Port Macquarie Focus i110

Feature Story

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Sam Lonergan

January 2015 // issue 110

T H E

P A L E O

W A Y

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greater port macquarie focus.

editor's note.

5 1 0 2 e s u o h s s Gla ay 7 January

ON SALE Wednesd ONE! Y R E V E R O F G IN H THERE’S SOMET

editor.

FROM THE

jay beaumont.

Circa

Welcome to the January issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

A

and really enjoy our local area. We have

Oysters on Sunday 25 January between 9am and 4pm for a taste sensation of local oysters, Cassegrain wines, a selection of local beer, other fresh food and entertainment for all the family.

Just bring your own deck chair and rug (no BYO alcohol or food) - they have that covered for you. Entry is free.

compiled a special feature of our Best Kept

HANDS ACROSS THE WATER

Secrets, which has some great ideas for your

This year I will again be riding 500 km in five

2015 bucket list.

days to raise money for Hands Across the

CELEBRITY DANCE FOR CANCER Congratulations to everyone on an amazing event. The room was buzzing with atmosphere!

Well done to all the dancers: Lou Perri, David Plews, Kate Dwyer, Tanya Newman, Kate Hutten, Grant Richmond, Barbara Smith, and Zoe Van Mil. The “Highest Fundraiser” was David Plews, “Judges’ Choice” Barbara Smith, and “People’s Choice” Tanya Newman. The dancers raised a whopping $57,000! You can see all the videos from our dancers on our

Water. Last year 28 riders from Business

nd so begins another year; welcome to 2015. Now before this year rushes on by and 12 months later we’re left wondering where the

year went, now is the time to set some goals and make this the year to get out and about

Facebook page.

Blueprint and myself joined together to raise almost $200,000 to help build the Home Hug Orphanage for kids with HIV. If you would like to support my ride, please email me and I can send you the link to donate. Every cent goes to the kids and their communities.

FINAL SAY “A man who views the world the same at 50 as

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors.

While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 86005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2014 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

beyond

THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY, 8PM Dynamic circus acts set to a bewitching mix of show tunes, ballads and electronica, this creation delights and enchants.

“A masterpiece that sparkles, like the finest champagne.” Berlin Morgenpost

PIRATES OF PENZANCE

with a cast of only six!

SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY, 2PM Prepare for another action packed Sunday afternoon of hilarity!

“Bluntly this is one of those shows audiences will find irresistible” Herald Sun, Melbourne

he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” Muhammad Ali.

OYSTERS IN THE VINES If you’re anything like me, then you LOVE oysters. Now in its ninth year, Oysters in the Vines is a not to be missed event for oyster lovers. Join Cassegrain Wines and Armstrong

contacts.

for discount tickets Become a Glasshouse Member today!

Jay Beaumont - Editor Jay Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

presents The Dancers Company.

A stunning triple bill featuring Swan Lake FRIDAY 14 AUGUST, 7.30PM SATURDAY 15 AUGUST, 1.30PM & 7.30PM

ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul joey@focusmag.com.au

the australian ballet

2007 Business of the Year 2009 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Business to Business Choice Award 2011 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Winner Creative, IT & Communications 2012 Finalist Excellence in Business 2013 HALL OF FAME

jeff@focusmag.com.au

“Each dancer was perfect, bringing their fully-formed characters to light and displayed quality beyond their years.” Mandurah Mail, 2014

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones chrissy@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Jasmin Johansson jasmin@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

SALES & ADMIN SUPPORT: Sarah Gale

Also don’t miss: Flickerfest I Lior I Jonathon Welch I Queensland Theatre Company The 26-Storey Treehouse I Hamlet – Bell Shakespeare I Bangarra I Circus Oz

sarah@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITOR/JOURNALIST: Jo Atkins jo@focusmag.com.au

TRAVEL EDITOR: Susie Boswell sunconsulting@ozemail.com.au

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

PUBLIC WALKWAY 2-9pm Directional Signage

Temporary Fencing Closed at 2pm

Food Food

Stage

Band Marquee

12mx24m Marquee

ancing Dwith hastings Stars

Temporary Structures

pathway 2-9pm Alternative

Small Marquee

Small Marquee

3 phase from Sundowner

(or use power if available on town green)

Sun downer

Trees

P R E S E N T E D

2-9pm Alternative pathway

B Y

02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

focus

greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

You may have seen Sam’s stunning lightning on social network sites or in the media lately, as it’s generated a lot of interest … and deservedly so! But

this interview will show that Sam’s talent behind the lens is truly extraordinary – his portfolio of images speak for themselves …

H

i Sam. What’s your back story?

I was born and bred on a farm just outside Wingham in the Manning Valley. After that, I lived in Brisbane for several years before moving to Port Macquarie almost two years ago.

When and why did you first pick up a camera? Who/what inspired you?

Well, long story short, about two years ago I was given a DSLR and some lenses, and knowing their cost, I couldn't let them go to waste - so I decided to learn how to use them. I was working at an electrical retailer at the time, so I figured it would help me with customers buying cameras.

After about six months, I was completely addicted and started trying to learn everything about photography I could! The very technical nature of photography appealed to me, and I loved finding out how everything worked in unison to produce a final image!

Describe your business, Sam Lonergan Photography. What services do you offer, and what do you specialise in?

At this stage I purely shoot for the enjoyment.

I’m currently an apprentice Electrician, so while I occasionally do some paid work, or sell some prints to help supplement my wages, I love keeping my photography all about me and what I like. Sometimes, this works well and others like it too, but it’s all for me.

As far as specialty, I'd like to think I don't have one. Every style of photography has its own very unique challenges. I've done quite a lot of landscape photography and plenty of landscape timelapses (one of my favourite things to shoot); however, I've very recently started the change to portrait and modelling work. I thoroughly enjoy the learning curve and hope that over the next few years my photography will take a whole new direction.

What, for you, is the best thing about being a photographer?

My favourite part is being able to create images

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Sam Lonergan

P H O T O G R A P H E R

that normally cannot be seen by the human eye, or even by a regular camera. I love Macro photos, long exposure photos, Timelapses, and I'm planning on getting into underwater modelling photography. I love to create things people haven't seen before.

What’s the best photographic tip anyone ever gave you?

Well, I suppose the best advice I've had came from an Australian Photographer and Blogger, Matt Granger. His entire motto is "Get Your Gear Out", and he very actively encourages everyone to shoot everything, and shoot often. This not only helps you learn new things about photography, but also when difficult situations arise, you learn how to combat them for next time.

Describe some of your favourite images ...

I love a photo I took not long ago of a little pup named "Pixie". I was staying at a friend’s place, who'd just adopted this beautiful little pup.

They were away and I tried to get some photos to surprise them with when they got back. She was so friendly, I couldn't get her to stop coming up to me, so I put her on the trampoline so she

His entire motto r is ‘G et Your G ea ely tiv ac ry Out’, and he ve to ne yo er ev encourages , and shoot everything shoot often. ” - Matt Granger.

“

couldn’t get to me and took this photo of her, where she just looks like she just wants to come over for a hug. Unfortunately, about two weeks later the poor girl passed away, so I’m glad I took this photo.

Another favourite is my photo of a recent lightning storm over Tamworth City. I was driving into the city and noticed a huge lightning show happening. So I drove up to the Oxley Lookout and set up to try and capture a bolt or two before the rain reached me. The lightning was phenomenal - the most active storm I’ve seen in my life. I snapped a few shots before the rain came down, and headed home to see what I got.

When I saw the single shot with so many strikes, I couldn’t believe it! With very minimal editing (maybe 30 seconds in Adobe Camera Raw), it was just a shot where everything came together.

As with any art form, becoming a great photographer takes trial and error - and I’m sure everyone makes mistakes along the way! What are some of the common errors you observe people making when they use a camera/process photos?

Of course we all make mistakes; however, mistakes help us to learn, so I enjoy the process of discovering how to fix a mistake and prevent the same problem occurring in the future. As far as others go, I try not to criticise anyone’s work, as a big part of photography (as with most art forms) is that everyone is entitled to their own styles and opinions. I’m not a personal fan of over saturated photos (normally sunrises or sunsets) or tinted images (images that have a green or purple tint added).

I love raw images. I try to minimise editing on my photos, and any editing I do is usually to make it look closer to what I saw with my own eyes at the time.

What’s your favourite camera/lens combo?

While I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III, the camera doesn’t worry me. I’d be just as happy shooting with a Nikon or a Sony. Lenses, however, are a different story. I wouldn’t be able to choose, although I find myself mainly using either my 85mm f1.2 Canon or my 16-35mm f2.8 Ultrawide. Between those two, I can shoot nearly anything.

Are you available for professional photos shoots ... and if so, where can people contact you/find out more info?

At this stage I do not have enough time for paid shoots; however, this may change in the future, although I have no problems with people asking for me to recommend someone (as I am friends with many excellent local professionals). Everyone is more than welcome to view my Facebook page, Sam Lonergan Photography, and can contact me there if they wish to order any prints or canvases of my work.

Thanks Sam. Interview by Jo Atkins.

inside this

Issue 110- January 2015

8.

Jodi Martin.

With Australia Day around the corner, singer songwriter Jodi Martin is launching her iconically Australian single Saltwater in My Hair these January summer holidays, with a relaxed coastal tour of Northern NSW, from Forster to Byron Bay.

16.

Pete Evans.

Celebrity chef Pete Evans is embarking on a national tour, educating Australia on living life through making good choices nutritionally and changing a traditional mindset.

66.

Jodie Wheatley.

Formerly a Sydney resident, Jodie has spent the past three years completing her medical degree at UNSW’s Port Macquarie Rural Clinical School. Now she plans to stay on in the area to complete her internship at Port Base Hospital which is great news for us! Jodie tells us more about her future plans and aspirations …

12. Kristina Clark 14. Tyra Watts 20. Anna-Vee 60. Leap for Life 88. My Holiday

usual suspects.

the

11. what’s on for January 30. tourism with Janette Hyde 36. eat featuring local restaurants 43. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 44. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 65. starguide with Terri 89. travel with Susie Boswell 90. landcare with Estelle Gough 93. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti

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/focus.mag www.twitter.com/focusmag

www.focusmag.com.au/eat

www.focusmag.com.au/eat

greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

C I

R

C

A

PAUL

O’Keeffe

Circa Beyond blends dynamic circus acts like trapeze and Chinese pole with cheeky feats of strength and multiple bunny heads. Set to a bewitching mix of show tunes, ballads and electronica, this creation delights and enchants. FOCUS catches up with performers and husband and wife duo Paul and Kathryn O’Keeffe about the show and how they got involved in the industry.

T

ell us a bit about yourself.

Where did grow up, and what were you like as a child?

I grew up in Canberra and started training in the circus when I was 11 years old. I tried somersaulting off most things, including family members. I would throw anything in the air, from eggs to knives, trying to juggle. I rode a unicycle to school and generally lived day to day thinking about the circus. I started circus as a hobby, which very soon became my career. When I wasn’t training, I was either out mountain unicycling in the hills around Canberra or out busking and performing in any kind of shows possible.

How did you get involved as a performer with Circa?

Circa caught my attention many years ago; it was inspiring to see how the company was pushing boundaries and challenging what is circus. They were making really exciting new works that used a different platform from what other circuses were doing. I was fortunate that Circa had a position become available where my skills were needed.

What is your role in the show; if more than one, what’s your favourite and why?

Generally speaking, I’m an acrobat and aerialist, but that also means I do a number of things. I tumble, I stand on people and other people stand on top of me - sometimes all at once. I stand on one performer's shoulders whilst she tries to solve a Rubix Cube; I somer-

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sault around on a trapeze. I don’t want to give too much away to the readers before seeing the show, but one of my favourite moments I do is acrobatically perform with a single piece of paper.

When did you start your “performing art” and what is your journey?

I grew up in a youth circus. I started performing and travelling professionally at 17 years old. I’m now 34 years old and still going strong.

What’s the story behind the show Circa Beyond?

For me, I think about something that our director once said during rehearsals. He said, "Perhaps you could think of it as like a series of rabbit holes; you jump into them and enter different worlds with different journeys". It’s all a little strange, but it’s complex. It’s surreal, quirky, unexpected and mysterious.

Beyond blurs the lines between logic and dream, between the human and the animal within.

What can the audience expect to experience at Circa Beyond?

It’s high quality contemporary circus filled with beauty, humanity, Rubik's Cubes, highly skilled acrobats and bunny rabbits.

Have you worked on any other Circa projects?

Yes, I’ve been a part of two other Circa shows: How Like an Angel and The Physical Impossibility of Disappearing.

Future plans?

Possibly start drinking coffee.

B

E Y

O

N

D

KATHRYN

T

O’Keeffe

ell us a bit about yourself.

Where did grow up, and what were you like as a child?

I grew up in Canberra. As a child, I spent many hours a week doing gymnastics, and then one day I decided I wanted to be ballerina instead. I wasn't particularly good at staying still and was often found upside down on my hands, hanging off something or dancing around the place - luckily that hasn't changed.

How did you get involved as a performer with Circa?

I first met Yaron Lifschitz (artistic director of Circa) and some of the Circa performers when I was in China performing in 2010. After I returned to Australia, I found out that they were auditioning and applied. I was suitable for a new show they were developing called Nocturne, and I joined the company in 2011.

What is your role in the show; if more than one, what’s your favourite and why?

Within Beyond I am involved in a lot of different areas of the show, which keeps it fun and exciting. In this show I stand on people and they stand on me, and we throw various performers around the stage. I have a particularly fun time acting like an animal throughout the show as well. One of my acts I like to perform within the show is my handstand act, where I'm blindfolded and balance on my hands. Since the eyes normally help with balancing and I have covered them up, I like the challenge and the trust in my body that this creates.

When did you start your “performing art” and what is your journey?

I started performing through local dance schools in Canberra and joined a youth dance company there. I then went on to study dance full-time at the Victorian College of the Arts.

After that I worked with various independent dancers and companies. I also became intrigued with circus through my husband, Paul,

(another acrobat in the show Beyond). So I started to train lots and gradually incorporate it into my performing.

What’s the story behind the show Circa Beyond?

Beyond for me is about releasing the animal within and not being afraid of it. Throughout the show we all have our own journeys, where we discover who we are. As all these are different, it means every time someone comes on stage you are never quite sure where they might take you.

What can the audience expect to experience at Circa Beyond?

The audience can expect to see some fantastic performers, with some crazy moments in the mix. Throughout the show there are energetic acts, beautiful solos/duos and occasions that make you realise that you were holding your breath for far too long.

Have you worked on any other Circa projects?

I have been with Circa for a few years now and have been excited to be a part of many shows, including, S, Wunderkammer, How Like an Angel, Circa, The Physical Impossibility of Disappearing and of course, the exciting adventure that is Beyond.

Future plans?

Keeping the body and mind happy and healthy. I also love being on stage, so I would like to continue doing that. Also, convincing Paul that drinking coffee is a great idea.

the plug!

Catch Circa Beyond at the Glasshouse THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2015, 8pm $55 general, $45 member $45 under 21 call (02) 6581 8888 Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts Port Macquarie

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Jodi

focusinterview.

MARTIN

WITH AUSTRALIA DAY AROUND THE CORNER, SINGER SONGWRITER JODI MARTIN IS LAUNCHING HER ICONICALLY AUSTRALIAN SINGLE SALTWATER IN MY HAIR THESE JANUARY SUMMER HOLIDAYS, WITH A RELAXED COASTAL TOUR OF NORTHERN NSW, FROM FORSTER TO BYRON BAY.

y I have been luck ur to to gh ou en l times with Arlo severa en be now, and I have d by greatly influence s ve ea w he the way ies or st d an s ng his so ” e. ag together on st

“ here did you grow up, and when did music all begin for you?

I grew up near Ceduna, in South Australia, 800 km west of Adelaide on the way to Perth, the last supermarket before the Nullarbor, and on the edge of the ocean and the desert.

I remember humming and singing since before I could talk, and being obsessed with Mum and Dad’s vinyl record collection. When I was four, I started making up little songs, and Mum loaned me her cassette machine to record them on. I think that was a big event, because soon after that I decided that I wanted to be a songwriter when I grew up. Songwriting became one of the most important things in my life from then on.

By the time I was sixteen, I had written quite a collection - and Kasey Chambers recorded one of my songs for the Dead Ringer Band’s album Homefires, which won them an ARIA Award, while I was in my last year of high school. The Chambers family were amazing, and they inspired me to keep writing.

How would you describe your musical style?

My musical style is best described as contemporary folk … similar to artists like Passenger, Jack Johnson, The Waifs or James Taylor.

I mix my love of folk storytelling and my contemporary folk sound, with other musical styles that inspire me, like blues, country, reggae or soul.

What inspires you as an artist?

What inspires me most as an artist is life.

My songs are about life and people, and this beautiful and sometimes difficult world we live in. I love coming to understand deeper what it 8 greater port macquarie focus.

means to be human, and learning how to live and love the most fully that I can.

And when it comes to musical inspiration, I have to mention great songs. I love listening to great songs, and having a good cry when they move me! It feels amazing - and it’s healing.

When people are moved to laughter or tears at my concerts, it makes all the hard work worthwhile, because I know how much it means to me when I experience other artists move me like that.

What’s the story behind the album, Saltwater?

The name of the album, Saltwater, has a double meaning - it represents the saltwater of the ocean, as well as the saltwater in tears and laughter.

The ocean has always been my healing place, and as a kid in a remote coastal town, our entertainment fell squarely on the shoulders of the sea. Just watching the sunlight through the water makes me feel better. The saltwater in tears is also important for healing - kids do it naturally. We can have tears when we laugh, cry, or even when we listen to a deeply moving song, or watch a beautiful movie. Life is an exciting and awesome adventure. And sometimes it can also hurt!

I have found that tears, whether they are laughing tears or crying tears are a powerful way to process life and stay really healthy no matter what happens! This has been something that I have personally experienced recently, because both kinds of saltwater have been part of my healing journey after losing my brother

too young. I have dedicated the album and the Saltwater in My Hair music video to him. He was my close friend, my first ever co-writer and he also first taught me to surf when we were kids.

The album will be in available at shows, and in stores on Friday 13th February through WJO. Tell us about the Saltwater in My Hair tour: where and when can we catch you?

I am launching the first single, Saltwater in My Hair, with a coastal tour of Northern NSW in January while Aussies around the coast are doing exactly that - re-energising with saltwater in their hair. I have packed my surfboard as well as my guitars, and the concerts will have an intimate “around the campfire” vibe, just like I experienced growing up.

I am looking forward to playing Coffs Harbour (Jan 9), Crescent Head (Jan 15), Port Macquarie (Jan 16), South West Rocks (Jan 23), Old Bar (Jan 24) and Pacific Palms (Jan 25). You can get all the details - and download a free song - on my website, at jodimartin.com.

What’s been the biggest highlight of your career to date?

One of my standout gig highlights was playing the Big Top at Woodford Folk Festival, in front of 5,000 people. The tent and amphitheatre just started filling up, and I had no idea that my music had connected with so many people.

My biggest career highlight of all happened recently, writing songs for this album with my friend and hero Arlo Guthrie in the States. Arlo played Woodstock, and his biggest selling album

and movie was Alice’s Restaurant. I have been lucky enough to tour with Arlo several times now, and I have been greatly influenced by the way he weaves his songs and stories together on stage.

He is a master storyteller, and brilliant at making people laugh and think and feel. Arlo has been a real mentor to me, and having the opportunity to write songs with him still has me pinching myself!

Arlo and I started our 3-week songwriting road-trip in New Orleans, spent a week writing in Florida, and then continued on the tour bus from one end of the country to the other, finishing in New York State and Massachussetts.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I like to spend my spare time connecting with family and friends, surfing, ocean swimming, fishing, and being close to the sea. I also love reading, learning more about life and listening to music… and of course writing.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I want to say thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey with me by being part of the shows, and all of those who have inspired me with their own stories and experiences.

Because people get to know me through my songs and stories, I sometimes have the privilege of also getting to know them as well. In meeting people on the road, I get to be inspired by them and the journey they are on. I love people, and feel lucky to be able to connect through music.

Thanks Jodi.

the plug!

See Jodie perform on Friday 16th January at the Glasshouse Port Macqaurie.

Friday 23rd January Southwest Rocks Country Club

greater port macquarie focus.

9

Local Recipe

Image of the month.

About: “After packing up from a sunrise shoot, I was in the Shelly Beach carpark and noticed a lone surfer climbing over rocks on the very southern end of Shelly’s, with a 2-3 metre surf running off the point .... He stood there for 5-10 mins deciding if he could , should or would get out, as it was busting up right on the point, so I grabbed the camera and waited...”

Photo by: Gaz White. Camera: Canon 7D , and the Canon 100-400L series lens, shot at 1/2000 sec/ f11 / ISO 800 focal length of 350mm.

Lamb shoulder �� �� ��� ��d

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email editor@focusmag.com.au

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

WH

AT ’ S I N

I n g r e D i e n ts

Potato Salad

2 lamb shoulders

30 g baby capers

1 carrot

¼ bunch parsley chopped

1 brown onion

1 lemon

2 celery sticks

2 cloves garlic crushed

¼ bunch thyme

1 pinch salt

They are in the shops at the moment, or you may be lucky to have your own (or a neighbour’s!) vine dripping with fruit on your fence.

½ bulb organic garlic

20 g rocket

1 cup red wine

30 g butter

Passionfruit is grown commercially from northern New South Wales up the eastern seaboard to far North Queensland. Australian purple hybrid varieties, known to have a greater depth of flavour, include Misty Gem and Sweetheart.

1 cup water

PASSIONFRUIT The name simply says it all - there is nothing more wonderful than the bittersweet flavour of passionfruit.

It is advisable to choose fruits that feel rather heavy for their size.

Passionfruit can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerated for up to a month. It is best to store them in plastic bags to prevent the fruit from dehydrating.

The pulp freezes and stores very well. Contrary to popular belief, passionfruit does not have to be wrinkled to be considered ripe.

Passionfruit are an excellent source of beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, as well as a good source of vitamin C. Also an excellent source of dietary fibre and B complex vitamins and iron.

Recipes using passionfruit are plentiful - they are an essential ingredient on the summer pav, or simply drizzle over quality vanilla ice-cream for a lovely treat.

Look for them at your local greengrocer, or plant a vine today!

WHERE

10

This is a great dish for entertaining family and friends. Served at the table for a food to share dining experience coupled with the simple but tasty potato salad, it will soon be a new favourite.

Find out more about The Other Chef at www.theotherchef.com.au

greater port macquarie focus.

750 g Desiree potatoes

Method

Chef Todd Richardson

LV’s � C��n� S E RV E S 4

Lamb Preheat oven 140°C. Dice carrots, celery and onion. Place cut vegetables with crushed garlic in a baking tray. Season lamb with salt and pepper. Place on top of the vegetables. Add wine and water.

Cover lamb and place in preheated oven for five hours.

Uncover lamb, turn the temperature up 160°C for half an hour or until caramelised on top.

Serve lamb on a chopping board and carve at the table.

Potato Cut potatoes into quarters. Boil on stove until just cooked.

Strain and cool in the fridge until cold. Put half the butter, garlic and lemon zest in a pan on medium and cook.

Add potatoes and sauté until golden. Add salt and chopped parsley, toss, and add remaining butter and rocket. Serve in a large bowl to accompany the lamb shoulder.

Serve with fresh baked rolls.

To purchase the cook book featuring 100 local recipes, visit 100dishes.com

A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N / / JA AU NG U AS TR Y 2 02 10 41 5

OYSTERS IN THE VINES and THE ARTIST MARKET

Leap for Life

21

Latin Dinner Dance on the Bay

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When Saturday 21st February - 6:30pm for a 7pm start.

Contact Rachelle Dufty on 6589 5100 or email rachelle_dufty@rydges.com Cost $55 per person.

more moreinformation information

When Sunday, January 25th, 9am - 4pm.

Where Cassegrain Winery.

Cost Free Entry.

Community leaders, politicians and business people will take the Leap for Life off the Rydges building on Friday 23 January.

More info www.facebook.com/leadersleapforlife.

Make a donation via GoFundraise leadersleapforlife.gofundraise.com.au When Friday 23rd January.

Tickets are $35 for an awe-inspiring evening of canapĂŠs and a drink on arrival.

Secure your spot by contacting Kylie Morris at kylie.morris@ rescuehelicopter.com.au or on 0429 818 627.

Enjoy a hot salsa summer night at Sails Resort by Rydges.

Enjoy food and wine overlooking the bay with a fusion of live Latin dance/L.A Jazz from the Kool Kats. Includes breads, two course dinner (main and dessert) and a complimentary glass of De Bortoli sparkling wine on arrival.

Join Cassegrain Wines and Armstrong Oysters for a taste sensation of local oysters, Cassegrain wines, a selection of local beer, other fresh food and entertainment for all the family. The Artist Market is taking place on the same day in the grounds of Cassegrain Winery from 9am - 4pm.

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BRIDAL event

SAVE THE DATE! THE BRIDAL EVENT OF THE YEAR IS HERE.

The Bridal Event brought to you by Guide for the Local Bride, Port Macquarie and surrounds.

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tourist tastings + treasures DAY When Saturday 17th January, from 9am - 2:30pm.

Where Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard.

Don’t miss this exiting Bridal Event.

When Saturday 1st February 2015.

Where Mercure Rooftop and Waterline Terrace - 10am - 1:30pm. .Cost $5 Entry

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000

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AS THE OWNER OF MAILINO MAKEUP ARTISTRY, KRISTINA CLARK IS A VERY SPECIAL KIND OF ARTIST, USING HER SKILL TO ENHANCE PEOPLE’S NATURAL BEAUTY. KRISTINA HAS A VERY INTERESTING BACKGROUND, HAVING GROWN UP IN KAZAKHSTAN, AND HER EARLIEST MAKEUP ARTISTRY JOBS WERE COMPLETED BOTH IN HER HOME COUNTRY AND IN GERMANY …

Kristina

Clark MAILINO MAKEUP

i Kristina. You have a very interesting background. Where were you born, and what were your growing up years like?

I was born in Lisakovsk, a city in the Kostanay Province of northwestern Kazakhstan. It’s located on the right bank of the Tobol River. The population is about 42,000. Lisakovsk is quite small, but very friendly.

It is a very special place to me, as I spent the first 20 years of my life there.

What originally brought you to Australia?

How long have you been here now?

In July 2007 I met Paul, who came all the way from Australia (originally from Cobar) to work as a drilling consultant. I became his interpreter and assistant, then we became friends, then we fell in love and travelled to Australia, Bonny Hills, with my family and friends for our wedding in January 2010.

In 2011 on ANZAC Day, our son, Max, was born at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. We had a lot of family and friends living here, so every year we’d go to Cobar and Port Macquarie for holidays.

In November 2013, Paul and I, our son and my mum moved to Australia – Port Macquarie - permanently. This place means a lot to us, as we have a lot of memories here.

When did you first become interested in makeup artistry?

One of my grandfathers is an artist, and the other one insisted that I attend art school, which 12

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I did for five years. After Max was born, I couldn’t go back into the mining industry. My mum encouraged me to do my first makeup course, which gave me an outlet for my artistic talents. Working from home allowed me to enjoy motherhood too.

Tell us about your business ... Mailino Makeup Artistry. How long has it been established, and what services do you offer?

I worked as a makeup artist in Kazakhstan for roughly two years, but I formally started Mailino Makeup Artistry in August 2014. I lost my father in July this year, and I wanted to honour him in some way, and Mailino is the hometown where he was born in Kazakhstan.

Regarding services that I can offer to clients, they are: makeup for any special occasion, I can give advice on styling, bridal, casual, formals, photo shoots, and eyebrow shaping. I also do hair styling, but I’m still learning. I’m thinking of giving makeup lessons in the future. I have a salon fitted out in my home, but I’m happy to do home visits.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I’m thankful for the opportunities that my job gives me; being able to connect with so many people brings joy and happiness into my life.

There is no difference between being an artist and makeup artist; doing makeup, I see the results in people’s eyes and on their faces. The whole idea is to change the attitude about how people think and feel about themselves and enhance their natural beauty. I see it many times, and this makes me happyand proud of the work I do. I do it because I love it.

What are some jobs/clients you’ve had that you particularly enjoyed working with? What made these special?

Working in a team I like just as much as I like to work with individual clients. I have done a couple of Hunter Creative projects with a great photographer, Steve Harris from Fab Photos, and that was good experience. Being behind the scenes and watching how people work together, share ideas, create something beautiful … they have fun and make lots of memories. It’s really great.

I also like to get involved in charity events, such as the Bravehearts Foundation’s tea party at Sails Resort by Rydges in September. I can only say that everyone is unique, and this brings its own satisfaction.

If you could only ever use three cosmetic items for the rest of your life - what would you choose (and why)?

That would be makeup foundation, lip gloss and a brown eye pencil. This will create a fresh, healthy and natural look; that is my favorite.

What are some common makeup mistakes you generally see women making each day?

Beauty and beautiful looks come in all shapes and sizes. It can be eyes, nose, lips, or your mouth.

Highlight it with makeup and make it more attractive. A natural look is the best when it comes to makeup. I say it again: wearing makeup is about highlighting your facial features, not making look overloaded.

Guys may not know much about how exactly it gets applied, but they definitely have an opinion

when it comes to how much of it you should be wearing - and when. Another important thing is to look after your eyebrows, because they can change your face look quite a lot … and please use bright colours on your face wisely.

Where can people contact you, or see samples of your artistry?

I can be contacted through Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/Mailinomakeupartistry where you can see various samples of my work from Kazakhstan and Germany.

Final words …

I would like to thank my husband and my best friend for the great support he gives me, and also to thank our families. Special thanks to Catherine Picton; I’ve met a lot of good people through her, which has led me to where I am now. Kylie Adkins and her team from Waniora Hair and Beauty Salon also helped me get started. And thanks to all the friends that I have made here already - thank you for caring.

I would also like to say to all, that you should follow your dreams and never give up, because we never know how our life is going to turn out - but it is possible to travel around the world, find new friends, even a soul mate and find yourself. Do what you love to do; that is what makes life full of sense, and that makes us happier.

Thanks Kristina.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Photos courtesy of Fab Photos.

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THE ANNUAL OYSTERS IN THE VINES IS TAKING PLACE ON SUNDAY 25 JANUARY BETWEEN 9AM AND 4PM. ENTRY IS FREE, AND SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE TO GUIDE VEHICLE PARKING. Oysters in the Vines is now in its ninth year and we are looking forward to our second year combining with our monthly Artist Market in the Vines, after a very successful combined event last January. Just bring your own deck chair and rug (no BYO alcohol or food); we’ve got that covered for you. And if you don’t want to bring your car, contact Craig, at Cruise in Style on 0423 11 72 31 for a hassle free day.

Join Cassegrain Wines and Armstrong Oysters for a taste sensation of local oysters

Cassegrain wines, a selection of local beer, other fresh food and entertainment for all the family.

Sample our succulent local Rock Oysters (otherwise known as Sydney Rock Oysters) straight from local oyster farms of the district. A variety of exotic toppings will be available, including the traditional kilpatrick and mornay. Throughout the day we will have oyster experts demonstrate how to open an oyster, with a bit of background on our local industry thrown in.

HI JOHN, TELL US MORE ABOUT THE EVENT...

What will guests enjoy at this year's "Oysters in the Vines" event at Cassegrain Winery?

Oysters will be the highlight of the day, naturally!

The gastronomic world is really only just beginning to appreciate the Rock Oyster. An increasing number of the oysters are being flown

And in all its other forms. Last year we sold out of

overseas as demand for the Local Rock oyster grows.

all our oysters, so we'll be well armed this year with

Describe some of the Cassegrain wines that

everyone’s favourites, including mornay, kilpatrick

will be expertly matched on the day ... One of

and other exotic toppings.

our popular matches in the past has been oysters

Tell us about the background of this annual

with Asian dressing, which goes beautifully with

event, now in its ninth year running.

The event started nine years ago to showcase the local oyster industry in our region and highlight the various differences between where oysters are sourced. The oyster industry is important to the local area and when we first started, the trend of buying local and knowing where your produce comes from had only just started. Thankfully, it’s now a major movement around the country, along with local markets highlighting local produce and all locally produced wares.

Oysters are the highlight of the event, expertly matched with Cassegrain Wines - where are the oysters sourced, and why is this a statement of the richness of our local region? All the

Cassegrain Premium Semillon or Premium Verdelho.

Why is the Oysters in the Vines a great day out for the whole family? There really is something for everyone. The kids are covered with a jumping castle and face painting. Ghost Road will be up on the stage with some support acts. We have the Koala Preservation Society attending with their mascot “True Blue”, and they will also be looking after our Hello Koala’s sponsored “Froggy” for the day.

Then there is the food to complement oysters including, Bellingen Smokehouse, paella, pies including buffalo, fresh juice, wraps, cakes, pastries and ice cream and coffee vendors.

Tell us about the Artist Market in the Vines that

oysters come from farms within our local region,

will coincide with the event.

from Camden Haven through to the Nambucca.

Necia Waghorn is organising all the popular

The Rock Oyster is indigenous to virtually the whole

favourite regular market attendees, including: Skye

East Coast of NSW. The Rock Oyster is becoming

Petho-Arthouse Industries; Kylie Dickson - Earlybird

renowned as a rare World Best Oyster, and our

Creations; Yvonne Kiely - Artist; Deb & Reggie

region is right in the middle of its natural growing

D - Artist; Tony Morton - Woodworker; Francessca

area. Not only is our climate perfect for the oyster,

and Vic Odonnell - mosaic artist; Katrina Barker -

but we are also blessed with great clean waterways.

clothing and Chris Baker - circle of drums. greater port macquarie focus.

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TYRA watts SONGBIRD Young local songbird Tyra Watts has stunned audiences with her presence and amazing voice, taking out the Youth Mentorship at the popular Mullumbimby Music Festival ...

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hen did you first start getting into music, and what was it that inspired you?

Since I was very little, I have loved listening to music and singing along. Mum always had music playing at home and in the car. I listened to different styles, singers and genres and musicals.

I spent a lot of time playing with my cousins at my Great Grandmother’s place, where she would put DVDs of her favourite musicals on for us. Mary Poppins, Annie and The Sound of Music were some of our favourites and best memories as “the little kids”.

As I became older, I began to listen to more contemporary music and watching singers perform - more recently Ed Sheeran. I prefer watching the musicians up on stage telling their story. Watching these performances inspired me to love music even more. I watched Adele in her album 21 concert on DVD. I’ve been to live concerts and recently The Lion King. I love the theatre of the performance and the story telling by song.

I’ve been learning singing and piano for a few years and have just start the ukulele and guitar recently.

Tell me about your experience at the Mullumbimby Music Festival and winning the 15 year and under Youth Mentorship Programme.

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thought this was great, considering they could have had better things to do.

Previous song writing category winners, Gabe and Cecilia, were invited to perform at the festival.

What is your musical style?

I like most music, but prefer a mix of Indie, Soul, Blues and a bit of Folk. I sing some versions of songs, but sing them in my style.

Do you perform or jam with any other musicians, or are you a solo artist?

At the moment I prefer to be solo, because it’s hard meeting up with anyone else. Also, I’m starting to play more of the songs I write.

Sal has encouraged me to keep composing.

At school I sing in a choir and do performances in a variety of places. I haven’t done any busking, but might try some of my music out in Sydney next year. I was competing in the Fast Track Talent Singing Competition and had to pull out of the semi final with a sore throat. It was only days before going to the Mullum Festival, so I wanted to be well for that.

Mike Spooner from ABC Radio 95.5FM invited me to be on his show in mid November.

I went into the studio and he played my song on the Friday and played my interview the following Monday. This was organised by the Mullum Youth Mentorship Program. It was easier singing than being interviewed!

Since I was very little, I have loved ic and listening to mus um singing along. M ic always had mus d in an playing at home the car...”

“

I was encouraged to enter the Mullum Youth Mentorship Programme, not thinking I had any chance of winning this category. I had to send in a track of myself performing, so I sent in an original that I wrote a few months ago. It’s a song called Integrity, which I composed with the ukulele. It’s about feeling good about making the right decision.

When it was announced that I’d won, I couldn’t believe it and was so excited. It meant that I was assigned a mentor, Sal Kimber, won free tickets to the festival, and I was also given a 20 minute performance at the festival.

Sal Kimber and her band, the Rolling Wheel, are based in Melbourne and have both an Australian and International following. Rolling Stone Magazine described Sal as “Australia’s next queen of Country Soul”.

I met Sal on the Friday of the Mullum Music Festival, and she helped me prepare for my performance. She gave me some really good tips on stage presence, microphone technique and confidence. She is going to introduce me to some like-minded musicians, where I can learn more about the industry.

Winning was really exciting; singing on stage in front of people is such an amazing experience and having people like Sal there supporting me, was the best feeling. I

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by people who actually believe in what they are doing for all the right reasons. It’s their passion and commitment, and they would give up anything to do what they love.

You compose your own music; what do you like to write about?

I write mostly about life experiences.

Sometimes I’m just practicing piano, and a new song just happens. It could be about anything. They tend to be positive and sometimes they’re just fun songs.

Where can you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself involved in music in some way. There are lots of jobs where music plays an important part. So, in 10 years I want to know that I have followed my passion, achieved what I set out to do and be happy.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I like going to the beach, socialising, listening to music, singing and making up new songs.

What’s your favourite song to play and why?

My favourite songs to play are the ones that I make up, because I can really feel what they are about and the meaning and story behind them.

Who do you look up to in the music industry and why?

I look up to many artists, such as Sarah Blasko, Adele and Jack Johnson because they are all unique in their own way and have amazing voices. I don’t get bored listening to them.

Thanks Tyra.

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Celebrity chef Pete Evans is embarking on a national tour, educating Australia on living life through making good choices nutritionally and changing a traditional mindset. Pete chats to FOCUS about all things paleo and what we can expect to get out of living “The Paleo Way”.

hat is Paleo and "Living The Paleo Way"?

Living The Paleo Way is about applying principles from the Palaeolithic period, coupled with modern-day nutritional research, to seek out nutrient-dense foods that drive optimal physical and emotional health. By viewing the food we eat as medicine, we can ensure the body functions at peak capacity, giving ourselves the best possible chance of living long healthy, disease-free lives. It also factors in challenges our ancestors would never have faced, such as the invention of agriculture, the change in the grain strains, the creation of trans-fats and highly heated polyunsaturated oils. All of which scientific research now proves can impact gravely on our health.

At its essence, it’s about ditching the damaging highly processed, carbohydrate-rich and refinedsugar-laden products that are produced by multinational I enjoy a diet of corporations, who 100% grass-fed create goods devoid meats , meat and organ of nutritional value, ultry produce and genetically pasture-raised po designed to solely modified and processed ild w e, m ga and nuts , drive profit margins foods, so many of caught seafood, onal and instead which fall into the seeds, some seas returning to a more category of "low fat" fruits and lots of leafy natural, conscious foods. The difference brain-powering way of eating. greens .” between paleo and a "low What’s the difference fat diet" (which I do not at between a paleo diet all recommend) is that recent and a "Low Fat" diet? scientific research has discovered I enjoy a diet of 100% grassa myriad of health benefits that come by fed meat and organ meats, pasture-raised including the kind of beneficial saturated fats poultry and game, wild-caught seafood, nuts, and essential fatty acids (omega-3s) found in seeds, some seasonal fruits and lots of braineverything from avocados to nuts to coconut powering leafy greens. I avoid grains, legumes, oil to animal fats from quality sources. These conventional dairy products, non-organic are important cornerstones of paleo, because

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they give cues to our brains that allow us to feel fuller after each meal and - because our brains are 70% fat - these kinds of good fats are fundamental dietary staples important for brain health, memory function and reducing inflammation in the body.

New scientific research is also showing the correlation between dietary factors and their role in determining whether our brains age successfully or are more susceptible to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers Disease.

And that’s why it’s so important to consume as many good fats as possible. Because research is proving that following a low-carb, high-fat way of eating (as opposed to the low-fat, high-carb

diet that’s been promoted for so many years) is one of the best paths to achieving optimal health and wellbeing.

I hear Paleo is not just diet, but a way of life.

Can you back this up?

Making healthy choices every day creates awareness about the ongoing impact the foods you choose to put into your body have on your individual physical and emotional wellbeing.

That’s why paleo isn’t a diet. This is designed to be sustainable and achievable because putting our health first is a lifelong journey - a choice we can all make for ourselves, every day with every forkful of food we put in our mouths. For myself, Nic and the girls, it’s about finding balance and consistency - we eat foods that fuel our bodies

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effect the immune system, as well as impact on emotional and minds in a positive way, and we encourage others to do the same. wellbeing. They will also experience enhanced cognitive and I know for myself making healthy choices has given me memory function and reap the benefits of a strong immune the ultimate rewards. At 41, I am happier and healthier system that allows them to fight off bugs and minimise than I have ever been before, and I enjoy boundless energy, costly healthcare or doctor’s visits. There are also lots of other improved mental clarity and focus and positive emotional benefits, such as being able to get anxiety, depression and wellbeing. That’s why I’m driven with laser-sharp focus to other emotional issues under control. share the benefits of what myself, my family, friends and For myself, I went grain-free, sugar-free and dairy-free millions of people around the world have discovered, which is for three months, and I had never felt better. I immediately that achieving ultimate health and wellness is something that noticed a huge increase in my energy levels and stamina. I was we can do by choosing the natural foods that are right for our able to focus better for longer and, over time, I became more individual needs.

I’ve personally heard someone say "Pasta is good for confident. you; it doesn’t have any sugar". Please explain how this In short, today I’m able to be smarter, faster, fitter and is untrue ... stronger, and I put that all down to my diet and the healthy, It’s important to be aware that all pasta will have some form positive way Nic and I choose to live our lives. of sugar in it, so this statement is completely untrue on so Introduce us to the guests you’re bringing along with many levels. Most pasta purchased in the supermarket today you on this tour. is packed with refined-carbohydrates, as well as being full of I’m again joined on tour by personal trainer and paleo gluten - a protein created from grains. And scientific research advocate Luke Hines, my buddy whom I met when he was shows that the prolonged inflammation that happens within a contestant on My Kitchen Rules. Not only is the body due to the over-consumption of gluten Luke the trainer for our 10-week Paleo may be responsible for many major modernday health issues, such as the dramatically Way activation programme, but he increasing rates of obesity that we are will also be joining me on stage to currently experiencing throughout the e lik I , ly demonstrate skills that will let your al Person th al developed Western world. he y m t pu live the paleo way on a budget, to mouth Gluten is very difficult to digest first with every as well as talking about the d that’s and because foods like pasta are of food I eat, an importance on moving your body it full of it, it can often cause cravings why I don’ t find oo every day in the ways that you “t as a result of the morphine-like “too hard” or feel ay w love most so that exercise isn’t properties it displays once it enters limited” by the live.” to se oo seen as a chore, but as a source ch I at th the blood stream. You see, the of increasing vitality and energy. most easily digestible carbohydrates, We will also have some other special such as pasta, breads and cereals, are actually the most fattening because they guests along for the ride in each location, pump glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream and Nora Gedgaudas will be joining us as quickly, causing insulin levels to spike, meaning well on some special occasions. you won’t feel full for long and will soon be craving What knowledge can we expect to take away after your next fix. attending "Learn to Cook the Paleo Way"?

Some people may say, "It’s too hard" or that they feel Last year, we focused a lot on the science behind "too limited" or can’t socialise with friends eating the paleo, thanks to having my mentor, US-based internationally paleo way. Is this a misconception? If so, how? recognised paleo diet expert Nora Gedgaudas, author Some people find it different initially, because living The of Primal Body, Primal Mind, discuss the solid scientific Paleo Way isn’t about following a polite doctrine of modernevidence that forms the basis of The Paleo Way. But this year, day "social norms", and often people will criticise anything they view as different. So be prepared that when you take we are focusing more on the practicalities of living The Paleo initial steps towards reclaiming your personal health and Way, so there’s going to be lots of cooking! Luke and I will wellbeing, you may meet resistance from some. But to be demonstrate the paleo way skills needed to cook on a budget, honest, that’s all part of the journey, and why I encourage make bone broths, prepare family food and healthy kids' people to be bold, brave and to stand up for what they believe lunches, as well as teaching you how to ferment in your own are the right food choices for themselves and their bodies. kitchen.

Remember, it’s OK to "fit out". To be honest, I’ve never "fitted Where and when are you coming to town? in", and I’m OK with that.

I’m excited to say that we’ll be at Rydges in Port Personally, I like to put my health first with every mouth of Macquarie on Thursday, February 12 and at Opal Cove Resort food I eat, and that’s why I don’t find it “too hard” or feel in Coffs Harbour the following week on Thursday, February “too limited” by the way that I choose to live. The best advice

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I can give is to be prepared, plan ahead and try to always make the most nutrient-dense food choice possible available at any given time. My social life has improved dramatically since adopting this way of LIVING, as I have more time, more energy and the conversations are a lot more intelligent now than when I had had a few drinks to try to fit in.

What are some of the benefits and changes people will begin to see and feel from living the paleo way?

Some of the other major health benefits people have experienced (and we are not claiming anything here - but people have stated) from embracing a paleo way of life include freedom from debilitating digestive issues that gravely

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How can we find out more information about yourself and this tour?

Along with the tour, we are also launching a 10-week activation programme called The Paleo Way on January 18, 2015. This is a vibrant health, weight management and fitness program that sets you up and teaches you paleo so you can enjoy a happy, healthier life. For more information on both the tour and the activation program, head to www.thepaleoway.com www.peteevanschef.com greater port macquarie focus.

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LIFE’S BEACH

A JOURNEY FROM THE GARDEN TO THE SEA 2 1 D E C - 1 5 J A N H AV E N F I N E A R T S

T

ell us about your artistic background - where/how did you start your creative journey?

I've been making art for years, since my early 20s, first sculpting, then gradually moving more into drawing and painting. I still like to make a bit of sculpture though.

What will be on display at your current exhibition at Haven Fine Arts Gallery?

We've called this exhibition Life's a Beach - A Journey from the Garden to the Sea. It's about the environment that we live in and those aspects of the environment that have a major influence on us and therefore on our work - from our garden, through the seaside bushland, the sand, the waves and out to the reefs where we snorkel.

A major influence for me since moving to Port has been the local koalas. They regularly visit the trees in our yard, I've volunteered at the Koala Hospital, and I even had one named after me having initiated and helped in her rescue. Inspired by them, I made a couple of large meditating koalas in terracotta when I first moved here and more recently I painted “Percy” (Koala P Crossingsafe III) for Hello Koalas. And now part of my exhibition will be five portrait paintings of “Lake Private”, a past resident of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

I went to the hospital to do a photo shoot of a number of koalas, but Lake Private was so engaging, stalking me up and down the branches and leaning into my camera, that he stole the show and became the sitter for all the portraits. Five percent of the sale of each of his paintings will go to the Koala Hospital.

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I also recently started making small terracotta a unique story. I like the feeling that every koalas. There was to be six of them at this piece forms a world of its own with characters exhibition, but the 6th koala - Vincent - lost an that then turn up again and again in my other ear in the firing, so now there are five koalas work, so that taken together the series creates and a frog. As I don't think there's an official a larger story. A story about being in the word for a group of koalas, being solitary sunshine, feeling the sand between your toes, animals, I've been playing around with words the air sparkling around you and the world to describe them - a cuddle of koalas? full of hope and fun. Even Skippy has (a bit too cute), a cacophony been making an appearance in my of koalas? (good one for drawings. Occasionally swamp the mating season!) or wallabies come down to these little sculptures the beach in the early My life is totally I've just done, related to the mornings at Shelly's, rrounds, cross legged and ocean and its su so now they've turned reflect inward looking - a and my artworks hip up in my work. I grew ns contemplation of this salty relatio up with Skippy and sea. koalas. I like that I have with the e have always felt great lik rs te ac ar Surfing ch one. g in rf affection for her and Su e th d Lulu an Are there other r la gu re admiration for her e ar os D od local influences in ” . ns amazing abilities! tio ea cr your work for this Well known in the Port exhibition?

Macquarie region for your Yes, absolutely! Our local art, what mediums are used Shelly Beach is a big influence. to create your works?

Some time ago I did a series of paintings Oils are my first love, and that's what I've of the turkeys at Shelly's. For this exhibition used for Lake Private's portraits, but this year I've painted a Shelly Beach scene on a kitchen I've also enjoyed being in a very intimate table, which is a bit of fun with the lagoon creative space using coloured pencil on paper. centre stage and a couple of tea bag people in Sitting cross legged like my little koalas on the lagoon (representing all those people, me my lounge drawing stories based on my daily included, who just bob up and down in there), experiences and in that relaxed and safe place, Wobbegongs, the caravan, Steve surfing, a the unexpected pops up in my work. dolphin, me catching the wave of the day (as Why do you enjoy using bright colours in the artist I get to create the life I want, and I most of your paintings? really like catching the wave of the day - on the Maybe because I'm greedy. There's all those rare occasion that happens). colours available, and I want to use a bit of There will also be a number of small framed pieces with a beach theme. Each of these has each one.

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Tell us about your artistic background where/how did you start your creative journey?

I started playing with clay about 30 years ago when I moved to the Mid North Coast, met a group of wood-firing potters and soon became an habitual potter myself. I'm still here making terracotta sculptures at Little Frogwood Gallery and Studios at Port Macquarie. Over the years I've made domestic ware, water tanks, ponds and sculptures. Sculptures, often quirky and humourous, are a favourite of mine. I also enjoy making garden lamps. I'm a keen gardener and love seeing a lamp flickering with candle light amongst the foliage or on my deck.

What places and/or things in our local region give you inspiration for your art?

My life is totally related to the ocean and its surrounds, and my artworks reflect this salty relationship I have with the sea. Surfing characters like Lulu and the Surfing Dodos are regular creations, and they'll be at our exhibition.

A favourite of mine in this exhibition is a piece called The Traveller. He's my alter ego. I love living here surfing, but there's a part of me that wants to throw my sack over my shoulder and go travelling. The Traveller will also be at our exhibition along with garden lamps and devas, a grunty garden sculpture and more.

the plug!

Exhibition at Haven Fine Arts, 522 Ocean Drive, North Haven. www.havenfinearts.com Little Frogwood Gallery 5 Cross St, Port Macquarie, Open Saturdays 11 - 2 Phone. 0478 640 686

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PERFORMING AT TG’S ON JANUARY 25 ANN WOODLAND AKA ANNA-VEE IS AN ACCOMPLISHED GUITARIST AND SINGER/ SONGWRITER, WHO USES HER LIFE EXPERIENCES TO PEN ORIGINAL TUNES. ANNA-VEE WILL BE LAUNCHING HER BRAND NEW CD AT TG’S ON JANUARY 25 – AN ALBUM OF COMPLETELY ORIGINAL TRACKS THAT SHOWCASE HER TALENT …

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ou started to play guitar when you were just 14 ...

What made you decide to give it a shot? Were there some people who inspired/influenced you?

I played piano beforehand, and a good friend of my sister’s started playing guitar in our living room with some James Taylor songs that I really liked. She taught me a couple of chords, and Santa bought me a nylon string guitar for Christmas with a Beatles music book that really got me going (don’t know how he knew!)

Fill us in on some of your musical background. You’ve played both acoustic and electric guitar over the years, as well as both lead and rhythm guitar. What have been some of the musical highlights for you?

I met my husband, Jeff, when I auditioned for a band with him playing bass, and I was playing acoustic guitar back then. Marriage and two daughters later, I was keen to get back into music in one form or another. It was Jeff who instilled the confidence in me to take up electric guitar, and we gigged in Newcastle until we moved up to Port 10 years ago.

My Nan left me some money in her will, so I bought a Fender Bonnie Raitt Signature Strat guitar that I still play today. I feel as if she is with me when I play; it’s a great feeling.

The best highlight besides sharing my hobby with “the other half” was to play at our wedding. Jeff on bass, our best man one of the guitarists and our other band members formed part of the entertainment for the night. Kind of weird playing in a wedding dress though!

Another was writing a song for one of my work colleagues for a theatre production which we performed locally - something I

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hadn’t done before. It was a great experience, same determination, and the change I saw in and I looked at lyrics, melody and the way they her was remarkable. Definitely songwriting come across quite differently. stuff here!

Songwriting is also very close to your We also had a young guy staying with us heart. How do you come up with your for a while, in his own right a great musician lyrics? Do they come in bits and pieces, or whom I wrote with for a short while. Share the do you find it’s quite easy to write whole Load is a song about him and all the young verses? kids in our life.

I suppose people write songs differently. I I really like Words. I had a fun time generally hear the base for the melody first, structuring the chords with this one, but had whether it pops into my head or when I’m just no title. I was sitting outside in the sun tapping bumming around on the guitar, then I guess my pen on the table and decided to write the hardest part is coming up with a topic about writing a song. If you hear the for the song. Once I have that, lyrics, you’ll know that’s what this the words, luckily, seem to is about. flow. I read a lot of books Going by the title, how when I was a kid, so that much of this album is on probably helped! I try ng kind of retrospective so The first d le tit m to make sure it doesn’t ... i.e. looking back at bu the al n lia Ju t ou sound like my other where you’ve been ab Julian is e, he tim e th t A . songs, otherwise I lose as a musician, as ge Assan news e th er ov l al interest pretty quickly. opposed to where as w dor.”

You’ve just produced holed up in Ecua you’d like to see an album, entitled yourself in the future?

Then, Now and Then, Now and Tomorrow. This album Tomorrow is also a song contains all original tracks, on the album about the years but describe a couple of your Jeff and I have spent together, favourite songs for us .. with snapshots of the past and things The first song on the album, titled Julian, to come. It also seemed to make sense as is about Julian Assange. At the time, he the album is a storybook of where we had was all over the news holed up in Ecuador. He been, where we are now and what might be fascinated me with his ongoing status enough tomorrow. to pen lyrics first, then the melody, which is the I believe there are a few special people other way around to how I usually write. who helped you with the album, some of Our eldest daughter moved away earlier whom also performed with you - including than I would have liked, but she did well for your husband. Tell us more about this ... herself and impressed us nonetheless with her We recorded in Michael Lynch’s “Shoehorse determination and courage, so that inspired Studio”. Leigh-Anne Slade and Richard me to write a couple of the tracks about her.

Coombes are great friends, incredibly My youngest just moved to uni with the supportive, talented and just wonderful people

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to boot! Jeff and I are lucky to be able to not only perform with them live in our band Ecko Beach, but share the experience of recording, and their input on this album has been great.

We’ve had a lot of fun.

Crissi Wilbow, a great friend of mine, sculptured the “happy” tree for the album cover, and Mel Miante from Live2U did such a beautiful job designing the cover. Beau Bennett from Ghost Road laid down some nice electric and slide guitar on some songs, and George Yonon took some great studio photography featured inside the album.

When and where will you be launching Then, Now and Tomorrow?

Sunday, January 25th, in the upstairs function room at Town Green Inn. Everyone’s welcome. Great venue.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

I’m keen to write in different genres but not pigeon hole my music, and that is important to me personally. I’m looking to co-write with our musician friends to throw a fresh perspective to songwriting.

Where can people buy a copy of your CD, or listen to your music?

I have a Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/Annavee2 where people can inbox me for a copy of the album. Jeff and I also play in the duo “Goody 2 Shoes” and we gig around town pretty often playing originals and covers, and we always have CDs available for purchase. People can also follow us on Facebook for gig updates, and we are available for private bookings through Live2U; visit www.live2u.com.au or telephone 0427 032 345.

Thanks Ann. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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T H E W E D D I N G I N D U ST RY I S B I G B U S I N E S S, W I T H T H E AV E R AG E R E G I O NA L W E D D I N G C O ST I N G A N E ST I M AT E D $2 5,000. T H I S P R E S E N T S A G R E AT O P P O RT U N I T Y F O R O U R R E G I O N ’S W E D D I N G I N D U ST RY. L O CA L WO M A N A N D M U M P R E N E U R CA R I S SA DW Y E R T E L L S F O C U S H OW S H E I S WO R K I N G TOWA R D S M A K I N G T H E M I D N O RT H C OA ST T H E N O. 1 W E D D I N G D E ST I NAT I O N I N N S W.

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ell us about Mid North Coast Weddings and the launch of the latest magazine, upcoming Expo and online directory?

The recently relaunched Mid North Coast Weddings encompasses the revitalised Mid North Coast Wedding Expo on 8 February, the smart and stylish online directory, the must-read blog for brides and a beautifully presented magazine - Edition One out now.

We are the premier source of information, ideas and inspiration for brides and couples looking to get married in our beautiful region. We make it easy for brides to find what they need in a variety of formats.

Our aim is to showcase the many fabulous providers we’ve partnered with and promote our region as the wedding destination of choice for locals and those from further afield.

Mid North Coast Weddings highlights the many providers and venues spanning from Forster to Coffs Harbour. Why do you believe this region is an ideal wedding destination?

The Mid North Coast provides a picturesque setting for a wide variety of weddings, an ideal climate and a convenient location, not to mention a bounty of specialist businesses to make wedding planning a breeze.

The region is around halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, and well serviced by transport options, and couples can choose from traditional church ceremonies right through to beach, rainforest, farm or riverside settings.

It really is one of the best locations for destination weddings on the East Coast of Australia, and we’re keen to see the industry make the most of this terrific opportunity and bring more brides to the area.

On average, how many weddings take place on the Mid North Coast each year?

We’re planning on conducting an extensive market survey in early 2015. For now, we conservatively estimate that in peak wedding season there are around 25 to 30 weddings taking place each weekend across the Mid North Coast.

The most popular wedding season is September to April, with October the busiest month. However, the wedding season is evening out, and more weddings are taking place year round.

We estimate around a third of all weddings are destination weddings, with couples being from outside the region. We have also found that couples who grew up on the Mid North Coast, with family still living in the area, are more inclined to return to

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have their weddings here.

The upcoming Wedding Expo will be taking place on Sunday 8 February at Port Macquarie Panthers. Why is this event the ultimate planning event for all brides-to-be?

For one special Sunday in February, the Auditorium at Port Macquarie Panthers is transformed into a wedding wonderland.

This is the region’s largest and longest running expo, with an array of wedding experts on hand, a great fashion parade and the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. The Mid North Coast Weddings Expo is a must-visit for those planning the wedding of their dreams.

Brides and grooms can meet with celebrants, venues, photographers, florists, caterers, hairdressers, entertainers and more from Forster to Coffs Harbour and everywhere in between.

Couples will enjoy informative, stylish displays, gift bags and samples, free magazines, and the opportunity to win one of three major prize draws.

The Happily Ever After Bridal Fair will also return in August.

What information is now available for brides on the Mid North Coast Weddings online directory?

The Online Directory is the ultimate wedding guide for brides and couples planning to get married on the Mid North Coast of NSW. We’ve made it simple for savvy brides to find information, saving time and energy by pulling everything together in one place.

Our directory connects couples with the region’s best suppliers and providers to make their dream wedding a reality. Each listing features key contact information, a summary of services, and a selection of inspirational images.

It also features information about ceremony locations and reception venues, as well as some of the region’s best kept local secrets.

Our blog provides inspiration and ideas for anyone planning their wedding locally. Through gorgeous imagery and must-read articles, our blog showcases local wedding vendors, new local products and services, and features real weddings from within the region.

Tell us more about the magazine ...

The Mid North Coast Weddings Magazine is a beautifully presented bi-annual publication featuring useful information, unique ideas, wedding vendors, stunning styling shoots and real weddings from our corner of the world.

The print version magazine is a delight to browse through for creative inspiration, and is available now at Touchwood Flowers, Glasshouse Flowers, Hire Port, Sunset Gallery & Lounge,

Sublime Weddings and Events and Beverleys Bridal Boutique in Laurieton.

The next edition will follow in June.

Why is the wedding industry important for the Mid North Coast?

The wedding industry is big business, with the average regional wedding costing an estimated $25,000. This presents a great opportunity for our region’s wedding industry, but also provides a spin off benefit for the greater economy with visiting friends and family coming to the area.

What else is in the pipeline for 2015?

We’re going on a bride hunt! My hope is to form a collaborative with other local wedding businesses to attend major metropolitan expos in Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle. We’ll also be looking to align ourselves with the Tourism Associations and local Councils to further promote and grow the local wedding industry.

If you’re going to dream, dream big. My aim is for the Mid North Coast to become the Number One destination for weddings in NSW! Thanks Carissa.

the plug!

MID NORTH COAST WEDDINGS EXPO 2015

Sunday 8th February 2015 11am - 3pm Port Macquarie Panthers www.midnorthcoastweddings.com link to online mag - http://issuu.com/carissadwyer/ docs/mncw_issue1_web_144/1

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Image courtesy of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

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Life is short LICK THE BOWL Better still, head to Miss Nellie’s for a homemade treat and see why this hip, hinterland café is one of the most popular treasures of the Hastings!

LONG pOINT VINEYARD

Nestled in the village of Kendall, where the beaches meet the lush scenic valleys of the Camden Haven, Miss Nellie’s Café is a modern-yet-classic haven for all. Defying the country café trend, the décor and vibe is modern with a retro twist, and guests are greeted with a friendly smile and welcoming atmosphere.

Summer is here, and there is no better time to discover the beautiful Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery.

Enjoy a relaxing morning coffee with a book on the verandah, treat yourself to a homemade cake or Devonshire Tea with Miss Nellie’s Jam, or bring family and friends to indulge in the all-day lunch menu. For those wishing to spoil themselves with a little decadence, Miss Nellie also offers a delectable High Tea service (bookings essential).

We are proud to introduce our spectacular outdoor sculptures, The Wanderers and Windsong. Featured in this year’s Sculptures by the Sea at Bondi, these impressive works have found a permanent home in Long Point’s spacious grounds. Nestled amongst the hills, these sculptures provide a unique visual and auditory experience.

Make the most of the warm weather and dine alfresco-style in the recently built outdoor garden area - a great way to also taste the NEW Breakfast Menu (served weekends until 11:30am).

All meals are freshly prepared using the best of the Hastings local produce, including a generous Gluten-Free menu, while Miss Nellie herself bakes every sweet treat on the premises!

The Wanderers are a travelling family group of metal spheres.

They pass by in silence.

Their origin and destination remain a mystery to all but themselves. - Brad Jackson

Just four minutes’ drive from the Kew turnoff on the Pacific Highway, Miss Nellie’s truly offers a taste of home! While you’re there, why not browse the shelves and take home some local goodies and gourmet gifts.

Miss Nellie’s is open six days a week, from 9am - 4pm.

CLOSED WEDNESDAY. **AIR-CONDITIONED** BYO, EFTPOS, groups welcome, lunch bookings recommended.

Child and pet friendly!

Ph: 6559 0085 or email info@missnellies.com.au

Come and taste our unique Matcha Beer this summer.

Containing super premium Matcha (green tea powder), the Matcha beer will quench your thirst with a most pleasing palate. Available for a limited time only.

Agent Orange and our alcoholic ginger beer remain ever popular. These are great for the summer months and are best drunk icy cold. Our range of locally grown and produced wines are available at the cellar door. Gourmet hampers and a range of delectable balsamic vinegars and condiments are also available for purchase.

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Old Bottlebutt WINS GOLD NSW State Forest’s visitor attraction, Old Bottlebutt, a grand and ancient Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) tree located in Burrawan State Forest, is officially the best new tourism destination in NSW.

NSW State Forests was acknowledged with two other Silver awards, for Strickland State Forest (ecotourism) and for “Visit NSW Forests - Experience a Forest Playground”, Forestry Corporation’s destination marketing campaign.

Old Bottlebutt won the Gold Award for New Tourism Development at the NSW Tourism Awards held in December 2014 at Darling Harbour, Sydney. Old Bottlebutt is the main feature on a beautiful 600 m loop walking track, beginning and ending at the Burrawan picnic area (shelter, tables, car park, toilets).

The walk features remnant rainforest, a viewing deck and an easy-grade track. Old Bottlebutt is unique in its shape, its large flared “butt” having a massive girth of over 16 m.

To visit Old Bottlebutt: from Wauchope travel south on the Bago Road 10 km, turn left onto Internal Break Road and follow the signs. From Port Macquarie, follow the Pacific Highway south and take the Bago Road exit. It is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and is free.

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Find out more: www.forestrycorporation.com.au www.facebook.com/forestplayground Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests

FORESTS TREES & TOURISM FORESTRY CORPORATION OF NSW’S TOURISM & PARTNERSHIP MANAGER LOUISE FAULKNER IS PART OF A TEAM DEDICATED TO PROVIDING QUALITY VISITOR EXPERIENCES IN NSW STATE FORESTS. ouise, tell us about tourism in State Forests. Is this a new focus area?

Yes, it is. We’ve always provided free picnic and camping areas for people to use, since 1916, which is great and remains part of our commitment to visitors. We’ve extended that to working with the tourism industry, with Councils, regional tourism organisations and businesses, to build local tourism and attract new visitors to their areas.

Free picnic and camping areas abound in NSW State Forests.

What are some examples of this new approach?

Old Bottlebutt in Burrawan State Forest is a great example. We knew the Port MacquarieHastings Council’s Destination Management Plan identified nature-based tourism product development as a target area. And our membership of “The Legendary Pacific Coast” helped us identify a gap in our provision of day-use areas for highway travellers. At the same time, we had this fantastic tree, the biggest Red Bloodwood in the Southern Hemisphere, which we wanted to showcase. These factors came together in the Old Bottlebutt project. With Bellingen-based landscape architect Steve Gorrell and Coffs Harbour-based builder Paul Gabauer, we created something truly special. Old Bottlebutt recently won the Gold NSW Tourism Award for “New Tourism Development”.

It’s now an Australian Tourism Award finalist.

We’re very proud of it.

So, you’re actively working on developing new tourism destinations?

Old Bottlebutt was unique and ticked all the boxes, and we remain open to creating new destinations where they meaningfully contribute to regional tourism. But we have a great number of existing visitor areas state-wide we are also working on. At the moment, State Forests of the South Coast is on our agenda, as we review our visitor sites south of Sydney. We’ve got big plans - we can’t wait to start our improvement program down there. Our NSW visitor survey program is

part of this: what do our visitors want in terms of facilities? Which areas are well-used and loved by “loyal locals”? Which sites have high visitation and are important to regional tourism? Where do we build adventure-based tourism, or more passive, ecotourism experiences?

We’re also supporting events that require a forest base, like the World Rally Championship in State Forests of the Coffs Coast, which welcomes thousands of new visitors to the region. We use the opportunity to promote destinations like our Forest Sky Pier and Korora Lookout, to encourage Rally visitors to stay and enjoy the Coffs Coast. It all contributes to growth in the visitor economy.

What’s your plan for the future of tourism in NSW State Forests?

We have a Tourism Strategy which guides us in managing State Forest tourism. It’s about exploring opportunities for partnerships, about listening to our visitors and our stakeholders, and about improving our existing tourism assets.

We’re interested in new ideas and hearing from tourism operators who want to run their business in State Forest. The Treetop Adventure Park in Ourimbah State Forest (Central Coast) is a great example of this in action. They’ve just created the world’s longest rollercoaster zip line, 1 km of twisting zip-line through the tops of native forest.

It’s an amazing experience! We’re so pleased to be hosting their business.

We’re keen to keep developing exciting and unique tourism destinations. There’s a lot of work to do and we’re a small team, but we’re all dedicated to the task. It’s onwards and upwards!

For more information on NSW State Forest attractions: W: www.forestrycorporation.com.au E: visit@fcnsw.com.au F: www.facebook.com/forestplayground T: www.twitter.com/visitnswforests P: www.pinterest.com/nswforests/ #visitnswforests - you can bring your dog!

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the vicar of dibley the vicar of dibley Players Theatre would like to thank you for the make 2015 about you Are you one of the people who thought 2014 was crazy busy, more stressful than hoped for and went by in a flash? Did you compromise your health, relationships, and sanity by giving in to the pressures of life? You’re not alone.

If 2014 has left you feeling somewhat weary and exhausted, then hopefully you’ve made good use of the holiday time to get some rest and start 2015 in a rejuvenated manner.

If you want to be kinder to yourself and need some more tools to de-stress and increase your wellbeing throughout the year, integrating some yoga into your life might be just the strategy you need to move into a more balanced 2015.

The breath is a key element of any yoga practice. Breathing practices have immense healing capacity on a physical, mental and energetic level. The breath is a fantastic tool to calm a stressed nervous system, quiet the mind and promote a sense of wellbeing. A regular breathing practice can also help you get to sleep and to sleep more soundly.

Ashtanga yoga combines conscious breathing with physical movement and yoga postures and is a powerful practice that can transform your life on many levels. Although outwardly a dynamic practice, the system can be modified to suit anybody.

The Yoga Shala has daily classes suitable to students with or without previous experience. Small group beginners courses will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 February.

Call 6583 7730 to book. Spaces are limited.

The first production 2015 at last Players Theatre is- South The Vicar wonderful supportof for their production of Dibley, and Director Simone Berry has assembled stelPacific. We are truly blessed to have wrapped up our a2014 lar cast for this wonderful play.

Written for the stage by season on a high note, and now everything is set for anIan even Gower Paul and based on the original TV Series by bigger and 2015 at Carpenter Players Theatre.

Christine Grant, this show has all the ingredients which made the We are going to kick the year off with our first production television series so memorable.

- the hilarious Vicar Of Dibley. Adapted for the stage by Ian The Vicar Oof Dibley opens on February 13 and runs until March Gower and Paul Carpenter, adapted from the original TV 1st, 2015. Bookings are now open at the Glasshouse box office, Series by Christine Grant, this show is directed by well known or online at playerstheatre.org where you can read more about Players performer Simone Berry. the Players Theatre.

The Vicar Of Dibley opens on February 13 and runs until The rest of 2015 will feature two blockbuster musicals. Camp March 1st 2015.

Rock opens on May 8 and will feature a huge local cast of some The Camp Rockand opens on under May 8the and will feature of theMusical finest young singers dancers direction of a huge Keddie local cast nest young singers and Hamish andofis some based of onthe the fihit Disney Channel Movie. dancers and is featurbased June 5 - 8under marksthe the direction return of of theHamish One ActKeddie play Festival, on both the hit Disney Channel movie. of the highest calibre. ing local and visiting productions From Playersthe Theatre presents theOne play,Act Theplay Government JuneJuly 5 - 10, 8 marks return of the Festival Inspector, Directed by Lance Thompson.

Opening on September featuring both local and visiting productions of the highest 25, it’s the fabulous musical Anything Goes, Directed Tim calibre.

From July 10, Players Theatre presents the by play The Ronan, and we end the 2015 season with the production Government Inspector, Directed by Lance Thompson. of the play The Quartet.

Opening on September 25, it’s the fabulous musical Anything As you can see, abyrich and variedAnd 2015we season is ahead us, Goes, directed Tim Ronan. end the 2015ofseason with something to please all live theatre fans at Players Theatre. with the Di Gillies production of the play, The Quartet.

And don’t forget, Players Fancy Dress Hire has a huge range of As you can see, a stellar 2015 season is ahead of us costumes available for all ages and occasions. with something to please all live theatre fans at Players The Theatre also welcomes new members, so if you would like Theatre. And don’t forget - if you’re planning that end of to learn more about volunteering in one of the many roles, such year party - Players Fancy Dress Hire has a huge range of as backstage, front of house or in the technical side, then get in costumes available. touch via our website. See you 2015!.

Newest, biggest, best

LOng

Just a short drive from Wauchope or Port Macquarie is NSW State Forest’s newest visitor attraction, Old Bottlebutt, a grand and ancient Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) tree located in Burrawan State Forest. Old Bottlebutt is unique in its shape, it’s large flared “butt” having a massive girth of over 16 metres.

A short

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visitors unique

Old Bottlebutt is theCHEF main feature on aFOODS beautiful 600m loop THE OTHER FINE

walking track, beginning and ending at the Burrawan picnic Contract Manufacturing area (shelter, tables, carpark, toilets). The walk features We work with new oran existing brands, manufacturing the highest remnant rainforest, oasis under a canopy of overhanging quality products your specifi Bangalay Palms,toand winds itscations. way over foot-bridges along an

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Old Bottlebutt is a special place, somewhere to linger and Private Label enjoy the sounds of nature. A viewing deck enables visitors to Arest selection of “cleanskin” which can be labelled with and gently experienceproducts, the forest environment.

Interpretive your own brand, event or message. signage further enhances the visitor experience.

‘Agent O

These be ordered in small to suit your needs, with From can Wauchope travel southquantities on the Bago Road 10km, turn labelling options available. left onto Internal Break Road and follow the signs. From Port Our Brands follow the Pacific Highway south and take the Macquarie, Our own established and award-winning whichincluding we Bago Road exit. It is open 24 hours/day, brands, 7 days/week wholesale to gourmet food stores nationally. public holidays and is free.

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We are

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SUE JOGEVER P O R T

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My family members:

Jenelle Nosworthy c a m d e n

Paul Jogever, Luke Jogever and Olivia Jogever.

h a v e n

My family members: Parents, brother, sister, sister-in-law, two nephews.

Number of years living local: Eight years.

ROB HAMILTON W A U C H O P E My family members: Wife Jenny, kids - Luke 27 (Luke’s wife Kylie and Son Tai) Tim 23 and Laura 22. # of years living local: 11 years.

Town living in … Beechwood.

I came to live in Beechwood ... after 8 years in Panania, Sydney.

I have discovered the best thing about living here is …

Location from Sydney and Brisbane - facilities, people.

What would you say is the biggest tourist attraction?

Timbertown and Billabong.

W H AT ’ S YO U R … A N D W H Y. Favourite café/restaurant… Montana’sa on High Wauchope and Blue Poles.

Favourite outdoor photographic spot… Lighthouse and our property at Beechwood.

Best shopping spot … Wauchope CBD. Best kept secret … Hastings River swimming spots.

Best new attraction locals may not have seen yet … Old Bottlebutt.

Best entertainment hub?

For kids in Wauchope, Wauchope Youth Theatre.

Best place for families: Bain Park, Wauchope.

Must not miss while in Wauchope this summer…

Wauchope hinterland forest drives.

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Town living in … Lorne, Camden Haven.

I came to live in Lorne ... in 2006 after being born and raised in Sydney’s southern suburbs. My parents retired to the quiet life on acreage, only to be followed by all their kids! We used to holiday in North Haven when I was growing up, so we had always loved the region.

I have discovered the best thing about living here is ... having the best of all worlds on your doorstep - hinterland, beaches, rivers, great local food, wine, sports clubs and people!

What would you say is the biggest tourist attraction?

The area is an attraction in itself - appealing to families, retirees, holiday-makers, fishermen and day-trippers.

W H AT ’ S YO U R … A N D W H Y. Favourite café/restaurant…

Miss Nellie’s Café - obviously!

Favourite outdoor photographic spot …

From the top of North Brother Mountain.

Best shopping spot…

Wauchope Department Store is full of surprises!

Best kept secret …

The stunning hinterland from Kendall to Comboyne.

Best new attraction locals may not have seen yet …

Camden Haven River Cruises.

Best entertainment hub?

The Glasshouse is attracting some amazing talent.

Best place for families: Riverwalk Markets - 3rd Sunday of the month Must not miss while in Camden Haven this summer…

The Koala Trail will introduce you to the area in a unique way - take a day or take a week to discover the koalas and the best kept secrets along the route! Of course, don’t forget to have a coffee or light lunch at Miss Nellie’s while out and about.

Number of years living local: Four years.

Living in: Port Macquarie

W H AT ’ S YO U R … A N D W H Y. Favourite café/restaurant: Social Grounds for a café - the boys have created a quirky fun café scene and serve up some great food and excellent coffee.

Favourite restaurant: Stunned Mullet - love the views, and their combination of fresh local produce and unique flavours that make a memorable evening.

Favourite outdoor photographic spot ...

The view to Point Plomer.

Best Shopping spot ...

Elements of Design, Wauchope Best kept secret: Oyster Barn where you can enjoy the freshest seafood in a relaxed casual atmosphere on the Hastings River.

Best new attraction locals may not have seen yet ...

Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is an ideal way to explore our region and see the diversity, from the beaches, history and beautiful National Parks.

Also, guided meditative walk with Simon Adel (from Port Yoga) at Sea Acres on the first Saturday of every month. A guided walking meditation through pristine subtropical rainforest, from the comfort of the 1.3 kilometre elevated rainforest walkway.

Best entertainment hub?

Zebu at The Rydges offers some great local entertainment together with the best cocktails in town!

Best place for families: The new park at Westport park and enjoying the pristine beaches and coastal walk from town to Lighthouse Beach.

Must not miss while in Greater Port Macquarie this summer…

Oysters in the Vines, Sunday 25th January, which coincides with my favourite Artist Markets in the beautiful garden setting of Cassegrain Winery. I also love the peace and tranquillity of the Sea Acres Rainforest Walk and great café in a tropical setting.

L I V E LI K E

I N

Make January your time to ‘live like a tourist’ and invite your family, friends and relatives to join you!

A

J A N U A R Y

If fresh salty air, frolicking dolphins, building sandcastles, taking picturesque drives through the hinterland, sleeping in, eating out and more activities and attractions than you can poke a stick at sounds good then it’s time to stay at home and live like a tourist.

Because you’re saving money by staying home, you can (and should) splurge, just like you would on a traditional vacation. There are so many things to See and Do right here on your doorstep. With activities and attractions that go from mild to wild, some of the best nature experiences and award winning restaurants and cafes, there is something for everyone! Support our local businesses while you explore and play in our beautiful region.

I D E A S G E T

YO U

• SUBMERGE YOURSELF IN C U LT U R E A N D H I S T O R Y

Visit a museum, browse galleries and public art displays or take a history tour.

• SEE A SHOW

There are so many options to choose from with the Glasshouse, Players Theatre and the clubs throughout the region.

• B E AT O N E W I T H N AT U R E

The coastal rainforests and national parks are waiting to be explored. Go bush walking, pack a picnic or take the family camping.

• 52+ THINGS TO DO P O R T CAM D E N

H AV E N

If you are seeking inspiration check out 52plusthingstodo.com.au. Have you done them all?

M A C Q U A R I E WA U C H O P E

H I N T E RLAN D

• DI SC OVER NEW PLAC E S

The Camden Haven is a scenic 20 minute drive South and Wauchope and the gateway to the Hinterland are 20 minutes West and are full of hidden treasures.

Collect a copy of the Eat See Do guide from the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre at the Glasshouse or view it online

• E AT L O C A L

Fill your fridge with locally grown produce, wine and beer and taste the difference. You’ll never go back!

• INDULGE

Treat yourself to a massage, spa treatment or get your hair and nails done. You deserve it!

T O

S TA RT E D • GO TO AN EVENT

Whatever your passion is there is always something on. Don’t miss Oysters in the Vines and the unique range of markets on throughout January.

• SEE WHERE IT COMES FROM

The kids will love picking strawberries and blueberries. Take your visitors on a behind the scenes tour at a local farm, winery or brewery.

• ADVENTURE AND SPORT

There are adventures for the whole family. Get out of your comfort zone and rattle your nerves, get your sport on or just enjoy one of the many outdoor playgrounds.

• SHOP

For something unique wander through the eclectic mix of shops and boutiques throughout the region.

• E X P L O R E T H E W AT E R W AY S

Take a cruise, kayak, sh, swim or just enjoy the views.

• E AT O U T

Leave the dishes for someone else. Discover new coffee spots, have a casual lunch with friends or a romantic dinner in an award winning restaurant.

• PAC K UP AND HEA D OUT F O R T H E D AY

The Eat See Do guide includes day trip itineraries throughout the region. They are a great way to spend time with your visitors.

L E T U S K N OW W H AT YO U A R E D O I N G T H E S E H O L I DAYS A N D S H A R E YO U R E X P E R I E N C E S W I T H U S :

Greater Port Macquarie @PMQTourism / Tweet #livelikeatourist #portmacquarie #camdenhaven #wauchope @portmacquarie or share your photos #PortMacquarie

www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au greater port macquarie focus.

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focustourism.

B E S T

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

Tou ris m BEST

janette hyde.

WELL, THE NEW YEAR HAS COME AND GONE, AND WE LOOK BACK ON 2014 AND REALISE THAT THE YEAR HAS BEEN FULL OF EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS.

C

ongratulations to Port Macquarie Museum, Telegraph Retreat, Bellrowan Riding, Billabong Zoo, Holiday Parks Bonny Hills, who were finalists in the NSW State Tourism Awards. Gold Winners were Old Bottlebutt, The Observatory, Macquarie Waters Hotel and Silver for The Corner Restaurant and The Observatory.

It is fantastic to have such a strong representation from our area.

Tourism pays a significant role in supporting the

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many industries which rely on resulting direct and peripheral trade. As the recently released report from TNS - Domesticate 2013 states, Australians are looking to take a step back from technology and reconnect with people. There is a strong desire to get away from the frenetic nature of everyday life and almost “go back to basics”.

A desire to holiday as we did in the past - this sentiment is strongly seen among families who want to share the experiences of their childhood with their own children.

K E P T

Greater Port Macquarie ticks all the boxes for that experience. Our Greater Port Macquarie area needs to ensure that our tourists have a memorable time when they visit.

Events and festivals are a key way for Australians to reconnect and share experiences.

We do value the major events that come to our area, as they impact heavily on our local economy.

Some figures offered by Belinda Novicky of the Legendary Pacific Coast state that, “Domestic Visitors spent $9.1 billion on the North Coast of NSW. She said that in 2012-13, tourism was responsible for 158,000 jobs across NSW. Another 109,000 indirect jobs supported by Tourism.”

According to the latest Census data in our region, 6,189 people are employed in Food, Accommodation or Retail Industries and tourists support these Industries.

Looking for something to do especially for the kids in January: Livvi’s Place is now open at Westport Park - a joint project between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, national charity Touched by Olivia and the local community. It incorporates a carousel, water play, tree house, nature play and new swings.

Some other fun activities are Jumbos Playland, Wave Bowl Ten Pin Bowling, Putt Putt and Hydro Golf, Port Macquarie Golf Driving Range, Bago Maze, All the Water Cruises, Port Macquarie Camels, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, Port Macquarie Museum and Port Macquarie Sea Kayaks, to name a few. Check out the Eat See and Do Guide for further details.

Events Happening in January and February:

S E C R E T S

Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club - 31st Golden Lure Tournament - Friday 9 to Saturday 17 January This nine day game fishing event takes place in the glistening waters of Greater Port Macquarie. www.pmgfc.com.au Oysters in the Vines at Cassegrain - Sunday 25 January Cassegrain Wines annual Oysters in the Vines will combine with the Artist Markets on Sunday 25 January 2015 for a mega artist market and oyster extravaganza. A celebration of the succulent oyster, the event features tastings from local farms, oyster shucking, wine and oyster education. www.cassegrainwines.com.au Australia Day - Monday 26 January Celebrate Australia Day in Greater Port Macquarie with a range of free and fun activities throughout our beautiful region. www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au Annual Grape Stomping Championships Sunday 8 February Jump in wooden barrels and compete against others to stomp the most juice out of 10 kg of grapes in 60 seconds. www.bagovineyards.com.au Also coming in February: Port Macquarie Beatles Festival - 12 - 15 February Port Macquarie Beatles Festival will showcase Shows at Port Macquarie Panthers and Laurieton Services Club, music, mini sand mudder, classic car show, markets and kids’ entertainment. www.portmacquariebeatlesfestival.com

B E S T

K E P T

S E C R E T S

BEST

•SC

ULPTURES•

BY THE

vines SCULPTURES BY THE SEA (SXS) IS AN ANNUAL EVENT SHOWCASING OUTDOOR SCULPTURAL WORKS. LOCATED ON THE ICONIC COASTAL WALK BETWEEN BONDI AND TAMARAMA BEACHES, IT MELDS SCULPTURE WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. LONG POINT VINEYARD HAS ADOPTED THIS PHILOSOPHY AND HAS ACQUIRED TWO MAJOR SCULPTURAL WORKS FROM THIS YEAR’S SXS EXHIBIT TO COMPLEMENT THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE VINEYARD.

W

hy did LPV decide to bring this unique life-size art to the Mid North coast?

The aim of this permanent installation is to provide accessible visual arts to our region. We hope these two works will form the beginning of a larger sculptural park, with a view to gradually expanding over the years.

Where else can these sculptures be found throughout Australia?

The Wanderers and Windsong were previously featured at SXS at both Bondi and Cottesloe, but will now be on permanent display at LPV in Lake Cathie.

Why choose The Wanderers and Windsong in particular?

The Wanderers and Windsong are both works which are extremely unique and involve multiple elements. The Wanderers is primarily a visual and tactile sculpture, while Windsong as the name suggests, is also aurally pleasing.

Both sculptures capture the imagination which is all one can really ask of any form of art.

Tell us more about each of the sculptures on display?

The Wanderers are imagined by Brad Jackson, an Australian artist who created a

family of metal orbs with avian legs. Their appearance is mysterious and provocative, their intentions are unknown. Nonetheless, they are welcomed on the grounds of Long Point Vineyard, and children absolutely adore them!

Windsong is Barclay Bailey's first work to feature in SXS. He spent three years creating a wind harp, inspired by wind harps from ancient times, but with a modern bent. The final result is hard to describe and is best appreciated on a windy day. Barclay himself describes it as "the music in the string is like colour in the white light".

Why will people enjoy coming out to view the sculptures this holidays?

The sculptures have been popular with our visitors already, and we are proud that they provide a new art experience to the Mid North Coast. Long Point Vineyard also offers tastings of locally made wines and liqueurs, which makes for a great day out.

and The Wanderers e er w g Windson ed at previously featur and i nd Bo th bo SXS at now be ill w t bu , oe sl Cotte lay at sp di t on permanen .” ie th Ca ke LPV in La

“

Art and wine - what an excellent combination!

the plug!

Visit Long Point Vineyard and Gallery this summer holidays.

6 Cooinda Place, Lake Cathie.

Phone 6585 4598

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B E S T

K E P T

Castaway estuary fishing Castaway Estuary Fishing Charters is the only fishing charter in Port Macquarie that specialises in a calm water lure fishing experience, fishing for species like Flathead, Bream, Whiting, Bass and Jewfish in the sheltered waters of the Hastings and catering for all ages and levels of experience. Mark from Castaway is a member of the Professional Fishing Instructors Guides Association and is keen to share his expert knowledge and skills from many years of fishing the Hastings and surrounding rivers, with soft plastics and hard bodied lures to give you a trip you will truly remember.

On a Castaway charter you will: • Be picked up from your accommodation and returned • Have drinks and snacks provided • Use quality rods, reels and lures • Learn what lure to tie on and why and where to use it • Receive digital photographs of your time on the water Join the ever growing list of happy clients who after a trip on Castaway are now able to go and catch fish with the techniques shown.

Check out our recent catches on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CastawayEstuaryFishingCharters and our website: www.castawayfishing.com.au

S E C R E T S

wauchope shopping VASNAS DESIGNS has popped up at IMMERSION VINTAGE STYLE WARES AND TEAHOUSE! Located at 36 Cameron St, Wauchope, Immersion boasts a lovely outdoor eating area where you will enjoy yummy cakes for morning tea, delicious light lunches, Holy Goat coffee and a wide range of teas. Lesley (IMMERSION proprietor) is committed to serving you fresh, local and organic produce! IMMERSION also stocks classic vintage furniture and bric a brac at reasonable prices.

During January, Vana (VASNAS DESIGNS) is sharing the IMMERSION space. Vana has travelled extensively throughout Asia, gaining knowledge and skills to create her own range of clothing and jewellery which focuses on natural fabrics (cotton and silk) and natural dyes (lots of Indigo!) At VASNAS DESIGNS you will also find Rajasthani quilts, bed and table covers, gifts and fabrics from Indonesia and a range of unusual textiles, silk ribbons, buttons, beads and trims. The work of local artisans is also featured at VASNAS DESIGNS. Lesley and Vana welcome you to Wauchope - to IMMERSION and VASNAS DESIGNS. Can’t wait to meet you!

(5% discount offered on presentation of this article!)

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B E S T

K E P T

S E C R E T S

AT FRANCIS FURNITURE WE HAVE

BEST

BEEN DESIGNING AND CUSTOM BUILDING QUALITY SOLID TIMBER FURNITURE IN PORT MACQUARIE SINCE 1982. THIS YEAR REPRESENTS OUR 32ND YEAR IN BUSINESS.

Colonial Cobbler At this time of year we would like to welcome our many visitors to our beautiful town of Port Macquarie and also introduce ourselves.

Colonial Cobbler ladies boutique show store has been around for many decades and many of our visitors enjoy catching up with us each year when they return for their annual holidays.

For others it will be your first visit, and we sincerely hope you do enjoy the beautiful beaches and surrounds of this area.

Our ladies shoes and handbags selection offers new twists on old favourites, and also some chic new styles for the summer season. This

BEST

season also offers a fabulous rainbow of colours as well as the wardrobe staples in neutral tones.

Tis the season to make a statement with such trusted brands as Sandler, naturalizer, ECCO, Hushpuppies, Reiker, Minx, Ziera, and Neo just to name a few!

We have got the ultimate shoes for your perusal, whether you need the back to work basic for your return home, or that extra pair of comfy casuals for your holiday, take the time to call in and say hi at the same time. we look forward to seeing you soon at the Colonial Cobbler.

francis FURNITURE perated by brothers Kim and “We also try to make our designs as timeless Chris Francis, Francis Furniture has as possible, ensuring they aren’t just following expanded production and sales the latest design trends, but is still distinctly in recent years to meet demand Francis Furniture. for Australian made quality furniture from “Over the years we have seen vintage customers from all over Australia.

Francis Furniture pieces still looking as “At Francis Furniture we use some of the good as they did when we delivered them finest timbers available, many of them FSC 20 or more years ago. We mostly use quite certified North Coast hardwoods such as traditional methods of construction, such as Sydney Blue Gum, Rose Gum and Blackbutt. dovetails in all drawers and cabinets. However, We started using locally sourced if we feel that a more modern approach hardwood in the late ‘80s, will give a superior performance, first with Rose Gum then often engineering wins out e (Flooded Gum) and then over tradition. or After m of s ar ye Sydney Blue Gum soon “We also carry the 33 than r ou g in ild after. popular Howard range bu custom ur yo it su to s “We also of furniture restoration gn desi s, we ed ne ar ul ic use prominent rt products.” pa ry have become ve ing Australian Kim and Chris Francis ow kn d, ce en experi hardwoods such are passionate about the hat what will and w as Tasmanian furniture they produce. won’t look right.”

Blackwood, WA They have developed a Jarrah and Tasmanian reputation for designing and Oak. The use of these creating unique pieces to suit timbers ensures that furniture is their customers’ individual needs. of a very high standard with attention Imagine being able to see your to detail, design and build quality.” furniture come to life as Kim uses 3D All Francis Furniture is made to be software to create a virtual model of the admired and used for generations to come. piece you have envisioned. ”Our free custom design service is particularly “After more than 33 years of custom building popular with people trying to find something our designs to suit your particular needs, we that will compactly and neatly store all their have become very experienced, knowing what gear, be it entertainment equipment, books will and what won’t look right. or crystal.” Kim and Chris can advise the best “As strong believers in the quality of the solution for your requirements. furniture we make, we feel that purchasing “Our website has a mountain of images from Francis Furniture is an opportunity to be to look at and will give you an idea of what the first owner of what will become, eventually, we have available and some of our unique a well-used and loved piece of furniture that designs - www.francisfurniture.com.au” holds its place in time, due to being made Or call in and see Kim and Chris at their properly in the first place. This also helps showroom, located at 3 Belah Road, Port to make our furniture very environmentally Macquarie, or phone them on 6581 0276. friendly.

“

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twice cooked pork scallops, boudin pumpkin puree & from QUAYLIME

b e l ly w/ s e a r e d noir fritters, micro herbs RESTURANT

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

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greater port macquarie focus.

Tuna sashimi with honey and lime vinaigrette and sourdough crumb.

Spinnakers Seafood Platter for Two

zebu bar+grill Feel like a bit of a paddle this summer? Head down to the Summer Sessions at Zebu - check out what’s new each night! Cool off with house favourites - sensational cocktails, icy cold beers served in our new Zebu Beer Paddles - $12 a paddle for three beers of your choice. Enjoy great entertainment and loads of food to share and enjoy with family and friends.

Celebrate the holiday season with a little fiesta fun with our sunshine inspired treats, including a classic Zebu Margarita teamed with tacos with Tequila marinated prawns, fresh oysters with Tabasco and lime.

RISE to the challenge and indulge in our deluxe buffet breakfast at Zebu - super scrummy and available every day of summer from 6:30am - 10am.

Zebu Bar + Grill - serving coastal cuisine from sun up to sunset.

Live entertainment 5 nights a week!

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar

Summer time and the living is easy! Nothing says summer like fresh seafood, a glass of vino, sunshine and fresh sea air - head to the marina with family and friends this holiday season to take advantage of all the coast has to offer. Be tempted by our deliciously good Spinnakers Seafood Platter for two, just $89 per platter.

Executive Chef Adam Tait.

Feel like a break from the kids? Drop them off to the SeaSquirts Kids Club for a couple of hours of holiday fun and enjoy a nice cold beer on the deck, a glass of bubbles and a Tasting Plate for two.

Head Chef Michael Schubert.

Open 7 days - Breakfast - Lunch - Casual Dining - Dinner Diary Date: Salsa Night - Dinner Dance - Saturday 21st Feb 2015 $55 per person, includes complimentary drink on arrival, main, dessert and live LA Latin fusion from The Kool Kats ‘til late.

Located inside Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges.

Park St, Port Macquarie at the roundabout, opposite Settlement City 6589 5100

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie 6589 2822 www.zebu.com.au

7 days, from 6:30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

7 days, from 6:30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

Made-to-order Paella

salty's bar and grill

mi casa cafÉ & restaurant

Welcome to Salty’s Bar and Grill. For those who haven’t dined with us before, we invite you to enjoy lunch and dinner by the Hastings River this January.

Why not sit down with family and friends, overlook the water, enjoy the summer sun and let someone else do the cooking these holidays.

Come down and enjoy one of our many popular meals whilst sipping on a local wine or ice cool beer.

Fully licensed.

Bookings requested, but walk ins welcome.

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841 Wednesday - Saturday dinner from 6pm.

Wednesday - Sunday lunch from 12pm.

Owner Andrea & Head Chef Sam.

Enjoy the rustic atmosphere and Spanish vibe at Mi Casa Spanish Café, Restaurant and Tapas Bar, with great views overlooking the Town Green. The wide menu range boasts an array of tapas, seafood dishes and traditional Spanish favourites to enjoy this summer holidays.

Choose from a selection of traditional favourites, including mixed Paella, Pollo con Salsa Fresco, tapas including Croquetas, Chorizo con Gambas, Potatas Bravas and many more.

Premium selection wine menu including Marlborough 3 Tales SB and Penfolds, plus all of your Spanish favourites.

• Mixed Tapas $15 Lunch Special • Live Music Saturday Nights • Bookings preferred

Owners Brendan & Jennis Field.

3/2 Horton Street (Located on Town Green), Port Macquarie.

6584 4559 Lunch / Tapas: Wed - Sat from 11.30am - 2pm.

Dinner: Tues - Sun from 6pm. Bookings preferred. greater port macquarie focus.

37

Breakfast Salad.

Pistachio and herb crusted lamb cutlets.

the point Restaurant & Café Local. Fresh. Delicious.

With water views and floor to ceiling windows, The Point’s unique alfresco dining is the perfect spot for spring and summer.

Open for breakfast and lunch every day, The Point offers exciting flavour combinations and beautifully brewed barista coffee. Dinner is also a true delight, with your hosts, Boyne and Gabe, serving up nightly specials including fresh, local seafood options and the new “Game of the Month”, which features various game meats, offering guests the opportunity to try everything from ostrich to crocodile.

beantree garden café

off the hook

Serving delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch, Beantree Café is the perfect place for a shopping break or a catch up with friends, located in a Serving delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch, Beantree Café is the relaxing garden setting right in the centre of town. perfect place for a shopping break or a catch up with friends, located in a Fresh Summer Menu! The chefs at Beantree are passionate about using relaxing garden setting right in the centre of town. local, seasonal create a delicious menu with a wide choice to Freshproduce Summerto Menu!

The chefs at Beantree are passionate about using choose from.

Try the new Breakfast Salad with cherry local, seasonal produce to create a delicious menu tomatoes, with a wide poached choice to from. egg, baby choose spinach, ricotta, avocado and toasted sourdough.

Thespecials weekly specials board will you keepcoming you coming back to see what’son The weekly board will keep back to see what’s the menu! one in-house of our fresh saladschef suchare as the and the menu!on Fresh cakes Try made bysummer our pastry thequinoa perfect chicken salad with mixed greens, packed shredded chicken breast, basil addition to a freshly roasted Botero coffee. pesto oil and topped with a poached egg (pictured above). Fresh cakes Freshly squeezed juices available. made in-house by our pastry chef are the perfect addition to a freshly

Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Walsh.

Be sure to Narelle save space for dessert! Or pop in to

beantree garden café

sample of the many delicious hand crafted We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old styleone hamburgers, cakesWe on have offer for morning snacks, salads and of course, fish and chips. added a or afternoon tea.

BYO Alcohol. larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets.

Chef Jason.

Chef Jason.

We would like to wish all our customers and their families a very happy New Year.

There’s nothing better than a meal by the edge of the beautiful Hastings River.

Owners Gabriel & Boyne.

roasted Botero coffee.

168 Settlement Point Rd, Port Macquarie

124 Horton Port Macquarie 124St, Horton St, Port Macquarie 6583 30556583 3055

2020 Located along Port Macquarie’s Town6584 Green. www.thepointportmacquarie.com 6584 1146

7 days from 8am-3:30pm for breakfast & 7 days, from 11am - late. lunch. Dinner: Wed - Sat from 5:30pm EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome.

Mon-- 3:30pm.

Fri 8am - 3:30pm.

(Lunch served until 2:30pm).

8:30am - 1pm.

Mon - Fri 8am (Lunch served until 2:30pm).

Sat Sat 8:30am - 1pm.

(Breakfast and light lunch served until 1pm). Closed Sun and public holidays.

(Breakfast and light lunch served until 1pm). Closed Sun and public holidays.

zebu bar+grill

Jamon, sousvide egg, asparagus, seeded mustard & croquettes.

Headbroadbeans, to the waterfront this festive season Chicken sous vide with pickled heirloom beetroot,

and enjoy summer Zebu style with loads of wild mushrooms, radish sprouts and master stock reduction.

restaurant synergy

yummy dishes on our casual dining and bar menu.

Hit the town with some naughty and nice cocktails for every day of the week. Throw in some amazing live music, and you have all your festive fun sorted!

Executive Chef Adam Tait is serving up the taste of summer in the grill, featuring succulent fresh seafood and prime steaks. Check out the delicious Rise Buffet breakfast concept at Zebu now for visiting family and friend or that end of year office breakfast.

Diary Date: Speakeasy this NYE and party like its 1929 from 7pm ‘til 2am. Enjoy a fusion of live music and DJ’s with all the prohibition fun of the Roaring 20s. No cover charge.

If you would like a relaxed dinner on the water, try our NYE 3 course dinner in Zebu Grill $85pp bookings essential.

Where food and service work in harmony.

Synergy Restaurant & Bar located at the Mercure Centro Hotel in the heart of town.

For an intimate dining experience, offering modern Australian cuisine at its best.

Intimate private dining rooms available on request, for bookings of 10 or more guests. Also consider our unique Rooftop banquet room, with amazing ocean views, for that spectacular event.

Executive Chef

Executive Adam Tait. Chef Nathaniel.

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie 6589 2822 www.zebu.com.au

7 days, from 6:30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie 6583 0830 www.centrohotel.com.au 7 days, from 6:30am 'til 10am for breakfast; 5pm - late for dinner. Bookings essential.

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The friendly staff.

Mixed tapas plate.

Ocean treasure duo of natural oysters, fresh school prawns, smoked salmon, salt & pepper squid, panko crumbed whiting fillets, house salad & fries.

mi casa cafÉ & restaurant Mi Casa Café and Restaurant is bringing an authentic taste of Spain to Port Macquarie. With a cool Spanish vibe and relaxing views overlooking the Town Green, the wide menu range boasts an array of tapas, seafood dishes and traditional Spanish favourites.

Enjoy your time with family and friends this January at Quaylime.

Mixed Tapas $15 Lunch Special - a great way to share time and food Great meals, friendly service a nice relaxing atmosphere. with friends this summer!

Choosein from a wide selection of delicious Perfect for that summer lunch, dinner or just drinks and on the deck dishes such as the Croquetas, Chorizo con Gambas, Potatasnibbles Bravas and Owners Brendan & Jennis Field. overlooking the marina. many more. Top it all off with a jug of our housemade Red Sangria!

New Premium Selection Wine Menu including Marlborough 3 Tales SB Live from Gav’s loft on the 10th Jan - Afro Moses returns to and Penfolds, plus all of your Spanish favourites.

Quaylime. Book now for dinner and show.

Closed Christmas Day, open Boxing Day night for dinner only.

Head Chef Tim Grieves.

BOOK NOW for New Eve Come down on Year’s this Australia day and enjoy our seafood platter

quaylime restaurant+Bar

over looking Marina.

Live music 12 noon in Gav’s loft.

3/2 Horton Streetthe (Located on Town Green),from Port Macquarie.

6584 4559 Lunch / Tapas: Wed - Sat from 11am - 2pm.

Dinner: Tues - Sun from 6pm. Bookings preferred.

The Marina Port Macquarie 6584 4039 Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri 8.30am - late, Tue - CLOSED, Sat 8am - late, Sun 8am - 8pm.

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25

focusinterview.

Simon JEFFREE Z E B U R E STAU R A N T M A NAG E R

H

i Simon. Tell us about your guests enjoy a fantastic dining experience when background in the hospitality visiting the grill. industry ...

Why do you enjoy the mix of customer My earliest role was waiting service in a hospitality based environment? on family and friends in the family dining I love to be part of a professional, room - all unpaid work, unfortunately! My vibrant team - bringing to the guest a first full-time role was in resorts on the Great great dining experience. Every day and every Barrier Reef, before full-time study of Hospitality guest is different in this industry, which keeps Management. Following the completion of my the role fresh and engaging. studies, I worked at the Observatory Hotel in How do you ensure a quality of service to Sydney, where we gained a Chef’s Hat. I have your customers? also worked in the corporate sector Preparation is key. The physical in Events and Guest Relations, restaurant, the staff training and and with industry peers in liaising closely with the kitchen more casual venues. is all integral to quality Preparation is l How long have you lived service. Making a personal ica key. The phys ff sta e in Port Macquarie? connection with the guest th t, restauran ng isi lia d an g in My family and I have and a little bit of fun also in tra tchen closely with the ki ty been in beautiful Port goes a long way. ali is all integral to qu Macquarie for the last four How extensive is service.” months, after accepting the your food and wine role at Zebu. I am originally knowledge? from the Mid North Coast and I am continually looking to am really looking forward to raising develop and grow my knowledge our newborn son, Nathan, on the coast. of food and wine. I have worked in fine Prior to that, we had spent considerable time dining, resort style restaurants and informal in Sydney. We are looking forward to the dining, and this has taught me that you never much famed summers here in Port Macquarie. stop learning. There is always something new What does your role involve on a daily and exciting to experience - part of my role is basis? sharing that with our guests.

The focus of my day is the smooth running What are you looking forward to about of the restaurant. This starts with confirming being a part of the team at Zebu Bar + Grill? our bookings, briefing the chef and ensuring I enjoy the prospect of growing and learning the restaurant is ready for service. We all work with our team at Zebu ... Maintaining passion as a team; I particularly enjoy working with our for food and wine knowledge and service whilst Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Manager having a great time with the team and our to ensure our menu and service is top notch. guests.

Thanks Simon.

Ultimately I am there to ensure that all of our

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39

focusinterview.

One of the wider region’s best kept secrets is Bent on Food’s Cookery School. FOCUS catches up with local culinary queen Donna Carrier, the brains behind the school ...

BENT ON FOOD

H

COOKERY SCHOOL

i Donna. Tell us your story ... where did classes. We are also hoping to run cake decorating classes. you grow up and how did you first beOccasionally we have a guest chef like Stefano Manfredi or come involved in the food industry?

Kurma Dasa. I teach all the children’s classes, which include I grew up in the Manning Valley and lived gnocchi, pasta making, pizza from scratch, cupcakes and on a property with a huge vegetable garden biscuit making. My specialty is Vietnamese cookery, which I and a home surrounded by fruit trees. My have picked up from my Vietnamese Cooking tours. We have grandmother lived in the family home, she was a wonderful another tour in March. The school is also available for hire for cook with a green thumb, and she taught me the imporgroups who would like to cook, and we do corporate tance of fresh produce. The property also had its classes and private classes for groups wanting to own poultry, a small piggery and a dairy cow. get together..

My favourite subjects at high school were What can someone expect to learn My heart was agriculture and home economics, and as a and take away with them from one always in the teenager I loved gardening and tending of your classes? so Manning Valley, to the animals, especially the pigs and Our classes are very interactive, so year in 2002 after a ducks, also enjoying cooking, although I that the participants get to do lots of ling, I and a half travel ng didn’t enjoy eating my own animals. hands on cooking. Everybody tells me gi brin returned home om fr After many years in local hospitality, I that they feel at ease in our classes. nt many ideas lear e th om fr followed my dreams and went to Sydney, This is typical of Bent on Food; we like my time away working for 20 years in the hospitality/ to create a relaxed atmosphere to learn area .” wine industry. Here I attained an Assoin. I have been a TAFE teacher for many ciate Diploma in Wine Marketing from the years, and that certainly helps me to get the renowned Roseworthy Agricultural College and most out of the participants. They will learn worked for family owned wine companies such as new skills, meet new people and eat yummy food.

Brown Brothers and Yalumba, in sales, marketing and PR. I Who facilitates the classes? worked with many Sydney Restaurateurs matching wine to Myself, my head chef, Simon, and visiting chefs. Casey the menus and learnt the value of fresh, seasonal produce.

Death teaches Spanish cuisine, Eric Robinson teaches a variety My heart was always in the Manning Valley, so in 2002 after of classes, and I am always looking for teachers to do a class. a year and a half travelling, I returned home bringing many I hear you have some upcoming classes just for kids these ideas learnt from my time away from the area. school holidays. What are they, and how can parents The Bent on Food Cookery School caters for all ages. enrol their kids?

What are the classes you offer?

Parents can book online, pop into Bent on Life or email me We offer everything from cheesemaking, raw food, Spanish, on donna@bentonfood.com.au or they can phone me on 0419 to children’s classes. From time to time we do breadmaking, 490 312. and next year we hope to run some fermenting and preserving Where does all your knowledge come from; have you

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done a lot of travelling and training?

I have travelled a lot, both overseas and in Australia. Working in the wine industry allowed me to spend time in wine growing regions and also meant that I dined out a lot. I worked with chefs and matched food and wine for my job, so I had to learn a lot about food.

What do you love most about sharing this knowledge with others?

I love people to leave the cookery school feeling happy that they have participated and learnt something new. I believe that the more people learn about food and where it comes from, the more they value what they put in their mouth. If my classes and my business as a whole can help people to eat local produce, I am happy.

How can our readers find out more about the school and upcoming classes?

They can go to the website at www.bentonfood.com.au and sign up for our newsletter by emailing me on the above address, or like us on Facebook.

Thanks Donna.

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LV’s ON CLARENCE Todd and Lisa Richardson from LV’s on Clarence pride themselves on sourcing local produce that is wholesome and fresh, including wild caught fresh seafood straight off the boat, home grown herbs and veggies and a selection of sweet treats including sugar and dairy free options.

Ken Little’s January is the month of summer fruit, with the Bowen Mangoes being the KING of all fruits. All are at reasonable prices, including the stone fruit, which are at their superb best. Nectarines and peaches are coming from the Forbes area.

The summertime is also just right for all melons. Watermelon, honey dew and rockmelon are at their very best now. They are so thirst quenching on a hot summer’s day.

Oh, and don’t forget the cherries. Amazing flavour this year.

Local product that is available: corn (the best on the coast) from Red Hill, beautiful young beans, fancy lettuce from Beechwood, zucchini, squash, long white and apple cucumbers and Potkin Pumpkin. If you like it dry, then Potkin Pumpkin is for you.

What a feast of wonderful fruit and vegetables! We sure do live in the “Lucky Country”, don’t we?

Ken.

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Fresh juice and green smoothie menu with superfood choices: • Maca Powder • Protein Powder • Apple cider vinegar • Chia Seeds • Spirulina • Coconut Water Hot Beverages including Chamilia 9 Spice Fresh Chai, Bassett Espresso, loose leaf organic teas; new to the menu is coconut milk - a great alternative for the lactose intolerant or just to try something nutritious and different. House baked sourdough and gluten free breads.

Introducing LV’s tasting plates, with tasty morsels changing weekly to showcase some of the finest produce LV’s have to offer.

For brekkie, why not try LV’s buttermilk pancakes with housemade blackberry jam, toasted buckwheat kernels, yoghurt and fairy floss or for the the health enthusiast, the paleo breakfast is perfect.

We also have great new kids’ menu featuring toad in the hole, pancake and bacon maple stack, housemade pizzas and crumbed chicken pieces; kids can also enjoy colouring in, in our family friendly environment.

focuseditorial.

louperri.

T

from The Stunned Mullet

embrace this place

his little gem of a regional city that apparent, especially over the last couple we live in, holiday in, work in - how of years, with the retail and service sector it has blossomed in the almost 10 expanding exponentially. years that I have had the pleasure to Unique little shops popping up all over, reside here. character filled cafés serving most excellent Universities, hospitals, a metamorphosis coffee, new restaurants and then larger to a considerably more sophisticated tourist chains scouting Port Macquarie as a seriously destination, sea-changers flocking aplenty good prospect.

- a demographic shift from older retirees to It’s boom time indeed. And not just young families from urban centres seeking a seasonally as previously so - this place is busy less hectic lifestyle and more bang for their all year around - there’s festivals, conferences buck housing price wise. and competitions and Ironman of course.

Infrastructure has had to follow suit, with The huge dip in trade we used to see over more traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, the winter months has become more of a parking, new roads - not to mention an ever blip in recent years. expanding postcode, with new parts of town All this seems like good news for local under construction, new schools and businesses and residents for the supermarkets en masse. most part but of course, It’s quite incredible to there are those that s ha witness, especially put want to keep things Infrastructure it, su w within the perspective the way they are, or had to follo s, ht lig fic of a decade having af that came here to with more tr s, ng si os cr been here - that what live in a smaller, pedestrian not to s ad ro w ne g, was a much quieter, uncomplicated parkin panding ex er ev an n tio uncomplicated little place. men new parts of place - still somewhat postcode , with And of course, tr uc tion, town under cons reminiscent of fond there are the d new schools an early childhood parts we all don’t masse .” en ts ke ar rm supe memories for many like, such as driving of times gone by; to a around for ages bustling and dynamic coastal looking for a parking city ... A place not just desirable space, waiting in queues or to retirees looking for a sea-change being stuck in traffic. or holiday makers seeking a quintessential But when we reflect on the Aussie summer holiday, but somewhere change the last 10 years has brought which manages to offer up the best of what our town and region, we should most living in Australia has to offer. certainly embrace the positive element, Not only do we have the best climate as these are so many - in that we live in a in Australia, some of the best beaches dynamic place which attracts wealth and and coastal scenery - but now we have a investment, that the strong growth we see renowned university, a top medical school benefits each and every one of us in ways and health system, a wonderful performing that we may not even realise yet. That this arts venue in The Glasshouse - attracting place is just a wonderful place for all agesome of the best local and international groups and that there are prospects here for talent. And of course, it goes without saying our children in their future - something so that there’s a warm and vibrant community hard to achieve in so many other regional here, where somehow we are the perfect areas. size where the place is still small enough to I think it may have been touched upon in ensure that you always run into someone previous columns, usually penned around you know on a trip into town, but now also this time of year - how lucky are we to live large enough to create some serious diversity here? in what’s on offer.

Enjoy your summer, whether you work, And that diversity has become ever more play and/or stay here!

PORT MACQUARIE GOLF CLUB Come and visit the Port Macquarie Golf Club this summer holidays! With raffles and entertainment, a delicious new menu from Aspire restaurant and a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service, you are sure to enjoy your experience with us. Join us for BINGO every Monday morning from 10.30am and every Thursday from 5.30pm. Wednesday and Friday night raffles, and Poker on Thursday and Saturday nights.

Enjoy a round of social golf this holidays with family and friends. Everyone will enjoy

Experience award winning dining at Aspire @ Port Macquarie Golf Club. Talented chefs Alex Hallam and Keiran English have a fresh summer menu now on offer, with a variety of choices to suit all tastes. Overlooking the picturesque golf course with fresh local seafood, succulent steaks, burgers, $10 lunch specials and more! Open 7 days lunch and dinner.

Australia Day Eve Celebrations! Join us for live entertainment and an aussie BBQ on Sunday 25th January.

course. Phone the Pro Shop for bookings on

Ask about our FREE courtesy bus to pick you up and take you home for your next visit.

6582 0784.

Great Golf, Great Food, Great Fun!

a round on our award winning 18 hole golf

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focusinterview. s o c i a l s c e n e

Renee Bell Studios

with Kate Wood-Foye from Rydges Port Macquarie.

Below. Melanie Porter with her bridesmaids Below. FOTSUN 2014

Renee Bell Studios

Below. Backstage at Swan Lake at the Glasshouse

Above Melanie & Matthew Hunter on their Wedding Day.

Right The super Port Macquarie Orthodontics crew celebrating Christmas!

Steve Harris Fab Photos

Bam – another year starts! Just like that, the never ending ham, Christmas punch laced with nondescript fruity bits and a dash of vodka, Christmas pudding and the lashings of gloriously rich custard are but a distant memory left on the thighs as an irksome reminder of our naughty fun!

T

he rellies have fled, and with them our sanity, and we find ourselves staring down the barrel of another year - 365 big bold days to make of them what you will. This year is going to be the year of the physical challenge - paddle boarding is high on my list, yoga always appears but rarely gets a gurnzy, a 10 km competitive run and very possibly a run up Middle Brother Mountain - as long as there are refreshments, a Swedish masseur and a stretcher at the top! Perhaps it’s the over indulged Christmas guilt taking over, but I feel the need for speed! At the very least if we can’t be fit, let’s be happy. I think this year should be the year of being good to one another - share the love, people!

There was plenty of love and admiration for one Jim O’Brien, who celebrated a remarkable 40 year career as Principal of the St Agnes’ Parish Secondary Schools at his recent retirement dinner at Panthers Port Macquarie. Hundreds of guests attended this special event to farewell an impressive gentleman who has led the parish schools with passion, vision and personality. Jim - whom I had the pleasure of working with in preparation for the Luminosity Youth Summit, will certainly be remembered as a powerhouse in the education arena. He will be replaced by the wonderful John MacQueen, who will ensure more great things to come. Congrats Jim, and wishing you plenty of well-earned relaxation time on the beach!

Darin Ballard and Teriko Rex and the team at Port

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Macquarie Orthodontics certainly know how to throw a fab party. These folks celebrated the end of another huge year with a Superhero themed cocktail party for 120 guests at Rydges Port Macquarie.

Catwoman, Posion Ivy, The Green Hornet, Cruella Deville, Ironwoman and Malificent all had blast with their superhero antics. Denise Buckley, Tracey Pascoe, Tracey Foley, Simone Paget, Ellena Tyler, Erryn Metcalfe, Elle Jones, Diane Paget, Cori Aspinall, Emily Paget, Hannah Bell and Rebecca Harris became comic strip heroes with a huge night had by all! ‘Til next year!

FOTSUN was also feeling the superhero vibe, celebrating its 10th year in Port Macquarie. Congrats to Simon and Alana Luke and Scott and Tara Mesiti and their extended and very talented crew, who make this music event a reality each year. At times it seriously threatened to be a case of FOTMUD, but once again the funky festival triumphed over the dreaded dodgy weather to put on some top class acts, including the Jezebels and local lads Pelican Itch. Merry mud baths, sand pits, sack races and downpours - some frisky festival shenanigans and a sold out crowd who loved every last minute.

From a muddy but merry mosh pit to the world class stage of the Glasshouse - Stacey Morgan Principal of Wauchope and Port Macquarie Performing Arts - orchestrated a breathtaking performance of Swan Lake to two sold out theatres in late December. The lucky guests enjoyed the delights of the company’s first full ballet production,

with critics deeming it an absolute success. The cast, made up entirely of local and regional students and dancers, wowed the crowds with their ability, skill and performance. The costuming was absolutely stunning and the dancing from the dedicated students just divine. Featuring performances by Wauchope born ex Royal New Zealand Ballet dancer Brendan Bradshaw as the Prince and graduating students Mikaela Smith and Laurissa Marigold dancing the iconic roles of the White Swan Odette and the Black Swan Odile. Not a company to be left dangling their dancing shoes, this stellar outing was backed up by a French inspired performance for the end of year celebration for the Alliance Francaise crowd, with Christmas songs and a leg raising CanCan to finish! Congrats to Stacey on continuing to push the bar on excellence in dance in our region.

Quite frankly, I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

Congrats to gorgeous couple Melanie and Matthew Hunter, who were married on a sunny day in November. Melanie was surrounded by her mum Adrienne Porter and five lovely bridesmaids, Kia Noble, Amy Noonan, Emily Lipscombe, Kylie Speedy and Lauren Bowman. The ceremony took place at St Agnes’ Catholic Church, with all going smoothly - except for the moment when Matt missed the cue to lift the veil for “the kiss”. One hundred guests arrived at Rydges for drinks and canapés, with the newlyweds arriving to Pharrell’s “Happy”. The guests were certainly just that, with funny and heartfelt speeches filling the night, with plenty of daring

moves on the dance floor - including those from Melanie’s beloved nana and a special dance reserved for Melanie and her dad, Phil Porter. The groom was attended by best man Tim Hunter, Matthew Price, Jamie Rochford, Brad Hunter and Jonathon Hunter, with Matthew’s parents Trish and Barry Hunter to help celebrate. The happy couple jetted off to the USA for a three week honeymoon and make their home in Sydney, hoping to relocate to Port Macquarie in a few more years. Congrats Melanie and Matthew!

So Miss Universe is coming to Port Macquarie … super excited about this one; Out N Hastings and the gals known as Dragesque will be hosting an epic interstate performance comp of the best drag queens in the country. Come Sat 7 Feb at 6pm, glamazons from all over the country will be donning their bold and beautiful best and will be strutting, singing and dancing their way to a place in history to be crowned and queened. Judges will be looking for banging outifts, super long legs, humour and of course, some serious sass and talent. This event will sell out … tickets available at Rydges reception.

So if a resolution is something you are thinking of setting, let’s at least promise each other this …if we are not going to climb a mountain … let’s at least try something seriously different this year … Jump out of the ordinary and land firmly in the un-comfort zone … it’s usually where the scarily good stuff happens!

Kate.

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focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

RICHARD BOCK PORT M ACQUA R I E I S A POPU L A R STOPOV E R POI N T FOR M A N Y T H O U S A N D S O F B AC K PAC K E R S W H O R OA M T H E AUST R A L I A N COA ST L I N E E V E RY Y E A R . J UST T H R E E B AC K PAC K E R S ’ H O S T E L S , A L L L O C AT E D I N T H E C E N T R E O F T O W N , P L AY H O S T T O T H E - M O S T LY Y O U N G - V I S I T O R S .

SUSIE M EETS TH E OW N ER OF ON E OF TH EM .

A

mid the old brick and wooden bungalows and ’70s apartment blocks that characterise the long-established streets of central Port Macquarie, it’s remarkable if not startling to come across the sudden purple splash of a timbered cottage nestled alongside its nondescript neighbours.

Something else sets it apart, though: an air of youthful vibrancy about those who come and go here, an attitude of adventure and liveliness - a good energy, as they say.

Along the entry path to the house a clutch of yellow-green budgies flutters happily in an airy cage, tweeting a welcome, and a verdant herb garden of parsley, basil, rosemary and so on edges the paved walkway. This is the setting for Ozzie Pozzie, the cleverly-named backpackers’ retreat that’s been home to so many young travellers over many years. It’s the biggest, and “youngest”, of the three hostels in Port, and accredited to YHA standard.

At the doorway I meet a man slightly older than most of the regulars but who sports the long flowing mane of hair, perennial suntan and carefree air one associates with many a backpacker. No wonder: Richard Bock, the owner here, was once an Aussie backpacker par excellence. Like many young people, he struck out from his Sydney home to discover Europe, Scandanavia, North and South America, NZ, PNG, Thailand, Tahiti and more, covering 50 or 60 countries over eight years of travelling. A keen snowboarder thanks to his heritage (German dad, Austrian mum) he’d spend six months boarding in ski resorts during the winters, then free-range during the summer, working casual jobs and backpacking around as the whim took him. The wanderlust

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finally sated and back in Sydney with a “backbreaking” paving and landscaping business, seven years on he looked to set IM ES himself up in the hospitality “ YO U SO M ET WE industry somewhere AT H W FO RG ET A LI A .

R along the NSW north ST U A H AV E IN coast: “not too far away IT ’S A W IL D LI FE around the world. The M from family and friends, PA R K , A D R EA colourful atmosphere but far enough not to E PL FO R PE O M O extends to broad terraces FR E be hectic”. He chanced ER H CO M IN G surrounding the pool upon Ozzie Pozzie, then ” S. A OV ER SE set with casual sofas and for sale, in early 2008. At surrounded by naive art-style the time, the original owners murals of a kombi, hammocks, who’d established it had operated it geckoes, laid-back beach scenes. The for some 15 years. Bock came and stayed a feeling is of a sub-tropical oasis and it’s not few nights “and it brought back memories of surprising many guests choose to extend their travelling and the lifestyle and the people ...” stay, visiting local attractions and making a It seems Ozzie Pozzie and Bock were made contribution to our tourism economy. Some for each other: with a generous smile, genial even find seasonal work at Ricardoes’ farm demeanour and relaxed good nature he but there’s not a lot of such opportunities, appears an ideal host. Behind the calm exterior Bock says, which backpackers value for extra though lies a keen business brain who‘s grown money, and that extends their visa validity the capacity of the original timber cottage and and stopover duration, and benefits local communal kitchen-dining room into a brick attractions operators and suppliers. A unique house next door he subsequently bought, feature of the compound is a huge aviary incorporating a tours and reception desk, holding dozens of brightly-hued finches flitting games-recreation area, TV room, lounge-library between branches and tiny quails pattering and impressive swimming pool into an allon the ground. Tending and observing them round cosy complex. Everything’s immaculate is Bock’s hobby - a sensitive pastime caring for and well-ordered, as it needs to be if a heap small vulnerable creatures. of disparate souls is to eat, sleep, play and get At the outset here he recalls: “I had the along harmoniously. Off-street parking at the advantage of being familiar with travellers, front is dominated by Bock’s gaily-painted van staying in a lot of places, knowing what – for pick-up from the terminus of the many people want and expect. Yet at the same guests travelling by bus – with images on its time it’s a business, and that’s a completely sides of rolling waves, a surfboard, a guitar: a different story.” It was a big learning curve but cameo representation of the kind of ambience a pleasant one: “The beauty of this place is young travellers seek as they meet and mingle you’re in an enjoyable environment: people are with like spirits from around Australia and

travelling, on holidays, having fun, everything’s new and exciting - you sometimes forget what we have here in Australia. It’s a wildlife park, a dream for people coming here [from overseas]; I realised it when I travelled: every time I came home it was like ‘Wow!’ These people come back here [after a day out] and they’re all excited about seeing a koala, a pelican and everyday things we take for granted. They’re raving about a kangaroo: we think nothing of it but for these guys it’s the experience of a lifetime. They like the hostel, the relaxing atmosphere, then they go down to the beach; there’s nobody on the beach, because out of school holiday time it’s quite quiet, and they wander the sand by themselves virtually, and it’s brilliant! We’re quite often the first stop out of Sydney and the big city: so we get [new overseas visitors] checking in to their room and coming right back to Reception and extending - they haven’t been out anywhere! That’s what we work towards of course; it’s all about having people stay longer both for us and for Port Macquarie.” Bock says the three hostels work cooperatively together in the event of overflow bookings.

But what about the intrepid traveller’s own future in this 24/7 job he’s created for himself?

“Oh, I’m not going anywhere!” he laughs.

“I love it here; it’s great!”

PORT MACQUARIE

THEN&

NOW

INTERNATIONAL

WOMEN’S DAY Friday 6 March 2015

OUT NOW IS A NEW BOOK ENTITLED PORT MACQUARIE - THEN & NOW, WHICH COVERS MUCH OF THE TOWN’S PROGRESS FROM ITS 19TH CENTURY PENAL COLONY ORIGINS TO THE MODERN 21ST CENTURY TOURIST AND RETIREMENT DESTINATION.

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he book was first selfpublished by author David Martin in 2012 as The Changing Face of Port Macquarie, but has now been greatly expanded and updated. The new version includes aerial photos, maps, panoramas and a much more indepth text.

But the core of the book - the “thenand-now” photo comparisons remains the same. Historical photos are presented side by side with their modern counterparts, allowing the reader to actually see and compare

the changes, and enabling a greater appreciation than could be gained through text alone.

This time around, the book is in hardcover and section sewn, making it a longer-lasting and more durable reference than the soft cover, perfectbound original. The reprinted version is 50% thicker than the original, with almost 280 pages instead of 180. And the book’s dimensions are closer to square than the original A4 landscape.

With a selection of full colour modern panoramas in the back of the book,

Port Macquarie - Then & Now is a great momento for visitors wanting to take home some of the beauty of the lovely coastal town. Yet, it still serves as a compelling collection of memories and information for locals wanting to research or reflect on the development and progress of the beautiful coastal town in earlier times.

You can enquire about Port Macquarie - Then & Now by emailing the author at portmacquarie2018@ gmail.com or by calling 0410 594 370.

Sa the Date

SKILLSLINK

MULTI

“Let’s not wait another 20 years” Cocktail Party Calling for Nominations DO YOU KNOW A HASTINGS HEROINE? This year the Hastings Heroines Awards will honour inspirational women who have not waited to achieve the things they have set out to accomplish in their local community.

SKILL

TRAINING

Each year the Hastings Business Women's Network, along with Leslie Williams MP, set out to recognise the women of our region at this special event. Nominations open Monday 19 January 2015.

WORKERS ARE INCREASINGLY BEING ASKED TO “MULTISKILL” AND FOR MANY, THIS IS A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE.

NOMINATE YOUR HASTINGS HEROINE BY EMAILING: Hastings.Heroines@gmail.com The Hastings Business Womens Network is an organisation of more than 150 local women who come together to exchange ideas, information and inspiration as they strive for business success.

Whether they are working machinery and then have to begin answering the incoming phone calls, or if they’re IT guys and then have to become customer service gurus, it’s all about changing the way they think, react and relate to people.

SkillsLink Training knows all about change, as we’ve been through it ourselves over the past year in a huge way. So if you’re feeling nervous

about how to adapt to change, come and see us about our courses, seminars and tutorial support.

Whether you’re studying online, faceto-face or just coming to our seminars on the latest trends, we’re friendly and understanding of those times when we all feel “we just don’t get it (yet)”.

Smart & Skilled, the new Vocational Education and Training (VET) scheme

for NSW, will roll out in 2015 full of opportunities for people to begin their change of focus. Check out our website for links to the Smart & Skilled program, and also to our range of new offerings in 2015.

Let SkillsLink introduce you to the various opportunities available by contacting us on (02) 6483 7288, or visit our website on www. skillslinktraining.com.au.

Founded in 1999, the HBWN has a proud history of encouraging, empowering and educating women in business in Port Macquarie and surrounding regions.

The HBWN’s membership activities, including networking events and educational services, provide valuable personal and professional development opportunities, as well as a sense of belonging to a warm and welcoming business community.

By supporting and promoting the achievements of our skilled and talented members, the HBWN endeavours to raise awareness of the contribution of business women to the local economy and community.

For further information: HBWN.com.au greater port macquarie focus.

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PUB CRAWL FEATURE

Pub Craw

THE BAGO TAVERN This award winning venue is renowned for offering something for everyone, from a playground for the kids, to a beer garden for friends to catch up and have a drink or two on the weekend.

With our restaurant serving well crafted modern pub food, a fantastic range of draught and packaged beers, an extensive wine list, and friendly professional staff, the Bago Tavern is truly your place to enjoy.

On the weekends, the beer garden comes alive with the sound of live music. It's the perfect spot to have a beer on a balmy summer evening.

Out the back you'll find yet another dining area with a playground and jumping castle to keep the kids entertained. Receive a free kids' activity pack with every kid's meal purchased.

Our seasonal menu is based on quality local and regional produce with an emphasis on steak, seafood and wok-inspired dishes. Along with the ever-changing specials board, our menus showcase our chef's talent for creating great food.

Come along and enjoy yourself this January, with entertainment every Saturday night.

l

THE beechwood hotel Come west of the railway this month and discover Beechwood Hotel. Experience the hospitality and atmosphere of a true country pub. Enjoy a bite and a pint and watch the country life go by. Bistro open Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunch from 12pm and Friday and Saturday dinner from 6pm.

Home made pizzas available all day every day.

Have you experienced the ultimate day out? The Bellrowan pub ride is something that everyone should do.

From Bellrowan Valley you ride through neighbouring properties, winding through rainforest pockets, native bushland and rolling pasture. With the pub as the destination, it's hard not to feel a sense of excitement at having that first beer. Then relax, standing with your fourlegged friend on the verandah outside.

silver service hire cars You know where you're going; now it's time to plan how you're getting there.

Silver Service Hire Cars have been serving the people of Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas for a number of years, and we have successfully transported thousands of customers to their destinations in comfort and safety.

With a fleet of spacious, comfortable vehicles, we are dedicated to customer service and offer a premium experience with qualified professional drivers. Silver Service Hire Cars is a prompt and reliable service with pre-determined fares that cost no more.

Enjoy a great dinner, served by the friendly publicans Tracey and Michael. The Beechwood Hotel is a classic country pub with friendly locals and that spacious, relaxed feel. In the cooler months the fire is burning warmly, and the pool table and jukebox gets a workout by everyone.

The convenience of a Silver Service Hire Car will come in handy these summer holidays! Visitors to the region can easily get where you want to go, from Port Macquarie through to the Camden Haven area. What about medical appointments or a comfortable ride home after a night out? If you need safe and reliable transport, book a Silver Service Hire Care today.

We look forward to seeing you soon at the Beechwood Hotel.

To book a Silver Service, it's as simple as calling 6581 0069.

greater port macquarie focus.

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11a

WHAT’S ON

GLASSHOUSE

UPSIDTOUER

JODI

DO W N

MARTI N

ive Jodi’s honest folk/roots style, evocat of Jack Johnson and Sheryl Cr

sic This show is bound to please the mu lover and entertain with its diverse and guest collaborative nature - with a special Norwegian singer/songwriter.

TU ES DAY 27 JA NU ARY, 7P M

R OY O R B IS O N & TH E E V E R LY B R OTH E R S

FR ID AY 16 JA NU ARY, 8P M

BACK TO

BACHARACH

and successful A celebration of one of the most prolific songwriters of the 20th century.

sic hits of Come and relive the magic and the clas st successful some of the world’s greatest and mo rock & roll music legends of all time.

FR ID AY 20 FE BR UA RY, 8P M

SI M O N &

SATU RD AY 14 FE BR UA RY, 8P M

GTHEACORNCFERUT N KE L

e that will A fun, nostalgic story-filled performanc e, & what you transport you back to where you wer felt, when you first heard their music.

ike any other Irish show you have CELTIC BEAT Legends of Ireland is unl Song and laughter for all the family.

ever seen.

SATU RD AY 21 M AR CH, 8P M

GUAN W E I

FR ID AY 20 M AR CH, 8P M GLASSH OUSE SP RO UTS

H O LIDAY FU N FO R KID S

such as exploration, Guan Wei’s art is inspired by themes ret histories and immigration, the plight of refugees, sec crosscultural understanding. cm (detail).

these creative mornings, exploring and Kids (and their grown-ups) will love must be accompanied by an adult creating artworks in the Gallery. Children

esday 14 Januar y, 11am: Saturday 10 Januar y, Wedn21 Januar y Saturday 17 Januar y, Wednesday

02 65 81 88 88

glasshouse.org.au

, 100 x 180 1, 2012, acrylic on linen The Enchantment No.1 temporary.

Con ne Brow tin Mar Courtesy of the artist and

12 DE CE M BE R 2014 - 1 FE BR UA

Founding Sponsors

Government Sponsors A facility of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

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RY 2015

The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

THE ROSS FAMILY

focusinterview.

Hi YOUNGSTERS AROUND THE GREATER PORT MACQUARIE REGION AND BEYOND WILL BE EXCITED ABOUT THE ARRIVAL OF Hi-5 AND THEIR CONCERT AT PORT PANTHERS ON 23RD JANUARY, AT 10AM. FOCUS CATCHES UP WITH Hi-5 AND HERE’S A SPECIAL INTERVIEW FOR KIDS’ EYES ONLY!

STEVIE NICHOLSON

TANIKA ANDERSON

Nickname: Stavros.

Star Sign: Capricorn.

Birthday: 30th December.

Hair Colour: Blonde.

Eye Colour: Blue.

Hobbies: Tennis, gym, gaming and travelling.

Nickname: Nika.

Star Sign: Capricorn.

Birthday: 8th January.

Hair Colour: Pink.

Eye Colour: Brown.

What’s the best thing about being in Hi-5? I love it when we get the opportunity to visit hospitals in our role as ambassadors for the Starlight Foundation. Honestly, nothing beats being able to put a smile on a child’s face. I also love spending time with the rest of the gang in Hi-5; we are constantly trying to make each other laugh.

What’s the best thing about being in Hi-5? My favourite part of being in Hi-5 is getting to meet all of the awesome kids around the world!

Favourite stuff: Food: I love anything my nan cooks, and watermelon.

Hobbies: I love going to movies and eating popcorn.

What is your favourite Hi-5 song?

Underwater Discovery.

If you could have any magical power in the world, what would it be and what would you do with it? Time travel, of course! I would love to have seen what the world was like before technology was invented. I would also love to travel into the future and see what the world will create next!

Favourite stuff:

Music: All music - especially songs that I can dance and sing along to.

Food: Hainanese Chicken Rice is incredible! I also LOVE dried pineapple.

Book: Where’s Wally?

Colour: Purple!

Animal: Dolphin … or dragon. I love dragons!

Animal: My favourite animal is the dolphin.

They are very intelligent, and their loving nature is just beautiful to watch.

Animated Film: Finding Nemo.

Joke: It’s one Fely taught me: Q. What do you call a man lying in a pile of leaves? A. Russell.

Animated film: Lilo and Stitch.

Joke: Q. Why are pirates called pirates?

A. ‘Cause they arrrrrrr.

5

DAYEN ZHENG

MARY LASCARIS

AINSLEY MELHAM

Star Sign: Capricorn.

Birthday: 15th January.

Hair Colour: Medium brown.

Eye Colour: Brown.

Hobbies: Travelling, learning new things, cooking and singing.

Nickname: Mare-Bare, Mary-Loo, Mezza, Maria, Ave-Maria.

Star Sign: Scorpio.

Birthday: 27th October.

Hair Colour: Dark brown.

Eye Colour: Brown.

Hobbies: Dancing, singing, gym, crafts, cooking, fishing, cleaning, watching movies and playing board games with my family. My brother and I like to jam on the piano together.

Nickname: Ains, A-Bomb.

What’s the best thing about being in Hi-5? Being able to play with so many children all around the world. Dancing, singing and putting smiles on kids’ faces is all I’ve ever wanted to do.

with four other people who

What is your favourite Hi-5 song? Mirror Mirror.

Favourite stuff:

Favourite part about being in Hi-5? My favourite part about being in Hi-5 is being able to teach children all around the world through song, dance and interaction. I believe this is the best way to learn - not to mention a lot of fun as well! Also, being a part of Hi-5 is very rewarding. We are proud ambassadors for World Vision and Starlight Foundation and have the privilege of visiting some beautiful fans in hospitals, and it is such an honour to be able to make them smile.

Favourite stuff: Food: All different types of food, but if I had to pick one I’d have to say my Dad’s Korean home cooking.

Colour: Blue.

Music: All music - especially ones that I can dance and sing along to.

Animal: I love all them, reptiles and insects are my favourite, but best of all would have to be a tiger.

Joke: Q. Why do bananas have to put on sunscreen before they go to the beach? A. Because they might peel.

If you could have any magical power in the world, what would it be and what would you do with it? I would want to be able to breathe underwater!

Then I could go exploring in the sea for as long as I want like a mermaid!

Star Sign: Sagittarius.

Birthday: 2nd December.

Hair Colour: Dark brown.

Eye Colour: Green/hazel.

Hobbies: Dancing, choreographing, singing, reading, travel and cooking.

What is the best thing about Hi-5? Meeting so many beautiful kids and travelling feel like your best friends.

What is your favourite Hi-5 song?

Underwater Discovery and Making Music.

Food: Lebanese and Italian cuisine, as my family is from these cultural backgrounds, and I love learning to cook.

Colour: Blue.

Animal: The giraffe - they’re so majestic!

Animated film: Beauty and

Favourite stuff:

the Beast - it was the film I

Food: Lamb, fresh Ricotta, blueberries and honey.

used to watch all the time

Colour: Purple, pink, silver and anything that sparkles!

Book: And Then There Were

Animal: Elephant.

It’s an exciting story about a

Animated film: Anastasia, Cinderella, and The Incredibles - because it always makes me laugh.

group of guests that travel

growing up.

None, by Agatha Christie.

to an island for a party and mysterious things begin to happen. greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

DEBORAH M A I L M A N

DEBORAH MAILMAN IS AN AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION AND FILM ACTRESS. SHE WAS THE

FIRST ABORIGINAL ACTRESS

TO WIN THE AUSTRALIAN FILM INSTITUTE AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE. WELL KNOWN FOR WORKING ALONGSIDE SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST ACTRESSES, CLAUDIA KAVAN AND ASHER KEDDIE, AND SMASHING CELEBRITY IMAGES OUT OF THE BALL PARK, DEBROAH IS LIVING PROOF THAT YOU DON’T NEED TO BE STICK THIN TO BE LOVED BY ALL AUSTRALIANS. DEBORAH’S CURRENTLY CURATING THE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, FLIX IN THE STIX.

W

here did you grow up, and what are you memories of childhood?

I was born and raised in Mt Isa, North West Queensland. My father comes from Augathella, Bidjara country, in South Central Queensland and my mother is Ngati Porou from the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. We lived at the rodeo grounds in Mt Isa, as my father was a retired champion rodeo rider who became the caretaker of the grounds, so the rodeo for me is my childhood - cowboys, dust and country music.

When did your acting career first begin, and what do you recall of your earlier roles?

Back in the day, did being in front of the camera give you a thrill?

I trained as an actor at QUT Academy of Arts, beginning in 1990. My earlier roles were on the stage, having worked with Queensland Theatre Company and La Boîte Theatre in Brisbane and touring across the state in theatre-in-education programmes.

I made the move to Sydney and worked for many years, again in theatre, for the STC, Belvoir Theatre and Bell Shakespeare before moving into television and film. Radiance was my first feature film, directed by my long-time friend and collaborator, Rachel Perkins. It was a thrill to take that next step in my career and to understand the craft required for film and television.

Filming Radiance was one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve had.

What is your home life like? Where are you currently living, and who makes up your home? Is managing a young family and an acting career hectic? How do you juggle it all?

I live on the South Coast of NSW, with my husband and two sons and a menagerie of animals. The country is stunning, and I can't

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imagine living anywhere else. It’s home, and we are fortunate to have beautiful beaches and an incredible escarpment that runs parallel to the sea. I’m finding it harder to leave if I’m working, because all I I’m currently t care to do is be with my curating the shor e I’v boys and sit and enjoy my ch film festival , whi , so re home. Being a country never done befo out ab is y girl, I’m far more at peace jo e for me th d seeing an s m fil g away from the city. in watch r me. ” fo My husband manages what resonates the fort when I’m away. After all these years of juggling with some of Austraall our different schedules, we lia's finest actresses? have somehow made it work. It’s What I appreciate is that not without its headaches, but we’re a the list continues to grow with good team. every job I do. It’s a reason why I love I remember watching The Secret Life of it, working with like-minded people. I’m Us and remember it as being the first always learning, and it’s fantastic for me to television show to really showcase a city in watch my colleagues offering up ideas and its finest form … What was being a part of being present. I think it’s a job that requires such an iconic series like? a difference of mind, and emotionally we are Secret Life was a wonderful, crazy four years telling many stories and part of that is revealing, hanging out with the most incredible peoeven in disguise, a part of ourselves - so it’s nice ple. Working with Claudia Karvan was a real to have comrades in arms who understand what gift. She is simply brilliant. The show definitely is required. reflected my life at the time. The success of the You are considered a great role model show was phenomenal and one I don't think (especially for teenage girls); you are living any of us were quite prepared for. Claudia proof that you don't need to be stick thin was the exception, but the rest of us were all to be loved by all… Is this something that unknowns, and that changed in a heartbeat you're proud of? when the show went to air. It was very surreal My relationship to my body is personal. I find and quite absurd sometimes, but aside from the the conversation around body image often hypmadness I got the chance to work solidly with a ocritical, so I tend to switch the dialogue or turn great ensemble of actors, writers, directors and the page, because there are more interesting crew over that time. I’m very fond of the show, conversations to have. I hope young girls in parand it was wonderful for all involved that it did ticular do not get lost in the noise of what some so well. consider to be beautiful, because it’s deafening.

You've shared your career with some pretty You're latest project is curating Flix in the inspirational women, like Claudia Karvan Stix at Botanic Gardens. What does this and Asher Keddie. What is is like to work mean to you, how did you go about picking

“

the content, and how did you get involved?

I’m currently curating the short film festival, which I’ve never done before, so for me the joy is about watching films and seeing what resonates for me. I hope to give over a well-rounded, entertaining programme so that audiences will enjoy it and have a good night out.

What are you currently filming, and what's on the agenda for 2015?

I will have a few projects that will be released on the big and small screen in the new year.

First up is the feature film Paper Planes, coming to the big screen in January. It’s a film for the whole family about a young boy who dreams of competing in the World Junior Paper Planes Championship. It’s great fun with a lot of heart, and I’m looking forward to taking my kids to see it.

Blinky Bill the movie will be released sometime next year, which follows the adventure of our much loved koala, Blinky, and his friends.

And the critically acclaimed Redfern Now will return to ABC as a telemovie next year.

the plug!

For more information head to www.flixinthestix.com.au

greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

Mel Miante

Live2U L I V E 2 U

mel miante Mel Miante (pictured right, with husband Dave) has a distinctive style, true creative flair, a savvy business head, and a love of the performing arts. Along with Dave, and with the support of their children and numerous friends, Mel is at the helm of local business Live2U, which provides an array of services from artist management to photography and website design for local performers. And Live2U’s reputation is growing, as the business has just won a major award …

H

i Mel. Share some of your history with us ... what originally brought you to the area?

We wanted to raise our kids in a rural area, so we sold up our Sydney property and escaped to them there hills, which at the time was beautiful Bellangry.

Bellangry is a rural paradise and the locals in Peadsville were so incredibly kind and welcoming to us, but we wanted to be closer to the live music hub, so we moved into town up near Nobbys Beach. We have been so lucky to experience the best this area has to offer between bush and beach.

What’s your musical background – have you always had an interest in bands/the performing arts?

Absolutely, but it’s not just music, it is all forms of artistic expression: dancers, street performers, painters, comedians - anything creative fascinates me. When I was very young, I would listen to records and make my own mock radio shows using a cassette player. I would sit by the radio and listen to the Top 40, and I watched Count Down religiously! I think I was subconsciously brainwashed by Molly Meldrum. I don’t think it’s an active choice to be passionate about music and arts; some of us are just programmed that way.

Do you play or sing yourself?

Well I do now, but I haven’t always. Ultra Violet (my original co-presenter on Live2U TV) and I decided to get matching treble clef tattoos to symbolise our love of music, but neither of us actually played an instrument at the time. When people asked us what we played, she’d say something odd like kazoo, and I’d say triangle or castanets.

Then one day, we were like, “Hmmm … maybe we should learn something”, so she took up bass, and I took up guitar. I’ve always loved singing and songwriting, but I suffer from performance anxiety. It’s weird that I can pick up a microphone and MC an event in front of hundreds, or interview renowned musicians like Spiderbait

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We put in a lot of

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urs and Little Birdie impromptu unpaid man ho , ns ia and not miss a beat, but if I ic us to support m s ha have to sing in front of an d ar aw and this d us audience, I’m a deer in the definitely spurre like ’s It headlights … doh! on to do more. ot When did you establish a motivational sh ins of ve e th to in Live2U ... and what was straight LOL.” the reason behind starting a creative ju nkie up the business?

One day some years back, Ultra Violet, Dave and I came up Who are some of the local with the idea to create our own indie entertainers you’ve represented channel and do freelance journalism, so Live2U in recent years?

TV was born www.youtube.com/live2utv. We Angus Gill, Anna-Vee, Aunty HuHu and the wanted to create entertaining, unrehearsed Big Lazy, Bounty Hunters, Bill Roberts, Crank the and uncensored music television that focused Monkey, Ecko Beach, Goody 2 Shoes, iChoonz, on independent musicians. It’s been hard to Piston Broke, 3 Blind Mice, The BlackBirds, Jokers keep the channel running though, because we Wild, and the Rotors - just to name a few. are self funded and it is expensive to maintain Is Live2U a one man band, or do you have equipment and cover travel costs; ideally we a team of people who help with different need to find a sponsor to continue. Over the areas within the business? Introduce us to years we have kept adding additional services at your crew ... the request of the musicians, and we just keep We are family owned and funded so, primarily growing. my husband Dave and I run the operations and Describe the services the business offers ... as the kids are getting older, they pitch in too, We’ve built all of our services from the skills but we also have an amazing team of friends and and experience we have, so we currently offer volunteers who help support us. Dave is an exartist management and band booking services, tremely talented live music/festival photographer. website design, professional photography, proHe has even had some of his photos from Festival motion and branding, digital media marketing, of the Sun printed in Crusty Demons magazine. event management, master of ceremonies, video What are some of the major events you’ve production and graphic design. managed in the past?

We also run “Port Macquarie Musicians” We ran “An Enchanted Eve” a few years back, group on Facebook, a networking and pro“Wake the Dead Halloween Show”, “’80’s Remotion page for local musicians. Whilst I may vival Fancy Dress Disco”, “Rock & Risque Show” present as flamboyant, I am actually a savvy and last year we helped out with “Port Motor businesswoman with many years’ experience Mania”. working in executive planning areas for governSometimes we meet unique performers, ment, and I have formal qualifications in Business particularly on the festival scene, and we will be Management. I use an alter ego/alias when I inspired to build an event around them so that interview for Live2U TV, so that I can keep my people in Port Macquarie also have an opportujournalism persona completely separate from my nity to experience their magic. We have built a professional business side. This is particularly network of amazing performers, so we would necessary as we work full-time day jobs and run love to work with more local venues to create exLive2U services in our own personal time. citing shows and events infused with live music.

Live2U has recently been acknowledged with a very special award from the Australian Independent Music Association. What was this award for?

Directing and Producing “Best Blues Music Video of the Year 2014 Australia”.

How did being told you’d won this award make you feel? What does it mean for your business?

I literally cried; I had to explain to my work colleagues that they were happy tears! It was overwhelming to learn that we had been recognised for an award in the music video industry, particularly in the indie scene. We are so grateful, but couldn’t have done it without our kids’ help, some spectacular time-lapse footage by Jeff at Beachfront Productions, the amazing Port Macquarie scenery and of course, great original music by local band, Bounty Hunters.

We put in a lot of unpaid man hours to support musicians, and this award has definitely spurred us on to do more. It’s like a motivational shot straight into the veins of a creative junkie LOL. If a local band/singer or venue would like to speak to you about the services you offer, or if someone would like to book a band, how do they go about contacting you?

You can contact us via www.live2U.com.au but we have a couple of rules for musicians: you must be making original music or plan to and be willing to be part of the Live2U Musician Family, which means, supporting each other and most of all … you must have passion for what you do.

Thanks Mel. Interview by Jo Atkins.

focusinterview.

GIRLS THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, AKA MAT MCHUGH, ARE HEADING TO PORT MACQUARIE FOR THE DROP IN FESTIVAL, WITH A NEW RECORD AND CONTAGIOUS BEATS. READ BELOW TO HEAR ALL ABOUT MAT AND HIS PASSION FOR MUSIC.

G

oing back to the earliest point, where and when did music all begin for you?

I can’t even remember. I have a 3 year old now, and I kind of see the patterns repeating from when I was a kid. My dad played guitar and always had friends who played music. He didn’t do it on any kind of professional level but he played and he loved music a lot, so there was always music around. There wasn’t ever a time in my life where there wasn’t a guitar around or something. I got involved with the school band really young, when I was in first grade; I’ve always done it - I don’t remember ever not having it. We didn’t have a television, but we had a record player.

What was the instrument you learnt to play in the school band?

I played saxophone; I was determined. I was 6 years old, and I said to Dad, “You have to take me to school and get me a saxophone”.

The school didn’t have one; they searched around in a closet and they found this rusted old, horrible, beat up saxophone that they’d had for years. The deal was if I stuck with it, then we’d talk about them getting me one or the school buying a new one.

For the first two years I was a little kid in first grade, and you weren’t allowed to be in the school band until you’re in the third year.

So I played that saxophone for two years and got paid out by all the older kids; they were laughing at me because of this beat up old piece of junk.

But then I made it to the third grade, when

Releasing stuff independently, eryone working with ev r ila m si who has a ally re r ve ne , mindset at out selling any of th le to ab g and still bein s, I ar ye 10 do it after ht and lig gh hi a er consid a success ...”

“

you’re actually allowed to play in the school band.

The school bought a new sax, and I was allowed to use it. So, I went from having the worst to the best.

I’ve always been like whatever it takes ... I just love playing music.

When and how were you discovered?

It was pretty weird, ‘cause I’d always just liked to play music and I never really wanted to have it as a job. I studied graphic design; I like creative stuff, and I never dreamed or thought or wondered what it would be like to play music for a job. It wasn’t on the radar!

Traditionally being in bands growing up, you’d want to do an EP and go on tours and get famous. I never really wanted that. I was travelling overseas and I’d written a bunch of stuff, and I was busking. I lived in India for a year, and then I lived in New York, and I was busking just to make money for food.

I came back and a girl I knew was putting on an open mic night in Bondi. I got a couple of friends to play these songs I’d written and people liked it; they started coming more and more. There’d be an open mic night where there’d be 20 people, and the third time we played there were around 600 people. A guy there picked up a about 10 CDs and went into the Triple J offices and put them in all the pigeon holes of the announcers; I think they thought it was official mail from higher

up or something, and a couple of them just played it. I got a really good response on the radio, so, there wasn’t any real grand strategy - it was kind of just accidental.

I didn’t have any desire to get on the radio; I was just driving one day and I heard it. Our first record we did in three hours; it cost $300, and we just plugged in and played and sang everything live, no overdubs - I think that’s gone on to sell 100,000 copies. Just hearing that on the radio and having people buy it was strange to me, ‘cause I’d never actually sold anything. It was just literally intended to pass around at these open mic nights.

Growing up, who was your biggest inspiration?

My dad, when I was really little. He passed away when I was ten. Whatever he would listen to I would be surrounded by; he listened to a lot of country, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash ... then Sinatra and Dean Martin and all those guys. I was doing all that stuff for years as a kid and then when I hit teenagehood, I got more into punk rock and hip hop - three chord punk rock, like Minor Threat etc. I was right into that and also Run DMC and Public Enemy, NWA, all that raggedy hip hop stuff too.

Career highlight?

Just being able to still do this and do it inde-

pendently. We have a different set of criteria about what’s important and what I consider successful. We have a set of guidelines as far as how we ethically operate, treat people and what our motivations are. It’s kind of like a check list - are we doing it successfully - and I think we haven’t really wavered from that.

Releasing stuff independently, working with everyone who has a similar mindset, never really selling any of that out and still being able to do it after 10 years, I consider a highlight and a success - probably the greatest thing.

For me, success and highlights just come over time, moments of illumination, but the whole thing is a process. There isn’t one kind of “Yes! This is it, we made it”; the highlight is bigger than that. It’s more about a body of work and a set of actions over a longer time.

Everything passes - you can’t grab onto anything. The good things are super short, and so are the bad things. It’s kind of like where your heart’s at, where your head’s at while your hands are on the steering wheel is what’s important. I think we’ve maintained a pretty consistent model over a long time.

Thanks Mat.

the plug!

The Beautiful Girls will be performing on Sunday 11 January 2015 opening 2:00PM at Finnian’s Irish Tavern 97 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie www.finnians.com.au 18+ event

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focusinterview.

To Sleep

MATT FOX – PLAYWRIGHT

ADRIAN DAVIS – DIRECTOR

USING BLACK HUMOUR, COMPASSION AND COMPELLING DIALOGUE, TO SLEEP IS A PLAY THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE SENSITIVE SUBJECT OF SUICIDE IN A VERY UNIQUE WAY ... BRITISH BASED PLAYWRIGHT MATT FOX AND PORT MACQUARIE BASED DIRECTOR ADRIAN DAVIS TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCTION, WHICH HAS ITS INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE AT THE GLASSHOUSE ON FEBRUARY 3 …

H

i Matt. Where are you from, and what’s your career background?

I started writing for the theatre as a teenager when I joined a writer’s group at Plymouth Theatre Royal, UK. Following a degree in English and an MA in Professional Writing, I started to write, produce and direct theatrical productions.

My best known piece of work is Swindon: the Opera, an opera piece about an industrial town in the south of the England - written with internationally acclaimed composer Betty Roe MBE and performed in July 2012. I’ve written plays, operas and musical adaptations, and my latest play, To Sleep, was staged in the West End in September 2013, toured the UK in 2014 and receives its international premieres in Australia and the USA in 2015. My work is published by Roister Doister Publishing, UK Ltd. Originally from Cornwall, UK, I moved to Swindon in 2006, where I now live with my wife and 2 children. I’m a trustee for music education charity the JTPTrust, as well as writer, producer and co-director of production company Madam Renards Ltd. I also run a playwriting course for New College, Swindon.

What was your motivation for writing the play To Sleep?

The original idea to write To Sleep came to me whilst watching the film version of Anna Karenina in a UK cinema in September 2012. There was something about the theatrical melancholy of the film, which made me want to create a play concerned primarily with the process of suicide.

Conversely however, I was also very clear that I wanted the piece to be a black comedy; I generally think that black comedy is the most satisfying style of drama, largely due to the ability it gives the writer to be cynically subversive and avoid the pitfalls of earnest sincerity.

My other desire was for the piece to be driven by dialogue rather than action. I wanted to characters to be able to talk, discuss and explain themselves without any distracting theatrical smoke and mirrors; I’ve always been of the belief that any piece of drama must work with the most basic of production values, to truly be seen as a good piece of writing.

Provide us with a brief synopsis of the story.

With warmth, compassion and dark humour, To Sleep shows how relationships can develop between different people no matter how appalling their shared experiences might be. The play opens in an A&E waiting area with two people, who have almost nothing in common. One is a girl in her late teens, the other a middle aged man. Neither of them seems comfortable being there until they find out that they're both there for the same reason - suicide gone wrong. This leads to the two talking and deciding to help each other finish the job - a decision which causes an unexpectedly beautiful relationship to start to build.

The script looks into what could make people want to take this sort of decision and the (darkly comic) practicalities of carrying it out.

How do you feel knowing your play will now be performed at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie?

I’m absolutely thrilled that the play is being performed in Port Macquarie, particularly as the performance will actually be the international premiere for the show. I’ve known the director, Adrian Davis, for many years, as he originally is from Swindon, UK. The actors performing the piece are both from one of the original UK companies, and will therefore be bringing the British accents and ingrained British humour, which the play is reliant upon. I think Australian audiences are really going to enjoy the piece.

Thanks Matt.

H

i Adrian. We haven’t spoken to you for a while at FOCUS, so please re-introduce yourself briefly to our readers. What’s your background in the performing arts?

Hi Jo, this is my 20th year in community theatre and about a decade of writing for the stage. FOCUS featured my 2012 WWII drama, The Secret Reunion. Since then I appeared in a recent comedy and have written a comedy drama for Players’ One Act Play Festival in June.

You’re directing Matt Fox’s play To Sleep, which will be staged at the Glasshouse in February. What drew you to choose this particular production?

Two things. I had performed on stage (Fiddler on the Roof) in the UK when I met the writer Matt Fox and we hit it off - and later Matt and I collaborated to co-write the book for a jukebox musical. I thought Matt was very talented and really enthusiastic about his writing.

Secondly, I had been watching the development of Matt’s original play, To Sleep, for two years and seen how it grew and grew into a powerful play. The subject matter of suicide is a very sensitive one, and yet Matt has managed to write a drama that recreates the harsh reality of those driven by extraordinary events to the flow of the play with compassion and also humanity.

I believe you were incredibly fortunate in being able to procure two of the original actors from one of the British productions to perform at the Glasshouse as well. How did this come about?

I was interested in producing the show in Australia, and Matt dropped me a note to say both English actors will be on their honeymoon

in Australia, spending two nights only in Port Macquarie. Not wishing to miss a chance, I rang round a few theatres - and luckily enough, the Glasshouse was free. Having the experienced actors available saves a great deal of time in rehearsals.

Tell us more about the two actors - who are they?

Steve Crowley and Heather Davies take up the two roles. Both from the UK, after graduating from university they appeared in a number of stage productions, including lead roles in The Elephant Man, One Fly Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Twelfth Night and a Midsummers Night’s Dream. Steve and Heather run their own theatre company in the UK, “Trick of Light Theatre Company”. I’m sure the Australian audiences will make them feel very welcome.

What do you hope viewers of To Sleep will ultimately take away from the production?

Theatre is about the comedy and tragedy of life. The play has both. The audience will see how two human beings in extraordinary circumstances consider what they should do with their lives. The two characters challenge each other as to why they should or should not choose a particular course of action. Combined with Daniel Parlevliet’s atmospheric lighting, Matt Fox’s script will leave the audience guessing right to the very end.

Thanks Adrian. Interview by Jo Atkins.

Adrian’s image courtesy of Fab Photos.

the plug!

See To Sleep at the Glasshouse on February 3, at 8pm. $22 adult; $20 concession.

Call the Box Office 6581 8888 or visit glasshouse.org.au greater port macquarie focus. 57

focusinterview.

Wedding of the Month

SAM &WES HAWKINS

D

escribe Wes’s proposal and your stunning engagement ring…

My engagement ring is a platinum ring with a French pave-set diamond halo from

American company Bluenile.

Wes and I designed the ring together, but

Wes managed to surprise me with a proposal written in the sand at Flynns Beach.

Tell us about your decorations and the overall theme of your wedding.

Wes and I wanted a relaxed, fun, garden

party vibe.

This was achieved through having games for

guests to enjoy while we had photos (croquet, boules and a giant jenga tower!) a giant, heart shaped piñata, a photobooth and festoon lights over the outdoor dance floor.

Little Fish is such a beautiful location in

itself, so I didn’t want to detract from this with too many decorations. As I didn’t have any bridesmaids, I decided to base the colour theme on my blush peony bouquet and the setting at Little Fish. The jacaranda was in flower, the bougainvillea was bright pink and the vines were green - perfect!

Our florist, Sarah Hudson, absolutely blew me away when it came to decorating our ceremony space with pomanders and hanging glass terrariums with single blooms.

She worked with me to understand the feeling I wanted to create for the day and after only seeing a few “inspiration” pictures, sent me a mood board of the day that reflected everything I wanted perfectly. Sarah was a pleasure to work 58

greater port macquarie focus.

with and is very talented; everything she created was beautiful.

Run us through a timeline of your wedding day.

I got ready at The Observatory with my best friend, Loz. We started the day with a swim at Town Beach and breakfast at Milkbar, before getting ready for the wedding overlooking the ocean in our room.

The day was very chilled, but the nerves and excitement started building when I saw myself with my hair and makeup done wearing my dress!

After photos with my family, I met Wes at Flagstaff Lookout for our “first look”.

We decided to have “first look” photographs, so that we would spend less time having photos between the ceremony and reception.

I’m glad we did, as it was so special to have a quiet moment together at the beach before the ceremony.

Our photographer said that he notices the bride and groom are much more relaxed at the ceremony after a first look, and this was definitely the case.

We had a 4pm ceremony followed by some photos in the vineyard and then on to enjoying the night with our guests!

Who were your bridesmaids, groomsmen and beautiful flower girls?

Because we had a small wedding, we decided not to have a bridal party.

My best friend, Loz, was my witness and Wes’s brother, Fletcher, was his.

Why did you decide to have your reception at Little Fish Café?

Dress - Alfred Angelo (style 8501) from RSVP I fell in love with Little Fish the first time I visited and soon became a regular there for Coffs Harbour lunch. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and Make Up - Hayley Dwyer, Le Rouge Make-Up the food and wine is amazing.

Artistry Wes and I both love good food and wine, so it Hair - Gaye Brenton Hairdressing Kempsey was an easy choice for our wedding.

Florist - Sarah J Hudson Flowers & We also liked that we could Styling have the ceremony Dance floor and festoon and reception at the lights - Hire Port da same place, so Wes and I wante Photographer - David rden our guests could relaxed, fun, ga Moore was begin celebrating party vi be . This having Music - Richie h achieved th ro ug straight after the y jo en to Gudgeon games for guests os ceremony. ot Photo Booth while we had ph d a giant an What was on (croquet , boules Happybooth ant, heart the menu for jenga tower!) a gi otobooth Silver Heart Piñata a ph shaped piñata , guests to enjoy? er the ov s ht Party Pony designer lig n oo st and fe We had a cocktail floor.” e nc da r piñatas oo td ou style reception with Accommodation 8 different canapés, so (including wedding night) that we could mingle with The Observatory guests over the evening.

Car - Royal Daimler Port Prestige We started with smaller bite size Wedding Cars & Limousines canapés like mini pastry cups with herbed Celebrant - Trish Johnson avocado and sundried tomato and Guest Transport - Collins Buses smoked Tasmanian salmon with dill cream All of the suppliers listed were WONDERFUL, on mini toasts and built up to more substantial and were an absolute pleasure to work with. canapés such as mini steak burgers with chilli

“

jam and, my favourite, chat potatoes filled with mushroom risotto and pecorino.

Dessert was chocolate covered strawberries (a massive hit) and wedding cake (plus lollies and chocolates from our piñata!)

Our guests loved the food and all said they were very satisfied at the end of the night!

Who were some of your local suppliers?

What was your favourite part of your wedding day?

Apart from marrying my best friend (aww) and having all of our favourite people in one place; the best part was seeing our friends and family having such a great time!

At the end of the night, none of us wanted the party to end! It really was a perfect day.

Save Date the

Save the date! The bridal event of the year is here - Port Macquarie and surrounding brides, get out your diary and mark this event not to be missed! Saturday 1st February 2015 at the Mercure Rooftop and Waterline Terrace, Port Macquarie.

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• Decorating ideas and wedding hat can we say? There is so much going on at accessories for sale. this event, brides will • Canapés, bubbles and a huge open lolly be going gaga. It sounds buffet … Say no more too good to be true, but • First Dance demonstration: Starting with believe us, it’s all happening… a traditional bridal waltz and then showing 101 reasons to attend the event won’t fit in off some dance moves, Port Macquarie our space, so we will give you 10, and we think Performing Arts School will get you in the they’ll be enough to get you there. groove, performed with the well10 REASONS YOU MUST known Stacey Morgan and her ATTEND! husband. We can’t wait to • Our fabulous local see this one! suppliers: Speaking • Underwater Bridal with our suppliers This is the most Shoot: Something ent on the day saves exciting Bridal Ev a little different to making loads of t! Rain , without a doub see! The photo l appointments and is still al hail or shine, it re cu shoot will be done e Mer looking around for happening at th line er at W at 2pm with the d where to start. They an p to Roof rday 1st tu Sa on talented Matthew e are in the know, on ac rr Te J Photography hand and ready to February.” help. jumping into the • DIY planning Mercure pool for some station: Giving you cheat graceful photos of a bride sheets to get you well and and groom in the water. Great truly on the way to planning your photo opportunities. wedding (in an organised, Bridezilla free • Live screen printing: To give you manner). something else you haven’t seen before, • Save-the-date opportunities: Helping Blackdog Ink will show you a screen printing you from the start to secure your special sneak peek. Maybe a bride or bridesmaid T-shirt guests. Pose it Photo Booths will be set up or a stubby cooler for your bridal party? You ready for your awesome save-the-date photo can choose where you would like your print. strips, or you might prefer an engagement This is totally cool and a great local service! photo shoot with the award winning Renee • As if I need another reason to get you Bell Studios. Renee will be doing the shoot there. Xx from 11:30m - 12:30pm. Renee is famous for This is the most exciting Bridal Event without absolutely stunning wedding photography. a doubt! Rain, hail or shine, it is still all • Invitation demonstrations: If you are crafty happening at the Mercure Rooftop and and ready to DIY, this is your starting point. If Waterline Terrace on Saturday 1st February. you don’t want to DIY, you can see different See you all there! styles and order them on the day. No mess, no fuss, ready to post.

Jess and Jill xx

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greater port macquarie focus. 59

focusinterview.

leap for life S U P P O R T I N G

WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER SERVICE

W

e haven’t seen anything like this in the Hastings before what is the Leap for Life?

A nine storey building.

Fourteen brave people. Two abseiling lines. A crowd waiting with bated breath below.

Community leaders, politicians and business people will take the Leap for Life off the Rydges building on Friday 23 January. In doing so, they will summon their courage, face their fears and raise money and awareness for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Newcastle Knights star Danny Bederus, Mayor Peter Besseling and the helicopter service’s very own General Manager, Richard Jones, will be amongst the line-up of celebrities to take the plunge.

What’s in store for the brave leapers on the day?

Other than knocking knees and sweaty palms, the leapers will experience an exhilarating abseil for fun and for a great cause.

Our leaders will not get any practice runs. They will have one chance only to overcome their terror. They’ll head up to the rooftop, get rigged up, suck in some deep breaths, turn their back on the drop and lower themselves over the edge. If they’re game …

They’ll then abseil down, two at a time, landing amongst their friends and supporters cheering them on at the “Drop Zone” cocktail party.

What sort of fundraising do our leaping leaders have planned?

Each leader has been challenged to raise $2,000 to participate, with funds going to the helicopter service, which saves on average three lives per week on the Mid North Coast.

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greater port macquarie focus.

ON FRIDAY 23 JANUARY, 14 DARING COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL LEAP FOR LIFE IN SUPPORT OF THE WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER SERVICE. COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER KYLIE MORRIS TELLS US MORE ABOUT THIS HIGH STAKES EVENT…

What else has the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Leaders are raising money via GoFundraise, others are holding raffles, fashion parades and more. Keep an eye Service been up to in our local community recently? out for details of how you can get behind your favourite The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is tasked to leaper. approximately 1,000 missions per year with many on And remember, you're not just supporting a leaping the Mid North Coast. Recently, the helicopter service leader; you're supporting our greater community, has airlifted three patients from Port Macquarie Base ensuring the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Hospital to John Hunter Hospital for various Service continues to save lives in the medical reasons, plus tasked to two separate region. motorcycle accidents and transported We’re grateful to have a neonatal baby to the John Hunter Each leader has the support of many local Hospital. ed been challeng businesses, along with The Bell412s operating out of the to to raise $2,000 our event sponsor, High s nd fu ith Hunter cost on average $3,500 per participate, w Performance Centre, which ter hour; therefore, a single mission ing to the helicop go is a newly opened training ves on to the Mid North Coast can cost service which sa per es centre with an apt slogan average three liv orth anywhere around $7,000. Our N of “stronger, faster, harder, week on the Mid local volunteers, community and higher”.

Co ast. ” fundraising events like this one ensure What safety precautions are the rescue helicopters are here when and in place? where they are needed.

Our leapers will be safe in the expert How can people get involved? hands of the experienced Sam Dalton and Show your support by helping your favourite his team of professionals from Sparta Solutions leader raise funds. Check out what they have and Advanced Solution Group, who have planned on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ executed similar events in the past, including an leadersleapforlife.

Or make a donation via GoFundraise abseil by Kyle and Jacki-O. leadersleapforlife.gofundraise.com.au Where did you get the idea to plunge people off a You can also join us at the “Drop Zone” cocktail party tall building? at 6pm on Friday 23 January, and watch the leaders We were looking for something unique that would make their death-defying descent. Tickets are $35 for an give people the chance to feel what it’s like to put their awe-inspiring evening of canapés and a drink on arrival. life on the line, and in someone else’s hands - just as the Secure your spot by contacting Kylie Morris at kylie. people who benefit from the service place their trust morris@rescuehelicopter.com.au or on 0429 818 627. in our crewman, doctors and paramedics aboard our helicopters every day.

Thanks Kylie.

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Advanced Solutions Group Pty Ltd

Industrial Rope Access Solutions

1300 789 474

greater port macquarie focus. 99

HEALTH

By East Coast Laser & Cosmetic Clinic

By Sundial Dental

AMALGAM IS SILVER COLOURED FILLING USED TRADITIONALLY TO FILL CAVITIES IN TEETH. IT IS COMPRISED OF 50% MERCURY AND A POWDERED ALLOY OF METAL INCLUDING SILVER, TIN AND COPPER.

H E A LT H Y S K I N

C

an the mercury be released replaced. However, in many cases with from the amalgam? Studies have large amalgams there can be large fracture shown that it is undeniable that lines in the tooth and the tooth can have a a small amount of mercury in the bluish tinge, which indicates the amalgam is form of vapor can be released in the mouth corroding (rusting/leaking). Quite often these as amalgam wears. It is debatable if teeth can have decay under the amalgam the amount of mercury in the or have large cracks which are amalgam fillings can have ready to fracture the tooth. effects on the body; Sometimes when a tooth however, there is a breaks due to amalgam, it At Sundial direct correlation can break unfavourably D ental, we are an between the number (e.g. under the gum e. actic amalgam free pr of amalgam fillings in line) which makes the in With advances e ar the mouth and levels e tooth unrestorable and technology, ther ling fil r fe of mercury in body the tooth will need to better and sa tissues. be taken out. In cases materials .”

Do amalgam where large fracture lines fillings damage the are visible, it is best to be tooth? Due to the mercury proactive and protect the in the amalgam, the fillings tooth. can cause the tooth to crack. If you What are the alternatives to imagine a thermometer, the mercury amalgam? At Sundial Dental, we are goes up and down with temperature an amalgam free practice. With advances in changes - likewise in your tooth. As the technology, there are better and safer filling temperature changes in your mouth with cold materials. Composite resin is a tooth coloured and hot foods and drinks, the amalgam will filling material and is used in small to medium expand and contract. Teeth aren’t made to flex fillings. Because they are bonded onto the in this fashion, and thus cracks and fractures tooth (unlike amalgam), less tooth needs to be can occur. taken away in order for the filling to hold.

Should I have my amalgam fillings CEREC porcelain inlays, onlays and crowns replaced? are a better alternative still, as they are Like other fillings, if there are no problems stronger, have a much longer life expectancy with the filling, they do not need to be and look exactly like a tooth.

“

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greater port macquarie focus.

Healthy good looking skin for a lifetime. The way skin responds to ageing is due in part to genetics; but how you treat your skin has huge impact on visible signs.

E

xcessive exposure to sun, environmental elements such as air pollution, toxins in your food, lifestyle, lack of sleep, alcohol and smoking all contribute to your skin aging well before its time.

The good news is we can control these factors and with the advances in cosmetic technology, we can use natural, safe, consistent solutions that deliver effective, believable results.

The daily onslaught by external aggressors on each cell in the body changes oxygen molecules into free radicals, which cause havoc damaging their walls and connective tissues.

These faulty cells then copy themselves, carrying the damage in their blue print.

Antioxidants are free-radical scavengers and are the best defence against this, such as vitamin E and C beta- carotene, rooibos and grape seed extract.

Vitamin A has a corrective effect on skin, smoothing it, softening and protecting it from the effects of ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. It promotes the production of healthy collagen and elastin and improves skin moisture. All this leads to healthy, younger

looking skin.

The 5 habits of healthy skin in the summer months are: • Protection, Protection, Protection. Sunscreen containing both UVA + UVB protection is a must.

• Don’t worry; be happy. People who believe they look good have a good sense of self esteem. Stress and anxiety cause accelerated free radical activity, restricted blood and oxygen flow causing skin damage.

• Where there’s smoke, there are wrinkles Smoking robs the skin’s oxygen and precious vitamin C, doubling the rate of ageing.

• Sleep well. Sleep is the foundation of our wellbeing. Human growth hormone is released to revitalise your body and regenerate cells.

• Eat Well plus Drink Water. Your professional medical grade skin cream does the work on the outside of your skin, but diet tackles the task on the inside. Eating a well balanced, nutritious diet gives the skin the nutrition it needs to be brighter, healthier and smoother.

Visit East Coast Laser& Cosmetic Clinic to speak to one of our Cosmetic Nurse specialists for advice on your best skin care regime.

6584 6266.

Ling Massage @ Port Macquarie Don’t you just love the festive season? The hustle and bustle, racing from store to store to find gifts for family and friends, exciting parties where many of us tend to over-imbibe, energetic children’s games where we struggle to demonstrate that age has no affect on agility, the food (oh yes, the food!) and then the aftermath; that feeling of utter exhaustion, when every muscle is crying out for help?

The truth is that none of us is getting any younger, and our bodies are usually the first to remind us of that fact, but remedial massage, administered by a trained and trusted professional, can provide genuine relief from those muscular aches and pains.

He Ling Ying (Ling) the popular proprietor of Massage at Port Macquarie is highly qualified in Australia, as well as in her native China. Her skills are therefore quite unique, as she successfully combines today’s recognised contemporary techniques with time-honoured Chinese modalities, to provide real assistance to those with physical discomfort, sport, health or occupational mobility issues, insomnia or simply common fatigue. In fact, Ling’s loyal long-term clients are an ongoing testimony to her outstanding level of care. Approved treatments are recognised by most major health funds, with HICAPS providing instant rebates in the majority of cases. Fully-accredited by the Australian Association of Massage Therapists, Ling practices from her air-conditioned home clinic in the Lighthouse Beach/Shelly Beach area, where parking is just a few paces from the door. Warm, considerate and surprisingly strong, she cares for her clients – male, female, young and not-so-young – with compassion, respect and always with traditional Chinese courtesy and values.

IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR SCHOOL? ENDOTA SPA PORT MACQUARIE At endota day spa Port Macquarie we love our locals, and here are some perks for local endotees all Australian organic products including our body treatments using raw organic ingredients like honey, yogurt and river salt.

Remedial and Sports massage with health fund rebates available upon booking in advance.

We also offer relaxation and hot stone massage, and our unique sticks and stone remedial massage you will need to tick off your bucket list.

Hydro-microdermabrasion facial treatments are the latest smooth skin solution using customised solutions, not harsh crystals ... aahhhmazing! Only available at endota spa.

Deluxe manicures and pedicures, not to mention spa packages, easy to customise with down to earth advice on our organic skincare range, Dermalogica and Hydro Peptides, anti age skin care for sensitive skin. The best part is 15% off any full priced treatments, all year long for locals ... valid Monday - Thursday only.

Bookings are essential; you can book online. Go to endota.com.au/portmacquarie or speak to our friendly team; call 6584 7888.

Follow us on Facebook for updates and invites to our special VIP events. www.facebook.com/endotaspa.portmacquarie

Undiagnosed vision problems can result in learning or behavioural difficulties for children as they struggle to focus at school. Research shows that 1 in 4 school students have a vision problem that could be hindering performance.

The increase in vision problems seen today is a result of the fact that children are spending far more time doing visually demanding near tasks compared to their parents, with the widespread use of hand held devices and computers.

We recommend that all young children have a full eye examination before starting school, and at least every three years as they progress through primary and secondary school.

If your child has never had an eye examination, it should be a priority, as early detection and intervention is essential for best results.

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR: • One eye turns when the child is tired or when concentrating • Frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes, red or watery eyes • Sensitivity to light • Squinting when watching television or playing computer games • Tilting head noticeably when looking at things • Covering or closing one eye when reading • Reporting headaches or blurred or double vision • Difficulty learning to read • Books and hand held games held too close • Poor concentration and reduced attention span So don’t be complacent when it comes to your child's vision and organise a visit with your local Eyecare Plus Optometrist. No referral is necessary, and consultations receive a rebate with Medicare.

greater port macquarie focus. 63

H A S T I N G S

Maternity Coalition THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY GROUP

WITH A LITTLE OVER 12 MONTHS SINCE THEIR INCEPTION, THE HASTINGS MATERNITY COALITION HAS HAD A BIG YEAR. THIS GROUP OF 10 DYNAMIC AND PASSIONATE WOMEN CAME TOGETHER AFTER SEEING A NEED IN THE COMMUNITY FOR GREATER SUPPORT OF BIRTHING WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, AS WELL AS THEIR ACCESS TO BIRTHING SERVICES.

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hey are a voice for birthing mothers, the Federal Government and all the state and providing education and support, as territory health ministers promised women well as liaising with current maternity better access to more choices in maternity services and advocating for change. care by implementing the National Maternity In the last 12 months, the HMC has achieved Services Plan (NMSP). The plan was to be put a lot. As part of their fundraising efforts, the in place by 2015, and a key commitment was HMC hosted screenings of the documentaries that state and territory governments agreed Face of Birth and Microbirth, exploring to give “eligible midwives” (those able birth rights and the importance to provide Medicare services) of a healthy labour. They access to public hospitals, also brought well known so that women could The HMC author and GP Dr go to a public hospital supports all Sarah Buckley to Port with their private cates women and advo Macquarie to give midwife, for labour for access to high care educational talks and birth care with ty quality materni sed to both healthcare access to Medicare ba choices that are en om w professionals on the rebates (the NMSP l, on respectfu at th d an re hormones of labour contains a range of centred ca is ed er liv de g and birth, as well in other commitments care be rmed as the general public as well). This means modelled and fo .” ce en talk on the secrets of that birthing women in on best evid happy babies.

Greater Port Macquarie The HMC worked in should have the ability to conjunction with the PMBH make this choice. However, across to bring about the option of water Australia only eight hospitals have birth in the maternity ward, which was implemented this commitment so far, all launched in August last year. The access of them in Queensland. As maternity care of water immersion for labour and birth choices here locally are very limited, there is a was a direct result of listening to the needs great need to support these changes and get of birthing women in the community and a these governments and the hospitals moving great step forward in supporting birth choice. on the reforms.

In September last year, the HMC secured The HMC supports all women and funding for a precious piece of equipment for advocates for access to high quality maternity the Maternity Ward - a cuddle cot. The cuddle care choices that are based on respectful, cot provides a place for parents to grieve the women centred care and that care being loss of a newborn. It was made possible by a delivered is modelled and formed on best generous donation from Georgia and Lance evidence. The implementation of this plan is Dunn and will make a massive difference to important, because it leads to better health parents at a very sad and difficult time. With outcomes for mothers and babies and will the fundraising efforts from the year, the cost taxpayers less than the current model of HMC handed over a cheque for $2,000 to the care. maternity ward last month to be used for a http://goo.gl/SkLcZM Hovermat for the birthing suites.

If you would like more information or to You may think that after all that hard work, find out how you can help, please contact the the HMC is ready for a rest, but there is still HMC: hmaternitycoalition@gmail.com or find more important work to be done. In 2010 us on Facebook: Hastings Maternity Coalition.

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64 greater port macquarie focus.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JANUARY 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

You have been busy recognising cycles that repeated in your past. However, you have grown in wisdom since. This is why they have little if any effect on you now.

Set new goals and watch the outcome.

Moonstone is great for ending and beginning cycles.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20

You’re a problem solver; this is why others are compelled to share their story with you.

You often hear wise words escape you.

Hear these words; they will guide you well.

Enjoying your creative pursuits is likely to be a strong influence towards the end of the month.

Citrine Stimulates our creative energy.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20

Connect to your inner strength and gentle wisdom. Identify your qualities you approve of, to align yourself with the highest opportunities and abundance in life. Make a wish list, not a resolution.

2+0+1+5 (= 8 the year of good luck and abundance). Enjoy!

Amethyst connects us to our life’s purpose.

Wear some.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

If you’re feeling unsupported, look inward at what needs strengthening and activate it. Set some short-term goals as well as mid and long-term goals. You will soon know that there is no hurdle too big you to remove. Laugh at your fears and become their answer.

Ruby gives us strength of mind, body and spirit.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Endings and new beginnings are likely to play a major part in this cycle. Set some goals and stay tuned into your feelings to identify your opportunities. It will be important to feel passionate and happy connections in the home and workplace.

Moonstone is great for new cycles. Wear some.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

A fresh outlook toward the New Year will aid in becoming better aligned to receive good luck and abundance in all things.

Release any fears and become their answers.

Ownership of your reality will be a strong influence; embrace it.

Clear Quartz amplifies energy.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23

As long as you are content to love, you will sparkle. Avoid placing conditions or hopes on your giving, as you will be disappointed.

Instead, feel the Leo joy of giving, because you love to give and do it unconditionally.

Feel how big your heart can be.

Rose Quartz, the crystal of love, initiates all levels of love in our energy.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23

Romantic feelings towards life can be expected this month. Connect with your gratitude as often as possible to benefit from the simple pleasures in life. Relationships will offer some adventurous new discoveries of the self, and feelings towards career are likely to change. Set some goals.

Carnelian is great for our enthusiasm and strength of will.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23

Stay connected to your beautiful qualities; these will open doors of endless opportunities. 2015 symbolises an abundantly lucky year. Set some new goals and make a wish list.

Prioritise some alone time for yourself and enjoy your solitude.

Blue Lace Agate clears the mind and enlightens it.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22

If you’re carrying any undigested emotions from 2014 into this year, an abundance of negativity could follow.

Release these emotions, so life doesn’t have to bring them to your attention. Think of something new to feel and wish for it.

Malachite helps release past hurts and recognize the strength gained.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

If you are feeling trapped in life, it could be that you have outgrown your old beliefs and need to create new ones. Try debating your beliefs and see what you come up with.

Anything that interferes with reaching your fullest potential is likely to be released this month, making way for better things.

Citrine shatters negativity and attracts an abundance.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Listen to your wise words when you are counselling someone. Your Guides are speaking directly to you on these occasions.

Where would you like to see yourself at the end of the year? Let this aid in setting new goals. Career has to offer a happy environment for inner peace.

Snowflake obsidian shatters workplace negativity. greater port macquarie focus. 65

focusinterview.

Formerly a Sydney resident, Jodie has spent the past three years completing her medical degree at UNSW’s Port Macquarie Rural Clinical School. Now she plans to

Dr Jodie

stay on in the area to complete her internship at Port Base Hospital –

WHEATLEY

which is great news for us! Jodie tells us more about her future plans and aspirations …

H

i Jodie. Share some of your family background with us please ... where did you grow up and go to school?

I spent the first 20 years of my life in Sydney, growing up as the youngest of four children. Most of my childhood was spent in the Hills District, and after finishing primary school in Kenthurst, I started high school at Abbotsleigh. This was quite a daily commute, so in later years the family moved closer to the school. I moved up to Port Macquarie in 2012.

When and why did you decide to become a doctor?

I remember being fascinated by a lecture in high school about genes and how genetic mapping can be used to identify genetic mutations relevant to particular diseases. This really sparked my interest in the medical field, and since then my desire to become a doctor and help others has continued to grow.

You’ve studied for your medical degree at UNSW. How much of your studies did you actually complete on site at UNSW in Port Macquarie?

The medical degree at UNSW is six years.

My first two years were on the UNSW campus at Randwick in Sydney, and I spent the following year completing a research project at Neuroscience Research Australia.

I was then fortunate enough to spend the final three years of my studies at the Port

66 greater port macquarie focus.

Macquarie Rural Clinical School. generalised medical and surgical teams really What have you most enjoyed about your appealed to me. There is also the opportunity tertiary studies so far? for teaching and skills development with oneMy final three years in Port Macquarie on-one supervision, which is something that have definitely been more enjoyable than doesn’t always happen in larger city hospitals. the first three in Sydney! One of the best I also felt I’d be able to achieve a better workthings about studying in Port Macquarie is life balance in Port Macquarie, where the the quality of the clinical experience. beach is never too far away! It’s such Given it’s a smaller hospital with a beautiful place to live, and the fewer students, you get more surrounding National Parks exposure to teaching and make for many beautiful I really love clinical situations, with camping spots up and the idea of this more direct interaction down the coast. e it pathway, becaus reer between teaching staff How long do you a ca would provide and students. The foresee that you’ll d an y with great variet ing rural clinical school remain in the w lo satisfaction, al th in Port Macquarie Hastings area?

Do bo e tic me to prac d an has also helped to you have plans for ity commun .” re ca ed as better the experience, when you complete l-b ita hosp with so many facilities your internship? and resources available, That’s a tricky question! including a simulation lab.

One of the issues with This lab allows us to simulate and rural areas is that some training manage emergency situations that we programs can’t be completed in might not otherwise be exposed to as a the smaller hospitals. So, I’ll be here student. for at least two years while I complete You’ve decided to stay on in Port my internship and residency, and then Macquarie and complete your internship hopefully the right opportunities will present at Port Base Hospital. That’s great news! themselves in Port!

What is it about Port Macquarie that’s led What decisions have you made (if any) you to make this decision? about areas of medicine you’d like to I decided to stay in Port Macquarie for my specialise in? What is it about these internship, because the idea of working in particular fields that attract you? a smaller hospital and being part of more Medical students tend to have a new idea

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about what area of medicine they would like to end up in every month, but at the moment I am considering heading down the Rural Generalist training pathway. As a Rural Generalist, you are a GP providing primary care in a rural community, whilst also providing advanced procedural services, such as obstetrics or anaesthetics, at the local hospital. I really love the idea of this pathway, because it would provide a career with great variety and satisfaction, allowing me to practice both community and hospital-based care.

What are you most looking forward to about the future?

I’m looking forward to leaving the days of being a student behind, and being able to put what I have learnt over the past six years into practice. I know the next couple of years will be challenging, but I’m excited to be moving in to the next phase of my medical career.

Study and work no doubt take up a large chunk of your day, but what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love getting outdoors as much as possible, whether to play tennis, go for a hike, jump on my mountain bike or go camping for the weekend - the beauty of living in Port is that there are endless opportunities to do this. I also enjoy cooking and love having my friends and family over for long, lazy Sunday lunches.

Thanks Jodie.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation

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C A R B O N D I O X I D E L A S E R R E S U R FA C I N G

ong-term sun-exposure, both from work and leisure, is a hazard of life in Australia.

Solar (sun) damage affects both the epidermis (the very thin superficial layer) and the dermis (the thicker, deeper layer) of skin.

Solar damage to the epidermis results in scaly, dry skin, with red and brown blotches all over.

The base of the epidermis is called the basement membrane and is made up of mainly basal cells which are the template cells for formation of new skin cells. Though these cells are replaced every 30 days, the template cells, once damaged, can only produce new cells with the existing damage in them.

Solar damage to the dermis results in thinning of this layer, including the collagen and elastin in the dermis, which give form and tone to the skin.

Solar damage to facial skin is compounded by ageing changes, causing facial skin to be droopy, thin and lined.

The reversal of solar damage and ageing of facial skin This requires repair or replacement of the basal cells of the epidermal basement mem-

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brane to rejuvenate the epidermis, and production of new collagen and elastin in the dermis to restore the tone of the dermis.

Repair (Healing) is the easier of the two and lasers and intense pulsed light (which has a similar action to Laser) have the ability to convert light into heat, which has a healing effect on the damaged template cells.

Replacement (regeneration) of the epidermis and new collagen formation in the dermis is obviously the better outcome and the carbon dioxide laser is the laser of choice for this.

The Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) Laser - how does it work its magic? “ Scarless Surgery” has been the holy grail in the use of lasers. For many years, while various lasers had been developed, there were many problems caused by the heat generated, resulting in burn injuries.

The carbon dioxide laser causes its desirable effects by ”PhotoThermolysis” (photo= light / thermo= heat / lysis= destruction),ie., the CO2 produces light, which becomes heat, which then destroys the target cells (the basal cell of the epidermis), which is then replaced from basal cells stored in the dermis (please see technical note at the end).

The CO2 laser also stimulates the dermis to produce new collagen and elastin, thus improving both the epidermis and dermis the effects are dramatic when seen! *( Technical note for those need to know !)

• The epidermis is a very thin layer draped over the dermis and gains traction and adhesion to the dermis with spike like projections into the dermis, and it is these basal cells that migrate to the surface after epidermal damage caused by the CO2 laser.

• The carbon dioxide laser produces its effect by damaging spots of epidermis and leaving normal epidermis between these damaged or burnt spots. Usually heat spreads like ripples in a pool and the spots of heat coalese and cause burn injury. The beauty of the modern carbon dioxide laser is the ultrashort dwell time (laser - skin contact time), and the rapid thermal relaxation time (very short heat diffusion time), which prevent burn injuries.

• A further improvement is the development of software, permitting fractional CO2 laser treatment. In fractional treatment, less skin is damaged and treatment is therefore appropriate for younger people with less damaged skin.

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PMPT JESSE HYSON You just moved back from living in Brisbane; what were you doing up there?

In Brisbane I completed a two year Diploma of Fitness at South Bank Institute of Technology, working in the clinic there with diabetic clients, as well as running a PT studio in Woolloongabba for three years.

PMPT is the business you have just started. Tell us more about it ...

I wanted to return to Port and start my own home studio to help people from my hometown make positive changes in their bodies and their lives - giving people an option to train in a more private setting,when they may not be comfortable in a bigger gym.

Lots of people make New Year’s resolutions when it comes to getting fit and healthy. How can you help them keep that promise to themselves?

My Six Week Healthy Habits Program has helped many clients in Brisbane and, in the last month, over a dozen so far here in Port to make small changes in their lifestyles that have led to those first couple of kilos and inches coming off; and I’ve had clients lose up to 27 kg in a matter of months! Helping ordinary people who can feel a bit overwhelmed when they think of making some healthy changes to their lifestyle is my passion and it’s just so rewarding to see their faces when the results start coming in! I can’t think of a better way to make sure that 2015 is the year my clients’ New Year’s Resolutions are fulfilled.

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YOGA RETREATS At this time of year, many of us reflect upon where we are, and where we’d like to be. This can result in one, or more “New Year’s resolutions”. So, why not gift yourself or a loved one the gift of yoga, to help you achieve these resolutions?

Why yoga? Because yoga is much more than bending and twisting - it’s a wonderful way of doing and being and of caring for your body and mind.

The benefits of yoga are countless, including: stress relief and inner peace, improved immunity, better flexibility and posture, and improved relationships. Yoga can be transformative, as it assists you to build your inner strength and awareness for transformation - resulting in New year! New you!

My retreats provide an opportunity to escape from the day-today to commence or continue your yoga journey. So, why not join me in 2015 and enjoy two beautiful, sub-tropical Coffs Harbour locations.

All classes and other activities will be held in our yoga studio at Shangri-La - a magical place to explore mind, body and spirit.

And you’ll be accommodated beachside at beautiful Pacific Bay Resort. One twin-share renovated caravan is available at Shangri-La for those wanting an eco-experience.

Namaste, Jan

jk healthcare JK Healthcare is owned by local Jodie Kennett, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE). Working in the industry for almost 20 years, she now has over 10,000 clients!

Includes Jessica Moss (APD), and welcomes Anne Heaney CDE. We provide clear and realistic education regarding your Dietary and Diabetes needs. Advice includes heart disease, cancer, bowel disorders, food allergies, and weight management. Jodie is also a CDE. She can tailor advice for Diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Insulin Resistance. She offers advice regarding glucose monitors. We conduct clinics at the Lake Cathie Medical Centre. For a FREE newsletter, subscribe by emailing admin@ jkhealthcare.com.au. Look for JK Healthcare on Facebook!

What Is New and Exciting for 2015?

Anne and Jodie will be commencing clinics for Insulin Pump Therapy to manage Type 1 Diabetes, or for those with Type 2 Diabetes having multiple injections each day. It will be the only private Pump Service between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour!

We can facilitate the purchase of the pump, pump upgrades and provide education regarding its use. A FREE launch for those interested in Insulin Pump Therapy will be conducted on the 21st January 2015 - for more information, please contact the office on 6583 7717.

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KEVIN ELLIS

LORIS MAHOOD MARTYN WILKIE Why did you decide to join Anytime Fitness?

I really like the idea of a 24 hour gym, ample parking and close proximity to my home. Ryan gave me a tour and explained it all. I was impressed, and decided there and then to become an Anytime Fitness member in August 2013.

What are some of your favourite exercises?

I do a lot of varied exercises for cardiovascular, custom resistance and core exercises. Some of these include the cross trainer, treadmill, walking lunges, cable woodchopper, low row, fit ball abdominal curls, twist crunches, plank, skipping etc.

What makes Anytime Fitness different to other gyms?

The convenience of being a 24 hour gym, lots of various machines, people coming at various times means you never have to queue up to use any equipment.

Why would you suggest becoming an Anytime Fitness member to others?

I would definitely suggest becoming a member to others. I personally find it very rewarding, and it is always a good start to my day. Exercising brings positive changes towards one’s personal health, so I say go for it!

Why did you decide to join Anytime Fitness? I decided it was time for me to get fit; I am over 50, so it was now or never! I have been a member at Anytime Fitness for about 6 months now. I have already dropped ten kilos, so it is working well for me.

What are some of your favourite exercises? I do a lot of upper body exercises, and also the treadmill for cardio, which has a lot of games and you can listen to music, which takes the boredom out of it. The machines are all quite modern and easy to use.

How do staff encourage confidence and correct form when using the machines? Staff are always giving positive encouragement, showing you the correct way to do the exercises. There are always two ways, and the hardest way is usually the right way! Ryan is great and is on hand to give you any help that you need.

Why would you suggest becoming an Anytime Fitness member to others? I think it is a great environment; the other gym users are friendly and I have met half a dozen people since I have been here just working out at the same time. The flexibility of the hours is fantastic; I think I have only been late at night once or twice, but it was really handy to be able to come and do it.

Why did you decide to join Anytime Fitness? I have been around gyms for about 30 years or so, and what I have really enjoyed about Anytime Fitness is the opening hours. It is so convenient, you can avoid those busy times, and it’s good to be able to come in during the day or late at night.

What are some of your favourite exercises? I like the free weights set up. The machines are excellent for beginners, but as you gain a bit more experience, the free weights are fantastic. I also like the way they are maintained, with the equipment being well looked after.

What makes Anytime Fitness different to other gyms? You can train anywhere in Australia or even internationally. I was recently in Sydney; I spent two weeks down there and I didn’t miss a training session, because I was able to access the Anytime Fitness establishment down there. It is convenient whilst you are away. and you can stay on top of your fitness goals.

Why would you suggest becoming an Anytime Fitness member to others? I think that our health and fitness is the most important thing we own, and it is the least we invest in.

Everyone seems to prioritise everything else above their health and fitness, and it’s really the first thing they should look after.

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BJP PHYSIE GIRLS

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JOIN A SPORT FOR ALL AGES IN 2015

an you tell us what BJP Physie is all about?

Fun, upbeat, pop music is the soundtrack to a sport that fuses dance styles such as jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, aerobic dance and even yoga!

Our innovative choreography changes annually and is designed for maximum variety and fun.

Physie (also known as Physical Culture) is the perfect combination of movements designed to increase strength, fitness and flexibility. The benefits for your daughter are increased coordination, brain development and confidence.

Physie is a synchronised, team-based sport that’s social and fun and an excellent low impact dance and aerobic activity.

Who can do BJP physie?

Girls and Women Looking for a Positive, Healthy Activity Physie isn’t just about dancing or competitions. Physie is about empowering girls with the skills to become confident, strong women. It’s about getting fit and healthy and having a place where you feel encouraged, supported and valued.

With great role models to look up to, Physie girls learn about positive body image from a young age. They’re taught to embrace fitness as a way of life and focus on what their bodies can do, rather than how they look.

For Girls and Women Aged 3 to 73 Balance,

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coordination and flexibility are important skills at any stage of life - whether you’re 3 or 73 years old. Physie creates strength and fitness through specifically-designed choreography that is age appropriate.

All the routines are choreographed to a vibrant mix of music that both the young and young at heart will love.

Physie is for those who love their sport - with flair! What’s so special about Physie is how it uniquely combines dance and sport, with both team and individual competitions available to those who desire to compete. There is nothing quite so rewarding as working together as a team and celebrating a common achievement.

That’s why women do Physie for life. Because it’s not only a sport or a great bunch of women meeting up every week, it’s an activity that makes you feel and look good - inside and out.

For girls looking to have fun and grow in confidence The training that girls receive in Physie crosses over into their school life, giving them focus and ability to achieve their goals.

Physie’s consistent emphasis on teamwork and self-motivation also sees students achieve greater academic results and better social skills.

Every year Physie helps shy, reserved girls to blossom with confidence and perform for an audience. Being part of a supportive, encouraging community does wonders for girls’ self-esteem.

Physie is affordable for every Australian Family Dance classes can rapidly become expensive - shoes, costumes and recital costs all add up on top of the weekly fees. Physie is different. There are no hidden costs or expensive shoes, and the only costume the girls require is a leotard. Physie is an affordable way to learn to dance with a touch of glamour and a lot of fun!

Physie is adored by girls of all ages, not only as a way to boost health and wellbeing, but because it’s a community women who know how to get the best out of life!

Tell us about the recent success that girls and ladies from this area had in the national competitions had in Sydney back in November ...

Of course. Each year around October, girls and ladies from our area travel to Coffs Harbour to compete at a district level and hopefully secure a spot to compete in Sydney at the National Titles.

This year across all four clubs in our area, we had a total of 30 girls aged between 6 - 14 years head to Sydney to compete. Both Stephanie Hicks and Elizabeth Pick from Wauchope Club made it through to the top 18 in Australia in the 12 and 13 year sections, whilst Emma Galvin placed 5th in the 6 years and Bailie Innes placed 3rd in the 14 years, both from Port City Club. This is an amazing achievement from all these girls not only to get these results in Sydney, but to even make it to this

level.

We also had senior girls and ladies from the area make it to the national level as well. We had three senior girls from Wauchope make it to the top 15 in Australia, including the club’s teacher Annette Wannell, four girls from Port City and three from Bonny Hills. These 10 girls competed at the Sydney Opera House, with Rebecca Hicks taking out 5th place in her open 19/20 year section.

The ladies competition saw 10 from this area compete at Homebush in their National Titles.

Heidi Sawyer from Bonny Hills placed 5th in the over 33s section, while Nicole Bailey from Port City picked up a very impressive 3rd place in the under 33s.

These are amazing results for all four clubs in our area.

How can our readers find out more about Physie?

It’s very easy; each club has its own Facebook page, so please jump online and like us today, as well as our head office page - BJP Physie.

BJP Physie is a wonderful sport for all girls and ladies aged from just three years right through.

All clubs are taking enrolments now, so please feel free to give us a call and find out more information or enroll today. Classes will commene in February, and we look forward to having you and your family join us at a club near you in 2015.

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KR LITTLE NINJAS Karate just for Kids!

Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts System [KRMAS] is an exciting and innovative world renowned multi award winning professional government accredited martial arts school, with its International Headquarters based right here in Port Macquarie!

KR Little Ninjas Program is professionally designed to teach children important life skills in a fun, exciting and enriching manner. Participants develop improved co-ordination and fine motor skills, while improving their overall health and wellbeing.

“There is a lot more to it than just learning to kick and punch,” says Kyoshi [Grandmaster] Kevin Blundell Chief Instructor. “Children learn many valuable life skills in a Fun filled positive environment” KR Little Ninjas classes are structured in to the following age groups: • KR Mini Little Ninjas (3-5 year olds) • KR Little Ninjas (5-11 year olds) • KR Colts Karate (12-17 year olds) • KRMAS also has other classes for children in

Thai – Kick boxing, Ju Jitsu and XMA Tricking classes featuring a cross between gymnastics and dynamic martial arts • KRMAS also caters for Adults in Thai – Kick boxing, Ju Jitsu, MMA and Karate!

While the skills taught vary according to proficiency, values such as respect, self confidence, discipline, concentration and selfcontrol are at the centre of every class.

Anti-Bullying and personal protection skills are integrated in to each class all communicated in an age specific manner Kevin stresses the importance of ensuring Instructors are fully government accredited, they are bound by a national code of conduct, are child protection compliant, fully insured and can produce an accredited Instructor ID card issued by the Martial Arts Industry Association www. maia.com.au which is important for student safety,” he says.

To find out more, phone on 6584 1050 or text 0407 248 648 go to the website; www. krmas.com.au

unleash the athlete within!

The High Performance Centre is Port Macquarie's ONLY fully integrated and customised performance training centre is now officially open.

strength, biomechanical efficiency, mental

Champions from a range of fields including Commonwealth Games gold medallist boxer Shelley Watts, swimming sensation James Magnussen, Jason English world mountain bike champion and wheelchair rugby athlete Ryley Batt were at the Grand Opening of the new centre in the Port Macquarie industrial area in December.

The aim of the High Performance Centre is

The High Performance facility has been specifically designed to systematically and purposefully improve all aspects of athleticism.

Coordination, rhythm, timing, balance, proprioception, joint mobility, muscle flexibility, muscle balance, all types of strength, awareness of space, reactive ability, foot

abilities, confidence, and of course sport specific skill are all part of training programs at the facility. to revolutionise athlete training in regional areas. Our sports performance training offers an innovative approach to training – working on a solid athletic foundation while staying focused on each athlete’s individual goals.

Our programs include instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear and lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, explosive power development, proper weight training techniques, and functional strength training...whatever is required to get to where you need to be....nothing is impossible!

Train faster, stronger, harder.

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focusinterview.

LISA BRISCOE WE WORK OUT PERSONAL TRAINING

Business

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appy New Year, Lisa!

Can you tell us a little bit about We Work Out Personal Training and what your role as a Personal Trainer

involves?

Well a very Happy New Year to you all out there, it’s going to be a good one I can feel it.

We Work Out is a small Personal Training company that I own and run and have done for the last three and a half years. My role as a Personal Trainer means different things to different people. To me it’s about meeting a wide variety of people and interacting with them on many different levels to find out what makes them tick. I then use those things to help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be. It’s important for me to always be reminded that everyone is an individual and that I treat both them and their training sessions as such.

Have you managed to set any New Year business resolutions for 2015?

I’ve set goals as opposed to resolutions for next year. I hope to evolve We Work Out into new fields of fitness, for example partnerships with other disciplines such as sporting groups or within other areas of the fitness industry itself. I am also keen to develop my own personal skills to make the experience with We Work Out even more rewarding and enjoyable for my clients.

You’re clearly someone who is passionate about exercise and the health benefits that it brings to an individual. We all know what results we can achieve physically

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with exercise but how can incorporating regular exercise and training into your working week positively influence your professional mind set?

Exercise is an important tool in everyday life and business. A fit body translates into a fit mind and gives you the energy to take on the working week. The key to maintaining a healthy routine is exactly that, routine. Like any other activity in the working week you need to schedule your training. That way there is always time for exercise.

Your business operates in a fairly competitive environment locally. How do you differentiate your personal training services from others?

We Work Out has maintained its ethos of making every clients experience personal. We are a boutique business ensuring a tailor made solution for each client. The client and trainer relationship is really personal; I guess we put the ‘personal’ in personal trainer.

Encouraging clients to trust you to be able to deliver results is important for many businesses. How do you manage to convince your clients to trust you to be able to help them achieve their goals?

To get someone else to trust and believe in you or the product you are selling, you must really believe in it yourself. I am a true believer in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and clients can see that. I get so excited when clients experience positive change and achieve their health and fitness goals!

What are some of the challenges you face with running your business?

Personal training is like many other

businesses. It faces the challenges of have planned for 2015? competition, economic cycles and also the I’m glad you asked as I have lots planned need for constant promotion. However, for 2015. We’ll have boot camps, lunchtime personal training also has to tailor its’ group sessions targeted towards businesses operating hours to suit the clients. and business people, partnerships with We are often working around sporting teams which aim to give traditional business hours them the fitness edge on the and this means a lot of field, as well as partnerships early mornings and with other disciplines I G ET SO late nights to fit such as Cross fit trainers EXCI TE D W H EN R IE N CE around the working to expose my clients to CL IE N TS EX PE NGE week of others.

PO SI TI V E CH A more variety. I’m really What is it that you A N D ACH IE V E looking forward to D N A H TH EI R H EA LT love most about !” furthering my personal LS A O FI TN ES S G what you do as a skills by completing Personal Trainer? some industry educational I love seeing the courses; I firmly believe that constant improvements with it’s important to always learn and a person’s fitness, strength, body grow. I’m also really excited about shape and especially their frame of mind. getting involved in some targeted events Through exercise people start to feel and festivals that will help my clients achieve more confident about themselves and their goals. this shines through in their everyday lives.

And finally, if you could invite any three Do you have any inspiring words or advice business people to lunch, who would they to help motivate people into achieving be and why would you invite them? their health or business related goals in Michelle Bridges; she is the female fitness 2015? queen of Australia. I would love to hear her Be positive and believe. If you believe in full story on how she developed her style, yourself and your business you are bound

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to succeed. Always set goals and realistic timeframes to achieve those goals. And last but definitely not least, you don’t always have to act your age; have fun and get silly sometimes. “You don’t stop playing because you’re old, you get old because you stop playing.”

What exciting business initiatives do you

brand and business.

Turia Pitt; her strength and determination during her rehabilitation from her burn injuries is inspiring and such a great story.

Rich Froning; he’s not only been the fittest man on the planet for four years running but he is also very easy on the eye ha ha!

Thanks for your time Lisa!

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DR.WAYNE IBLE HASTINGS SECONDARY COLLEGE

Dr Wayne Ible is the new Executive Principal of Hastings Secondary College - a role which will provide the college with strategic leadership now and into the future. With the college officially open for operation on January 27th, 2015, Dr Ible fills us in on the latest developments …

H

i Wayne. Please give us a brief summary of your career to date ... I completed my Bachelor of Science and Master of Education at the University of Wollongong. My PhD was awarded through the University of Newcastle; the doctoral research was in global trends in education reform.

My entire career has been in education, and I have been fortunate to have developed a broad view of education from working in schools and system level roles, public and private schools, NSW and International education. I began my career as a science teacher in western Sydney, before becoming principal of a large secondary school on the Central Coast. My roles within the NSW Department of Education have included being a member of the NSW Quality Assurance Directorate, which was responsible for the external reviewing of schools, Superintendent of Schools for Newcastle District and Director of Schools in the Hunter/Central Coast Region.

Over the past seven years I have worked internationally, firstly as the Principal of Port Moresby International School, which offered international curriculum to expatriate and local students. I then moved to the United Arab Emirates to work for the world’s largest private provider of international education, GEMS, in the position of Management Advisor and shortly after Director of Public Private Partnerships overseeing a project with the Abu Dhabi Education Council, improving their public schools.

My final role with GEMS was as Regional Director for SE Asia. In this role I led the development and operational oversight of international schools within the SE Asia region and provided education consultancy/advice for governments and international organisations such as the Asia Development Bank and UNESCO. Last year I was engaged by UNESCO to review the Myanmar education system and provide a report on the current system and models for future decentralised reform.

When were you appointed as the new Executive Principal of Hastings Secondary College? Although living and working overseas was very interesting and rewarding, my wife and I found that we had become increasingly homesick. We needed to return to Australia to

be closer to family and friends and to live in Australia again. When the position of Executive Principal of Hastings Secondary College was advertised, I was excited by the opportunity to engage in a role that was exciting and reflects my passion for Public Education.

For those who may not have read much about the new Hastings Secondary College already, please explain how the College will operate. It’s a rather unique partnership between Westport and Port Macquarie High schools, isn’t it? Yes. Rather than two public high schools that are in close proximity operating separately and ary Hastings Second largely in isolation, they lly ia fic of College are now both campuses of the opens day one of the Hastings Janu ary th 27 , ar ye school Secondary College. This website 2015. Our college www. means that as a college, at ed can be access we have the combined arycollege . hastingssecond resources of two physical of the future and com .au. ” sites and expertise of staff challenging traditional at both campuses to expand ways of schooling that and enhance opportunities have dominated school for students. For example, senior education for the past 200 students are able to choose and years, including today. For example, study subjects on either campus, there are to operate as a college we have needed College sporting teams, bands, choirs and to align many policies and procedures, performances will expand on previous school including start and finish times. Rather than based opportunities. implement the traditional 9am start, we offered How does an Executive Principal’s position a second earlier start time option and consulted differ from other Principals’ roles? The with our community. As a result, our students campus principals provide leadership and will be starting at 8:15am. This means students management of their campus, so that staff and will finish lessons at 2:15pm, allowing them more students on each campus have a principal to time in the afternoon to engage in extension relate to on a daily basis. The executive principal lessons and other extra-curricular activities role provides broader strategic leadership for at school, complete homework and attend the college collectively. Importantly though, all community based sport, dance or music classes principals meet regularly as a Principal Leadership and have more family time in the evenings. Our Team for the college to ensure cohesive senior students are already excited about the development and leadership of the college. opportunity to study earlier in the afternoon or What do you believe are the benefits the evenings.

College will bring to our local student Our first stage of development has been to population? One of the exciting things about align and expand our senior curriculum for the Hastings Secondary College is that as we are beginning of next year, and this has resulted in having to move from two separate high schools up to 36% increase in subjects being studied. to a college, we are not just making structural However, already we have created enhanced adjustments but we are rethinking or reopportunities for students across the College imagining all aspects of secondary provision. We e.g. we have formed a College Choir, bands and are taking the opportunity to design a college ensembles, performance events, maths extension

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programs, sporting teams and an international history excursion, to name a few. These are in addition to the many normal school or campus based teams and programs.

How many students will the College be able to cater for? We will be commencing with around 1,300 students next year, but already indications are that we will have significant growth in coming years and we have the capacity to accommodate up to 1,600 students across our two campuses without additional buildings.

How do you see your role as Executive Principal moving forward into 2015 and beyond? Our staff across the college have worked very hard this year to develop much of the policy and procedure platform for a smooth start next year. This means that we can now focus on the ongoing development of the college. Key areas will be expansion of the College creative and performing arts, sporting program, gifted and talented program and community links.

We are also starting discussions regarding how our new multi-campus college provides opportunities to implement current world best practice teaching strategies and structures that support our students’ academic achievements.

We are focused on innovation, developing a college that gives our students an education not available in schools based on older models.

Thanks Wayne. Interview by Jo Atkins. greater port macquarie focus.

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outside school hours care Before School Care Session - in this session educators organise play spaces in ways that promote large and small group interactions.

Children engage in a range of activities such as building cubby houses, folding paper aeroplanes, drawing on the whiteboard, creating lego designs, perler bead creations, painting and indoor group games such as “fruit salad” and “elastics”. Engaging in activities with peers helps to develop important social skills and builds positive relationships.

After School Care Session - during this session a range of activities and experiences are offered that develop children’s fine and gross motor skills. Educators support children’s interests and provide a range of resources to cater to their needs. Art and craft is always available and includes various painting (poster paint and water colour) drawing, stenciling, writing and illustrating books, squiggles on the whiteboard, creating puppets, scratch art, crafting flowers

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and using craft resources to create Frisbees, batons, fishing rods and door hangers. Active physical play includes elastics, musical bobs, skipping, musical statues, pillow fights, ball play, cricket, gymnastics and mastering the playground obstacles. Cooking experiences are provided each afternoon with many junior master chefs assisting in the kitchen.

Vacation Care session - during this session the children’s interests are catered for and as a result, activities are offered that support these. Often themed days are provided, such as movies, dress ups, face painting, jumping castle, cubby and forts, water fun, science experiments, talent show, bike and scooter and many more. Excursions to attractions in the local Port Macquarie area are provided, including day trips to Billabong Zoo, Hydro and Putt Putt Golf, Centre of Gravity, Wow Fun Park, Majestic Cinemas, Timber town, Wave Bowl and local beaches and parks.

enrol in excellence Walking through a classroom today is

process. Students have access to a variety of I.T

indeed a real “learning” experience. The

devices and are becoming more responsible for

principles of contemporary learning are

their own learning.

very apparent. Contemporary learning is all

St Agnes’ Parish Primary Schools combine

about accommodating the many different

Contemporary Learning with an emphasis on

ways that students learn. The four “Cs”

personal, social and spiritual development in

encompass a new approach - collaboration,

an ever changing world. Christian values based

critical thinking, creativity and communication

on the life of Christ underpin everything that

- open classrooms with flexible work spaces;

happens in the school.

students working in groups; students working

Enrol in Excellence. St Joseph’s, St Agnes’ and

on projects and students sharing the learning

St Peter’s Primary Schools.

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FIRSTDAYOFSchool The first day of preschool is a major milestone in a toddler’s life, but getting prepared for the big day can also be a stressful ordeal for parent and child alike.

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motions can run wild, ranging from happiness and anticipation to fear and anxiety. Below are a few tried and true strategies for making your child’s first day as smooth and worry-free as possible!

Have a Talk: Before the fi rst day of preschool arrives, it is crucial to sit down with your child and have a talk about what to expect.

Understand that going to school for the fi rst time can seem frightening and confusing, so be ready to comfort your toddler and answer any questions or concerns they might have.

Take the time to truly listen to your child,

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instead of simply telling them that everything is fi ne.

Go Shopping for Supplies Together: It is best to take care of school supply shopping early in order to avoid any last-minute obstacles or sold-out essentials. Pick up a list and take your toddler with you: children will love being able to pick out their favourite colors and styles of everything they will need. Letting your toddler tag along will also help them feel more independent and more in charge of the situation, which can help alleviate any fears they might have.

Do Your Research: Take the time to learn about your child’s new school. If possible, visit before school starts and meet the teachers, ask questions, and get a feel for the curriculum. If your child has any special medical needs, be sure to contact the nurse’s office ahead of time to ensure that everything goes smoothly. You may even want to bring your toddler with you to get acquainted beforehand.

Create a Routine: Your child may be used to staying up at night and waking up later, but as the fi rst day of preschool draws near, it is important to get them on a more suitable schedule. Setting a schedule in the few weeks leading up to school will help your child feel less grumpy about waking up early and ensure that they get enough rest.

Wake up Early: For the first week or so of school, make a habit of waking up a little earlier in order to prevent a hectic rush. Make your toddler a hearty breakfast, help them get ready, and give them a warm, loving send-off

to banish any last-minute jitters. Some parents find it useful to make a good-bye ritual of some kind, such as a song or dance to help comfort their child.

Stay Positive: Though it may be easier said than done, make an effort to stay upbeat.

Watching your toddler leave for the first day of school can be nerve-wracking and upsetting, but it’s important not to let your child see that.

Children are remarkably adept at picking up on emotional cues, so negative feelings and body language can make them feel bad, too.

Resist the urge to pick them up early or rush back to the school if your child is having a bit of trouble adapting, and trust the preschool’s professional staff to do their jobs.

The first day of preschool is one of the biggest events in a toddler’s life. Preparing for class and saying goodbyes can be diffi cult for both parents and children, but the tips and techniques above offer sure-fi re ways of making the entire process more exciting and less stressful.

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Extreme Dance Studios Introduce yourself to our readers ...

My name is Sarah Quinn; I am a registered ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance.

During the past 4 years I’ve been teaching at a Gold Coast dance school responsible for the classical ballet program. I gained my qualifications while teaching at Extreme Dance Studios in 2009/2010. I’m extremely excited to be once again working with the students and taking the role of principal of the school. I have a passion for choreography and teaching the technical skills of ballet.

Tell us a bit about your dancing background.

I started dancing at the age of 4 and began teaching at 15. I’ve completed exams in classical, jazz, tap and national character, gaining distinctions in all disciplines. I commenced fulltime classical ballet training at age 15 under the coaching of Prudence Bowen. I have completed Grade 7 and Major Exams in R.A.D. and the Korabushka Syllabus National Character in Polish Part A & B with Distinction, gaining my teachers’ qualifications in 2010.

You have just taken over Extreme Dance Studio here in Port. What will be on offer for students?

A full range of ballet classes will be available for both female and male students. This includes grades 1 through to 5 ballet, as well as intermediate up to advanced ballet. The classes will prepare students for their ballet examinations that are conducted by external examiners. My past

Sarah Quinn RAD RTS – Principal

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Kurtis Adamson Merinda Ramage and Kathleen Ramage

MAKE 2015 YOUR YEAR OF LEARNING student average marks have been in the high 90s. There is also the opportunity to compete in eisteddfods, as well as the end of year concert performance. All classes are designed to suit the individual goals of the students.

Why do you think it is so important for kids of all ages to be involved in a dance school or sport; what are the long term benefits of this extra activity?

The long term benefits of being involved in dance are enormous. It not only keeps the students fit and healthy from the physical activity, it also keeps them disciplined and develops a great work ethic to achieve desired goals. The students develop an appreciation for not only dance, but music as well. They can pursue their dreams and ambitions in dance, with some of my past students being awarded scholarships for further training, as well as lead roles in dance productions.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is “learn something new” so you can write a new chapter in your life story, North Coast TAFE can help you make 2015 your Year of Learning.

and I would recommend North Coast TAFE,

No matter where you are in your life - starting a career, returning to work, switching careers, or just keeping your brain active by learning new stuff - you can make your own story through any one of over 600 courses at North Coast TAFE.

No matter how much, how little, or how long

North Coast TAFE’s latest Student Engagement Survey showed that around 97% of its students surveyed were satisfied enough with their learning experience to recommend it to others.

in particular studies in Graphic Design, to others looking for an exciting and rewarding experience,” said Merinda. ago you last learned, North Coast TAFE can help you find a learning pathway to suit your individual needs, be it online, on the job or on campus.

North Coast TAFE provides high quality, accredited teaching along with unrivalled student support and learning environments.

One such person was Merinda Ramage from Upper Landsdowne, who has completed several courses through North Coast TAFE and, in 2014, completed a Diploma in Graphic Design at Port Macquarie Campus.

Don’t wait to find out how exciting your story

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my courses so far,

yourself through your year of learning.

could be - learn something new at North Coast TAFE in 2015!

Visit northcoasttafe.edu.au or call them on 1300 NCTAFE (628233) to learn how to express

Dance Tuition – Ballet and/or Theatrical

2/11 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Phone: 0431 091 630 Email: sarahextremedance@gmail.com

EDS Student Programs 2015 Grades 1-3 Ballet

Intermediate-Foundation Ballet

Advanced Foundation Ballet

3 Ballet Classes 1 Pointe Class 1 JNR Contemporary Class 1 JNR Jazz Class 1 Stretch and Strength Class 2 12/U Performance Classes 1 JNR Acro Class

3 Ballet Classes 2 Pointe Classes 1 SNR Contemporary Class 1 SNR Jazz Class 1 Stretch and Strength Class 2 OPEN Performance Classes 1 SNR Acro Class

Grades 4-5 Ballet

Intermediate Ballet

Advanced 1/2 Ballet

2 Ballet Classes

3 Ballet Classes 1 Pointe Class 1 SNR Contemporary Class 1 SNR Jazz Class 1 Stretch and Strength Class 2 14/U Performance Classes 1 SNR Acro Class

4 Ballet Classes 2 Pointe Classes 1 SNR Contemporary Class 1 SNR Jazz Class 1 Stretch and Strength Class 2 OPEN Performance Classes 1 SNR Acro Class

2 Ballet Classes 1 BEG Jazz Class 1 8/U Performance Class

1 JNR Contemporary Class 1 JNR Jazz Class 1 Stretch and Strength Class 2 10/U Performance Classes 1 JNR Acro Class

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PORT MACQUARIE & WAUCHOPE

PERFORMINGARTS As we head into the New Year, it is time for children to choose the after school activities that will make them laugh, learn and develop in 2015. Have you considered dance?

D

ance is an incredible discipline for a child to experience.

Dance allows children to explore their creativity and express themselves. Young girls and boys who commence dance before they attend school acclimate more quickly to the school environment. Through dance, young children learn to follow instructions, to communicate with teachers and other students and gain an understanding of routine and structure.

As children adjust to the movements, technique and posture required in dance, they begin to get a better sense of their bodies. As they become more comfortable in their own skin, their confidence and self-esteem also improve. Dance empowers students to believe in themselves and feel confident in their decisions in all areas of life. If your child is shy or has limited experience socialising with others, enrolling them in dance can encourage them to reach out to other children their age and help to reduce possible anxiety about new people or places.

Unique to dance is the opportunity to perform the skills they learn on stage; this can alleviate fears some young children may have related to performing in front of an audience. Benefits flow through to students’ school work, giving them confidence in public speaking, delivering assignments or nominating for student council. Regular dance lessons can increase your child's flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina.

Repetitive movements improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance, coordination and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Leanne Mallyon is the mother of 8 year old Melesse, who commenced dancing when she was 3 years old: “The positive impact dancing has had on Melesse's confidence, social development, gross motor skills, memory and concentration have been amazing. She has gained the confidence to get up in front of a crowd and not only dance, but speak to an audience. This flows

through into her ability socialise with her peers and relate to other children. From a cognitive perspective, her ability to memorise material quickly and recall it when required is very fine tuned. She has had feedback from her teachers in her everyday schooling that her concentration, memory and recall for school work is well advanced for her age, which has been attributed to the dance routines she has committed to memory from an early age. If all of this is not positive enough, she has formed the strongest of friendships with children outside her school and other sporting activities and has role models in the older girls at dance that any parent would be grateful for their child to have.”

Becoming a skilled dancer requires practice, discipline and focus. Talents like these carry through to the workforce and are common not only to good dancers, but to good students. Students who regularly participate in dance lessons typically tend to perform better academically than their non-participating peers. No matter whether your child chooses to take on a career in dance or not, they can benefit greatly from the discipline of dance.

Students of the Mid North Coast have reaped the benefits of dance education for many decades, with local dance teachers mentoring students who have gone on to incredible careers in the top of their chosen fields, both in and out of the arts.

60 minutes reporter Allison Langdon danced in Wauchope from the age of 6: “I think much of the discipline I have today came from dancing.

I was in the ballet studio six days a week, so I needed to be incredibly focused and manage my time well. Dancing wasn't just about discipline though; it was about making me feel great. It kept me fit and gave me great confidence.”

Jarryd Madden, trained locally under the instruction of Francessca O’Donnell and is currently Coryphée with the Australian Ballet. Brendan Bradshaw left Wauchope at the age of 17 to train at the Australian Ballet School and has travelled

only wish to dance for enjoythe world for the past ten years with the ment. Most importantly, se oo If you ch Royal New Zealand ur the studio should be yo r fo dance a e ar Ballet. Australian e er th , a positive, joyful and 15 child in 20 to gs in actress Jolene th t an rt po nurturing learning few im eration Anderson studied take into consid udio environment. a st all forms of dance when selecting Young students will of s ne ed under the instructo best meet the benefi t greatly from tion of Cathy Smith your child .” experiencing a variety in Kempsey until the of dance styles, dance age of 18. Phillipa Mills teachers, and performance graduated last year with opportunities.

Let your child try outstanding academic results Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre and Ballet, in her HSC and has gone on to the Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional especially when first starting out. As dance Year. George Freeman is now a Project is a subjective art form, beware of extremely Engineer, managing projects in overhead competitive environments, where you often find and underground power infrastructure construca culture of comparing students rather than tion and attributes the values he developed and celebrating individuality, unique skills, different the lessons he learnt during his years dancing as body types, creativity and musicality. Competia major factor of advancement in his career to tions and examinations are not the only measures date. Genevieve Dinham graduated top of her of achievement for a successful dance studio. A class and is now two-thirds the way through her successful studio can also be seen through the Bachelor of Medicine: “Dance has profoundly way your child participates: if your child enjoys affected my whole being: my confidence with his or her lessons, looks forward to the next one, colleagues and friends; my work ethic and desmiles and is happy in class, is rarely injured and termination to overcome challenges; my posture

“

and ‘poise’ and my appreciation for good health and fitness.”

If you choose dance for your child in 2015, there are a few important things to take into consideration when selecting a studio to best meet the needs of your child. Ensure the teaching staff have sound teaching qualifications; a good dancer does not always make the best teacher.

The staff must have good communication skills, a thorough understanding of safe dance practice and secure knowledge of the curriculum they are teaching. The studio itself must be a safe space to dance in with adequate dance flooring. The studio should offer the opportunity to advance through examinations and assessments, but at the same time understand that these measures are not suited to all and that some children may

seems to be learning or consolidating new skills regularly, the chances are that the studio is the best place for your child to be.

A well-managed studio will keep parents and students informed about fees, upcoming events, student progress and will make it easy for both students and parents to ask questions. Before you sign up, ask all the questions you need answers to and view testimonials on their website or ask for recommendations from other parents or professionals. Enjoy your dance in 2015!

Stacey Morgan is the Principal of Wauchope & Port Macquarie Performing Arts and the host of Australia’s Ask a Dancer podcast, available now on iTunes.

Photos courtesy of Fab Photos. greater port macquarie focus.

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ExtravaDance Studios Fun, Friendly and Affordable! If this is what you are looking for in a dance school, then ExtravaDance Studios is the dance school for you! Come and spend some time with us and you will see that we are different - every dancer is given the same opportunities and forms a special part of the ExtravaDance family.

Our students come to class every week because they love to dance and leave class with new friendships and a smile on their faces.

We pride ourselves on building self-confidence and team work that doesn’t revolve around competition but still provides professional, yet affordable classes that are fun.

We offer classes from as little as $7.50, with combination packages and family discounts available. Students that are interested in performing in competitions are able to be part of our Performance Classes and have private lessons with any ExtravaDance teacher.

Classes are held in professional and fully equipped studios in Port Macquarie and Wauchope and offer classes for boys and girls of all ages in Hip Hop/Break Dancing, Tap (LGTDA), Modern, Jazz, Performance, Classical Ballet (RAD) and AcroDancer (BBO). Class numbers are limited to ensure personal attention for every student. Dance scholarships are also awarded annually.

We are now accepting enrolments for 2015. Come and join our family friendly dance classes for fun, fitness, friendship or fame! You’ll love what we have to offer.

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Brad’s Driving school Brad Cameron has been a driving instructor in the Port Macquarie/Hastings area since 2013, originally being trained by the NRMA Driving School. With a great rapport with the young drivers of the community, Brad wanted to continue his own business as a driving instructor, which is now known as Brad’s Driving School. Through Brad’s experience with the NRMA Driving School he has gained the best professional training available in NSW, and he is fully accredited by the RTA. Brad’s driving lessons are just $40 per hour, which is up to 50% less than other driving schools! Brad’s calm and patient manner ensures positive feedback from his pupils (and their parents). What Brad wishes to deliver is the cheapest, most affordable and professional driving lessons in the Hastings.

Driving lessons help to make things easier for parents, and Brad excels in going the “extra mile” to make driving a hassle free, enjoyable experience and to help his students achieve the big step of gaining their drivers licence.

“Brad was incredibly easy to get along with and he helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed both during lessons and going in to the driving test.” Maddy R. “Brad’s professionalism and calm manner really put me at ease and helped me to develop my skills needed to pass my driving test on the first attempt.” Mackinley T.

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Progress In A Nurturing Environment

Success is not a matter of chance.

It’s a matter of choice.

La Vive Classique (LVC) will allow your child to learn key dance skills and progress in a positive environment. For thirty years Elizabeth PolsonGalloway has been nurturing young girls’ and boys’ love of dance, while they each form friendships along the way. “The teachers are so kind and friendly. They do a wonderful job and make you feel welcome, ” said Tiny Tot parent, Bethany Cook.

Students are able to keep fit in a fun way. They learn the importance of time management, especially in their senior years. “LVC cares about their senior students and now offer free wi-fi and program their timetable with study in mind,” said Wendy Stewart.

sense of achievement in their outstanding results.

In the latest RAD Sydney session, students have received four distinctions in Advanced. Recently the Tap students all received highly commended plus or above, reaching the highest possible result honour distinction plus, marking the beginning of what could be a long and fulfilled career in dancing. Evidence of careers: Ella Chambers who is now studying at the Australian Ballet School, Darren McIntyre, artistic director status also attended the Australian Ballet School, Katie Rooke studied full-time with Elizabeth, was then accepted into the Qld Ballet professional year and then entered Qld Ballet Company the following year.

LVC likes to keep current with new styles, such as their inclusion of acrobatics, Xtend Barre and musical theatre in all ages in 2015. The school offers the opportunity of official accreditations the RAD, ATOD and LGTDA. Students gain a

“LVC allowed Katie’s pathway to be short to a successful career, and she is still performing in the company today. Alyse Davies and Michelle Sharman are further evidence of the diverse training provided at my academy,” said Elizabeth.

P: 6580 3800 | E: newman@lism.catholic.edu.au | W: newman.nsw.edu.au greater port macquarie focus. 85

focusinterview.

The “Day in the Life” series gives us a glimpse into the working lives of the people we don’t often see or think about, but who play an important role in keeping our community running.

by Michelle Newman from Newman Communications

Peter TURNBULL Water Meter Reader

W

e’re all keeping an eye on our water door in their underwear. usage, but no one is watching quite as “Meter readers need a clean and unobstructed access closely as Peter Turnbull, the local Water to meters and if this is not available, then this presents big Meter Reader. problems, with cars being parked over meters, hedges and Pounding the pavement to track the gardens built on top of meters, and fences and locked gates water consumption of 117,828 meters in the Port Macquariepreventing access to meters,” Peter said.

Hastings Council community is a full-time task for Peter There are approximately 80,500 Hastings residents and his colleague. using 5,646 megalitres of water per annum in Peter hikes about 12 km each day, or our region.

2016 km a year. A quick calculation “Generally Hastings residents are very reveals that since he took the job ten good at conserving water, with the Since he took years ago in January 2005, Peter has majority having the appropriate water s the job ten year walked the equivalent of a 20,000 km saving devices fitted,” Peter said. alked ago, Peter has w trek right around Australia.

“It does bother me to see people a the equivalent of t While Peter enjoys working using water irresponsibly, such as gh ri 20,000 km trek .” ia outdoors, it’s no stroll in the park. The washing cars on the driveway and using around Austral Meter Readers have a set route they water outside of the available restriction must complete within a strict timeframe times.” to allow all properties to have their accounts Loss of water due to leaks is a major but issued on a quarterly basis. That means they lesser known issue, and Peter recommends must be out there reading meters in sunshine or residents check their own meters on a regular basis. showers.

“This would help people detect water leaks in the early Peter wears through two pairs of steel cap boots every stages, preventing water wastage and avoiding large water year as he does the rounds, checking meters, chatting to bills.” residents and helping people with their questions about water And at the end of a gruelling day hiking the hills of usage and conservation. the Hastings, what does Peter look forward to most? Not A prerequisite for the position is a good level of fitness, surprisingly, to head home and put his feet up! given the role involves walking for seven hours a day, and also Visit Council www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/water to find out more comes in handy when being chased down the street by small about our water supply, current restrictions, and enter your dogs. top water saving tip before 23 January for a chance to win Peter said the job has its challenges, like getting up at a 5-star water efficient Bosch washing machine or a weekly 4:45am, and politely looking away when people answer the water saving hamper.

“

My Day 4:45am

Alarm goes off; time to get ready for work

6:30am

Arrive at Council, pick up reading device

6:45am

Drive to property address for start of meter reading route

9:00am

Time for a morning tea break

9:15am

Back to it, reading meters, meeting residents

12:00pm

Lunch time, and a chance to rest my legs

12:30pm

More walking, more meter reading

3:00pm

Head back to the office to download and upload routes

3:30pm

Clock off for the day.

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MY HOLIDAY JOURNEY TO THE HIDDEN TSUM VALLEY OF NEPAL

BART LAWLER

KYIMOLUNG (TIBETAN FOR ‘VALLEY OF HAPPINESS’). THIS HOLY HIDDEN VALLEY WITHIN NEPAL NEAR THE BORDER OF TIBET, IS A RESTRICTED AREA AND WAS UNKNOWN TO THE WORLD 40 YEARS AGO AND HAS ONLY BEEN OPENED UP FOR TREKKING SINCE 2008.

I

felt very privileged and excited to see this beautiful part of Nepal relatively untouched, as we “stepped back in time” to an area rich in ancient art, tradition and Tibetan culture surrounded by spectacular scenery of soaring cliffs, thundering waterfalls, steep gorges,hot springs and beautiful snow covered mountains.

We passed numerous chortens and mani walls made up of thousands of carved slabs. We walked through ancient villages of old stone houses, through cultivated fields of barley, millet and grassy meadows with yak grazing. We saw many Buddhist monasteries, monks in their maroon robes and nunnerys. The locals can be heard chanting regularly each day, fingering prayer beads.

We were welcomed very warmly by the local villagers in every corner of the valley. They are so humble and non materialistic. The area is less well trodden so the facilities along the way are minimal, which is part of the charm.

Bart, please tell us a bit about yourself ...

My family moved to Port Macquarie in 1979 from Sydney, and I went to school at St Joseph’s Regional High School. I am currently a Partner at NorthCorp Accountants and an CA SMSF specialist in the administration of self managed superannuation funds, and I am also a registered company auditor. I got the travel bug when my wife, Mandy, and I went to Italy in 2004 and have returned there a few times since. We have also been to India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

Why did you decide to take a trip to the restricted and “hidden” Tsum Valley of Nepal ...

I have always been interested in history and different cultures and religions. I thought this was a good opportunity to see Kathmandu and

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traditional Nepalese/Tibetan villages. Kathmandu has seven UNESCO listed world heritage sights, including Bhaktapur and Durbar Square, which were interesting historical sites. The Tsum Valley has only been open up to tourists via special permits since 2008, so it is fairly untouched by western influences and technology.

How long was your trip, and whom did you travel with?

The trip to Nepal was organised by Geoff Metcalfe of Dreamtreks, whom I have known for a number of years. The trip was a total of 20 days, which included 3 days in Kathmandu which allowed me to explore the city. Geoff also came along, as this was the first time Dreamtreks had organised a tour into this restricted area.

We were guided by Ang Lama, who is highly qualified and experienced and he had two other porter, Saroj and Yam to cook for us some meals and lighten our load along the trail.

Describe some of the sights you saw, activities you experienced, and the people and places you visited while you were away?

We saw a lot of agricultural and farming activities all along the valley, growing mainly rice, corn and millet at that time of the year. A lot of the work was manual labour, including thrashing of rice and ploughing the fields, but some villages used water mills for grinding the grains. There were plenty of farm animals, including Yaks, in the upper valleys, but we also saw vultures, monkeys and various bird life. It was my first time trekking, so I had a lot of firsts - including climbing above 4,000 metres and walking in snow. I was thankful not to experience altitude sickness.

What was your first impression of this hidden valley with its 7,000+ metre peaks only recently opened up to trekking?

There were stunning views of the rivers, valley

and mountain ranges with numerous waterfalls.

We had perfect weather, and it wasn’t as cold as I expected. The village children were friendly and eager to greet us with “Namaste” or “Tashi Delek”; they also wanted a balloon, pen or chocolates, which I was able to accommodate with pens and Lindt chocolate bars. The villages were very traditional, with few western luxuries such as running water and electricity. We passed a lot of porters carrying various supplies to villages; it looked like back-breaking work most – and most wore thongs.

What would you describe as being the highlight of your trip?

In the upper Tsum Valley we climbed to 4,100 metres with views towards the Tibetan border, Ganesh Himal (mountain) which is around 7,400 metres and a valley carved out by a glacier. Whilst we were up there, we were circled by four Griffon vultures and watched then catching the thermal currents. I did secretly hope to see a snow leopard, but they are very shy and secluded.

Flying into Kathmandu, the skies were clear and I got amazing views of the Himalayan mountains; I’m told this is a rare sight due to cloud cover.

How did you find the people you encountered on your travels? The area borders on Tibet. Was the culture Tibetan and if so, was it what you’d expected?

As we reached the upper parts of the valley, you could tell that the villagers were more Tibetan than Nepalese by their dress and their facial features. They appeared very shy and wary of us, but our guide, Ang, could speak their language and interact with them to put them at ease and put a smile on their faces.

The older villages preferred that we didn’t take their pictures, so you had to ask first; they thought we were stealing their spirits. The

children were more open to having their pictures taken. We also met number of trekkers along the way from various countries and shared some interesting experiences.

How much did you enjoy the local food?

The staple diet in the valley was “Dal Bhat”, which is essentially rice, a spicy potato curry, spinach and lentil soup which is a good carbo load for walking the trail, but I wouldn’t want to have it at every meal. I did try some yak milk cheese and yak meat for the first time, and I was introduced to a drink called “raksi”, which is usually made from fermented millet or rice.

Why would you recommend this particular tour to others?

I don’t believe Dreamtreks will offer this exact tour next year, as Geoff and Ang have found some ideal camping locations and will likely incorporate the Manaslu circuit, which only adds a few more days to the trip. But yes I would recommend the tour as Dreamtrek takes the hassle out of travelling, caters to small or private groups, and is flexible with their itinerary. Ang can open doors with all his connections in Nepal.

Where will you be off to on your next travel adventure?

I’m always planning our next adventure. I have already purchased our flights for the USA next year and we will spend most of our time on the east coast, including New York and Boston.

I’m a baseball fan and hope to catch a few NY Yankee games. Mandy wants to practice at Eddie Sterns’ Ashtanga yoga studio as well, so we will try and find a balance.

Thanks Bart.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

For more info about Dreamteks, visit: dreamteks.com.au

with Susie Boswell.

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T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N :

S

C O O L A N G AT TA B E A C H , G O L D C O A S T

o many shades of blue we’re enjoying, this perfect summer day, from the sun lounges on our balconied terrace above the golden sweep of Coolangatta beach. Among them, aqua-tinted waves roll in, from the indigo depths where fishing vessels and pleasure boats ply, beneath the powder-blue skyline beyond. A plane glides out from Gold Coast Airport, soaring smooth and high, as a rainbow-hued kite mimics it, fluttering near the shore. The tips of towering Norfolk Pines standing sentinel on the oceanfront briefly punctuate our view along the arc of the coastline to the shimmering white high-rise pillars of Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast central. Is this beach and its surroundings the quintessential holiday scene?

We think so. And it’s taken us just half a day to drive here from home. No long-distance travel, no tiresome passport and immigration queues ... no Bali belly.

Conventionally, travel stories are all about the destination: attractions, activities, how to spend your time. But what’s the point, if the essential component of a good holiday - your accommodation - is not right? After all, you’ll spend at least half your precious time away in the confines of your hotel, apartment, motor-home or tent. Mantra Coolangatta Beach has got it all, one of the best located and appointed hotels I’ve stayed at. Our one-bedroom ocean view apartment with cable TV and WiFi is perfection: bedroom (wall-mounted TV) overlooking the water to the horizon; comfy lounges and reclinerottoman in the sitting and dining area with ditto picture-window views; superb well-lit bathroom with huge shower and excellent laundry facilities and dryer; fully-equipped kitchen, right down to a stick blender, microplane, small esky ... and quality shopping trolley to roll your self-catering supplies from the new Woolies, or Aldi, around the corner. There are heaps of nearby bars, restaurants and our favourite: the hamburger joint that serves them with beetroot, Grill’d, as well as room-service delivery menus ranging from seafood through all the Asian cuisines to Mexican and Italian. With free secure undercover parking, rates start from $160 a night low season for a studio.

The rack rate for our high season apartment was $372 but I’d ignore that: I found the same room over Christmas offered on the Mantra website for a total of $888 for three nights, so check offers at mantra.com.au.

OK, things to do: there’s much more to the Gold Coast than beautiful beaches and ever-

popular theme parks. There’s even more than markets and superb shopping (although women from ill-supplied regional towns shouldn’t miss a day at Robina Town Centre, a modern mall where the glittering treasure troves of both DJs and Myer, as well as Target, Big W - and Kmart - and hundreds of specialty shops all co-exist in one delightful grab-bag of consumer nirvana!)

Modern-day travel writers just love lists, so here we go: There’s the regulation fishing and golf (and tennis at Mantra), cruises on the Gold Coast’s waterways (lunchtime buffets with salty-fresh prawns from local trawlers), Stradbroke Island BBQ tours, sailing, seaplane and heli tours, sky diving, jet boat, jet ski and speed boat rides, Hummer safaris, amphibious Super Duck, paraflying, Segway touring, sand tobogganing.

There’s scuba diving from introductory level on, snorkelling among 50 species of fish, fish feeding or, if you prefer just to float about – boogie boards with inbuilt clear viewing panels. Take a break from driving with a hotel pick-up on tours to Tambourine Mountain and its rainforest skywalk, glow worm caves, wine and cheese tastings, scenic flora and fauna experiences, Byron Bay, Bangalow, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Thunderbird adventure resort and Australia Zoo visits - in small groups in air-conditioned WiFi-equipped Mercedes fleet vehicles, or even guided privategroup tours by Land Cruiser. Or how about hot air ballooning, sky diving, paraflying or riding the amphibious Super Duck? For those inclined to the esoteric there are tours in a reproduction big red fire truck, visits to the futuristic special effects and illusions maze, Infinity, to the Believe It Or Not “Odditorium” or the spooky Haunted House - or a ghost train journey to “being wined, dined and horrified” at a dinner served by eerie waiters during the vampire vaudeville show at Dracula’s Cabaret theatre restaurant. Or you could just go tenpin bowling. Many of the entertainments offer budget, concession and family prices.

For us, it’s merely moving between early morning beach and surf; mid-morning at our ground-floor open air swimming pool, spa, sauna and gym ... and, as we contemplate this evening’s poolside BBQ, a siesta and then sundowners on our wonderful wide-open yet private balcony, gazing into that wide blue yonder. greater port macquarie focus. 89

A Revolution not Resolution

estellegough.

UPDATE bathing beauties A New Year’s resolution that will give you years of pleasure, is to put a bird bath in your garden and fill it with clean water each day.

T

he local birds will be delighted, Local plants are best suited to our and will entertain you as they conditions and will give the right food and dip, splash and play. shelter for local native birds. Check our You will probably see the antics website www.landcareportmac.com.au of lorikeets: they were the most Of course, you will need to protect your bird frequent bird bathers recorded in a recent bath from predatory cats. Vegetation close to Australia-wide Bathing Birds survey. the bird bath helps to provide safety for the Other delightful native birds that commonly birds, since they can’t fly well when they are use our bird baths are bower birds, rosellas, wet. honeyeaters and magpies.

Bird baths clearly have great A bird bath supplies the birds value, yet it took the Bathing with fresh drinking water, Birds survey to tell us which they often hop into which birds bathe A bird bath rds for a refreshing wash. where. supplies the big And while the birds The avian visitors n with fresh drinkiey benefit, you will too, differed from state water, which thfor a by having a ringside to state, with to in often hop d n A . h seat at the show! some introduced as w g in h refres nefit , be s rd bi On the other hand, birds like sparrows e th ile wh aving feeding of birds is present, as well as you will too, byath the not recommended, as native birds. a ringside seat show!” it may spread disease Rare birds including and compromise the a cassowary were birds’ ability to fend for sighted. And an echidna themselves. was photographed using a Handouts of food may also upset bath on the ground! the natural balance by giving an advantage Indeed, a range of bird baths is to some birds and not others. useful: try saucers or hanging baths, as The survey showed that the practice of well as the popular pedestal type. bird-feeding deters the small birds under 20 The Bathing Birds survey was a good g (including finches, spinebills and wrens). example of Citizen Science, with more than However large birds are unlikely to be put off 1,000 people taking part. It was sponsored (e.g. magpies and parrots.) by the National Parks Association, the Birds The best way to make a garden bird-friendly in Backyards Program and the University of is to create a layered habitat: ground covers, Sydney. small and medium shrubs, and trees that will Look at the NPA’s www.bathingbirds.org. feed and shelter many different species. au to see some engaging photos and to learn The small birds need nectar from native more about encouraging birds into your flowers, seed from native grasses, and garden. associated insects, so mulch your garden to There is also an opportunity to take part encourage insect life. yourself, once you have a bird bath in place. A Native shrubs attract birds, and provide summer survey will start on 23rd January and handy perches where birds can preen and dry will run until 23rd February. themselves, which is all part of the show.

Contributed by Julie Ho.

“

90 greater port macquarie focus.

W

ay back in the 17th Century, at the end of each year, the Puritans would spend their time reflecting on the year past and contemplating the year to come, making commitments to better employ their talents, treat their neighbours with charity, and avoid their habitual sins.

Ahhh yes, the New Year’s Resolution, not much has changed really. This year I’m going to...

Most of these fall completely by the wayside a few weeks in, because of no real plan in place to achieve the desired result.

So how does this relate to your business? Well, if you are like the typical business owner, the Christmas break has allowed time for your mind to rest. And every great business mind, when rested, begins to think up new strategies, new targets for the year ahead. But have you actually sat down and mapped out the plan to make it all happen?

In our Revolution NOT Resolution seminar series (touring NSW in Feb - Mar) we introduce businesses to a planning process which actually works. Not the long winded business plan that sits in the bottom drawer, but an active document which can be readily updated. The process also guarantees team buy in - something many owners struggle to achieve.

I thought I would give you a sneak peek at one of the processes we cover at the event, that when followed, can ensure your business experiences a Revolution NOT a Resolution this year: Work out your purpose - this is commonly called the WHY. All strategy will flow from “Why you do what you do”, as well as your business’ core values and skills. This provides the difference between a simple idea and something sustainable.

Determine the key drivers in your business.

There are two types of drivers: People

David Ross (Customers, Team) and Process (Product, Marketing, Fulfilment). By listing the top three of each, you can highlight the priorities for your business.

SWOT Analysis - be realistic and brief. What you are looking for here are things that can be acted upon. The detail comes in the strategy section.

Financial Targets - these are your key indicators.

Break them down into Three Years (Future), One Year (Current) and Quarterly (Now).

Set your key strategies and actions for the year. Set key projects for the quarter, along with specific performance targets for your team.

Lastly, tie all of the plan together with a theme.

This can be done each quarter and linked to team rewards for achieving targets.

This process is based around the work of author Verne Harnish, and I would highly recommend reading up on the detail of the strategies.

Too many businesses are failing to plan adequately, instead opting to manage by chaos and make decisions on the fly. The beauty of the above process is that you can develop a One Page Plan, which can be easily adapted when things happen in your business. Flexibility and simplicity lead to a plan that has more meaning, more buy in for all involved and most importantly of all, actually following it and taking action.

If you would like to learn more about the One Page Plan process, we have 15 free tickets to the Revolution NOT Resolution event to give away. Simply visit our website and click on the Revolution link and make 2015 your Best Year Ever.

E D U C A T I O N

O N

THE NBN

with the rollout of the NBN gearing up across the Hastings, many of us want to understand what it means and what benefits it brings.

The Port Central Telstra team are here to provide education on the NBN and what it means for us both personally and as a community.

What is the National Broadband Network (NBN) and what does it mean for people of the Hastings region?

The NBN is a nationwide project that’s been developed to provide high speed broadband for all Australians. On the NBN, people of the Hastings will be able to access services comparable to metro areas and interact online in a way they once never thought possible in the comfort of their own home. Things like in home health diagnostics, connecting multiple devices simultaneously, smart home concepts, distance education and working from home in rural areas will be a possibility on the NBN. The NBN is a topic brought up at many BBQs and dinner parties. Where can people go to have their questions answered?

There’s no doubting that the NBN is an extremely popular topic for Hastings’ residents, and there is quite a lot of information that people are required to digest and may not necessarily comprehend. At Telstra we endeavour to ensure that all customers

understand what the NBN means for their individual circumstance, and we do this in plain English. As a local store, we are able to give people the opportunity to talk to someone face to face. Our team instore are highly trained in all things NBN, which ensures that the information they provide is accurate and up to date.

Where can people in the Hastings access NBN services?

NBN fibre services are currently available in many residential estates across the Hastings region including Sovereign Hills, Ocean Club resort, Brierley Hill, Oxley Park, Emerald Downs and Ascot Park. Fixed Wireless services have been accessible in the North Kendall region since June 2014 and have recently been made available in the Brombin, Sancrox, Rollands Plains and Comboyne areas with many customers already taking advantage of the great speeds on offer. Additional Fixed Wireless towers are scheduled to come online early 2015 to service areas surrounding Beechwood, Telegraph Point, Blackmans Point, Rawdon Island and Fernbank Creek. Residents or businesses that wish to check if they can access the NBN are able to pop instore anytime to chat to our team.

What’s the difference between Fixed Wireless and Fibre technologies?

The majority of residents and businesses in the Hastings will be serviced by either Fibre or Fixed Wireless technologies. Fibre services will be provided to premises in densely populated areas through a mixture of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Fibre to the Node (FTTN) delivery methods, whilst Fixed Wireless will be used to service premises located in more rural areas. All three technologies are unique, with FTTP providing fibre directly to a customer’s dwelling and FTTN utilising the existing copper network for the last journey to a customer’s premise. Fixed Wireless uses Advanced LTE 4G technology and transmits broadband services wirelessly directly to an antenna that is installed at the customer’s premises.

I’m a customer looking to connect the NBN at my home. Why should I choose Telstra?

As your local Telstra store, we understand what NBN activity is happening within the Hastings and can take care of your whole NBN connection journey. We can step you through our great broadband and entertainment options, including Foxtel from Telstra and will also arrange NBN Co to install the infrastructure at your premises. You will never be on your own. We can also organise at an additional cost to have a technician install the WiFi modem and connect your devices online through Telstra’s platinum service, a perfect option for those who aren’t tech savvy or are simply time poor.

For home builders, we can offer a one on one meeting to assist with the physical connections, infrastructure locations and customer plans.

greater port macquarie focus.

91

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92 greater port macquarie focus.

Lighting & Electrical

Robyn Butler.

I hope the festive season was happy and many of you saw friends and relatives you haven’t seen for some time. Also, thank you so much to the readers who sent cards to me or rang me when reading about my father’s passing in last month’s edition of FOCUS … so touched.

N

EWSAGENTS … PLEASE next production.

SAVE THEM PROTECTOR FOR YOUR IMPORTANT No doubt you have read CARDS (VISA,ETC) about Woolies wanting Last month I wrote about the problem to sell Lotto tickets etc in with cards in your wallet and in some cases their stores … fair go! How registering as a purchase whilst it was a still many of the newsagents do you know who in your wallet. A lovely lady called Annie are owned by families who put hours and rang and said you can purchase these little hours into making a livelihood and counting containers to put your cards in, that fits in on their retirement money when sold … Let’s your wallet and they’re guaranteed to work. remember when Coles and Woolies “took I am sure you can purchase them in many over” the independently run Service Stations, places, but I know they are available from promised the world, and what did we get?

TOPRAK, the first shop on the left as you No service and petrol price hikes and NO walk into Settlement City (opposite the Food competition! The same thing will happen if Court) for $5. Money well spent, and thanks this law is approved, because the newsagents to Annie for the tip! rely very heavily on Lotto, and lotteries etc to CAMDEN HAVEN CRUISES make a quid. So with all the big guns carrying For residents of the Hastings and visitors cards, papers etc. why would they here for the holidays, there are many bother operating? Please boat trips you can go on from don’t let this happen… the Port Venture, The Junk There is nothing nicer (my favourite), The than going into your Princess and also behind Congratulations friendly newsagents Laurieton RSL. They n, to Stacey Morga (especially Clifton) have eco cruises, her the Principal, ot having a yarn, sunset cruises (most e teachers , costum ople getting the paper, nights in the holidays pe g makers, lightin ed lv vo in mags and Lotto and with beautiful music and everyone a od go as is a browse around. th by Adam Bishop), g in makin .” ts ge it WAUCHOPE AND functions and kids’ as shoe PORT MACQUARIE cruises. You can go to PERFORMING ARTS their website for more … SWAN LAKE … details on prices and times: FANTASTIC! www.camdenhavencruises.com.

How proud I felt sitting in the au. audience last month at the Glasshouse Also, don’t forget the music at the watching Swan Lake bing performed by the GRASSHOUSE Breakwall end of Town Green, youngsters of the Hastings. The sheer talent right outside the Sundowner Caravan Park and expertise amazed me. Congratulations most nights around 6pm; check Sundowner to Stacey Morgan, the Principal, other Caravan Park website for details. teachers, costume makers, lighting people TO MAKE YOU SMILE … and everyone involved in making this as good A friend told the BLONDE MAN: a shoe as it gets. To Mikaela Smith, Laurissa “Christmas is on a Friday this year” Mangold. Gabrielle Hamilton, Brendan “Let’s hope it’s not the 13th.”

Bradshaw and all of the performers (too Happy and healthy 2015 everyone, and many to mention all their names) you had the may it be filled with lots of laughter and audience in the palm of your hands for the happy memories. Keep smiling, whole performance. I look forward to your Robbie xx

“

focus_business.

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

Hadyn Oriti.

MINDING YOUR

business “THE WORLD IS PERFECT. IT IS WHAT IT IS. IT’S NOT WHAT IT’S NOT. HOW MUCH MORE PERFECT COULD IT BE?”

W

hile many may think the quote mis-placed in an article from the Chamber of Commerce, for me is it’s empowering when applied to business.

There may be many things about the world we would like to change. However, to me, those words mean that if we accept the world as it is, we are then free to take action to change those things we wish to change.

“Acceptance” is to be contrasted with fretting about how the world “should” be.

Thinking in terms of “should” immobilises us and leads us to thinking we human beings are powerless.

Some of us really find uncertainty distressing and believe that the world shouldn’t be a certain way. It appears that psychologists are unanimously of the view that approaching life and business in that frame of mind is unhelpful; rather, they recommend the idea of acceptance. They suggest that we accept that life and business is uncertain, unpredictable, complicated. It can’t be controlled, and it will not be any other way. However, there are two things that we can control; ourselves and our responses to the outside world.

Business is all about uncertainty. It is about risk and reward. There cannot be any risk or reward without uncertainty.

So as we head into the unchartered waters of 2015, we have plenty of things to be concerned about. Politically the world is changing - and quite dynamically. China is rising, Europe is stagnating, Australia is grappling with debt and deficits as far as the eye can see.

So what can a small business in Port Macquarie do when dealing with the consequences of the economic decisions

made in Beijing, Brussels, Washington or Canberra?

Even in the direst of situations, we always have a choice. Adopting the advice of the psychologists, it seems that what business needs to do is choose to respond, rather than react. So I say choose to take action and to do what is within our power to do in our business. In tough times, do you pull down the shutters, close shop and wait until the uncertainty rolls on? If so, you’ll be waiting a long time. Or, do you keep the doors open, remain aware of the circumstances and nimble in adapting to the circumstances as they change? Think about how can you improve your business process, control cash flow, creditors and aged debtors? What steps can you take in relation to opening new markets, innovating product and improving sales?

If something happens in the economy, don’t react; stop, think, and plan a response.

Above all, be someone who works on your business - not in it.

An American theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr, wrote the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.”

Encapsulated in those 27 words is a philosophy for dealing with uncertainty.

Successful operators will see how they can be adapted and applied to their business.

While it may be unusual for the Chamber to indulge in this sort of discussion, confidence is critical to economic success.

Having the skills to deal with uncertainty will add to business confidence and empower individual businesses to do those things that they can to improve their own success in 2015. greater port macquarie focus. 93

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focusinterview.

Dr.

ROGER GAMMON NUCLEAR PHYSICIST

H

i Dr Gammon. Where in the Greater Port Macquarie area do you call home ... and what originally brought you here?

We have a small apartment with our own jetty off the Hastings River, north of Settlement City. We moved here from South West Rocks just over two years ago. There we had a house and garden, which was getting too hard for us to look after - and as we had a son and daughter with our grandchildren close by in Port Macquarie, it was a natural move for us.

What led you to choose nuclear physics as a career path - what first sparked your interest in this field?

It’s a long story, but it began in England in 1953 when I had just left school at 16. It was either a career in insurance in London or a job in the country in a small laboratory where they manufactured radioisotopes for use in medicine and industry. I chose the latter.

Where did you complete your academic studies?

After two years’ National Service as a meteorologist with the RAF in the Middle East, I returned to the Radiochemical Centre and got down to some serious study.

After winning a Technical State Scholarship to Brunel University, I spent four six month periods of a BTech course in Applied Physics at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell, near Oxford. One of my elective subjects was Nuclear Technology, which was useful for the time I spent in the Research Reactors, Superconductivity and Reactor Shielding Divisions.

I graduated with 1st class honours and shortly afterwards, in 1966, went on to do a PhD in the research labs of the Edwards High Vacuum Company in Crawley, Sussex. My other elective subject had been Vacuum Technology and as this was the era of the space race, there was great

interest in techniques to produce the ultra-high vacuum needed for space simulation chambers.

My PhD research was in this area.

In 1971 I was recruited by the NSW Institute of Technology, which later became UTS, to set up nuclear and vacuum physics courses. As part of the nuclear course, I used to take engineering students down to Lucas Heights to get practical experience in operating a nuclear reactor. The photo shows me explaining how the controls work. It seems almost unimaginable these days that students were ever allowed to get that close to an operational reactor, even though it was a low powered one used for research!

You were formerly the Director of the NSW Government’s solar energy program. How long did you hold this position - and what was involved with the role?

This is another long story! Shortly after I arrived in Australia, plans to build a nuclear reactor at Jervis Bay were cancelled by the newly elected Labor Government. It was decided by the Physics professor at UTS that the department should specialise in solar energy research.

We were particularly interested in so-called “selective surfaces”, which held the promise of being used for high-temperature solar collectors.

My experience in vacuum physics came in very useful in developing this technology.

After spending sabbatical leave with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, which was NASA’s lead centre for the Voyager spacecraft missions including solar thermal and photovoltaic research, I was appointed by the Energy Authority of NSW to set up a Solar Information and Demonstration Centre in the Rocks, Sydney.

One thing led to another and we eventually funded and supervised a solar and renewable energy research program of over 20 projects with an annual budget of around one million dollars. I was Director, Energy Centres, from 1979 to 1982.

Dr Roger Gammon has experienced a long and distinguished career in the field of nuclear physics, having worked with projects that encompass both nuclear and solar energy. He has witnessed many changes and innovations during the course of his working life … and now he’s retired, he’s diverting his “energy” to other projects …

Your last full-time job was with the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering.What did your job with this organisation entail?

In 1988 when I was appointed to the senior management position, the Institute was a consortium of Australian and New Zealand universities in partnership with ANSTO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

I believe it has a considerably expanded role today. The Institute, AINSE for short, was set up by the Commonwealth Government in 1958 to facilitate access by university researchers to national research facilities.

As the CEO, I was responsible for managing the AINSE Grants Scheme, Postgraduate Research Awards, Post doctorate Fellowships, and AINSE’s Conference series. Over 200 projects were funded each year in the areas of environmental science, biomedicine and health, neutron scattering, accelerator science, advanced materials, nuclear technology and radiation science.

In my time, AINSE scientists and technicians used to develop the techniques and equipment needed by university researchers.

“Nuclear physics” is a pretty broad description of a particular branch of science. To be more specific - what is your passion/area of expertise in this field?

“Nuclear science and engineering” is a better descriptor in my case.

What is it about this particular field that inspires you?

Since being involved with the design of Britain’s nuclear power reactors, becoming disillusioned with safety and nuclear proliferation issues, and then following the advances in reactor design to where it is now, I am encouraged that the nuclear option could be a credible one for helping to combat perhaps the greatest threat today - human-induced climate change. Unfortunately, older designs and natural disasters like

Fukushima will inevitably mean a lot of public opposition to anything nuclear. What inspires me most is the creativity of our brightest young people to solve some of these difficult issues.

During the course of your career, what were some of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs you experienced within your areas of interest?

Gosh, there have been so many! Right now I can’t think of anything more exciting than the landing of a robot probe on a comet 6.5 billion kilometres away and travelling at 18 kilometres per second!

You’ve recently returned from an overseas holiday, and mentioned to me that you witnessed some exciting developments in the renewable energy field. What were some of these developments?

What amazed me most of all was the extent of the take-up of renewable energy technologies overseas, particularly in Romania and Turkey. On a trip to the Danube delta from Constanta, we travelled for 2 hours and everywhere you looked there were wind generators, over 200,000 of them! We were told there was only one nuclear power complex, but it was producing 50% of Romania’s electricity needs.

In Turkey, everywhere we went there were solar water heaters on every possible roof top!

Ironically, they were of an evacuated tubular collector design which was pioneered by Sydney University.

Now you’ve retired, what are your plans for the future? What do you hope you’ll have more time to achieve/work on?

Apart from my hobbies, my wife, Diana, and I are very much involved with Rotary and our grandchildren. That’s quite enough to see me out!

Thanks Dr Gammon. Interview by Jo Atkins. greater port macquarie focus.

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

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greater port macquarie focus.

focusabode.

A HOME TO LOVE. Enjoy all the comforts of an elegant and functional home, a home designed to enhance and embrace your lifestyle, visit the all new G.J. Gardner Homes Display Home at 78 Philip Charley Drive, Ascot Park, Port Macquarie.

The January FOCUS Home of the Month is a fantastic design, ideal for a growing family, Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of viewing the home ...

The needs of today’s family are at the forefront of the layout of the home, a Fernbank Design, exclusive to G.J. Gardner Homes. Do you need some private time, or to escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life for a while? Then this home is definitely for you - a large private master bedroom boasting a double en-suite and a large walk-in robe, and separate living and relaxing zones, it is the perfect place to get away from it all and re-charge.

From first look, the home exudes elegance; a modern front facade is beautifully

Local Coastal Blackbutt g has been in or flo used to add a ral touch of natu s.” as style and cl

“

complemented by fully landscaped gardens and an exposed aggregate drive leading to the front porch.

Entry to the home is via a wide timber and glass pivot door into an expansive foyer. Coastal Blackbutt engineered hardwood flooring is the choice underfoot in the foyer and throughout all living areas and the master bedroom.

Right of entry you find the media room, a perfect spot to sit back and relax. Four vertical panel windows with porthole windows at

ceiling height allow in plenty of natural light; venetian blinds are installed allowing for adjustment or block out of available light at movie time, and carpet, downlighting and a ceiling fan all add to the comfort. The Master Bedroom is a private parents’ retreat, complete with walk-in robe with plenty of his and hers hanging and shelving. shelving, and a well laid out adjoining en-suite.

Come take a peek.

ON DISPLAY: 78 Philip Charley Drive, Port Macquarie

OPEN: Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 3pm Closed Monday & Tuesday

Disclaimer: Images may depict fixtures, finishes and features not supplied by G.J. Gardner Homes, these items include concrete flooring, planter boxes, retaining walls, water features, pergolas, screens and decorative landscaping items such as fencing and outdoor kitchens and barbeques. For detailed home pricing, please talk to a sales consultant. This design and illustration remains the property of G.J. Gardner Homes and may not be re produced on whole or in part without written consent.

Narsza Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie. Builders Licence 72890C.

Drop in for a chat today.

OFFICE: 15 Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie

Call us on 6584 5116 or visit gjgardner.com.au Review us!

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VISIT OUR DISPLAY HOME: 78 Philip Charley Drive, Port Macquarie

greater port macquarie focus. 99

focusabode.

A HOME TO LOVE.

Cooling grey floor to ceiling wall tiles from Tiles With Style are complimented by feature wall tiling in the glass screened shower recess.

Timber grain Laminex fronted cabinets are a stylish addition to the wall hung vanity, which has his and hers above bench hand basins, each with their own mirror and directional lighting above.

The en-suite cabinetry continues with a further set of timber grain drawers and a Laminex White Silk built-in storage and shelving unit.

Step down two easy steps to the open plan kitchen, dining, family room that all opens out to an alfresco entertainment space through double glass sliding doors.

The kitchen has been designed and installed

by Timbertown Kitchens, with family and entertaining in mind. Doubling as a breakfast bar, an Essastone 20 mm Verona Mist Laminex

100 greater port macquarie focus.

island bench is its centrepiece. A timber grain Laminex Sublime Teak kick panel on the island matches well with the timber flooring and is also used on the kitchen cabinetry fronts.

Housed in the island is a double stainless steel square set sink with flick-mixer, two sets of drawers and a microwave nook. A Smeg gas oven, cooktop and range-hood in the overhead cabinetry are easily at hand in the back wall of the kitchen. A butler’s kitchen placed behind the main kitchen area is complete with a Smeg under-bench dishwasher, plenty of cupboards for storage and a wide bench top for food preparation. Overhead cabinetry provides a space for condiments, cookbooks and the like.

Adjoining the kitchen is the dining and family room, which opens out to and overlooks the outdoor alfresco area, rear yard and nearby bushland. It all seamlessly blends together, creating a fabulous indoor/outdoor entertaining

space in close proximity to all amenities.

Wrapping around the kitchen, a hallway leads you through the home, comprising laundry, three remaining bedrooms, family bathroom and kids’ activity room - the kids’ zone.

The laundry is well appointed, with timber fronted cabinets and a Laminex Diamond Gloss White benchtop housing a stainless steel laundry tub. Easy access to the outdoor drying area via a glass sliding door and exposed aggregate pathway is provided.

Three good sized carpeted bedrooms have ceiling fans, downlighting and each has a double built-in robe. Serviced by a family bathroom, separate WC and handbasin alcove, the kids’ zone is the younger family members’ own private space.

The family bathroom is sectioned off by a cavity wooden sliding door and has both a free

standing bath and a glass screened shower recess. Grey floor to ceiling wall tiling and a feature tiled wall with recess running along the wall behind the vanity and shower, add a modern feel, with LED lighting installed as well as directional lighting above the vanity mirror.

A centrally located activity room finishes off the kids’ zone splendidly, having built-in TV cabinetry. All opens out to the alfresco through a sliding glass door for easy access to the rear yard.

Stylish and smart, the G.J. Gardner Homes’ new display home in Ascot Park cleverly wraps up family time and me time and delivers the answer - an elegant home everyone will love.

G.J. Gardner Homes are passionate about turning your vision into a house you can call home. Contact them on 6584 5116 or call into the display home at Ascot Park Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm.

focusabode.

“

FROM THE BUILDER. G. J .

T

G a r d n e r

H o m e s

ell us about your business - how long have you been operating?

In 2002 Trevor and his wife Tesha joined the successful G.J. Gardner Franchise group and opened the office in Port Macquarie, servicing both the Port Macquarie Hastings and Kempsey Macleay Shires.

G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie exists to benefit the new home buyer. Our services have been developed to meet our customers’ needs, giving a good home building experience and value for money.

We strive to make our best better by creating and maintaining a work environment that enables the professional relationships with our customers, employees, subcontractors and suppliers to continually

To be part of .J. the team at G rt Po es Gardener Hom u yo ns Macquarie mea gh hi have to meet standards ...”

improve our systems to ensure that our promises are delivered.

G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie will strive to set ourselves apart from all of our competition through the practice of timeless and proven social values, and become the Builder of Choice in our area.

Tell us about your team ...

To be part of the team at G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie means you have to meet high standards - standards that are in direct line with the pledge we make to our customers.

G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie and staff pledge the following to our customers: • We will think and feel like our customer - To best understand our customers’ requirements

and frustrations, we will walk in their shoes.

• Respect - Our customer will be treated with the same high respect that we as a customer would expect.

• Honesty - Just as we seek and expect honesty from others, we will be honest with all whom we deal.

• Integrity - Be real. Our high level of business and personal integrity will not be compromised.

• Professionalism and Expertise - At all times we will only provide information we believe to be true and correct.

• Experience - Understanding that building a

home can be a daunting and emotional experience for the new home buyer, G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie undertake to strive to provide our customer with a positive building experience from start to finish.

• Quality - What we do, we will do well.

• Passion - Committed in heart and mind.

• Accountability - We will not shirk our responsibilities.

• Feedback - We welcome your feedback, both positive and negative. G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie nurtures a culture of constant evolution, striving towards constant improvement. Your feedback is essential for our business survival.

Building residential value with G.J. Gardner Homes.

A house is only as strong as the foundations it’s built on. That’s why G.J. Gardner Homes insists on using certified Australian-made steel, and quality accessories from OneSteel Reinforcing for their homes’ foundations and concrete slabs. Steel reinforcing bars and mesh provide the necessary strength to make sure your quality G.J. Gardner Home is built to stand the test of time.

For more information contact OneSteel Reinforcing Port Macquarie on 02 6581 1144, 0418 570 739, email oneslabnsw@onesteel.com or visit www.reinforcing.com

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focusabode.

A HOME TO LOVE. What are some of the featured design elements of the the new display home at Ascot Park?

Fernbank makes use of clever design and modern technology to be one of G.J. Gardner Homes most popular designs.

The needs of today’s family are at the forefront of Fernbank Designs, exclusive to G.J. Gardner Homes. The key to this striking range is an open plan family room, an activity room, a media room and a unique Kids zone. This unique design also lends itself to being a split level, subject to site limitations.

Including the following features - Open plan living, Butlers kitchen, separate kids bedroom area that incorporates a childrens activity room, relaxed alfresco area, raised ceilings,

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customised vanities, double size shower; stylish and smart, the Fernbank Design cleverly wraps up family time and me time and delivers the answer - an elegant home everyone will love.

What are the types of building that G J Gardner specialises in?

With over 30 years experience in the construction industry our exposure to many types of construction is vast. Since opening the business here in Port Macquarie we have predominately focused on the construction of a variety of new home styles. We accommodate the first home buyer through to the second, third and fourth new home buyer. Whether it is single or two storey, split level, a concrete slab or timber floor of a single dwelling or units.

“

We accommodated buyer the first home cond, se e th h throug th new third and four home buyer.”

What do you offer potential clients during the building process?

Everything we do at G.J. Gardner Homes Port Macquarie is aimed at delivering the most rewarding building experience possible. By following our system of stages we work closely with you and local experts to deliver a legendary service and a customised G.J. Gardner Home. Imagine a new home designed around you.

If potential Home Owners have any specific requirements when they approach you to build are your designs flexible?

Certainly. We have rarely built two homes the same. We will customise one of our designs so that it meets a home owner’s specific requirements or we can build to a home owners own design.

How do we go about commissioning you to build for us?

What is the process?

Come visit us and we will guide you through our proven processes. From the first visit to the handover of the new home we will guide you along the journey, making the process as simple as we can.

Thank you Trevor.

focusarchives.with Debbie Sommers

PORT MACQUARIE HAS BEEN A POPULAR SUMMER HOLIDAY DESTINATION SINCE THE EARLY 1900S. MOORE’S BUSINESS ALMANAC OF 1916 DESCRIBED OUR BEAUTIFUL TOWN BACK THEN AS A “CHARMING HOLIDAY RESORT… SPLENDID FISHING, SHOOTING, SURFING, BOATING, GOLF, ETC …” AND PLEASINGLY, THIS REMAINS THE CASE TODAY.

I

n January 1937, the holiday period was described as a most successful one, with more visitors and campers than previous years and many visitors staying for longer periods than usual. Some 521 tents had been pitched on the Municipal camping reserve, guest houses such as Ocean View and Tregony were full, and pictures and dances were the main entertainment on offer. The Empire Theatre was open six nights a week, showing the latest movies such as Zane Grey’s Under the Tonto Rim and Mickey the Mouse cartoon. Dancing was in the open air to the music of Jester’s Dance Band.

In addition to our pristine beaches and scenic golf course, St Thomas’ Church and the Soldiers’ Memorial were the main tourist attractions.

Surf carnivals were held at Flynns Beach by both the Wauchope and Port Macquarie Surf Clubs over the Christmas-New Year period, and a swimming carnival was held at the Hibbard Baths. Excursions to Haytown and Settlement Farm were held on Boxing Day. Picnics and parties were being captured on camera and Sawtell and Consoli’s - The Gift Store even offered a same day film developing and printing service. Iced drinks from one of several milk bars were a welcome summer holiday treat.

Port Macquarie and the Hastings region developed its tourist facilities over the years, with a large number of motels built to accommodate those on motoring holidays. However, camping was and continues to be a popular choice for

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families over the summer break. For campers, the weather is important and over the Christmas - New Year period in 1950-51, the weather was unkind. Heavy rain and driving winds battered our holiday makers, with over 10 inches of rain recorded over the week. The Ritz Theatre was kept busy with those seeking some respite from the rain, and dancing in the Civic Hall each evening was also a popular “dry” activity.

By the late 1960s, Port Macquarie had firmly established itself as a tourist destination with a number of attractions to amuse visitors, including the Port Macquarie Historical Museum, Fantasy Glades and Thrumster Pottery complementing the vast array of hotel and motel accommodation on offer. The 1960 Port Macquarie Information and Guide booklet expressed the town’s attributes in glowing terms. “Few towns combine so many interests as Port Macquarie. Historical significance is portrayed by the existing buildings, memorials and relics of the past; sports enthusiasts are fully catered for; the scenery is ever changing and modern accommodation and amenities are a most important feature. The climate is renowned.

Cool in Summer and Warm in Winter.”

Summer Holidays is a new exhibit at the Port Macquarie Museum. Revisit summer holidays of the past. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30pm, the Museum is a great place to visit in the holidays, whatever the weather!

Debbie Sommers - Port Macquarie Historical Society.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from smarter CASCADE POOLS

Edstein Stone Many people wander through a cemetery looking at the vast amounts of history on display and as a community we should preserve this tie to our past. History is important to preserve so when looking to renovate an older monument careful restoration memorial restoration practices must be followed to ensure the longevity of the memorial.

Edstein Creative Stone have a team of trades qualified Stone Leading into the Christmas period, many families’ thoughts Masons who specialise in restoration of existing monuments and turn to those no longer with us. A trip to the cemetery may provide the peace of mind when looking to have a loved one’s reveal a relative’s grave is not in a condition that is fitting to the memorial restored. When considering carrying out a restoration memory of the loved one. The good news is that our team of our team can meet onsite to discuss the best course of action. fully licensed and qualified Stone Masons can restore the grave As many of the older memorials in our cemeteries are marble or to its former state, or better than new in some cases. sandstone we must carefully consider the material and the best Our team will carry out an inspection of the site and put ways to preserve the heritage of the memorial. We must also forward options for a family which can meet a budget or vision. consider the things that are not seen such as the foundations which Many graves that look beyond repair can be restored using form the key to the ensuring the memorial has a long solid future. modern techniques that ensure success and longevity of the Some examples of the vast number of restorations are available for memorial. viewing on our website www.edstein.com.au Lynn Mooney, our North Coast Sales Consultant, is available To contact one of our consultants or to make general in the Hastings and Camden Haven region every enquiries second please contact us at info@edstein.com.au or call Wednesday by appointment, so should you toll havefree anyon 1800 621599. requirements, please feel free to contact Lynn on 6551 6266 to arrange an appointment.

ONE of Port Macquarie’s oldest pool and spa businesses has changed hands, but customers old and new can expect the same level of service and high quality products.

Cascade Pool and Spa Centre’s new manager Brad Dingeldei has taken over the business, backed by the popular existing team of specialists.

The Hastings River Drive business has been servicing the area for more than 23 years, offering pool and spa maintenance, Pool Pro chemicals, a wide range of pool equipment, free electronic water testing and Oasis heat pumps.

They are also master dealers for Davey pumps and Australian-made Signature Spas.

Brad looks forward to delivering customers’ pool needs with the same level of service loyal customers are accustomed to.

A family run business the staff, plus all products and services will remain the same, this has helped build the business’ good reputation. The dedicated team includes Brad, Ben Harvey, Joel Kennedy, Mitchell Hill and Adam James.

As senior pool technicians, Adam has more than 24 years’ experience and and Ben has more than 17 years’ industry experience; there’s not much they can’t handle. Joel has three years’ experience, while Mitchell is new to the business but has adopted the team’s “can do” attitude.

Cascade Pool and Spa Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8:30am to 1pm.

Phone 6583 6335.

What are your goals for 2015?

If it’s to create wealth through property or buy that investment property you have been putting off - it’s time to get “Smarter” and let the professionals help you kick your financial property goals in 2015!

As we have had such a great result from our December campaign. We will extend the bonus of a 10% discount to any new client who engages our great services during the month of January.

So come on board and let us help you fulfil your property dreams in 2015.

We can help you whether you are an investor or a first homebuyer to SAVE, TIME, MONEY and STRESS. THE BENEFITS OF USING A BUYERS’ AGENT: • Reduce the risk and stress of buying • Helps you save time and money • Access to professional research • Negotiate contract terms for the best deal • Peace of mind For more information: visit our website/Facebook page and view the great results we have achieved for our happy clients. www.smarterpropertygroup.com.au Talk to one of our friendly staff call: 1800 257 377 Let us help you buy property - Smarter.

Wishing all a prosperous and safe 2015.

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NAI

H A R C O U R T S Port Macquarie has two new names in Commercial Real Estate. NAI Harcourts and Laurie Prentice, the new dedicated commercial division of Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie Real Estate.

GETTING REAL WITH DAVID PLEWS! Happy New Year and welcome to 2015.

Statistics show a significant shift in I m sure the question on everyone s lips is, demand for property valued between What does the New Year have is store on $400,000 and $600,000 in 2014. This the local real estate front? particular segment has grown 28 per cent.

In answer to this question, one of the The `barrier of $500,000 for buyers appears main contributing factors will be interest to have been raised to $600,000. This rates. I am certainly no economist is a good thing for estates like however I rely on experts in Crestwood, Emerald Downs this field and they all appear and Dahlsford as many of to be contradicting each these properties are being Happy 2015 other. Some are predicting purchased by out of town y everybod a cut while others are buyers. gs in - I hope it br saying prepare for an The Eastport area t ea gr plenty of increase. The cash rate set has produced excellent ” ! ts en mom by the Reserve Bank has numbers with a 26 per cent remained steady at 2.5 per increase in properties sold cent since August 2013 so the – largely driven by unit sales next move will be very interesting. across all price categories.

They say that supply and demand Port Macquarie is certainly on the drive market value – well, the numbers are move with the hospital upgrade and the certainly proving this to be the case. construction of the university. I just hope we As I have mentioned in the past, we’ve had have those direct flights to Melbourne soon a lack of stock and the median price in Port because I think they will be a big gameMacquarie by month for 2014 has floated changer. between $420,000 and $450,000. The Happy 2015 everybody – I hope it brings median price by month for 2013 hovered plenty of great moments.

This article has been prepared in good faith with due care between $388,500 and $438,250. The Port

by David Plews. No representation or warranty is made as to the Macquarie real estate market appears to accuracy of information contained in this article and readers should have grown reasonably well in value during make and rely on their own enquiries as to the correctness of such information.

2014.

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T

he new name reflects an accurate research specific to each client,” affiliation with NAI Global. claims Laurie. He added that, “NAI Harcourts’ NAI Global is the 4th largest philosophy is to find unique solutions for our commercial real estate services clients’ requirements and deliver a service in a company in the world. NAI personal and results oriented way”.

Global manages a network of 5,000 The areas of focus under NAI Harcourts professionals and 375 offices in 55 includes Commercial, Industrial and Retail countries throughout the Sales and Leasing, Corporate world. and Advisory Services, NAI Harcourts Project Management and offers a spectrum Marketing, Feasibility arof commercial real Studies, Land Through NAI H estate services Subdivision and Sales, courts we have dethe to the corporate Rural Sales, Motel direct access to pu blic cision makers of panies , world, passive and Management and private comnment investors and Rights Sales, Prestige as well as G overstate financial intuitions Residential and bodies at local, ls . ” ve locally, nationally Investment Sales, and national le and around the Business Sales and world.

Auctioneering.

Laurie began his Harcourts Greater Port real estate career in Macquarie is a family owned 1981. Since then, he has been business with a 40 year history in involved in all facets of real estate. local real estate. The two offices at He is a licensed real estate agent and Wauchope and Port Macquarie currently an accredited auctioneer. His other employ eight sales consultants, four property formal qualifications include Diplomas in managers and four administration staff and Management and Training. have a property management portfolio of “Through NAI Harcourts we have direct approximately four hundred assets. access to the decision makers of public and The goal of NAI Harcourts Commercial private companies, as well as Government Division is to be the leading Commercial Real bodies at local, state and national levels.

Estate Services Agency in the Greater Port We are able to provide informative and Macquarie-Hastings Region.

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LOCAL | QUALIFIED | PROVEN mobile 0448 836 000 email david@portmacquariefn.com.au 69 Horton St, Port Macquarie

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