, colours and curls to bridal hair and makeup. Leaha and her staff will also travel to the location where the bridal party is getting

42 manning-great lakes focus.

ready.

constantly participating in new training and

Leaha and her team are like one big family;

development to keep up to date with the

she has wonderful staff, and without them

latest trends and styles. “We believe you

the running of both the salons would not be

never know everything in our industry. There

possible. They love making their clients look

is always something NEW to be learnt; that’s

and feel fabulous. They are a strong team of

what keeps us excited and passionate about

highly qualified senior stylists who each offer

our job.

something fresh and different to all their

“We stock an extensive range of beautiful

clients.

Keune hair care products and are more than

Leaha has been a hairdresser for 15 years

happy to help you with all of your hair care

and has worked in London and studied in

needs.

Amsterdam to become an international

“If you’re looking for something fresh and

master colorist.

new, we would love to see you at Leaha’s Hair

The team at Leaha’s Hair Studios are

Studio.”

The RADICAL ABDOMINOPLASTY OPERATION “ Tummy TUCK”

T

he gradual increase in girth in pregnancy and in weight gain, causes tissue-expansion and stretching.

When the above situation is reversed,ie. after delivery of a baby or weight loss, there are different types of reversal in the various tissues affected.

Muscles do best and can almost recover completely. The two large columns of muscles in the anterior abdominal wall, the right and left Rectus Abdominus muscles, which give great strength to the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back, are such examples.

The fascia covering these muscles, a strong sleeve around the muscles and fused ( attached ) in the midline, stretch up to a point before further stretch causes irreversible damage.

When the muscle recovers, the fascia does not and this results in a weak and stretched midline.

Instead of a fused midline keeping the muscles together, the central stretched ellipse of fascia causes the muscles to be separated, weakening the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back.

This” divarication or diastasis” of the muscles is equivalent to a midline hernia and causes significant weakening of the anterior abdominal wall, and protrusion of the abdominal contents, especially in the standing position.

The correction The radical abdominoplasty procedure described by Dr. Ivor Pitanguy, the doyen of Brazilian plasticsurgery, is an excellent operation which fixes this problem very well.

The surgery results in the re-

establishment of the central fascial fusion, with the muscles back together in the midline and with recovery of strength and contour.

A bonus of this operation is the removal of a good amount of skin and fat from the anterior abdominal wall.

The surgery is major, needing general anaesthesia and hospitalisation as well as time for recovery, but the excellent resolution of the problem makes it all worthwhile.

Recurrent abdominal wall hernias.

An extension of this technique is the use in the correction of recurrent abdominal wall hernias, resulting from multiple previous operations and attempted hernia repairs.

A very significant advantage of this type of repair is the avoidance of the use of synthetic mesh grafts with its many attendant problems.

manning-great lakes focus 43

focusbusiness. with Sharon Fowle from Manning Valley Business Chamber

A J de Witte

Life can be exciting, exhilarating and joyful; however, life also throws up different challenges, both expected and unexpected, and at times living can become difficult, confusing and just plain hard.

hroughout Audrey’s life she has always been interested in people and in particular helping people reach their full potential, enabling them live a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. It is this desire that has led Audrey to opening her own private counselling practice in the Great Lakes area.

T

changed.

Audrey offers counselling in many different areas including: • Personal issues • Relationships • Family relationships • Loss and grief • Bereavement following a suicide of a loved one

Audrey believes in the uniqueness of each person and doesn’t take a ‘one size fits all’ One of Audrey’s particular interests is loss, grief approach to her counselling, treating people as and bereavement counselling, believing that a individuals while taking a creative and respectperson’s relationship with his or her loved one ful stance with the issues that people present does not necessarily end with the death of that to her. She also takes the approach that person. There are many ways we can problems are separate from people remain connected with a loved and focuses on uncovering the one who has died and Audrey many skills, competencies, explores the building of this beliefs and values that a different relationship with Narrative person has so as to assist those who are bereaved.

Therapy also le that person to reduce encourages peop y Audrey is also aware stor the influence of the to discover the that we experience t to problems in their lives. of who they wan many losses in our lives em be and helps th Audrey has over 20 which bring grief, not y to make this stor in years experience worke only through death, on t the dominan ing in ‘people focused’ such as divorce, the ” their life. positions, both profesbreakdown of relationsionally and voluntary. In ships, children leaving home, 2011 she obtained her Diploma losing one’s employment, retireof Counselling and is a registered ment, relocating where one lives, and member of the Australian Counselling so on. Audrey offers counselling in all Association. She also holds a Bachelor of different aspects of loss and grief.

Theology and believes in a holistic approach What we value in life is also what directs the to helping people. path we take and the actions we take. Audrey The main field of therapy that Audrey follows, values justice, peace, interconnectedness, and continues to study, is that of Narrative Thergenerosity, simplicity, kindness, tolerance, good apy, which views people as being ‘multi-storied’, humour, uniqueness, respect for difference, meaning that we are made up of many different compromise, patience, creativity, life long learnstories that informs who we are. Narrative ing, spirituality, compassion and genuine love.

Therapy also encourages people to discover the It is these values that direct her life story of who they want to be and helps them to Audrey offers private counselling, small group make this story the dominant one in their life. programs, and workshops, and is able to create Audrey also has an interest in Solution Focused specific workshops and small group programs in Brief Therapy where she encourages a person a variety of fields relating to the human condito focus more on where they want to go, and tion. She also offers loss and grief workshop who they want to be, rather than immersing for employees of businesses and community themselves in the past where things cannot be groups.

“

44 manning-great lakes focus.

sharonfowle Here come the tourists, and what a wonderful gift it is to the region.

There are thousands of great locations to choose from in this vast beautiful country. We are fortunate to receive a considerable portion of those who travel during the Christmas period. ourism is vital to our local economy; let’s ensure we give them an experience that encourages them to return to the Manning in the future. Positive attitude will lift our spirits and help us deal with the impending entourage of guests to this paradise we are fortunate to call 'home'.

T

book your place.

We would also like to extend an invitation to you to join us for our Christmas get together on Thursday 12 December from 5.30pm at Martine’s Riverview Winebar on Pulteney Street, Taree.

So there you have it: another year over. The number of events provided by the Chamber So what gift can we give in return? Cliché increased significantly this year, and you can be damned: a smile speaks a thousand expect to see a lot more coming in 2014. words and doesn’t cost anything. Our visitors The feedback I have received throughout should be made to feel welcome the year has been positive, and and appreciated if we want the Chamber has successfully them to return to the provided members with region in the future, avenues to increase Our visitors and that’s not just e business partnerships, should be mad d during working an e which is great news. m co el w el to fe e want w if hours. d te If you haven’t already, ia ec pr ap to the I suggest your New them to return Consider the future, and in on gi re Year’s resolution is encouraging ’s not just during at th to join the Chamber your staff to be working hours.” and support the local particularly helpful business community. It’s and courteous this year. a S.M.A.R.T decision for any Don’t forget to mention business owner and certainly what a good job they’ve easier to commit to than most other done and how much you value their New Year’s resolutions. support. A small gift of appreciation

“

would be welcomed; please consider making it a purchase from our local retailers.

We had a record turnout for our last Women in Business networking event, proving the significant value of this resource.

Linda Bryant hosted our guests, Paula Shultz from Wingham Golf Club Motor Inn and Diep Nguyen from Manning River Pharmacy. A question and answer session provided us with words of inspiration and encouragement to drive our businesses from 'struggle to success'. Our next Women in Business event is set to be fun and is filled with competitions and games. We’d like you to bring along your best one minute business presentation. Ensure you take your memory pills before you arrive; it will be fast and furious, as we find out who our networking champion is for 2013. Join us at The Manning Regional Art Gallery on Thursday 5 December, 5.30pm. Contact the Chamber to

It may come as a surprise to some of you, but I have been the Executive Officer with the Manning Valley Business Chamber for 12 months. I would like to thank all our members for their support during the year and particularly to our sponsors. The Chamber has had a very successful year; we hope you have too and that all your efforts for 2013 will be rewarded in 2014.

My final thought ... expect to spend more than you think you should, because you are going to anyway; it will be less painful that way! Spare a thought for those less fortunate and those who find Christmas a particularly sad and difficult time of year. Have a happy, safe, peaceful and blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

For more information about joining the Chamber or receiving our newsletters, please contact us on (02) 6555 2299. Alternatively, visit www.manningvalleychamber.com.au

manning-great lakes focus 45

‘ D’

THE

WORD Myths, reality and Palliative Care The way dying is portrayed in movies and fiction can skew perceptions of what our last moments might look like – with death often depicted as sudden, violent departures or idealised dream sequences. For most of us, death will likely fall somewhere between these extremes but that doesn’t make it less feared or better understood. Palliative care can play a significant role in improving quality of life for those faced with terminal illness, and help alleviate some of the fears and misconceptions about dying.

serving the local community since 1922 2 Potoroo Drive, Taree NSW | General hospital enquiries: 02 6539 3600 | www.mayoprivate.com.au

PAIN IS PAR FOR THE COURSE

Most people with a terminal illness will at some stage experience pain, nausea or vomiting, however they don’t have to put up with it.

“These symptoms can be effectively eased by medications,” says Dr Healey. “Morphine is just

Mayo Private Hospital provides inpatient palliative care as well as community nursing services in the home. Staff also liaise with other palliative care providers in the local area – to make sure there is continuity of care when people transition from home to hospital and vice versa.

“Anyone can access palliative care through their own GP,” says Dr Healey. “Many local doctors are very good at providing palliative care. Palliative care services may also be accessed through Manning Base Hospital, the Community Health Centre, and Aboriginal Health Services. Palliative care can include access to counselors, social workers and other allied health professionals.”

“Palliative care is a privilege in some ways,” says Dr Rose. “A lot of healing – of relationships for example – can be done before death.

It is different to sudden death, in that you have the opportunity to have these conversations.”

Pictured : Dr David Healey (left ) with Dr Colin Rose (right) one of the many options we can use in palliative care. Morphine is actually a very good drug in this situation, as it eases not only pain, but is excellent for breathlessness and anxiety. Many people worry about addiction to morphine, but that is rarely encountered in palliative care. People also worry morphine will hasten death. That is not true: it is the underlying illness that causes death, not from any morphine they may be having.”

“And we don’t just use drugs to promote comfort,” says Dr Rose. “We can use things like massage and aromatherapy as well.”

MYTH

“People have equal access to palliative care whether they are in the public or private healthcare system,” says Dr Rose. “This region has a really good community palliative care service, built up over past 15 years. Doctors and palliative care nurses see patients in hospital and do regular home visits as required. Taree now has an oncologist, Dr Edward Livshin.”

Dr Healey agrees one of the most beneficial things palliative care provides is communication. “It is important to talk about dying and the physical aspects of terminal illness.

Communication is also about spiritual and philosophical needs; what the patient feels is important to them, what they may want to achieve and what goals they still have.”

“I like to explain to people that ‘letting go’ is very different to ‘quitting’.

People fight hard, they try everything; it is absolutely ok to say ‘enough’.

Palliative care can be provided in hospital, in the person’s home, or other facilities such as nursing homes. Palliative care plans take into consideration what treatments the patient does or doesn’t want, relief of pain and other symptoms, what equipment may be required such as special beds or chairs, and where the person wishes to die. “It is important that any treatment is based upon the patient’s wishes and needs,” says Dr Healey.

ONLY SOME PEOPLE ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PALLIATIVE CARE

“I’m a big advocate of frank, open and honest conversations and trying to demystify the process of dying as much as possible,” adds Dr Rose. “People often want to know what changes to expect in their bodies, and whether they’ll be conscious or not. There is a lot of fear about pain, about loss of dignity, loss of control, loss of personal space. It is really important to talk about this early on.”

DON’T MENTION THE D-WORD

Over time we have become a little more comfortable talking about dying and death but we’ve still got a way to go. “I’ve had people say to me ‘No one will talk to me about death’,” says Dr Rose. “Avoiding the topic can make people feel very fearful and alone.”

Dr Rose says some people almost have to be given permission to die. “I like to explain to people that ‘letting go’ is very different to ‘quitting’. People fight hard, they try everything; it is absolutely ok to say ‘enough’.”

MYTH

Palliative care plans should be put in place right from the time a terminal illness is diagnosed.

“That is the time to bring together the patient, the carer/family, the GP, the specialist, the palliative care coordinator and nurses,” says Dr Rose. “It is important to get palliative care plans in place early; when the patient can contribute to their plans, still make informed choices and we can empower them and support their decisions.”

MYTH

“Palliative care plans should be put in place as soon as a terminal illness is diagnosed.”

YOU CAN’T RECEIVE PALLIATIVE CARE UNTIL THE VERY END

A TERMINAL DIAGNOSIS MEANS MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS STOP

Palliative care is not ‘hands-off medicine’; some treatments and medical interventions contribute greatly to a person’s comfort. “We may do one or two radiotherapy treatments to reduce pain, or we may drain fluid from lungs to ease breathing difficulties,” says Dr Rose. “These types of interventions can be done throughout the palliative care process as appropriate, and any such treatments are based on the patient’s wishes.”

MYTH

MYTH

People often think palliative care is just for people with terminal cancer, but not so.

“Palliative care is about looking after people who have any incurable illness, including advanced cancer, dementia, emphysema, heart failure, kidney failure and neurological illnesses such as motor neurone disease,” says Dr David Healey, a Taree-based GP with a special interest in palliative care. “Palliative care is a group process involving the person, the carers, the family, friends and health professionals. It takes into consideration the physical needs such as comfort, the practical needs such as special equipment and assistance, as well as mental, spiritual and social needs.”

MYTH

Palliative care is the specialist care provided for people living with, and dying from, a terminal illness.

“It is the recognition we are managing a condition that cannot be cured, however we can treat some of the associated symptoms and manage this condition with comfort and dignity,” says Dr Colin Rose, a GP with 40 years experience in family general practice in Taree. “In essence, palliative care is preparing people to die, while providing the best possible quality of life along the way.”

IF YOU CHOOSE TO DIE AT HOME, YOU GO IT ALONE.

Palliative care services are available whether people choose to die at home or in hospital.

Doctors and nurses do home visits – sometimes twice each day – depending on the needs of the person. “It is the quality of life that’s important; we have to listen to what people want,” says Dr Rose. “If they wish to die at home, we talk them through the implications of their choice – for example, whether their carer is frail or aged, or able to cope with being a fulltime carer.”

Whether you’ve decided to die at home, in hospital or in nursing home, you can change your mind about the location. “It is flexible.

You can transition from home to hospital or nursing home and back, and it can be done in a very supported way with continuity of care.”

The Manning community has access to great palliative care services locally. “People should be encouraged to use these services and to use them early,” says Dr Healey. “Palliative care can make such a difference to the dying person and the family.”

focusinterview.

with Linda Bryant from Photography by Linda

Sha n

FOWLE from the

BIG GREEN LEAF F

Business

T

his month I had the pleasure of interviewing Sharon Fowle – she works for the Manning Valley Business Chamber and also runs her own business, 'Big

Green Leaf'.

Sharon, when did you come up with the idea for BIG GREEN LEAF's Vertical Garden Trellis?

The idea was developed almost 6 years ago.

My back yard at the time was surrounded with a steel Colorbond© fence, and my kitchen looked directly on to a courtyard. I hated looking at the bare fence every day from my kitchen; it was so monotonous and unsightly.

I had positioned a few pot plants in front of it, but I found them hard to grow because it got so hot; they never made a significant difference or improved my view. I know I haven’t got the greenest thumbs in the world, but these plants looked particularly sad.

I searched online and visited several hardware stores for something I could use to completely cover the steel panels, but I was unable to find anything. I did get some suggestions from DIY shops, but it always involved drilling holes in the fence. I rented my home and knew that the landlord would be reluctant to permit me to put holes in a fence, as this could cause rust marks.

I had to come up with a different solution.

With the lack of an existing product, my search changed to innovation and after much research, I came up with Vertical Garden Trellis.

How difficult has it been to promote a new product to the market?

It’s certainly been no mean feat. There has been a lot of door knocking and research. We cut a significant break when Jason Hodges featured our product on Better Homes & Gardens TV show, which certainly helped our bottom line. Graham Ross, also from Better Homes and Gardens TV show has spoken about our product many times on his radio show Garden Clinic on 2GB, plus he’s taken our product and 48 manning-great lakes focus.

presented at various garden shows around the country. Graham knows it’s the only solution that really addresses the issues with utilising Colorbond© fencing effectively. These opportunities resulted from approaching Jason Hodges at an event in Taree and then chasing up with his contacts at the TV channel itself.

In the early days I’ve taken a stand to markets and major garden shows in Sydney. More recently I’ve networked via the Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber of Commerce and met lots of like-minded people. I found that helped not only promote my product, but allowed me to investigate avenues and marketing ideas that were beneficial and motivating to drive my business further. As a result of my involvement in the Chamber, I managed to secure the position of Executive officer at the Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber. Also, I am currently the Executive Officer of the Manning Valley Business Chamber.

We entered chamber business awards events and have been successful in attaining finalist awards in Marketing, Customer Service and more recently in Manufacturing, which I am very proud of.

We used to advertise in national gardening magazines, which proved to be quite costly but effective nonetheless. I have more recently invested significantly in Google Ad campaigns, which are proving to be a most successful avenue for us. We also have a Facebook page and are trying to increase our following through Facebook ads.

Apart from covering up fences, what other uses are there for the Vertical Garden Trellis?

The way we have developed the product means you can position the hooks on the vertical side of the trellis, so that it hangs long on the fence. This allows it to be used as a regular trellis to grow vines or vegetables. It can also be used to hang pot plants or ornaments. Some of our customers are using them to hold pool

equipment, towels, netting to cover animal pens, Christmas and party lights. We sell the hooks separately, so you can use the extra hooks to hang anything you choose on the trellis or directly onto your steel fence. Vertical Garden Trellis can be used to hold BBQ tongs, outside cleaning tools, or anything that can hang off a hook; the list is endless. Many customers have used the trellis to extend above the fence line or on other walls and timber fences. They provide a canvas for a great looking vertical garden/wall garden, where you can hang layers of pots filled with herbs or plants.

It’s an extremely versatile solution. Many wall gardens or vertical gardens these days are limited in functionality, whereas with Vertical Garden Trellis you can use them one way this year and another way next year, even in a different location in the yard. You can be guaranteed that the trellis will remain looking great, being rust and break resistant, even in the sea air. You can position the trellis both horizontally and vertically, which offers flexibility and the opportunity to create your own look and style. It hooks simply under the capping, without the need to drill into the fence or remove the capping. We also supply drill free brick hooks, offering even more solutions.

How is the product made?

It’s a 100% Australian made; yes can you believe it – a rarity these days. Admittedly we have investigated overseas options, but we haven’t been able to get the same quality. You can be assured that what you will receive is of the highest quality and will last and look good for many years.

We purchase large panels of galvanised steel mesh from One Steel in Newcastle. We have the hooks made in Queensland. The mesh is cut to size, which is long enough to reach close to the bottom of a 6ft fence when the trellis is positioned vertically. We then give them to Manning Valley Powder Coaters to do their magic. The product always comes back to us

looking fantastic; we’ve tried other powder coaters, but MVPC do the best job.

We have made the sizes standard, so there is no need to measure. The size also makes them easy to carry and to put in the car for transport.

If people are interested in Vertical Garden Trellis from BIG GREEN LEAF, where can they see it in more detail?

They can visit our website at biggreenleaf.com. au – you will find images, videos and other wall-garden/vertical garden solutions, which we distribute. There are also further details on the product, frequently asked questions (FAQ) and installation instructions and assistance. You can even make a secure online purchase of the product there too.

What does the future hold for BIG GREEN LEAF and Vertical Garden Trellis for steel fencing?

We have come up with a product that fulfils a long-standing need, with considerable potential for growth. Many people are being encouraged to choose steel to fence their homes because it is low cost, long lasting and environmentally friendly. In some cases steel fencing is mandatory. There is nothing available on the market that can completely camouflage a steel fence, only options which can help a little. But there is nothing that will make a significant change whilst not permanently changing or damaging the fence. We had requests from a number of significant national hardware stores and nurseries that are keen to distribute our solution, and we are currently investigating avenues to make that a reality.

Vertical Garden Trellis transforms a steel fence to something really beautiful in minutes, literally. It is low cost and simple to install ... no need to get assistance, even for those less agile. Now we can have our steel fences, but can make it look like a natural environment surrounds us.

Thanks Sharon; it’s great to see an idea turning into a great business!

manning-great lakes focus 49

focusinterview.

Mary Camilleri is a wonderfully talented local craftswoman, who’s currently completed 79 tapestries. Her detailed and painstaking work is both decorative and beautiful and has won Mary quite a few prizes at the Royal Easter Show. ary, what originally brought you to the Great Lakes area ... how long have you been a local? When I lived in Sydney, I worked with a friend who came from Forster. Many years ago, she invited me to spend Easter with her family, and I instantly loved the area. After that, we visited Forster several times and in the late 1990s, my husband, Tony, suggested that we retire here. In 1998, we did just that.

When I first visited Forster, almost 40 years ago, I would never have imagined we would return here to live.

How did you develop an interest in tapestries? When I finished school, I was employed at Coats-Patons, a wool warehouse. On a monthly basis, magazines arrived from England, and in each issue there was a Tapestry of the Month. Looking at the tapestries each month, I got more and more determined to give it a try.

What was the very first tapestry you completed ... do you remember it well? We were shopping at Farmers in Sydney in 1975 when I spotted my first tapestry. It was ‘The Mill”’, by Francois Boucher. Tony thought I would spoil it if I tried to work the tapestry and thought we should frame the canvas as it was. I convinced him that I would do my best with it, even though I had no idea where to start and no one to guide me. Needless to say, this was the start of my addiction to tapestries. I enjoyed working on it so much, that I just wanted to make more.

50 manning-great lakes focus.

To date, how many do you estimate mate you’ve completed? So far, I have completed 79 tapestries. Most of them are in the possession of our children, extended family and friends, some of which have been taken overseas. I am currently working on my 80th tapestry.

was difficult, although some have been quite challenging. My largest work, which measures challengi 210 cm by 162 cm, is a medieval tapestry called ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’. I worked on that for four years. It includes petit point stitches on all of the faces, hands and small animals, which made it quite time consuming.

What are some of the awards and prizes One other piece, which I finished in 2010, you’ve won for your work? My was very challenging, as it included very first tapestry, ‘The Mill’, was beautiful eyes. I left that entered in the 1978 Royal section to the end and Easter Show and won first worked from the outer d re te en I , prize and the Standard eyes into the centre to 96 19 In of Excellence Award. At achieve natural looka crocheted the in g ru g the same show, I also ing eyes. lin el av tr ow. It had entered a small oval Royal Easter Sh ned Tell us a little bit er tapestry in embroi64 different patt about the process d squares, stitche dery silk petit point, d te of completing a he oc cr a together with and that won second on tapestry, as a lot w so al is border. Th prize. That same year, dard an St of people proba d an e iz first pr I entered my crocheted d.” ar w A ably don’t know e nc lle ce of Ex kitchen curtains in the much about this art Family Circle Coats-Patons form ... for example, Craft Awards and won the do you use a loom for Fourth Month’s Award. your work, and what types of

“

In 1996, I entered a crocheted travelling rug in the Royal Easter Show. It had 64 different patterned squares, stitched together with a crocheted border. This also won first prize and a Standard of Excellence Award. In 1997, I won third prize for an Afghan rug.

And in 1998, I won second prize for another Afghan rug. I was so happy to win awards three years in a row.

What was the most difficult piece you’ve ever worked on, and why was it so hard to do? I’ve never thought any particular piece

stitches do you need to master? I use a frame to hold the tapestry in place as I work on it. I have several frames for different sized pieces but for the largest tapestries, I have frames on stands. I can move the worked section over the frame and let it hang on the side and move it up and down until it’s completed.

The stitches I use are known as ‘half cross’ and ‘petit point’. Petit point stitches are similar to half stitches, but there are four tiny stitches in the place of one larger stitch.

As tapestry wool has four strands, I carefully divide it in half and only use two strands for petit point. This allows me to achieve fine detail on faces, hands, feet, and any other sections that need detailing.

Once it’s complete, we take it to a framer who stretches it on plywood, and we finish it with a frame that complements that particular tapestry. We never put glass in the frame, as it’s best to let wool breathe.

I understand you’ve tried your hand at some other crafts as well. What other creative things do you enjoy doing? I also love knitting and crocheting. We have four children and six grandchildren (with another one on the way) and I have enjoyed knitting and crocheting for all of them. As well as jumpers, cardigans, beanies, bootees and mittens, I have also made four crocheted shawls and three layettes for our grandchildren.

Where we lived in Sydney, we had very large windows − too large for commercial running curtains at the time, so I decided to crochet them myself. I ended up crocheting curtains for two large lounge room windows, a large kitchen window plus 9 foot floor-to-ceiling patio doors!

Over the years, I have also embroidered a few linen tablecloths and crocheted a bridal cloak for a friend who was getting married.

What craft projects are you working on at the moment? At the moment, I’m working on a tapestry which depicts the Land of the Nile. When it’s finished, it will be amongst my other Egyptian tapestries.

Thanks Mary.

manning-great lakes focus 51

focusabode.

MANNING-GREA AT T LAKES

WoodwardBuildingCo. property guide

An exceptional example of coastal, easy living combined seamlessly with rustic charm, Chrissy Jones takes a closer look at the home built by Woodward Building Co at Blackhead Beach.

he two storey home is a little different from its neighbours. neighbours Being a blend of natural, recycled and new materials, hand laid stone, recycled timber, stainless steel, Hardie Flex flat wall panels and horizontal corrugated wall cladding, the combination is eye-catching.

A spacious 2.8 m wide recycled timber walkway leads to the entrance portico; a handcrafted Jarrah timber framed entrance way and recycled hardwood timber entrance door welcomes you into the foyer and sets the rustic theme.

A feature wall combining recycled timber beams and glass highlight windows complements the recycled hardwood timber floor boards underfoot.

The recycled timber was all sourced from Ironwood Taree. Twin doors placed either side invite you into the formal lounge.

The gas fireplace, with hand laid stone hearth and recycled timber mantle, is the talking point. Timber sliding doors open into the adjoining open plan family, dining and kitchen. Magnificent ocean views are readily available from all areas through bifold glass doors.

Owner, Mieke, designed the functional kitchen in close consultation with G & G Custom-built. The wide stone island bench-top divides the living area, has handy cupboards and drawers either side, sink and microwave nook. A Bosch induction hotplate is set atop further cabinetry, along with an electric oven. Highlight louvre windows above allow natural light and cross breezes into the living area. Custom wine rack and pantry complete the well laid out kitchen.

The remainder of the top level consists of spacious master bedroom with ensuite and two mirror image bedrooms, all carpeted and fitted with downlighting. A bathroom with both glass walled shower and bath services the bedrooms, and there is a separate WC for guests. Bathroom vanities have also been supplied by G & G Custom-built, with the bench-tops in keeping with the kitchen bench-top stone.

A Blackbutt timber stairway steps down to ground level. Fondly named the gallery, a wide hallway looks out onto the outdoor patio area and leads to a bathroom, guest quarters, laundry and large single garage.

The outdoor area is fantastic; 4 stone encased columns are a structural and visually appealing feature and match purpose built garden beds. An outdoor shower room, timber fencing and secure side gate, undercover clothesline and storage room tick all the boxes.

T

FROM THE BUILDER Mark Woodward of Woodward Building Co Tell us a bit about the company ...

My father started building in the late '60s. Starting with him in 1981, I took over the business in 1992. My son, Jarrod, is now my 3rd year apprentice and one other employee, Chris, has been with me for nearly 10 years.

What types of building do you specialise in?

We can do most things, but tend to do bigger architecturally designed

52 manning-great lakes focus.

“ WO R K I N G W I T H MARK AND HIS TEAM HAS BEEN A POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE. �

homes, but we will do renovations and smaller houses; we are currently restoring a heritage listed timber framed cottage in Paddington.

We are old style builders who can do most things on the job rather than manage sub contractors.

Did the owners have any specific requirements?

We had a good design by Charlie Rose, the architect, and by meeting with the owners and architect throughout the job, we tweaked things so the owners had plenty of say in the process and got the house they wanted. They mainly wanted things to be simple, not too fussy in detail, and light and airy; they wanted

to take advantage of the view and sea breezes.

What are some of the featured design elements?

There is a lot of recycled timber featured, from the large posts supporting the building and feature wall, to the timber floor. The rustic look really suits the beach house style of the building. Many large windows take full advantage of the view and sea breezes.

How do we go about commissioning you to build?

Contact me directly on 0408 654 595; we can build from your plans or can turn your ideas into your dream home by consulting with an architect or draftsman.

FROM THE OWNER You chose Woodward Building Company.

How has it been?

Working with Mark and his team has been a positive and uplifting experience. He is a fine tradesman and always pays attention to detail.

No question too silly, no problem insolvable; if I needed to discuss or question something, he gave me his absolute attention 'til I was happy.

Does your home suit your lifestyle?

The new beach house suits my needs and requirements very well. We demolished a very old small timber cottage to rebuild a home to suit me and my family of four children. The aim

was to have a light filled, open plan space to easily entertain large groups, to have private areas and areas that blended the outdoors with the in, a home that nestled well in with its surrounds, that was easy to maintain and functional.

Would you recommend Mark to home builders?

Mark Woodward is a good builder; I would not hesitate to recommend him very highly. A really great tradesman, particular, clean and tidy, helpful, reliable, personable and just a really nice bloke.

manning-great lakes focus 53

focusabode. “ ONE OF THE DISTINCTIVE REQUIREMENTS OF THE C L I E N T WA S T O I N C LU D E A N “O U T S I D E RO O M ” ”

WoodwardBuildingCo.

FROM THE ARCHITECT

which are connected to the street via a

FROM THE PAINTER

by Charlie Rose, but it is precisely built by

Charlie Rose

suspended walkway, were raked to the

Toby Uglow Painting & Decorating Services

Mark, which made our job much easier. It

All good architecture is a collaboration between the client, the architect and the builder. The client provided the general idea and certain specific requirements; the final and built design was not, of course, achieved on the first attempt, but was the result of many meetings and discussions.

This was a steeply sloping block, so fitting to the site was a challenge.

One of the distinctive requirements of the client was to include an 'outside room'.

This was a room in which the northern wall could 'disappear' and open to the sun and the view. In a way, this room became the 'central idea' of the house, so it was moved to the 'centre', and opposite the entry. The ceilings of these two spaces,

skylights and followed the roof line above.

My team and I have completed a lot of

put together different mediums to form

This was to reflect their status in the overall

great projects in the valley in the last few

a beautiful picture. I love the use of the

scheme.

years, working with some of the best build-

exposed recycled hardwood combined with

ers, Mark and his team included. We pride

the various paint finishes.

54 manning-great lakes focus.

The construction of the building is, of

I was very satisfied by the finish we were

course, another thing. People don’t realise

ourselves in not only the quality of our

what a complex activity building is, and the

work but also our attitude to work.

able to achieve throughout the build. We

large number of skills possessed by good

We are polite, clean and precise and take

are looking forward to future projects of

builders and most tradesmen. The builder’s

on board what the client wants and needs

this quality with Woodward Building Co.

skills are, in my opinion, equivalent to, and

so that we can advise them using our

often exceed, the skills of any Macquarie

wealth of product knowledge.

Street specialist.

We have the required skills for all paint

This is the third project I have supervised

products in whatever area of application

with Mark Woodward as builder. Not a

they are required, be they domestic, com-

cross word, ever. I have worked with many

mercial or industrial.

builders over 30 years; Mark may have equals, but there are none better.

The build here at Blackhead was a thrill to work on. Not only is it a fantastic design

the plug!

For more information, contact Woodward Building Company Mob: 0408 654 595 Phone: 6551 0984

manning-great lakes focus 55

Harrington Waters Golf Course Harrington Waters Golf Course has golfers from all over the state talking about the town! With its immaculate Couch fairways and quick, silky smooth greens, the course makes Harrington an ideal destination for golfing holidays!

The wonderfully designed 9 hole course is built around strategically placed bunkers made by using the natural waters and lakes.

A number of tee placements ensure that whether you’re an expert or beginner just starting out, each game is different and challenging.

The golf club also offers motorised golf carts, pull buggies and clubs, as well as a fast and efficient club repair service.

If you are thinking of a golfing trip away, then consider staying with LJ Hooker Harrington!

With over 55 properties that range from 2 bedroom units through to large 4 bedroom

homes, and being walking distance to the golf course, there is a property to suit everyone and every budget.

Holiday accommodation prices start from $350 per week for 4 people or $530 for 10 people, dependant on each property and the time of year that you book.

LJ Hooker’s professional team are able to assist people with their accommodation needs and tailor their accommodation to complement their trip away!

Take advantage of our comprehensive website, which allows you to check availability, bedding configuration and pricing online. Bookings are able to be made online as well.

To take a look, please visit: www.harringtonaccommodation.com.au Further queries can be directed to Leah at LJ Hooker Harrington on (02) 6556 1000.

GREETINGS EVERYONE

A

t the end of another busy, successful year we would like to thank all our wonderful clients who continue to support Viison and who enable us to stay at the top of the list for design and manufacture of the most stylish kitchens.

extending our range even further, it will now allow us to cater to our more budget conscious clients. We have been listening, carefully, when you have told us that not everyone wants or needs a ‘divinely decadent’ kitchen when a ‘beautifully basic’ one will do the trick, so we are happy to introduce ‘Viison Project Range'.

In order to be successful when tendering for large scale projects, we not only need to provide quality goods, on time, but also to specific budgets, and to do this we need to obtain competitive pricing from our trade suppliers. Now, down the track, because of our success in this area and as a bonus from these suppliers, we have been invited to pass on e on Call in to ul tif this specifically select price au be r of ou ok bo & s range to our domestic market om showro ith w t en tm in as well. po an ap

We are also keen to share some extra special news with you: firstly, we wish to congratulate our much valued team member, Raphael, for winning three more HIA finalist awards to add to our ‘Viison Wall of Fame’. Well done, Raph.

With his stylish design concepts and dedication to detail, once again he has made us very proud and his clients very happy. Design and manufacture is a competitive field, and these highly valued honours are only achieved by diligence and extra effort.

“

ven any one of our se ng ni in w HIA award designers.”

We are also very happy to congratulate Tom, who heads up Viison's Large Scale Projects Department, with another highly successful year. Along with winning tenders for projects all over the state, Tom recently submitted the winning tender for kitchens and internal fit-outs in the fabulous, multi-million dollar Linc Apartments Development, now under construction in Sydney, so it’s shaping up as another ‘block buster’ year ahead for all the team at Viison.

We are well known for producing gorgeous kitchens in all styles and sizes and by

So whether you want your dream kitchen to be a glamorous space to create culinary works of art or simply an efficient space to whip up classic down to earth meals, Viison has a range to suit everyone.

Call in to one of our beautiful showrooms and book an appointment for 2014 with any one of our seven HIA Award Winning designers, to discuss your new kitchen plans.

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Our best wishes for a safe, happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

2/61 Muldoon Street, Taree NSW 2430 Phone (02) 6550 0855 2/35 Breese Parade, Forster NSW 2428 Phone (02) 6555 2108 sales@viison.com.au www.viison.com.au

56 manning-great lakes focus.

Free want a

holiday?

focusinterview.

The Pink family carnival have been travelling throughout Australia for five generations supplying rides and games to country shows,festivals and carnivals. Jasmine McQuillan chatted to Aaron Pink, one of the family owners and the operator who brings the 'Carnival' to the Manning-Great Lakes each year.

The Academy Collection PGH Bricks & Pavers Selection Centre in Forster would like to introduce you to The Academy Collection.

The Academy glazed collection features bright, vibrant colours to create a modern feel that complements the casual, relaxed living and understated sophistication that defines the Australian indoor-outdoor lifestyle. PGH Academy bricks work harmoniously with other materials and accessories within a residential or commercial project, immediately creating a sense of stability and comfort.

The Academy 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 five colour finishes in the Academy collection include Alumni, Juilliard, Nobel,(as in picture above), Oscar and Quantum.

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

CARNIVAL 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 materials for a new home. Colour selection 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 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 65 55 5908, or Visit www.pghbricks.com.au

Masters Sandstocks With their extraordinary, unique texture and timeless beauty, the Masters collection celebrates the art of traditional sandstock brick-making with a modern twist. Named after some of the world’s most celebrated artists, the collection consists of four products - Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and Da Vinci.

Create your own masterpiece.

Call 131 579 or visit www.pghbricks.com.au

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s there an average week in your family life you could share with us?

An average week for Pink's Amusements is travelling from town to town setting up our rides and games as we travel throughout (QLD / NSW / Victoria). We would work about 40 different towns each year; most weeks we will operate our ride Friday, Saturday, Sunday then dismantle the rides and games and travel to the next town then set them up again for the next weekend.

to was by Mr Terry Green. This was the local respite group run by Mrs Kerry Smyth, whom we invited as a group to Pink's Family Carnival to enjoy at their leisure, free of charge.

So, you have been a fixture in the Manning-Great Lakes for a long time, haven't you?

We first came to Forster/Tuncurry around 1985. We operated beside BI-LO arcade across the road from the Belleview Hotel until around 1990, when we where able to move into John Wright Park.

Tell us a bit about your rides ...

Our rides are made all around the world and we go to Conventions and Conferences in the USA and Europe. I have just returned from a Conference in Orlando, Florida, this month actually!

There are a couple of rides I am looking at, but will have to let you know next year!

Also, through Mr Terry Green last year we where able to invite the Ronald McDonald house residents to enjoy some time at Pink's Family Carnival, as we hope will continue again this year. How this works was that one day each week we give the kids and their family members special wrists bands that enable them to ride anything they want on us.

We have comeery to the area ev s liday is Chr tmas hod really an e ever sinc our to d ar rw fo look at re G e time in th Lakes area .

We where first invited to Tuncurry by Mr Ken Baggs, after being turned away from Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest that same year. Mr Ken Baggs organised our first DA through Great Lakes Council, which remains today.

We have come to the area every Christmas holidays ever since and really look forward to our time in the Great Lakes area. We almost feel like locals, because we have been coming for so long!

You have been and are still involved with charity organisations. Tell us a bit more ...

The first charity event we were introduced

This year, however, the newest ride that I am bringing to town is 'AirMax 360'. It is hard to explain, but will be great for the teenagers!

It's got heaps of movement and spins them all around. There will also be the all-time favourites such as the Joy Wizzer, Dodgem Cars and a brand new pirate ship for the kids area!

Pink's Family Carnival will be operating in John Wright Park from 20 Dec 2013 to 26 Jan 2014 every night from 7pm (except Christmas night).

Thanks Aaron.

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Coast Focus Magazine