Manning-Great Lakes i99

Feature Story Trisha Fitzpatrick

May 2015 // issue 99

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interview some amazingly gifted seniors in our hhh … March! St Patrick’s Day, Seniors The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones Week, International Women’s Day … TheThe Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones Week, Week, International International Women’s Women’s Day … DayInternational …community. community. The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones (Valued atSilver $99) community. The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones Week, International Women’s Day …community. community. Manning community. Valley The U3A Manning Silver Tones Valley U3A SilverSilver Tones community. The Manning Valley U3A Tones nity. The Manning Valley U3A Week, Silver International Tones Week, Women’s International Day … Women’s Day … Week, International Women’s DayTones … community. The Manning Valley U3A Week, Women’s Day … Singers not only entertain the masses, they raise it seems to be the month for inspiring Singers not onlyonly entertain the masses, they raise seems it seems be be month the month for inspiring for inspiring not only entertain the masses, they raise Singers not only entertain the masses, they raise ittothe seems be for inspiring Singers not entertain Singers the not masses, only entertain they thethe masses, they raise Singers not only entertain the masses, they raise not only entertain itthe masses, ittoseems they to raise beto the month itthe seems for toinspiring be month for inspiring it only seems toraise be forthey inspiring Singers not entertain themonth masses, raise itmonth seems tothe beSingers the month for inspiring fundsfunds for funds needy charities too. events and people. for needy charities too. events events and people. and people. forfunds needy charities too. funds for needy charities too. events and people. for needy charities funds for too.needy charities too. too. funds for needy charities too. or needy charities too. events and people. events and and people. events and people. funds for needy charities events people. The Great Lakes Art Society host the 33rd WeArt have both a Seniors feature and aand The Great Lakes Society will host the 33rd WeSociety have We We have both both a Seniors aWeek Seniors feature feature aSeniors The Lakes Society will host the 33rd The Great Lakes Art Society will host the 33rd We have both aWeek Seniors Week feature and a Great The Great Lakes Art The Society Great will Lakes host Art the Society willWeek host the 33rd The Great Lakes Art Society will host the 33rd Great Lakes will have host both the 33rd a Week Seniors We have Week both feature aaand Seniors aWeek feature and aArt We have both a33rd Seniors feature The Great Lakes Art Society will host the and 33rda We have both aand Week feature and aArtwill Annual Open Artissue, Competition again this month; inWomen Business Feature inside this issue, soinside Annual Open ArtOpen Competition again this month; Women in Business in Business Feature Feature inside inside this issue, this issue, soissue, soFeature Annual Open ArtOpen Competition this month; Annual Art again Competition thisFeature month; Women inmonth; Business Feature this issue, so Annual Art Annual Open again Art Competition this month; again this this month; Annual Open Art Competition again this month; Open Women Art Competition Women again inthis Business Women Feature ininside Business this Feature so inside this so Women in again Business inside so Annual Open Art Competition again this issue, month; Women in Business inside this issue, so Competition with prize pool of over $5,000, it$5,000, will attract we’llof certainly get to aget wonderful locals awonderful prize pool of over it$5,000, will attract we’ll we’ll certainly certainly get to get meet tofew meet awe’ll few ato wonderful few wonderful locals locals with a few prize pool of $5,000, itprize will attract with a over prize pool of over willover attract we’ll certainly get meet awonderful few wonderful locals with a prize pool ofwith over a $5,000, pool it pool will of itover attract $5,000, willit wonderful attract with a prize pool of over $5,000, it will attract prize pool over $5,000, we’ll certainly itmeet will attract to meet certainly a certainly few get to meet aa few wonderful locals we’ll certainly get to meet ait few with a prize of $5,000, will attractlocals we’ll get to locals meet awith locals some topsome notch entries. And local trio the Tree andentries. read about their achievements. top notch entries. And local trionotch the Tree and read and read about about their their achievements. achievements. some topsome notch entries. And local trionotch the Tree some top notch entries. And local trio theachievements. Tree and read about their achievements. top notch entries. some And top local trio entries. the Tree And locallocal trio the some top notch entries. And local trio the Tree op notch And and local read trio about the Tree their and achievements. read about theirtheir achievements. and read about their some top entries. And trio Tree the Tree and read about achievements. Iin never this was an busy month in the past, but I’ve changed my mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are With March still warm month, make the sarch! March! It’s March! I lovers never Ithought never thought this this an especially an especially busy busy month month in the in the past, past, but but I’ve I’ve changed changed my mind. mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are With With March March astill warm athought warm month, month, make make the Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are It’s March! Iastill never this was an busy month in the past, I’ve changed my mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are With March still aespecially warm month, make the month March! the past, I thought never but It’s I’ve March! thought changed Iare never this my was thought mind. an especially this was busy an especially month It’s in March! busy the past, month Iand never but inbut I’ve thought the changed past, this but was my I’ve mind. an changed especially busy mind. month in the past, I’ve changed Woodies, live music Woodies, lovers live entrepreneurs, music lovers and are entrepreneurs, are Woodies, live music lovers andbut entrepreneurs, are my mind. es, liveIt’s music and With entrepreneurs, March still awas warm With March month, still make athe warm the month, make the With March still amy warm month, make thearemymy It’s March! Iwas never thought this was an especially busy month in the past, but I’ve changed mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, With March still aespecially warm month, make the hosting an awesome music The Descent, mostmost ofmusic itmost andmost head down Beach Bums to hosting an awesome music event, The Descent, of itevent, and of itmost head and head down down to Beach to Beach Bums to to hosting an awesome event, The Descent, Welcome to the May of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. hosting anevent, awesome music The Descent, of itto and head Beach Bums to hosting an awesome hosting music an event, awesome The Descent, music event, Descent, hosting an awesome music event, The Descent, an awesome of The it and Descent, head most down ofdown to itBums and Beach head Bums down todown toedition Beach Bums to most of itawesome and head down toThe Beach to hosting anevent, music event, The Bums Descent, most of itto and head to Beach Bums tomusic ove Tuesday Pancake Day, families. Great Lakes Viking Challenge, hrove rove hrove rove Tuesday Tuesday (or (or Pancake Day, families. families. Great Great Lakes Lakes Viking Viking Challenge, Challenge, which which the Lakes onWinery March 14. The enjoy a (or coffee or aenjoy lovely meal overlooking Main hrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day, families. Great Lakes Viking Challenge, which atGreat the Great Lakes on March 14. The enjoy enjoy arove coffee aPancake coffee ahrove lovely aThe meal meal overlooking Main Main atGreat the Lakes Winery on March 14. The hrove rove Great Tuesday Lakes (or Viking Pancake rove Tuesday Challenge, (or Pancake which Day, families. hrove rove Tuesday Great Lakes (or Pancake Viking Great Challenge, Day, Lakes families. Viking which Challenge, Great Lakes 14. Viking atWinery the Great Lakes Winery on March 14. The aor coffee orDay, aoverlooking lovely meal overlooking Main hrove rove Tuesday (or Day, families. Great Lakes Viking at the Great Lakes at Winery the Great on March 14. Winery The on March 14. The atwhich the Great Lakes Winery on March The Challenge, which Great Lakes Winery on enjoy March aor coffee 14. orlovely aDay, enjoy lovely ameal coffee overlooking orPancake a or lovely Main meal overlooking Main enjoy aLakes coffee or a which lovely meal overlooking Main which at the Great Lakes Winery on March 14. The Challenge, enjoy afamilies. coffee aatlovely meal overlooking Main INSIDE THIS ISSUE ay already! This Fishing Club and our local model aero we like to call it in Australia), ON THE COVER is set to take place on March 8 and 9. as we as like we to like call to it call in it Australia), in Australia), ON THE ON THE COVER COVER is set is to set take to take place place on March on March 8 and 8 and 9. 9. headline act is Cheap Fakes - aasisFakes one-of-a-kind Cheers! as we like toCheers! call it like in Australia), ON THE COVER isatocall set take on March 8place and 9. headline act isCOVER Cheap aFakes one-of-a-kind Beach.... Beach.... Cheers! Cheers! headline act isheadline Cheap -Cheap aFakes one-of-a-kind as we islike set call take it as place inwe Australia), on to March call it 8ON in and THE COVER ON THE COVER we like is-Beach.... set take itisone-of-a-kind in place Australia), isplace on set to ON 8 place and THE 9. on COVER March 8 and 9. 9.act is Cheap Fakes is set- atoone-of-a-kind take place on March 8 and 9. act -Cheap ato Beach.... Cheers! as we like toCheers! call itAustralia), in9.Australia), ON THE set take on March 8 and headline act isFakes Cheap headline act -to one-of-a-kind isact Fakes -isaMarch one-of-a-kind headline e act isBeach.... Cheap Fakes Beach.... - to ato one-of-a-kind Beach.... Cheers! headline Cheap Fakes -take ato one-of-a-kind Beach.... Cheers! There are so many other exciting would have to clubs. Ifor you feel like taking up adon’t new Day, Seniors Week Living life to full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there –all don’t St Patrick’s StIf Patrick’s Day, Day, Seniors Seniors Week Week Living Living life to life the to full the are full the are vibrant, the vibrant, For all For you all soccer you soccer fans fans out there out there –or don’t – Living don’t Brisbane If life you like rock, funk, soul, pop or ON THE COVER St Patrick’s Day, Seniors Week Living toband. the full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there – Brisbane band. Ifto you like rock, funk, soul, or ONPatrick’s THE ON THE COVER COVER Brisbane band. Ifto you like rock, funk, soul, pop vibrant, St For allDay, you Seniors soccer St Patrick’s fans Week Day, there Seniors Living –the don’t Week life tolife the full Living are the vibrant, the St Patrick’s are For the all vibrant, Day, you Seniors soccer For Week fans out you there soccer –soul, don’t fans life out toorthe there full –Brisbane are don’t vibrant, For all you fansorout there – don’t Brisbane band. Iflike you like rock, funk, soul, pop ON THE COVER Brisbane band. Iffull you Brisbane rock, band. funk, If you soul, like pop rock, or funk, soul, pop or band. If you like rock, funk,soccer soul, pop eePatrick’s band. you like rock, ON THE funk, COVER soul, ON orout THE COVER ON THE COVER Stpop Patrick’s Day, Seniors Week Living life the full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there – the don’t Brisbane band. Ifpop you like rock, funk, pop ON THE COVER things happening this month. be one of my hobby, there are a couple of great …gUkulele and this is in addition to colourful and talented Silver Ukulele miss this six a side, fast paced action! …between, and …I mentioned and this is this inIevent is addition in addition to to and and talented talented Silver Silver Ukulele Ukulele miss miss this six this a side, asix side, fast paced fast paced action! anything in between, this event isand athis must-see. inspiring and here are just anything in between, this event aUkulele must-see. mentioned mentioned inspiring inspiring women, women, and here and here are just are just anything in between, this event isSilver aevent … and is in addition to colourful and talented Silver Ukulele miss amiss side, fast paced … I and miss this isthis in six addition … awomen, side, and fast this toinspiring is paced in colourful action! to and talented colourful Silver and Ukulele talented … Silver miss this Ukulele this issix in addition ais six side, to fast this paced six colourful action! fast and paced talented action! 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This friendly bunch ofamazing! movies, and performances happening inofmonth - ourmovies, inspired this month - locals our locals are inLakes Business Feature … We’re proud of-of our also the site for the Bonnie Wingham warm days, “The Frackman” Pratzky, who’s started locals isbe just one of the groups from our neck ofEDITOR’S the woods month. Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and be too! They’re ea. locals locals is just is one just one of the of groups the groups from from our neck our neck of neck the of woods the woods this month. Told Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you and should you should too! be too! They’re They’re EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO area.businesswomen, is just one of the groups from our neck ofthis the woods this month. Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you should be too! 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This month’s beautviful image of the iconic an enterprising, creative and talented bunch, aking Speaking ofbeautviful Seniors of enterprising, Seniors Week, Week, which the Manning thetalented Manning Valley Valley U3A U3A (University (University you it you was itan was busy! busy! This month’s beautviful image of the iconic an an enterprising, creative creative and talented and talented bunch, bunch, This month’s beautviful image of the iconic Speaking ofitenterprising, Seniors Week, which the Manning Valley U3A (University itbeautviful was busy! This month’s beautviful image of the iconic anof enterprising, creative and talented bunch, iversity Speaking of you Seniors Speaking was Week, busy! of which Seniors Week, the which Manning Valley the U3A Manning (University Valley Speaking U3A of (University you Seniors ityou was Week, busy! which you it image was busy! the Manning (University you it was This month’s beautviful This month’s image of the iconic image ofwas the month’s beautviful image of busy! the iconic month’s image an thewhich iconic creative an enterprising, creative bunch, and talented bunch, enterprising, creative and talented bunch,Valley U3AThis Speaking of Seniors Week, which the Manning Valley U3A (University you it busy! This month’s beautviful of iconic the iconic anand enterprising, creative and talented bunch, Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. and they’re the reason our area is such a ear from 15 - 15 23 March, of the Third Age). We couldn’t fi t the EDITOR’S PHOTO May 24 to May 31. This event promises the season’s fi rst fi res in the air; escaping the gas fi elds in Queensland. Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. and they’re and they’re part of part the of reason the reason our area our area is such is such a a Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. uns his year this year from from -part 15 23 -of March, 23 March, of the of Third the Third Age). Age). We couldn’t We couldn’t fi t the fi t the EDITOR’S EDITOR’S PHOTO PHOTO Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. and they’re part of the reason our area is such a runs this year from 15 23 March, of the Third Age). We couldn’t fi t the EDITOR’S PHOTO Forster-Tuncurry bridge Forster-Tuncurry was shot by bridge Brian Gymer. was shot by Brian Gymer. Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. Tuncurry bridge was and shot they’re by Brian part Gymer. of and the they’re reason our part area of is such reason a our area is such a and they’re part of the reason our area is such a n’t runs fi t the this year EDITOR’S from runs 15 this 23 PHOTO year March, from 15 23 of March, the Third Age). of We the couldn’t Third runs Age). fi t this the We year couldn’t from EDITOR’S 15 fi t the 23 PHOTO March, EDITOR’S PHOTO of the Third Age). We couldn’t fi t the EDITOR’S PHOTO Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. and they’re part of the reason our area is such a runs this year from 15 - 23 March, of the Third Age). We couldn’t fit the EDITOR’S PHOTO The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special to live. oted quite astart few pages inplace entire group on our cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well known for The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special special place place to live. to live. The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such entertainment for everyone and draws we to think about slow cooked A very thought-provoking interview ... e’ve devoted devoted quite quite aShane few aphotos, few pages pages in entire entire group group on our on cover, our cover, as there as there are are Shane Shane Chalker Chalker is well is well known known for for The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special place to live. we’ve devoted quite ainpages few pages in entire group on our cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well known for The bridge features The in many bridge photos, features as in it’s many such photos, as it’s such The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such known for features inplace many special as it’s to live. such special place to live. special place to live. sdge there we’ve are devoted quite we’ve Chalker awe’ve few devoted is well quite in known a few for entire pages group in on our entire cover, group as we’ve there on our devoted are cover, Shane as quite there a Chalker few are pages is Shane well in known Chalker entire for is well group known on our for cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special place to live. devoted quite a few pages in entire group on our cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well known for a40 classic landmark, but Iproducing can’t say I’ve seen too to all the women who were involved our cover -can’t to some 40 of them, so you’ll have to go amzing images and this a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too to all to the all women the women who who were were involved involved a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too his sue issue - to and -Thanks and our cover our cover -celebrate to celebrate to celebrate some some 40 of 40 them, of them, so you’ll so you’ll have have to go to go producing producing amzing amzing images images and and this this an infl ux of visitors to the area. Don’t foods, and crack open the EDITOR’S PHOTO a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too Thanks to all the women who were involved this issue - Thanks and our cover to celebrate some of them, so you’ll have to go producing amzing images and this a classic landmark, a but classic I can’t landmark, say I’ve seen but I too can’t say I’ve seen too a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too c and landmark, but Isoups Thanks say I’ve to seen all the too women Thanks who to all were the women involved who were involved Thanks to all the women who were involved have this issue go - Thanks and producing our this cover issue amzing to and celebrate images our cover and some to this celebrate 40 of them, some so you’ll 40 of have this them, issue to go so you’ll and producing our have cover to go amzing to celebrate producing images and amzing some this 40 images of them, and so this you’ll have to go producing amzing images - and this a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too Thanks to all the women who were involved this issue - and our cover - to celebrate some 40 of them, so you’ll have to go producing amzing images - and this many pics of itBryant taken atitmeet night. Well done, Brian -photo this and to Linda Bryant for the important members of our to their interview page to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter is no many pics of taken at night. Well done, Brian with with this feature, this feature, and to and Linda to Linda Bryant Bryant for the for the many pics of it taken at night. Well done, Brian hese very very important important members members of our of our to their to their interview interview page page to meet to meet the rest the rest month’s month’s Editor’s Editor’s letter letter photo photo is no is no many pics of it taken at night. Well done, Brian with this feature, and to Linda Bryant for the miss it! special bottle of red we’ve been saving This month’s stunning photo these very important members of our to their interview page to the rest month’s Editor’s letter photo is no many pics of it taken many at night. pics of Well it taken done, at Brian night. Well done, Brian many pics of it taken at night. Well done, Brian -photo is no ics of itwith taken atfeature, night. with Well this done, feature, Brian and with to this Linda feature, Bryant and for to the Linda Bryant for the with this feature, and to Linda Bryant for the eet these the rest very important month’s these members Editor’s very important letter of our photo members is to no their of our interview to page their to interview meet these the very page rest important to meet month’s the members Editor’s rest of letter month’s our photo Editor’s to is no their letter interview photo is page no to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter many pics of it taken at night. Well done, Brian with this feature, and to Linda for the these very important members of our to their interview page to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter photo is no great shot! stunning photography. great shot! stunning photography. photography. great shot! y. of them. exception. ommunity. unity. of them. of them. exception. exception. great shot! stunning photography. The iconic Martin Bridge in Taree ... stunning mmmm! shows a storm building over beautiful great shot! great shot! great shot! hot! stunning photography. stunning photography. stunning photography. community. of them. exception. community. exception. community. of them. of them. community. exception. exception. of them. exception. great shot! stunning photography. community. of them. exception. Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ INSIDE THIS ISSUE Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ INSIDE INSIDE THIS THIS ISSUE ISSUE Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ e!’ isfrom the catchcry for Seniors Many thanks to Linda Bryant from Don’t forget to send your images to Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ INSIDE THIS ISSUE e Life!’ Life!’ isto‘Live the is catchcry the catchcry for Seniors for Seniors Many Many thanks thanks to Linda to Linda Bryant Bryant from from Don’t Don’t forget forget to send toforget send your your images images to to Don’t forget to email Don’t your forget local to photos email to your jo@ local photos to jo@ your local photos to jo@ t‘Live forget email your INSIDE photos THIS ISSUE toSeniors jo@ INSIDE THIS ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUE turns 75 on the 17th May, and a Linda speIt’s also the month mothers and Kolodong, and was supplied Alan Life!’ islocal the catchcry for Seniors Many thanks to Linda Bryant from Don’t to send your images to ant ‘Live Life!’ isDon’t the catchcry ‘Live forget Life!’ tofor send is the catchcry images for Many toSeniors thanks to Linda Many Bryant thanks ‘Live from to Linda Life!’ is Bryant Don’t the catchcry from forget to for send Seniors Don’t your forget images to Many send to thanks your images to Linda toDon’t Bryant fromto email Don’t forget to send your images to Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ INSIDE THIS ISSUE ‘Live Life!’ isyour the catchcry for Seniors Many thanks to Bryant from Don’t forget toby send your images to forget focusmag.com.au ifmonth’s you’d like to see them in This month we up with Kirby and Carl focusmag.com.au ifand you’d like to see them in This month This month we catch we catch up with up with Kirby Kirby and Carl and Carl focusmag.com.au ifjo@focusmag.com.au you’d like to see them intoifthem dag.com.au we certainly have an Photography by Linda for this month’s focusmag.com.au if you’d like see them in This month we catch up with Kirby and Carl Week, and we certainly we certainly have have an an Photography Photography by Linda by Linda for this for month’s this jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au focusmag.com.au if focusmag.com.au you’d like to see you’d in like to see them in focusmag.com.au if you’d like to see them in if you’d like This tocatch see month them we in catch This up month with Kirby we catch and Carl up with Kirby and Carl This month we catch up with Kirby and Carl Week, and we certainly have an Photography by Linda for this month’s jo@focusmag.com.au cial bridge walk, followed by markets grandmothers, with Mother’s Day on Small. Thank you Alan! focusmag.com.au if you’d like to see them in This month we catch up with Kirby and Carl sand Week, month’s and we jo@focusmag.com.au certainly Week, have and we an certainly have Photography an by Linda Photography for this Week, month’s by Linda for we this jo@focusmag.com.au certainly month’s have an jo@focusmag.com.au Photography by Linda for this month’s jo@focusmag.com.au Week, and we certainly have an Photography by Linda for this month’s jo@focusmag.com.au FOCUS. from the Saltwater Boardriders Club ahead of the from from the Saltwater the Saltwater Boardriders Boardriders Club ahead ahead ofClub the of the FOCUS. roup of locals doing just that! stunning cover image. FINAL SAY FOCUS. from the Saltwater Boardriders ahead ofFOCUS. the mazing ng group group of locals of locals doing doing just that! just that! stunning stunning cover cover image. image. FINAL FINAL SAY SAY FOCUS. FOCUS. from the Saltwater from Boardriders the Saltwater Club ahead Boardriders of the Club ahead ofcover the from the Saltwater Boardriders Club ahead of the amazing group of locals doing just that! stunning cover image. FINAL SAY FOCUS. from the Saltwater Boardriders Club ahead of the and other entertainment isimage. planned May 10. Whatever your plans are, IClub FINAL SAY amazing group FINAL of amazing locals SAY doing group just of that! locals doing stunning just that! cover image. stunning cover amazing group FINAL of locals SAY doing just FINAL that! SAYSAY stunning cover image.FOCUS. FINAL SAY amazing group of locals doing just that! stunning image. FINAL FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary -of amazing achievement, FINAL SAY club’s club’s 50th 50th anniversary anniversary amazing amazing achievement, achievement, FINAL SAY oduce you to members of the INSIDE THIS ISSUE “You can’t help getting older, but FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary amazing achievement, introduce WeWe introduce you to you members to members the of the INSIDE INSIDE THIS THIS ISSUE ISSUE “You “You can’t can’t help help getting getting older, older, but but FINAL SAY FINAL SAY FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary club’s amazing 50th anniversary achievement, amazing achievement, club’s 50th anniversary amazing achievement, We introduce you to members of the INSIDE THIS ISSUE “You can’t help getting older, but FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary amazing achievement, introduce you to can’t introduce members help getting of youthe toolder, members but to of THIS the INSIDE THISWe ISSUE Wechatted introduce “You tocan’t members help getting of “You the can’t older, INSIDE help but getting THIS ISSUE older, but “You can’t help getting older, but mark the occasion. to you hope you“You all We have a fantastic day! “A mother’s happiness is like agetting beaWe introduce you toINSIDE members of ISSUE the INSIDE THIS ISSUE “You can’t help older, butSAY “Anyone who stops learning islearning old, whether guys! We also interview Sean Page and Sam “Anyone who stops is old, whether guys! guys! We also We interview also interview Sean Sean Page Page and Sam and Sam “Anyone who stops learning isyou old, whether “Anyone who stops learning isto old, whether guys! We also interview Sean Page and Sam Valley Quota Club, Wendy We haven’t forgotten the younger you don’t have to get old” -to George “Anyone who stops “Anyone learning who isto old, stops whether learning old, whether “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether one who stops learning guys! isManning We old, also whether interview guys! Sean We also Page interview and Sam Sean Page and Sam guys! We also interview Sean and Manning ng Valley Valley Quota Quota Club, Club, Wendy Wendy We We haven’t forgotten forgotten the younger the younger you don’t you don’t have have get old” get old” -up George -isdon’t George Manning Valley Quota Club, Wendy We haven’t forgotten the younger you don’t have to get old” -to George “Anyone who stops learning isPage old, whether guys! We also interview Sean Page and Sam younger Manning Valley you Quota Manning don’t Club, have Valley Wendy to get Quota old” Club, - haven’t George We Wendy haven’t forgotten We haven’t the younger Manning forgotten Valley the Quota younger don’t Club, have Wendy you get don’t old” -have George We haven’t get old” forgotten - George the younger you don’t have to get old” - George members of the Night Bazaar team, ON THE COVER con, lighting the future but refl ectValley Quota Club, Wendy We haven’t forgotten the younger you have toSam get old” - George attwo twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, asPrivate these two talented teenagers have at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, Thomson, as these as these two talented two talented teenagers teenagers have have at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, as these two talented teenagers have merris the Forster Private Hospital members of our community either! Burns. at twenty or eighty. at Anyone twenty who or eighty. keeps Anyone learning who keeps learning at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning ty or eighty. Anyone Thomson, who keeps as these learning Thomson, two talented as these teenagers two talented have teenagers have Thomson, as these two talented teenagers have from from the Forster the Forster Private Hospital Hospital members members of our of community our community either! either! Burns. Burns. at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, as these talented teenagers have Ferris from the Forster Private Hospital members of our community either! Burns. either! Ferris from theBurns. Forster Ferris Private fromfrom the Hospital Forster Private members Hospital ofare ourthe community members ofeither! Ferris our community from the Burns. Forster either! Private Hospital Burns. community either! Burns. who organisers of anniverWingham celebrates Beef ed also on the Burns. past in members the guise of of our fond Ferris theWeek Forster Private Hospital members ofthis our community either! stays young. The greatest thing in life is toin been chosen to represent Australia as ainterviewed part of stays young. The greatest thing life isgreatest to keep been been chosen chosen to represent tochosen represent Australia Australia as afantastic part as aEmma part ofPolson stays young. The thing inyoung. life iskeep to keep stays young. The greatest thing inisto life is-thing to keep been to represent Australia as aEmma part of out some of the fantastic new interviewed from stays young. The greatest stays thing The in life to keep inAustralia life islife to young. The greatest thing in life is to keep oung. The greatest thing been in chosen life is to represent keep been chosen Australia tointerviewed represent asof arepresent part of Australia as ainterviewed part of been chosen represent as a part sn llsabout us about some some of the of fantastic the fantastic new new We We interviewed Emma Polson Polson from from stays young. The greatest thing in iskeep to keepof Emmastays been chosen to Australia as agreatest part of tells us about some of the fantastic new We interviewed Emma Polson from tells from us about some tells of us the about fantastic some new of the We new Emma We interviewed Polson tells from us Emma about Polson some from of the fantastic new We interviewed Polson from sary celebration. from May 11 to May 15 -We an event memories” Honore de Balzac. tells us about some ofthat the fantastic new We Emma Polson from your mind young.” -young.” Henry Ford. theavailable Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat your mind Henry Ford. the Australian the Australian Auroras Auroras Under Under 16 dragon 16 dragon boat boat your mind young.” Henry Ford. your mind young.” Henry Ford. the Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat available in the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth a very proactive your mind young.” your Henry mind Ford. young.” Henry Ford. your mind young.” nd young.” Henry the Ford. Australian Auroras the Australian Under 16 dragon Auroras boat Under 16 dragon boat the Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat ams rograms available in the in hospital’s the hospital’s new new Manning Manning Dairy Dairy Youth Youth a very a very proactive proactive your mind young.” Henry Ford. the Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat programs the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth -Dairy aprograms very proactive y programs proactive programs inprograms theinsince hospital’s available new inmeaning the Manning new Dairy Youth Manning - a very proactive Youth available - a very proactive in the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth - a very proactive - Henry Ford. available in hospital’s the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth - a very proactive Other interviews this month include has available beenavailable running 1987, crew later thiscrew year. Well done, Sean and Sam -year. crew crew later later this year. this year. Well Well done, done, Sean Sean and Sam and Sam crew later this year. Well done, Sean and Sam later this year. crew Well later done, this Sean and Well Sam done, Sean and Sam crew later this year. Well done, Sean and Sam - group of young people apy pool, and Phil Webster and enthusiastic group of young people therapy ydrotherapy pool, pool, and and Phil Webster Phil Webster and and enthusiastic enthusiastic group group of young of young people people crew later this year. Well done, Sean and Sam hydrotherapy pool, and Phil Webster and enthusiastic group of young people ung hydrotherapy people and Phil Webster pool, and and Phil and Webster enthusiastic and enthusiastic of young hydrotherapy people group ofpool, young and people Phil Webster and enthusiastic hydrotherapy pool, Phil Webster and enthusiastic group of young people local artist group Trisha Fitzpatrick, who’s it’s beenpool, 28hydrotherapy years since its inception! do usdoproud! us do proud! us proud! do us proud! do us proud! do us proud! do us proud! odham from the Great Lakes who are determined to see the dairy nd hil Rodham Phil Rodham from from the Great the Great Lakes Lakes who who are determined are determined to see to the see dairy the dairy do us proud! and Rodham Phil Rodham from the Great Lakes are determined to see the dairy heand dairy Phil and from Phil thePhil Rodham Great Lakes from thewho Great are Lakes determined who to are determined and dairy Phil Rodham to see from dairy Great Lakes who are determined to see the dairy and Rodham from the who Great who are determined to see thethe dairy about to off Naples, Italy, for anthe This month’s cover stars are WingJoLakes Atkins –Jo Editor Jojet Atkins Atkins –tosee Editor –the Editor Jo Atkins – Editor s – Editor And Jo Atkins – Editor Jo Atkins –JoEditor Jo Atkins – Editor on the other endimpact of the spectrum, we Atkins –JoEditor Jo Atkins –on And on And the on other the other end of end the of spectrum, the spectrum, we we JoEditor Atkins Atkins – Editor – Editor And on the other end of the spectrum, we Jo Atkins Editor And on the other end And of on the the spectrum, other end we of the spectrum, we And the other end the–industry spectrum, we Jo Atkins –impact Editor Jo Atkins –ofEditor Jo Atkins – Editor Jo Atkins – Editor pport Group share the impact industry continue to thrive in the Valley, And on the other end of the spectrum, we rsmag.com.au Support Support Group Group share share the the impact industry industry continue continue to thrive to thrive in the in Valley, the Valley, Jo Atkins – Editor Cancer Support Group share the industry continue to thrive in the Valley, jo@focusmag.com.au nancer the Cancer Valley, Support Group Cancer share Support the impact Group share industry the impact continue industry to thrive continue in Cancer the Valley, to Support thrive in Group the Valley, share the impact continue to thrive in the Valley, jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au Cancer Support Group share the impact industry continue to thrive in the Valley, jo@focusmag.com.au exciting new project, and we also get ham Beef Week President Peter Relf jo@focusmag.com.aujo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au e has on men and their and Jerrad Allen fi lls us in about the his sease disease has on has men on on men and and their their and Jerrad Jerrad Allen Allen fills us fills infiand us about in about the this disease has on men and their and Jerrad Allen fi lls us in about Jo Atkins Editor Allen fills us in about the out this the disease has this men disease and their has has on men and and their Jerrad Allen lls us Jerrad inthe about Allen this the disease fills the us inusabout on men theand and–Jerrad this disease on and men and their and Jerrad Allen fillshas in about the their to learn about several organisations, and Wingham High School student jo@focusmag.com.au including the Bluewater Cassey Williams. ADDRESS: Suite 2 ADDRESS: / 42 ADDRESS: ADDRESS: Suite Suite 2 Wharf / 42 2Wharf / Club 42 Wharf jo@focusmag.com.au EMAIL: EMAIL: jo@focusmag.com.au Suite 2Forster / 42 Wharf harf ADDRESS: Suite 2 / ADDRESS: 42EMAIL: Wharf Suite 2 / jo@focusmag.com.au 42 Wharfjo@focusmag.com.au ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf EMAIL:

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chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf, Street,jeff@focusmag.com.au Forster 2428 jeff@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au Michael Marchment kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au elisabeth@focusmag.com.au CTOR: Jay Beaumont DIRECTOR: ARTART DIRECTOR: JayDIRECTOR: Beaumont Jay DIRECTOR: Beaumont ART Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont DIRECTOR: Jay ART Beaumont DIRECTOR: JayBeaumont Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: JayLinda Beaumont ART ART DIRECTOR: JayDIRECTOR: Beaumont JayADVERTISING Beaumont michael@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant ART Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont PHOTOGRAPHER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant Bryant ART DIRECTOR: Jay ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: JayBryant Beaumont ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: PHONE: (02) 6555 3381 PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES SALES MANAGER: MANAGER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda PHOTOGRAPHER: Bryant Linda Bryant ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES SALES COPY EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: g.com.au COPY COPY EDITOR: EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse Reg Brookhouse PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING MANAGER: SALES MANAGER: ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: ay@focusmag.com.au cusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES SALES COPY EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse jay@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: jay@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse COPY EDITOR: RegCOPY Brookhouse EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse ADVERTISING SALES jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING COPY EDITOR: RegADVERTISING Brookhouse jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au Photography by Linda Photography Photography by Linda by Linda jay@focusmag.com.au Photography byPhotography Linda Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont MANAGER: reg@focusmag.com.au Photography by7338 Linda Photography by Linda byLouise Linda Louise Louise Beaumont Beaumont Louise Louise Beaumont Beaumont MANAGER: MANAGER: reg@focusmag.com.au reg@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable Louise Beaumont Photography by Linda Louise Beaumont MANAGER: FAX: (02) 6555 reg@focusmag.com.au Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont Beaumont ont Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont MANAGER: MANAGER: MANAGER: Louise Beaumont reg@focusmag.com.au reg@focusmag.com.au reg@focusmag.com.au Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont MANAGER: WEB DESIGNER: reg@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC HIC / WEB /GRAPHIC WEB DESIGNER: DESIGNER: /GRAPHIC WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB / WEB DESIGNER: DESIGNER: 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 CONSULTANT/WRITER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: 02 6551 02 2353 6551 Mob: 2353 0416 Mob: 073 0416 902 073 902 GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: louise@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC /louise@focusmag.com.au WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC /073 WEB DESIGNER: 022353 6551 23530416 Mob: 0416 902 GRAPHIC WEB DESIGNER: louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902/louise@focusmag.com.au 02 6551 Mob: 02 6551 902 2353 Mob: 0416 louise@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: joey@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au 02073 6551 2353 Mob: 073 0416902 073 902 louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au archment EMAIL: jo@focusmag.com.au Michael Marchment Michael el Marchment Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Mason, Michael Michael Marchment Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au Michael Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Craig Mason, Mason, Michael Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au www.photographybylinda.com.au Chrissy Jones JP Mason, CraigCraig Michael Marchment Michael Marchment Michael Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Michael Marchment Michael Marchment Michael Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Mason, PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig PHOTOGRAPHER: Mason, Mason, Michael Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au www.photographybylinda.com.au www.photographybylinda.com.au Michael Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: Mason, www.photographybylinda.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au usmag.com.au ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au l@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au NT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan East Coast Photography ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: chrissy@focusmag.com.au WEB: www.focusmag.com.au East Coast EastEast Coast Photography Photography michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: East Coast Photography East Coast Photography Coast Photography East East Coast Photography Annette Wannell Coast Photography Annette Annette Wannell Wannell Annette Wannell Jasmine McQuillan Annette Wannell Annette Wannell Annette Wannell Jasmine Jasmine McQuillan McQuillan Annette Wannell jeff@focusmag.com.au DESIGNER: Joey Dable Jasmine McQuillan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC HICGRAPHIC DESIGNER: DESIGNER: Joey Dable Joey Dable Jasmine McQuillan Jasmine McQuillan Jasmine McQuillan 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 GRAPHIC GRAPHIC DESIGNER: DESIGNER: Joey Dable Joey Dable 02 6554 02DESIGNER: 9703 6554 /9703 0411 / 846 0411 084 846 084 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable Jasmine McQuillan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable DESIGNER: GRAPHIC Joey Dable DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC Joey Dable 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: GRAPHIC Joey Dable DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable 02 6554 9703 / GRAPHIC 0411 846 084 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 02 084 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au DESIGNER: Joey Dable TV: www.focustv.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: The Photography Hub GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au ag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au oey@focusmag.com.au ocusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au 02 6551www.eastcoastphotography.com.au 2353www.eastcoastphotography.com.au Mob: 0416 073 902 GRAPHIC DESIGNER:joey@focusmag.com.au Kyle Rathbone FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com kyle@focusmag.com.au

chrissy@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bryant COPY EDITOR:Linda Reg Brookhouse Photography by Linda reg@focusmag.com.au 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig www.photographybylinda.com.au

Mason,

East Coast Photography 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 www.eastcoastphotography.com.au

www.photographybylinda.com.au

CSFV U IU SPO O U T OS PM PU O TU H EO ES RT EO A TR CSA O M M U N IR T Y EM V EO T SIV AST NSEEN D RED O G R A M SA .N CSE FTC SPU P ICDSIP U P O O D S T U O PR S U P T PUO O R H ERG S T E H ET G S E TR C O T M C M U N M IH N IN E TEV Y E N EU VU N A TT SN A N D G P RR O G M R SN A .G M S .E FN RSPTCFO UISR DO TU O U P P TPC TPT.R H E EO G R EE A T C O M U N IO TTO Y E V N T A D PS R O G FR O U S P R U D T P R T S G R EM A TN M M N IT TV Y V E N T S A D P R G M SA FUY O CEO FEIS UVSO ISO U SIRSU S U D O UPSST O D O PR SPTO O P TC TTSSR H TTO E T SP E GO S E G A R T E C O T M C U M IECY T U Y N IM E T Y E N V T ES N A T N D N R DN O P G RSA O A M R S A .M M SSA .SO MM MM UU N IOTFICYTO E N A O C D U SO ISO S RU RIU A O S D FC .F O U SSD P R O U T S G P R P O TRO T C TA M E U N G RM T A EPN O T M FV O A C N N U IR S Y IM R E O P G E R N O A TU SR DN SA A .O N U RD PEP O RO TGG TR SA .EM EE. M G UU NN I TIYT YE VEEVNETNS TAS NA DNPDR O FN O IT P R O U D TR O S U P O EU S E GR TTUTM C O IN Y ESPC V T S D P R O RTDSM M SO .PG O U IU SP P R U D O S U P PO RO TS S E G E A T C O M U N IR T Y E V TT A N AG FNS C A S N SRC PRCDG R U G FIST D O R A M U SO SFO IU U S R O U T D T H TRT O EEEO STG SEEH UE G PA R PEM E O TM T C SC M EO U G R IEY ET A YR T C V FO EM O N M C TRA M U SEOP U SM A IT N IA TD P Y P R E R O V O UO E G D TR T M N DP PSO R O T TR GR PG RR OAGM R SA. M S . C SIP ISO SP RH O U D T O SA U P O R TM T H E SN EM G R A T O M M U N IV T Y EN V E N SS.U.P A N D PA RM OH RSSSA SRE .EAATT CCOOMMMM FD O UO S SU PT R O US TSPP SR UP P PDR O R T TT H E SE EAPA G RE E A M U N IECT Y E E N TD S A N D P R O G RG AA M .RRR Essential Energy Essential Energy Essential Energy Essential Energy Essential Energy

Essential Energy Essential Energy

OCCASIONS JEWELLERS FORSTER 40 WHARF STREET · FORSTER · T: 6555 8356

Essential Energy

OCCASIONS JEWELLERS TAREE CNR MANNING & ALBERT ST · TAREE · T: 6551 5858

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focusinterview.

TRISHA

F I T Z P A T R I C K

Local artist Trisha Fitzpatrick is about to embark on a trip to Naples, Italy, to form part of a very special international art project.

With an art trip to New York already under her belt, Trisha is excited to be making so many global art connections, and the future looks busy - and bright!

H

i Trisha. It’s been a while since we last spoke. What’s been keeping you busy in recent times? Since coming back from New York, I have been kept busy with an diverse range of commission work, some being of more realistic work of local beaches done on water colour paper and also large abstracted expressionism canvas work, which I thoroughly enjoy. Tell us about the project, “22 Mad for Naples”, which will have you travelling to Naples, Italy, in May. What will you need to do/achieve while you’re overseas? “22 Mad for Naples” is about bringing 22 international artists from around the world and giving them the opportunity to live for two weeks on the partenopean site; during a workshop-art laboratory they will develop personally through meetings, visits, reports and insights related to the Neapolitan contemporary art system. The gallery will provide a starting pattern of possible activities each artist will be able to integrate through their preferences. Then starting from my subjective personal reading of the places, I will walk the streets, places, museums, sites and routes of art and different landscapes and face the project’s theme with a personal European and international perspective. With this aim, I will create a work specifically dedicated to this comparison with the reality of the town. Then at the end of the project, the 22 works will be the subject of a dedicated exhibition in a prestigious location in the Neapolitan territory. Also within that two week time slot, artists participating in the project have been invited to stay for two nights, three days in the Pollena Trocchia area of Mount Vesuvius, that was officially declared a National Park in June 1995. The associations of this area have greatly

4

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appreciated the project and wanted to sponsor the artists who will visit their wonderful area of the Somma-Vesuvio. I believe the first day we will be going to the local school in the Mt Vesuvius region, the second day we go on a dig, and the third day a vigneron will show us the vineyards. On one of the nights they invite us to a dinner held for the artists. This sounds like an amazing project to be involved with. How did you find out about it, and how/why were you selected to participate? The Gallery of Monteoliverto contacted me in 2013 after I had successfully exhibited in New York with Agora Gallery, Chelsea. Chantal Lora, who is the Director of Galleria Monteoliverto, started to connect and discuss me becoming involved. I was asked in 2014, however, had to decline, but I was lucky enough to be invited back in 2015. The project stood out to me as a unique opportunity for me to live in the city and complete a piece of work that was my interpretation of Naples; being there will allow me to soak up the atmosphere of the sights, sounds, food and culture of this amazing city, and in turn create a piece of art that people will enjoy looking at for years to come. Have you travelled to Italy before? How much are you looking forward to the trip? I’m very excited to be going back to Italy. This will be my fourth visit; the first was with my beautiful mum and two sisters in 1990, followed by a fantastic five week journey with my daughter, Sally, in 2004. When I was in Tuscany with my daughter, I had time to sketch and paint with watercolour; it was amazing seeing with my own eyes the different atmospheric colours thrown across the landscape at different times of the day. What do you know about your fellow artist companions who’ll also be taking part in “22 Mad for Naples”?

The project stood out to me as a unique e m opportunity for and ty ci e th in e to liv of e ec complete a pi y m as w work that interpretation of Naples ...”

“

I haven’t met any of the other artists. Mad for Naples has invited artists from around the world, which includes Peru, New Zealand, USA, Ukraine, France, Argentina, Sweden - our brief is to bring our own unique technique to the project. The culmination of your stay in Italy will result in an exhibition that showcases all of the participating artists’ works. When and where will this exhibition take place? The exhibition is held in Naples; it will take place in May 2016, which is their spring - a beautiful time of the year. What are you ultimately hoping to achieve from this whole experience? A connection with the international art community, so I can exhibit my art further, rather than just staying in my own comfort zone. I read a saying that rings true to me: “I see my dreams as if I hold them in the palm of my hands; I dare to dream big for it is me who can only create my world”. I know this journey will test me and push the

boundaries, but I also know that when I follow this dream as I did with New York, the sense of achievement will be worth it. What plans/upcoming exhibitions/future projects do you have in mind upon your return from Italy? I have been given the opportunity to send my works to exhibitions in Paris, Milan and Nice. Being a part of this trip will help me decide if I participate and if I do, it is going to be a very busy year in my studio! I also have two private commissions that I will commence working on when I get back, which I’m really excited about. Where can readers see samples of your art or contact you if they’re interested in your work? My website www.trishafitzpatrick.com.au or call into my studio at 4 Banksia Street, Blueys Beach. People can call to make sure I’m open on 6554 0902 or Mobile 0488 944 526. I also have work for sale at twentybytwelve living at Blueys Beach. Thanks Trisha.

inside this

Issue 99 - May 2015

8.

The Frackman. CSG activist Dayne “The Frackman” Pratzky is starting a new life in the Great Lakes after enduring and escaping the gas fields of Queensland.

Wingham Scottish Festival.

25.

With less than a month to go before the kilts and pipes come out, Eric Richardson is busily organising a jam packed calendar of events for the much loved and ever popular Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival.

50.

Martin Bridge. Annette O’Rourke, Catherine Calvin, Rosie Smith and James Paton are Night Bazaar team members. Hot on the heels of the success of their first event, the Victoria Street Night Bazaar in November.

4. Trisha Fitzpatrick 6. Bob Pearce 16. African Children’s Choir 28. Wingham Beef Week 56. Club Forster Bluewater Fishing Club

usual suspects.

the

11. What’s On for May 18. eat featuring local restaurants 44. Star Guide with Terri 51. Tourism Update with Sharon Bultitude No matter where you are in the world, read Focus for free online every month @

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

manning-great lakes focus.

5

focusinterview.

bob pearce READY FOR TAKE OFF

hat are the various radio controlled model aero clubs in the Manning-Great Lakes, and what is the approximate membership numbers of these clubs? There are four local clubs which are affiliated with the Model Aircraft Association of Australia (MAAA), through the State body, Aeromodellers NSW, which cater for all forms of radio control models. These four local clubs have a total membership approaching 110 members, and there are more than 80 clubs in NSW and 300 nationally; more than 10,000 members actively enjoy this sport Australia wide. Which club/s are you personally affiliated with, and how long have you been a member? I am a member of the Forster Tuncurry Model Aero Club and the Manning Model Aero Club, and I currently hold the position of President of the Forster Tuncurry Model Aero Club. My current membership with the Forster Tuncurry Model Aero Club began in 2002, which was when I retired to live in Tuncurry. How and when did you first become interested in model aircraft? I started very young and was encouraged by my grandparents, in about 1950, to construct and paint small balsa wood models. This led me to try free-flight models, which were very light weight and were covered with tissue paper and flew by means of rubber band power. I then progressed, as a teenager, to control line model flying using the first diesel model engine that I saved up to buy. This type of model flying 6

manning-great lakes focus.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO EXPERIENCE THE ADRENALIN RUSH OF FLYING, BUT WITHOUT THE HEFTY PRICE TAG, A MODEL AERO CLUB MAY BE FOR YOU! BOB PEARCE INFORMS US THAT OUR LOCAL MODEL AERO CLUBS ARE ALSO A FRIENDLY, SUPPORTIVE SOCIAL NETWORK OF LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS ...

utilises two wires from a control handle to the pilot on the ground to fly the model as if the model which are used to make the model he/she was actually in the model, just like the go up or down. Later in the late 1970s, I was real thing. introduced to building and flying radio control What benefits are there to being a member models. of a model aero club? What types of aircraft do you fly? Do Local model aero clubs are the strength members fly helicopters, as well of the sport, and their members are as fixed wing aircraft? happy to share their collective The models that I knowledge and provide generally fly are classed as instruction, advice on Rather than n sports, aerobatic models, model selection, and ar le trying to t no but I also have a keen help getting your model hy w lf, by yourse ng ni ar le interest in building and flight ready. Aero clubs e th shortcut ce du flying scale models re provide insurance cover d an time your to s sk ri l ia which replicate the within their annual club nt te po g free real thing. I travel to fees and conduct various model by gettin h a ug other clubs, with my instruction thro forms of competition ?” club wife, Gloria, to compete flying, where you can in scale competitions test your skill against other conducted by the NSW Scale flyers. Aircraft Society. Some may view owning and Yes, other members fly helicopters, flying radio controlled aircraft as particularly members of the Rainbow Flat an expensive hobby. Is this actually the RC Helicopter Club, and most members case? How much (roughly) would it cost have several types of models in their collection. the beginner enthusiast to take to the air? What types of aircraft do club members Models come in all sizes, shapes and forms, typically own? and can be bought fully made up or in kits to If we look at the club members of our four build. local clubs, we would find that they jointly own Gone are the days of saving every cent of just about every type of model aircraft available pocket money just to buy a small model engine. today, including fixed-wing aircraft which Today’s beginners can purchase a ready-to-fly have electric or internal combustion engines, electric model complete with a radio control helicopters, quad copters (drones), gliders, unit for under $200. When we look at the electric powered jets and electric night flying cost of equipment to play other sports, like models. Some members are also using FPV, surfing, cricket or golf, then aeromodelling is which stands for first person view and utilises a not considered expensive, particularly when the camera in the model which transmits a video of one radio control unit can be used to fly other the pilot’s view back to a monitor. This allows models that may be added to your collection.

“

I currently have nine models which all use the same control unit or transmitter. Why would you encourage others to take this up as a hobby? If you decide to take up aeromodelling as a hobby and join a local club, you’ll also see that it is about more than just the hobby or sport; it’s about friendships and a local supportive community of members having lots of fun and excitement at their club flying days and social activities which normally cater for the whole family. So, rather than trying to learn by yourself, why not shortcut the learning time and reduce potential risks to your model by getting free instruction through a club? A merit based award system is also available to recognise and grade your flying skills. So, if you are itching to stretch your wings, come along and experience the adrenalin rush of radio control model flying! Where can people find out more about any of our local clubs? To find out more about the local model aero clubs, you can contact one or all of the local clubs listed here: MANNING MODEL AERO CLUB. At Wingham Contact. Mark Connor. Mob 0431 380 048. THE FERAL FLYERS MODEL AERO CLUB. At Mitchell’s Island. Contact. Frank Regan. Phone 6557 4112. RAINBOW FLAT RC HELICOPTER CLUB. At Koorainghat. Contact. Lindsay Ellis. Mob. 0429 909 136. FORSTER TUNCURRY MODEL AERO CLUB. At Nabiac. Contact. Bob Pearce. Phone. 6555 2367.

Single ekam level sgndwellings illewd levmake el elgniS a small, …friendly egalliv yvillage… ldneir f ,llams a Discover the friendly gand niracaring c dna yldneirf eht revocsiD community of Tuncurry .egaVillage. lli V y rrucnuT fo ytinummoc Everyone is on the samelelevel vel emas eht no si enoy revE – literally! There aredno na stairs sriats and on era erehT !yllaretil – certainly no lifts yto lnoworry ,tuobabout, a y rrowonly ot st fil on y lniat rec pleasant paths through dednewell-tended t-llew hguorht shtap tnasaelp gardens and villas. .salliv dna snedrag You’ll soon get to know your neighbours, who will tsaf fast lliw ohw ,sruobhgien ruoy wonk ot teg noos ll ’uoY become your friends. .sdneirf ruoy emoceb You’ll also have peace of mind in knowingethat lbaddependable neped taht gniwonk ni dnim fo ecaep evah osla ll ’uoY care staff are on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days ediavoweek rp otto keprovide ew a syad 7 ,yad a sruoh 42 etis-no era ffats erac professional low to high care in the privacy ofnyour wo ruown oy fo ycavirp eht ni erac hgih ot wol lanoisseforp home, as required. This allows couples to nstay eve together, ,rehtegot even yats ot selpuoc swolla sihT .deriuqer sa ,emoh if their care requirements are quite different. .tnereffid etiuq era stnemeriuqer erac rieht fi Live independantly while enjoying the optionytof ilaquality uq fo noitpo eht gniyojne elihw yltnadnepedni eviL meals, cleaning, shopping, bill paying and more ,secservices, iv res erom dna gniyap llib ,gnippohs ,gninaelc ,slaem including regular social outings on the village bus. .sub egalliv eht no sgnituo laicos raluger gnidulcni View floorplans at www.sunrisesupportedliving.com.au ua.moc.gnivildetroppusesirnus.www ta snalproofl wei V or call us on 6554 8424 to arrange an inspection. .noitcepsni na egnarra ot 4248 4556 no su llac ro

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focusinterview. “FRACKMAN” (DAYNE PRATZKY) BESIDE COAL SEAM GAS INFRASTRUCTURE IN HIS TOWN OF TARA, QUEENSLAND

ROGER MARMION

D A Y N E

P R A T Z K Y

CSG ACTIVIST DAYNE “THE FRACKMAN” PRATZKY IS STARTING A NEW LIFE IN THE GREAT LAKES AFTER ENDURING AND ESCAPING THE GAS FIELDS OF QUEENSLAND. WHEN HE REJECTED THE PROSPECT OF HAVING A MINING COMPANY EXPLORE FOR COAL SEAM GAS ON HIS LAND, THE ROO AND PIG SHOOTER QUICKLY BECAME A THORN IN THE SIDE OF QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY [QGC] AND THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT WITH HIS RADICAL GUERRILLA-STYLE TACTICS.

R

oger Marmion had a chat with Dayne just before the sold out screening of Frackman the Movie in Taree to find out how he became the “accidental” activist. So Dayne, you’re not a Queenslander? No. I’m a Snowy Mountains boy born in Cooma Hospital. We moved around NSW a bit when I was growing up -the Central West, Goulburn and Bathurst. Then at 17 I moved to Sydney and got a job as an apprentice spray painter on the Northern Beaches. It was a pretty full on life in Sydney. I spent about 13 years there between the Northern Beaches and Newtown. I finished up working as a construction worker on the Lane Cove Tunnel. What made you move to Queensland? When I got injured I couldn’t afford to live in Sydney any more. I’d bought a 247 acre lifestyle block in the Tara Estate between Tara and Chinchilla, a place where you could afford to own some land, build a house and enjoy the bush lifestyle with my dogs. I decided to move out there to develop the block. It was a bit of a tree change and I got to get back to what I was doing as a teenager

8

manning-great lakes focus.

- hunting and ground myself a bit more. The lifestyle blocks - some marginal grazing land at plan was to eventually sell the block and I’d best, but there’s also some of the best blackhave the option of moving back to the coast soil cropping and grazing country, and you not Sydney, but somewhere like Coffs Harbour don’t expect your lifestyle to be taken away by or Forster. a mining company. But then the coal seam gas inPeople who’ve seen the aerial dustry came over the top of me photos and videos of gas and that option was taken wells, produced water away. They could come ponds and pipelines I grew up in onto my land to drill for perhaps don’t fully this country gas, and there wasn’t appreciate the on believing a pers d an anything I could do impact that CSG prong hi et m so meant eant m about it! I got pretty duction has. What nd la ’s on rs a pe my angry in the end, bewas the worst thing something and ent of cause I didn’t think that for you about living peaceful enjoym ” e. in m as w was the Australian way! in a gas field? my land I was brought up in a The fact that there’s no country where everyone one there to help you. The had the right to a fair go. fact that all your concerns are And when my fair go was taken pushed aside by government and away, twice - once when I was injured; I industry. It’s designed to break you and went from a six-figure income working on make you submit. You submit to whatever a major infrastructure project to earning they want to do and just take it on the chin. $21,000 a year. But I copped that on the chin. That’s the worst thing, put aside the health Then when the mining company said, “We’re effects - it’s the fact that there’s no one with gonna screw you too”, I thought, “Enough’s authority to actually look after you! And that’s enough” and that’s when I fought! when you have to start looking after yourself. Those blocks out in the Tara Estate are That’s what we did.

“

When you make a complaint to the industry and the industry colludes with the government over your complaint to no longer make their activity illegal; for instance, the noise for me was a problem for many years. So instead of the government making the industry quieten down their operations at night, they increased the level of noise they were allowed to make, by law. Now that’s not fair and it’s un-Australian! I grew up in this country believing a person meant something and a person’s land meant something and my peaceful enjoyment of my land was mine. To have that taken away and have nobody try and help us and actually have the government collude with the industry is horrendous! What about Queensland Health, who investigated residents’ health concerns? Yeah, Queensland Health released a report and said everything’s AOK out there. I was part of that health study. Some people came out to my place and took two litres of water out of my water tank and collected some air samples for a couple of hours in a canister. That was QGC who did that - the actual company I was complaining about! QGC analysed these samples and sent the results to Queensland Health

focusinterview.

LOCAL FAMILY AT ANTI-COAL SEAM GAS PROTESTS IN TARA, QUEENSLAND. PROTESTORS AND “FRACKMAN” (DAYNE PRATZKY) AT ANTI-COAL SEAM GAS PROTEST IN TARA, QUEENSLAND.

TARA, QLD LANDOWNER WAYNE DENNIS, ONE OF THE LOCALS AFFECTED BY COAL SEAM GAS MINING BY QGC.

and they released the study. I didn’t see a doctor and not once was examined by a doctor! With all of the documented claims of adverse effects, how did the government respond? The alarm bells should have gone off for the government a long time ago. When you have people making complaints left, right and centre about their water quality and the fact that their water is disappearing: the fact that people have health issues and the fact that people are being bullied by the company - that should have been enough to get the State and Federal Governments to do something, but instead they rolled out the red carpet for the industry. After a long fight I eventually sold my house and land, because I didn’t want to put up with the gas industry, their bullying tactics and the pressures and stresses that go with it. You have to make a sacrifice, take a step backwards in order to get ahead. Some people want to stay there and others don’t have a choice. Now I’ve got an 1100 m² block at Smiths Lakes and I’m renting in Forster. What attracted you to the Great Lakes? The beauty of the area. What the Great Lakes has is an amazing ability to attract tourists for the simple beauty of the area - our beautiful clean beaches, our fishing, our surfing, our clean lifestyle. That’s what we have to offer to people. I know what’s happening out at Gloucester and what the people of the Great Lakes actu-

ly up and the jobs are not ally have is an obligation People are now t, ou g in there and they realise to not only ensure that mov g in go e ar es ss that the promises of our town is kept clean, busine jobs e th d an up lly the industry and the but that our district is be d they are not there an government were just kept clean. AGL have promises realise that the snake oil. no right to be doing an d the of the industry How did you meet what they are out at e just government wer your partner, Wendy? Gloucester. It is not fair snake oil.” I met Wendy online. what our fellow comShe was in Pennsylvania munity members are being and she understood what I subjected to. AGL should be was going through. Pennsylvania respecting what our area rephas also been drilled and every well resents and not ruin what our community gets fracked, unlike here. It’s a disaster believes should be protected. zone over there. It’s become a community If AGL go ahead, pretty soon people will sacrifice zone with everything just dumped in start moving away and we’ll be tarred with the the rivers. same brush as Tara and Chinchilla. We’ll then That’s the reason why we came to this area. have to kiss our clean, green brand name and I couldn’t take her to live at Tara - who wants lifestyle goodbye. It’s all at risk! to live somewhere with a reputation for being It’ll be an inter-generational recovery mission toxic. to get our reputation back if the Gloucester You’ve been criss-crossing the state with valley part of our water catchment is synonythe Frackman the Movie tour. How are you mous with CSG and open-cut coal mines. You coping with that? won’t get it back in my lifetime. If we love our It’s been tough and I just want to go home, area we better stand up and fight for it! but I’m doing it for a reason. I feel obligated What impact has the gas industry had on to my fellow countrymen to travel to othQueensland communities? er regions around Australia to help them In Chinchilla the people bought the spin of understand what’s happening and what’s on the mining company about jobs, and mining the way. I just have to wear the tiredness, took over the town. I saw houses on the marthe attacks from the industry and a gruelling ket for $600,000 and people bought them. schedule. There’s a couple more months to go. They were told the boom would last for 10 How successful has the anti-CSG campaign years or more, and it was over in three. People been? are now moving out, businesses are going bel-

“

The anti-CSG movement is the fastest-growing social movement this country has seen and the people in it are often branded by the media as greenie, hippie tree-huggers, who are anti-development and anti-fossil fuels but there’s more to it than that. There are farmers, doctors, nurses, business people, tourist operators and organic food growers. The movement is crossing the divide and growing at such a rate that it’s taken the industry and the government by surprise. It’s not about radical activism; it’s about standing up! The people who came before us fought in two major wars but now we have to be prepared to protect this country from a foreign invader who has been let in the back door by our own governments. If you love this country, it’s time to fight for it whether you are young or old, whether you are a farmer or a hippie, whether you vote Green or Labor or Liberal whatever political affiliation now is the time. And if it gets away from us, we will have lost something that’s irretrievable. We will never get it back! Thanks Dayne, welcome to the Great Lakes and I hope you get a chance to enjoy your new life soon. Details of the Frackman the Movie screening dates are available online at www.frackmanthemovie.com Photo credits: Andrew Quilty/Oculi. manning-great lakes focus.

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Matters. [ w it h A l a n T i ck le ]

Matters. Matters.

[ w it h Ala n T ick le ]

legallight. Traps in estate

i tna nTc ickle e [ witihn hAe rl a ]

Dear Alan, My wife and I receive close to a full aged pension. We both have account based pensions and $100,000 in bank accounts and fixed deposits. Are there other options to consider with Dear Alan, respect to age under pension? RW tests with We arethe caught the assets

Justin Stack.

total of $350,000 in assessed assets. At DearaRW,

age 70 and good health, wereceiving still have You have told meinthat you are not a some years ahead of us but as you have full pension, which means that you either have Dear Alan, TWO RECENT CASES REVEAL TRAPS IN THE LAWS GOVERNING pointed anworking earlier column, the single assessed inin excess $279,000 or $50,000 have I amassets 65 out and still earning ESTATE INHERITANCE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE AWARE OF. pension will bewants tough,me when onegoing, of us pa. My employer to keep excess assessed income. dies. I have can’tCentrelink yet be covered n the first case, a young couple married estranged wife as a beneficiary. It is because suggested thatskills you that request to we spend more on ouryounger, house to for three years had a messy break-up. The A second case highlights problems that canprovide ifShould I leave. My wife is a few years so a statement of your income and asset get the assets down? man found a new partner, and they had happen when an unscrupulous person enters assessment won’t qualify for the age pension for 4 years. and you should then review the Weworks neverthree miss days reading yourhaving column and been together for fifteen months when the life of a vulnerable elderly person. An 82 She arecorded. week, Monday accuracy of the amounts always fi nd it interesting, thank you. PS. he suddenly died. He hadn’t made a will. year old woman left everything to a stranger, and Friday off work. We have about $75,000 A common mistake is overstating the value of DearinPS, They weren’t divorced and had no children. a cleaner who befriended the elderly lady each super with no debts, not much in the home contents and other non-fi nancial assets If a of couple on the or own disability His estranged wife had served divorce papers after she was diagnosed with dementia. way savings, butaged we do our pension house. I’d such have as motor vehicles, caravans and boats. then on him as she had intended to marry her The brother who saw her every day was assessed assets more than $286,500 like to go on the age pension and retire, but new partner. But he hadn’t signed them. devastated. In this case, police investigated Furniture their is at reduced by $1.50 forvalue, every isliving valued the second hand we arepension off $80,000 income now and I A partner is recognised as a de facto only and found the will had been forged and the not don’t $1,000 in excess of that amount. replacement cost, and vehicles at the think we’d be able to live off much less. after two years or they have a child together. cleaner was part of a gang that had done thisrealistic However, youwholesale have rightly pointed trade-in or value. What doasyou suggest? PH and BH.out, this As a result, under the Succession Act his to several elderly people. But sadly, leaving hurts even moreofon thefinancial singleby pension, A crucial part planning Because the pension isthe reduced $1.50 where estranged wife gets his entire estate. The estates to virtual strangers happens more there is a reduction when assessed assetsmost process is understanding what is per thousand of excess assets, if thevalued asset man’s partner and family aren’t entitled to a often than you would think. exceed $202,000. personally to the client and prioritise that list. test determines how much pension is paid, thing. Joshua Crowther says families have a Should there be a review? It was established that PH has a skill legitimately reducing the assessed assets valued by The case ended up in court, because the few options. A person making a will needs I don’t believe itthat is in interest when by hisfor employer isthe notnational covered nor easily $10,000 example, saves $15 in pension. man had earlier paid his wife $35,000 for her to understand what they are signing. A interest rates are the lowest in living memory, replaced should he leave. share of the house they had built on land he person’s mental capacity and health at the That extra pension is like earning 3.9% per that either spending thethat money, needlessly It was demonstrated afteror allowing owned before the marriage. The man’s family annum interest on $10,000 time of signing can be challenged. The carrying out improvements onon theBH’s home, for the Centrelink assessment wages claimed the payment ended any entitlements will maker needs to understand who they There are means of reducing assets under actually results in more net be income. and theother money that would assessed for the estranged wife and the law was have a moral obligation to provide for at legitimately, butaffected the message is drop thattest the asset If apension person by the asset the income test, the in reduces income giving her “two bites of the cherry”. the time of signing the will. There must testshould certainly impacts. PHassets retire by now would mean assessed spending money,that thishis Joshua Crowther, wills specialist at Stacks be no undue influence on them. Spouses What if the income test determines the the superannuation would be eaten into over actually produces the equivalent of 3.9%pa Law Firm, says the case demonstrates the (including de facto spouses) children and amount paid? next few years qualifies for which the age by virtue of theuntil extraBHpension paid, is importance of making a new will when certain dependents of the deceased can also pension pension also. more than what is being earnedinvested on most fixed a couple separate to take account of the challenge the will. If the $100,000 is the only money This would mean accounts. that around $140,000 or account savings possibility of dying before the divorce goes “The key is to get expert legal advice whenapartdeposits from the based pensions, and between them might be all that is left to retire What are some measures to reduce through. If the husband died with an old will, making a will so that all eventualities are if assessed assets are less than $279,000, in four assessed assets? the effects of divorce would have revoked his covered,” he said. it is on likely that years. the income received from The message given to PHabove was that he Funeral bonds where you invest a lump the allocated pension is set well thesum, could not afford to retire. means deductible that you earn compounding interest on Centrelink amount. Negotiations his employer enabled as an the deposit butwith the capital is not assessed Under current rules, Centrelink (or Veterans PH to work same such daysproducts.) as his wife on an asset. (I canthe arrange Affairs, if you're a veteran) takes your employment contract basis for four years, Placing $7,000 each to a funeral bond results pension's purchase price and divides it by the which involved him and supervising in an additional $21training per fortnight pension for

I

[ wit h A la n T ickle ] actuarial life expectancy when the account based pension commenced. Based on the 2005-07 Australian Life Tables, males aged 65 currently have a further life expectancy of 18.54 years. Females of the same age have a 21.62-year life expectancy. a couple.

The result of this calculation is called your Gifting of money pension's deductible amount or DA.

There is no gift duty or tax on gifting money

If and the commencing balance for a you newlike. account you can give away whatever based or allocated pension is $200,000, the However, in excess of as $10,000 other staff amounts in the skills he had, well asper DA is $10,787 if you're male and $9,250 if financial year a maximum actual work inup histo former role. of $30,000 in female. five years, will count as an asset. $70,000 of his superannuation was

Ifconverted more than amounts arepension drawn, which the Revalue personal assets tothose an account based extra amount is counted as assessed income. It is worth to date with gave him a keeping tax free Centrelink income to up supplement theolder realistic market youraccount vehicles based and what he was earning and of contributions The a person isvalue when the continued to his because existing personal assets, they decline value pension commenced, thesuperannuation higher the in DA, as fund. every year. Your home contents need only be the life expectancy is less.

PH was able to successfully claim a part age

value a second hand dealer would give you, Bythe transferring the existing account based pension and notvalue. pay much in the way of tax. not the insured pension to a new one, the current age of the BH agreed to salary sacrifice some of her Superannuation pensioner is used, which results in a more income to not superannuation, which can lowered her A person yet ageunder pension favourable outcome theage incomehold test.

overall liability butand importantly, moneytaxation in superannuation, this is notbuilt

New Rules up more money for retirement. counted as an asset.

After December 2014was new account based Long service leave transferred under Estate Planning the employment arrangement so tthat pensions will not have the benefi of aPH DA Having money held in single names or as takeassessed it in small amounts tocould reduce income andover theythe willnext be tenants in common, will enable transferring four years. assessed in similar way to bank accounts.

some of the money to the next generation in a

The result was that Mr and pensions Mrs H could Commencing account based will. This reduces assessed assets, and itbefore is not plan their week around their free with is then should considered even ifdays, retirement counted as be a gift. holidays in between, meaning that this some off. This time can be useful in cases where the transition to retirement kept them financially

survivor might otherwiseoflose all Centrelink Reviewing the structure existing account in a better position compared to what might based pensions is also worth considering, if entitlements. have happened had PH simply retired. the income testaisdiversifi impacting or likely to impact Finally, having ed investment portfolio Instead of drawing down on his on future Centrelink payments. takes away the reliance interest rates. superannuation, PH has on been able to retain There are only about occasions an Itthat must also beand remembered that drop amount as athree couple theythe areover actually average 20 year period that cash and fi xed innow pension when is a death capital and the building up there their retirement interestfully the leading performer. survivor isisleft to manage a single pension, before retiring in asset fouron years. assets to increase the pension is Diminishing signifi They cant. are managing on the income and is a recipe forpension trouble ifand taken to the extreme, with a part theof fringe benefi ts Ensuring that the structure account based and having a portfolio that actually grows attached, they are fi nding that their cost of pensions is reviewed to account for that isin living a little.over time puts the valuehas anddiminished increases income important.

Importantly, they where are enjoying their Centrelink pension it should be;present that is,

The opportunity won’t be there from 2015, arrangement which really did cover their main as a safety net to support people who need so there is six months from now available to personal priority of being ableincentives to enjoy some it while still retaining enough for consider those options.

leisure they could. as much as possible. peoplewhile to fund themselves

This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice This information and advice ageneral generalto nature only and noreliance relianceshould should placedcircumstances. onthe theinformation information before seeking individual advice information and advice isisofofaAdviser nature only and no bebeplaced on individual advice from aThis Financial Planner and Taxation ensure the appropriateness to individual Alanbefore Tickleseeking and Your Heritage fromaaFinancial FinancialPlanner andTaxation TaxationAdviser Advisertotoensure ensurethe theappropriateness appropriatenesstotoindividual circumstances.Alan AlanTickle Tickleand andYour YourHeritage Heritage from and circumstances. Financial Planning are Planner both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Groupindividual AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495. FinancialPlanning Planningare areboth bothauthorised authorisedrepresentatives representativesofofSecuritor SecuritorFinancial FinancialGroup GroupAFSL AFSL240687 240687ABN ABN48009189495. 48009189495. Financial

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manning-great lakes focus.

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manning-great lakes focus.

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AROUND THE REGION //M A UA GY U 2S 0T 1 25 0 1 4

16 23 BEEF BARONS BALL

Raw Challenge Barrington Tops

Weekend on Wheels

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Hosted by Taree Rescue Squad, in conjunction with Manning Valley Cruzers Inc. Come along to see cars, bikes, utes of all models and ages - hot rods, dragsters, emergency vehicles, street machines and much more! Entertainment for all ages, including live bands, a visit by Big Dog, and refreshments are available. When 31st May, from 8am. Where Cowper Street, Taree (next to Leagues Club). Cost $3 per person; $6 per family. Funds raised go to the Taree Rescue Squad.

"Cooee! Run, camp and getaway with friends” The 8 km course with 30+ testing obstacles is one of the most scenic courses in Australia and is guaranteed to provide fun, laughter as well as challenging memories and a great sense of achievement. It’s a great family fun atmosphere, with a designated youth wave for the 7 -12 age bracket. Leave your phone at home and have a break from technology! Bring your camping gear, your caravan, or you can book onsite accommodation through Riverwood Downs. Make it an awesome weekend!

Entertainment from the Blue Dog Country band. Lucky door prizes. Strictly formal wear - suit and tie (no denim please). Tickets available from Wingham Services Club. When Saturday 16th May @ 6:30pm. Where Wingham Services Club. Tickets $45pp includes two courses and nibbles. Contact Rebecca Kemp 0455 236 273. Email winghambeefweek@live.com.au

Isabella the Play When Saturday 23rd May at 2pm. Where Barrington Hall, Barrington. Tickets $15 (afternoon tea provided). Bookings Gloucester Health Foods. 6558 2622 Joy 6553 0982 or Maggie 6557 0929.

When Sat 23rd May 2015. More info www.rawchallenge.com.au email info@rawchallange.com.au Phone (02) 4994 7112. At Barrington Hall, Barrington Saturday 23rd May at 2pm Tickets $15.00 (afternoon tea provided) Bookings at Gloucester Health Foods. 65582622, Joy 65530982 or Maggie 65570929

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manning-great lakes focus.

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focusinterview.

F A N

DONWANG What brought you to Australia? Before I came to Australia, I lived in Shanghai for 30 years and experienced a hard life in an underdeveloped society. As an artist, I was looking for artistic freedom as well as to learn new art from the west. In 1990 I chose to come to Australia to further pursue my artistic career, which was to first study western art, and then to practice my art in a western country.

employ a new method of “painting as relief sculpture”, as if carving an ivory relief or low relief sculpture, thus bringing out a sense of 3D volume on the 2D surface - a visual illusionism expressed in traditional The change Chinese art. has had a

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I studied traditional Chinese art at Shanghai School of Arts and Crafts (for a Diploma of Arts and Crafts) in the 1970s. Then I completed a Diploma of Applied Art at another College in Shanghai. In 1990 I migrated to Australia as an artist of “Distinguished Talent”. I studied Master of Arts at COFA, NSW University in 1995, and received a Post Graduate Award and completed Doctor of Creative Art at Wollongong University in 1999.

How do you reconcile huge impact o: nmy your Chinese and my new work ragon , serial work , Dional Australian culture? depicts tradithinese In 1990, fresh out of symbols of C as jad e China, a very different culture such ings ambiguous meanings society (even more so at and ivory carv among many cultures. that time compared with of dragons.” In China it represents the Australia), the initial culture emperor’s unchallenged shocks I felt were immense power and authority, while economic pressure (for new in the West it is often viewed as migrants) and political freedom. The rapid representative of evil spirits. To me, the globalisation brought enormous changes dragon represents the emerging Chinese to China. cultural identity. The change has had a huge impact on my

What inspires your art? After 25 years of studying, working and living in Australia, I have experienced a constant changing of social environment, which provided me with a complex, ambiguous and all-embracing perspective of life and art. I

new work: my serial work, Dragon, depicts traditional symbols of Chinese culture such as jade and ivory carvings of dragons. I see these traditional images as not only beautiful, but also as powerful symbols of nationhood. The dragon images often evoke different

Tell us about your art training.

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What projects do you have on the horizon? My recent project is to create paintings titled The Gum Tree to explore the notion of painting Australian landscape through the techniques of Chinese painting,

carving and calligraphy. Humble, resilient and iconic, the Australian Gum Tree has been drowned under roiling floods, consumed in flames, fallen to the buzz of the miller’s saw and slowly choked of thirst. Yet each year it endures. If you look closely, they become living things akin to human beings: their solemn trunks dance in the wind, their magnificent bodies transforming into awe inspiring male and female torsos. I also use “the art of line” from Chinese calligraphy combined with western op art colour arrangement to paint the free flowing and gracious trunks and branches. www.fandongwang.com

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2014

SteveAttkins.

from Great Lakes Winery

watch. steve attkins Citizenfour(M) Fay’s Twin Cinema, 6:45pm Monday 11th May.

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DRIN K N O W O R NOT?

MANY OF US HAVE THE MISCONCEPTION THAT WINE NEEDS TO AGE PRIOR TO DRINKING, BUT THE REALITY IS THAT THE MA JORITY OF WINE MADE TODAY IS READY TO DRINK NOW! MANY WILL LAST FIVE YEARS OR SO, BUT THEY WON’T NECESSARILY IMPROVE OR TASTE ANY BETTER FOR THE WAIT.

his hasn’t always been common varieties such as Merlot and Pinot the case. Wine used to be Noir have less complexity and will develop over made with cellaring in mind five years or so, but not much beyond that because it had to be, in order time. to for it to be drinkable. But as with everything, there are exceptions The grapes were picked less ripe, resulting in and there are fabulous vineyards and wine that was more astringent. winemakers that produce outstanding The young fruit needed whites and reds that age superbly ageing in order for the way beyond expectations, and tannins and acidity to that is part of the joy of soften. Nowadays wine ... the unexpected! e th lly with the benefit So if you are Typica eties of experience planning on cellaring mainstream vari years and new wine for a few that age well (five iraz Sh e and beyond) ar technology, years - and there n. uv igno and Cabernet Sa ripe fruit will be some great ity al d qu We have enjoye with higher 2014 vintage reds in ns no Cabernet Sauv ig at th es sugar content particular - you need ag from good vint ars ye 20 at ly can be more to store it properly. rb drank supe easily handled Constant temperature, plus!” with the benefit preferably between 14 of temperature -16 degrees, away from controlled fermentation. sunlight, a mouldy space is The more complex and best, as it means the humidity level concentrated flavoured wines are is good, and store the bottles lying typically made from good quality fruit with the neck pointing up slightly. that can and will age well, developing layers of flavours. Quality white wines will continue to drink well for two to three upcoming event! years, while the lesser quality whites will need to be consumed within one year of the Music in the Back Paddock vintage. As a price guide, we use above and MOTHER’S DAY, Sunday 10th May below the $15 price point. from 1pm to 4pm. Similarly with red wine - the low cost reds with Darren Jack are not designed to be cellared and will not Multi-award-winning Blues artist last beyond a year or two. Better quality red Entry: Adults $15. wine will improve up to five years and beyond, Kids under 15 free. depending upon the quality and variety. Paddock Picnic Boxes available, but Typically the mainstream varieties that age must be pre-ordered well (five years and beyond) are Shiraz and Email: info@greatlakeswines.com.au Cabernet Sauvignon. We have enjoyed quality or Phone: 4997 7255. Cabernet Sauvignons from good vintages

manning-great lakes focus.

airports numerous times, and had refused to be intimidated. When Snowden revealed he was a high-level analyst driven to expose the massive surveillance of Americans by the NSA, Poitras persuaded him to let her film. Citizenfour places you in the room with Poitras, Greenwald, and Snowden as they attempt to manage the media storm raging outside, forced to make quick decisions that will impact their lives and all of those around them. Citizenfour not only shows you the dangers of governmental surveillance - it makes you feel them. After seeing the film, you will never think the same way about your phone, email, credit card, web browser, or profile, ever again. Tickets are $16, including chatting with cakes and coffee. For further information, visit www. tareefilmsociety.org.au or phone 6552 3476.

with Horticulturalist Neville Donovan - Greenpatch Organic Seeds

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that drank superbly at 20 years plus! Other 14

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aree Film Society visits the world of big data and surveillance with Citizenfour (M) at 6:45pm Monday 11th May at Fay’s Twin Cinema. Citizenfour is a real life thriller, unfolding by the minute, giving audiences unprecedented access to filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald’s encounters with Edward Snowden in Hong Kong, as he hands over classified documents providing evidence of mass indiscriminate and illegal invasions of privacy by the National Security Agency (NSA). Poitras had already been working on a film about surveillance for two years when Snowden contacted her, using the name “ Citizenfour”, in January 2013. He reached out to her because he knew she had long been a target of government surveillance, stopped at

WH

AT ’ S I N

Strawberries

Strawberries are a beautiful delicious fruit and amazingly popular. The luscious berries are produced in only 3 - 4 months after planting young plants or runners, ripening from late winter until mid summer. The fruity aroma increases as the strawberry ripens further and they are best eaten fresh. A versatile fruit for smoothies, desserts, cakes, and any excess can easily be made into jam. It’s an excellent time to start plants from new runners and plant in fresh soil. The existing plants must be discarded to avoid the spread of virus. There are many varieties of both running types with tasty large fruit and the compact “Alpine” and “Temptation” Strawberry that have small fruits with intense flavour. Strawberry plants can be planted almost anytime. They take up little room, and the prime time is from autumn-spring, avoiding hot, dry summer conditions. Strawberries can be grown in pots, vertical gardens, planter

boxes, hanging baskets. The fruit looks attractive hanging over the container’s edge, which also helps to maximise light for ripening. Strawberries require a mostly sunny position, soil that drains well, holds some organic matter. Feed as required with an organic fertilizer; water regularly in dry conditions. If planting in the vegetable patch, space 30 - 40 cm apart. To help with weed reduction, mulch around the plants and to minimise fruit rot, use weed mat,which will keep the fruit off the damp soil. Strawberries encounter a few problems, including birds, which love the fruit and destroy it. This can be overcome by covering with bird netting. A constructed low frame will keep the netting off the plants yet still allowing bees to pollinate the flowers. Beer traps, pet friendly slug and snail pellets, chooks and ducks will help clean up plants when not fruiting. Regularly remove damaged fruit and leaves.

The PHOTOGRAPHY hub It’s been a huge month here at the Photography Hub. We’ve had all of our Easter shoots, our launch party, as well as a new website, new brand and new look! The Hub Club has welcomed many new members, and we’re thrilled that so many others agree with us that the concept is fantastic. Just $9.95 a week, and members get a full family shoot plus two themed shoots each year and all of the photos from each. The difference with this concept compared to other studios, is that others try to offer something for "free" or low priced up front, then add on lots of expensive prints and options afterwards. Clients end up spending far more than they anticipated. We hear of it over and over again. But our members don’t pay ANYTHING extra! All of the files are included from each session. The Hub Club is by far the best value family photography in the area. The Hub Club also supports an orphanage in Bali, with 1 in 20 memberships going directly to buying food and clothing there. It’s part of our commitment to giving back. So thank you to all of our members, new and old. The Hub Club - it’s the place to be!

sun-hardened vegetable seedlings Feeling like you’re behind with autumn/winter plantings? Our Certified Organic vegetable seedlings will give you a four week head start. We currently have a large range of winter vegetables and greens that are ready for planting. Getting vegies in early will ensure a long harvesting period and fill the kitchen with yummy beetroot, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage, luscious leafy greens, coriander and lots more. Punnets are $4 each, and Greenpatch Members benefit from the great value price at $3.60 each. Our seedlings are grown on site and by supporting a local ethical business, we can provide you with great value plants. The nursery stocks 350 varieties of seedlings, herbs, fruiting plants, cottage garden, succulents and indoor plants, ensuring you won’t be short of choice. Upcoming Workshops: “Plant Propagation” with horticulturalist Neville Donovan - cost $20 on Saturday 2nd May; “Beauty from Natural Products” with herbalist Pat Collins - cost $60 on Sunday 10th May; “Organic Gardening” workshop with horticulturalist Neville Donovan - cost $60 on Saturday 23rd May. Bookings are essential for all workshops. For more information, please visit www.greenpatchseeds.com/workshops

12th Biennial MANNING ART PRIZE 2015 naked & nude After 24 years, the Manning Art Prize has become a prestigious national event on the Australian Arts Calendar and is open to artists in a variety of mediums. The lucrative event this year carries a $16,000 prize pool. The winning entry will be acquired by the Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery and donated to the Greater Taree City Council’s permanent collection. Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery are keen to receive entries which develop the theme “Naked & Nude”. “Naked & Nude” refer to two things; firstly, the great tradition of The Nude: a person who is bare with no covering or decoration. Secondly, a wider definition: something that is revealed, laid bare, unmasked or vulnerable. All information and entry forms can be found at: www.manningregionalartgallery.com.au or www.fogsmanningvalley.com.au Image credit: Wendy Sharpe, Jill Mackay with a Mexican cloth, Winner of the Manning Art Prize Naked & Nude 2013, oil on canvas.

Entries are now invited for the 12th Biennial Manning Art Prize 2015 “Naked & Nude”

$16,000 Prize Money

Judge - John McDonald, Art Critic for the Sydney Morning Herald

HOW TO ENTER

Conditions of entry and entry form can be found online: www.fogsmanningvalley.com.au or www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/mrag

IMPORTANT DATES

Close of entries 17 July Announcement of finalists 7 Aug Delivery of works to Gallery 4 Sept

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

The Manning Regional Art Gallery on 02 6592 5455 email - gallery@gtcc.nsw.gov.au or find us on Facebook

Manning Art Prize 2015 Sponsored by:

manning-great lakes focus. MAP Focus Advert .indd 1

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focusinterview.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Luke Warden is the tour organiser for the Mid North Coast leg of the African Children’s Choir’s upcoming visit to Australia. Children from the choir will be billeted by school families in Port Macquarie, the Camden Haven and Taree, and will present several concerts and public workshops in conjunction with our local school children throughout these areas. Don’t miss your opportunity to witness one of these performances - they promise to be something very special!

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i Luke. Introduce yourself please … I am Luke Warden, a resident of the Mid North Coast since 2002. I live in Port Macquarie and work as a manager at North Haven Bowling Club. How did you first become aware of the African Children’s Choir? In 2012 I was invited to participate in an humanitarian tour to Uganda. This was conducted by the charity I volunteer for, KwaYa Australia. 50 travellers from across Australia took over $100,000 in raised charity funds and half a tonne of donated clothing to visit orphanages, perform cultural exchange activities with school children of the slums, fund and conduct cleanups in the slums, and conduct musical workshops and perform with the African Children’s Choir. Describe how the choir was brought to the Mid North Coast in 2013, as a result of this initial visit to Uganda - and explain the special visit the choir has planned again this year … Upon returning to Australia, some members of KwaYa discussed bringing the African Children’s Choir’s over for their first tour of eastern Australia (2013). Initially it was only planned for capital cities, but I convinced organisers that the Mid North Coast should be included in the tour. The purpose of the tour was to raise funds for the ongoing care of choir children, and fund sustainability and self-sufficiency initiatives at ACC’s primary boarding school in Uganda. The local leg of the tour was different in that, for the first time, the African Children’s Choir would be hosted by an Australian primary school. The children from ACC were welcomed into the homes of students of St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton. They attended school together, shared 16

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meals, played together after school and on the weekend, and performed together in concert. In all, over 1,000 tickets were sold to three sell-out events over three consecutive days. It provided a unique opportunity for local children to broaden their understanding of the world and participate in an event that they would remember for years to come. Due to the success of ACC’s visit to St Joseph’s, this year there will be more than 10 schools from Geelong in Victoria through to Southeast Queensland, hosting the choir on tour. With even more schools involved in performances and workshops, tens of thousands of Australian students will be a part of the 2015 tour. My sister, Mel Hunt, AP at St Joseph’s Primary School Laurieton during the 2013 tour, is now AP at St Joseph’s Primary School in Taree, who will host ACC on the last stop of their Mid North Coast tour. Following the 2013 tour, four members from two billet families, Jenny, Sam and Marg Black, and Tammy Magnus, were so moved by their own experience, that they joined KwaYa’s 2014 humanitarian tour to Uganda. Upon their return, Tammy and Jenny founded “KwaYa Arts of Africa”, a non profit initiative now based in Sydney, importing and selling arts and crafts made by Ugandans, with profits donated back to the artists. Jenny and Tammy have joined with 2013 billet mum Julie Krige to assist with preparations for the 2015 tour. Following the Australian tour, I will prepare for my return to Uganda in September, which will also be attended by Australian recording artist, Kate Miller-Heidke. What are the dates/local venues for the African Children’s Choir’s Under One Sky 2015 Australian Tour?

The African Children’s Choir will visit the Mid North Coast in the last week of May and the first week of June as part of their 2015 Under One Sky Australian Tour. To kick off the local tour, the choir will put on a free performance at the Slice of Haven Food and Wine Festival in Laurieton on Sunday 24 May, followed by a series of events in Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and Taree: Monday 25 May - Public Workshop - 7pm Performing Arts Centre, St Joseph’s Regional College - Port Macquarie. Adults $15, Child/con. $10. Wednesday 27 May - Concert - 7:30pm The Glasshouse Theatre - Port Macquarie. Hosted by St Joseph’s Regional College. Adults $25, Child/con. $15. Thursday 28 May - Fundraising Diner - 6:30pm Oasis by the River Restaurant - North Haven. Include drinks/canapes on arrival, main and dessert, with choir performances and presentation. $95 per person (limited to 50 seats). Saturday 30 May - Concert - 7pm North Haven Bowling & Recreation Club - North Haven. Hosted by St Joseph’s Primary School (Laurieton). Adults $15, Child/con. $10. Monday 1 June - Concert - 7:30pm Manning Entertainment Centre - Taree, with the combined choirs of St Joseph’s Primary School (Taree) and St Clare’s High School. Adult $25, Child/con. $15. Tuesday 2 June - Public Workshop - 7pm St Joseph’s Primary School - Taree. Adults $15, Child/con. $10. TICKETS Tickets for the Fundraising Dinner at Oasis by the River are available at the venue only. Tickets for all other events are available from

the venue or online. Visit: www.kwaya.org/ ACCConcertsandWshops2015 or www.facebook. com/underoneskytour2015/events Which schools will be hosting the choir for their 2015 visit? Whilst on the Mid North Coast, the African Children’s choir will be hosted and billeted by and perform in concert with: Port Macquarie - St Joseph’s Regional College; Camden Haven - St Joseph’s Primary School (Laurieton); Taree - St Joseph’s Primary School (Taree), joined in concert by St Clare’s High School. For the duration of their stay, each school will provide billets to cater for meals, accommodation, washing, transport and all other living needs. Tell us more about the format of the concerts and public workshops … The format of concerts will be 30 minutes (host choir), 1 hour (African Children’s Choir) plus combined choir finale. The Public Workshops are described as a grass roots cultural exchange with the children of The African Children’s Choir that will entertain adults and children alike. Grab this very rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the choir. This event is all about public participation - learn the songs, the dance moves, and the art of African Drumming as the children invite you to share in their story. You will laugh, you may well cry, and you will be touched forever by the warmth and pure joy of these amazing children. Who are the sponsors for this year’s Mid North Coast tour? The Mid North Coast tour is supported by North Haven Bowling & Recreation Club, Bonny Hills Friendly Grocer (Julie Krige). The Camden Haven leg of the tour is sponsored by Camvet Veterinary Surgery (Gavin Rippon). Thanks Luke.

manning-great lakes focus.

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Creme Brulee French Toast w/ banana, whipped mascarpone, toasted pecans, bacon, vanilla bean verjuice from the Flow cafe restaurant bar, old bar.

download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat

18 manning-great lakes focus.

Flow cafÉ. restaurant. bar.

Flourless chocolate cake with berry compote

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to say thanks and celebrate how wonderful mums are. Delight your mum this Mother’s Day weekend by taking her and the family out for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner at Flow Bar. Along with the usual à la carte menu, we’ll be running the following specials: Saturday 9 May - 3 course dinner set menu plus a glass of wine for $55. Sunday 10 May - 2 course lunch set menu plus a glass of wine for $40, as well as free live music by The Flumes from 12:30pm. Phone 6557 4224 to make a reservation.

Bistro SeaSalt Showcasing some of the region’s finest local producers and suppliers, including Bago Wines, Black Duck beers, Brighton Oysters plus local and Australian seafood. Bistro SeaSalt offers amazing views, wonderful food, great coffee and a relaxed dining experience. Spoil mum this Mother’s Day and bring her to Bistro SeaSalt; all mums will receive a FREE gift with their booking.

Owner & Chef Ben Hansen

Now fully licensed and open for breakfast on weekends.

31 David St, Old Bar, Beach 6557 4224

21 Beach St, Harrington 6556 1700

Tuesday - Sunday: breakfast & lunch 8am - 3pm. Thurs - Sat: dinner from 6pm. Please see facebook.com/flowcafe for happy hour, weekly live music and menus

Open Wednesday - Saturday for dinner from 6pm. Breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

kembali cafÉ

BRASS BELL DELI Brass Bell Deli is a regional foods store serving local products in a relaxed, air conditioned environment. We serve a super smooth blend of coffee roasted for us by our friends at Coffee Galleria, which you can enjoy with soy or almond milk if you like. Also, our second blend, “the Killer Coffee”, which is three times stronger than usual blends but without the acidic bitterness of most strong coffees. We serve salads and sandwiches with ingredients from our shelves and fridges, which you can have in store or grab for a lunch on the run.

Forster Arcade Wharf St, Forster 6554 5333 Open 6 days, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Embracing the chilled out lifestyle of Blueys Beach. We like to keep things fresh and exciting here at Kembali, so we have some new additions to our brekkie and lunch menus, along with regular local seafood specials for lunch and dinner. Check out our menus on Facebook Kembali Café & Instagram - kembalicafe

Owner Andy Smith

Also serving smooth Gusto coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and delicious treats all day long. Looking for a venue or catering for your party, function or wedding? Contact us via email: kembalicafe@gmail.com or phone: (02) 6554 0889.

Chefs Ceiron Bartz & Kane Donkin.

2/188 Boomerang Drive, Blueys Beach 6554 0889 Open 7 days, breakfast and lunch. Dinner Thurs, Fri and Saturday from 6pm. manning-great lakes focus.

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NERELLE

TRISH

WAMELINK

NERELLE WAMELINK STARTED PAINTING OVER TWENTY YEARS AGO WITH HER MOTHER TRISH'S ENCOURAGEMENT, IN MINIATURE AND ON GUM LEAVES .

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and colour. I love how the paint mixes with er creativity began with painting rural landscapes, water scenes, the water on the canvas and how one colour homesteads and flowers comes alive sitting next to another, in oil. Having creating beautiful moments in time. lived for many years in I like to keep coming back to a the beautiful area of the r painting adding more layers of Mothe Manning-Great Lakes, this and detail. Everyone can experience ate was natural. daugther cele br my art in a totally different way. I

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art together.”

Over the years Nerelle began working more in inks and acrylics, moving more toward abstract paintings. She found the challenge of these mediums to be a wonderful outlet for her artistic expression.

can have four people look at one of my paintings and each person can see something completely different in it. “I hope I engaged the viewer’s imagination,

emotions and memories, to create their own story!” All enquiries can be made to Nerelle

“I have always been inspired by movement

and Trish 0434116016

HOLBOROW TRISH BEGAN PAINTING IN 1977. SHE STUDIED UNDER WELL KNOWN ARTISTS JAN ARENA, BRIAN AGNEW AND BARRY HASLAM FOR FIVE YEARS IN MANLY AND AT THE MITCHELL SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, BATHURST.

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rish paints in mediums including oils, watercolour, pastel and inks.

Trish moved to Forster with her husband and established Great lakes Art Gallery; Trish was co-proprietor and resident artist for 13 years.

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Kim’s songs attracts an audience that appreciates meaningful lyrics and interesting melodies. Her music and songs have been compared to those of Joni Mitchell and her voice a mix of Joni Mitchell meets Karen Carpenter. She has been dubbed the “poets songwriter”. In 2014 she released her album, State of Bliss. Tim Stokes’ music at its roots has a feeling of light, joy and freedom. Laid back coastal riffs, groove based blues/roots/country dance

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vibes, his first album, MeXico, was spun on

Trish is an inaugural r 32 year membe s ke La t ea Gr e of th 33 Art Society and e th year member of e th of y et ci So rt A Manning .”

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Her works have won many prestigious Awards, the most memorable being 1st

Exhibition. The painting was purchased by one of the judges. More recently, Trish has been working with acrylic on canvas, enjoying a contemporary approach and together with daughter Nerelle, applying and

developing creative ideas. Trish takes pleasure painting on location portraying the stunning scenery of the Great Lakes and Manning surrounds.

MAKING ART

AT MEMORIAL HALL

im Banffy and Tim Stokes are both singer/songwriters who have toured and released their own solo albums.

at the 1998 Hervey Bay Open

Trish is an inaugural 32 year member of the Great Lakes Art Society and 33 year member of the Art Society of the Manning.

LIVE MUSIC AS PART OF THEIR NSW AND SOUTHEAST QLD TOUR, TWO BYRON BAY MUSICIANS WILL BE STOPPING IN TUNCURRY TO SHARE THEIR TALENTS WITH US AT THE HISTORIC TUNCURRY MEMORIAL HALL ON THE 23RD MAY 2015.

prize in the Works on Paper Section

THE TAREE OPEN

WITH ONLY FOUR WEEKS TO GO TO THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES, LOCAL ARTISTS ARE BUSY WITH THEIR ARTWORKS FOR THE TAREE OPEN ART EXHIBITION.

center in Forster; you can book a table for a

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artworks in their home studios. “I’m entering

by the many visitors who enjoy the exhibition.

group and BYO your own nibbles and drinks,

works in three different sections this year,”

This year’s judge will be Madeleine Szymanski,

23rd May Tuncurry Memorial Hall, Point Rd,

said Fred. “It’s one way to show visitors we are

who has entered the Taree Open on numerous

Tuncurry. Doors open at 6:30pm.

working hard to match the competition from

occasions. She is highly skilled in many

Funds raised at this event will go towards

artists living out of the Manning and of course,

mediums, but is best known for her wonderful

the repair and renew project at the Tuncurry

it’s a challenge to create something outside

collagraphs and etchings.”

Memorial Hall.

my comfort zone.” Yvette describes her four

Entries can be submitted before 3 June by

For more information, contact Nyaree:

new pastel paintings as “preliminary pastel

any artist, and forms are available from www.

0404 279 710.

sketches that will lead to a final, larger work”.

tareeartistsinc.com.au.

Rage, and he was a featured artist at Mullum Music Festival 2014. Tickets for the concert are $20 and can be purchased from the tourist information

ompetition from interstate artists has placed extra pressure on two Taree artists, Fred Bullen and Yvette Hugill, who are very busy creating new

She went on to add: “The Taree Open attracts entries from far afield and grows each year, in both numbers and quality. It will be held again in the Taree High School Hall, easily accessed

focuseditorial.

Club FORSTER ATHOL GUY & FRIENDS “The Seekers Story”, Sunday 31st May at 3pm. Athol Guy - The Seekers Story is a musical and visual production that chronicles the amazing success of Australia’s most celebrated musical group, The Seekers. Written and narrated by Athol Guy, one of the group’s founding members, it takes the audience on an audio/ visual journey that begins in the Sixties and Athol’s teenage years through to modern day, as The Seekers celebrate their 50th anniversary and sold-out shows to rave reviews in Australia, the U.K and New Zealand. The production features unique and rarely seen footage from The Seekers’ history and live performances of their big hits, as well as hit songs from other iconic Sixties artists that influenced Athol and the group in their early years. Don’t miss the opportunity to join Athol and his friends as they take you on their musical journey - sometimes emotional, sometimes funny, but always joyously uplifting ... and be prepared to sing along and celebrate “The Seekers Story”. BELLA “She Still Believes Tour 2015” Sunday 7th June at 2pm Multi Award winning Country vocal sensations BELLA are thrilled to announce that they have reunited for a limited number of shows as part

of their “She Still Believes” tour. This will be one of the first occasions in many years that Bella Fans will have the opportunity to hear this unique vocal “supergroup” perform live, with a full band and production, presented in a setting that talent of this extraordinary quality deserves. Individually each vocalist shines, but the combined voices of Lyn Bowtell, Karen O’Shea and Kate Ballantyne are something very special indeed. BELLA will be showcasing songs from their Multi Award winning album Gravity (released through Sony/BMG) and performing new and unreleased songs especially for the occasion. Join BELLA for this beautiful celebration of friendship and song.

gabrieldarzi

Founder/Executive Chef of The Sicilian

Fresh IS BEST Many people look for “fresh”. Fresh air, fresh concepts, fresh ingredients, and in my game, fresh food. Especially seafood ...

more time; this time not as a customer ... but as a critic. I sat down. I told them I didn’t feel like ordering from the menu. “Just surprise me ...”

Something you can smell and feel the ocean in. Something local. And one of the reasons many tourists come to our coastal areas is to experience this freshness.

You know what? I believe across Manning Valley, seafood lovers everywhere find their perfect catches, that one fish and chip shop that does seafood just the way they like it. Here, I have saved you the search for that perfect I obviously love food. That’s why fish by bringing you the best I’m a chef; I create food for fish and chip shop in my hotels, bars, cafés and for o, opinion. Whether you ag ks my own restaurants. Two wee to g in ad have the taste for a he I recently travelled before u, en m w ne traditional, gold and y m r to Milan to bring Milan fo of re su ea pl crispy fish and chips e th back fresh, new I had Barclay m ha ra G g or freshly-shucked tin ee m ideas for my lays Oysters . I rc Ba oysters that you om fr winter menu. heard about this st ju d ha can taste the ocean Fresh doesn’t ng e, about how lo ac pl in, Beach Street happen overnight; ster ’s been in the oy he Seafood offers some r ou it’s been a long one of game, and he is r of the best in the ou ers in journey over a few regular custom business. They have a months to create restaurant ...” wide variety of fi sh and something spectacular seafood in their menu, all for this coastal region. cooked right in front of your Not to mention in the next very eyes. two months, you will see great change spanning all three menus at the Manning Valley and Great Lakes has Sicilian Restaurants. offered us a lot. One of these offers is fresh seafood. There have been restaurants, cafés, Two weeks ago, before heading to Milan take-away shops ... but who can use their for my new menu, I had the pleasure of meeting fantastic and fresh ingredients to deliver a meal Graham Barclay from Barclays Oysters. I had just heard about this place, about how long he’s been that customers will remember and recommend to others. Some business owners open their shops in the oyster game, and he is one of our regular just for the sake of it. Some love food and have customers in our restaurant. As an Executive a passion for their art and what their region has Chef, I had the idea to go and check out his to offer them. I consider chefs or cooks as artists. facilities and how they operate. I walked in to And the artist draws from their heart. the shop and I saw the man himself, goggles on,

“

with a mountain of fresh oysters from his own farm on Wallis Lake. When he saw me and my Assistant Manager Lorenzo, he warmly welcomed us to his establishment and immediately showed us around. I cracked open a couple of oysters and sampled them. I asked, “Who uses the most oysters in Forster?” He replied with one name: “Beach Street Seafood”.

We, in the hospitality business, are responsible for the ingredients we put on the plate. And that responsibility comes with great care. When I was writing this article, I was curiously asking myself: “What would happen if everyone respected food the way it needs to be respected?” What would our hospitality industry look like?

I’ve eaten there. More than my fair share with my family and friends. I didn’t really know they were that popular. That made me visit their shop one

Gabriel Darzi, Executive Chef, The Sicilian.

I’ll leave it to your imagination ...

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socialscene

with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

Earth Hour

Callum Boag, Nelson Jackson and Maddy Aiken

Brenda Swannack’s 80th

Earth Hour

Fermenting Class

Gloria Jean’s Fun Run

Social/scene.

O

n the last Sunday of the holidays, the Blackhead Surf Club Head2Head was held, with around 80 competitors enjoying a mild day with perfect conditions and warm, clear water. Visiting competitors enjoyed the Blackhead hospitality, commenting on the excellent water safety and great organisation with a fabulous presentation after the event, and some great prizes donated by local businesses. Both the 700 metre and 1500 metre swim were won by 15 year old Brock Van Kampen from Manning Point. Volunteers from the surf club ensured the event atmosphere was kept alive by looking after the barbecue, serving drinks and marking the course. We held a successful Earth Hour event on 27th March, which was one day early due to some wedding catering the next evening. Up in Annie’s Room played an acoustic set while the lights were off, roaming through the café and serenading the customers. Although lights out for one hour every year seems like a very small token, it is all about awareness of what is going on with our planet, encouraging us to use our voice to fight for renewable energy options. The more people who sign up for this one hour per year, the bigger our voice. On March 28th, a beautiful wedding was held for Shellie Ford and Barrie Smith at Manning River Rowing Club, with around 80 family and friends enjoying antipasto platters on arrival followed by a two course dinner. The theme was Australian Bush with a beautifully

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April has been a busy month in the region, with Easter bringing us lots of lovely tourists, and fortunately for us, cafés are a popular choice for visitors when the heavens open up.

decorated room, co-ordinated by the bride. The travelled far and wide to help Susan celebrate this milestone. We feel privileged to be part of Red Cedar Band had everyone up dancing. The this celebration with a wonderful local family backdrop of the river was perfect, especially that have been customers of ours from the very on sunset as the bridal party was arriving. The beginning, 10 years ago. couple was married by Father Keith DeanOn 18th April Taree Film Society held their Jones. 20th birthday celebration for 40 people at Sammi Zajko conducted a fabulous Bent on Food. The hardworking committee fermenting class on April 9th at the cookery includes Phillip Walkom, Mark Braithwaite, school. She is an inspiring teacher who Lesley Bond, Judith Frost and Judith really knows her stuff and makes Pellow. Other guests and helpers fermenting easy for everyone. included Dusty Walkom, Gail She shares her knowledge e er w s Braithwaite, Peta and Peter and skills freely, ensuring Our digger Amos, Jenny, Andrew that the group has a remembered on and Tara Woolard along lot of fun and gets all over the regi , with on ANZAC Day many more local movie to taste a broad ces record attend an lovers. The café looked range of ferments, an d at dawn services e like a picture theatre encouraging everyone th marches across with fabulous movie to go home and region ...” posters all around the experiment. Sammi walls. A competitive but runs classes all over fun game of movie trivia Australia and will run had me wanting to join in! An another one in Wingham on amazing cake complete with a red 16th May. curtain was made by Cheryl Kingsford. The lovely Susan Ballard held her 60th The Taree Film Society is a non-profit birthday party for 20 people at Bent on Food organisation run entirely by volunteers. The on Saturday 11th April. As the Ballards are a objective is to bring diversity of film to the musical family, it was always going to include Manning, to encourage discussion about film live music. A reduced version of “The Trapps” in a social atmosphere. The films I have been included Kevin Ballard, John Ballard and Dave to have all been excellent and remind me of Gollan; they had the café rocking with a guest the films I often went to see at independent appearance from Drummer Andrew Ballard, cinemas when I lived in Sydney. along with dancing queens Barbara, Susan and Tracey Kozlowski Williams held her 50th Donna. There was lots of love on the night, birthday party last month at the Wingham Go and some beautiful speeches from guests who

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Cart Club. Jay Davis and his band played some great tunes that took us all back to our youth. A very special moment was when Tracey’s father, a Jazz musician in his 80s, got up with the band and played his trombone. It was a great party with lots of yummy food and a very naughty cake. Our diggers were remembered all over the region on ANZAC Day, with record attendances at dawn services and marches across the region to commemorate 100 years since the landing in Gallipoli. I attended a moving dawn service in Wingham and with the backdrop of the town hall in the sunrise, it was a beautiful way to remember our soldiers. Some of our locals represented us in Gallipoli this year, including Helen Zanardi, Kate Blenkin and Melody Rayson. Having been to Gallipoli myself, where I stood in the trenches, and saw the very place where our diggers landed, I feel connected, but I think that every Australian is somehow defined by our ANZACs. A few birthday parties to mention, Brenda Swannack celebrated her 80th birthday with a family dinner on Friday 24th April and my niece Maddison Aiken had her 12th birthday party at home with family on 25th April. Happy birthday. x 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.

socialscene

King of the Krater Event

Youth Week Activities

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BONNIE WINGHAM

SCOTTISH

FESTIVAL

WITH LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO BEFORE THE KILTS AND PIPES COME OUT, ERIC RICHARDSON IS BUSILY ORGANISING A JAM PACKED CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR THE MUCH LOVED AND EVER POPULAR BONNIE WINGHAM SCOTTISH FESTIVAL. ELISABETH MASTERS HAD A CHAT WITH ERIC, TO FIND OUT WHAT THE FESTIVAL’S ALL ABOUT …

W

hat’s your involvement/role with the Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival? I am the President of the event, and my role is to oversee the whole show. How long has the event been running? This year will be our 11th year, and it is certainly looking to be a great one! The uniqueness of the event is that it’s held in Central Park, making it a free, community event. We also have two new calendar events this year, which is very exciting. What role did the Scots play in the establishment of Wingham? The area was settled back in the 1840s by the Scottish Presbyterians. They settled in groups and led self-sustainable lives. They had to grow all their own food, and would have to travel all the way up to Port Macquarie to trade bacon for flour and sugar. Today, their grandchildren and great grandchildren still live in and around the area. Many families are still neighbours! Do you get many visitors traveling to the festival? We get a good mix of locals and visitors; lots of people come every year from all over Australia - often in caravans! I think they have come to look forward to it each year! Some clans stay in the motel and book for next year’s event before they leave; it’s been very successful. It brings lots of people in to the town and benefits the whole community. We run it as a free event so that everyone can come and enjoy our heritage and so that the community can benefit. I hear the parade is pretty big; can we expect another big parade this year? The parade is growing every year; this year is no exception! We have bagpipers, drummers, kilts and medieval warriors, so it’s going to be very entertaining.

What are the festival times and dates this year? This year we have a full calendar of events running from Sunday 24th May with the Scottish Festival up until Sunday 31st May. We have a mix of both day and night activities, and our main event will be held on 30th May starting at 9:30am with the street parade, followed by the opening ceremony, Highland Games, pipe bands and dancing in Central Park and will finish at 4pm. What are the main events encompassed by the festival this year, and where will they be held? We’ve got a Scottish Concert at the Wingham Catholic Church on the 24th at 2pm and then on the 28th at 10am we will be holding a Genealogy Fair at the Wingham Services Club, where locals and visitors will be able to explore their ancestors’ history. The Braveheart Poets Breakfast will be at the Anglican Church Hall on the 29th at 7:30am and will be a great morning of inspiring poetry, then the District Bus Tour will kick off at 10am from the Wingham Historical Museum. We also have a Shortbread Baking Competition, Golf Tournament and Social Bowls throughout the day. At 5:30pm in the Library we will have our Mayoral Reception, then the big one - the Scots Night Out at the Wingham Services Club. This will be a great evening of dancing, quizzes, whiskey tasting, bands and lots of family fun from 7pm. Saturday the 30th is, of course, our main day with the parade, markets and sports followed by our cocktail party at the Wingham Services Club from 6:30pm, followed by the Grand Scottish Ball at 7pm. Our last day is Sunday 31st, which will start off with a Lay Thanksgiving Service and Blessing of the Banners and Re-enactment at the Riverside Reserve followed by a BBQ Breakfast at 8am. A Colloquium of Clan and Celtic leaders will be

We get a good d mix of locals an le op pe of ts visitors; lo from come every ye ar ofte n ia all over Austral k they in th I in caravans! ok forward have come to lo to it each year!”

“

at the Tellers Restaurant from 10am. For those new to Scottish heritage, a Colloquium is unique in Australia, and back in the 10th and 11th Centuries were where the Clans met in peace. We guarantee they are held in peace in Wingham! We then will be wrapping up the programme with a Luncheon and Ceilidh and Concert at the Wingham Services Club. The Highland Games and markets will be held at Wingham Central Park on Saturday 30th May. What are the various sports/ activities we’ll be able to experience at the games? There will be plenty to see and do again this year; the medieval fights are back and there will be caber tossing, pipe bands, drummers, Scottish dancing, tug-o-war, Kilt Dash and plenty of market stalls. Last year we had somewhere between 5,000 - 6,000 people attend, and we are expecting even more this year! Tell us a bit about the shortbread competition … Once again the CWA will be judging the shortbread, and everyone is welcome to enter. There’s also a haggis competition, but that’s not as popular! We get lots of children and students entering the shortbread competition; the CWA sell the shortbread once it’s judged, so everyone can try it. Entries can be taken to the CWA on Isabella Street in Wingham between 9am and 11:30am on the Friday, and those wanting to participate can grab an entry form from the

Manning Museum or at Bent on Food. Who is the Clan of Honour at this year’s festival? Where can more info about this Clan be found? This year we are fortunate enough to welcome Clan Donald, and Mr Lachlan N Macdonald will be representing them. You can find information about the Clan on our website, www.manninghistorical.org and you can download our full programme there also, which has some information about them. Who are some of the entertainers that’ll be featured this year? We have pipe bands coming, as well as our own Wingham Pipes and Drums. What entertainment will be available for children throughout the course of the festival? The kids tug-o-war is always popular, as is the Kilt Dash. We have also got the shortbread competition, as mentioned before, which a number of kids have been involved in, along with our haggis cooking competition! There will also be medieval re-enactments, which the kids enjoy, along with the Market stalls. Where can readers find a programme of events, or more info? Readers can come in to the Manning Valley Historical Museum in Wingham and grab a programme, or they can head online to www. manninghistorical.org and download a copy. Thanks Eric. manning-great lakes focus.

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Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

BONNIE WINGHAM SCOTTISH FESTIVAL The 11th annual Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival is on once again from the 24th to the 31st of May this year. Wingham will see clans from all over Australia march through the streets playing bagpipes and drums in a fantastic display of Scottish heritage on Saturday 30th for the Street Parade. The Parade starts at 9:30am on Bent Street and will be followed by the opening ceremony at 10am in Central Park. This year’s Clan of honour is Clan Donald, that includes McDonalds, Donalds, Macdonalds, McDonnell - all Donalds! A day of Highland Games, competitions, markets, pipe bands and dancing will follow right up until 4pm. There will be something for everyone, with medieval knights, caber tossing, tug-o-war, kilt dash and some great little markets. The whole day is free - a great day out for the whole family!

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tm

If you haven’t fallen in love with our full range of decorative Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan, you will. Bent on Life is the region’s exclusive stockist of this fabulous product. This unique product was developed 20 years ago by Annie Sloan, when she was looking for a product that she could paint on in the morning and finish that very afternoon. Chalk Paint™ is available in 33 decorative and historical colours made specifically for painting furniture, floors, and for giving walls a completely matt, velvety finish. This amazing product needs no sanding or priming. Chalk Paint™ sticks to just about any surface ... wood, concrete, metal, matt plastic, earthenware and much more, inside and outside the home. It dries fast too, so you can add second or third coats quickly, and start enjoying your revitalised walls, floors and furniture sooner. Gorgeous results have never been so simple and straightforward. We love that it is a sustainable product with very few nasties, so you can paint indoors, but even better, it means less furniture is going into landfill and more is being saved. Bent on Life is conducting workshops on how to get the best out of the product. Why not buy mum a workshop for Mother’s Day? Bent on Life has many gorgeous gifts for Mum, or you may consider one of our dual vouchers, where Mum can choose to eat, cook, shop or paint. It is totally up to her. Bent on Food is taking bookings for breakfast and lunch on Mother’s Day, and we would love to see you in our sunny garden.

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WINGHAM FEATURE

a destination for music lovers in october Each October splendid sounds mingle with the heritage surroundings when the Wingham Akoostik Music Festival delights music lovers. This three day musical feast of local and travelling musicians has relocated to the Showgrounds, facilitating an ever growing array of performers, workshops, quality food and market stalls. This grassroots festival has been awarded Community Event of the Year and Regional Flagship status as a key tourism event on the NSW annual calendar. The essence of the festival is creativity and originality. Local and international performers deliver three days of entertainment across three stages. This year’s line-up on October 16, 17 and 18 boasts Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, The Backsliders (featuring Rob Hirst), Bill Chambers, Harry Hookey and many more. The relaxed festival environment allows up close and personal encounters with the artists. There are workshops with acclaimed musicians, so bring your guitar or djembe drum with you.

Wingham

The Showground provides a special invitation to campers and RV tourists, the site offers both powered and unpowered campsites. The facilities enable guests to prolong the festival atmosphere, to mingle and enjoy happy hour jam sessions around the campfire.

Music Festival

at the Wingham Showground

For more information and updates, visit www.akoostik.com.au

fig Tree Fabrics

SUNDARI FACE & BEAUTY Welcome to Sundari Face and Body Treatments. Sundari has been established in Wingham since 2005, owned and operated by Kelly Parker, a fully qualified beauty therapist and with over 20 years’ industry experience; you can be assured of a professional, friendly and personalised treatment. This autumn, be sure to book an appointment for this effective and relaxing facial treatment with the results driven cosmeceutical products from Fleur De Mer, a privately owned Australian skincare company. All products are formulated to provide very noticeable and fast skin improvements. Don’t forget about Mother’s Day; we have many treatments that are perfect for Mum to get some well deserved relaxation time. Come in today and let Kelly help you with your decision on the perfect treatment - or perhaps a gift voucher would be ideal. Open Tuesday to Friday, Saturday by appointment. Phone 6553 0733.

What inspired you to start Fig Tree Fabrics? A lifelong love of sewing, textiles and colour combined with a passion for sharing my knowledge with others. I bought a shop in North West NSW seven years ago and grew the business considerably. A change in circumstances brought me here to Wingham in September 2014, where I still love doing what I am so passionate about. What does Fig Tree Fabrics Specialise in? Friendly service is always a priority. Assisting with colour coordinating in quilts, offering pre-cut fabrics and a small range of my own designs. I also offer an increasing range of natural fabrics and am continuously improving my range for hand embroiderers and all haberdashery to go with the sewing crafts. And are there other services or goods that Fig Tree Fabrics offers? Yes, my classes are very popular, and I offer both day and evening ones to cater for everyone from the very basic to the advanced and in any hand or machine techniques. I also have two clothing labels - a terrific children’s range under Fig Tree Kids and my Miss Bron label for tailored and individual formal and ball gowns, top end costumes and wedding gowns.

Wingham Music Festival

at the Wingham Showground

Joe Camilleri The Black Sorrows

The Backsliders with Rob Hirst Bill Chambers and Harry Hookey plus 30 more artists

akoostik.com.au

Joe Camilleri The Black Sorrows

The Backsliders with Rob Hirst Bill Chambers and Harry Hookey plus 30 more artists

on on

akoostik.com.au auspiced by

auspiced by

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WINGHAM

BEEF WEEK 11TH - 15TH MAY

A fantastic programme of events, put together by the Wingham Beef Week

Committee with the support of the event sponsors, local schools and beef producers of the Manning Valley, you are assured there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Chrissy Jones had a chat with the President of Wingham Beef Week, Paul Relf, and found out just what’s on during the event.

ingham Beef Week (WBW) has a long proud history in the Manning Valley, with 2015 the 28th consecutive year of the event. What’s on, and where will the events be held? The week-long event will be held again this year at Wingham Showgrounds on the 11th - 15th May. Over its 28 years, the event has grown and evolved to not only match the changing beef cattle dynamics within the Manning Valley, but also the beef cattle industry. Originally, the event was largely aimed at the un-led carcase competition. However, due to the large involvement and interest of schools and local producers in led cattle, the led aspect of the competition has boomed. We are expecting 80 plus led entries, with 40 un-led entrants. As the number of younger competitors has increased significantly, the committee has recognised the importance of education and promotion of the beef cattle industry. This is the main reason why an education day was set up by the committee, as the younger generation is the future of the beef cattle industry. A relatively new addition to the Beef Week programme is a Live Auction. This initiative is aimed at improving financial returns of those animals auctioned. The auction will consist of the first three ribbon winners of the first three led classes, as well as champion and reserve champion led and un-led steers. This provides local beef wholesalers/retailers, restaurants, as well as the general public the opportunity to purchase the best of the best prime quality beef. Interested purchasers will bid for steers, which will be auctioned off by a local auctioneer, Steve Moy. The winning bidder of the animal will also receive the ribbon won by the animal to display in their shop window to promote their quality of product they are providing. After the last two previous years of the auction, interest has grown, as people are starting to realise the great 28

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opportunity to purchase MSA graded beef. This year for the first time the Led Steers competition will be an MSA competition. All entries will be MSA registered, and eligible steers that meet the MSA minimum requirements will then be assessed under the MSA programme. This will mean an increased financial return to the producers, and a quality flow on product through to the consumers. The week finishes off with the Beef Barons Ball, which is to be held at the Wingham Services Club, Saturday 16th May starting at 6:30pm. This provides the opportunity for patrons to attend a night were the ladies wear their best and men a suit and tie. The night includes a two course meal and nibbles on arrival. Entertainment will be by the local band The Solutions, with 50:50 music. Tickets are currently available at the Wingham Services Club; bookings are essential - no tickets will be sold at the door. How does Beef Week encourage student involvement? In 2013 we were approached by the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Committee to be involved with our existing Beef Appraisal Competition. As well as conducting university level Meat Judging competitions on behalf of the MSA, they are also keen to promote this activity at a high school level to encourage students to hopefully become involved in the Meat Science Industry and therefore undertake tertiary studies in this field. As a result, the only two existing High School Beef Appraisal competitions, i.e. The Scone Beef Bonanza and Wingham Beef Week, were amalgamated to allow the highest cumulative point scorer to be Crowned NSW Junior Meat Judging Champion. Last year’s inaugural winner was Jonty Hemmingway from Wingham High School. Jonty has since gone on to be accepted at UNE to study a dual Agricultural degree majoring in Meat Science. We are very fortunate to have the ICMJ conduct our competition in a university style competition.

event The week-long n ai will be held ag am gh this year at Win the 11 th Showgrounds on s 28 r it’ – 15th May. Ove has grown years, the event not only and evolved to ging be ef match the chan ithin the w s ic m cattle dyna but also the y, lle Va ng Manni ry.” st du beef cattle in

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Your major sponsor is Wingham Beef Exports. How long have they been involved? We are again very appreciative of the ongoing support of our major sponsor Wingham Beef Exports, who have provided support for the last 27 years. Obviously this type of event would not occur without their involvement. The General Manager, Mr Grant Coleman, is a "believer" in the importance of educating our younger generation in the Meat Science Industry. As a result, we are able in conjunction with the ICMJ, to offer valuable learning experiences such as the Beef Appreciation Competition. There are many competitions held during Wingham Beef Week; tell us more… We have quite a few, including Beef Appreciation, General and Memorial Awards, Hoof and Hook, Junior and Open Judging, Junior and Open Parading, and the School Awards. The Beef Appreciation competition is sponsored by the Bootoowaa Pastoral Company and is held at the Wingham Showground on Wednesday 13th May. In this competition for schools, competitors will assess steers and carcasses for their market suitability. The top four scores from each school will represent their school in the teams section. Team results are calculated from the scores of the top four scoring students from an individual school. This may span across age categories. Prize money + ribbons will be presented at the presentation on Friday. The Hoof and Hook competition for led cattle will be held at Wingham Showground on Thursday 14th May and for unled cattle only at Wingham Beef Exports on Friday 15th May.

What is The Belinda Hobbs Encouragement Award? This competition is open to all schools, excluding Wingham High School. In this competition, competitors will be interviewed by a panel about their knowledge of, commitment to and aspirations for their Agricultural future and about their involvement in Agriculture at their school and the contribution that they make to the subject. Teachers are asked to nominate one student from their Ag Show Team, who is an “All Rounder” a “stand out team player” not only at shows, but throughout the whole year. Teachers need to consider the following criteria when nominating a student for the award: • Is a person who provides leadership at the school farm and in show team activities. • Is a person who contributes in many ways to the day to day running of the farm/show team. • Is a person who has pride in themselves and their school farm/show team. • Is a person who shows a genuine interest in working as part of the show team or at the school farm. • Is a person who is involved in a variety of activities at the school farm and show team. An overall winner and runners up will be chosen, and each will receive a cash prize, trophy, T-shirt and cap. There are other school awards; can you tell us about them? The Adelle Rule Perpetual Trophy for the Champion School Carcass, which is awarded to the highest point scoring carcass from a school and the Jan Doherty Shield for the Best Maintained School. Thanks Paul.

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Wingham Beef Week has been running since 1987 and is now in its 28th year. Starting with the Junior Field Days on Monday and finishing with the Beef Barons Ball, with parades and competitions held all week, plus the winning beef cattle will be up for grabs at wholesale prices when the Wingham Beef Week live auctions take place on Thursday 14th May at 10:30am. Don’t miss this great local event.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 28TH ANNUAL WINGHAM BEEF WEEK

Monday 11th - Primary Education Day Held at the Wingham High School and conducted by Wingham High School Ag Show Team students. The main aim of the day is to increase awareness of the importance of the beef cattle industry to our local primary students. Students engage in many activities, including cattle judging, parading, frooming and general knowledge based activities focusing on the beef industry. Tuesday 12th - Educational Day/Open Judging All competing school students and interested members of the general community engage in a series of lectures, demonstrations, and hands on activities focusing on the beef cattle industry, which is conducted by the WBW committee. At the completion, the Open Judging Competition commences with students to assess and rank three groups of heifers, bulls, and steers as well as answer specific related questions. The top 10 highest scoring students are to present an oral talk outlining reasons for their placing. Wednesday 13th - School Beef Appreciation Competition Students will assess two groups of steers and will judge and estimate significant carcase characteristics e.g. dress weight, rump fat, muscle score, market destination etc. A pen of four unled steers are also assessed live, with these cattle followed through to the Abattoir chillers the next day, where students then assess the carcase. Junior and Open Parading competition to follow.

Thursday 14th - Led Steer Judging Judging of the led steer classes with 80 plus entries and the Live Auction to follow at 11am. The auction will consist of the first three ribbon winners of the first three led classes, as well as champion and reserve champion led and unled steers. Part 2 of the Beef Appreciation continues in the Abattoir chillers. Students in addition will assess, identify and rank retail and primal cuts. At 2pm there is an opportunity to view the unled carcases. Meat Standards Australia (MSA) will be providing a presentation for producers followed by a producer BBQ at the Wingham Showground. All local producers welcomed. Friday 15th - Carcase Viewing and Presentations Students and producers have the opportunity to view their own beast in the chillers before the final presentation of the carcase results. Saturday 16th - Beef Barons Ball The Beef Barons Ball finishes off the week, with it to be held at Wingham Services Club from 6:30pm. Tickets are $45pp and include a two course dinner and nibblies; they are to be pre purchased at the club. Dress code is formal, so wear your favourite suit and tie (no denim please). Terrific lucky door prizes, and you will be entertained by The Solutions. Enjoy this great night with friends ... book your tickets now; available from Wingham Memorial Services Club.

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DISCOVER

WINGHAM FEATURE

Wingham services club Buying or Selling real estate? Then Manning Valley Legal & Conveyancing (MVLC®) is your choice in the Manning-Great Lakes. With competitive fixed fee conveyancing and able to assist on all manner of conveyancing matters, MVLC has the expertise and experience to smoothly finalise all your conveyancing transactions, with all the added benefits of having a solicitor acting for you. Kristie Dawes, our conveyancer, graduated in 2008 from the Macquarie University course required for licensed conveyancers (the same class as Sam (below)). She worked for six years in law firms before coming to MVLC last year, and a further three years in a conveyancing firm. Mrs Sam Clarke is our consultant conveyancer. She was a senior licensed conveyancer for many years in a major conveyancing practice before joining MVLC. We can call upon her for advice or a second opinion in complicated matters. Quentin Schneider is the solicitor-principal of the law practice, and brings 25 years of experience working in the law. He has both a Bachelor and Master of Laws from the University of NSW, and sends his own animals in to Wingham Beef Week.

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Wingham Services Club introduces our new Head Chef, Paul Kelly. Paul brings a new fresh food approach to our catering team, and his new menu complements this by incorporating local produce and modern dishes. We invite you to be pleasantly surprised by the sophistication of our menu and the feel good experience you will have when dining out at Wingham Services Club. Our Battlefield Bistro is open every day for lunch from noon to 2pm and from 5:30pm for dinner. Parties, weddings and private groups are also welcome, with separate function areas catering for 20 - 200. We understand how fortunate we are to live in a rural area where there is a bountiful supply of fresh fruit and vegetables and a thriving beef industry and believe with have a responsibility to showcase this throughout our menu. As proud supporters of Wingham Beef Week, we congratulate the present and past committees on their 28 years of organising and promotion of our local beef industry and Wingham community. Wingham Services Club are hosts of the Beef Barrons Ball to be held on Saturday 16th May 2015 and look forward to treating our guests with a taste of fresh, local produce at its finest.

Golf Club Motor Inn Golf Club Motor Inn - Award Winning Motel Nestled within the beautiful Wingham Golf Course in the historic township of Wingham, the Golf Club Motor Inn provides the perfect getaway to relax and enjoy genuine country hospitality. Your host Paula and her staff pride themselves on their friendly service and 4 Star AAA classification. The peaceful natural bushland setting offers glorious views over the pond and golf course. With 27 well-appointed spacious ground floor units, there is variety of room types to suit most budgets. Facilities include a sparkling saltwater pool, BBQ gazebo, golf course on your doorstep and Caddy’s restaurant and bar on site open six nights a week for dinner. Don’t forget to try the famous country breakfast during your stay! This is the ideal destination to base yourself to explore the many hidden treasures of the Manning Valley. Just perfect for weddings, coach groups, corporate travellers and families alike, and they also offer golfing packages. Check out the website for more info: www.golfclubmotorinn.com.au The Golf Club Motor Inn was awarded BUSINESS OF THE YEAR in the Manning Gloucester Great Lakes Business Awards in 2014 and was the winner for Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality for 2013 and 2014.

DISCOVER WINGHAM

DISCOVER

WINGHAM FEATURE

LJ Hooker WINGHAM boutique accommodation and superb cuisine The Bank Guesthouse & Tellers Restaurant, in the heart of historic Wingham, is a stylish four star bed and breakfast offering boutique accommodation and top quality food with an emphasis on fresh local produce. Local owners and the discerning eye of manager Dawn Morrison have brought tradition, quality food and boutique accommodation together under one roof. Originally built in 1929, The Bank Guesthouse has been completely refurbished to create modern country accommodation. Facilities include a guest lounge area, outdoor terrace and luggage storage. All rooms include ironing facilities, a private bathroom with toiletries, TV and DVD player. Guests can stay in a self-contained cottage with a kitchenette and private patio with outdoor seating. The Bank Guest House, with its ambition to re-create a world of old-fashioned country elegance,

offers four-star accommodation that hovers between tradition and modernity. Tellers Restaurant is open for breakfast, Devonshire teas and lunch from 8am to 2pm Wednesday through to Sunday, is closed Monday and Tuesday, with the accommodation open seven days. The restaurant is available for in house guests or booked functions. It is a perfect setting to host weddings, meetings, events and special occasions for up to 50 people. A tasty speciality that is sure to delight is the traditional high tea complete with cucumber sandwiches and miniature cakes. An oasis of stylish accommodation and dining in the beautiful Manning Valley, The Bank Guesthouse and Tellers Restaurant is located at 48 Bent Street, Wingham opposite Wingham Central Park. Phone 6553 5068 or find them on Facebook.

LJ Hooker Wingham is a family owned business with a close knit team that share a common goal to be the best that they can be. Tim and Julie Bale are in their 15th year of real estate and with their dairy background, LJ Hooker Wingham is not only the leading residential agency in Wingham, but they sell rural property all over the Manning Valley. Located in a prominent corner position on Isabella and Bent Street, opposite the beautiful Central Park, LJ Hooker Wingham can help you with all your real estate needs, from buying or selling property to renting, investing and finance. BUYING A PROPERTY Once you have found the perfect property, LJ Hooker Wingham can help you through every stage of the purchase process for a smooth and pleasant transaction.

most of which can be completed within 24 48 hours. We can also put you in touch with finance brokers and tax depreciation specialists, particularly useful if you are purchasing an investment property. SELLING A PROPERTY If you are planning to sell a property, turning to a trusted and recognised agency could be one of the best ways to attract the best possible buyers on both a local and national level. The experienced staff at LJ Hooker Wingham can help you begin your sales journey by assessing your property as part of our no-obligation comprehensive appraisal service. LJ Hooker Wingham’s advantage to you is their expertise in residential homes in Wingham and rural property in the wider Manning Valley.

With Tim’s training, all staff have the ability to give agricultural advice and know the difference between quality land and just real estate.

With rural acreage particularly you need to understand the land, the environment and what it’s capable of. Only the best agents with genuine farming experience can offer that.

Our sales staff can help you arrange the inspections and pre-purchase reports you require,

We at LJ Hooker Wingham offer that service every day.

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DISCOVER WINGHAM

THINGS TO

SEE & DO

MCKEOUGH’S BETTA HOME LIVING WINGHAM, IS A STANDOUT BUSINESS. IT’S HARD TO MISS IN THE MAIN STREET WITH ITS PROMINENT YELLOW STORE FRONT. MICHAEL AND ROBYN MCKEOUGH, BOTH BORN AND BRED IN WINGHAM, FIRST OPENED AN ELECTRICAL STORE IN WINGHAM 35 YEARS AGO.

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oday, McKeough’s Betta Home Living is still going strong and, just like the ever changing electrical industry, the business continues to evolve. The most recent change at McKeough’s has been a rebranding of McKeough’s Betta Electrical to McKeough’s Betta Home Living. What does the brand change to Betta Home Living offer? Betta Home Living is part of the largest electrical buying group in Australia, which ultimately means one thing for the customer - better deals! McKeough’s Betta Home Living continues to be locally owned and operated; however, now being part of Australia’s largest electrical buying group, the business is better positioned to exceed customer expectations regarding price and product range. What else has changed? McKeough’s Betta Home Living offers a number of promotions through the Club Betta programme, with opportunities to be the first informed of exclusive deals and a chance at winning $1000 every month. There are also increased customer payment options through Betta Rent, Interest Free Finance to approved customers along with an extensive Extended Warranty Programme on selected products. What has NOT changed is that customer service continues to be our main priority. Our team is local, something we are very proud of. Everyone at McKeough’s Betta Home Living is knowledgeable, friendly and professional. We take pride in knowing our customers. What makes our business unique is not only do we sell electrical products, but we have

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an in-house service department, allowing us to repair the majority of the products that we sell. Subsequently, customers can buy with confidence knowing that in the event of any issues they will not be faced with the complexity of trying to locate a service agent - they can simply deal with us direct. With well over a century of experience in our team, we feel that we can assist with all electrical needs. What services do we offer? It is easier to answer with, what services don’t we offer? Appliance wise, we’ve got customers covered with everything from the latest flat-screen LCD/ recording/smart TVs to fridges, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, batteries, globes, lamps, heating, cooling, air conditioning, and cameras ... and much more! Want it delivered? No problem … but you live way out of town on a dirt road and need us to cross two creeks and three cattle grids to make that delivery? Service with a smile! Need it installed? We’re here for that too. Need a lesson on how to operate that new appliance? That’s the service we offer. Don’t want that large fridge box or the old appliance? No problem; we’ll take it away for you! Need obscure spare parts sourced? We’ll find it for you! Large appliance at home has broken down and needs servicing? We can help you out there too. Can we service it in your home? No problem. Visit us in store today or shop online at betta.com.au. That’s Betta!

IN WINGHAM

TAKE A SHORT DRIVE, OR REDISCOVER WHAT’S IN YOUR BACKYARD AT WINGHAM. WITH A MULTITUDE OF NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO SEE AND DO, FOCUS SPENT SOME TIME CHECKING OUT THE AREA …

B

ENT ON FOOD COOKERY SCHOOL Take some time out and learn a new cuisine at the Bent on Food Cookery School, offering classes including Vietnamese Cookery, Cheese Making, Vegetable Fermentation, Kids Classes and more … For enquiries, email donna.carrier@bigpond.com WINGHAM HERITAGE WALK Uncover stories of yesteryear on this self guided walk through Wingham, with a number of man made and natural pieces of history to be found. The heritage walk brochure is available at the Manning Valley Historical Museum in Farquhar Street, Wingham and the Manning Valley Visitor Information Centre on Manning River Drive, Taree.

MANNING VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Located in a historic building once used as a grocery and produce story around 1880. Overlooking Wingham Town Square and surrounded by heritage and historic buildings. On display are pioneer family portraits, old furniture, lamp collections, bottles, folk craft, clothing, fabrics, crockery, glassware, patent medicines and other memorabilia related to the region. EVENTS IN WINGHAM Saturday 2 May - Wingham Farmers Market. Saturday 9 May - Wingham Community Market. Monday 11th May - Friday 15th May Wingham Beef Week. Thursday 28th May - Sunday 31st May Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival.

Old bar wellness Spirel photographic

Margaret’s Underfashions Margaret’s Underfashions is the place to go for quality, specialised service on all things underwear. Whether it be a nightie, cami, pantyhose, bra or dressing gown, Margaret’s has what you need! Stocking all the best brands in sleepwear, including Schrank, Givoni, Essence NZ, French Country, Victoria’s Dream and Magnolia Lounge, as well as wrap, zip or button up dressing gowns. They also have a huge selection of brand named bras, including sports and maternity bras.

Who is Spirel Photographic? Spirel Photographic is made up of one photographer, namely me, Elisabeth Masters. I moved to the region earlier this year and have met some wonderful people and am looking forward to meeting more! Where are you based? I live in Old Bar but service up to Port Macquarie, down to Newcastle and of course Taree, Forster and everywhere in between! What services does Spirel Photographic offer? I offer just about any form of photographic work, including portraits of couples, families, kids and pets, food photography, real estate photography, events, weddings, engagements - just about anything!

If you are looking to brighten up on the outside, browse our beautifully colourful scarves, umbrellas, Humphrey Law socks and stunning unique jewellery.

What sets you apart from other photographers? There are quite a few things. Firstly, people get into photography for a number of reasons - usually it is either that they fall in love with the technology side of a camera or the creative side, I am the second. I like the techy side, but much more so the creativity. With me, every customer is individual. I will never shoot two pictures the same. I offer friendly service and do my best to make the process as comfortable and easy as possible, as I understand it can be nerve wracking! I also try to be as accessible to everyone as possible by offering a huge range of package options.

For all the best brands in lingerie and sleepwear and for specialised service, pop in to see the team at Margaret’s Underfashions in the Pulteney Arcade, Taree.

What can people expect when they deal with you? Friendly and trustworthy service, quality work and a professional attitude - I love what I do.

Margaret’s Underfashions also offer a bra fitting service and even provide a specialised mastectomy fitting service. Penny from Advanced Breast Care comes into the store on a regular basis to help fit women who have undergone a mastectomy. Appointments can be made instore.

We welcome you to Old Bar Wellness Centre, where we take a holistic approach to the health of your body and tailor a treatment to your needs. We are members of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, and we work in a professional and therapeutic environment. The main goal of remedial massage is to speed the blood return from the extremities. Remedial massage also shortens the recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation and streches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Remedial massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system. It reduces both emotional and physical stresses. It is suggested as a regular programme at least once a month for stress management. One of the best benefits of remedial massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. You will be in the care of practiced, professional and caring practitioners, where our aim is for you to function at your best. To deepen your relaxation experience, you can also try hot stone therapy. We use the hot stones to deeply relax the muscles in a balancing sequence that impacts on all the energy centres of your body; this treatment lasts for 75 minutes. We also have Myofascial Release therapy, which uses gentle pressure to release the fascia, which can lead to a complete unwinding of the muscles, resulting in a very impactful and healing experience; we recommend 90 minutes for this treatment. Gift vouchers are also available, and you can follow us on Facebook for updates on workshops and seminars we promote on health and wellbeing. Come see us at stop 5/50 Old Bar Road, Old Bar and relax! Call 0427 461 903.

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SLICE OF HAVEN 2015 In 2015, Slice of Haven celebrates the diversity of the Camden Haven. The Camden Haven’s own food and wine festival takes pride in sharing this region’s gourmet food bowl with everyone. “This year’s theme, ‘Food for Thought: Celebrating Cultural Diversity’ really celebrates the spice of life we enjoy,” said one of the festival’s coordinators, Kerry McFadyen. The food and wine festival will be held on Sunday, May 24, 10am - 4pm on the Camden Haven River foreshore, Seymour Street, Laurieton. As well as gourmet offerings from some of the region’s most renowned cooks, chefs and suppliers, there will also be special entertainment performances. This year the African Children’s Choir will perform at the festival. The choir will be performing in several cities across the country, but the Camden Haven is one of the only non-metro locations. From a feasting perspective, the Slice of Haven organisers welcome back Tin Hta Nu, who creates home-grown and homemade Asian dishes, a

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much sought-after attraction. Slice of Haven will give visitors an experience of culinary excellence, with food and beverages to suit all tastes - don’t forget to pick up a flyer at each stall, so you know where to find them for more! But the festival is not just about delighting your palate. Stallholders dress up their stall to create the fun and vibrant atmosphere this festival is known for. Local bands, spectacular stilt walkers and dance will be a feast for your eyes and ears too. For the kids there will be lots to eat, see and do. Volunteers from Hastings Valley Fine Arts will complete a painting live at the festival and raffle through the day. The team will also have a free painting workshop for kids. Of course, the popular Slice of Beach will delight the youngsters - for free - and there are rides and games to enjoy. For more information, visit www.sliceofhaven.com.au

EVERMORE LIVING

E

E V E R M O R E S TA F F H AV E L O V E D M E E T I N G N E W R E S I D E N T S , A N D E D N A H A S K I N D LY A G R E E D T O H AV E A C H AT A B O U T H E R E X P E C TAT I O N S O F L I V I N G AT E V E R M O R E .

dna and her husband have lived at Forster for many years and have enjoyed the company of good friends over this time. The waterways are beautiful and people very friendly; their time here has been has been very rewarding, and many beautiful memories have been made. Edna’s husband has recently passed away, leaving her to consider options that will suit her senior years. When she came to visit at Evermore, we loved having a chat and asked Edna if she would be kind enough to tell us a little about how and why she chose Evermore. Would you be able to tell us a little about what it was about Evermore Living that made you want to know more about the living options? Being realistic, I am not getting any younger and I want to be able to move while I can make the decision myself. I had been looking at downsizing and moving to a unit or one of the local retirement villages and then realised that I would have a second move with either of those options. Evermore Living offers not only the security - which is very important to me - but I also have the option of the social interaction, meals and very importantly supported living with the on-site care. I wanted to continue to live independently with the peace of mind that if and when the time comes, I have 24 hour emergency care and support if needed. What was your first impression?

I was impressed with the concept and the will not be able to climb ladders and take risks. proposed amenities and facilities which will I need somewhere I can have my family be available to me. Of course, the village is and friends visit and stay, and it is comforting still under construction, so I needed to to know that they are welcome to visualise it on completion. The share the dining room. I enjoy a information centre has a large physically and socially active scale model which includes lifestyle, and Evermore all five stages. I was also has the safe facilities For me security impressed with the that allows me to do is the most e th quality of the display these things. I look only important - not , fe kitchen and bathroom forward to being g sa security of feelin ty and proposed fixtures able to walk around ri but also the secu 24 is and fittings. I know and enjoy the e of knowing ther al ic some people who are grounds once they emergency med � interested in Evermore; are established. care available. however, they would like Does Evermore proto see it completed first. vide for your needs? The main reason I secured my As I indicated earlier, I had apartment was just to make sure been looking for some time I had my first preference locked in. at various options, and Evermore What do you think is important when provides the main things I was looklooking for that new home in your ing for: independent living with security elderly years? and maintenance; provision of meals when For me, security is the most important - not required with the option of eating in the Everonly the security of feeling safe, but also the more restaurant or delivery to my apartment. security of knowing there is 24 emergency Did you know they are going to have visiting medical care available. Maintenance is also local medical professionals and allied health important, and at the moment living in a unit services - including a GP, a podiatrist and a I am still responsible for repairs - even things physiotherapist? A hairdressing salon is also on like changing my smoke alarm and fixing a site. So really, everything will be right there; it blind can be difficult. Knowing that there is will be like living in a resort, but with support someone on hand to assist with these things is and medical services on site. reassuring. Although I am still capable of doing What are you most looking forward to this, I am realistic that the day will come that I when you move into Evermore Living?

“

I am looking forward to not worrying anymore about those daily jobs like the gardening, when I would prefer to relax. Although I can still cook for myself now, there is comfort in knowing meals are available if I choose. I am also looking forward to meeting other residents and enjoying some of the activities that are on offer. It appears there will be many activities you can enjoy when living at Evermore. What will you be participating in? I have not given a lot of thought to this yet. The facilities and amenities sound wonderful. Not sure if I will use the pool, but I may do some water aerobics classes. I do like to read, so will spend time in the library and I am looking forward to the movie nights, as Evermore also has a theatre room. I may use the gym - especially if the weather is bad, and I cannot get out for my morning walk. The restaurant is going to serve highly nutritional and chef inspired meals at very reasonable prices. Do you think you may use this service? I can cook for myself, but it will be nice to know I can go to the dining room for a tasty meal when I feel like it. Also nice to know my family will be made welcome there too. I do have a lovely group of friends and we like to catch up regularly, and dining out it will be nice to have Evermore Restaurant as an option for us. My friends can also join me in the alfresco area for morning coffee and cake. Thanks Edna. manning-great lakes focus.

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HEALTH INFLUENZA, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS ‘THE FLU’ IS A CONTAGIOUS VIRUS THAT IS MORE PROMINENT IN THE COLDER MONTHS. It is often spread by infected people by coughing or sneezing or contaminated surfaces. It can sometimes be confused with the common cold; however, the flu is much more severe and will generally last longer than a cold. Approximately 5-20% of the Australian population will be affected by Influenza this year. The most common symptoms of “the flu” include headache, fever, sore throat, muscle aches and pains and a severe cough. These can be treated by over the counter pain medication, rest and drinking plenty of water. Influenza can be potentially fatal, and those with an underlying condition such as heart disease, emphysema, asthma, etc. are more at risk. There are many ways to reduce your risk of catching “the flu” this year, such as talking to your doctor about getting the annual flu vaccination, washing hands as often as you can, and where possible, avoiding large crowds during the flu season. If you would like more information, please call Saxby’s Pharmacy on (02) 6552 1662 or come in and talk to one of our pharmacists, Ian, Shari and Erinn.

Endorphins exercise

CI

PE

Editorial

RE

G O T

GREENER? THIS GREEN SMOOTHIE IS PACKED FULL OF GOODNESS, HEALTHY FATS, SUPER FOODS, AND LOADS OF GREEN DELICIOUSNESS.

DID YOU KNOW THAT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY STIMULATES THE PLEASURE CENTRE OF THE BRAIN? During exercise we release endorphins to cope with the healthy stresses placed on the body. These feel good hormones are responsible for the buzz we feel after a workout, and are thought to have been originally recruited for our fight or flight defense in our caveman years. How you feel about yourself has a direct impact on how you take care of your body. And on the flipside, if you don’t like your body, it directly impacts your self-esteem. This is why the YMCA runs a Body Mind Spirit Challenge in May to help you feel good first! Once you discover the joy of exercise, you will find it easy to take care of your health and your body. Many people believe that they will start liking their bodies once they have lost some weight, or toned up. Recent studies show that focusing on the joy of exercise has more positive long term effects than those focusing on the scales or dress sizes. The latter group tends to burn out, drop off and end up getting more down on themselves. The YMCA’s Body Mind Spirit challenge starts on May 18th and runs for four weeks. To sign up for the challenge, simply join up as a member, taking advantage of the YMCA May Sale. Call 6591 7199 or Google YMCA Great Lakes for more info today!

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A N Y

¼ avocado 1 green apple 1 cup coconut water small piece cucumber handful of baby spinach 2 kale leaves teaspoon maca powder ½ tsp spirulina handful ice

Blend together and enjoy *For a more fulfilling smoothie, add a scoop of plain or vanilla protein powder.

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ARTHRITIS What are the issues to consider when someone presents with arthritis of the hip and knee?

What are the simple measures that people can take to reduce

We need to get a clear idea of what affect the arthritis is having on the patient and how debilitating it is. This, in the main is about the pain it is causing. The pain needs to be graded in severity, we also need to work out how the pain is affecting the patients walking, general activities and sleeping. We need to be clear what other symptoms are present such as stiffness and deformity. We next need to grade the severity of arthritis for each affected joint. Plain x-rays are helpful with this but the most definitive investigation is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI) which gives a clearer idea of how much of the joint surface has worn away. We have an MRI Unit next to our rooms at the Mayo Hospital.

Measures that need to be considered initially are weight control

the effect of arthritis? and the use of health supplements such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin. There is also good evidence that a physiotherapy program directed at strengthening the muscles around the affected joint can improve many of the symptoms associated with arthritis of the hip or knee. Anti-inflammatory medications have been used for many years to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and people should discuss the use of these with their General Practitioner.

PLATELET RICH PLASMA Are there any new treatments for arthritis that don’t involve surgery?

How is the Platelet Rich Plasma injection performed?

A recent development in the treatment of Osteoarthritis is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). The basic science of PRP is the platelets contain growth factors that aid in healing cartilage and stimulate stem cells for tissue repair.

The patient’s own blood is taken and placed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. The Platelet Rich Plasma is then injected into the affected joint. No other cells or chemicals are added.

DR BRUCE WHITE

KNEE ARTHROSCOPY

Dr White how long have you been living in this area?

What role does a knee arthroscopy have in managing arthritis?

My family and I have been living in Halliday’s Point for 18-years and I have been working as an orthopaedic surgeon in Forster/Taree during that time.

A knee arthroscopy is useful in patients who have arthritis in their knee where there is a meniscal tear or loose fragments of bone or cartilage within their knee. An MRI scan is important to assess whether there is a problem within the knee which could be improved with a knee arthroscopy. It’s important to remember that knee arthroscopy can not cure arthritis.

What is your area of speciality? I am an Orthopaedic Surgeon, sub-specialising in the treatment of injuries and conditions affecting the knee and hip. Along with sport related injuries a large proportion of my work involves treatment of arthritis.

Cape Hawke Specialist Centre

Mayo Healthcare Centre

Address: 10-12 South St, Forster NSW 2428 Phone: 02 6550 0705 Fax: 02 6550 0706

Address: 2 Potoroo Dr, Taree NSW 2430 Phone: 02 6550 0705 Fax: 02 6550 0706 www.brucewhite.com.au

BEFORE

AFTER

ADVANCES IN HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

ADVANCES IN KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Are there any new advances in the treatment of arthritis of the hip?

What are the new advances in knee replacement surgery?

An advancement that is really a re-development of an old technique is the use of the Direct Anterior Approach for hip replacement surgery. This technique uses a 10cm incision over the front of the hip and avoids cutting any of the tendons, ligaments or muscles surrounding the hip. The main advantage is minimal trauma to all structures around the hip, allowing more rapid mobilisation and a quicker recovery. Patients are usually walking within a few hours of surgery.

A recent development with knee replacement surgery is the use of custom patient instrumentation. This involves MRI scanning of the legs and the digital images are then used to create instruments specific to that patient’s knee. These are then used to perform the knee replacement surgery.

REHABILITATION How has the rehabilitation of patients after knee and hip replacement surgery changed? The main change with rehabilitation after surgery is the use of spinal anaesthesia, local anaesthetic, ice and a number of different pain medications to allow patients to mobilise as quickly as possible after their surgery. Patients are able to walk the day of their surgery and are strongly encouraged to perform their normal activities as soon as they are able. It allows an earlier discharge from hospital and quicker return to their normal life.

We also encourage our joint replacement patients to enter the Rehabilitation Day Program at both Mayo and Forster Private Hospitals. The program involves attending once or twice weekly for eight-weeks. You will have hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, exercise physiology, education and group exercise. Morning tea and lunch is also provided on the day.

YMCA THIS WINTER Brrrr! This winter seems to be getting extra cold! Wondering how to stay active with your family and avoid the winter blues? Be sure to find something for everyone in your family at the YMCA! There are classes for six month old babies all the way to retirees! For over 150 years, the YMCA’s vision has been to provide a place for families to come together and inspire to live a healthy and active life. That’s why the YMCA offers family memberships for $0 joining fee (usually $116) and as little as $5.40/day in May! The whole family gets access to the centre and its programmes. The membership includes swimming lessons, crèche (child minding) and an indoor play centre, Kindergym, Kids Zumba, teen classes for the kids. The big ones can choose from fitness classes ranging from Yoga and Aqua to high energy styles such as Zumba or Pump. There are even short small group personal training sessions for the time poor - all inclusive in the membership! The gym is

air conditioned with modern equipment stretching over two levels. If you have never used a gym before, the YMCA’s instructors will show you how for no extra cost. What other centre offers this broad range of activities, all for just $5.40/day? The beach is too cold now; stay active this winter and bring your family to the Y! To find out how to get involved, Google YMCA Great Lakes and send in your enquiry, or call 6591 7199 today!

You can’t spell FAMILY without the Y

y a d / 0 4 . 5 $ & e e F g n i n i o J $0 ay ! M n i g n i n i wh e n j o Great Lakes Aquatic & Leisure Centre Lake Street Forster

6591 7199

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BLEPHAROPTOSIS (DROOPY UPPER EYELIDS)

“ My eyes feel tired after I read for a while and I cannot keep them open by the end of the day� is a common complaint in some patients.

P

atients tend to consult their doctor, wondering if they need cataract surgery. However the problem is often due to Blepharoptosis or drooping of the upper

eyelids.

The eyelids have two major groups of muscles,

The main cause of the problem is a stretching of the muscle which draws up the upper eyelids like a curtain. In addition, the attachment of the muscle to the eyelid is also frayed. Corrective surgery, ie. Ptosis Surgery, involves shortening and reattaching the muscle. In addition, excess upper eyelid skin, muscle

those that close the eye and those that open the

and fat is removed (upper blepharoplasty surgery), all

eye. While closing the eye is usually a voluntary act,

of which makes the eyelid lighter and hence easier for

opening of the eye is almost automatic, ie. one does

the eyelid to be maintained in a good position. The

not consciously open the eyes as the upper eyelids

furrows in the forehead will decrease as the forehead

stay elevated to permit one to see out of both eyes.

muscle no longer needs to work overtime doing the

Blepharoptosis can be congenital (a birth defect), but

work of the eyelid lifting muscle.

more commonly, is due to ageing. In some patients,

Commonly, the problem involves both sides and

the problem is seen in their thirties and forties, but

surgery is done on both sides simultaneously or one

more commonly is seen in patients who are older.

after the other, with the worse side done first.

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SAXBY’S PHARMACY S A X B Y ’ S P H A R M AC Y I N TA R E E I S A L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D B U S I N E S S T H AT H A S B E E N A R O U N D F O R OV E R 6 0 Y E A R S . F O C U S C AT C H E S U P W I T H I A N C A R R , W H O I S T H E C U R R E N T P H A R M AC I S T.

S

axby’s Pharmacy has been a big part of the local community for over 60 years now. When did you start at the pharmacy, and what do you think is the secret to its success? After studying and working in Sydney for ten years, my wife, Jenny, and I decided to return to Taree in the late 1980s. At that point, our daughter, Lauren, was one year old, and we liked the idea of bringing up a family in the same country town environment we had enjoyed growing up. I joined Ted in the pharmacy, and eventually purchased the business outright. The pharmacy opened in December 1951 - just in time for Christmas - and has since grown and developed with changes in Taree and the Manning region and the many changes within the pharmacy profession. Starting in a small shop, it was soon necessary to enlarge the business into the adjoining premises. The pharmacy waiting room now displays a wonderful black-andwhite panorama of the pharmacy as it looked in the early 1960s - over fifty years ago! The pharmacy has maintained its success by adhering to its original principles of excellence in service and advice and by embracing positive change where it clearly helps our custromers. The pharmacy has recently undergone some wonderful renovations; can you tell us about these? Over the past few years, it was becoming obvious that we were outgrowing our premises. The last major renovations had been completed in the 1980s, although the pharmacy has made continued investments in

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manning-great lakes focus.

refits and upgrades over the years. premises - usually in the form of mixtures. In the biggest investment so far, we have The 1960s saw an explosion in drug managed to create about fifty per cent more discovery and development, so that today, shop area and provide quiet and confidential most medicines are factory-made and service areas. There is a spacious waiting area involve sophisticated technology. The role and a toilet with disabled access. of Pharmacist has changed from that of Our dispensing area is now spacious manufacturer to medicine consultant. We and more efficient. There is a are here to advise about medicines, bench dedicated to the minimise problems with side packing of dosing aids effects and help guard (Websterpacks). We against drug interactions. The last maj or have invested in the We are able to conduct renovations had "greening" of our medicine reviews in the been completed e business with the and sit down with th 1980s, although e ad use of incredibly clients to ensure pharmacy has m ents st m ve efficient LED they understand the in d ue in nt co ad es lighting throughout different medications in refits and upgr and are looking they are prescribed, over the ye ars.” forward to using solar and help to manage panels to reduce the long term conditions like environmental impact of our diabetes, asthma, and high air conditioning. blood pressure. What advancements in the pharmacy We are also happy to advise on field have you seen over the past vitamins and supplements, using the best few years? current information. Personally, I am very It makes me feel my age when I realise that conservative about the use of supplements, as when I graduated with my pharmacy degree many are subject to vastly exaggerated claims in 1980, most pharmacies did not have by their marketers. I would much prefer my computers. clients to spend their money on improving the By the end of that decade, they were quality of their diets, rather than supplements. virtually universal - and reduced much of You have a great team with you at the record-keeping drudgery, so pharmacists Saxby’s. Please introduce them and their could spend more time with their patients. roles at the pharmacy ... Since then, pharmacy has joined the I am very fortunate to have Shari Keeper, information revolution, allowing us access to my pharmacist-in-charge. Hailing from New up-to-the-minute data in order to best help Zealand, Shari has lived in the Manning for our clients manage their medicines and health many years and has raised her two sons here. problems. This year, intern pharmacist Erinn Melville When Saxby’s Pharmacy opened in the has joined us, having completed her four year 1950s, most medicines were made on the Pharmacy degree at Charles Sturt University,

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Wagga Wagga. Also in the dispensary, we employ two fully trained Dispensary Technicians, Jade George and Emma Dodds. I encourage all my staff to learn every aspect of customer service. However, everyone seems to find their own "speciality". Rhonda Trotter is Senior Assistant and is also our experienced Estee Lauder consultant. Michelle Graham looks after Elizabeth Arden cosmetics, while Isabelle Rowsell, recently returned from maternity leave, resumes her position at the Clinique counter. Helen Everingham is responsible for orders and dresses our attractive windows, while Carrie Goodman is in charge of administering the NDSS diabetic supplies scheme. In addition to customer service, Julie Single works wonders with our back office accounts and wages. Long term employee (nearly sixty years!) Con Mottee helps out packing dose aids (Websterpack), while Leah Stone helps with cleaning, deliveries and prescription pickups. We have two Saturday part-timers, Isabella Blenkin and Declan Moylan, and I must thank Ashleigh Salmon for her great work during Ms Rowsell's recent leave. What are some of the services that Saxby's Pharmacy offer their customers? The pharmacy is happy to offer medicine reviews, blood pressure and blood glucose tests. We can help asthmatics check out their lung function and inhaler technique. And of course, the pharmacist is always available without appointment to discuss any concerns about medicines and general health issues. Thanks Ian.

focushealth

with Dr Linda Dade - Chiropractor

PAIN

P

Linda Dade

Discover how you can get your happy back! So, are you a pain in the neck, or a pain in the bum?

ain can stop us from enjoying a Australia, headaches are often caused by healthy, active life. It is limiting, problems in the neck. and when it becomes chronic Chiropractors are spinal health experts, (lasting longer than12 weeks) is and are the only health professionals who associated with reduced mobility, study the neuromuscular system for five years quality of life and longevity, along with full-time at university. A study on lower back increased rates of a variety of other health pain in the peer reviewed journal Spine has problems - including depression! shown that patients are consistently satisfied The Australian Government’s Institute with chiropractic care and less likely of Health and Welfare estimates to seek care from another 70 - 90% of Australians will provider for that same experience lower back episode of pain. Also, in in As well, neck pa pain at some point in a study conducted at impacts 10 - 15% their lives and at least Macquarie University, n at any of the populatio riou s 10% will experience specific chiropractic se given time - also e of significant disability us adjustments to the ca g in ad le and a ing ct pa as a result. As well im spine significantly y, lit bi disa k and as being disruptive to reduced migraines the ability to wor tive the individual and their engage in an ac in 71% of the people ” e. lif y health family, it also accounts surveyed. Frequency, for an enormous cost to the duration, severity and community. amount of medication According to the World Health required all decreased markedly. Organisation’s latest Global Burden of What about drugs? The Disease study, lower back pain is a growing British Medical Journal suggests nonproblem and now ranks second in Australia pharmacological treatments such as spinal (interesting!) and seventh in the world. care are safer and more effective than As well, neck pain impacts 10 - 15% of paracetamol for back pain and osteoarthritis. the population at any given time - also serious Other studies show a course of chiropractic and a leading cause of disability, impacting care was 250 times safer than a course of the ability to work and engage in an active anti-inflammatory drugs! healthy life. As well as assisting with pain relief, Why is this a growing problem and more chiropractic can correct dysfunction in importantly, what can be done about it? the musculoskeletal and nerve system, Injury and abnormalities of the spine, our rehabilitating the nervous system. It is a safe, increasingly sedentary life, poor posture proven and effective drug free choice in spinal (increased use of computers, mobile phones) healthcare. The good news is that there are so plus disease and degenerative conditions, many different techniques to suit all ages, and bad sleeping habits and poor hydration all chiropractors are also able to provide lifestyle contribute to this problem. health advice on diet, flexibility, exercise and Even though both lower back and neck pain improving your postural fitness. It is a well are common, they are often poorly managed. rounded approach to health care. Priority should be to restore normal function During Spinal Health Week 2015, call 6557 6333 to make an appointment for a spinal to the spine. Research has demonstrated that health check-up and discover what steps you neck and back pain can all be resolved when can take to improve your health and wellbeing normal function is restored. Also, according and “get your happy back”. to the Brain Foundation and Headaches

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manning-great lakes focus. 43

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

MAY 2015

with Terri Dr James Guinan Clinical Psychologist

Maintaining Relationships How do we maintain and repair relationships? So much of the quality of our life is determined by our relationships with others. As babies, we gain identity and self confidence from the caring and supportive relationships with our parents and carers. This enables us to manage our emotions and behaviours and to develop relationships with other people. Satisfying relationships are built on caring for and respect for the other person and recognition of and appropriate response to their emotional needs. Relationships become problematic when there are imbalances of power, unrealised expectations, loss of respect, bullying and abuse, and other uncaring behaviours. If unhappy relationships are to be repaired, there must be a commitment of those in the relationship to accept that personal needs or expectations need to be tempered by the needs and expectations of the other person. Resolution of problems in relationships is more likely if each person in the relationship thinks that a solution is possible and accepts that this solution can only be achieved by collaborative effort. It is important that each person is permitted by the other to express their needs freely and openly, without fear of hostility or personal attack. Sometimes it is necessary to involve an independent third person to assist in the healing process, and psychologists and other counsellors have the necessary knowledge of human emotions, behaviours and thinking processes to assist people with problems in their relationships. Dr James Guinan - Clinical Psychologist.

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

You are so clever at getting what you want. Victory involving an important speech is at hand, and this will alleviate the feeling of waiting and wanting change to come forward. You are not on your own; there is a wonderful support system available to you. Ruby helps us attain our highest ambitions.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 Play a little more with your creative energy, as you are very gifted and when you’re creatively living life, you feel complete. New rewards are coming to you through career opportunities. Expect an easier financial flow. Citrine attracts an abundance of good.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Celebrations are coming, so don’t give up your dream. You have needed to recognise your own strength and independence, so you can succeed. Don’t allow the frustration of feeling suspended to spoil your passion or focus. Ruby worn daily energizes the aura with passion and persistence.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

Love is in the air. Honest and open communication needs to be a high priority in relationships. Major life changing decisions need to be completely thought through, so avoid any hasty choices this month. Justice and peace are to be a strong influencing factor where career is concerned, so have and enjoy. Rose Quartz is a wonderful soothing crystal; carry it. 44

manning-great lakes focus.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Recently “love” represented heart-ache and hurt, but now your disconnection has aligned you with change. There are some magical rewards coming for home, work and in matters of love and friendship over the next few weeks, so enjoy! Turquoise is great for fun and friendship.

CANCER.

June 23 - July 23

Your personal strength is guiding you to a more determined and independent you; however, you may be feeling disconnected from your family and or loved ones at present. This will soon pass, leaving you in a confident, motivated and creative manner. Citrine connects the intellect with creative energy and thoughts.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Set some fresh goals to maximise on the creative and artistic influences affecting your sign. Leadership qualities can be tapped into this month and offer selfenlightenment. Travel is likely to be high on the agenda soon. Herkimer diamonds are terrific for all kinds of change.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Change is coming to any circumstance where entrapment is concerned. Being unable or afraid to express yourself will soon be something of the past. Justice will be served and a new sense of freedom will be enjoyed. Set some new goals and enjoy. Clear quartz amplifies strength.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 The world is your oyster. Set some goals to aid your availability to what the universe is trying to bring into the picture. A journey will help settle your itchy feet/restless energy and when you return home, you will be positively focused and ready to succeed. The feeling of complete contentment will be yours. Sodalite enables our imagination to take us journeying into alternate realities, so we can realise what we desire.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 Congratulations: your recent hard efforts at work have paid off. A newfound respect has been activated from your personal changes. You have the ability to puppeteer people at the moment, so use this skill with the highest intention for all concerned and enjoy the success you deserve. Apophyllite tip placed on the third eye helps us to visualise.

S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21

Situations may be forced on to you to show you your strength in your independence. You’re about to become very busy, with a feeling of immense satisfaction for what you are doing. This is a time of healing past hurts also, so don’t be hassled remembering the things you want to say goodbye to. Jade brings a feeling of peace and well being.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Plans to travel may be interrupted, or may not flow smoothly. You have been gifted with an acute sense of intuition, so use it to live by and all fear will dissipate, leaving you only in the right place at the right time. Record Keepers are great to travel with.

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focusinterview.

CRAIGSMITH C R A I G

S M I T H

H

&

A S S O C I A T E S

i Craig. Please introduce yourself and your team to our readers ... I’m originally a country boy who grew up on a farm outside Armidale and who always wanted to live by the sea. After Armidale Teachers College, I moved to Sydney as a teacher. I was ready for a career change and had already completed a TAFE Real Estate Certificate, but my brother thought the financial services industry would suit me better and convinced me to become an insurance agent with Legal & General in 1989. In my first year I was their Recruit of the Year. I enjoyed the work and its many challenges and commenced further industry related study and in 1983 was awarded the National Student of the Year. I have maintained professional studies to this day. In 2002 I completed a Master of Commerce in Financial Planning and in 2011 I achieved the SMSF Association designation as an Accredited SMSF Specialist Adviser. I have just enrolled in a further Bachelor of Commerce study on SMSFs via Adelaide University, which I am looking forward to. I am the sole adviser at Craig Smith & Associates, although we are actively seeking to add an accountant in the new financial year. I and my clients are blessed with an extraordinary office manager, Karen Kelly, who has been with me for six years now. Karen has lived in Forster for 16 years and is a long term member of Forster Surf Life Savings Club and a member of a local photography club. Interestingly, my older son, James, has recently come on board after completing his HSC at Great Lakes Tuncurry

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manning-great lakes focus.

Campus last year, and his addition to the team is clients’ SMSFs or investment properties, including working out really well. establishing Bare Trusts if required. We use What do you consider is Craig Smith & Exchange Traded Funds as an inexpensive way Associates’ area of expertise? to access global investments and listed property. We are Self Managed Superannuation Fund We avoid fixed interest and prefer income listed (SMSF) specialists. This is our securities in this asset class. Being in control greatest passion and area or overseeing every aspect of a client’s of expertise; however, I SMSF allows us to achieve better lf We are Se also have considerable performance with lower costs than ed ag Man Fund n experience with the traditional managed retail or tio ua nn ra pe Su ts . This managed supers industry super funds. (SMSF) specialis ion ss is our greatest pa se; and insurances Financial planning is a rti and area of expe for personal and developing profession, and ve ha however, I also e nc business related we regard ourselves as rie pe ex le ab consider pers and su applications. specialists in the most exciting ed ag an m ith w rsonal Recently via aspect of wealth creation insurances for pe d late and business re McMasters’ Solicitors and preservation in Australia .” ns io applicat we are now actively currently, with SMSFs now engaged in will and power representing approximately 35% of all of attorney drafting for our super held in Australia (by approximately clients also. Bringing all these threads 8% of super accounts). Australia is a world together for our clients is financial leader in its superannuation system, providing planning. the lead to USA, UK and Asia with SMSFs first With SMSFs we oversee all aspects of our and foremost. clients’ SMSFs, from initially advising on the Many people find Self Managed Super Funds rationale for SMSFs (every Statement of Advice quite confusing. How do you and your team is solicitor vetted and approved before received simplify this for your clients? by clients), SMSF investment strategies, SMSF Invariably our clients are figuratively kicking establishment, ongoing compliance and review themselves for not moving into a SMSF earlier service with financial accounting included. We than they have. We simplify the process and have a strong preference to avoid expensive management of clients’ SMSFs and do present and mostly underperforming managed funds quite sophisticated investments strategies in plain in favour of direct investments such as high English. Put simply, our clients want to pay less, dividend fully franked blue chip Australian make more and understand the process. shares. We like direct property and facilitate Cutting costs and improving performance both the transfer of Business Real Property into makes for happier clients, and we believe our

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clients are a pretty happy lot. In truth, we find both retail and industry funds lack a lot of transparency and are very difficult to understand. Having a SMSF is truly like a breath of fresh air. Our clients gain confidence and invariably become more involved in their planning and actually enjoy it. They also tend to have the highest account balances brought about by the factors above but equally importantly, by contributing far more than our other super clients, and that is because they see the results. What do you consider to be the key elements of successful financial planning? Find a financial planner you feel you can have a rapport with. A good financial planner, like all good professionals, needs to communicate effectively to build your understanding and commitment. Successful financial planning isn’t myopic or all good news stories, but will encompass all life’s ups and downs, triumphs and disasters. Being open with your financial planner, so they can truly understand what you really want. Review your goals and progress towards them regularly. Anything measurable is improvable. Being a financial planner is a very privileged role, as we become an integral part of our clients’ lives. Our clients bring a lot of expertise with them and our role is a partnership, so trust and frankness is paramount. We work alongside our clients through births and deaths, sickness and health, marriage and divorce and work and retirement. All bring different challenges, and a mentor providing some common sense advice is invaluable. Really, our motto says it: Knowledge, Trust, and Quality Advice.

Crellin Superannuation & INvestment What is Crellin Superannuation & Investment? CSI is a client focused financial planning firm offering advice and strategies in money management, investments and superannuation.

strategies.

The success of the relationship with your financial adviser is the achievement of your lifestyle goals and objectives. My role as your money “coach” is to work beside you and give you “peace of mind” in the three key areas of your financial situation: cash flow, wealth and contingency advice.

I will work with you and provide strategic advice on a range of financial problems that you encounter, whether it be asset purchases, loans, business improvement, Centrelink etc.

What sets you apart from other financial planning firms? I come from an ethical and analytical background, being a Chartered Accountant in my own practice for over 30 years. Prior to that I was a management accountant with BHP for 10 years. I understand tax and business and how to combine that knowledge to work with clients on providing financial

How do you do this? Income is the basis for successful wealth creation. Maximising and measuring your cash flow and budget will ensure you have the funds to invest for wealth creation.

You tell me what your lifestyle goals and objectives are, and as your coach we will work together to achieve them. Wealth management is not “set and forget”; as your money coach we will meet regularly to review the performance of the portfolio against your desired outcomes. Please go to our website for more information: www.moneycoach.net.au

Johnson & THOMPSON chartered accountants Jan Thompson and Adam Johnson are pleased and excited to introduce to you some changes they are making, most notably their name! You will still see the same smiling faces when you come in to the office, the same friendly receptionists, and you will still experience that high quality service you have come to know over the years with the firm. We are now offering the added benefits of our new bookkeeping service and our up to date “cloud” accounting technologies, which allow us to be at the forefront of the accounting world. Moving forward … At Johnson & Thompson, our aim is to encourage our clients to be proactive about

their finances and accounting processes. Gone are the days when you go to see your accountant once a year; we want to be involved and proactive on a day to day basis. We offer an accounting service that utilises technology in a way which enables us to stay in touch with our clients, in a way that only an in house accountant used to be able to do. Johnson & Thompson can provide you with solutions for your businesses - accounting and bookkeeping needs, not just at tax time, but throughout the year. Please go to our website for more information: www.jtca.net.au

manning-great lakes focus.

47

focusrealestate.

with Amanda Tate - L.J Hooker

M RKET REVIEW

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the foundation and work from there. Set clear

give it a go, then you will find it is not as

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strong sense of achievement and wealth

Whether you’re looking to take your first step

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into the property investment sphere or looking

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regularly revisit your plan to ensure you are maintaining momentum towards a better

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Remember when starting out: Play it safe

• Begin with the end in mind so set clear goals;

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professionals and processes to help you succeed.

Let our Smarter professionals show you

Once you know your why, you then need a plan.

how.

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manning-great lakes focus.

INVESTING IN PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL VERSUS RESIDENTIAL - FROM A BEGINNER’S VIEW Most people when they think commercial investment think big - high rise, massive factory complexes and shopping centres only for the rich in society. “This is a fallacy”. We are fortunate in the Manning Valley that commercial also includes the small retail shop sometimes with the flat upstairs or the small mechanics workshop, and entry level can be as low as $200,000. So why choose commercial over residential? Residential is always a steady investment, offering low risk returns and reasonable capital growth. The vacancy rate has been below 2% in our area for the last few years, increasing those yields. Whilst commercial can be a higher risk investment, it can offer higher returns and in most cases, the tenant is responsible for paying the outgoings i.e. rates, insurance etc. With the

commercial tenant usually being a business, they look after the aesthetic maintenance of the building to ensure their business is promoted in the right manner. Whilst it is true that if financing a commercial investment you will need substantially more equity than a residential investment, the returns can be nearly double, and in this current financial market with low interest rates can be positively geared, providing an additional income stream. A lot of investors’ first commercial premises is usually the one they are leasing. If starting out, consider multi tenanted properties, as if one tenant vacates you still have an income stream, although slightly lower, covering the mortgage. If you are interested in finding out more on buying commercial property, pick up the phone and give me a call.

focusbusiness. with Gary Gersbach from Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber focusbusiness. with Gary Gersbach from Great Lakes Business Chamber

garygersbach garygersbach Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber is still receiving positive TheThe year 2013 has commenced with a bang, which, apart from the feedback from businesses regarding its recent successful “Be Vocal, New Year’s Eve fireworks display, has resulted in increased numbers Shop Local” programme. However, the response from the customer/ of tourists, friends, visitors and locals taking advantage of the many client side of region. the ledger, although very encouraging , has not been attributes of our without some criticism in relation to the lack of customer service.

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and the local Regional Council • Attracting and maintaining an ageing 4. Expansion of the Chamber membership workforce A number of breakfast sites have been • Business survey considered, and the February breakfast • Action to reduce penalty wage rateswill be an event at Tuncurry Race Course, • Isequine your business compliant? • Risk management incorporating a tour of the facilities. All of these for topics members areAllwelcome anywould input assist into in improving the wellbeing of staff and these venues. oftenChamber’s it is a resultexecutive of attitude businesses, and highlights the Themore Business and The Chamber has sought significant or poorhaving staff training. It is involved at benefits to business owners by members, been heavily access to the Council and has been support from competent the generally coalface,accepted have hadthat little time to review successful in having two confirmed the average Australian sources. their actions and results. The time for meetings with active interested shopper suffers poor Businessparties Awards introspection and planning will come to date. e th customer service of The Chamber p hi rs Membe at the end of this hectic time. ber The sister Chambers without complaint has agreed of with Business Chame , However, the relatively th es r le ag al nt to the business sm va e the Manning ad Th y Manning District and has man e enchthis thhi ss,w newowner committee, sine t of for ninewith out Valley Business leas not thebu Port Macquarie have e ag nt ee n vatw adbe eng th is r te ki ea an excellent mix of or gr of 10 occurrences. tw Chamber to assist ne the p. active participation hi r gula em mrs thrse redo itsbe atbe Unfortunately, that experience, new blood em in the running of mof with both local l bu formation alas ines dss anne t si eakf will tell brSm Manning-Great ve andcustomer enthusiasm, has ly ha Council and s ...al” ngrm eettino sociate mno everyone about Lakes Business already madeelse some Franchisors or asre the the Regional he w es it, with the resultant ni Awards for this pa com firm resolutions and Development l knowledge, ra ne poor reflection of that ge year, rather than planned actions to assist vice are Australia Areaawards expertise and ad ing.” outlet. run a separate om its members. The Chamber readily forthc Boards, and Therefore, whenever a competition. this will continue with the will actively customer complaint is received As Chamber such, we encourage all the popular business breakfasts, by the business owner, it should be accepted seekGreat assistance these businesses within Lakes from to enter the and in so doing will endeavour with gratitude that he/she then has the awards accordingly. Chambers to embark on a similar to introduce a better awareness otherwhich opportunity to apply a recoveryofmode Previous haveManning attested to the format. To thiswinners effect, the Valley services it can provide to assist the members. should correct the situation in retaining the rewardshas emanating from Awards,at Chamber agreed to ourthese attendance customer, are or ataware least ensure that glitch including the reception of the positive publicity. All members that although thedoesn’t their next meeting. recur. community has common goals, it Fair Penalty Rates business members tend to view the Chamber as Remember, a repeat customer is far cheaper Most The Chamber is very conscious of what also operates under a number of diverse a knife and fork opportunity where valuable to retain than attracting a new customer. is good for the local community and local areas, which makes it difficult for the business contacts are made within a social Chamber Membership businesses. Chamber to appear to be working for all without heavy, is formal and Membership of the Business Chamber has occasion When employment lost inagendas, town because areas. The main areas of Stocklands, Forster thisaindeed is cannot an extremely of many advantages, not the least of which is business afford important to open as part a result Waterside and Tuncurry Village are typical the networking between members at the the of Chamber. However, thethen Chamber is and penalty rates to staff, the whole of this, andbreakfast even without the consideration regular and information meetings. loses than - so itthis, is time cancommunity be much more andtoit review is our these. of the various industrial areas, sometimesand In addition to this sharing of itinformation The Chamber does not want to see penalty resolve to demonstrate this to new members. appears that wethere are not pulling in the experiences, are always constant opportunities rates abolished. It believes that sensible The smaller the business, then the greaterrates same to direction. upgrade skills and knowledge through should be paidofforitscertain weekendSmall and public is the advantage membership. webinars and formal meetings conducted holiday times; however, if shops cannot afford Accordingly, the Chamber has made the businesses do not normally have Franchisors through our association with the NSW Business to open over busy holiday periods, visitors following major resolutions: or associate companies where the general Chamber. don’t have an opportunity to spend money in knowledge, expertise and advice are readily 1. Business breakfasts to be held over the Just in the past month, there has been the these towns, and local workers will miss out on forthcoming. The services of the Chamber whole area where possible opportunity to access information seminars income. can be invaluable in these cases. 2. Chamber to actively promote involvement and/or webinars on the following subjects: This is further aggravated when the area has Forward pieces are in place,rate. andAwe are of these with• the local planning Council by thinking of the future All the a high unemployment revision • Health at work should result in a win-win for all concerned. looking forward to a great year. 3. Seek participation with sister Chambers ocal businesses are currently he majoratturnoff for shopping working their peak capacitylocally is an experience of poor to cater for all, to ensureservice. these The companies and business participants’ experiences are owners are endeavouring at all such that they will not only have times to ensure customer satisfaction, but enjoyed themselves, but will return – or at they cannot deny glitches in these relations leastdoact as ambassadors for the occur. Sometimes these arepromotion a result of of the area. circumstances beyond their control, but

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Mid Coast careers market Are you the parent of a high school student? Would you like more information to help your child with their career and study choices? The aim of Mid Coast Careers Market is to provide awareness of local employment and training opportunities, vocational pathways and post school options for students from Years 9 to 12. Through a fun and interactive showcase, the day provides an opportunity for students and

parents to gather useful information about a range of career options, assisting them in making an informed decision about their career path. Regional, state and national industry bodies, including representatives from TAFE, Centrelink, Defence Force, Police, Financial Institutions, Council, Apprenticeship Centres, Service providers and community organisations will be exhibiting at the expo.

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manning-great lakes focus.

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focusinterview.

MARTIN BRIDGE

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

ANNETTE O’ROURKE, CATHERINE CALVIN, ROSIE SMITH AND JAMES PATON ARE NIGHT BAZAAR TEAM MEMBERS. HOT ON THE HEELS OF THE SUCCESS OF THEIR FIRST EVENT, THE VICTORIA STREET NIGHT BAZAAR IN NOVEMBER, THIS ENTERPRISING CREW ARE BUSY PLANNING A MASSIVE CELEBRATION FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF TAREE’S ICONIC MARTIN BRIDGE ON MAY 17 …

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lease reintroduce us to the Night Bazaar community team and concept … Night Bazaar was formed in July 2014 as a group of likeminded individuals determined to put on free community events that bring people together in a spirit of celebration and cooperation and act as a window to the amazing talents of our area. Since our very successful Victoria Street Night Bazaar in November - which won the Australia Day Community Event of the Year 2015 (with Tidy Up Taree) - the Night Bazaar team has gone even more adventurous to fashion the newest upcoming event - the Martin Bridge 75th Anniversary Celebrations. This daytime event is full of upbeat and nostalgic activities and will take place on Sunday, 17th May, mainly along River Street, Taree, adjacent to the riverside walk. Team members are Annette O’Rourke, Catherine Calvin, Rosie Smith and James Paton. Until recently, we had the driving force of the lovely Cynthia Burke, from Wingham’s Little Red Café and Takeaway, but Cynthia’s café and catering business become too busy for her dual role. Original members Maree Cheney, Liz Rankin and Gabriel Darzi (from the Sicilian Restaurants) will be on-hand to help us on the day of the Bridge Celebrations too. What’s some of the feedback you’ve received about events you’ve planned so far? People are very excited about our re-creation of the “Bridge Walk” on 17th May, so we have had a lot of great offers from other organisations to get involved. The Manning Valley Business Chamber is right behind the event and will run a special business expo on the day, Manning Valley Historical Society have found locals who were associated with the original bridge opening and documented stories and photos, and the staff from Catholic Care Social Services (Hunter Region) are putting on

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old-fashioned children’s games for the kids. Response to our call for market stalls has also been astounding, so the public can expect to see all sorts of products and businesses that they didn’t even know existed around the Manning, Great Lakes and Hastings areas. Tell us more about the bridge walk planned for May 17, and some of the organisations who’ve helped you organise the event … The original opening of the Martin Bridge on 17th May 1940 was a huge event in Taree. Dignitaries, including the Premier of NSW, the Hon Alexander Mair, MLA, and the Minister for Works and Local Government, The Hon L.O. Martin, made the lengthy journey from Sydney to be there. Thousands of locals turned out and crowded onto the bridge to be part of this history making spectacle. VIPs, which also included the Manning Shire President, Cr H.E. Mulligan and officials from neighbouring shires, were raised about two metres above the crowd on the centre, lifting span of the bridge, and addressed the crowd. A few of today’s locals, who were children at the time, including former Councillor Wendy McKeough, are expected to be at the bridge celebrations. The big difference between our celebrations on 17th May and the original event is that we aim to have a lot less formality. We need everyone taking part to gather on the Glenthorne side of the bridge, along River Street, ready for a mass walk at exactly 10am, when local police will close the bridge roadway to road traffic. This will allow a 20-minute window for a walkover. The crowd will be led by “town crier” and local actor Rod Illidge, as well as a brass band and stilt walkers from Circartus. With the Manning River Time’s help, we plan to get the crowd to pause on the Taree end of the bridge for a mass photo, similar to the one that was done originally to commemorate the bridge opening. In consideration to Glenthorne residents, we would love people not to park on

on the original bridge celebration menu, which the Glenthorne side of the bridge, but walk over. was held for VIPs at the nearby Royal Hotel in As well as the organisations mentioned 1940. With courses like “rock bottom chicken above, a few others have been instrumental and lifting sauce” on offer and desserts like in helping our plans come to fruition. We “span trifle and bitumen cream with Pacific particularly want to thank officers in the Highway jelly” there’s sure to be some good heritage and traffic operations area from Greater eating and a few laughs at the restaurant. If Taree City Council, as well as Tourism and Events you’re keen to take part, be sure to book early Team Leader, Donna Hudson. And we could to avoid disappointment. not have organised the bridge walk without the There’s also an Instagram competition cooperation of Taree Police’s Sgt Mick Martin. happening as a part of the After the walk has been completed, celebrations. What do people what other activities are have to do to enter? planned? Yes, the Manning River Street, Taree, will be filled with a variety River Times and Taree People are very r excited about ou of art, craft, produce Camera House e dg ri e ‘B and food stalls. Many re-creation of th , so have collaborated ay Walk’ on 17th M of these stalls are not to put on a of t lo we have had a the usual, so market r he ot 3-week Instagram om fr great offers goers will be introduced t ge to ns competition. tio organisa to new businesses that Anyone with a involved .” they haven’t experienced phone or camera can before, as well as a few enter, simply by getting old popular favourites. In themselves an Instagram the adjacent Fotheringham Park account and hash tagging their there will historic displays, live on-stage photos #MartinBridge75. No need for entertainment and old fashioned children’s

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games, with plenty of room for people to picnic. At around 10:30am - 10:45am there will be a short official opening in the park and then performers and entertainers, including Tasha Joy Burton, Alyse Gray and Jim Bird will bring celebration goers their musical stylings. Local band Soar, who is straight from a very successful EP launch during the Manning Valley's Youth week celebrations, are sure to attract crowds and will close the event from the Aurora Show FX stage. Local café/restaurant owners at the Bean Bar - Ray and Tony - have also pulled out all stops and are creating a special menu from midday onwards at their restaurant at the bottom of Pulteney Street. Their menu is based

sophisticated cameras; just get in there and do your best for one of three, weekly prizes. Week 1 - Theme is an historical pic of the bridge (closes Thursday, April 30). Week 2 - Most Scenic Snap of the bridge (closes Thursday, May 7). Week 3 - Best individual or group selfie on or near the bridge (closes Thursday, May 14). Winners of each section will be announced the following day (each Friday) on Instagram and in the Manning River Times, paper and website editions. More info? Keep up to date with what’s happening on our Facebook page, Night Bazaar. Thanks everyone.

focusTourism. Sharon Bultitude - Great Lakes Tourism

W Sharon Bultitude

Tourism

Tourism is everyone’s business!

hat’s the value of tourism to the Great Lakes? Visitation figures released last month highlight why it’s in all our interests to support the Great Lakes Tourism Partnership Programme and keep our region a vibrant drawcard for visitors. A million visitors come to the Great Lakes annually, stay for more than 2.3 million nights and spend $359 million in our local area. (Source: National and International Visitor Surveys, Tourism Research Australia 2014.) These latest visitor figures highlight the continuing economic importance of tourism to the Great Lakes region. The $359 million spend by visitors, however, is really only half the story. This expenditure refers solely to the direct economic contribution of tourism - that is where there is a direct transaction between the visitor and local business. However, tourism spending has a multiplier effect in the local community, as it is spent and re-spent by employers and employees. So whether it’s the butcher who supplies the restaurant or the accountant who does the motel cleaner’s tax return, the flow-on effect of the tourism dollar affects businesses at all levels. Using the tourism multiplier figure of 1.92 to calculate this “indirect” spend means that the true economic contribution of tourism to the Great Lakes is actually closer to $690 million. The benefits and returns from tourism will only continue to grow in the Great Lakes through a cohesive and collaborative approach by all industry stakeholders. How can businesses get involved? The Great Lakes Tourism Partnership Programme is a great way for individuals, companies and organisations to get involved in the promotion and development of

tourism in the region. Great Lakes Tourism currently engages with over 250 local businesses through this Programme. The annual Partnership Programme provides significant opportunities for business to actively participate in cooperative campaigns and other marketing activity at a local, regional, national and international level, at a fraction of the real cost of advertising. As a partner, there is also the opportunity to input directly into future tourism strategy and initiatives through Tourism Reference Groups. Other key benefits include: • A full page business listing on the regional website greatlakes.org.au. • A free listing in the annual Great Lakes “it’s you” visitor guide. • Display of business brochures in the four Great Lakes Visitor Centres. • Exclusive access to the tourism image and video library. • Promotion via the tourism social media platforms. There is an enormous cost to effectively market and manage a destination. Every partner that joins the partnership is assisting the whole region to achieve consumer awareness and market penetration. All dollars raised through the programme go directly back to market the Great Lakes. All businesses are invited to become an industry partner with Great Lakes Tourism for 2015/2016. Annual partnership packages commence from the 1st July 2014. To find out more information on the Great Lakes Partnership Programme, hop online at www.greatlakes.org. au/partnership, call 6554 8799. or email tourism@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au.

What do you think is important for water in our region? Join the water conversation MidCoast Water is currently working on a long term water resource management strategy - and we want you to join us in talking about our water future. Have your say and sign up for regular updates at

HOW DO VALUE IT?

www.midcoastwater.com.au/ourwaterourfuture

For more details go to www.midcoastwater.com.au or call 1300 133 455 manning-great lakes focus.

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focusinterview. with Linda Bryant from The Photography Hub

PETA MYLONAS

CLASSIC DESIGN JEWELLERS THIS MONTH I’VE INTERVIEWED PETA MYLONAS FROM CLASSIC DESIGN JEWELLERS. WITH A STUNNING RANGE AND BEING A FAMILY BUSINESS, IT WAS GREAT TO HEAR THE INSIDE STORY OF WHAT MAKES THEM STAND OUT.

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ow long has Classic Design Jewellers been trading? Classic Design Jewellers first opened its doors in June 2004. Our first premises was the old Braithwaite Dental Surgery, where we stayed until June 2012, when we moved up to our much larger, current premises at 1/91 Manning Street, Taree. We started out a very small boutique style store that has grown into the more modern showroom that it is today. As a family business, can you tell us about the structure of the business? Chris, my husband has been a Manufacturing Jeweller in Taree for over 27 years. He started his Apprenticeship with Peter Katsoolis at The Gold Studio, where he stayed for 17 years, and then we opened our own store when The Gold Studio closed its doors. Chris makes jewellery the “old fashioned” way - from scratch, by hand. He can pretty much make anything you throw at him. Over the years he has acquired extensive knowledge of the jewellery making process and also in regards to diamonds and stones to best help our customers when they are making a decision in regards to a piece of jewellery that we really want to last them a lifetime. He is a big believer in sitting down with our customers and educating them in all facets of the 4 “C”s etc. so they are really making an informed decision before spending their valuable money. My background is in administration. When we opened our own store, I worked between Taree Council and in the store doing the bookkeeping, accounts etc. We then decided that it would be more beneficial for me to

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work solely in our own business. I am now also our customers with choosing that special piece responsible for the marketing of the business of jewellery that is just right for them. and the social media also, which has become a We also have our Watchmaker, who offers massive part of getting what we do out there. free quotes on all repairs. We also now have our son, Nik, as our With our staff and their knowledge, we Apprentice. He started in January are able to offer our customers, I feel, of 2013 and is now in his 2nd the most complete experience year. He goes to TAFE for - from the initial design of three days every month their piece to the finished We also have at Enmore Design item of jewellery. It is the benefit of Centre in Sydney. He something we pride much having a much, is also lucky enough ourselves on, and it larger workshop. to be taught by our keeps our customers of On staff we have in-store diamond coming back, d course Chris an setter how to set knowing that they have Nik , but we also diamonds and are getting the best r and a another jewelle stones, so effectively service possible. .” diamond setter he is doing two What do you offer apprenticeships at the your customers that same time. is different from other You moved locations in jewellery stores? 2012; has that made an impact The major point of difference on the business? between our store and others in our Moving up to our larger premises has area is that we have on site manufacturing made a huge difference not only to our jewellers and a diamond setter who contribute walk in traffic, but also to the larger selection to the creation of our customers’ jewellery of jewellery, watches and clocks etc. that we pieces and repairs. are able to offer our customers. We offer our customers a free Loyalty We also have the benefit of having a Rewards Club. This is where we like to “give much, much larger workshop. On staff we back” to our customers. Anytime you spend have of course Chris and Nik, but we also money in store, you accumulate dollars to have another jeweller and a diamond setter. spend on future purchases. We also email This means that when you have a custom you exclusive offers and discounts, pre-sale handmade piece of jewellery or just need invitations, as well as birthday discounts just a jewellery repair, we really do do all these for you - along with other benefits. processes in house. Nothing is sent off site to Social Media is a huge part of our lives now, be done. and my aim as Social Media Manager is to We also still have Julie, our Customer Care keep our customers up to date with what is Specialist, who has been in the industry for happening at Classic Design Jewellers. over 25 years. She is very competent in helping We have our Facebook Page, which is where

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we have the opportunity to show our current and potential customers what we are able to offer in regards to custom made pieces or remakes using their old pieces of jewellery. Every time Chris or Nik make a piece of jewellery, it is showcased as our “Off the Bench Today” or “Off the Apprentice Bench Today” picture, along with a description of the piece. We also have “Off the Setters Bench”, which shows stones being set into different pieces of jewellery. It also gives our customers a place to be able to share their purchase with family and friends who may not live close by, and they get really excited to see their piece on our page. We also have Instagram and Twitter and our website, which caters to our customers who do not live locally but still like to shop with us. We also now have our new free phone app, which is available on the Apple and Google Play stores. This has special discount coupons and also rewards etc. that complements our in store Loyalty Programme that I mentioned earlier. Any new products or innovations on the horizon? Chris and Nik are continuing to create new design pieces for the store. We are also very excited and in discussions regarding our own jewellery range that will be designed and made by Classic Design Jewellers. Also shortly we will be giving the store a bit of a makeover, so this is something to look forward to. There is always some new being created in store or something happening behind the scenes, which makes Classic Design Jewellers a very interesting place to work. Thanks Peta.

MANNING-GREAT LAKES

property guide

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focusabode.

benbulla H O U S E AWARD WINNING NATURAL BEAUTY

FOCUS May Home of the Month utilises materials from the local area. This modern winter home is situated at Wherrol Flat and was designed by Austin Mcfarland Architects for owners Bob and Susan. Chrissy Jones found out more from Carolyn Mcfarland …

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Timber and bricks are the two dominating , ts building elemen d ce ur so both locally.”

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ob and Susan commissioned the architects to design a winter home, to be located on their 90-hectare property in the Manning Valley at Wherrol Flat. They came with a clear list of requirements for rooms and their brief was “opposite to their home in Pittwater,” Tarrangaua, a 1925 home built for the famous Australian poet, Dorothea Mackellar; this summarises the process of designing for Bob, the sensible engineer and Susan, the expressive author. They also wanted to use local materials and trades; this was a top priority. People hired, materials used, and systems installed were based on supporting the local area. Bob and Sue wanted the building process to help establish relationships and make connections within their new home.

Timber and bricks are the two dominating building elements, both sourced locally. Bricks were the reason that Bob and Susan first came to the Manning Valley; Bob, a combustion engineer, designed a new kiln for Lincoln Brickworks, and the pair fell for the rolling, lush hills and the nostalgia in the air of the Wingham township dating back to 1841.

The local area is timber country, so of course timber is another important material used for its practicality and also its natural beauty. The two textures combine brilliantly to create a stunning aesthetic inside and out.

Having a simple, yet functional floor plan, with a clear and direct relationship between the interior rooms and outdoor spaces, the home is rich in textures and finishes and enjoys a close connection to the surrounding landscape. Being independent for power, water and waste, the home has a low environmental impact and lowers cost of ownership into the future.

Spectacular hinterland views encase the home courtesy of an expanse of huge windows, expertly crafted by Bago Woodworks, who were also commissioned to complete all the timber joinery throughout the home using a combination of hardwood and plywood. Machin’s Sawmill supplied all the Blackbutt timber flooring and exterior cladding for the completely autonomous building. Operating off the grid, the home enjoys a double glazed living room and main bedroom, solar water, sewerage is treated off the property and the heat exchange with wet back fireplace was designed by home owner Bob, a combustion engineer.

focusabode.

benbulla H O U S E AWARD WINNING NATURAL BEAUTY

The two-bedroom home is a bright and spacious place, built into the curvature of a hill with views over the sprawling valley beneath. Externally, the L-shaped structure is finished with a combination of Blackbutt timber from Machin’s Sawmill and custom-made bricks from Lincoln Brickworks. The bricks are carried through the home from the outdoor terrace and into the kitchen. A timber island bench and timber benchtops lighten the brickwork underfoot in the kitchen area, with all joinery expertly completed by Bago Woodworks using a combination of hardwood and plywood. A 16-seater With a very table sits to one side of the area, simple plan , custom-designed at 6.2 metres the home is rich for Bob and Susan, who love to in finishes and d on entertain. textures . Locate

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a stunning prop

erty,

Institute of Architects (AIA) NSW Country Division Award for Residential Architecture - New, for their project “Benbulla” at Wherrol Flat.

Timber floorboards consisting of ant another import me Stringy Bark line the remainder of ho e th to t en elem to n the floors in the home, including is the connec tio With a very simple plan, the home ” e. throughout the living room - which the landscap is rich in finishes and textures. has a corner area designed to meld Located on a stunning property, with the external landscape. Views are another important element to the home is also offered from the south-easterly-facing the connection to the landscape. The awards’ bathroom, with a stand-alone bath and spacious jury said the home “encourages you to breathe shower providing the perfect place to unwind and quietly, slow down and just appreciate the delicate relax. balance offered between landscape and shelter”. Susan also enjoys the serenity of her home office, It is the desire to use locally available materials that where she can retreat, write and enjoy views across the they believe is a major part of the success of this Manning Valley and towards the distant ocean. project. Lincoln Brickworks, a Wingham-based dry press Bob brought his own personal touches to the home, brick manufacturer, created a special colour brick in designing all of the fireplaces and installing hydronic their “47” range for this home. This brick was used for floor heating inside, where the floor is heated by hot both the walls and some internal floors. The benefits water left boiling by the fireplace. of selecting finishes, like the bathroom tiles, from local This home is a real collaboration between all parties suppliers reduced the costs, while not compromising the involved and an outstanding project nestled into the quality. hillside. Timber is another important material used for its FROM THE ARCHITECT The small practice of Austin McFarland Architects is located in Wingham. They have received a number of Architectural awards and recently won the Australian

practicality and also its beauty. With the local area being timber country, the local timber mill, Machin’s, supplied all the Blackbutt timber weatherboard cladding and hardwood floor boards. The windows are also Blackbutt,

made by Bago Woodworks. Bago Woodworks also built all the internal joinery from both solid timber and an Australian hardwood plywood. The success of this project is largely attributed to the working relationship with the local builder Terry Cross of Altez Building Contractors. Austin McFarland Architects have won six Architectural awards with projects built by Terry and received a special mention in the International A+ Architizer Awards for the new hall and library at St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham, built under the BER. Austin McFarland Architects aim to push the bounds and create award winning architecture in rural NSW. manning-great lakes focus.

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F O R S T E R

BLUEWATER FISHING CLUB. I F Y O U H AV E A Y E N T O F I S H O F F S H O R E , Y O U E N J O Y S O M E S O C I A L C A M A R A D E R I E , A B I T O F B A N T E R , A N D Y O U ’ R E A CURRENT AND FINANCIAL MEMBER OF CLUB FORSTER, DENNIS CHEETHAM, PRESIDENT OF THE CLUB FORSTER B L U E WAT E R F I S H I N G C L U B , E X P L A I N S T H AT H E M AY J U S T H AV E T H E S O L U T I O N F O R Y O U … hat’s your position with Club Forster Bluewater Fishing Club? I am currently the President of the Club Forster Bluewater Fishing Club and have been since January 2014. When and why did you first join the club? I joined the Fishing Club in 2005. My reasons for joining were to meet more people in the Forster area and to learn about offshore fishing. Share some of the club’s history with our readers. The club has been established for over 30 years. Our oldest member is 92. We currently have three Life Members, Peter Smith, John and Rose Newland. Most of our members are from around Forster/Tuncurry, with some from Newcastle, Maitland and Port Stephens. Our current male champion is Martyn Barry and female champion is Dale Hall. What are the aims of the club? The aims of the club are: • Promote deep sea fishing; • Promote safety at sea; • Promote friendship between all members and their partners. Our goal is to sign up as many new members as possible and have a strong fishing club that Club Forster and the whole Forster community is proud of. The more members, the stronger the club. Describe your current membership requirements … Is membership open to any age, and is any skill/experience and access to own fishing equipment required? The only requirement is that you are a current and financial member of Club Forster. Having a good sense of humour and an attitude to having fun and socialising would be an advantage. 56

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We currently have 93 members: 71 Fishing Club every Easter. We fish on the male and 22 female. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and have a Membership is open to all ages, male and Presentation and Luncheon on the Sunday. female. This competition has been running for 28 We do not currently have any junior years, with the trophy kindly donated by one members. of Newcastle Fishing Club’s past secretaries, It is preferred, but not essential, that new Rowley Kay, in 1987. Forster has won the members have a boat, tackle, and all safety shield 7 times and Newcastle 13, with a few equipment suitable for fishing offshore. competitions washed out. The cost to join our club is $10, with a Our Annual General Meeting is held in yearly renewal fee of $5. A fee of $5 early August each year, where is payable each month when office bearers are elected members go fishing or attend and we present our our monthly luncheon. yearly prizes and al When and where trophies for the nu an an t uc We cond n ee do club members most points for tw be n io tit compe le st generally meet? fishing and the ca ew N d an our Club Club g Quite a few of largest of some in sh Fi er at w Blue e fish W our members meet . species caught er st Ea y er ev turday for an informal during the year. on the Friday , Sa ve a d ha social gathering at A very good and Sunday an d Luncheon our major sponsor, luncheon, Presentation an .” Club Forster, on Friday on the Sunday. subsidised by the nights at 5-6pm and on Fishing Club, is held Sunday’s at 4-5pm, when at Club Forster on that our Fishing Club conducts the day. weekly raffle on behalf of Club The Fishing Club has an Forster. annual Christmas party at Club We also have monthly luncheons at Club Forster each year in December, where Forster after fishing. approximately 70 members and partners What outings/activities do club members attend. This is also subsidised by the Fishing generally take part in? Club. We fish offshore at Forster on the weekend As our club is one of 17 intra clubs under of the third Sunday of each month. Fishing the control of Club Forster, our committee times are 6am Saturday to midday Sunday. meets every month to discuss past fishing The weigh-in is conducted near the Forster outings and present individual reports of Boat Ramp at midday on the Sunday. Points our club’s progress and financial details. are allocated for the number of fish caught by All members are welcome to attend these individual members and the overall weight. monthly meetings. There are also prizes for the heaviest of We all love a great fishing yarn … share various species of fish caught. a story about “ the one that got away “ A luncheon and monthly prize presentation or perhaps one that didn’t get away… is held at Club Forster “242ate Bistro” at Both our current club champions, Martyn 2:30pm on the Sunday. Barry and Dale Hall, were involved in separate We conduct an annual competition incidents in the past year, and I also became a between our Club and Newcastle Bluewater bit disorientated one day.

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Martyn went out fishing and caught a few fish, but during fishing he got a large hook stuck in his finger; he returned to Forster Harbour and went to a doctor to get it removed. The hook was removed quite quickly, with a bit of pain. Martyn later attended the weigh-in, where he subsequently won the monthly prize for the most fish points. Having only fished for a couple of hours, it was a great achievement. Dale Hall went out fishing with her husband, Wayne, and upon returning to Forster Harbour noticed a small boat in the channel needing assistance by way of a tow. Wayne asked Dale to tie the tow rope on to their boat while he took the controls to tow the other boat to safer waters. As Wayne was moving both boats, Dale’s third finger became caught around the tow rope and tore part of her finger off; it is now at the bottom of the channel. Her finger is now 2 cm shorter. I was out fishing with Peter Rayner and was drifting for Flathead and catching a few. After a couple of hours, we both realised that we had drifted a fair way north and were not sure where we were. We headed into shore, but soon realised we were not at Forster, but just off Hallidays Point. It took a bit of time for us to return to Forster Harbour, regularly checking the fuel gauge on the way, hoping we had enough. We returned safely to fish again. Where can readers find out more info about the club if they’re interested in joining? Our Fishing Club welcomes all new members, and the contact details are. Dennis Cheetham - President, Club Forster Bluewater Fishing Club. Mobile: 0412 010 925; email: dennischeetham@yahoo.com.au Applications to join our club are also available at Club Forster. Thanks Dennis.

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GLASS 24/7 Glass 24/7 is a locally owned and operated business that started in 2005. Located in Whitbread Street, Taree, they specialise in 24 hour emergency glass replacement, shower screens, kitchen splash-backs and commercial windows and doors.

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lass 24/7 also manufacture and install high quality Amplimesh security doors and window screens, including the high tensile stainless steel SupaScreen. The desire to be able to spend more time with his growing family was the final turning point that led David Burley to throw caution to the wind and start up his own glazing business. He had left the trade several years before to gain valuable skills in management and the logistics of running a small business; however, his background in the industry meant that the return was inevitable. Initially David operated on his own from a small factory in Elizabeth Avenue; however, by the end of the first year he had his first employee. Fast forward to today, and the business now boasts an impressive showroom with a large, well equipped factory. Glass 24/7 now employ five trades qualified glaziers with a combined experience of over 90 years. They are backed up by a trades assistant and a full-time sales manager.

To be successful, any new business needs to find its point of difference ... From the beginning, Glass 24/7 has been committed to extremely high quality products and exemplary customer service. To achieve this, they have insisted on hiring trades qualified glaziers and Glass 24 /7 works ensuring all are fully with excellent preciate licensed and insured for Associations, builders who ap to is it t an any projects undertaken. rt David is able to po how im omer, st cu y pp ha Glass 24/7 are the a stay on top of have e keys th n he w st ju t best at what they do, new industry no , but for are handed over because they ensure that trends and years to come. � customers get the right regulations. He product for their needs, not also regularly attends simply selling them what they building and design ask for. David regularly sits down expos and conferences for with architects and builders to ensure this purpose. Living in a regional that the products in the specifications will area should not mean that customers do not achieve exactly the desired outcome for the have access to the best products the industry customer. has to offer. As an active member of both the Glass 24/7 works with excellent builders, Australian and NSW Glass and Glazing who appreciate how important it is to have a

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10 years in business. happy customer, not just when the keys are handed over, but for years to come. Larger commercial jobs are no problem for the talented team. Previous projects have included the windows and glass at the Taree Service Centre, Taree Leading Appliances, Gloucester CRT Rural Supplies, Bing Lee and Office Works, and more recently the commercial automatic doors and windows, as well as Amplimesh SupaScreens on the Club Taree extension. The future looks bright for this innovative and progressive firm. So remember, when it comes to glass, the choice is clear.

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14 years in business.

A RAIN ELECTRICAL How long have you been in the trade? Fourteen years now.

12 years in business. 40 years in business.

ESTABLISHED 1981. Having been in the industry for over 40 years, Peter Pettitt of Masterbuilt Homes has all the expertise, experience and knowledge to get you back under cover or fitted out with a new private oasis. Masterbuilt Homes’ history may be in construction, but over the last 15 years has developed into a steady stream of insurance work. Homes and buildings that have been hail, storm, fire or flood damaged can be rebuilt or fixed quickly, efficiently and to a high standard thanks to Masterbuilt Homes’ experience. Masterbuilt Homes can also design, create and finish a home office or studio to suit your personal tastes and needs. Almost everyone has a hobby, so how about that art or music studio or that home based massage studio? Peter can help with the design, construction and even the landscaping of your new studio, with strong attention to detail and originality. Peter has just finished his own personal Dojo - a home office attached to a Martial Arts Studio, complete with bamboo floors, traditional Japanese design, shingled roof and stunning landscaping. For Insurance work or for your own home studio or office, contact Peter or Masterbuilt Homes on 0417 677 344.

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YOUR SATISFACTION IS MY PRIORITY. Selling and buying property or a business can be the most stressful time of your life. Why choose Conveyancing for You? Sharon Ponton has been established in conveyancing in the Great Lakes area for the past 12 years and has a vast knowledge of the local area, having moved here some 20 years ago. As a licensed conveyancer, Sharon specialises only in property law. She is mobile and will come to you for the signing of contracts, marketing properties and any other conveyancing work in the Forster-Tuncurry area. Kellie Cary works with Sharon two and a half days a week.

Electrical work can be broad, what is your area of expertise? I have been lucky enough to experience a range of electrical work. I have done major construction, housing developments and architectural residential. I love doing the Architectural work and solving the challenges that it provides. Where do you feel the electrical industry is heading? Energy efficiency via automation, Solar Advancement and battery storage will be commonplace. Natural resources are not neverending; its that simple. How long have you lived in the area? My wife is originally from here, but we relocated in Mid 2014. This is our home; we love it, and we are passionate about the area.

What is a Licensed Conveyancer? We do similar tasks to Solicitors, offering skills in residential and commercial property transactions, including the sale, purchase and re-mortgage of freehold houses or flats, the creation of new leases and tenancies, and the transfer of interests in domestic property.

I hear you worked on the major renovations at Flow Bar in Old Bar, particularly with their upstairs “Boogie Woogie Beach House”; can you tell us about that? The project is an ongoing one, and it was basically a “start from scratch”! The guys were really keen to embrace energy efficient products, along with designing and artistic finishes. The place is fully automated; it’s the smart way to go,as they will save long term.

Reliable, prompt service … Sharon guarantees to reply to your phone call on the same day; she will liaise with you and with the agent on a regular basis and keep you informed throughout the conveyancing process. Sharon offers a friendly, personal, confidential service with qualified advice. Contact Conveyancing for You on Ph: 6555 9273 or see the website for further information www.conveyancingforyou.com.au

With the current popularity of energy efficient products, do you provide energy saving products as an option when you quote? Yes, I will always provide an option for products that save energy and also for systems that are energy saving. More often than not, people are environmentally concious and see that it’s the smarter way to go both for the environment and for their hip pocket.

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

FIVE GENERATIONS OF

BRICKMAKERS I N

T H E

M A N N I N G

V A L L E Y

The Baker family has been making bricks the traditional dry press way at Lincoln Brickworks, Wingham, since it was established in 1952. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of chatting with John and his son, Michael, who is the fifth generation of Bakers in brick making.

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ow has the brickworks evolved over the years? Michael: It started out with one brick machine; we now have four. It began with one kiln; we now have eight. In the boom years of 1980 - 81, we sold more than four million bricks and employed up to 28 people. Today, competition from much larger and more modern brickworks has seen us scale down production considerably. We now employ eight people, but continue to hold our share of the market. Our traditional methods are more labour intensive and we can’t match the larger producers on price, but we can certainly compete on quality and have the bonus of producing a unique product. Initially the local market kept the brickworks busy, but in recent years we have had to search for new markets. Our bricks have been used in Federation style homes on Sydney’s North Shore and in buildings on the Central Coast and as far north as Coffs Harbour. The brickworks is one of a few in Australia using traditional methods of brick manufacture; tell us more…

John: The clays are quarried locally, then put through a process of grinding and are elevated into dry press machines. The “green” bricks are then stacked Heritage into a modern low thermal kiln Architects utilising wood-firing, which s ed for two year ch ar se helps give them their unique r re tu ac uf an to find a m colouring. e ak m d that coul Part of the brick-making k sh apes handmade bric tradition includes the n of a io for the restorat ing in the 1930s. manufacture of “specials” ild bu y seven stor in ilt bu as Our company - what are those? w at th Sydney made a number of Michael: Bullnose, reveals s.” 30 the 19 different shapes to and squints, unusually shaped match the building, with bricks once common in brick homes, the assistance of a local firm on windowsills for example. These Greg Milligan Engineering, who “specials” are enjoying a renaissance, especially made the templates. favoured by architects, who can put them to You now have a cleaner, greener brickworks many uses. Examples of these “specials” can through reducing your carbon footprint by be seen around Taree in the city’s landscaping 67%. How was this achieved? double bullnose bricks from Lincoln Brickworks Michael: We are subject to clean air adorn many flower boxes and walls in the CBD. requirements of the Protection of Environment Also, Heritage Architects searched for two Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2002. Prior to years to find a manufacturer that could make June 2010, the brickworks emitted an estimated handmade brick shapes for the restoration of a 4,310 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Once the seven story building in Sydney that was built in

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63 years in business. new kiln came into production, the audited measurement of CO2 emissions was reduced to 1.407 tonnes per annum. The bricks produced by Lincoln Bricks use 100% of waste fuel that has to eventually convert to greenhouse gases and if it can be used to produce an essential product in the form of building bricks, it is no burden to the environment. The end result is that Lincoln Brick’s contribution to green house gases is close to zero. John: It used to be pretty obvious when the brickworks’ old kilns were firing; now you can barely see the smoke. Our low thermal mass kiln is truly unique and helps us to cut costs and minimise our footprint. It gives a future here. Thanks John and Michael.

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