Issuu

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

August 2015 // issue 117

Feature Story Stephen Mushin

editor's note.

what’s happening GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

editor.

jay beaumont.

Welcome to the August issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

ow cool does our cover look this month! Looking dapper are Steve Foye, Jeremy Brigden, Anthony Wilson and Scott Lawrence. A big thank you to the Latin Loafer for letting us take over the restaurant for the photo shoot. The men are promoting our annual Men In Business Feature starting on page 72. Each year we gather together some familiar faces in our business community, and you get the chance to get to know a bit more about them and their business. We’re extremely fortunate here in Greater Port Macquarie to have such a vibrant, passionate and active business community that really is the backbone of our local area. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chances are if you have ever visited a local café or driven past the Port Macquarie Library, then you have seen the artworks of Simon “Sigh” Luxton. Sigh’s artworks have become infectious around Port Macquarie, transforming what could have been a bland space into a vibrant and inviting work of art. Sigh’s newest venture is being this year’s FOTSUN artist, creating the artwork that will style this summer’s festival. We also catch up with Isaac Sanderson, a proud member of Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club. Isaac is often the first to put his hand up to volunteer, and his current plan is to raise money

contacts. 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.

for the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service which he aims to do by competing in the Sun Herald City 2 Surf event on August 9 … Oh, yes and did we mention he’s only 14! SAVE THE DATE Port Macquarie is set to host a unique and exciting family event at Westport Park this coming September. The inaugural Port Macquarie Beer and Cider Festival is to be held on Saturday, September 26, with a festive atmosphere designed to celebrate all the good things in life: beer, cider, food, games and music. Sounds like fun to us! 100 ISSUES Congratulations to our sister FOCUS publications. Manning-Great lakes Focus just celebrated its 100th issue, and our New England FOCUS is one month away from 100 issues. Through good times and bad, FOCUS has stood the test of time and become a unique part of its local communities. FINAL SAY “When the past comes knocking, don’t answer. It has nothing new to tell you” - Anonymous.

Jay Beaumont - Editor Jay Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

Join our artist in residence Stephen Mushin to explore tackling massive ecological challenges in creative and inspiring ways. Participants will be pushing the boundaries and injecting ideas into making Port Macquarie ‘Shipshape’. Come and debate the possibilities of how we could become the world’s first ‘Seaworthy City’!

Design Thought Experiment Workshops Wednesday 12 August 5.30pm - 7.30pm Thursday 20 August 5.30pm - 7.30pm FREE

Ecological Design Basics Workshop Saturday 15 August, 10am - 12.30pm Ages 8-12 $15* LIMITED NUMBERS

‘Shipshaping’ Workshop Saturday 15 August, 1.30pm - 3.30pm Ages 13+ up $15* LIMITED NUMBERS *Transaction Fees Apply

About Stephen Mushin Stephen has spent the last 15 years working as both an ecological designer on projects dealing with urban food production, renewable energy and master planning for zero emissions and as an artist on sustainable futures projects. www.NowIfWhatThen.com www.stephenmushin.com

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Emily Scott

also...

Talks @ the Gallery

Relax whilst sipping on a glass of wine and be inspired by guest speakers and our gallery exhibitions.

emily@focusmag.com.au

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT/WRITER: Chrissy Jones JP

EMMA WALKER: JADA WINNER Thursday 23 July, 5.30pm

chrissy@focusmag.com.au

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Annette Wannell

MICHAEL CUSACK: JADA ARTIST Thursday 6 August, 5.30pm

annette@focusmag.com.au

SALES & ADMIN SUPPORT: Sarah Gale sarah@focusmag.com.au

bookings essential

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

Small Marquee

Stage

Band Marquee

12mx24m Marquee

ancing Dwith hastings Stars

Temporary Structures

pathway 2-9pm Alternative

Small Marquee

3 phase from Sundowner

(or use power if available on town green)

Sun downer

Trees

02 6581 8888

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2-9pm Alternative pathway

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focusinterview. The Cowship, 2013. Copyright Stephen Mushin

Photo courtesy of Androniki Christodoulou.

Stephen Mushin is the Artist in Residence at the Glasshouse from August 11 - 21. His workshops are about facing the world’s enormous ecological challenges head on, encouraging us to push boundaries and explore change in inspiring and creative ways. Can we actually make Port Macquarie the world’s first seaworthy city? Let’s find out! i Stephen. Tell us about your background as an industrial designer… I’ve been an industrial designer for around 15 years. I’ve spent most of this time working on ecological design projects and sustainability projects - dealing with things such as growing food in cities, processing organic food waste, generating renewable energy, planning cities, helping organisations to produce zero emissions - and not just to become carbon neutral, but to help these organisations reengineer themselves so they produce zero waste. And these projects have led to the concept of “Now If What Then”. Please explain how this idea came about … I’ve always worked on “thought experiments” … I’m interested in speculative design about ways to reimagine the future. I believe we need to transition our society rapidly into a zero emissions world - and this needs to happen in our lifetime. This is an incredible challenge we face; it’s very exciting, but for many people it’s also quite daunting. The idea of change is scary. So, the Now If What Then projects simply came out of all of the work I was doing with envisioning sustainable cities. Bit by bit, I started exhibiting ideas, I was asked to do talks - so it all started from there … The Now If What Then concept also incorporates a travelling exhibition. What types of items does this exhibition showcase? Designs, sketches, schematics, 3D Models, and handmade models of different varieties. My visit to the Glasshouse throughout August this year is an Artist’s Residency. I’ll be running some workshops with the local community, developing ideas and creating new work. Then next year, in 2016, there’ll be an exhibition that will be held at the Glasshouse - some of which will be based upon the work I developed during 4

greater port macquarie focus.

the Residency. coastal cities. The brutal fact of the matter is the How much community input has there been vast majority of cities will eventually be inundated into the “thought experiments” you menwith water, unless there is some kind of massive tioned previously? change … So, this project is asking if we want to The projects that make up Now If What Then avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change, have been highly collaborative, with different what on Earth do we do? The project pitches a people involved. There have been engidystopian plan for the event that we fail to stop neers and scientists involved; some climate change - we float the buildings. ideas have sprung out of conversations The first workshop is an exploration with friends, some from workof ecological design - it’s a way shops … They largely come of engaging the community from me sitting down and and throwing some ideas My visit to the synthesising a whole lot around, preparing people Glasshouse of conversations and proto come back and get inust throughout Aug ducing work. They’re not volved in the ship shaping rtist’s this year is an A g in the result of me sitting workshop - which is the nn ru Residency. I’ll be ith down and saying to the third workshop, for peow ps some worksho , ity community, “What do ple aged 13 and up. un m m the local co d an s ea you want?” and drawing The second workshop id ng developi k.” or w w it … they’re the result of is similar, but it’s for kids ne g tin crea me workshopping ideas (8 - 12), explaining some and saying, “How about engineering design principles this?” and seeing where the and methodologies, so kids can idea goes … design things. You mentioned you feel our sociI find the average 12 year old often ety needs to “transition rapidly” and make knows more about climate change, engineering some radical changes to evolve successfully. and design than many adults, and they’re a lot In your view, what should our priorities be more open to new ideas. Kids around this age to achieve this? know a lot, but they’re also highly imaginative, so The most important thing to do right now to they’re able to be really creative and experimental re-engineer our cities is to move to one hundred with their thinking … Adults, I think, get caught per cent renewable energy. I’m saying this is up with our everyday lives and there’s a lot more completely possible... there have been some very at stake when we think about change … Change large, very well-funded projects which show the has implications for all of our lives. feasibility of Australia having one hundred per The whole idea of these workshops is to be cent renewable energy within ten years. That’s fun and to engage creative ideas - to explore the the no brainer, really! idea that there’s so much work to be done in Fill us in on the workshops you’ll be running future, but this could also lead to one hundred at the Glasshouse … per cent employment in our lifetime with the sceThe project I’ll be working on in Port Macnario I’m referring to. We need to redesign and quarie is called “Ship Shaping”. It explores the reimagine everything, so it’s a really fertile time implications of sea level rise and the impact on to be alive! It’s about focusing on the positive,

“

because so much information we’re presented about things such as climate change, the Carbon Tax etc. is negative. That’s such narrow thinking! Looking at the much bigger picture, there’s such an economic boom ahead! The Now If What Then projects are provocations … they’re designed to make us question the way we think and explore ideas. Some of these explorations can produce quite insane ideas - but are they any more insane than the world we’re currently living in? Final say … Now If What Then is constantly developing, and Port Macquarie is just one stop on the journey. I visited Japan last year and worked with the Tokyo University of Agriculture to develop a vision for growing food in Tokyo. This time it will be about sea level rise, and the next visit will be about traffic and autonamous vehicles … so there’ll be a whole lot of different ideas down the track. Thanks Stephen. Interview by Jo Atkins. Visit: www.NowIfWhatThen.com and www.stehenmusihin.com for more info.

the plug! WORKSHOP DETAILS Design Thought Experiment Workshops Wednesday 12 August 5:30pm - 7:30pm and Thursday 20 August 5:30pm - 7:30pm. FREE. Ecological Design Basics Workshop (Kids aged 8 - 12). Saturday 15 August, 10am - 12:30pm. $15. Shipshaping Workshop (Ages 13 + up). Saturday 15 August, 1:30pm - 3:30pm. $15. Bookings essential. Phone 6581 8888 or book online at www.glasshouse.org.au

inside this

Issue 117 - August 2015 Simon “Sigh” Luxton.

10.

You may have spotted artworks by Simon “Sigh” Luxton dotted throughout the Port Macquarie region on various walls in cafés and restaurants, transforming what could have been a bland space into a vibrant and inviting work of art. Sigh’s newest venture is being this year’s FOTSUN artist.

20. 34.

Gang of Youths. After an unexpected completely sold out tour, Gang of Youths are kicking off again around Australia. Front man Dave talks life and music with FOCUS ...

60.

Eve Grzybowski. Eve Grzybowski has been teaching yoga for over 30 years, having explored 15 different types of yoga and developing her own syle. Eve will be bringing her knowledge to the Ekam Yoga Festival at the Glasshouse on Sunday 11th October.

4. Stephen Mushin 6. Ben Robinson 38. Brendon Wood 42. Isaac Sanderson

usual suspects.

the

14. what’s on for August 24. eat featuring local restaurants 32. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 34. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 65. starguide with Terri 67. travel with Susie Boswell 97. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti 101. landcare with Estelle Gough 104. tourism with Janette Hyde

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

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focusinterview.

robinson Ben describes music as his passion and the centre of everything he does … and this is not hard to believe when you witness his list of amazing achievements. Ben will commence studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music next year, where he hopes to take his musical composition skills to the next level …

i Ben. FOCUS last spoke to you way back in 2010, I believe! You’d just won the Australian National Songwriting Competition, and you were only 13 at the time. How has your passion for music and songwriting developed since then? Music is still my greatest passion and the centre of everything I do, although there’ve been some changes in the direction of my music since 2010. In regards to performance, I’ve been discovering my love for jazz music and playing in small jazz ensembles - a change from my twelve years of classical piano training. I don’t consider myself to be an outstanding jazz player, but I do have a lot of fun with it and I’ve been slowly improving over two years now. My composing has very much changed from writing pop songs to writing works of art music, with a particular focus on vocal pieces for community choirs. In this sense my passion has grown wildly, as I find the musical, intellectual and emotional satisfaction from composing to be far greater than that from writing simple chords and melodies. Tell us about some of your musical achievements during the past five years … After winning the ACMF’s National Songwriting Competition, I went on to place in the same category for the next two years. I also won the first Harmony Day Songwriting Competition with a song called Little Things. Other than this, most achievements have not been physical rewards, rather opportunities to learn and showcase my music, as I stopped entering competitions. You were one of seven people chosen nationally to work with the Australian Gondwana National Choirs over the past three years. Describe this experience …

greater port macquarie focus.

My first time at Gondwana was the turning for Extension, and received band-6 marks of point in my compositional style, and is largely 90 and 50/50, respectively. When I moved to the reason why I enjoy writing for choirs. My St Columba, I quickly found myself immersed mentor and teacher was Australian composer in the many musical ensembles available, Stephen Leek. His compositional techniques particularly the vocal groups. The school’s influenced me a great deal, as I’d previously great attitude towards creativity and student been a self-taught composer. The highlight leadership led me to conduct my own piece was writing a piece, Haiku, for Gondwana to the Senior Choir, and co-direct two Voices (a treble choir of very talented young male ensembles. From there, my interest in girls and boys) and hearing them rehearse it. conducting grew, and the school offered me a To compose an entire piece in three days is an job as Creative and Performing Arts Assistant. intense and stressful task, but the outcome was What academic studies are next on the my greatest sense of accomplishment at the agenda for you? time. I’ve been accepted into the Sydney I attended Gondwana three years in a Conservatorium of Music to study a row, the third year (2014) working Bachelor of Music (Composition). I with Paul Stanhope. I wrote have deferred the degree for a a piece for Gondwana year so I can work this year Singers (an SATB choir and make next year more To compose of teenage boys and affordable. an entire piece girls) called I Shall Not How have you been an in three days is l Live In Vain, but rather spending this year? fu ss intense and stre e om than hearing a single As I mentioned, tc task , but the ou e ns se st rehearsal, I attended te I’m now the Creative was my grea at t en hm is many rehearsals to and Performing Arts pl of accom ” e. work with the conductor Assistant at SCAS. This the tim and prepare the piece for involves conducting and an in-house performance directing the Senior Choir, to Gondwana members. The Junior Choir, and the male conductor and choir liked the ensembles Los Cantantes and Low piece so much, they removed another Rumbles. I also sing with the Hasting piece from their repertoire in order to sing Choristers, led by Robyn Ryan, and conduct mine at their annual public concert in them from time to time. I’m part of a jazz Sydney’s Concourse theatre. I was so grateful. duo, White Boy Jazz, with guitarist Sam Killick; Hearing my own premiere was one of the best we’re starting to play gigs at different venues, experiences of my life so far. and we’re available for hire. Otherwise, I’m You were awarded a full scholarship to St working at The Glasshouse as a back of house Columba Anglican School (SCAS) for your technician, learning about the complex audio last three years of school. How did you go and lighting systems, and ushering for the in your HSC last year? shows. It’s been a great year so far, and it’ll For my HSC I studied Music 2 and Music make leaving Port Macquarie so much harder Extension, of course choosing composition at the end of the year.

“

What are some of the special pieces of music you’ve composed recently? Earlier in the year I was contacted by Alpha Gregory, the director of the Woden Valley Youth Choir in Canberra. I received my first commission and composed a piece for them to premiere in September. It’s based on an Aboriginal proverb about how we’re all visitors to this land. There’s also a probable commission by the Hastings Choristers for their Christmas concert this year. How does the composition process work for you? Do you play any instruments and how do you “nut out” a new piece of music? Something very important I’ve learnt over the years is the concept of “less is more”. With composition, you only have to write a few lines, and you have enough material to extend into a three, five, or ten minute piece. I start by finding a text I really like, then I play the piano or sing to myself until I find a melody that fits well. It’s then a matter of writing out a structure for the piece and using the materials you have to fill out that structure. Even two or three notes from the existing melody could be enough to make a new section or an underlying accompaniment. You’ve just come through the most amazingly creative and rewarding five year period, so where would you like to think you’re headed over the next five years? Ideally I’d love to go to the Conservatorium, learn how to write more skillful, interesting and enjoyable music, make many connections with people within the industry and be able to live off composing and perhaps conducting or teaching. However, if my future is not so fortunate, I’ll be happy if I can live a comfortable life and allow music to be a major part of it. Thanks Ben. Interview by Jo Atkins.

greater port macquarie focus.

focus_local recipe

m e l ans t t a C WITH ROASTED BONE MARROW AND braised borlotti beans

Image of the month. Taken at about 6:35 to 6:45 Monday morning. I park near the Westport boat ramp before my morning walk, and there is almost always a photo just waiting to be taken at sunrise. It just happened; I parked and couldn’t believe what was in front of me, so quickly set up my camera and took a few shots. This was the pick of them. About: Photo taken at Westport boat ramp. Photo by: Barry Westcott. Camera: Sony A65 with a Tamron D11 50-270 Lens. 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

INGREDIENTS LEMONS

1 500 - 550 g Rib Eye, bone in

Chef Todd Richardson

BRAISED BEANS

LV’s on Clarence

1 brown onion 3 garlic gloves, crushed ½ bunch thyme/rosemary

1/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 Phone (02) 6583 9210 Web lvsonclarence.com.au

2 bay leaves

AT ’ S I N

1 large carrot / 1 large celery stick - brunois

GREMOLATA

450 g borlotti beans soaked in water (rinse)

Sourdough bread crumbs - 2 large slices

8 whole large roasted tomatoes, chopped ½ litre veggie stock ¼ cup speck pieces, cubed 150 ml of red wine A native of Asia, the humble lemon has been farmed since 300 BC and is now grown throughout the world.

Salt and pepper to season

Many varieties are available, with Eureka the best for juicing. Don’t waste the zest - it can be used to make lemon sugar or lemon salt. Lisbon lemons are best for desserts, while the Meyer is suited to preserving, as it has a softer skin and a sweeter flavour.

METHOD

Winter is a perfect time for lemon delicious - the lovely self-saucing pudding that requires little more than a couple of lemons and some other pantry staples. Locally, the Comboyne plateau and Kempsey region provides a good supply of quality fruit, so be sure to pick some up from the farmers markets and local greengrocers.

WHERE 8

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

greater port macquarie focus.

Lemon zest 3/4 lemon Parsley - ¼ bunch chopped finely Garlic, crushed - 1 teaspoon Small knob of butter

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Warm olive oil, saute onion, garlic, carrot, celery and herbs; add speck and allow to become aromatic. On high heat, add red wine and deglaze pan reduce down. Add soaked beans, roasted tomatoes and stock. Bring to a simmer, cover with foil and place in a gentle oven for approx 3 hours. Fry off sourdough crumbs and garlic in a pan with finely diced butter, add parsley. Agitate until browned and aromatic. Season lightly. Place bone marrow on tray; season and oil and bake for 25 mins or until tender but crispy on top. Salt and oil steak, sear on both sides and roast for 6 mins for medium rare, then rest for 5 mins. Serve with braised borlotti beans on plate. Place rested steak on top then bone marrow and sprinkle with gremolata crumbs.

FOR YOUR

STYLE

HARVEY NORMAN FURNITURE Port Home Zone 160-174 Hastings River Drive Port Macquarie NSW 2444 The6580 Harvey Norman Centre, (02) 0000 6 Queen Elizabeth Drive. 6771 0800 (02) 6580 0099

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Top- left: ‘Marco’ 2.5 –Seater Powered Leather Recliner Lounge, right: ‘Kalama’ 3-Seater Fabric Recliner Lounge with Chaise. Middle- left: ‘Eastern’ 4-Seater Sofa, centre: ‘Vermont’ 7-Piece Extension Dining Suite, right: ‘City’ 3.5- Seater Fabric Lounge with Chaise. Bottom- left: ‘Rustic’ Queen Bedroom Suite, centre: ‘Argo’ Queen Bedroom Suite, right: ‘Eliza’ Queen Bedroom Suite.

focusinterview.

SIMON

YOU MAY HAVE SPOTTED ARTWORKS BY SIMON “SIGH” LUXTON DOTTED THROUGHOUT THE PORT MACQUARIE REGION ON VARIOUS WALLS IN CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS, TRANSFORMING

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A BLAND SPACE INTO A VIBRANT AND INVITING WORK OF ART. SIGH’S NEWEST VENTURE IS BEING THIS YEAR’S FOTSUN ARTIST, CREATING THE ARTWORK THAT WILL STYLE THIS SUMMER’S FESTIVAL ...

10 greater port macquarie focus.

ell us about your days before you art studio in Port Macquarie and haven’t looked back made the overseas journey from What are your earliest memories of your interest in Tasmania to the Mainland…. art culture? Growing up in pre-internet Tasmania, I I remember back to when I was only a wee little ratbag guess you could say I was sheltered from and if I wasn’t watching cartoons, I was drawing them many forms of alternative culture on any surface, whether it be my bedroom walls, the until I became a teenager. back of my school books or every notebook and I’ve been interested piece of paper that wasn’t already scribbled in illustrative art on (our entire living room was plastered since I can remember, so as with my pictures. I’m pretty sure my ars I spent a few ye soon as I was able to, I was Mum has kept most of them, and in New Zealand, out of there making regular she still cringes when I sell original first paid where I got my trips to Melbourne to go artworks). I’ve always loved T-shirts, a mural art gig painting d to art shows and catching and I was mesmerised by surfing ar bo in the local snow en it’s bands in a feeble attempt to and skate culture, which was th shop, and since le st hu nt avoid growing up and life’s brought to my attention by my dad been a consta g in liv a e ak responsibilities. m who was a surfer from Sydney. to try and am I ng hi et m I spent a few years in New I loved the vibrant and bold yet so doing ” t. ou ab te na io Zealand, where I got my first simple designs sprawled across T-shirts pass paid art gig painting a mural of the local long haired teenagers, and in the local snowboard shop, and was soon bootlegging my own versions since then it’s been a constant hustle to of these logos, as being one of three growing try and make a living doing something I am boys, we couldn’t afford brand name clothing. One passionate about. brand in particular was Mambo. I loved the cheekiness and I also fell in love with the hospitality industry, and that I guess semi-offensive designs they were producing. It’s a allowed me to take my skills and interests around the culture I’ve always felt I’ve been a part of, and nowadays world, which birthed my obsession with coffee and cafés. I’m helping produce these types of designs for a scene I’ve Fast forward a few years later, and I find myself living in an always looked up to.

“

focusinterview.

How does your passion for music and tattoo art influence your artistic style? Album and band poster art has been a massive interest of mine, and that inspiration has been fuelled by my cousin, who owns a record shop/label in Melbourne. I’m stoked that these days it’s my own work being used to promote something I’ve always looked up to. My dad was very passionate about music, so I was surrounded by Rock ‘n’ Roll at an early age, and most mornings before school we would all rock out to bands like the Doors, Black Sabbath and the Eagles. I often chose a record to play based on the visual stimulation on the cover artwork and had them catalogued in order of preference based on this. I remember being in art class at high school and being introduced to Punk Rock by some older mates. I was hooked by their messages of not having to do as you were told and lack of authority, and that led to me failing art in Year 11, as I didn’t get along with my teacher’s opinions. That genre of music (Punk/Hardcore) led me to being surrounded by tattoos, and I loved the fact that this form of art was permanent. I was always drawing designs for mates, but actually didn’t get my first until I was 27. I’ve made up for it since. I love how it translates from paper to skin and even on larger scale murals, as I’ve always used bold lines and lots of colour in my own works. Where did the inspiration for this year’s FOTSUN artwork come from? When Simon Luke sat me down and asked me to be this year’s FOTSUN artist, I was blown away. He showed me an image he wanted to base the theme on; it just so happened that I own a copy of this concept art (Katsushika Hokusai's great wave off kanagawa) so we were immediately on the same page.

usic That genre of m led e) or dc ar H k/ (P un ed nd ou me to being surr ve d lo I d an s, oo tt by ta form of is th the fact that t. I was en an rm art was pe designs always drawing ally tu for mates , but ac until I st fir didn’t get my was 27. ”

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I translated the image into something more relatable to the event by adding in Port’s infamous breakwall to the background. I’ve been playing around with the Japanese tattoo style of drawing lately, so it was a lot of fun. This year’s FOTSUN brings a twist, with an interactive art experience for Thursday nighters; what part are you playing in this? This year will be the first time we are hosting the “Wabi Sabi” festival on the Thursday night of FOTSUN. It’s all about expressing the inner creative in you and gives the festivalgoers the chance to get involved in some fun, creative pop-up workshops, including street art, sand sculpting and a whole bunch of other

interactive activities. A couple of other artists and I will be performing live art and holding aerosol workshops for anyone interested in throwing some paint around. I think one of the best things about FOTSUN is its focus on the punters being such a massive part of the actual event, and Wabi Sabi is such a great way for people to get even more involved. How can FOTSUNNERs get involved? Get down early and come help us create something awesome. Thursday night tickets are only limited though, so you’ve got to get in early to experience Wabi Sabi, but we'll be providing live art and hanging out the whole weekend, so come say hi. Fotsun director Simon Luke says:

“With the range of amazing young local artists in the region, we thought it’s a great way for these people to share their love of what they do in a very informal, chilled environment. We hope that this trial run of Wabi Sabi will be something that can be embraced by the community as a whole, with plans to continue running pop up interactvie art experiences around Australia throughout the summer …” So Sigh, what else is in the pipeline? If all goes well, we hope to keep attending different festivals and providing our brand of live and interactive art workshops for all ages. Moving forward, what are your plans for the next 12 months? The next 12 months are looking huge, with a few trips around the country to work on murals and painting festivals and the launch of my own clothing range alongside local legends Blackdog Ink. I’ve also been lucky enough to help start up a little crew called Drop Kick Arts with some good friends of mine. its basically a creative collaborative committee of artists hosting live art events in the community to try and generate interest and funds to host our own street art festival here in Port Macquarie. We're hosting events such as Squiggle Off, and the response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Port MaquarieHastings Council has also got on board in helping make it happen. High fives all around. And lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers? Work hard, but have fun. Don’t get caught. Listen to your mum. Thanks Sigh. Check out Sigh Luxton’s artwork on instagram @sigh_13 or for more info on his artwork, email artbysigh@gmail.com greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview. AMITY DRY - STAR OF TV SERIES THE BLOCK, TALENTED MUSICIAN, BUSY WIFE AND MOTHER IS ALSO THE CREATOR OF THE HIT MUSICAL MOTHER, WIFE AND THE COMPLICATED LIFE, WHICH WILL APPEAR AT THE GLASSHOUSE THIS MONTH. AMITY ALSO HAS A STARRING ROLE IN THE MUSICAL … SO SHE SPARES A FEW MINUTES TO SHARE WITH US JUST HOW COMPLICATED LIFE CAN BE WHEN YOU’RE JUGGLING THIS MANY ROLES.

Mother, Wife A n d t h e C o m p l icat e d L i f e

mity, most people would remember you and your husband, Phil, from The Block. What prompted you to appear on this TV programme? We applied by accident - it was the first series of The Block, so we had no idea what we were getting into. We’d just renovated an apartment and I heard an ad on the radio saying that Channel Nine were looking for people who’d renovated to do a new show. So, I called … but we actually had no idea it was a reality TV show until they chose us for it! At this point, we said, “Absolutely not!“ The first series of Big Brother was on, and we didn’t want to do anything like that … and then the Producer, who knew I was a singer and that I’d been trying to get a record deal, said it would be good for my career … So in the end, we decided to do it because it was a challenge and an experience, but a lot of it was because we thought it would be a springboard for my music. Which it was, because it led into the release of your album, The Lighthouse ... It was an amazing time, but the thing with reality TV - and Pop music - is the very short amount of time you have in the limelight before the next thing comes along. It was an amazing year; I had a number six album, and it went gold, which was fantastic. Then the next series comes along, and the next artist gets signed, so the turnover is very quick. I was at the stage where I’d achieved my dream, but then it all stopped - and I needed to figure out a way to keep it going. In 2005 I did a second album independently, which I loved - I was very proud of it, but it was a lot harder going without the TV show behind me to get radio airplay. I took a little break, had my first baby in

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2006 and moved back to my home town of Adelaide. I en A lot of the wom was feeling like my career ho w en m d - an was kind of done, I was sh ow come to see the saw a mum, I didn’t know ey say they feel th they what I wanted to do e; their life on stag … Then I went to the e or m el fe say they it’s school holidays, we Adelaide Cabaret Fesse e ey th r te af al norm t have a friend over for a ea tival and realised what gr a ’s the show! That ” e. play date, we’re building I wanted - to tell stories m to t complimen a house, I’m about to go with my music. on tour for 11 weeks, so I’m I decided to write a cabatrying to juggle how the kids ret show, but didn’t know what are going to go with that, we have to write about … then I realised doctor’s appointments, my son broke his at that point my life was about mothwrist playing football … erhood, so I wrote a cabaret show called I think for any mother, life is complicatMother, Wife and the Complicated Life and ed - full stop! And I wanted to talk about this debuted it in the Adelaide Fringe Festival. And, and talk about the fact that you could look it was just so amazingly received! at my Facebook page and think everything is I realised there was so much more to be amazing, but it’s like the old analogy of the done with this, so I decided to write a musical duck - who’s gliding on the top and furiously - which I hadn’t done before … By then I paddling underneath! was pregnant with my second child, and we You wrote the show and you star in it too. debuted the musical version of the show Tell us a little more about it … when she was eight months old. Again, it was It follows a year and a bit in the lives of four very well received … and it’s just gone from best friends. We have Jessie, who is desperate strength to strength. for her boyfriend to propose to her; she’s been It was already doing really well when the waiting for years. She kind of has this fairytale Producers of The Block - All Stars called us and ideal of what her life is going to be like. asked us to do it all again. We of course said, My character, Kate, is very career focused “NO!” But they somehow convinced us … and has just planned her dream overseas trip; The amazing thing is we did The Block, we she’s not at all maternal and accidentally gets won - which was the most crazy thing - and pregnant. then my show was selected for the New Then there’s Bec, the stay at home mum of York Musical Theatre Festival a month later! three kids under three, who is basically trying Completely coincidentally, these two amazing not to lose her mind. things happened at the same time … 2013; it Lily is in her 40s, runs a successful restaurant was a huge year. with her husband and has school age kids and So, just how complicated is life these seems to have the perfect life … days? It’s about each of their different journeys, Massively complicated! I’ve been up all night and it’s also about friendship and how each of with a sick child, I’ve got rehearsals tonight,

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them support each other. It’s about how we all feel this pressure to be perfect and to be able to manage things all the time, and yet none of us manage things all the time … It’s predominantly a comedy - there are a lot of laughs, but it’s also quite emotional and dramatic at times. We talk about things like postnatal depression, unplanned pregnancy, the breakdown of a marriage; there are a lot of emotional moments you can see hit the audience quite hard. A lot of the women - and men - who come to see the show say they feel they saw their life on stage; they say they feel more normal after they see the show! That’s a great compliment to me. Sounds like it’s a show men enjoy as well. What have been some of the comments male audience members have made? One of the men said to me at the end of the show that he’d learned more about his wife in two hours than he’d learned in the 20 years they’d been married. That’s one of my favourite comments! Thanks Amity. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! See Mother, Wife and the Complicated Life at the Glasshouse on August 9 at 2pm. $49 general I $39 member. Visit www.glasshouse.org.au or call 6581 8888.

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A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N / / A U G U S T 2 0 1 54

Australian Ceramics OPEN STUDIOS View displays, kilns, watch throwing demonstrations & view slide shows. When Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August; 10am to 4pm both days. Where Lily Lane, via Pattersons Lane, Kempsey. Enquiries 0417 678 589

Brewers LUNCH

RYDGES Masquerade Ball Glitz and Glamour. Complimentary sparkling wine on arrival, canapĂŠs, main and dessert, lucky door and raffle prizes, live entertainment by Lyrical Soul. Proudly supporting Hope Shop. When Saturday 15 August, 6:30pm - Rydges ballroom. Tickets $90pp. Available at Rydges reception: phone 6589 2888.

more moreinformation information

Latin Dinner DANCE ON THE BAY

Enjoy an afternoon on the marina with four courses matched with four local/regional beers. Meet the brewers from Little Brewing Co, Hops and Tales Brewing co, Black Duck Brewery and New England Brewing co. Enjoy live entertainment from Matt Zarb. When Sunday 2nd August 2015. Cost $75 per person. Contact Rachelle Dufty on 6589 5100 or email rachelle_dufty@rydges.com

GARDEN Village op shop The Op Shop continues to be a hive of activity. Open every Wednesday and Thursday and on the Second Saturday of each month (8 August), offering a surprise to all that visit. Come and take a look at whatâ€™s on offer.

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000

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Enjoy food and wine overlooking the bay with a fusion of live Latin dance/ LA Jazz from the Kool Kats.

Tickets $55pp. Includes breads, main and dessert and complimentary glass of De Bortoli sparkling wine on arrival. Where Sails Resort by Rydges. When Saturday 22 August at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. Contact Rachelle Dufty on 6589 5100 or email rachelle_dufty@ rydges.com

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Rock Motorcycles

rally

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The Ultimate Riding Machine

COATES HIRE

AUSTRALIA

Some of the fastest drivers on the planet return to the Coffs Coast for Coates Hire Rally Australia on 10-13 September. The 24th Rally Australia will be Round 10 of the FIA World Rally Championship, bringing drivers, teams, media, supporters and spectators from around world and Australia.

he rally demands extreme skill, Coffs International Stadium Service Park and endurance and bravery of at the official start and finish ceremonies in crews and gives spectators a Harbour Drive in the Coffs Harbour CBD. thrilling up-close experience. A revised route taking the rally farther Tackling all types of terrain and south in the Nambucca region offers news weather from snow to high-altitude to the opportunities for spectators in 2015. Three sub-tropical environment of the Coffs new Friday stages are now an easier drive Coast, the WRC is regarded from centres such as Kempsey, Port as the most challenging Macquarie, Taree, the Myall series in international Lakes and the Hunter. The Coffs motorsport. Friday is based around Co ast rally Millions of daily the village of Taylors of e stages are som television viewers Arm, inland from ul tif au the most be in more than 140 Macksville, where the on r la cu ta and spec RC countries will track W famous Pub With No ry nt ou -c the 13 so al stars such as dual Beer will feature food, ch hi w t, ui rc ci e UK World Champion entertainment and a visits Europe , th uth So Sebastien Ogier of great party atmosphere. and Central and .” a. ic France, Brit Kris Meeke, A night stage at Valla Amer New Zealand’s Hayden early on Saturday evening Paddon and Ott Tanak of will give fans a rare experience Estonia over more than 300 of traditional rally action. kms of competition stages to the Sunday sees the finale on the north, south and west of the service Wedding Bells stage, a short drive north of park headquarters at the C-ex Coffs Coffs Harbour. A large spectator point here International Stadium, on the city’s southern with all facilities will provide a great view of outskirts. cars as they tackle the WRC Power Stage, Top Australian competitors also take part, which will be televised live around the world including the world’s 1#-ranked female rally directly from the forest. driver, 27-year-old Molly Taylor of Sydney, and Rally spectating is exciting and easy for current Australian Champion Scott Pedder, everyone. Most of all it’s spectacular and upwho is contesting the WRC2 category in close, so take your camera. Europe and at home. They’ll give the home Or to get even closer to the action, join the crowd something extra to cheer. corps of around 1500 volunteer officials who The Coffs Coast rally stages are some of are essential to the staging of one of NSW’s the most beautiful and spectacular on the most prestigious international events. Sign up 13-country WRC circuit, which also visits at www.rallyaustralia.com.au/officials. Follow Coates Hire Rally Australia: Europe, the UK and Central and South www.rallyaustralia.com.au America. The event is a great chance for fans www.facebook.com/rallyaustralia to combine a holiday with their favourite www.twitter.com/rallyaustralia sport. www.wrc.com.au Spectators can see the stars and cars upwww.wrcplus.com (by subscription, exclusive close from the Special Stage dedicated daily live video) viewing points (tickets required), at the C.ex

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PRESENTED BY TRIPLE J, THE MUSIC, SOUTHERN CROSS TEN, FOCUS & SAND EVENTS

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The Indigenous Exhibition at Long Point Vineyard this August is not to be missed, with works on display from Dunghutti Artists and Aboriginal artists of the Mid North Coast region. Jann Kesby tells us more.

THE INDIGENOUS EXHIBITION

ho are some of the artists being featured? Artists include Aunty Esther Quinlin, Elwyn Toby, Alison Williams, Mabel Ritchie, Matthew Blackwell, and Natalie Bateman, to name a few. Some of these artists are practicing as professionals and have been hung in NSW Indigenous Parliament award, won prizes in major art exhibitions and pursue art as their career. Others are emerging at a fast rate and paint with great passion. It enables members of the Aboriginal community to record their history and culture through storytelling on to canvas. How has the Dunghutti Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery grown since its inception? DNAAG came about in 2008 after lengthy consultation with the Dunghutti Aboriginal community. They had been passionate for a long time about having a professional space where they could showcase their works. It was fortuitous that Kempsey Shire Council offered, what used to be, the old theatrette next to the Visitor Information Centre to be turned into a Gallery. The Visitor Information Centre is nestled in parkland at South Kempsey next to the Macleay Historical Museum in the building designed by world renowned architect, Glenn Murcutt. Since its inception, the Gallery has assisted Aboriginal artists in establishing themselves as professional artists, and their works are now held in local, intrastate and

international collections. Indigenous Parliament Award. What has given inspiration for the How do the works share history and artworks, ranging from traditional culture through storytelling? dot paintings to more contemporary Aboriginals have a long history styles? connected not only to Dunghutti land, Each artist has their own unique but Australia-wide. Many stories of style and draws inspiration from their ceremony, hunting, gathering, caring for natural surrounds, be it from freshwater the land have been passed down through mountainous regions down to the generation after generation. The saltwaters of the coastline. artworks share history and All artists are recording culture by the depiction history and culture of specific totems us to ui passed down through which are sacred to rt fo as It w many generations. the Aborigines and that Kempsey fe red, of l ci un Aunty Esther are not hunted or Co ire Sh the old Quinlin, an eaten. what use to be , to the elder from the Others are theatrette next ion Visitor Informat Thunghutti people symbolised as ed Centre to be turn of Bellbrook, sacred icons, not .” ry into a Galle was raised on a necessarily totems, Government Reserve to specific areas in Bellbrook (Wupu where ceremonies were Manhatinun). performed. Many works Aunty Esther works the canvas, show flora and fauna that were meticulously covering it with fine dot hunted and gathered for existing on work symbolising flora and fauna of the land. the Thunghutti region. She teaches What will visitors enjoy most about Thunghutti language at many schools in the exhibition at Long Point Vineyard? the Macleay Shire. Visitors to Long Point Vineyard will be Mabel Ritchie is an Aboriginal artist struck by the individualism of each artist’s with an intellectual disability and came to works, their use and application of paint, painting in 2009 as part of a “Living Skills” bold use of colour and most of all, the programme. Her work is exhilarating and coming together of an extensive display honest, as she uses a variety of techniques of Aboriginal Artworks by artists of the building up surface design with line and broader Mid North Coast region that is not texture through applications of bold very often seen in the area. colours. Images: Goanna Tracks - Elwyn Toby, Both Natalie Bateman and Alison Thunghutti artist; Dhubal in Bark - Aunty Williams are more contemporary in their Esther Quinlin, Thunghutti artist; Gymea style and both have been hung in the NSW Lily - Mabel Ritchie, Dunghutti Artist

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greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

AFTER AN UNEXPECTED COMPLETELY SOLD OUT TOUR, GANG OF YOUTHS ARE KICKING OFF AGAIN AROUND AUSTRALIA. FRONT MAN DAVE TALKS LIFE AND MUSIC WITH FOCUS ...

GANG OF YOUTHS G A N G

O F

YOUTHS hat are your earliest memories of music and how did that progress to where you are now? Man ... umm, probably breast milk? I dunno ... I vaguely remember my family taking me to church and seeing the drummer and being really infatuated with the drums, but I think in terms of like a formative memory, my sister used to scoop me up out of bed when were little - I would’ve been around 7 or 8 - and we’d sit in front of the TV and watch Rage. So, watching Rage really late on a Friday night - my sister really loved Madonna when she was a kid - I saw a lot on Rage that I learnt to appreciate later in life. I very, very visually remember the Born to Run video by Bruce Springsteen - the 1987 tour video that he did. The way you perform your lyrics is quite emotionally poetic, with some very deep topics covered throughout this album. What is it that drives you to write so honestly and with such conviction? There are enough cowards in the world to last us through to the 6th Millennium. If I’m going to make art, if I’m going to make anything, I’m going to do it honestly with the conviction of my heart and my soul. I can’t of do anything half arsed, just as a general rule; I’m really bad at it. And to express the fullness of what’s going on in my heart and in my head is kind of, I suppose, my calling ... There are others who aren’t called to do that with their lives, but I suppose it’s just what I find myself really enjoying. And I like the tension, I like drama, I like the banter, I like the dialogue and exchange with artists and consuming what happens when there’s full disclosure ... When there are no limitations, 20

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when it’s uninhibited - a visceral connection the most about continuing on from that to the music. I think there’s one thing to write last tour and going to some of those places you’ve probably haven’t performed before? honestly, but it’s another thing entirely to write Well, it’s some places I’ve never been before, with conviction, to write with gusto. And I supso that’s pretty cool. I think one of the things I pose in my formative years learning how to love hated about touring previously, is that I didn’t music and learning how to love the art form, I get to spend time in any different new places; was confronted with people who had conviction, it was always the same thing - especially when who lived a long, crazy life and died broke, or you’re in this country - but there’s an kept pushing the boundaries. I think element of surprise waiting for that was pretty important to me me, I suppose, and I’m pretty - to learn how to do that with interested in that. I’m pretty absolute dire conviction. to g excited. in You’ve recently finished If I’m go if t, ar If you were to think of e up a sold out nationmak e ak m to three of your favourg wide tour; you must I’m goin g in go I’m , ng ite songs of all time, hi be pretty chuffed anyt ly st ne ho it do what would they be to with yourselves… iction nv co e th ith w and why? Yeah, that was fun; art and he y m of You don’t make it easy it was really fun. No ul . ” so y m on me! Place to Be, by one gave a s**t about Nick Drake: it’s resigned, us three months ago; it it’s hopeful but resigned, and was totally wild. I think with it’s estranged and there’s a pain us though, doing a sold out tour there that exists. It’s sort of reflected was really surprising and pleasant, but most of his life, and he’s cashed it in in I don’t think we derived too much meaning two and a half minutes, which is the true gefrom it. It was fun, we got to spend a lot of nius of what Nick Drake was. It’s not complicated time with strangers, make new friends, and or complex - that’s number one of my favourite that was cool. But we don’t really… I mean, songs. they’re all platitudes to us; they’re just things to Umm … Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen ... write in our PR statement. No, actually I’ll change that to Disorder by Joy DiI think I should probably put more emphasis vision ... It was Ian Curtis’s maturity coming out on the achievement itself, but I think it’s kind of before he, you know … He was mature before lost on us, because we were chugging away for his years. Sonically, I think that’s one of the best three years with no one giving a s**t about us, songs they ever produced. I love the guitar sound and suddenly like - wow. It’s good, it’s really fun, in it; I’ve been hunting for that guitar sound for but hasn’t really hit us yet. 10 years. I think it’s a really powerful, powerful And you’re just about to kick of again on song. another tour this time, visiting a lot of And number three - I think I really love Both regional places this time - which is exciting Sides Now by Joni Mitchell, the 2002 version, the for us. What are you looking forward to

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orchestration - I think it’s the voice of a woman who’s seen life, and I like her voice a bit jazzier and deeper. I think the arrangement’s perfect; it’s nice to hear the heart of a woman who’s famous for sharing with everybody, and it just feels so intimate. These are all my three favourites right now. I think I have one more, and that’s Rain and Blood by Slayer, just that riff - that’s my extra one. What are your future visions and goals for Gang of Youths after this tour? I have to figure out what I’m going to do after this album, in terms of the creative concept, I suppose. How do you follow up the most original album concept ever? I don’t know; I’ll have to find some other great tragedies before me, I suppose; I have to figure out what I’m going to write about, who I’m going to write about and what that means to me, what the album is going to sound like. I’m going to try and spend the next three years trying to figure it out; I don’t have any other immediate plans, ‘cause I’m not good at making them or keeping them. Any words of wisdom to share with our readers? Don’t be a coward. And lastly, where can we follow you guys? Facebook and instagram are the best way to follow us around. Thanks Dave.

the plug! See Gang of Youths on Thursday 13 Aug 2015, 8pm, at Port Macquarie Panthers. 7:40pm | Show 8pm Pre-Sale $20 | Door $25. www.portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

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focus_motoring.

“The Smug”

THIS MONTH THE SMUG MEETS THE PUG - THE PEUGEOT 308 GT HDI 2.0L TURBO DIESEL AUTO, COURTESY OF JOHN PATRICK PRESTIGE CARS ON HASTINGS RIVER DRIVE, PORT MACQUARIE.

eing a mad-keen Roosters fan and with Rear Park Assist and Reverse Camera monitor. Being Peugeot currently a major sponsor of Bluetooth, interwebs and USB connectable, there’s the chookies, I decided to wear my 2015 nothing missing from the technology department of the Roosters winter jacket. You know, for 308 range. my opportunity of driving the quality car Interior feature stitching and leather appointments from the quality manufacturer exude quality and luxury. who sponsors a quality With push-button start and push/pull footy team and all button park brake, you’re not lifting that. more than a finger to drive this fiveoThe 2.0 L turb I love my sports cars and do get star rated safe and comfortable ride. es id diesel prov quite excited about the hot fours u yo as Being the 2014 European Car ue as much torq whenever there’s a new model n, io at tu si of the Year has certainly lifted y need in an t n’ hitting the streets. This month’s es do y nl ai the profile of the 308 model, but cert over l al ride was the Peugeot 308 GT HDi p m ju d an and the technology and luxury skip me fine2.0L Turbo Diesel Auto. And what the place like so appointments included in the GT ” a sweet ride it is. tuned GTs can. variation just makes a great car even Peugeot have tidied up the 308 better. across the range and made some Safety features are abundant, with simple and effective adjustments to make the inclusion of the blind spot monitoring this model even more appealing. sensor, automatic door unlocking in the event of Dropping 140 kg from the chasis, lowering the an accident, multiple airbags and even hazard light centre of gravity, coupled with 18” rims and some activation under emergency braking. tight suspension, Peugeot really delivers an incredibly Having been a Peugeot owner in the past (307 2.0L balanced and grippy fun bunny for all types of road Turbo Diesel HDi), I wasn’t surprised to experience the driving. quality and superior drive of the 308, but I was surprised The 2.0L turbo-diesel provides as much torque as you to see how far the technology has come and the number need in any situation, but certainly doesn’t skip and jump of features that are now standard across the range. all over the place like some fine-tuned GTs can. The Peugeot 308 GT HDi is a great first or second car The front interior (dash) is really a piece of art, with for around town, and the fuel economy of 4 L / 100 km the massive 9.7 inch digital touchscreen i-Cockpit. This combined will take you wherever you want to go for central command system has everything from a 6.9 pocket change. GB music storage device (jukebox) to Sat Navigation,

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SNAPSHOT Engine & Gears - 2.0 litre, Turbo Diesel, Auto (Test Drive Model) Body 5 door hot hatch. Safety 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating. Fuel Diesel (auto version) 4.0 litres per 100 km combined. Range 1.2 L Turbo Petrol through to 2.0 L Turbo Diesel

FAST FACTS Durability tests involved 4 million kilometres of testing, 250,000 cycles of air conditioning testing and 4.3 million touchscreen press actions without failure. Anti-scratch lacquer on body paintwork and anti-static dashboard for less dust build up. One of the largest touchscreens available at 9.7 inches and rated the 2013 Most Beautiful Interior Design Award at the International Automobile Festival. 2014 European Car of the Year Winner. WTF (What-Tha-Feature): Electric massage feature on front seats.

John Patrick Prestige Cars Port Macquarie

John Patrick Prestige Cars 169 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie Phone: (02) 6584 1800

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Yogurt panacotta , vanilla saffron syrup, candied blueberries and a macadamia praline from restaurant synergy.

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

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$12 lunches!

quaylime restaurant+Bar Quaylime would like to welcome their new Sous Chef, Benn Grieves. Introducing: $12 lunches all through winter. Featuring fresh golden crumbed chicken schnitzel with chips and salad. Chargrilled Byron Bay Angus sirloin with chips and roast gravy. Grilled Barramundi with chips, salad and homemade tartare.

salty's bar and grill At Salty’s we strive to create an authentic and memorable dining experience. Using a variety of locally sourced products and produce, we offer a broad range of modern Australian dishes, as well as some good old fashioned favorites, catering for all ages. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, Andrea, Sam and Carly are always on hand to help with any bookings or any other enquiries you may have.

The team at Salty’s.

Head Chef Tim Grieves & Sous Chef Benn Grieves

The Marina Port Macquarie 6584 4039 Wed - Fri, 11:30am - late Sat, 8am - late, Sun, 8am - 8pm.

Mixed Berry Caipiroska, Aviation and Espresso Martini

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie 6589 2822 www.zebu.com.au 7 days, from 6:30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

Wednesday - Saturday, dinner from 6pm. Wednesday - Sunday, lunch from 12pm.

Confit duck leg, braised pork belly, white beans, pork sausage, garlic crumbs

zebu bar+grill Keep the fires burning this winter and treat yourself to a night in Zebu Grill with Simon and the team from 6pm and ponder the divine new menu from Executive Chef Adam Tait, which includes the return of the lobster ravioli, tomato and chilli chutney with a saffron foam, the sous vide spatchcock with parsnip and pear is hard to go past, and the glazed duck breast with hazelnuts and Cavalo Nero not to be ignored! If you are spoilt for choice and really can’t decide - call for one of our 30 handcrafted cocktails - they are sure to help make the decision little bit easier! Diary Date: Saturday 15 August, 6pm, Masquerade Charity Ball - $90pp. Step onto the red carpet for a good cause and celebrate glitz and glamour with complimentary bubbles on arrival, canapés, main and dessert. Live entertainment by Lyrical Soul. Tickets available by contacting 6589 2888 or kate_woodfoye@rydges.com

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841

aqua the westport club Enjoy exciting new options in Aqua with our winter menu, whilst relaxing in our stunning, fully refurbished surrounds. Aqua now offers a full wine and dine experience with an emphasis on Australian Wines at our new Aqua Bar. A new menu, a new restaurant feel combined with our classic Hastings River view and friendly service. Executive Chef Adam Tait.

Bookings are recommended.

Chefs de Cuisine Chris & Luke

25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie 6583 1499 thewestportclub.com.au 7 days. Lunch 11:30am 2:30pm. Dinner 5pm - 8:30pm. greater port macquarie focus.

White chocolate bombe, cocoa dust with viola flower and a strawberry daquiri

restaurant synergy 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.

off the hook Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Narelle Walsh. We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old style hamburgers, snacks, salads, and of course, fish and chips. We have added a larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets. The friendly staff.

Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie 6583 0830 www.centrohotel.com.au

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green. 6584 1146

7 days, 6:30am - 10am for breakfast; 5pm - late for dinner. Bookings essential.

7 days, from 11am - late. EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome.

Masterstock Beef cheek served with prawns, parsnip, maple carrots and broccolini.

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar Escape to the marina for pristine water views and partake in our scrummy new lunch and dinner menu, with warming winter faves such as Masterstock Beef cheek (pictured left) or the divine seafood chowder, all washed down with a glass of vino followed by a cheeky dessert or two. The resort restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving up winter sun with every dish - the perfect accompaniment to relaxed waterfront dining. DIARY DATE: Saturday 19th September, 2pm 6pm Mad Hatters Tea Party - $39pp. Dare to fall down the rabbit hole in the waterfront restaurant and deck with sweet treats, stunning hats and fabulous fascinators! See page 35 for more details and ticket information.

Head Chef Michael Schubert.

Located inside Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges. Park St, Port Macquarie at the roundabout, opp Settlement City 6589 5100 Breakfast and dinner 7 days. Lunch Sat and Sun. Bookings recommended.

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mi casa cafÉ & restaurant 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. WINTER MENU. Choose from hearty winter dishes including the Chicken Maryland “Pollo de Sidra” with a glass of the Penfolds Cellar Reserve Pinot Gris. Or, the flavoursome Mixed Seafood Paella (pictured above.) Premium selection wine menu is available, including the popular Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva 2005, Penfolds and Spanish favourites. • Group functions and parties • Bookings preferred

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.

Owners Brendan & Jennis Field.

focusinterview.

ALEX

HALLAM

ASPIRE AT PORT MACQUARIE GOLF CLUB

s head chef at Aspire restaurant at the Port Macquarie Golf Club, how have you gained previous experience in the hospitality industry? I started my apprenticeship under an awesome head chef, Michael Jaggard. Michael did his apprenticeship under Neil Perry and eventually went into business with him, before going his own way and opening a few restaurants in Sydney; then he moved to the Blue Mountains and opened the Apple Bar. After my apprenticeship with Michael, I moved up to the North Coast, where I worked in two different restaurants, one in Byron Bay and one in Bangalow, where I became qualified. I then moved down to the South Coast and got a job with Kieran English at Terrace Restaurant in the Bermagui Bermagui Country Club. I worked there for three years, before Kieran gave me the opportunity to be his business partner at Aspire restaurant, and I have now been here for three years. Tell us about the new dinner menu at Aspire. We try to have a wide variety on our menu to keep people interested, and we try to source the best local seasonal ingredients available. I work with my other chefs and apprentices to give them the opportunity to have as much input as they can to help them in the future. The menu at Aspire has something for everyone, including the basics, like a freshly crumbed chicken schnitzel, or you can also try one of our “Chef’s Specials”, such as the Szechuan crusted kangaroo rump. How do you incorporate local produce in many of the dishes? We try our best to use seasonal local produce where we can in the majority of our dishes. A lot of our meat comes from a local butcher who breaks all of his own meat down, which he sources locally. I have a garden at home that supplies some of the fresh herbs for the kitchen, and we work together with our suppliers to source the freshest local produce available. Why do you enjoy a menu with an emphasis on fresh seafood and hearty meats?

PORT MACQUARIE GOLF CLUB Experience award winning dining at Aspire Restaurant. Talented chefs Alex Hallam and Keiran English have a new menu now on offer, with a variety of choices to suit all tastes.

I believe there is nothing better than eating a perfectly cooked piece of meat, and I like the challenge of cooking each individual

Overlooking the picturesque golf course with fresh local seafood, succulent steaks, and more! Read the interview with Alex Hallam (left) and find out more about Aspire. Open seven days, lunch and dinner. Celebrate Father’s Day and bring the whole

family for lunch or dinner. With the full menu available, everyone can choose from an array of dishes, including Premium Steak, Seafood, Kangaroo, Lamb, Pork and more! Come and join us for BINGO every Monday from 10:30am and every Thursday from 6:30pm, Wednesday raffles from 5:30pm with FREE Trivia and Friday night raffles. Ask about our FREE courtesy bus to pick you up and take you home for your next visit. Great Golf, Great Food, Great Fun!

piece perfectly. I really enjoy cooking a lot of different types of meats, which you can tell from the variety on the menu. We have everything from a classic scotch fillet to lamb, kangaroo and duck dishes. Nothing beats fresh seafood, so we try our best to source quality local seafood for our customers to enjoy, whether it be the Kingfish we have on at the moment or the oysters we get from our local supplier in Laurieton. What are some of your favourite dishes on the menu? My favourite dish on the menu at the moment would have to be the honey and mustard glazed duck breast with parsnip, baby spinach, asparagus, croquettes, sour cherry and jus, closely followed by the eye fillet. From our lunch menu, the house made shepherds pie with mushie peas and tomato relish. Our menus are also available on the golf club website. Tell us about catering for functions and events. We have quite a large range of options for catering and events at Aspire, with the space and facilities to cater for small or large groups. There are plenty of options on our function menu to choose from to satisfy everyone’s budget. We are available for weddings, conferences, meetings and all types of parties, and we strive to satisfy everyone’s needs to ensure they have a memorable experience. greater port macquarie focus.

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the bar

•RESTAURANT & CAFÉ•

The Bar Restaurant and Café offers casual dining with an emphasis on fresh seafood, premium steak, local wines and specialty cocktails. Located at Flynns Beach, owner and chef Mitchall Adams tells us more. What is the concept behind The Bar Restaurant and Café? The Bar is offering Port Macquarie a menu with the highest quality ingredients cooked to perfection. Our dishes are crafted so all of the flavours from each ingredient work simultaneously on the plate to amaze your taste buds. We take care in making everything we can in-house, from pestos to icecreams. Whilst matching with faultless service by our front of house staff, we make sure that when our customers finish dining with us they leave satisfied and feel they have received great value for money. Our meals are on the larger side, such as the 500 g 1824 Scotch Fillet (pictured below). With an emphasis on the freshest seafood and high quality steak, how does the menu reflect a Modern Australian theme? We try to source our seafood locally trying to utilise what the Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast region has to offer, as we have some of the best seafood available to the country. When sourcing our meat, we ensure that quality is the most important rather than price, as there isn’t anything better than a steak that melts in the

mouth. Our dinner menu is quite multicultural, as it reflects a variety of international cuisines, with dishes inspired by indigenous Australian, European, Asian fusion, and UK inspired dishes. Tell us about your current menu; what are some of the favourites? We kicked off our new menu in June, and it has been a hit. The sticky BBQ ribs, crispy crackling pork belly and King Prawns are some of the best sellers for the entree menu. Some of the main favourites include the lemon dukkah kangaroo, 500 g 1824 scotch fillet and the sesame rolled tuna. What are some of the popular house-made desserts? Gluten free waffles with Mars Bar icecream and the double chocolate brownie with Sambucca icecream are flying out the door. The rhubarb soufflé with coconut citrus icecream, which is dairy free and gluten free, is always a popular favourite too. The Bar is also renowned for premium cocktails? The Bar is pumping out some of the yummiest and most creative cocktails in town! And if you have a particular cocktail favourite, just let us know and we will try out best to whip it up

Kiera, miss Emilia & Mitchall Adams

for you. Hint: Try the VOODOO - definitely one to finish off the night! A great venue for functions and parties, what options are available? When it comes to functions, we want you to be able to try our menu on a larger scale and not be limited to just a few choices. We get you to choose items from our current menu, and we then package them together to a per head price. This way you get to choose what you want for your function. We can cater up for up to 100 guests - birthdays, weddings, Christmas parties and any other event that you may have. Mention FOCUS to recieve 10% OFF for the month of August!

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Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

CONNIE NOCELLI MARRIED TO THE JOB: HUNDREDS OF HASTINGS HUSBANDS AND WIVES ARE N O T O N LY PA R T N E R S I N L I F E B U T I N BUSI N E S S TOO, WOR K I NG TO GET H E R I N T H E I R OW N SM A L L E N T E R PR I SE S, S I D E B Y S I D E P R E T T Y M U C H 2 4 / 7. S U S I E MEETS A TYPICAL COUPLE.

was delighted when mechanic Romeo Nocelli discovered a faulty rack and pinion assembly in my new Honda. For obvious reasons. But then I’m content whenever I book my car into Romeo and Connie’s UltraTune service centre; professional, trustworthy, honest, that’s my experience. Helpful, even with all hoists on high and the pressure pumped. Long-time patrons of the business are now even happier it moved a few years ago from Settlement City up onto Newport Island Road. Initially we were apprehensive we wouldn’t be able to drop the car like before and go shopping. Yet now a courtesy bus snappily conveys customers on the two-minute shuttle to the shops and other destinations. The new, bigger premises offer a sofa, TV, magazines and filtered water if you prefer to wait. Nothing’s changed in Connie’s friendly but efficient front desk manner. It’s a similar experience with many local couples operating small businesses, most home-grown, across industries like tourism (Anthony and Carole Sarks’ Ricardoes), hospitality (Chris and Trish Denny’s Observatory Hotel), food manufacturing (Eric and Monica Robinson’s The Other Chef), publishing and print (Jay and Louise Beaumont here at Focus). Such couples naturally inject extra oomph into customer relations and client satisfaction: not cushioned by or reliant on the anonymity of a big government or private entity, they’re identifiable, accessible and answerable figureheads of their brand. Around 97 of every 100 Australian enterprises are small businesses; it’s usually hard work, long hours and a keen eye on the bottom line. For two partners it’s multi-disciplinary: in bigger outfits management, staff, payroll, promotion,

accounting, future directions the technical side for Andrew and other facets each Miedecke but had always had It’s multidisciplinary: fall on many specialised a yearning for his own business. The UltraTune franshoulders; when couples in bigger outfits aff and management, st chise had opened 28 years are in business together fall on other facets each ers. ago; 15 years ago the they pretty much deal ld specialised shou couple bought it. Romeo with it all. ss ne Couples in busi l still maintains good dealer Romeo’s feedback on al it ith w together deal relationships, orders genuine the state of my car and ” themselves spare parts from them. Connie Connie’s competence give was an at-home mum at first me confidence. And I’m ever (Samantha, 22, is completing her captivated by Connie’s distinct RN; Kristin, 21, is pursuing a Music New York/Italo-Aussie accent. The pair degree in Sydney; Sebastian, 16, is in Year 11) met 30 years ago when Romeo went to but then became the business’s other half. In a New York to visit his cousin, who happened male-driven industry, male customers back then to work with Connie at Brooklyn Law School. asked “to speak to the men”. But: “I was raised The cousin and her husband invited Connie to in automotive, grew up around it.” Now if she’s double-date as they showed Romeo around: she away, they demand “Where’s Connie!” was young and knew places to go. After three The business tasted steady success but needed weeks Romeo proposed; six months later they to move to modernise and expand. It’d become married. Both Romeo’s parents, in Sydney, were “Number 1 of all the UltraTunes in NSW. We originally from south of Rome; Connie’s mother were sometimes equivalent-financially Number was Italian-American, her dad had migrated from 1 - beat a lot of the big city ones, but always Sicily. It was a perfect fusion of their joint Italian Number 1 in volume of cars.” They bought heritage. The couple lived four years in Sydney; the new premises, installed three extra hoists, Connie took the train to work daily in admin-personnel for a multinational at Circular Quay. Living updated electronics, made a big investment in 40km away on the city’s outskirts was strange oil tanks, lines and pits, put in comforts for staff for a New Yorker: she’d earlier worked for Wall and customers. Multiplying government and Street banks in Manhattan. She missed the US so private-fleet clients see a clean modern professional workshop. “Our business just increased the pair moved to Florida, where Romeo’s formal [further],” Connie says. They wanted to broaden qualifications found him a place in Connie’s the availability of their offering. “Now we’re uncle’s mechanical workshop. But then, again, getting into tyres, to make it more of a one-stop it was Connie who missed ... Australia. Back in shop; it’s what people want.” She does all the Sydney, and a few years on, with daughters aged bookkeeping in the back office, with help once a 2 and 3 and Romeo’s two brothers having moved month. The pair works together starting around here, the family came to Port. Romeo worked on

“

7ish Mondays to Fridays and 8-10.30 Saturdays. It’s seven staff in all: Glen, with UltraTune its entire 28 years here; Rob, Romeo’s brother, formerly a panel beater; and Paul; and apprentices Brennan and Troy. (Romeo’s other brother, Terry, an auto-electrician, owns Shotgun Marine Services at the marina). Long days, but they finish at 5. “I don’t believe in overtime, people staying back,” Connie insists, “you get tired. I prefer to come in an hour early, do whatever’s left over when you’re fresh and then we’re out of here at 5: everyone has time with their families, that’s important to us.” Love of family, food and other Italian traditions is at the heart of their Lake Cathie household. “I love to cook [yet] I don’t cook as much because I’m always here working but the kids have gotten into it and Romeo likes to cook, so we all do. Romeo’s the barbecue man.” They enjoy fishing and have made their share of overseas trips, to Disneyland and Fiji when the kids were younger. New Zealand’s a favourite destination. Recently they went to Las Vegas for a Repco trade show: “nice, but nice to come home. If we go away, it takes two of us off the floor.” And, with the kids growing and dispersing and family commitments: “We have a caravan now and like to travel just short distances and enjoy the relaxation of it. There’s so many beautiful areas, you don’t have to go far; two or three days to unwind is all you need.” But work often defines them. Romeo’s name is pronounced in Italian as Ro-MAYO. Aussies often say it the English way, Ro-MEE-o, as in Romeo & Juliet. Not a problem - he’s also known as Alf, or Alfie, Connie says. Why Alf? Well, his wife explains: “Alf ... Alfa Romeo”.

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focusinterview.

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louperri.

from The Stunned Mullet

the simple things

ften it is the simple things back in cooking, to allow a single ingredient in life that are the best. to be the boss - to use other ingredients to The pure, uncomplicated support and complement, rather than commoments - a walk in the sunpete with. shine, a splash in the surf or a And in addition to the discipline required quiet night at home with a loved one. to exercise restraint comes the requirement The more complex and involved our plans for absolute perfection with simplicity - the are, the more likely they are to backfire or disfact that there is nowhere to hide, nothing appoint us - when our expectations and stress to mask a multitude of sins. Each element of levels are too high, it can be quite difficult to such a wonderfully simple dish needs to be enjoy the fruits of our labours. perfectly prepared, cooked and presented. In The same is true of dining experiences. many ways, it is the true test of the skill set of There is certainly such a thing as “trying the chef - just the ingredients themselves, the too hard” when it comes to creating dishes. most subtle accompaniments and the knowlWith a wealth of amazing ingredients edge and precision required to conjure up available to chefs and home the magic that makes flavours cooks alike these days, and sing and turns a meal into a when fuelled by unbrisomewhat transcendental dled creativity and experience. y shucked hl es Fr enthusiasm, there is In this world of sters Sydney rock oy , on potential for both sensation overload m le of e ez with just a sque ul tif au genius and disaster in general - smartbe of e ec anyone? A pi a st in equal measures. ju phones, hectic ith w fresh fish, and some The combinaschedules, Skypesqueeze of lemon rhaps - or pe s ip ch e ad tions of flavours to ing, blogging and m nd ha humble and be experimented just trying to fit too even just some us cheese on infinitely delicio with are endless. many things into a to ast? ” Ever searching for day - it is important to unbelievable new hold on to some form of marriages made in heaven, simplicity. there are no holds barred in Freshly shucked Sydney the kitchen. And the boundaries rock oysters with just a squeeze of tradition - the segregation of sweet, of lemon, anyone? A piece of beausavoury, spicy, hot, cold - you name it tiful fresh fish, with just a squeeze of are no longer a barrier to invention. lemon and some handmade chips perhaps Anything goes, so it’s no wonder that some- or even just some humble and infinitely times the real point of a dish can get lost in delicious cheese on toast? the excitement of its creation. Perfectly executed examples of dishes such It’s like a room full of voices all talking at as these can be as life affirming as the most once - it is impossible to hear what everyone incredible items found on menus of hatted is saying, let alone who, if anyone, is actually and Michelin starred restaurants. saying anything of any importance or interest! There is no doubt that there is a time for And that is where we need to hark back to complexity and artistry in the culinary world. the simple things … But there is an equal mastery of the craft in The pure, uncomplicated fact that you have knowing when to hold back and when to let an amazing piece of fresh produce in front of the beauty of the bounty of incredible ingreyou - if it is cooked with skill and precision, it dients there is to offer speak for themselves. doesn’t actually need that much done to it. Such amazing fresh produce only needs a The flavours inherent need to be allowed to skilful yet delicate touch to shine extremely shine. It, in itself, is the hero. brightly on its own. There is much skill in knowing when to hold Less can indeed be more!

“

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FISH FACE TACO IS BRINGING A NEW WAVE OF CULINARY DELIGHTS THROUGH THE REGION’S FOOD SCENE. FOCUS CATCHES UP WITH FISH FACE’S CREATOR, MATT DOBSON, ABOUT WHERE IT ALL BEGAN…

ell us the story behind your photo and post it all over Facebook and “Fish Face Taco” - when Instagram tagging you, so your friends can and where was the idea see it! born? Describe the food we can feast on … It all started with a trip to Some of our most popular dishes currently Mexico … After a big day include our fish taco with pineapple salsa, of surfing, we would go and get tacos and stringy chilli beef with coriander salsa and beers at various restaurants, and I remember our creamy pulled chicken, jalapeño and corn thinking, “Wow, I need to bring this lifestyle tacos. We are also doing sticky pulled pork back to Port Macquarie”. I then worked hard with tangy cabbage slaw on a fresh brioche on a strong marketing campaign and name bun, BBQ charred corn on the cob, vegetarian for the business and before I knew it, stacko, and our delicious mud muffin we were serving up tacos at local with chilli choc cinnamon fudge events. and a toffee shard! Who makes up the team What is your vision g in do so at Fish Face Taco? for the future of Fish al We are rk po d lle pu At the moment it’s Face Taco? ky stic aw on sl e ag bb ca y quite a small team. Our long term ng with ta n, BBQ bu e ch io br I do as much as I h vision for Fish Face es a fr the cob, can myself, from Taco is to open charred corn on and our ko, vegetarian stac food preparation to stores! We want to uffin with m ud m us delicio marketing and events, incorporate a fun amon fudge chilli choc cinn but without the help and energetic shop d! ” and a toffee shar of some of my closet front serving fresh, fast friends and awesome and delicious food at a girlfriend, none of it would very affordable price - that’s have been possible. I’d also love the goal. In the short term, we to give a big shout out to the guys at are focusing on doing good food Social Grounds Café; they let me use their and having a whole lot of fun with our kitchen for preparation prior to our events customers. and functions and are always happy to help Where can we find out more or book a me out! function? We’ve noticed customers sporting a “Fish We are all over Facebook and Instagram. Face” with their meals; what’s that about? Also, check out our new website: www. Ha ha! Well, that’s simple. If you pull a fishfacetaco.com or email us direct at info@ Fish Face with your taco, you get 10% off, fishfacetaco.com hence the name Fish Face Taco. We then take Thanks Matt.

“

focusinterview.

THE FEEL GOOD MOMENT W I T H V I C K Y B R A DY

C A F É B U Z Z I N P E A C H T R E E WA L K H A S E N J O Y E D T H E V I S I TAT I O N S O F P E O P L E F R O M O U R L O C A L A R E A A N D I N D E E D, F R O M A L L O V E R T H E W O R L D, F O R 1 3 Y E A R S .

e are regularly complimented on how we treat people; we do try hard. We do not always succeed, but we try. A compliment is very valued; you work hard doing your best. Working a café is hard work; it is what we love to do. The importance to us when someone takes the time to say thank you is immense. It is wonderful! Often we have the chance to thank our BUZZ lovers - some have been coming every day since we opened. We have shared birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, staff meetings, illnesses and deaths. It is what we love - we like to think of the many “Feel Good Moments”. Do you have those “feel good moments” - something you have done for someone? A compliment, some help, or some time with a friend who needs it?

Have you received a “feel good moment”? Somebody you may or may not know, who helps you when you least expected it? Just because they wanted to. How often do you enjoy those moments when you know you have helped someone, or, someone has helped you? They are special moments - memories to treasure. These are the moments we need in our society. It is easy to forget what other people do for us. It is easy to abuse someone whom you think has not performed as you want. At BUZZ Peachtree, we like to enjoy those “feel good moments”. We now invite you to share your “feel good moments”. Is there someone who has made you feel good? A person or group who have taken time out for you? BUZZ would like to say thank you to those people. You are invited to let us know who you would like to recognise for what they did for you.

You can drop in a note to BUZZ Peachtree, mail a letter, send an email or use our Facebook page. We need to know who they are and what they did. We also need to know their address. BUZZ Peachtree will send that person, or group, a FREE Coffee card on your behalf. It is your opportunity to enjoy your own “feel good moment”. It is also an opportunity for all of us to look around and see who does need a little of your help. Please drop a note into: Café BUZZ, Shop 9 Peachtree Walk, Horton Street, Port Macquarie. Mail a letter to: Café BUZZ PO Box 410 Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 Email: info@buzzcoffee.com.au Facebook page is Café BUZZ, Peachtree Walk. We look forward to rewarding your “feel good moment”.

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s o c i a l s c e n e with Kate Wood-Foye from Rydges Port Macquarie.

Photo Credit Iron and Clay Photography

Below. The Squiggle Off organising crew Nathan Healey, Simon Luxton, Chris Bradley and Louise Turner.

Below. Maz Compton on stage at Luminosity.

Photo Credit Lindsay Moller

Above. Liz Martin & Stefan Hostettler on their wedding day. Right. Some of the Luminosity organising crew with presenting Partners MNCLHD.

Above. Allison Langdon and the Young guns at Luminosity.

S O M E T H I N G S W I L L J U S T N E V E R C H A N G E – I A M T H E A B S O LU T E D E L I R I O U S Q U E E N O F D E N I A L W H E N I T C O M E S T O W I N T E R – H A P P I LY P U S H I N G T H RO U G H W I T H O U T W I N T E R C OAT S A N D S C A RV E S A N D O T H E R S E N S I B L E S U C H AT T I R E I N A C O N C E RT E D E F F O RT T O W I N T H E M I N D OV E R M AT T E R BAT T L E .

y general policy is to ignore winter and it may just go away, which is kind of working out for me this year, because we haven’t actually had any hard core chill-you-silly weather this season … yet! You watch: the second I write this, a blizzard will hit the town, and we will be freezing our proverbials off and calling for the snow report. Forgive me if I am a little extreme this month - sleep is at a premium, and the ability to keep things in perspective is slowly leaving me! Port has a guerrilla team of place makers spreading artwork, good times and some serious reasons to get together in this gorgeous area we call home. This covert group of creative souls are quietly taking over the town - perhaps inspired by international speaker Peter Kageyama, who visited the region last year for Luminosity with his big ideas on “build it and they will come - make the extraordinary out of the ordinary and love the place you live”. Lee Wood, Lucilla Marshall and their talented and merry band of creators are orchestrating pop up awesomeness all over the Hastings. You have probably inadvertently enjoyed some of their work, including the Clarence St Food Festival, Camden Haven Christmas in July event and street party, loads of gorgeous sculptures and art installations and live music and interactive fun over the region - the most recent instalment being a collaboration with Dropkick Arts for the

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first round of the Squiggle Off. The Squiggle Off was organised by Nathan Healey, Simon Luxton, Chris Bradley and Louise Turner. Held on a winter’s night at Zebu Bar + Grill - Jakey our bar manager fighting off the crowds as they swarmed to see four local artists at work, including Adam Murray, Mel Casey, Gerard Brown and Simon Luxton. It was standing room only, as DJ Nathan Healey hit the decks as the artists challenged each other to an artistic duel with white canvas and markers - with Adam Murray winning the final battle! Congrats to all involved, and looking forward to seeing where the next event rears its head … it could be a venue or side street near you! The lovely Liz Martin of Glasshouse Hair and Beauty married her man, Stefan Hostettler, in a stunning winter ceremony in the French Gardens at Cassegrain, followed by a reception at Ca Marche. Family and friends watched on, including Stefan’s gorgeous little ones Freycin and Camille, as the gorgeous couple said I do. The bridal party included Dale Durance, Lauren Oliver, Camille and Freycin Hostettler, Danika Toms, Simon Martin, Rachel Wood, David Hostettler, Eadie Mae Hostettler, Donna Sullivan, James Jackson, Emma Garrihy, Mick McNulty, with bridesmaids in stunning black gowns to match the dapper gents. Liz’s hair was done by Michelle from Milan’s Hair, with makeup by the lovely Jessica Tattersall; floral designs were created by the incredibly talented Sarah J Hudson, with the bride arriving in the retro

Love Bus Kombi. The entire day was captured by Matt Van Dyk of Iron and Clay Photography. The pair then jetted off to New Zealand for a winter honeymoon. Congrats, Liz and Stefan! A humongous thank you has to go out to the Port Macquarie community and the 260 young guns who supported and enjoyed the recent Luminosity Youth Summit at the Glasshouse. Over 20 awe inspiring speakers rocked the Glasshouse stage, sharing their dangerous ideas for life, love and enterprise, including appearances from Allison Langdon of 60 Minutes, Maz Compton of the Dan and Maz radio show, world champion athlete Kurt Fearnely, urban circus performers the 360 AllStars, the dynamic motivator Brent Williams and crowd favourites, Aussie Adventurers Cas and Jonesey. So honoured to work with the Luminosity crew of dedicated voluntary legends, who come together each year to create and orchestrate this event - quite simply the summit couldn’t and wouldn’t happen without their precious time, ideas and creative drive. Thank you to our key partners, including Mid North Coast Local Health District, Holiday Coast Credit Union, Charles Sturt University, Rydges, Each/Headspace, Aboriginal Learning Circle/Port Tafe, Sand Events, Leslie Williams, XYZ Support, Mount Seaview Springwater, Coastfront Realty, SNAP Printing, PRIME, Digital Signs and Printing, FOCUS, Port Chamber and Rotary, to name but a few of our ongoing and tireless supporters and volunteers.

Such a buzz - can’t wait ‘til next year, with ideas and planning already underway to up the ante on the 2016 summit - watch this space! I recently dedicated way too much time (on my seriously cracked and battered mobile device) in a frenzied dash for the presale tickets to one of my all-time favourite women on the planet. A self-confessed Oprah tragic from way back - the “Big O” has been an inspiration behind many crazy life decisions, including hitting up the UK at 19 and starting my first events business shortly after - when in doubt, I have been known to ask, “What would Oprah do?” To say I am useless with technology is criminally negligent; combine this with my innate inability to use the Ticketek site, I swiftly went from glorious Section A row A seats 7 & 8 (yay - seriously close, people!) to a less fabulous Section J followed by a downward spiral of button pressing, getting kicked off the site, insert multiple expletives and jumping back in to find I was even further back in Section T! Not one to give up easily - I abdanoned the hour long escapade and tried another angle of attack, with success! Hoping Opie hands out another round of new cars, or at the least a new iPhone, as mine suffered further damage as my seating section worsened. Either way, can’t wait for a girls’ weekend in Sydney at the QT hotel with cocktails, dinner and an evening with Oprah and me - oh and 20,000 others. ‘til next month!

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PORT ROCKERS

I T ’ S

S O

Y E S T E R D A Y

Port Panthers will host Port Macquarie’s biggest Retro and Rock N Roll nostalgia festival over the weekend of 4-6 September 2015. The festival evolved from the original ‘Rock Around the Clock’ event previously held at the club and will now appeal to those who love all facets of Retro, Rock N Roll and Rockabilly.

PORT PANTHERS WILL HOST PORT MACQUARIE’S BIGGEST RETRO AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL OVER THE WEEKEND OF 4 - 6 SEPTEMBER 2015.

he festival evolved from the original “Rock Around the Clock” event previously held at the club and will now appeal to those who love all facets of Retro, Rock ’n’ Roll and

Rockabilly. Tell us about this all new event coming up in September; where did the inspiration to bring an event like this to Port Macquarie come from? There has been a worldwide renaissance of interest in Rock Roll, Swing, Rockabilly and all things retro. The Golden years from 1940 - 1960 have been leading the charge, with many vintage inspired festivals being held globally. The Port Macquarie Panthers Rock and Roll Dance Cub members just love to celebrate these times, and the idea to expand from the Rock Around the Clock weekend to include the wider community and develop a full weekend of events designed to appeal to a broader audience saw the birth of Port Macquarie Rockers Retrofest 2015, with a view to creating an annual festival. Our aim was to create a vibrant, action packed event. We were fortunate to have Live2u for some professional input on promotion and production, and the two entities combined to create Port Macquarie’s biggest Retro Festival, with the generous backing of Port Macquarie Panthers. The event will draw visitors who have an interest in retro style, music, dance or fashion from the recent past. We also wanted to provide a good, affordable family friendly festival. What are the events happening over the weekend? It kicks off on Friday evening with DJ Jimmy Dee’s Rockhouse Dance Party in the Paws Lounge at Port Panthers, then Saturday’s events

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are all held in the Auditorium, and the schedule Those who love to bargain hunt will enjoy includes a vintage inspired fashion runway Sunday’s “Pre-loved Retro Market Fair” from show, fun Rockabillly tattoo art competition, 11am - 2pm, with the emphasis on more market retro cake decorating competition, “Miss Dolly” stalls with second hand goods and a Memphis judging a junior pinup competition, live music Morning Tea, dance display, live music, DJ and by bands Night Moves plus Whiskey Rockers, more Rock ‘n’ Roll dance music! If you love vinyl and Saturday will also premiere our Miss Diva records and vintage goods, then this will be the Dragesque Pin-Up Gal Competition, which day for you! The Manning Historical Society are should be an absolute hoot. Let’s face it: blokes also involved in the festival, which we are thrilled in dresses are always fun, but bearded about, as they have some wonderful blokes in frocks, ha ha ha - just retro pieces and they will have priceless! Visitors can also their own vintage display on browse a variety of market show over the weekend. stalls too, and all this for What market stalls will This will be a t with glamorous nigh just $3 cover charge be available? fties’ pin per person. Saturday’s We have vintage stall our ‘Fabulous Fi presente d up ladies being daytime activities are holders travelling from ng of Miss with the crowni all happening between all over the country , 15 trofits 20 Port rockers Re e’s 10am - 3pm. to be a part of our os -R lvet sponsored by Ve om .” Saturday evening festival, so patrons will Ro Pinup Dressing will see the auditorium have access to a variety transformed to host the of wonderful retailers, “Retrofits Gala Ball”, and including Velvet-Rose’s Pin-Up judging of the “Port Rockers Dressing Room (vintage inspired Retrofits Pin-Up Queen” with live music fashion), Betty Babes & Little Frockers by Jukebox Jive and DJ Jimmy Dee. Pre(vintage fashion for kids), Miss Smitten purchased tickets are required, and this is an Kitten (Rock ‘n’ Roll/ Rockabilly accessories), adults only event. There will be loads of Rock Ronnies Rock & Roll Gear (fashion wear), ‘n’ Roll dancing too, so put your boogie shoes Popping Candy (quirky/sexy shoes), Vinyl Record on. This will be a glamorous night, with our Art and Wall Clocks, and much more, including “Fabulous Fifties” pin up ladies being presented loads of second hand retro goods! We keep with the crowning of Miss Port Rockers Retrofits receiving more and more requests from stall 2015, sponsored by Velvet-Rose’s Pinup Dressing holders, so this is an evolving list. Room. Vintage styling workshops will be running As our theme is “Fabulous Fifties”, many in July and August for those interested in patrons will be dressing to the era, and we entering the pin-up competitions or anyone will see a bevy of beautiful ladies and stylish who is keen to learn how to glam up pin-up gentlemen. As was the tradition in the 1950s, stye. Who will be running the workshops, the Belle and Beau of the Ball will be selected for and how can we get involved? sashing on the night. Our local Pin-Up identities Miss Dale Velvet-

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Rose, with the assistance of Miss Lulu Valentine will be hosting a workshop “Intermediate Vintage Style” to give our ladies a hands on insight into creating their pin-up look. The workshop will provide tips and tricks with professional makeup techniques and vintage hairstyles. In addition, we have Miss Cherie Amour, another of our beautiful local Pin-Up identities conducting a posing and stagecraft workshop to give our entrants a grounding in their presentation in the competition. For more information on the vintage styling workshops, visit www.velvetrosepinup.com.au or phone 0422 827 786. How can we find out more and buy tickets? The event’s held over 4 - 6 September at Port Panthers Club. General daytime admission is in the auditorium and is only $3 per person and is open to all ages. The Gala Ball is an adults only event and admission price is $22 per person if pre-booked or $25 on the night. We have a complete event schedule on our website and a link to purchase tickets: www.portrockers. wix.com/retrofest2015 or alternatively phone Heather Hickey on 0427 823 344. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter, all links to our social media networks are available on our website. Interview with Mel Miante.

the plug! Check out the Port Macquarie Rockers Retro Festival, Port Panthers 4 - 6 September: General daytime admission $3pp. Gala Ball $22 per person if pre-booked or $25 on the night. www.portrockers.wix.com/retrofest2015

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brendan wood D A GROUP OF HIS BRENDON WOOD AN N HERITAGE CHRISTIA CLASSMATES FROM DED TO SPEND SCHOOL HAVE DECI ” VACATION IN A THEIR “SCHOOLIES Y. (AND INSPIRING!) WA RATHER UNUSUAL U N TRIP TO VANUAT PLANNING A MISSIO EN BE S E GROUP HA FOR NOVEMBER, TH ISING. BRENDON’S ACTIVELY FUNDRA CAR, RS, AARON AND OS AMAZING BROTHE RDS WA TANTIALLY TO HAVE HELPED SUBS TO EFFORTS … READ ON THESE FUNDRAISING ILLING FAR THEY WERE W WITNESS JUST HOW R! HE OT THEIR BIG BR TO GO TO SUPPORT

i Brendon. Introduce yourself please … I’m 17 years old and attend Heritage Christian School, and I’m honoured to be a school leader there. I’m in a family of six and the eldest of three brothers. As a family we moved to Port Macquarie in 2007 from a smaller coastal town in Victoria. We have been attending Grace Church and have been actively involved in the community ever since. We are a busy family; there isn’t a day where there is nothing going on. Grace Church will be supporting students from Heritage Christian School who wish to go on a Mission trip to Vanuatu at the end of the year. What’s involved with this trip? Late last year the idea arose that instead of going on a holiday for schoolies, that we should go and spend that time serving, particularly in schools, on a mission trip. Grace Church has helped with fundraising and access to the church, as well as the school being very supportive of the idea. The trip will involve ministry in schools, orphanages and the wider community over there in some of the local villages. We will get opportunities to learn a new culture, while sharing our own with them. The focus of the trip is to serve and to share God’s word with the people there. When are the proposed trip’s dates, and how many students look set to be taking part at this stage? The trip will take place from 20 - 29th November, a few weeks after we finish our final exams. Hopefully the entire group of nine who are interested will be able to come; we just

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need to help everyone fundraise to get them keep their hair or not ... what’s the verdict? there. This is a huge group from our class; My brothers have been amazing with helping it's exactly a third of our class that have been me fundraise. I had a conversation with them interested and actively involved in planning and after an idea arose, and they willingly put their fundraising. hands up to participate. They both had long What do you hope your experience in curly hair that everyone loved; Aaron had black Vanuatu will be like - what are your hair and Oscar had blonde. The fundraiser expectations prior to travelling? worked based on the most money raised wins. The experience needs to be life changing Both the boys were in the hands of the voters; for two groups of people - the team heading they would rather SHAVE their head if more over and the locals. Looking through some of money was donated towards that, or they the pictures of the place we will be going to, would simply KEEP their hair. it looks amazing, but it’s important to remain After several months of hassling people, we focused on where our goals are for the trip. held the final count at Jimbo's Barbershop. It’s going to be an amazing The crowds gathered in the last 30 experience for everyone minutes, as people wanted involved, and I am really to know what was going looking forward to it. to happen. In the final We will get You’ve been actively moments there were opportunities to fundraising to several anonymous re , learn a new cultu help you pay for donations made. The n r ow while sharing ou your Vanuatu boys had to SHAVE s cu fo with them . The expedition. How their head, as everyone e rv se of the trip is to d or w much are you hoping crammed inside the ’s od G e and to shar e.” er th to raise? shop. We managed to le op pe e with th Yes, the school has raise $2,000 towards my been kind to us and allowed trip. us to sell coffee and hot Who else would you like chocolates at recess and lunch. We to thank for helping with your have hosted a Minute to Win it night full fundraising efforts so far? of super fun games based on the television Everyone who donated, of course; show, which was a really fun night. The it is very much appreciated. The school for cost of the trip is $1,900pp and can be a bit supporting us, Grace Church for allowing us of a struggle for young students who don’t all to use their facilities, Jimbo’s Barbershop for have opportunities to work while studying, so allowing us to host the event outside during any little bit helps. working hours. Everyone on the team who has How have your brothers, Oscar and Aaron, helped with fundraising and will continue to do helped you with fundraising? I believe it so in the future. was a toss up as to whether they got to What other fundraisers do you have

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planned over the next few months? We have a stack of stuff to sell and will be holding a garage sale in the not too far future. We have a Trivia night in the planning, as well as another fun games night. When you’re not busy with school and planning overseas trips, what else keeps you busy? I am a leader at Ignite Youth group, and run the older kids’ ministry on a Sunday morning, both at Grace Church. I am a huge sports person and have been since I could walk. My big interest currently is mountain bike riding, and I race competitively in elite ranks and will be heading overseas next year for the Solo 24 hour World Championships in New Zealand (yes that's right, 24 hours solo on a MTB). I have also recently completed my Gold award for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh award after completing all the difficult requirements. I’ve just recently retired from Little Athletics after 11 years, finishing the final year as the Club Captain. Where can readers follow your fundraising journey and/or read about your experiences in Vanuatu? How can they donate to your cause? We have recently added a new Facebook page called “Schoolies mission trip 2015”. You can find out updates about fundraising and various events that will be going on. Any donations can be made by inboxing the page, and we can give you some more details for that. We really appreciate any help we can get from turning up to our events or simply donating to get the team over. We thank you very much. Thanks Brendon. Intervie by Jo Atkins.

players theatre Players Theatre Port Macquarie is proud to present Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece Anything Goes. The smash hit Broadway musical comes to the Players Theatre this October 2 - 18.

What’s New

Anything Goes is an uplifting musical adventure staged on a luxury cruise liner with plenty of laughs, twists and turns on the high seas. Reno Sweeney, the famous Manhattan cabaret singer, is performing on the cruise liner and has a thing for Billy Crocker. Reno doesn’t get her kicks from champagne, mere alcohol doesn’t thrill her at all, but she gets a kick out of Billy - but he has found the love of his life, Hope Harcourt, in Manhattan.

Ken LITTLE

Billy is trying very hard to be a stuffed shirt stockbroker for Wall St tycoon Elisha Whitney, A Yale Man, who is off to London on the same luxury cruise liner to the Henley regatta. Billy drops his boss’ passport off to him on the cruise liner and bumps into … Hope.

Other fruit that is really nice now are our locally grown navel oranges. They are very juicy and sweet to the taste. We are also receiving our stocks of Kiwi from Comboyne.

Hope is onboard with her mother and fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh to get married at sea and honeymoon in London. Billy is torn between going back to Wall St to sell all the boss’ shares in “Amalgamated Petroleum” or following the love of his life onto the cruise liner, for which he has no ticket or passport. Enjoy the laughs, music and the fabulous dancing. Tap your toes and hum along to well known classic songs I Get a Kick Out of You, It’s De-Lovely and You’d Be So Easy to Love. Anything Goes runs from October 2 until October 18 at Players Theatre Port Macquarie, with performances on Friday and Saturday night at 8pm and Sunday afternoon at 2pm. Book now at playerstheatre.org.au or at the Glasshouse box office in Port Macquarie.

We are still in the winter months with not a lot of change in the fruit side of things. BUT have you tried the mouth watering strawberries from Queensland? Oh, what a treat! The flavour is delicious, and those big punnets mean you get more for your money. What a bargain!

In the vegetable department, local broccoli, cauliflowers and spinach from Telegraph Point are so fresh and very nice. This year we again have potatoes from Comboyne. It is always so good to buy locally. Try this soup. Creamy mushroom: Gently sauté one med onion in olive oil until soft. Add 750 g fresh chopped mushrooms and two cloves crushed garlic. Cook and toss for 3 - 4 minutes ‘til soft. Add one tbsp soy sauce, three cups hot water to which has been added 1 - 2 chicken stock cubes, 240 g chat potatoes that have been peeled, chopped and cooked. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add a good dollop of sour cream, and blend until smooth using a stick blender or processor. Season with black pepper and salt to your taste and serve. Mmmmmmmmmmmm! So nice! Ken.

The “Little Fish” refurbishments are taking shape with a lot more inside seating - diners can have the best of both worlds at our indoor seat with a view, or at a heated spot on the verandah, both overlooking the vineyard. Enjoy a wine tasting of our local wines from Innes Lake Vineyard. French Chef Steve’s enticing kitchen aromas drift way beyond the vineyard boundaries; his wild boar pie is a huge hit among diners, while the duck confit and twice cooked pork belly are still favourites. Celebrations of all occasions happen at “Little Fish”, from baby showers to weddings and everything in between. If you have a special occasion and want to seat your family and friends somewhere very special, then book the ivy covered gazebo for your group. Now is the time to book for your Christmas party; call us now to secure your function! Book the Innes Ruins guided tour through Port Macquarie Visitors Information Centre, then drop in at “Little Fish” for lunch and wine tasting, on Wednesdays. Present your Ruins admission ticket and receive a complimentary glass of Innes Lake wine or coffee when purchasing lunch from the à la carte menu. Thank you to all our wonderful diners who keep returning; our aim is to continuously surprise your tastebuds with “cuisine Francaise”. A bientot!

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csu & Rydges S C H O L A R S H I P S

Australian potters AUSTRALIAN POTTERS OPEN THEIR STUDIOS TO THE NATION This August hundreds of potters and ceramic artists around the country will open their studios to the public for the third annual Australian Ceramics Open Studios. The event is hosted by The Australian Ceramics Association and shines a spotlight on the diverse practice of Australian artists working today in clay. The event is an inspiring opportunity for members of the community to step inside the creative spaces of contemporary potters and ceramicists, who continue to develop their unique voice within this ancient practice. Over the weekend visitors can see practical demonstrations, get their hands dirty in workshops, be inspired by artist talks, purchase original ceramics direct from the maker, or simply soak up the atmosphere of a working studio. More than 100 individual studio potters have registered for the event, and the general public can find their local potter in every state and territory in suburban back yards, inner city co-operatives and rambling rural settings on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, from 10am - 4pm. Entry to all studios is free. Go to www.australiancermics.com to see the full list and profiles or participating artists. Local artist Jann Kesby is involved; visit her studio at Lily Lane, via Pattersons Lane, Kempsey, open 10am to 4pm on both days. You can contact Jann directly for further information on 0417 678 589.

Rydges GM David Capper, Director of Sales and Marketing Kate Wood-Foye and Emeritus Professor Ross Chambers

RY D G E S P O RT M AC Q UA R I E & C H A R L E S S T U RT U N I V E R S I T Y F O R G E O N G O I N G PA RT N E R S H I P W I T H T H E A N N O U N C E M E N T OF NINE SCHOLARSHIPS.

tudents studying business local region. majoring in marketing and General Manager David Capper spoke finance at the new Charles candidly on the partnership, “We are Sturt University Campus in delighted to continue our commitment Port Macquarie (CSU) will to the development of higher education be the recipients of nine and the enrichment of our community scholarships provided by Rydges Port through the Charles Sturt University Macquarie commencing in scholarship programme. July of this year. “The university The key partnership not only provides t an between the hotel a wonderful rt po It is im and the CSU opportunity for e th at th ate id nd ca School of Business local and regional ul sf es succ r fo fit t gh will assist to residents to ri e th is facilitate the achieve greater our business , as ill w essentially they ongoing studies personal and work as a part of is of three students professional th our team duri ng per year over three success through period . ” years, ensuring that the study and a support network completion of a exists during the tertiary qualification - the challenges of completing a new campus and courses on tertiary qualification. offer will draw a new and diverse The scholarships will mean that range of students to reside in the students will not only benefit from region.” both a cash injection to assist with study Head of Campus at CSU in Port materials and general costs associated Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh with their ongoing studies, but will be acknowledged the importance of such further fortified by a period of invaluable partnerships between the business work experience in the diverse and ever community and the university, with expanding hospitality enterprise in the the tangible benefits for not only the

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student and the university, but the Hastings region itself. “Rydges has provided a foundation for these students, a support network providing essential funds, practical and meaningful work experience, and invaluable industry networks with the added opportunity for casual or ongoing paid employment within the business. These are all key factors in providing the support needed by the student on the road to graduation,” she said. Professor Cavanagh also acknowledged the work of the previous head of campus, Professor Ross Chambers, in helping to establish the partnership with Rydges Port Macquarie and other businesses and community organisations. The first round of scholarship candidates will be short listed this month, with the university and the Executive Management team at Rydges having input into the final recipients: ”It is important that the successful candidate is the right fit for our business as essentially they will work as a part of our team during this period,” Mr Capper said. “We look forward to the injection of enthusiasm, energy and the introduction of new ideas and opportunity for collaboration on future initiatives”.

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Good Life L E B R A T E E C THINGS IN

PORT MACQUARIE IS SET TO HOST A UNIQUE AND EXCITING FAMILY EVENT AT WESTPORT PARK THIS SEPTEMBER. THE INAUGURAL PORT MACQUARIE BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL IS TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, WITH A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE: BEER, CIDER, FOOD, GAMES AND MUSIC. he event will feature While Westport Park will be something for transformed into a bustling festival everyone and brings vibe and part hangout spot, the most together some of the exciting part of the day will be the best of Australia’s inaugural Mid North Coast Beer beer and cider Keg Toss! Inspired by the makers, set against the long tradition of the serene backdrop of the Highland Games, spectacular Hastings the Beer Keg t will The family even River. Toss relies on a od fo feature gourmet A special bus combination e liv d an es market stalls, gam ea will of technique, timetable will ar es music. The gam es iti tiv timing and ensure attendees ac ith w g be burstin es ag l al of pure power can enjoy the ds ki ep to ke a jumping to succeed. afternoon of entertained, with , giant up Festival tastings, without castle, Bocce set lots more.” Jenga play, plus organisers are having to worry looking for the about driving home. best male and best The Port Macquarie female to take out Beer and Cider Festival will $600 in cash and prizes. showcase a spectacular mixing Competitors should register pot of brews, with over fifty different early to avoid disappointment. beers and ciders represented, from This is best done by visiting the local and Australian-wide brewers. The website. Qualifying heats will be event presents a unique opportunity run throughout the day, and the for the Port Macquarie community penultimate final will decide the to engage the rapidly trending craft winner. beer and cider craze and efficaciously Families will be enchanted by the sip the love, blood, sweat and tears stripped back aesthetic and relaxed poured into each barrel by incredibly atmosphere that the interim outdoor enthusiastic brewers.

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beer garden presents. While brewers jostle for bragging rights, Port Macquarie beer lovers will be in heaven as the town embraces a festival to celebrate the amber drop. There’s bound to be something new to discover, even for the educated palate. The family event will feature gourmet food market stalls, games and live music. The games area will be bursting with activities to keep kids of all ages entertained, with a jumping castle, Bocce set up, giant Jenga play, plus lots more. The Port Macquarie Beer and Cider Festival will kick off at midday and go through until 7pm. For more information along with special event bus timetables, head to the website: www.portmacbeerandciderfestival.com TICKET PACKAGES Presale Tickets: $25 + BF Kids Tickets: $10 + BF | Kids Under Two FREE Family Pass (2 Adults and 2 Kids): $60 + BF Group Pass (buy 10 Adult tickets and get one FREE): $250 + BF Tickets will be available on the day: $35 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview. Images courtesy of NashysPix.

sANDERSON IT’S ALWAYS FANTASTIC WHEN WE SEE OUR YOUTH OUT IN THE COMMUNITY LENDING A HELPING HAND … AND MANY LOCALS WOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH ISAAC SANDERSON. A PROUD

MEMBER OF WAUCHOPE BONNY HILLS SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB, ISAAC IS OFTEN THE FIRST TO PUT HIS HAND UP TO VOLUNTEER. HIS CURRENT PLAN IS TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE WESTPAC LIFE SAVER HELICOPTER SERVICE WHICH HE AIMS TO DO BY COMPETING IN THE SUN HERALD CITY 2 SURF EVENT ON AUGUST 9 …

i Isaac. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your family – how old are you, and where do you work/go to school? My name is Isaac Sanderson, and I am 14 years old. I am a barista in the McCafé at McDonald’s Port Macquarie. I attend school at St Joseph’s Regional College. My family are my mum, Rachele, my dad, James, and my sister, Crystal. What are some of your hobbies and interests; I believe you’ve been involved with surf life saving for quite a while? Yes, I have been involved in surf life saving since I was six. I also enjoy running and triathlon and on the non-sport side of things, I am a member of the Australian Army Cadets and I’m involved in the St Agnes Parish youth groups. What’s been your proudest achievement to date - sporting or otherwise? My proudest achievement occurred at the start of this year at the Australian Surf Life Saving Titles, where in the 2 km beach run I won a gold medal - and I now hold the Australian Title, thanks to the awesome support of my surf life saving club, Wauchope Bonny Hills. You plan to take part in the Sun Herald City 2 Surf event in Sydney on August 9. That’s a

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I also enjoy running and the triathlon and on things , of de si t or sp nonthe of r I am a membe dets Ca y rm A Australian th in e and I’m involved uth yo St Agnes Parish groups . ”

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14 km run! Have you entered this event before, and what are your expectations prior to the race? I have been taking part in the Sun Herald City 2 Surf since 2010, so for five years now. In this race I expect to enjoy the atmosphere, have fun, and get a personal best race time. As a part of your City 2 Surf run, you’re also raising funds for the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service. Why did you choose this particular charity to support? I have chosen this particular charity as it is a crucial part of surf life saving and an excellent tool when us life guards need a hand. I also chose this charity as it has saved one of my family members before - my pop, when he had a heart attack. What is your fundraising goal/target? My fundraising goal for the Westpac Helicopter Service is to fundraise $750 and to raise awareness about the importance of the Westpac Helicopter and the numerous amount of volunteer hours they spend patrolling the NSW beaches and towns. Who would you like to thank for helping to support you in your fundraising journey so

far? I would like to thank all the people who have made a contribution so far in my fundraising journey. I would also like to thank Penny from Willow House and Baby Gift Shop for allowing me to set up a poster and donation box in her shop. I’ve heard that you’ve often leant a helping hand towards community events and fundraisers in the past. Why do you feel helping in this way is so important? I feel by helping the community it will encourage other people to do the same, and I also love meeting and helping businesses and local clubs. I especially hope that my involvement in surf life saving encourages others to not only take up a healthy lifestyle, but also encourages others in the community to learn how to save lives. Where/how can FOCUS readers help support you with your City 2 Surf/Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service fundraiser? FOCUS readers can make a donation at Willow House and Baby on Clarence street or online at: https://city2surf2015.everydayhero.com/au/isaac or alternatively, contact me on 6584 3757. Thanks Isaac. All the best for the run! Interview by Jo Atkins.

WHAT’S ON GLASSHOUSE Sunday 9 August, 2pm

Tuesday 11 August, 4.30pm

Friday 14 August, 7.30pm Sat. 15 August, 1.30pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 22 August, 8pm

Photography Frank Monger Presented by Popjam Productions. Originally presented in New York City in the 2013 New York Musical Theatre Festival, Isaac Robert Hurwitz, Executive Director & Producer

MOTHER, WIFE AND THE COMPLICATED LIFE The ultimate ‘Girls Night Out’ this funny, poignant & endearing show will make you laugh, cry and leave feeling like your complicated life is completely normal!

Wednesday 26 August, 8pm Thursday 27 August, 11am

STRIPEY: the eggscellent THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET

adventures of an emu chick!

A Garry Ginivan Attractions production based on the books written and illustrated by Wendy Binks. Produced under license by Stunned Emu Press

Stripey is a cracking adventure, based on a simple story adapted for the stage in the well-known, highly skilled and foottapping style associated with other Garry Ginivan Attractions such as Possum Magic, Wombat Stew and My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch!

Wednesday 2 September, 7.30pm

presents The Dancers Company. A stunning triple bill featuring Swan Lake

Experience world-class ballet live on stage with The Dancers Company, The Australian Ballet’s regional touring program. Starring guest artists from The Australian Ballet, and graduates of The Australian Ballet School, this stunning classical triple bill is perfect for the whole family.

Tuesday 15 September, 7.30pm

JOHNNY CASH THE CONCERT 60 Years of Cash, 1955 - 2015

Always keen to give their audiences something new and fresh, Cash 60 brings you the expected hits and highlights from Cash’s stellar career but as always the show is full of select favourites and forgotten gems from the extensive Cash catalogue.

10 July - 13 September IN THE GALLERY

HAMLET

SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE

Anguish, passion and desperation collide in this tragic telling of Hamlet – one of theatre’s most fascinating and tormented characters. Touring nationally as part of Bell Shakespeare’s 25th anniversary season.

Boasting a line-up of the best local and international comics and showcasing some of the funniest and freshest emerging talents, you will be left sore from belly laughs due to this jam packed night of pure entertainment!

BELL SHAKESPEARE’S By William Shakespeare. Director Damien Ryan.

A CELEBRATION OF THE LEGENDARY

FRANK SINATRA

THE OFFICIAL 100TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

JADA: JACARANDA ACQUISITIVE DRAWING AWARD

An exhibition of the finalists of the 2014 Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award Direct from the USA, the concert stars The (JADA), which provides Australian artists Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, appearing for the with the opportunity to explore innovation first time ever in Australia... the band that and excellence in drawing and play a role in made Frank Sinatra a star! fostering Australian drawing practice. Wendy Sharpe, Backstage Burlesque with Venetian Mask, 2013 (detail).

Bell Shakespeare is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

To book: 02 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Founding Sponsors

Government Sponsors A facility of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

THE ROSS FAMILY

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Jacqueline

WINN JACQUELINE WINN’S SHORT STORIES HAVE WON MANY AWARDS, INCLUDING 35 FIRST PRIZES, IN LITERARY COMPETITIONS.

Calling all Family Historians

er stories have been published in anthologies, literary magazines and online in the Australia, NZ, UK, and Ireland. Ginninderra Press Australia has published two collections of Jacqui’s stories, Once More With Feeling and Salt & Pepper. Some of her short stories have been published by BlackRiver Press as Kindle mini-ebooks on Amazon. Jacqui has also written a number of scripts, three novels and the occasional poem. Jacqui lives on a farm at Possum Brush on the east coast of Australia, near the seaside town of Forster. She and her husband have herds of cows and goats, as well as assorted chickens, and a seasonal on-farm business selling fruit tree and vegetable garden nets. They also have a small orchard and a big vegetable garden. Writing and community groups often invite Jacqui to give workshops on various aspects of creative writing, and she writes a blog for writing tips and tricks at: www.jacquelinesusanwinn.

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PORT MACQUARIE & DISTRICTS FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY IS HOSTING THE 31ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE NSW & ACT ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETIES IN SEPTEMBER AT PANTHERS PORT MACQUARIE.

wordpress.com Jacqui also mentors school students undertaking fiction writing for their major work in matriculation English. More information about Jacqui visit: www.jacquelinewinn.com Upcoming Writers Workshop: “The Point exploring ideas and themes in Writing” has been organised by Port Writers. It will run for about two hours and is to be held on the 22nd August at 1pm in the Rotary Hall Community Centre, Hastings River Drive. The cost to attend will be $25 for members and $30 for visitors, with afternoon tea provided.

here are 53 societies in the Association. Each year a member society volunteers to host the Annual Conference and free Family History Fair. It’s a special event for the host society, as they have a chance to showcase their local area and the expertise of their society members. The FREE entry Fair is in Panthers Auditorium, Port Macquarie, from 10am to 4pm on Friday 11th September. It’s a rare opportunity to source information and hints on family history researching from more than 30 companies or societies. Societies will showcase their publications and provide assistance to anyone wanting information about their ancestors in that area. There are five free presentations from: MyHeritage (Russ Wilding); State Records of NSW (Gail

Davis); FamilySearch (Paul Parton); Trove Digitised Newspapers (Debbie Campbell); and Ancestry (Ben Mercer). The Annual Conference is on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th. Talks from 10 nationally known speakers will be woven around the theme of Journey of Discovery. Registration by 28th August is essential. Forms for online registration, or to download and post, are available on the conference website, along with all other details. Just follow the link near the top of the society webpage: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry. com/~nswpmfhs/ or, for further enquiries, email the Secretary at conference.pmdfhs@gmail.com Photo: Gwen Grimmond, May Watson and Jennifer Mullin.

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BEARS O F H O P E THE Colonial Cobbler I know! Where was winter? The days are ECCO is another popular brand in store getting longer and it will soon at Colonial Cobbler. Ecco shoes are be time to get our summer lightweight and offer versatile wardrobe together, comfort in an array of styles. and our shoes are an The ECCO Babett three n, important part of strap sandal combines soft ai Sp in Made s that. leather and nubuck uppers oe sh Zeta in e m co s for a distinctive look. al nd This season is going and sa lours co ti ul m Available in a stylish “Blue ng ni stun to offer us a variety of for the s el st Denim” colour, this tough pa d an colour; it is so exciting .” on as yet supple shoe provides se to see new colour gentle cushioning and all palettes emerge. Made day wear ability. in Spain, Zeta shoes and

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The statistics of infant loss are in Australia are a staggering, with a 1 in 3 chance of Australian women losing a baby in their lifetime ... To support sufferers, a group of local mums have partnered up with Bears of Hope to hold a fundraising gala dinner raising awareness and funds for this unspoken about cause ...

ell us about the not for profit organisation you’re representing, “Bears of Hope”… Bears of hope is an Australian registered not-for profit organisation managed solely by a dedicated team of bereaved parents. They seek to provide crucial information and embrace families during their difficult time of loss, and beyond. They provide families with a care package that includes a BEAR OF HOPE, donated by another bereaved family. This allows the donating family to give their child’s brief life purpose and lasting legacy, whilst filling the empty arms of another family as they walk out of hospital without their baby. They also have a ‘beyond the bear’ support system which can help parents find support groups, private online groups, phone and email counselling, along with annual community events. Bears of hope comfort, acknowledge, inform, empower, and guide families during a time of loss. As a registered not-for profit organisation, they are dedicated to the care of others and reinvesting their finances and resources to ensure they are the leading support for pregnancy and infant loss in Australia. You have an exciting event coming up on 2nd October, with proceeds going to families dealing with infant loss. What are some of the festivities happening on the evening? We sure do! Our Gala dinner will consist of a sit down two course meal, drinks package provided, a live auction, balloon raffle and plenty of entertainment! We have our own event photographer and a photo booth. There will also be plenty of lucky door prizes to be won. What are the statistics of infant loss, and how can we become more aware? The statistics are devastating: there’s a 1 in 4 chance of pregnancies resulting in a miscarriage

and 1 in 3 Australian women will experience miscarriage in their lifetime. Australian women are more likely to experience a miscarriage rather than breast cancer. This year in Australia alone, 2,500 babies will be still born and another 850 will die shortly after birth. Still birth is 10 times more common than SIDS. Every four hours a baby is born still in Australia. You can become more aware by attending great fundraising events such as ours. There are a handful of great organisations that deal with these issues, and their websites are: sands.org.au, stillaware.org, Heartfelt.org. au, bearsofhope.org.au How can businesses support the event? Businesses and individuals are more than welcome to become sponsors of the event. We have two levels of sponsorship, minor and major, which are of a cash value or in the way of goods to be auctioned at the same value. Businesses can also donate items over the value of $100 for our live auction or items and gift vouchers for goods and services of lesser value, to be raffled off in our balloon raffle. We are also accepting cash donations. Where can we purchase tickets and find out more? Tickets will be going on sale very shortly through Panthers Club; ticket pricing starts at $100 per individual and $800 for a table of 10. You can find out more information at our Facebook events page: “night out in support of Bears of Hope”. We regularly update our information on there and give shout outs to all our wonderful sponsors and donators. You can also email us on BOH2444@hotmail.com or call me, Amy, on 0401 912 040. We will also have posters and flyers going up later this month.

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HEALTH By Bob Newton Beginners Tai Chi

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.

an the mercury be released from the amalgam? Studies have shown that it is undeniable that a small amount of mercury in the form of vapor can be released in the mouth as amalgam wears. It is debatable if the amount of mercury in the amalgam fillings can have effects on the body; however, there is a direct correlation between the number of amalgam fillings in the mouth and levels of mercury in body tissues. Do amalgam fillings damage the tooth? Due to the mercury in the amalgam, the fillings can cause the tooth to crack. If you imagine a thermometer, the mercury goes up and down with temperature changes - likewise in your tooth. As the temperature changes in your mouth with cold and hot foods and drinks, the amalgam will expand and contract. Teeth aren’t made to flex in this fashion, and thus cracks and fractures can occur. Should I have my amalgam fillings replaced? Like other fillings, if there are no problems with the filling, they do not need to be replaced. However, in many cases with

large amalgams there can be large fracture lines in the tooth and the tooth can have a bluish tinge, which indicates the amalgam is corroding (rusting/leaking). Quite often these teeth can have decay under the amalgam or have large cracks which are ready to fracture the tooth. Sometimes when a tooth breaks due to amalgam, it can break unfavourably (e.g. under the gum line) which makes the tooth unrestorable and the tooth will need to be taken out. In cases where large fracture lines are visible, it is best to be proactive and protect the tooth. What are the alternatives to amalgam? At Sundial Dental, we are an amalgam free practice. With advances in technology, there are better and safer filling materials. Composite resin is a tooth coloured filling material and is used in small to medium fillings. Because they are bonded onto the tooth (unlike amalgam), less tooth needs to be taken away in order for the filling to hold. CEREC porcelain inlays, onlays and crowns are a better alternative still, as they are stronger, have a much longer life expectancy and look exactly like a tooth.

By Bi Hua Guo Chinese Herbal Medicine Centre

TAI CHI BASICS

TAI CHI OWES ITS NAME TO THE THEORY OF TAI CHI EXPOUNDED IN THE ANCIENT CHINESE PHILOSOPHY. ACCORDING TO THIS THEORY, TAI CHI IS MADE UP OF TWO BASIC ELEMENTS, YIN AND YANG WHICH EXIST TOGETHER AS A UNITY OF OPPOSITES.

n Tai Chi the concept of Yin and Yang refers to the movements of opposites such as opening and closing, inhalation and exhalation, firmness and softness etc. As a combination of soft movements and internal work, there are two aspects to Tai Chi: the physical and the mental. But many practitioners, especially the beginners, have confined themselves to former to the neglect of the latter. During the long course of its development, Tai Chi has evolved into numerous schools and styles, the most popular and distinctive being the Chen, Wu, Yang and Sun styles. Although each of the styles has its own characteristic features,

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positioning of various parts of the body and on the methods of exercise. It is often said that Tai Chi attaches more importance to inner strength than outward appearance. For the beginners, they should first learn to do the movements of an exercise correctly and achieve good coordination between different parts of the body before trying to develop inner strength and combine it with physical movements. Classes for beginners in Yang style will begin shortly in Port Macquarie. Spaces will be limited. For further information call Bob Newton on 6583 3886.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE Stress and Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is over 3,000 years old! And in that time, it has uncovered many secrets about how to utilise plants, animals and other organisms to holistically treat illnesses which have been affecting human beings for millennia. TCM utilises a range of treatment modalities, including acupuncture, herbs, remedial massage, exercise (tai chi, chi gong) breathing and diet to work with people wanting to maintain and improve their health. Interestingly, TCM practitioners in China are paid less money if their patient

they make basically the same demands o the

becomes sick, as it is the job of the practitioner to keep their patient well! TCM aims to maintain the flow of Chi (our Life Force) by maintaining the natural balance between our Yin and our Yang. Our Yin is our feminine energy whilst our yang is our masculine energy. Today in the west, we live busy, stressful “Yang” lives (even in rural towns!). Over time this weakens our Yin, our bodies become out of balance and we become unwell. In treating stress related illnesses, TCM works to strengthen our Yin and Yang balance so that our bodies become healthy again.

The TCM prescription for nourishing and strengthening Yin and Yang balance would include adequate rest, fresh, nourishing foods eaten regularly, plenty of fresh air in our beautiful environment and giving your mind a break through meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi or Yin Yoga. If you find that, despite doing these things you are still not experiencing the health you would like, it is important to visit a Chinese Health practitioner, who has the tools to assist you once again to achieve balance in your health and in your life.

Dr. B COS Ling: Massage @ Port Macquarie massagE At Port Macquarie

DR. PETER DINGLE DR DINGLE (PHD) HAS SPENT THE PAST 25 YEARS AS A RESEARCHER, EDUCATOR, AUTHOR AND PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATE FOR COMMON SENSE.

e has presented on numerous TV and radio shows, and has been in the seven week SBS TV series called Is your home killing you?

An Associate Professor in Health and the Environment for 21 years, Dr Dingle has written over 100 scientifically reviewed papers and 10 books, including, The Great Cholesterol Deception, Take Control and Realise Your Potential, My Dog Eats Better than Your Kids and A Supplement a Day Keeps the Doctor Away. Dr Dingle now travels around the world educating the public and dispelling myths and confusion around healthy eating, lifestyle and long-lasting wellbeing. More and more people have cancer, diabetes, strokes, Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses than ever before. More and more children have asthma, allergies, ADHD and cancer… and they don’t have to! Dr Dingle says YOU can take control of your health!

HeLing Ling Ying Ying (Ling) (Ling) recently returned from visittotoChina. China. He has returned from herher visit and hugely popular of AThe fewhighly weeksrespected ago, the highly respected and proprietor hugely popular “Massageofat“Massage Port Macquarie” took the well-earned (andto proprietor at Port Macquarie” had to return overdue) break familyfamily and to reviewbut hershe techniques China briefly dueto to visit a serious matter, is now in Chinese massage. to beagain, back home in “Port”, back in Port, busy inDelighted her clinic once and very thankfulshe is already busy, happily reuniting with local clients and friends. for the support and good wishes from clients and friends. Asa amasseur, masseur,Ling Lingis ishighly highly qualified Australia well As qualified in in Australia as as well as as in her native China. Her skills are therefore quite unique, in her native China. Her skills are therefore quite unique, as as she successfully combines today’s recognised contemporary she successfully combines today’s recognised contemporary techniques with time-honoured Chinese modalities, to techniques with time-honoured Chinese modalities, to provide provide real assistance to those with physical discomfort, real assistance to those with physical discomfort, sport, sport, health or occupational mobility issues, insomnia or health or occupational mobility issues, insomnia or simply simply common fatigue. In fact, Ling’s loyal long-term clients common fatigue. In fact, Ling’s loyal long-term clients are an are an ongoing testimony to her outstanding level of care. ongoing testimony to her outstanding level of care. Approved Approved treatments are recognised by most major health treatments are recognised by most major health funds, with funds, with HICAPS providing instant rebates in the majority HICAPS providing instant rebates. of cases. Ling the Australian Association of of Lingisisfully fullyaccredited accreditedbyby the Australian Association Massage from herher air-conditioned MassageTherapists Therapistsand andpractices practices from air-conditioned home Beach/Shelly Beach area, where homeclinic clinicininthe theLighthouse Lighthouse Beach/Shelly Beach area, where parking from the door. Warm, considerate parkingisisjust justa afew fewpaces paces from the door. Warm, considerate and cares forfor herher clients - male, female, andsurprisingly surprisinglystrong, strong,she she cares clients - male, young and not-so-young, with compassion, respect andrespect always female, young and not-so-young, with compassion, with Chinese courtesy and values. andtraditional always with traditional Chinese courtesy and values.

boost your immune system Cold and flu season is nearly here. beachside Medi SPA

History shows effective acupuncture and herbal strategies Uneven skinhelped tone? the ancient Chinese avoid the dreaded cold flu symptoms that often come with change of IPL Skinand Rejuvenation is extremely effective to clear freckles, sun season.pigmentation, redness and broken capillaries from face damage, Acupuncture treatment creates stronger immune function neck and décolletage. by balancing yin andsize yang strengthening wei to energy. In Helps to reduce pore andand gives a refined texture the skin’s other words, your immune system is boosted and bolsters your surface. lymphocytes and natural killer cells that fight bacteria and Ingrown hair? viruses. Medical grade lasers effectively reduce dark unwanted hair and Recent research supports acupuncture’s ability to stimulate the ingrown hair. White whiskers are also effectively eradicated. body’s resistance to infection. Regular preventative treatments Smokers’ lines and fine lines? result in being less affected by cold and flu viruses naturally, Awithout combination of effects microdermabrasions andmedications. micro needling the side of cold and flu Rather reduces the thickfor epidermis, stimulates collagen andtofirms theyour skin. than reaching tablets, book an appointment boost immunity seesaggy you through Jowls and and loose, skin? this winter. Check out www.christophernesbitt.com.au see more Cosmetic injectables cleverly administered plump uptolost volume information on how acupuncture can help you. and help to bring back the youthful curves.

You may be sick of being sick or your family being sick, perhaps you want to lose weight, have more energy and feel younger, or you just want to maintain your health ... In one short entertaining and very informative talk, you will learn how to: “Unlock your genes for weight loss and wellness”. Learn why diets, counting calories and low fat foods don’t work. The science is very clear; whatever we do has the potential to alter our gene expression to either increase or decrease our weight and impact our health and wellbeing. By focussing on nutrient dense foods (StarFoods), supplementation, the right protein, probiotics and eliminating toxins from your home, you can unlock your genes for weight loss and wellbeing and so much more! This is a NOT TO BE MISSED HEALTH EVENT! Tuesday 18th August, 7pm for 7:15pm start. Only $10 pre booked and paid, or tickets avail @ door (if not sold out prior). Town Green Inn Upstairs Rafters Room 4 Horton Street, Port Macquarie Event Tickets & Enquiries contact: Tania McCutcheon Ph: 0402 995 338 E: gtmccutcheon@bigpond.com greater port macquarie focus.

TUMM • Tried tummy • Or ar firmne • Have If you a Tuck S Tummy residua tummy natura Can Lip Liposu underl amoun elastici Can I h Tummy strateg College close t For a c 1300 6 bobby@

beachside dental Please introduce us to your team ... We have two dentists, Dr Paul Cowan and Dr Robert Hii. We also have a hygienist/ therapist Bronwyn Falconer and five caring assistants.

can receive up to $1,000 worth of dental treatment over a two year period, and it is fully bulk billed. If you are unsure of your eligibility, then give our girls a call, as they can confirm your eligibility over the phone.

Paul and Rob, how long have you been a dentist and for how long have you had Beachside Dental? Paul has been a dentist for 32 years and has worked in Laurieton/Port Macquarie for 30 years. He has been in partnership with Robert since 2010.

We also welcome all Veteran Affairs Gold card holders, whom are also fully bulk billed through Medicare. On Tuesdays we have a Dental Technician on site for all your denture requirements. He also provides same day service for denture repairs, additions and relines. On Wednesday we have our hygienist/therapist here, who has been with Paul for 12 years; she thoroughly enjoys treating children of all ages and provides periodontal treatment.

Robert has been a dentist for 13 years and bought into the partnership at Beachside Dental in 2010. Apart from general dental care, what are some of the services that your practice provides? We welcome all new and emergency patients. We also except the Medicare CDBS or Child Dental Benefits Scheme for children aged between 2 - 17 who are eligible. These children

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Beachside Dental are the preferred provider for CBHS. Can you tell us what this is? CBHS is a health fund formally known as Commonwealth Bank Health Society, which we are a preferred provider for. This means if you are a member, all your preventative dental treatment received with us will be gap free.

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Port Macquarie ultrasound At Port Macquarie Ultrasounds we provide the full range of Gynaecological and Obstetric scans, including trans abdominal, trans vaginal and trans perineal scanning for pelvic organs and prolapse imaging. First, second and third trimester Obstetric scans and the 11 - 14 week Down Syndrome risk assessment scans are routinely provided. CVS and amniocentesis are also supplied, along with an extensive range of other services. Supervision of all PMU services by a specialist Gynaecologist / Obstetrician enables the timely provision of comprehensive reports accompanied by relevant guiding advice. Throughout Pregnancy, many women will have a

dating scan attended early on in their pregnancy to either ascertain how far advanced their pregnancy is, to confirm their dates, or check for a fetal heart beat. At around 12 weeks, again many will opt to have the Nuchal Translucency Scan screening for Down Syndrome. At 18 to 20 weeks, an anatomical scan, called the Morphology Scan, is attended. Other ultrasounds during the pregnancy may be required according to individual circumstances.

Can you explain the difference between a 3D and a 4D scan? 3D gives a life like image of the fetus, with the skin and features easily visible. 4D is basically a moving 3D image.

Louise Harper - Genea We hear lots of success stories about IVF. What makes Genea a leader in this field? At Genea, we’re committed to providing patients with a greater chance of achieving the dream of parenthood through consistent investment in our world leading science and individualised care. It’s not just a throwaway line for us - it’s something we deeply believe in and, as you’ll find, we live and breathe it every single day. What recent training have you undertaken to improve your skills and expertise? Genea has an ongoing commitment to ensure the highest level of staff expertise. A focus on

continuous improvement means that clinics work closely on a coordinated approach to our patients’ treatment cycles, and I often spend time at Genea’s Newcastle and Sydney clinics. I also present at conferences and attend regular seminars, keeping up to date with the latest developments in our field. I now hold a Masters in Reproductive Medicine - Graduating from University of NSW (UNSW) in June 2014. Louise Harper. RN, Midwife. Masters in Reproductive Medicine. Nurse Coordinator.

World leading fertility services right here on your doorstep For almost 30 years Genea has been committed to providing the best possible chance of success and the greatest delivery of care to couples who dream of becoming parents to a healthy baby. And Genea’s Port Macquarie Fertility Specialists have been dedicated to providing this valuable service to North Coast couples for more than 17 years.

Give yourself the best chance, call Louise Harper today for more information 0411 581 271 or 02 6583 4922

Dr Ray Hodgson Specialities - General infertility, gynaecology and pelvic floor surgery 57 Lake Road, Port Macquarie 02 6584 5857 Dr Penny Black Specialities - General infertility, public obstetrics and gynaecology Suite 6, 2 Wrights Road, Port Macquarie 02 6581 0444

1300 361 795 | genea.com.au

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OPSM

BRINGS WORLD LEADING TECHNOLOGY

World leading technology comes to OPSM on the Mid North Coast, with the new exclusive scanner aiding early eye-dentification of eye conditions. Local OPSM Franchise Partner Andrew Simpson is encouraging Mid North Coast residents to increase their knowledge and awareness about the importance of looking after their eyes, after research conducted by the leading optical retailer found an estimated 2,000,000 Australians aged between 18 and 44 have either never had their eyes tested or have failed to get them tested in the past five years*. “A lot of people in our community are diligent with their eye health and eye care, which is encouraging. However, it’s important for everyone to have their eyes tested at least every two years, not just those at a higher risk of eye disease or those with an existing eye condition,” said Andrew. “We take the care of our local residents’ eyes very seriously; as a result, at OPSM we will now be offering our customers eye tests using the Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Digital Retinal Scanners^. Residents will be able to get a scan of the back of their eye, which is four times wider than a regular Digital Retinal Scan^. In a single scan we have a greater chance of detecting abnormalities which could indicate an

eye condition affecting a person’s It’s never too vision.” early for people The Optos Daytona to get their eyes y is to Ultra Wide scanners are checked. The ke ons iti nd exclusive to OPSM and allow detect eye co drive to raise the bar , le ib ss po Optometrists like Max Webb as early as in eye care standards and Selwyn Peake to see a especially when for all Australians. is s 200-degree view of the back 80% of blindnes A comprehensive ” preventable. of the eye in a single scan in less eye examination by your than five minutes, compared with Optometrist is the best way only 45 degrees using standard digital to monitor your eye health, but retinal scanning machines. The images OPSM is sharing the following tips are stored securely for future comparisons and to also help look after your eyes: enables better management of patients’ eye • Fresh fruit and vegetables: A healthy health. diet low in saturated fats and rich in fresh fruit Andrew continued: “It’s never too early and leafy green vegetables (spinach, broccoli) is for people to get their eyes checked. The likely to be helpful. key is to detect eye conditions as early as • Regular exercise possible, especially when 80% of blindness is • Stop smoking: smoking has been shown preventable~.” to increases the risk of eye conditions such as The $20 million investment by OPSM in macular degeneration. Quitting smoking may the Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Digital Retinal reduce your risk and slow the progression of Scanners and other leading-edge technology such conditions. is the biggest investment in eye care in the 82 • Wear sunglasses: wearing sunglasses in the harsh Australian sun will help block UV light year history of the company and is part of its

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that can cause eye damage. • Take a break: Office workers often concentrate so intently on their computer screens, they forget to blink and get dry eyes. Take a break every hour, rest your eyes and look around the office. Eye health checks, including with a digital retinal scan, can be booked by visiting www. opsm.com.au or calling OPSM located locally in Port Macquarie Settlement City, Clarence St, Laurieton, Kempsey and Wauchope. *Source: OPSM research conducted by Pure Profile in May 2012 from a sample size of 1009 people across Australia aged 18 to 65+. Population figure calculated using 2010 population statistics provided by Australian Bureau of Statistics - www.abs.com.au. ^ Compared to a standard and more common 45 degree Digital Retinal Scan ~ Source: Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, Global Blindness Facts, www.worldsiteday.ca

ULTRA WIDE DIGITAL RETINAL SCAN 45o

View of a Standard Digital Retinal Scan

200o

View of our Exclusive Ultra Wide Digital Retinal Scan

OPSM recommends that you schedule regular visits with your optometrist based on your eye health needs.

Port Macquarie Clarence Street, Settlement City Ph: 6583 1377 Shopping, Ph: 6583 4271

Laurieton Laurie Street, Ph: 6559 9007

Kempsey Belgrave Street, Ph: 6562 5886

COMMIT TO CHECKING YOUR EYE HEALTH, VISIT OPSM TODAY. Taree Taree City Centre Ph: 6552 2391 OPSM9356 0715 255x156

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ICONIC RUNNING FESTIVAL

COFFS HARBOUR’S ANNUAL RUNNING FESTIVAL IS FAST APPROACHING. THE UNIQUE ‘OFF-ROAD’ RUNNING EVENT ON SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR FIVE YEARS AND IS ONE OF THE COFFS COAST’S MOST POPULAR SPORTING EVENTS.

ast year’s festival attracted over 1,500 participants, taking part in the half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km fun run, 5 km run/ walk and the 3 km run/walk and organisers are expecting record numbers again this year. Held on a bush trail on the beautiful Coffs Creek Walkway, all events start and finish at the Coffs Harbour Showground and meander along the south and north banks of the Coffs Creek through forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark to the ocean and back, passing some of the city’s most popular attractions including Dolphin Marine Magic, Park Beach and the scenic Botanic Gardens. The success of Coffs Harbour's Bendigo Bank Running Festival has been recognised by Destination NSW, selecting it as one of their Regional Flagship Events for 2015. Organisers were thrilled to receive the Flagship funding for the second year and are aiming to attract participants from all over the

state to experience the unique course and all that is on offer on the Coffs Coast. Steve Moneghetti has been the event ambassador for the past four years, hailing it as one of the most unique courses he has run on. After taking out the 10 km event in 2013, Moneghetti went on to run the half marathon. He then completed the 5 km fun ffs The success of Co run with his son and o ig nd Be Harbour ’s come along, enjoy the finished his morning nning Festival Ru nk Ba experience and go with the 3 km event. ised by has been recogn home with a smile on ct le He said afterwards, , se D estination NSW r Retheir face, that‘s what ei “This is one of the ing it as one of th ents for Ev ip it’s all about.” best courses in the gional Flag sh Mick continues, “There world and I love it so 2015.” are some amazing prizes much I decided to run it up for grabs this year just four times.” for taking part including trips Race Director, Mick Maley said, to Cambodia and Thailand, as well “The great thing about this event is as holidays closer to home and Brooks that people do running shoes. not have to be fast or elite to participate. The Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running FestiAge or ability is irrelevant as long as they

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Black & Pantone 485

The Rotary Club of Coffs Habrour

Mike Blewitt s Coast Coa Co astappy! ast Coffs Drive away h

SINCE 1978

mikeblewitt.com.au

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ON AGAIN

val raises money for local childrens’ charities and has raised over $110,000 since the inaugural event in 2011. Life Education, Coffs Coast Autism, Camp Quality and the Early Childhood Intervention Program are among the charities that will benefit again this year. The 2015 Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running Festival is on Sunday, 6 September starting from the Coffs Harbour Showground. To register, or for more information, go to www.villagesports.com.au or contact Village Sports on 02-6651 2029.

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focusinterview.

STRONGEST

MAN THIRD

REECE VELLA

COMPETING IN THE GRUELLING “AUSTRALASIA’S MOST POWERFUL MAN” AND TAKING OUT OVERALL THIRD ACROSS THE COMPETITION, REECE VELLA SHARES WITH FOCUS HIS JOURNEY …

ow long have you called our local area home? I have lived on the Mid North Coast for just over four years now. I moved up to Kundabung from Sydney four years ago, I spend most of my time in Port Macquarie, and as a result have lived in Port Macquarie for two of those four years. At what age did fitness become a part of your life? I have always been involved in sports, playing a range of geam sports and martial arts. It wasn’t until I was 17 that I set foot in a gym; it was here that my passion for resistance training and fitness really began. Tell us about your recent title; you’ve been dubbed as “Third Most Powerful Man” in Australia. What event did you compete in to receive this title? Australasia’s Most Powerful Man event was held over two days, Saturday 13th June, and Sunday 14th June at Del Rio Resort in Wisemans Ferry. Being over two days, this competition was extremely strenuous on the body and was extremely testing; however, due to the nature of Strongman, the individuals who compete at these events are the epitome of Sportsmen (and sportswomen). I met some of the best athletes, and genuine people I have ever had the privilege of knowing, which motivated me and pushed me to do and be the best I could be at this event. I was very humbled to receive this Title; this was my second ever Strongman, or weightlifting event, I had ever competed in, so to do so well was very unexpected. My goal was purely to be competitive and thanks to the wisdom and programming of my coach, Mark Jamsek, I was able to far exceed my own expectations. Explain the rigorous activities you undertook over the course of the event … The competition consisted of seven events. Day one consisted of four events, which included a 270 kg frame carry over 30 metres which was timed, a 90 kg log clean and press for as many repetitions as possible in 75 seconds, a deadlifting event that began at 200 kg and continued up by 20 kg increments until a winner was determined (I failed at 280kg; the winner lifted 300 kg), and 140 kg conans wheel, which goes by distance covered in 75 56

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seconds. Day two consisted of three events: a 10 kg shot put with three attempts and the furthest distance thrown measured; 320 kg yolk walk over 30 metres, which was timed; and five atlas stones that had to be lifted to 1.25 metre barrels in 75 seconds, the quickest time won (80 kg, 90 kg, 100 kg, 120 kg, 140 kg stones). I finished 2nd in the frame carry, equal 1st in the log press, equal 6th in the deadlift, 6th in the conans wheel, 1st in the shot-put, 5th in the yolk and 6th in the stones event. As a result, I finished outright third in Australasia in the under 90 kg category. Leading up to the event, you must have undergone some intense training. What y This is where m did it involve, and e th n w do y ne jour ry whom do you owe st du fitness /health in from; gratitude to for being ed m em st s ha ad ro king in by your side training I have been wor ry as st du in and pushing you to ss the fitne for r your limits? a personal traine and s, ar Five weeks prior the past 3. 5 ye remedial to this event was the massaging as a years.” up with me at the therapist for 2. 5 Port Macquarie strong gym, and my trainers, man event, for which I Jayden Vella and had trained for 11 weeks Gerard MacIntyre, for their and was able to place second. It support on the day. My final wasn’t until here that I heard of the thanks goes to my family and friends Australasian competition, so my preparation who came and supported me on the day - in for this event was limited. Training for particular my parents, for feeding me, and Australasia’s most powerful man was gruelling, listening to me whinge when I came home and consisted of four or five 2 - 3 hour training after training. sessions a week. This training consisted Not only do you hold this title, you wear a mainly of powerlifting movements (squatting, few other hats too. Tell us about your life deadlifting, bench pressing, and overhead as a personal trainer, massage therapist pressing) accompanied with strongman specific and also a nurse working in aged care … implement work. I have to thank my coach, People are my passion. I love developing Mark Jamsek from East Coast Barbell; without relationships and helping those around me, his knowledge as a strength and conditioning if that is by doing something as simple as coach and programming there is no way I making them smile, I am happy. This is where would have been able to achieve what I have. my journey down the fitness/health industry I would also like to thank my fellow ECB road has stemmed from; I have been working teammates Aaron Wilde and Kaylyn Price for in the fitness industry as a personal trainer the support both in and out of the gym. They for the past 3.5 years, and massaging as a both also achieved highly in this competition, remedial therapist for 2.5 years. It wasn’t until with Aaron also finishing third in Australasia, February last year that I began my journey and first in NSW in the under 80 kg class on as a Registered Nurse at the University of the day, consisting of five competitors, and Newcastle. I am currently studying a Bachelor Kaylyn finishing as NSW’d strongest woman of Nursing, which led me to working in Aged under 82 kg. I would like to thank the guys Care at Garden Village in Port Macquarie. at the High Performance Centres for putting

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Listening to the experiences of these amazing individuals, and being able to make their day that little bit better is what tells me I have made the right decision in terms of my career. What are your goals for your competitive future? I have become extremely passionate about Strongman/Powerlifting and wish to continue competing in these events. I have a Powerlifting competition on September 6th in Sydney which I am currently training for; after that, I would like to continue competing in smaller events in Strongman and Powerlifting. My eye is set on next year’s Australasia’s Most Powerful Man Competition; to win that would be amazing. What advice would you give to those inspired by your journey? Don’t be afraid of giving things a go in life; once you find something you are passionate about, work hard at being the best you can be. In the words of my biggest hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger,”Don’t be afraid to fail”. Failure means you have given something a go; from failure we are able to learn so much and better ourselves each and every time until failure will no longer be an issue. Thanks Reece.

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Dr. Bobby Kumar COSMETIC SURGEON

PORT SMILES

dental goals DR SAGNIK SENGUPTA

We advise our patients that complex problems can be solved by quite simple methods. Sometimes it takes time, dedication and monitoring. That’s why Port Smiles helps you follow all the steps to reach your dental goals, together. Dr Sagnik Sengupta tells us more.

ell us about at least once daily, drink water some common (and keep sugary drinks/foods to a dental problems minimum) and most importantly, have amongst active your teeth checked and cleaned every Australians. six months. If something is picked up The biggest early, it’s usually inexpensive to rectify issue currently in Australia is the level and most importantly, no unexpected of hidden sugars in our pain! foods/drinks. Clever With a large range of marketing and services available, Port Smiles vague nutritional how can Port look s at the facts can make it Smiles Dental is bigger picture. It ith very confusing help? w common to deal for active e, Port Smiles tim a one tooth at rt Po at Australians to looks at the am but the te a tr ex at th ke determine what bigger picture. ta Smiles e th to t ge d an is good for adult It is common step cause. ” or maturing teeth. to deal with one We always suggest tooth at a time, but that if in doubt, ask the team at Port Smiles our friendly team, before it take that extra step and get becomes a problem. to the cause. This allows our What are some tips for patients to get comprehensive and maintaining good oral health? personalised treatment options that The best tip is … regularity. give the best outcome. With most Regularly brush twice a day, floss general and complex dental services

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Dr. Bobby Kumar on Breast Surgery Breast Surgery Q and A Are you unhappy with the shape, size and position of your breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding? Do you suffer pain, discomfort, or lifestyle limitations due to large or droopy breasts? Have you lost weight and are unhappy with the remaining shape and position of your breasts? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then Breast Surgery might be for you. Breast Surgery includes: Breast Reduction, Lift and Augmentation – to reduce size and droopiness of the breasts, whilst at the same time restoring volume and shape (very common after pregnancy and breastfeeding) Breast Reduction and Lift – to reduce size and volume and address droopiness of the breasts Breast Reduction only – to reduce size and volume of breasts Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, tailors Breast Surgery to the needs and unique characteristics of the individual, taking into account the existing size, shape and position of the breasts and the results you are seeking to achieve. For a consultation with Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, call Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009, or email bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au

offered in house, our patients don’t get shuffled from one person/place to the next, allowing them to feel at ease with every visit. What sets you apart as a team? Our mantra is to provide personalised, professional and gentle dental care to all our patients, regardless of what is needed. Whether it is for a regular general check-up and clean, or complex treatments such as smile makeovers and dental implants, the mantra above is what we always stick by. We invest in the latest technology to provide the best quality of care. The friendly dentists and staff at Port Smiles always put the care of our patients first and are excited with the results we achieve together. Our patients love what we do, our mannerisms and how they are the number one priority all the time! We hope to keep it that way. greater port macquarie focus. 57

Disability and Special Services

Centacare Transition to work program What is the program and how does it work? Transition to Work is a two year program which assists school leavers with a disability to develop a range of skills to make a smooth transition to employment, build to independence and live a holistic lifestyle.

• Initial planning meeting and ongoing, regular reviews • Work focused skill development • Work sampling and job trials • Specific job or career related training • Support to build a working lifestyle

What does it involve?

What are the TTW steps to success?

The major focus of the TTW program is to provide specific training in preparing our members for transition to a work environment. This includes employment skills and training, holistic health and fitness, living and social inclusion skills maintaining a person centred approach. Centacare’s TTW program views health as a creative way to increase motivation and participation, allowing our members to feel good about themselves and overcome their barriers. This helps our members to build positive relationships within the community, create and attain goals, alleviate stresses and improve overall well-being.

“If you believe, you will succeed.” • Become positive and believe you can achieve your goals with support from our qualified trainers. • Improve motivation and become empowered by achieving your goals • Reflect on your experiences • Develop a range skills

What services are provided in Transition to Work?

greater port macquarie focus.

Who is eligible? Students with a disability leaving school who are wanting to access a post school program for further education and support. For more information call Centacare on 6581 6800 or drop into the office at Level 1 Bourne House, 10-12 Short Street, Port Macquarie.

JK HEALTHCARE JK Healthcare is owned by local Jodie Kennett, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE). Working in the industry for over 20 years, she now has over 11,500 clients! It includes Jessica (APD) and Louise (Reception). We provide clear and realistic education regarding your Dietary needs, including heart disease, cancer, bowel disorders, food allergies, and weight management. A CDE advises on conditions such as Diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, Insulin Resistance, and glucose monitors. We also regularly conduct clinics at Lake Cathie, as well as home visits. Why not drop in and check out our range of books? For a FREE newsletter, subscribe by emailing

admin@jkhealthcare.com.au. Look for JK Healthcare on Facebook to get recipes! Dates To Remember! • 2nd September: FREE lunch for people with Type 2 Diabetes interested in learning more about Insulin Pump Therapy. • 21st October: FREE Information Night for those with Type 1 Diabetes interested in Insulin Pump Therapy (light refreshments). Insulin Pump Therapy helps people with Diabetes who are having multiple insulin injections each day. Gone are the days of eating to match your insulin - now your insulin matches your food! For more information or to register, please contact Louise on 6583 7717.

SPORTING SINS

Dental

HEALTH W E E K

2 0 1 5

DR DARIN BALLARD AND THE TEAM AT PORT MACQUARIE ORTHODONTICS HAVE SUPPORTED DENTAL HEALTH WEEK FOR MANY YEARS AND ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO HEALTH EDUCATION.

his year the Australian Dental chemists, sporting stores or can be custom Association has chosen to focus made by many dentists. on the “Sporting Sins”. Two of Tooth decay is a preventable disease, and the major sporting sins are: not there are many risk factors that can contribute wearing a mouthguard, and to the development of tooth decay - the major consumption of sports drinks. two being brushing and diet. These two factors Erryn Metcalfe at Port Macquarie Orthodontics play a major role in contributing to the disease shares her views on these issues. in our modern society. Tooth brushing may As an Oral Health Therapist, I seem like a tedious minor task in our see dental decay on a daily daily lives, but it is incredible the basis and am becoming benefit on the health of your more aware of the mouth if brushing is done ed ne impact the increased correctly and frequently. u yo , lly na Fi consumption of The other factor, to think about and h et “sports drinks” te diet, is a huge issue in ur yo t ha w u. is having on our itself. The Australian smile mean to yo ly mouths. Major population is seeing Teeth are not on so al ey th g; tin ea reasons many drastic consequences for ng help with speaki people are choosing from both the obesity ur and can affect yo to consume sports epidemic and simply .” ce en confid drinks is because they the increased availability taste great and help and popularity of to quickly replace lost carbohydrate rich, fast foods electrolytes during exercise. and sugary drinks, all impacting Unfortunately, these products the prevalence of tooth decay. Noare extremely high in sugar, which can one should accept dental decay, as it not have a detrimental effect on our teeth. only affects your mouth, but it can affect During periods of exercise, our bodies your whole body. Your mouth is not separate can become dehydrated and we experience a from your body, and consequently disease and reduction in saliva flow. Frequent consumption inflammation in your mouth can contribute to of a beverage with such high amounts of sugar your general health. at these times drastically increases the risk of Dental professionals can help analyse the tooth decay as, due to poor saliva flow, our sugars and frequency of that in your diet to help teeth are more susceptible to acid attack. The with preventing dental decay, as well as guiding most effective way of replacing lost fluids and you to professionals such as dieticians. Regular protecting our teeth is to consume fluoridated dental visits can help with preventing decay, tap water instead of a high sugar sports drink. as the information they can provide will be to Mouthguards are extremely important for specific to your individual needs. anyone engaging in contact sports. Many Finally, you need to think about what your people are unaware of the function of a teeth and smile mean to you. Teeth are not only mouthguard. Not only do they help to protect for eating; they also help with speaking and can the teeth from trauma, but they also assist in affect your confidence. Don’t just accept dental the prevention of brain injury, most notably, decay as a fact of life; make a positive step concussion. Mouthguards are available at most towards prevention.

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GRZYBOWSKI EVE GRZYBOWSKI HAS BEEN TEACHING YOGA FOR OVER 30 YEARS, HAVING EXPLORED 15 DIFFERENT TYPES OF YOGA AND DEVELOPING HER OWN SYLE. EVE WILL BE BRINGING HER KNOWLEDGE TO THE EKAM YOGA FESTIVAL AT THE GLASSHOUSE ON SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER.

g my Besides assistin s se as teacher in cl , od ri pe over this 3-year her ac te a I completed metimes training , and so classes. attended extra ned how ar Eventually, I le my own n ru d to set up an to train yoga school and yoga teachers . ”

“ hat is your background in yoga; where did it all begin for you? Believe it or not, I started yoga just on 45 years ago. It all began with a single request from a friend of mine to join a 10day YMCA yoga course. I loved yoga from the first class, and I’ve never stopped doing it since then. Yoga was considered a fringe activity in those days. You didn’t have yoga apps and DVDs to practice with. After my YMCA course finished, I wanted to continue. So, I found a book called Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan and used it to do yoga at home … until I realised 28 days wasn’t going to be enough. I started looking for other yoga teachers, but also did yoga on my own at home. What styles of yoga do you specialise in? I’ve explored and tried at least 15 different types of yoga and have taken the best from them, then woven them into my own style. As for what I teach, it depends. There’s a theory that yoga teachers usually attract students within a bracket of ten years older to ten years younger than the age of the teacher. But in my classes, I seem to get students who range from late teens to eighty-year olds. That means I have to cater to a broad spectrum of needs. Depending on the student, I can provide energetic practices like salutes-to-the-sun or “flow” yoga, therapeutic yoga for injuries and medical 60 greater port macquarie focus.

conditions, restorative yoga, and more. How did you learn and gain your experience in the yoga tradition? I learned to teach the oldfashioned way by apprenticing for three years to a teacher from the Iyengar yoga tradition - a particularly rigorous method. I was obsessed with learning as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Besides assisting my teacher in classes over this three-year period, I completed a teacher training, and sometimes attended extra classes. Eventually, I learned how to set up and run my own yoga school and to train yoga teachers. Where are you from and what inspires you? I was born in the U.S., and have lived in Australia for nearly 40 years. I feel that I’m Australian, but I still sound like an American! Yoga itself inspires me, in all of its multiple aspects and applications. I’ve given most of my adult life to it, and in return it’s helped me stay healthy and vital at 70 years old. What also inspires me, too, is the place where I live. Mitchells Island in the Manning Valley is paradise, a natural and peaceful environment that nourishes me every day. The people I live with and the communities I’ve fostered and others that I’ve been welcomed into are another source of continuing inspiration.

Tell us about your involvement with the Ekam Yoga Festival in Port Macquarie this October. One of my former students, now a teacher in her own right, Denis Juelicher, invited me to present at Ekam. When Denis told me what the festival was aiming to do, I couldn’t resist coming on board. You see, the word Ekam means “one” in Sanskrit. The aim of the festival is to have us come together as one and in harmony, no matter what our backgrounds are. This is something I stand for in the way I teach yoga and the way I do life. What will be some of the highlights of the event? I’m hoping one of my workshops is a highlight. It’s called “Double and Single Yoga”. It’s a chance for festival go-ers to do yoga with a partner. When I’ve taught this session before, there’s usually an atmosphere of fun and laughter. Personally, when I’m not teaching my own sessions, I want toparticipate in some of the rich banquet of classes and music events. Some of these have intriguing titles like: “Open the Heart”, “Weightlessness”, and “Deeper Than You Can Think”. What’s great about Ekam is that it will reflect the multiplicity of yoga - nineteen

different sessions encompassing physical yoga, meditation, chanting, discussions, and instrumental music. The organisers have cast their net wide and are presenting knowledgeable teachers and talented musicians from Newcastle to the Northern Rivers. Why does the diversity of yoga appeal to so many? The very diversity of yoga is its appeal. It has so many sides and can meet so many needs. For instance, I started yoga as 27 year old, and my main aim was to shed postpregnancy weight by doing yoga exercises. I did lose weight, but then my interests changed. I saw that yoga could be used as a healing modality, and it helped me recover from two major surgeries. When I was a bit older, I took up meditation and pranayama (breath control) to still my overactive mind. Much later, I studied the philosophy of yoga. Any and all of these are valid yoga paths. The good thing is that you can find almost anything to suit you in the cornucopia of yoga. For my part, I’ve ended up receiving more gifts from yoga than I ever imagined. One of the best of these is the amazing connections I’ve made with people. I’m still close friends with students and teachers I met in the ‘70s. The Ekam Festival is a powerful way of reinforcing and expanding these sorts of connections. Thanks Eve.

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Stretch your body and your mind at a new annual yoga event in Port Macquarie. Ekam Yoga Festival brings together local and Australia-wide recognised yoga teachers, musicians and natural health professionals for one day at the Glasshouse on Sun 11 October 2015. FOCUS has talked with one of the event organisers, Denis Juelicher from The Yoga Shala, about this exciting new event.

EKAM YOGA FESTIVAL

11TH OCT

ho are some of the presenters at Ekam? Ekam Yoga Festival is really excited about the calibre of presenters we’ve been able to attract. One of the intentions of the event was to bring experiences of Ekam that people in regional areas usually don’t have access to. We are particularly excited to welcome John Ogilvie to Port Macquarie. John is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced teachers and founder of Byron Yoga Centre. He has guided the journey into yoga teaching of thousands of Australian and international teachers. John developed his signature style of yoga, Purna Yoga, after 20 years of disciplined training in the Iyengar method and six years of a steady Ashtanga practice. John will present a Purna Yoga Master Class as well as a session on yoga philosophy. Ekam will also be an opportunity for many of the experienced and inspiring Port Macquarie teachers to share their teachings with a larger audience. Kassie Tubbs is one local teacher with more than 10 years’ yoga experience. Giving birth has had a profound impact on her teaching and led her to focus on yoga for women - a topic that she will elaborate on in her session at Ekam. Other yoga classes on the day include Power Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Japanese Movement Meditation, Ashtanga Yoga, Meditation, and Yoga Philosophie.

Is Ekam only for people who do yoga? Not at all. Ekam also offers a range of different music experiences, with musicians from the Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Newcastle. The Natural Health & Sustainable Living Expo will be of interest to anyone pursuing a healthy lifestyle and includes talks from natural health professionals, including Simon Feeney from Empirical Health and Barbara O’Neill from Misty Mountain Health Retreat. Who is behind this festival? The Festival is organised by Random Acts of Yoga, a not-for-profit organisation based in Port Macquarie, which aims to improve the local community’s wellbeing through yoga. The Festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. Our main sponsors are Byron Yoga Centre, Marketplace Events, The Yoga Shala and Port MacquarieHastings Council, through their newly established Event Development Sponsorship Programme.

the plug! Tickets are $98 and available online now. Sessions are booking out quickly, so head to www.ekamyogafestival.org.au for more information & tickets soon. Connect to the Ekam community on Facebook / ekamyogafestival.

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do you feel dizzy? Do you feel spinning? Do you experience giddiness? Or do you have difficulty maintaining focus whilst driving, riding or reading? Dizziness and disequilibrium are common complaints reported by many clients at Brainstorm Rehabilitation, a neurological rehabilitation balance clinic. Researcher and clinician Darren Gray, says, “ Its important to understand that dizziness is not a disease but rather a symptom resulting from disturbance of the brain and nervous system”.

Belinda Lord BEGIN BRIGHT

i Belinda. Begin Bright has and handwriting skills. been open now for a couple Our Orange level is designed for children in of months; how is it all their first year on school and is offered as an going, and how is it being extension for those preschool children who received by your students are ready to read. Students listen to, read, and parents? view, and write a variety of literacy texts and It has been a very exciting and busy developing a solid foundation of numeracy couple of months, and we have had a concepts and problem solving skills. very successful start to our business. Our Our Red level caters for Stage one students vision for Begin Bright is to be the through our tutoring programing. most respected and trusted Purple level caters for Stage private early education 2 and Blue level caters for provider in Australia. Stage 3. t Our current families We have introduced en rr cu Our ve ha have embraced a Pink level for es ili m fa comed el w d an and welcomed inquisitive toddlers. ed ac embr with es m m ra our programmes This programme is og pr r ou are with enthusiasm designed to play enthusiasm and y that and are extremely with purpose. While extremely happ e their children ar e and happy that their each lesson revolves tiv receiving a posi children are around craft, songs to their t ar st e supportiv receiving a positive and exploring, there ” y. ne educational jour and supportive start is a main focus on to their educational developing fine motor journey. skills and age appropriate You offer many different concepts. programmes; tell us what Are there any restrictions on they are ... who can enrol at Begin Bright? Our award winning programmes Absolutely not! We welcome all students are designed around the Australian the opportunity to succeed and learn curriculum and are represented through our through our amazing programmes. As an Begin Bright logo. educational provider, we work closely with Our Green level is the perfect introduction other local educational specialists such as to learning for little ones. It introduces all the Occupational or Speech Pathology therapists letter names and sounds of the alphabet, so to refer and support children’s learning. that when children have completed the year What do you love most about your role they have sound phonemic knowledge of the at Begin Bright? English language. Numbers 1-10 are focused I love that I have created a place where on, and children use concrete materials to children can blossom and be their unique represent concepts. and amazing selves! A place where Our Yellow level classes are designed education and learning is valued and children specifically for children starting school the can start their learning journey by feeling following year. Children are introduced to smart, happy and confident in everything synthetic phonetic sounds, numbers to 20 that they do!

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greater port macquarie focus.

Dizziness can impair the person’s ability to change positions (such as line down) or move about without imbalance of vertigo (Dieterich, 2004). Some forms of dizziness may be debilitating enough to diminish a person’s quality of life both physically and socially (Mutlu & Serbetcioglu, 2013). A common neurological approach to managing dizziness is an exercise based program of therapy (Herdman, 2007). The aim of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is to reduce the symptoms of disequilibrium and dizziness associated with a vestibular disorder. “Our balance clinic we able to establish an appropriate program of therapy to suit the dizziness or balance illness ”, said rehabilitation therapist Gray. This alternative treatment approach involves specific exercises that have been found

significantly reduce the symptoms by retraining the brain compensations. Significantly this program of therapy is designed to achieve: Decrease dizziness and visual symptoms. Increase balance and walking function. Increase general activity levels. The prescription of VRT is dependent on the type of vestibular disorder and is found to be a safe, effective and practical application for dizziness. For further information or schedule a limited available appointment please contact Brainstorm Rehabilitation on brainstormrehab.com.au or phone - 1300 667 443. Reference Dieterich, M. (2004). Dizziness. The Neurologist, 10(3), 154–164. Herdman, S. J. (2007). Vestibular Rehabilitation. (S. J. Herdman, Ed.) (Third). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis company. Mutlu, B., & Serbetcioglu, B. (2013). Discussion of the dizziness handicap inventory. In Journal of Vestibular Research: Equilibrium and Orientation (Vol. 23, pp. 271–277).

JOJO SMITH SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

JOJO SMITH IS AN INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMER WHO TAKES HER AUDIENCES ON A LYRICAL AND MUSICALLY DIVERSE JOURNEY OF BLUES, SOUL, FUNK, R&B, LATIN AND JAZZ.

er own songs are a tour de force recent performances at Port Fairy and Bello Winter Music have confirmed JoJo’s status as one of Australia's finest singer/ songwriters. To her fans she is one of Australia’s greatest treasures, offering a fresh uniqueness in sound and composition yet bringing to mind some of the world’s most respected singers and songwriters, the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Norah Jones. Not suggesting she sounds like them, JoJo sounds like JoJo, but like them, she certainly delivers on many levels,

vocally, lyrically and instrumentally. JoJo has generously agreed to hold a voice and rhythm workshop prior to the show from 3pm 5pm - limited places are available. Phone Krissa on 0429 854 733 to book your place ($20). Sat, August 8, 2015. Tickets at the door from 7:30pm $25; $20 for members. Wauchope Community Arts Hall, Oxley Lane (opposite Bain Park). For more info, go to www.jojosmithsoul.com or check out her latest album, Standing in the Lovelight, on iTunes.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star LOCAL COMMUNITY BANDING TOGETHER IN TIME OF NEED. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP!

s most of the region are aware, Saturday morning the 25th July, beautiful two year old Georgia Grace Lawson tragically lost her life in an accident in Beechwood. The amazing community of Wauchope, Beechwood and the surrounds came together straight away, sending their love and support to a well known local family. Close friends of the family have set up a donation fund. The community have been unbelievably generous; within 24 hours of setting up a GoFundMe account, it had

reached over $23,000. For those wanting to donate, any contribution is more than welcome. You can make your donation by going to the website below. www.gofundme.com/9s2aajtxs There has also been an amazing donation made by local business to put towards a raffle that will be drawn on the 8th August at the Wauchope Blues football game. Thank you to all the businesses that have offered their products and/or services as prizes; your generosity means so much to so many.

greater port macquarie focus.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

AUGUST 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

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

PISCES.

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

ARIES.

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

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

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

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

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

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

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

LEO.

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

VIRGO.

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

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 Your new sense of personal power has recently shifted and you are vulnerable to being domineered if you don’t stand your ground. You are such a wonderful, gentle example of love personified; this is your strength. Good luck will come through work soon. Carnelian can evoke creative energy quicker than many other crystals.

SCORPIO.

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

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

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

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

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

greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Three young Paramedic students have discovered a need for defibrillators to be more accessible around the region. Since that discovery, they have been raising much needed funds to purchase the machines. Their next venture is the Blue & Red Ball being held at Port Macquarie Panthers ...

ntroduce to us the Student Heart Project; where did the inspiration come from, and what is the aim of the project? The Student Heart Project is a platform for university students to

Locally, many business have supported the

in the first minute, the survival rate increases

few dollars towards the purchase of AED units.

cause, donating prizes and monetary support

70%. This shows how important it is to have

The main aim of the event is to have a good

for the project’s debut fundraising event, the

these units readily available; they can make a

time, dance loads and support the community

Red and Blue Ball, to be held August 7th.

massive difference and really save lives.“The

through this project.

It’s fantastic to have so many local

more than $3000” per unit.

family businesses get behind

come together to contribute and give back

our cause!

to the community. The Rotary club of Port

How easy is it to use

Macquarie auspices the project and makes it

a defib and what is

all possible! The project came about as first

the cost incurred

year CSU paramedic students Daniel and

for one of these

Dane wished to shave their heads for a local

machines?

Tell us about the

g It is to an ongoin ill w at project th ed down to new nd ha be oject team students . The pr ents ud encourages all st ty or si er iv un y an from be to h is w school who and up ep st to involved help out.”

“

charity and raise a bit of money (both having

The best thing

long locks they were very attached to). Fellow

about these AEDs

third year paramedic student, Jess, called a

is that they are easy

meeting and over some Thai dinner, the idea

to use. An element of

of a Red and Blue Ball came about and the

this project is to alleviate

project was born. Ultimately, the aim of the

any fear and concerns

project is to see the Port Macquarie-Hastings

members of the community

a “Heart Safe” region, through raising funds

have and show them that you

to distribute Automated External Defibrillators

cannot hurt somebody with these units!

(AED) throughout the community. How has the project been received so far?

Zoll AED Plus package [is] worth

The units talk to you and have very

What other endeavours have you got in the pipeline for the Student Heart Project? The aims for the Student Heart Project is

exciting event you’ve

to continue with a few annual events and

got coming up in

fundraising activities in order to supply the

August, and what

units to the community. Future project ideas

does the ticket

include heart festivals, awareness sessions, and

price include on

community workshops on Defibrillator use. It

the night?

is to an ongoing project that will be handed

The Red and Blue Ball is a community fundraising event. It is on the 7th August at Panthers Auditorium in Port Macquarie. Tickets

are $50 per person for dinner, dessert and entertainment. The theme is formal, with a touch of red or

down to new students. The project team encourages all students from any university or school who wish to be involved to step up and help out. Where can our readers connect with you or buy tickets for the upcoming Red and Blue Ball? Tickets for the ball can be purchased at Panthers or for a come-to-you electronic eftpos

clear diagrams illustrating what you need

blue. Students, members of the various paid

sale, please phone Jess on 0432 678 954.

to do. The machine will actually analyse the

and voluntary emergency services and the

Tables are set for ten, so grab a few friends

locally and interstate, has been overwhelming.

heart rhythm and will only deliver a shock to

community are all welcome to the event.

and book a table for a fun night out.

Two AED units have already been donated, and

someone who is in need of it. People need to

Tell us about the entertainment ...

The easiest way to follow the Student Heart

the non-for-profit Defib For Life has partnered

be aware of how lifesaving these devices are!

The local band Derty Coverz will be

Project is on our Facebook page, or emails can

with the project, supporting the installation

With CPR alone, the survival rate is 3% when

providing the live entertainment for the night

be sent to student.heart.project@outlook.com

of the units once funds have been raised.

someone is arresting; if this AED is applied

between a few fun events aiming to raise a

Thanks everyone.

The response from the community, both

greater port macquarie focus.

with Susie Boswell.

focusinterview.

focus _Travel

LIFELINE COMMUNITY WALKS BRING SUICIDE

INTO THE LIGHT

T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N :

T H E M I L L, COW R A

n big cities, we expect big-name restaurants. It’s a given: top-notch cuisine’s taken for granted. Equally, when we travel to country towns we know the culinary offerings will be fewer. So it’s a special pleasure when we discover good dining establishments in small places. Forget “serendipity”: it’s pretty much miraculous when you consider patronage limited by the number and lifestyle of the locals, and tourism traffic governed by seasonality. And so we find The Mill, close to the banks of a wide stretch of the Lachlan River, hung by graceful weeping willows, in central west NSW. It’s located in the heart of Cowra, population fewer than 10,000. Moreover, it’s the low - low temperature - season when we visit. We round the river bend, park out front (easy and free, cf. Sydney etc) ... and, from first remarkable sight, are filled with delicious anticipation of a special experience. We’re nowhere near a winery yet a mini-vineyard of trimmed mature grapevines espaliered on free-standing timber trellises neatly edges a mezzaluna gravelled driveway, its core of soft green lawn featuring a rustic wine barrel draped with more leafy boughs. The elegant garden prefaces the 150 year-old mill building itself rising tall over the centre of the drive, a dormer window peeking out of arresting upper walls of sheer granite, its ground floor shaded by a corrugated-iron veranda roof concealing picture windows and the entry. Inside, polished concrete floors and dark-timbered tables and chairs against the old granite and sandstone walls heighten the historic setting’s embrace. Indeed, The Mill is Cowra’s oldest (1861) and most iconic building, perfectly preserved outside, tastefully restored inside. Built as the wheat-processing centre of the settlement, its site was chosen close to river transport for the grain to be tuned to flour for the 19th century village. The location, though, saw it flooded right to the rafters several times before adjacent Wyangala Dam was built 40km east; and ultimately, with passage of time, fall into disuse. Then some 20 years ago the interiors were lovingly refurbished, beams sourced from an old Murray River rail bridge at Echuca, ceilings renewed in recycled Oregon

pine. As well as a restaurant open seven days, its three levels serve as a live music and occasional gourmet markets venue, an intimate function, conference and weddings centre, and gallery and exhibitions space. Owner Craig Constable hosted us for a superb lunch of a grilled steak and grilled salmon with country garden-fresh salads, the best nosh we’ve had in years in rural NSW. We fretted a little it wasn’t until that evening that the renowned Cowra lamb would appear on the menu, yet were salved by a couple of lovely wines ... raison d’etre of The Mill’s latter-day revival in its new guise. Late last century vignerons at Windowie, one of around 40 vineyards in the Cowra-Canowindra region, established it as something of an in-town cellar door-cumwine bar to showcase their international and domestic award-winners - to lure connoisseurs out to experience the full range at the winery itself. When Constable took over he extended the Windowie link to other vineyards, some producing notable organic varieties. The Mill offers patrons free guided tours and breakfast, lunch, dinner, teas, snacks and tastings. Check opening times on 6341 4141. TRAVEL TICKERTAPE: As P2P (peer-peer; person-person) accommodation sites multiply, www.nightswapping.com claims to cover both hosts and guests for mishaps, worldwide, with cover by insurance giant Allianz (Excess: 100Euros). Most sites - e.g: lovehomeswap. com; homeexchange.com; aussiehomeswap. com.au; even christianhomeswap.com - allow for non-contemporaneous swaps and for those without a swap to offer payment instead, a la airbnb. NightSwapping remains more faithful to a barter system: those who can’t offer reciprocal hosting (say, Woop Woop for Paris) instead pay a fee, but the fee goes to NightSwap: from 7 to 49 Euros a night, on a 7-step rating of the accommodation. Hosts receive credit nights on the network in return. Every site has conditions that need poring over. With the many things that could go wrong (imagination shudders!) I’d prefer the old-fashioned B&B budget compromise. But the sites feature “testimonials” of members who claim as many as 60 successful swaps - some including the family Mercedes.

Registrations are now open for Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows and Into the Light community walks, which will see thousands of Australians gather around the country on World Suicide Day (10 September 2015) to offer support and hope to those touched by mental illness and suicide.

atherine Vaara, CEO of Lifeline Out of the Shadows and Into the Light walk is Mid Coast, said the walks are a planned at Port Macquarie commencing from great opportunity for community Town Green. members to offer support and hope For more information, visit: www. to one another, while also reducing the stigma outoftheshadows.org.au associated with mental illness. For crisis or suicide prevention support, Life Matters Co Coordinator Lee-Ann please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www. Foord says, “As the leading cause of death in lifeline.org.au/gethelp. Australia for men under 44 and women under MY STORY: LISA WILLOWS 34, World Suicide Prevention Day is one of the I will be walking for my close friend Rebecca, most important awareness raising events in the who died by suicide in 1999, following years country. Suicide does occur in our community, of struggling with the sensitivities of life. and there is often a large ripple effect It was really hard to cope with felt from just one suicide. No Rebecca’s death. We were both matter how small or large young, vivacious 20 year that effect is, there is olds, ready to take life by tragedy.” the reins. I could not The Out of the “The Out of imagine how or why Shadows walk rtunity the Shadows she would want to end provides an oppo ly en walk provides an her life when we were for people to op ct on opportunity for people having so much fun, discuss and refle in suicide, focusing , to openly discuss and even though we had pe particular on ho n and reflect on suicide, many open discussions io recovery, refle ct focusing in particular on around it leading up prevention. ” hope, recovery, reflection to it. and prevention,” says CEO When the terrible news Catherine Vaara. “At 5:30am reached me, I could not on Thursday, September 10, 2015, imagine how I could cope with a suicide prevention walk is planned at this tragedy. Our close group of friends Port Macquarie commencing from the decided to respond by banding together in Town Green. Participants will be invited to celebration of her short life. We sat on her bed place a flower in a wreath of remembrance, with her family and talked about all the great for those lost to suicide. times we had together. The event grew significantly in 2014, with 23 years later, I work in the field of suicide more than 3,000 people participating across prevention and awareness and work with the 63 walks staged in Australia. These many other people who have been bereaved numbers are expected to rise again in 2015. by suicide. Lifeline Mid Coast is calling on the Walk out of the Shadows is very cathartic, community to get involved with the event by as we gather in darkness which is symbolic of joining the walk. people’s depression and feeling they are alone; “With seven Australians lost to suicide every as the sun slowly rises, we look around and day, events like this are important in raising can see there are many people walking the awareness for Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support and same path, we are all together and are able to suicide prevention services. Together, we can support each other. By the time the sun is up, help ensure that those living with a mental and the doves are released, we are feeling a illness know that they are not alone, and help new sense of freedom. This walk is a chance is available,” Catherine Vaara said. for me to remember Rebecca who is gone, but On Thursday, September 10th at 5:30am, an not forgotten.

“

greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

KATRINA HUMBLE

R E A P

B Y

O Z H A R V E S T

P O R T

M A C Q U A R I E

Business

atrina, as spokesperson and coordinator for REAP by OzHarvest’s Port Macquarie chapter, you perform a very special role within our community. Tell us more about REAP by OzHarvest ... REAP by OzHarvest is the regional chapter of national organisation OzHarvest and was established in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region to facilitate the collection and redistribution of excess food in the Hastings Community. It currently supplies local charities, schools and community organisations with rescued food. By redistributing this food, it also reduces the amount of good food going to landfill. So far we have rescued over 23,000 kg of food locally. This equates to 77,000 meals and saves local charities $387,000. What does your role with REAP by OzHarvest involve? I coordinate and liaise between the food donors and the charities that we deliver to. I’m the official spokesperson for the organisation, and I also coordinate our volunteers, apply for grants and make sure our day-to-day operations run smoothly. What is the most rewarding part about this role? I love seeing good food going to those who need it most, instead of going into landfill. There is nothing like going to the local breakfast programme for school students that we donate food to and seeing the little kids eating a healthy breakfast before heading into class. Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Port Macquarie ... My husband and I and our three children moved to Port Macquarie after 14 years of living in Sydney. We were looking for a sea change and Port Macquarie was a perfect fit. I’m a qualified counsellor and I saw a need in Port Macquarie for my services and decided to do something about it. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced within your role at REAP by OzHarvest? Gaining funding! We are a not-for-profit organisation, and we operate on a very small budget. But we still need funds to run the van, buy the transportation containers,

greater port macquarie focus.

it happen. I have two accountants and a bank manager perform routine maintenance in order to adhere to food on my Board who handle the business side of things. safety regulations and much more. Also I have a fantastic marketing manager who does an I imagine it has taken a lot of hard work and incredible job helping us spread the word. All of these persistence to get local organisations on board to people are volunteers who share the vision and passion of donate their excess food. Can you tell us about this REAP. process and how you have managed to garner such How can members of the community get involved amazing support from these businesses? and support REAP by OzHarvest on a local level? My approach was and is to just keep pestering them! After a while, I think some businesses One of our biggest challenges is funding saw me coming and gave me food just to our operations. The more organisations shut me up! Seriously, once I explained we get on board to donate, the more to them how easy it was to donate redistribution we can do, but we est One of our bigg g in nd and how REAP by OzHarvest could need funds to run the vans and challenges is fu The more take care of all the little details ensure that our food is delivered our operations . e get on and legislative, they quickly swiftly and safely. We are always organisations w , the more bo ard to donate jumped on board. looking for organisations to , do n e ca redistribution w to run REAP by OzHarvest recently sponsor us and can offer some s nd fu but we need that our re su en d hosted an event called Think. great recognition for this. We are an ns the va swiftly and Eat. Save where you fed up to also looking for extra volunteers to food is delivered safely.” 350 members of the community help rescue and deliver the food. a free hot lunch, which was The new REAP by OzHarvest website prepared using rescued food. Tell us should be live very soon, and anyone a little bit about this event and what it interested in registering their interest to was aiming to do ... support or volunteer will be able to do so via this The Think. Eat. Save event is part of a global website. In the meantime, you can “Like” the REAP by campaign in partnership with OzHarvest, the United OzHarvest Facebook page. Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN’s Food And finally, if you could invite three business people Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Save Food Initiative “Global to lunch, who would they be and why would you Initiative on Food Loss and Waste Reduction”. invite them? By preparing 350 hot meals from rescued food that My first invite would be to Ronni Kahn, the creator would have otherwise ended up in landfill, the event aimed of OzHarvest. She is one of the most incredible and to raise awareness of food wastage and encourage the inspirational people I have ever met. community to pledge their commitment to reducing their Secondly, I would invite Father Chris Riley. Even though own personal food wastage. you wouldn’t necessarily think of him as a business What words of wisdom can you share with others person, he has done an amazing job with not-for-profit who may have their own aspirations to make a businesses such as Youth of the Street, and he would be so difference in their community and launch a nonfascinating to speak to. profit? Thirdly, I’d invite one of the members of our community Two things. Firstly, don’t give up. Share your passion who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to meet and and your heart, and others will join in. Secondly; gather dine with these two wonderful people. people with different skill sets and work together to make Thanks for your time, Katrina.

“

greater port macquarie focus.

robyn’s

spot

Robyn Butler. 1,000 Jobs in 100 days 1,000 Jobs in 100 Days - a North Coast Employment Challenge.

If you lodge a vacancy during the campaign, you have the chance to win $1,000 donation to the charity of your choice - and the great news is that there are three to be won!

Lodge a job vacancy, and you could win $1,000 for the charity of your choice!

Welcome to August, and it’s now only months away from Christmas … sounds scary, doesn’t it?

OOD LABELLING ... STILL HARD TO SWALLOW! I have been following with interest the new labelling laws starting soon. Once again, in my opinion, not enough thought has gone into the project; it’s more a feel good public relations exercise. The first flaw I see is it is not compulsory … and secondly, it is quite ambiguous in its shape and form. Like so many things in this country, it is not done properly in the first place, thus there’s confusion and inadequate information. If only they spent more time planning this labelling, with thought to its content - make it comprehensive, but simple to understand and COMPULSORY! It will end up like the tick on products, whereby the manufacturer actually pays to have his product tested and ticked to be approved by the Heart Foundation … and you know how much truth is in that scenario. What we need is a real fair dinkum, honest labelling system that tells us where the contents of the product originates, and the name and percentage of all ingredients. All we are getting with the new labelling is what percentage is Australian, with the balance showing imported … what good is that? What part of the content is Australian? I want to know where it is grown and where it is packed. In France, you can just flash the barcode in the store and it tells you everything you want to know about the product. Why can’t we do that? Maybe more expensive to implement, but hey, isn’t our health more important? This is an awful thing to say, but the generations following us will pay the price for our negligence in not nipping this in the bud. We need to get this right the first time: FULL LABELLING, AND MAKE IT COMPULSORY ON ALL PRODUCTS! BELLEVUE GARDENS … SPECIAL EVENT. Once again, Bellevue Gardens are holding one of their Special Events. I wouldn’t miss one, as they are fanastic and extremely well organised. The next event will feature the beautiful voices of Dale Burridge and Danielle Everett …tickets will be on sale at the office of Bellevue Gardens, Port Macquarie on the 10th August 2015. This is the only way to obtain tickets, so be quick, as they sell out like hot cakes. DATE: Sunday 30th August 2015.

greater port macquarie focus.

TIME: 3pm. COST: $30 per person. Hot and cold supper and tea/coffee served after concert. BYO drinks (hic!) and nibbles. “NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE”... A very loving and caring group of people have formed a group called “No one fights alone”, which is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken. This group raise money for Mid North Coast Cancer Institute in Port Macquarie and will be holding a fun Trivia Night to raise money to purchase Chemotherapy chairs for the Oncology Unit at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital. DATE: Saturday 22nd August 2015. TIME: 6pm for a 6:30pm start. PLACE: St Columba School, Iona Street, Port Macquarie. COST: $10/head. Tables of 8 available, or individual tickets. Book on noonefightsalone@gmail.com or Phone Patricia on 0448 604 541. Great prizes to be won, BYO drinks and nibbles and slippers optional! SNIPPETS 1. A familiar face at Bunnings retired last week after a decade working weekends. Dave Parker (Mr. Toolman) was one of the most helpful and knowledgable blokes in the joint … You will be sadly missed, Dave, as will your expertise! Speaking of Bunnings, I would like to acknowledge Kylie in the Garden Section for her care when purchasing a special flower in memory of a deceased friend … her sensitivity and kindness was appreciated. 2. This is like a mini Public Notice section, but I also would like to acknowledge and thank Shona (biscuit section and occasional checkout chick) at IGA Gordon Street for her special manner and helpfulness to all who passed her in the aisle each day. Shona retired last month, and over the years I know she has touched many people’s lives with her warmth and smile. All the best Shona! A little boy went up to his mother and said, “Mum, where did I get my intelligence from?” His mother replied, “You got it from your father; I still have mine.” Keep smiling, Robbie x 500 pt

NORTEC Staffing Solutions is a qualityaccredited recruitment agency offering temporary, permanent and contract staffing solutions for businesses and jobseekers. With over 35 years’ experience in recruitment and business advice, NORTEC listen to, understand and seek real solutions for their customers. A for-purpose, community-owned organisation, NORTEC strive to create opportunities and inspire futures for community members in our region. Starting from the 1st August until November 8, NORTEC Staffing Solutions are laying down the gauntlet to place 1,000 Northern NSW jobseekers into work within 100 days.

Whether you require one staff member or 100, NORTEC go the extra mile to provide either permanent no-fee recruiting or a commercial temporary or labour hire solution for your business. They go the extra mile to listen to your needs to match you with job-ready and skills-tested candidates who fit your team. Just by lodging a vacancy, you are in the draw to win one of the three $1,000 charity donations, and your business will always be a winner when choosing NORTEC to take care of your staffing needs. You can lodge online at www.nortecltd.com. au or call 1800 667 832 to talk to a consultant today.

GET EXCITED MID-NORTH COAST!

1000 JOBS IN

750

100 DAYS

500

AUGUST 1ST - NOVEMBER 8TH We want to create opportunities and inspire futures in our region! To show we mean business, we’ve given ourselves a target and a deadline:

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If you have a job vacancy, you can list it NOW at:

www.nortec.org.au Oﬃces in Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Taree and Forster

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www.nortec.org.au

WHY Newman? It was a full house at the Newman Senior Technical College Open Night, when hundreds of families spilled through the gates eager to secure a spot for 2016.

e spoke with Principal Stephen Pares, Industry Board Chair John McGuigan, and Past Student and Industry Board Member Telecia Williams about what makes the College unique. Principal Stephen Pares, Newman College was buzzing during the Open Night. How many people came along? We counted more than 500 students, family and friends. It was standing room only in our auditorium during the presentations, and there were long queues at the interview booking kiosks. This level of interest goes to show that Newman College continues to grow from strength to strength every year, with an increasing variety of study pathways available and new relationships with local industry partners. For anyone who wasn’t able to make it to the Open Night, can they still secure an enrolment interview for a place at Newman in 2016?

Anyone who hasn’t managed to secure an interview is encouraged to call the school on 6580 3800, and we’ll make other arrangements. John McGuigan, Chair of the Newman College Industry Board, can you tell us about the Board and your role? I joined the Newman College Industry Board when it was introduced in 2005, and was subsequently elected as Chair. My fellow board members represent a very successful and diverse collection of minds. Our purpose is to ensure the school’s curriculum and operations are relevant to the needs of industry and that the skills being taught align with the expectations of the workplace. What is it that makes Newman College so unique?

Newman College is always moving in front of the game. They’re always ahead in terms of curriculum options, industry partnerships and the practical projects students can work on. The input of the Industry Board is one of the facets that makes the College unique. There is a strong focus on helping students get where they want to be when they finish school. For many, that means moving straight into Apprenticeships and Traineeships, full-time employment or further study. Telecia Williams, Newman College Industry Board Member, as a former student what was your experience like at Newman? I was in the first cohort of students to go through the school when it became Newman Senior Technical College, and I had the privilege of

being the first College Captain. I completed a school-based apprenticeship with Rydges and then went on to work there full-time for five years. Newman College taught me about being a lifelong learner and now I am in the midst of a career change and am undertaking a new apprenticeship to become an Auto Glazing Technician. What is it like to come full circle and now sit on the Industry Board at Newman College? It’s rewarding to be able to contribute to the College, as I feel grateful for the opportunities I received at the College. I’m pleased to play a role in helping others benefit from the unique blend of school-based and workplace learning offered at Newman.

greater port macquarie focus. 71

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

greater port macquarie focus.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Scott Lawrence

Paul Loughland

lawrence built

Smarter property

What background experience do you

rewarding process to grow the business

bring to your current role? Building is

to where it is today and to support local

in my blood! Dad was a builder for 35

employment. We are really grateful to the

years and passed on the family business

people we employ and we know we wouldn’t

to me. From the first time I can remember,

be half the business we are without them.

I always wanted to be a builder, and I’ve

How do you effectively market your

now been building in the local area for

business to new customers? Marketing

close to 20 years. It’s not just the business

is a strong part of our overall business

that has passed down from one generation

plan and operations. Word of mouth is

to another; it’s the skills, the expertise and

incredibly important in our industry, so we

the passion. Dad always took a lot of pride

do everything we can on an operational

in his work, and that’s a tradition and a

and client satisfaction level to encourage as

mind-set that we aspire to uphold for many

much of that as we can. We also invest in

generations to come.

marketing activities to keep us front of mind

What is the most satisfying aspect of

with our target audience and to position us

your role? By employing our full-time

as experts in our field. We use marketing to

builders, we support four local families. This

portray our professionalism as a business, to

alone is one of the most satisfying aspects

demonstrate our expertise and to build trust

of being a business owner. It’s been a really

and credibility with potential clients.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? The most satisfying aspect of our role is working with clients to understand their goals and objectives in relation to property investing or acquiring their first or next home. It is a great feeling to share the excitement and success with a client. How do you effectively market your business to new customers? We are lucky enough to get a steady flow of word of mouth referrals from our happy past and current clients, business networks including Mortgage Brokers, Banks, Financial Planners, Real Estate agents and other industry related groups and contacts. We are involved in network groups including BNI, and we speak and participate in a number of information seminars to help people. What background experience do you bring to your current role? Paul and the team have many years of experience working with

customers who are buying property all over the country. On a personal note, Paul has been investing in property since the age of 18 and just in recent years has helped more than 300 people purchase over $150 million dollars of real estate. How does your business give back to the community? We love supporting the community, especially those not as fortunate as us. We also love investing in our future, which is the youth of today. Thus, we sponsor Hastings Education Fund, Port United Junior Soccer, Wauchope Junior Rugby League, Port Macquarie Cricket Club, Sailability and Camp Quality, to name a few. Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? Simply have a passion for property and people, strive to help others succeed in reaching their goals, and this will enhance your success.

greater port macquarie focus.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Derek Fails and Adrian Cornale

Shane McGuigan

Eyecare plus

Adrian Cornale has been helping people of the Hastings with their vision for over 25 years. Derek Fails joined the Eyecare Plus practices early in 2014. He also has over 20 years of clinical experience. Derek is a therapeutically endorsed Optometrist, which allows him to prescribe medications for many eye ailments. Derek and Adrian are part of the Eyecare Plus team of experienced Optometrists, including Linda Chase, Joanne Charles, Anne Horneman and practice principal, Dr Tony Hanks.

John Oxley Motors

developing in children and teenagers. Corneal Reshaping Therapy or Ortho-K helps to slow the deterioration of vision by sleeping in the lenses overnight and being spectacle free during the day.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your work?

Derek Fails - It is satisfying to be able to provide patients with the best possible outcome for their vision and eye health. I particularly enjoy the new retinal imaging technology available, which allows early detection and improved outcomes for eye disease. I relish being able to provide such a level of care, service and technology (often only found in larger cities) in a regional centre.

Adrian Cornale - I find it satisfying to be able to care for a person’s particular visual needs and I enjoy the constant learning involved with the development of new technology. I am presently interested in the use of speciality contact lenses to treat and slow short sightedness

Eyecare Plus is a selected group of clinically driven optometry practices across Australia that have met stringent membership criteria to ensure that they provide professional eye care plus quality optometric goods and excellence in service.

EYE CARED FOR

Macular Degeneration is in his family history. He gets regular eye checks because early detection is critical.

Make an appointment today Port Macquarie

1/29 Horton St - Ph: 6584 3948

95 William St - Ph: 6583 7333

Wauchope 6 Bransdon St - Ph: 6585 2393

Dominic Stower, businessman and Eyecare Plus patient.

greater port macquarie focus.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Seeing improvement and growth, both in business results and in people, and of course seeing customers drive out of our dealership happy. What is New for 2015? 2015 is definitely about sharing our excitement for the fantastic new showrooms and vehicle displays we have added recently. Nissan, Skoda, Volkswagen and our newest brand and showroom Renault, all rebuilt. Our goal is to have a new or used car to suit as many people as possible. For McGuigan BMW, we are very proud of our National “Dealer of the Year” award. We have great satisfaction in being a rural dealership winning this title against bigger stand-alone BMW dealers - our staff attitude towards customer service being the clear difference.

How does your business give back to the community? John Oxley Motors and McGuigan BMW provide support for Port Magpies AFL and Port Saints Football Club. We support ladies bowls days and Port Macquarie Hastings Legacy. We contribute to the Hastings Cancer Trust each year, and our staff are encouraged to get behind Movember. Another important contribution is that we employ over 50 people locally. These jobs are important for the area economically, offering great career options - including training - to people within our local community. Above all, we are a family business with values to match and have been locals since birth, we are entering our 45th year with the first car sold by my then 19 year old father in 1971.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Gary Owen

Todd Bates

Mortgage Choice

mcgrath real estate

What is the most satisfying aspect of your

What background experience do you bring to your current role? I commenced in the role? Being able to massage a deal banking industry when I was 16, as that best suits the client’s home you didn’t need a Higher School loan needs and answer any Certificate in those days to of their questions during Being able to al get a job and had over 20 de a ge the whole process, and massa clie nt’s e th its su years with the Westpac st be that then the client referring s and home lo an need r group, who taught me ei my business to family answer any of th e my trade, and I have g th and friends. questions durin en th d an been with Mortgage whole process, ing my How do you Choice for 17 years now. the client referr ily and effectively market business to fam How do you encourage .” ds frien your business to new a positive working customers? We send out environment? Being a regular quarterly newsletter to husband and wife business, I do as our prospects along with monthly I am told, and that helps to keep things emails to keep us front of mind and have a positive at work and home ... but on a serious regular spot with local radio advertising, along note, we endeavour to keep home and work with head office television spots from time to separate and feed off each other’s strengths to build our business. time.

“

l e e f t i s e o d w o h

Todd Bates is widely respected for his warm, honest approach and for his broad knowledge of the business he loves. As Managing Principal of McGrath Port Macquarie, Todd has aligned himself with the most technologically advanced and successful name in the property industry today and is fully committed to the brand’s marketleading standards of ethical service: What is the most satisfying aspect of your role?

sharing the excitement when my buyers discover the perfect new home. How do you effectively market your business to new customers? The McGrath brand is synonymous with total honesty, excellent service and outstanding results, but there are always those who feel that these things must come at a premium price. That’s most certainly not the case. In fact, the selling experience

stry Being in this indu te lu is an abso to see the privilege . I love s of my ce fa thrill on the e secu re w en wh s, or vend ove ab r fa e ic them a pr ns , and io at ct pe ex r ei th sharing I equally enjoy when my t the excitemen the perfe ct er ov sc di rs buye new home.”

“

It’s a great thrill for me to work with an excellent team. Irrespective of whether they are experienced agents and property managers, or relative newcomers to the industry, it’s exciting to introduce them to new ideas and techniques and to see them develop, both as professionals and as individuals. Being in this industry is an absolute privilege. I love to see the thrill on the faces of my vendors, when we secure them a price far above their expectations. and I equally enjoy

is often actually cheaper through McGrath. Since opening locally, we’ve sold homes from as low as $130,000, to a high of over $2,200,000; we’ve saved clients tens of thousands of dollars in selling costs and most, if not all, are keen to return to

McGrath when next they decide to sell. Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? Be honest to yourself and to others. Be prepared to work hard and don’t hesitate to go the extra mile to help people.

to know I can afford an investment property? Whether you’re buying your first investment property or building up your portfolio, you need good advice to help you maximise the performance of your investment. Your local Mortgage Choice broker will sit down with you to talk through your objectives, your circumstances and suitable loans for your property investment purposes. If you’ve been thinking about investing in property, talk to us today.

6584 0355

MortgageChoice.com.au/gary.owen

Level 3, JBC Building, 41–47 Horton Street, Port Macquarie

Know the feeling Australian Credit Licence 382869

greater port macquarie focus. 75

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Dr John Fone

Chris Gill

General practitioner

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? As a medical practitioner for 40 years and a general practioner in Port Macquarie for 25 years, I have found the most satisfying aspect of my role is the ability to develop long-term relationships with patients and their families, while hopefully directing them into a safe and healthy life. How do you effectively market your business to new customers? Having a long continuous practice, interacting with people and facilitating contact between medical, allied health, hospital and the social and community aspects of medicine has been both a privilege and a fulfilling occupation. What background experience do you bring to your current role? I have had a wide experience of family general practice, including minor skin procedures, men's health and the psychological aspects of medicine. More recently, I have had exposure to more

Licensee Bago Real estate

acute medicine overseas in Vietnam, Ireland, Mongolia, China and Qatar. I have also worked in western rural NSW hospitals as an Accident and Emergency physician and GP. Returning to general medicine in both hospital and private practice, I can provide a broad base of experience. General practice is multidisciplinary and requires flexible attention to the many aspects of health: physical, psychological and social. The challenge is to be positive and competent in attending to the immediate needs of patients, while interacting with all aspects of the health profession. I have had an enjoyable and privileged role as a doctor in both acute medicine and family practice. Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? I hope new graduates would see general family practice, which is a specialty in its own right, as a worthwhile and fulfilling vocation.

Connecting People with Property Tell us about your business model: Bago Real Estate service residential, rural and business sales. If you want that perfect property, be it a residential home, pristine acreage or a hobby farm, talk to our team first. We pride ourselves on a straight forward, no nonsense approach, backed up by strong local knowledge. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring a smooth sales experience and an excellent sale result. You have a couple of new team members? Rod Newman has a wealth of knowledge of Wauchope and surrounds. A true local, Rod has over a decade of real estate experience and a results driven approach. Ron Butcher - the newest member to our sales team, has a wealth of experience. A local Wauchope boy, he has had a decade dedicated to real estate. He has a true understanding of the local market.

How has real estate changed locally in the last 12 months? Social media has been a huge influence to consumers. As the market is moving lightning fast, both buyers and sellers are finding it hard to determine how far this mini boom can go. It’s amazing - the entire Mid North Coast is just abuzz, with more and more potential buyers. Any advice for sellers? If you’re thinking of a residential change, do your homework and plan where you would like to live. Ask your agent to be up front on how best you can prepare your most valuable asset for sale to gain the highest price. What do you think is important in your business? When selling, I strongly believe in the two “P”s- PRESENTATION and PRICE. Properties that are photographed and presented correctly, and priced accordingly, have the very best chance of selling in today’s market. When buying, listening to the client’s needs is the simplest and single most important factor; it’s a must.

BAGO RE

greater port macquarie focus.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

HELPING business grow The Critical Factor exists to help our clients grow. We do this through a problem solving approach that has a very clear focus on tangible, measurable outcomes. We consider “how” we achieve our success to be just as important as what we achieve, and we do this through a clear focus on integrity, open communication, client satisfaction and leadership as an organisation. Tim Kitching

Dr Daniel Mestric

Amplex hearing centre

As an Audiologist of 18 years, Dr Daniel Mestric has adapted to many changes in his chosen hearing profession. More than most, the hearing sector has been transformed by changes in service delivery and technological innovation. Despite ongoing change, “it is important to keep the need of the individual as our primary focus,” says Daniel. YOUR

The critical factor

common pitfalls and to navigate around much of the industry hype,” reports Daniel. When a patient understands the biology of hearing, he/she is able to view marketing claims in true perspective. Since entering private practice 12 years ago, every week the team

NAVIGATING at Amplex have helped patients achieve

their communication goals through tried and WAY TO

Success

He has learnt that technology must be tailored to the individual’s needs to form the basis of effective rehabilitation. There is no one secret for success: “We have built a loyal patient base by listening to people’s needs and treating them as The most common problem I see in individuals.

proven methods.

format at www.amplexhearing.com.au

Like most people in business, Daniel’s apparent overnight success is due to ongoing efforts and commitment to his profession. His newly

launched website is and the culmination of many the businesses individuals that months of hard work and represents one of I work closely with is the lack of a plan about how they are going to the most comprehensive hearing resources “The practiceThis philosophy educating succeed. pooris or non existent planning results in disjointed actions anywhere. Anyone interested in ears and patients about their hearing loss to help them and poor results. Teams end up unhappy and disengaged, managers will find a wealth of information make decisions regarding feel informed unfulfilled and poorlytheir rewarded, hearing and businesses often perform well available in a readable style and easily accessible rehabilitation. As an independent provider, below their potential. we pride ourselves in helping patients avoid

Specialising in working with individuals and businesses need help; we aspect work with you What is thethat most satisfying of your to identify issues and problems; we create role? At the end of the day, my role is to help pragmatic and sensible This plansis to drive changepeople solve problems. very satisfying whilst supporting you and your team as especially if a business or individual doesyou not work for a different result. know what to do next. I love the feeling when Recent A to recent client was having you lookCase back Study over a -six 12 month period and trouble recruiting the right candidate for a role. a business has been transformed. They had employed two candidates over the past What background experience do you bring 12 months for a role, and both of them proved to your current role? I have had careers in the to be unsuitable. This was costing the business entertainment industry, the Police Force and time and money. Using specialised interview the corporate sector before starting my own techniques and some psychometric testing, business and building a consulting practice. I we were able to add value to the recruitment have lots of practical life experiences, and these process and provide insights and advice over come through in everything that I do. My work their top three candidates for the role. This client and my solutions are pragmatic and realistic; this now has the right person in the right role in their is my point of difference. business. At around $700 per candidate, this Business/personal service soon pays forgoals itself for and this helpsfinancial to avoid year? I am looking totake expand mymonths costly This hiringyear mistakes that can many practice into regional NSW. I believe that our to resolve.

regional businesses have no less of a need for advice and guidance in my areas of expertise than their friends in the city, and being able to offer important me. Personally, just Whythis useisThe CriticaltoFactor - Principal ITim want to spend more time with my family this Kitching has over 20 years’ experience in year. leadership positions in both the Public and How you encourage a positive working PrivatedoSectors, including the NSW Police environment? I believeAustralia that work and He business Force and the National Bank. has in general can be fun. It is all about the mindset coached literally hundreds of people to success that you apply to it. If you approach the world as a Leader within large organisations. Tim’s that you live in with a positive attitude, this has a philosophy is simple. Success, in any endeavour, huge impact on the outcome that you produce. is ultimately about Direction, Planning and Positive work environments start with a leader People. Concentrating on these three things will or business owner and move down from here. always result and coaching is, after Leaders need in to change understand their people and all, about positive change. Tim’s proven track record what drives them, and then use this to engage of success, combined with a deep knowledge and motivate them. Unfortunately, this is rare in aboutwork leadership, people and planning for the most environments. A work environment future, makes Tim perfect to help that is positive and the happy has apartner demonstrably higher level ofinproductivity you succeed business. and profitability.

hilst this seems These four areas, whether individual or remarkable, three out of combined, are enough to inhibit a business’ or four organisations do not a team’s success. They are also relatively easy use a structured Strategic to fix. Planning process. Add to The Critical Factor has access and this the fact that only 5% of employees can experience in a range a of programmes describe their employer’s business strategy designed to help organisations, teams and properly, and you begin to understand why individuals work through these challenges so many organisations are achieving and achieve remarkable results. less than they could. How can These programmes have seen our people deliver what we success in organisations need to succeed when Cas diverse as Westpac, FA AL IC IT TH E CR SS AN D they do not understand Australia Post and TO R HA S AC CE A RA NG E what it is? Colliers International. EX PE RI EN CE IN M M ES DE A OF PROG RA This lack of We work closely NI LP ORGA SI GN ED TO HE DI IN planning can be with organisations D AN S SATI ON S, TE AM UG H RO TH K addressed with the to create tailored OR W VI DUAL S NG ES AN D LE AL CH E right focus and programmes to ES TH AR KA BL E AC HI EV E RE M investment of time, fix specific issues RE SU LT S. ” energy and expertise. and challenges they

“

The key obstacles to success often include: A lack of clear direction or vision. No tangible and measurable goals to work towards. The absence of a strong connection between the individual and the organisation’s values. A lack of meaning and motivation to work towards common goals. Missing skills or competence in areas that are needed to reach the goals set by a business or organisation. A lack of belief in the goals set by an organisation or in an individual’s or team’s ability to reach those goals.

may be facing. These programmes have proven to be highly effective at turning around organisational performance in relatively short time frames. The use of team and individual coaching, tangible and measurable goals that are then shared with the entire team regularly and joint accountability for what goes right and what goes wrong helps to drive a different culture within an organisation. For a complimentary, obligation free discussion regarding how we may be able to assist you, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 727 817. greater port macquarie focus. 83 77

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Steve Dorz T h e O p t i c a l S u p e r s t o r e What is your area of expertise? I’ve been

I’m also proud of the ethics within our

you juggle it all? I do travel regularly, but my

made in France and come with a two-year

in the optical industry for 39 years, so have

company. The owners of the parent company

work is centred around my laptop, so I also get

warranty.

extensive optical knowledge and experience.

have established a women’s health and

to work from home. We have to keep things

What do you enjoy most about working

My work requires plenty of HR knowledge to

malnutrition clinic in East Timor, and over the

very fluid to juggle our kids and their sporting

on the Coffs Coast? The eight minute

manage our 350+ dispensing staff and liaise

years we’ve employed a number of political

commitments. But I’ll get into trouble if I don’t

commute to work is far more enjoyable than

with up to 100 Optometrists that consult

refugees at our Head Office in Melbourne.

acknowledge my very capable wife and her

the two hours it used to take to get home

within our stores.

When and why did you start your

ability to schedule everything.

from the airport on a Friday afternoon in

What makes your business stand out

business? The Optical Superstore was

What is the best thing about your job?

Brisbane. But the best thing about Coffs is the

above your competitors? We are the

originally established in Queensland over 25

The variety of my work keeps it interesting.

people! We made more friends in our first two

largest, independent Australian-owned optical

years ago, and six years ago the company was

I get to do everything from setting policy

weeks living in Coffs Harbour than we made in

chain in Australia, which puts us in a position

ready to bring quality lower-priced optical

and procedure for the sixty stores to being

nine months on the Gold Coast prior to that.

to negotiate for volume discounts that we get

products to this region. The timing coincided

hands-on with new shop fits; liaising with

Share some expert advice with our

to pass on to our customers. And, we have

with my wife and I wanting to move out of

Health Funds and Medicare and negotiating

readers. Shop around for the best deals and

a philosophy of not up-selling, offering the

the city to a regional area, so we invested in

with overseas suppliers and manufacturers on

don’t be caught by clever marketing tactics.

customer what they actually need. My view

the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie stores

pricing and supply.

We’re surprised by the number of people who

is that we are in the business of health-based

and are thrilled with the positive feedback we

What plans do you have for 2015? We’ve

don’t realise they can use their Optometrist’s

customer service, rather than sales. If we do

get from our customers.

recently been accredited as a retailer for Tag

prescription at any optical outlet to get the

that well, the sales will come.

And you have a family as well - how do

Heuer Eyewear. These are high-quality frames

best price for their specs.

greater port macquarie focus.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Matt White and Alex Jones

Todd Richardson

Malcolm Neale

Matt White and Michelle Ward are the new owners of Hastings Diesel Service, 28 Cameron Street in Wauchope. Matt is no stranger to the business, having trained under retiring owner Christian Buthmann for a period of 11 years, completing his traineeship and also two apprenticeships. His fiancée, Michelle, has joined him in the business, handling all accounts and office management, whilst Alex Jones is Matt’s apprentice, recently completing his diesel training and is now studying Light Vehicle through North Coast TAFE.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? It’s so rewarding to see customers and their friends and family enjoying what my wife and I have created from scratch. Nothing is better than looking out from the kitchen and seeing the café packed out, noisy and full of laughter, with diners enjoying everything Lv’s on Clarence has to offer. I have such pride that our small kitchen team produce almost everything in house, including pasta, sourdough, GF bread, all cakes, jams, chutneys and house smoked salmon. How do you encourage a positive working environment? Employing staff who are passionate about what they do, which reflects the service they provide. We have a friendly, relaxed vibe, but also have a high standard for all aspects of the café. Team work and communication is a must to help the flow of the service. Our staff are proud of the coffee, food and service they provide, and it’s great when customers give them positive feedback. We always pass on good feedback and thank them for the hard work they do. Our staff are so passionate at Lv’s, you will almost always find them dining here on their days off. Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? It’s not all glamour and glory, but it’s really worth it if you’re passionate about your product and the service you are providing. While doing my apprenticeship and for a few years afterwards, I travelled around Australia, working in all different types of venues with different cuisines. Learn from as many different people as you can. Learn about your produce and where it comes from, take tours of the farms, fishing boats, coffee plantations and roasteries - this will grow your knowledge and passion.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Helping people transform their business or career, which allows them to have a much more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Hastings Diesel Service

What does Hastings Diesel specialise in? We are the diesel pump and injection specialists. Our workshop is fully equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment, and can fully service and repair your diesel pump and injectors. We have the experience and know how to provide all service, repairs and reconditioning by qualified professionals. What else do you offer customers? Log book servicing, rego checks, a large amount of stock on hand and prompt, reliable, friendly service. Other than diesel vehicles, can you service other makes and models? Yes, we can pretty much service and maintain any vehicle, from the family car to trucks and commercial vehicles. What do you look forward to into 2015/16? Doing what we do best - servicing new and existing customers and keeping your vehicle running at its optimum.

lv’s on clarence

fuel 4 business

What background experience do you bring to your current role? I’ve been involved in SME and Large Enterprises, gaining a wealth of knowledge/experience in various roles including as a Business Owner, Company Director, Operations Manager, Senior Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Commercial/ Residential Property Manager, Human Resources Manager, Compliance Officer and Loans Manager. I’ve also trained as a Human Behaviour Expert, A Life/Executive Coach, A Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), a Certified Workshop Facilitator/Speaker and a Qualified Accountant. How does your business give back to the community? I’m very passionate about our community and our youth. I volunteer as Emcee at various business/community events, donate coaching vouchers/self-development programmes for charity group fundraising events, I’m President of Toastmasters HMT, Education Co-coordinator of BNI Hastings, a Business Awards Committee member and provide pro-bono coaching and facilitation to not-for-profit groups and those less fortunate. I’ve designed and implemented self-development programmes in high schools to re-engage and motivate students to be the best that they can possibly be and have organised an annual Christmas Party for foster children in Port Macquarie for the past ten years.

greater port macquarie focus.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Jerome Robinson

Steve Foye

FORTY WINKS

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? The most satisfying aspect has been watching our store grow and evolve over the last 15 years. We are always working on improving our store, both in our product range, and its presentation. How do you effectively market your business to new customers? We use a mix of advertising media, led by a strong television campaign. As well as using radio, and press, we also have a national website and a local Facebook page. Our branding consistently changes, to keep it fresh and appealing to our customers. What background experience do you bring to your current role? I have been in the furniture and bedding industry for over 25 years; the last 20 years have been with Forty Winks. I love the variety of my role; no two days are the same. Business/personal goals for this financial

J162HA-1

There is no wrong side of the right bed.

Port Macquarie Port Home Zone, Shop 7 160 Hastings River Drive Ph: 02 6583 9277

fortywinks.com.au 80

greater port macquarie focus.

Peak Coffee

year? Recently our business partner retired. His role was behind the scenes, in administration and accounts. Our goal this year is to increase our knowledge and skills in this important area of our business. How does your business give back to the community? At a national level this year, Forty Winks has become a Cancer Council official Partner. Locally, we regularly donate goods for local fundraising auctions and events. We have worked with organisations such as Starlight Children’s Foundation, and Camp Quality, and I have even jumped out of a plane to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. How do you encourage a positive working environment? We have a really close knit team. We set common goals, and work together to achieve them. Communication, inclusion and encouragement are key to keeping a happy working environment.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? I love being part of the whole process. Sourcing, roasting and supplying. There’s something about receiving the first pallet of a fresh crop of direct trade green coffee beans into the roastery, seeing and tasting them after being sample roasted and hearing the positive comments from customers who appreciate what we do. That’s what keeps our enthusiasm up. Also, the whole team at Peak get along really well. We all work very hard and appreciate each other’s strengths.

I use many of these skills daily when we’re

What background experience do you bring to your current role? Many years of hospitality experience working in bars and restaurants in my home town on the Gold Coast and my previous role with Cassegrain Wines have given me a solid grounding in sensory evaluation and customer relations.

region. We support many local sporting

involved in cupping a new, freshly roasted, origin of the month or helping one of our customers to achieve the best result from their café or coffee experience. How does your business give back to the community? We’re big supporters of the Hastings region. We supply a number of notfor-profit organisations in Port Macquarie with free products, which help our disadvantaged community. We engage in local festivals and events to show our support for our beautiful groups and often sponsor events which provide support to local charities. We believe that Peak Coffee’s presence in many of these events is welcomed and encouraged by our local community of coffee lovers, as well as visitors to our evolving Hastings region.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Anthony Wilson s a l t w a t e r w i n e + s t o r m r i d e r s Family-owned business Wilson Retail (Saltwater Wine and Stormriders) have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Being crowned as the best Australian Independent Retailer at this year’s Eftpos Australian Retail Awards in Melbourne came as a massive surprise for owner Anthony Wilson, who has owned the business since 1989. The Eftpos Australian Retail Awards recognise industry excellence and achievement across a range of categories and are the retail sector’s longest running awards. They acknowledge the growth and accomplishments of both businesses and individuals within Australia’s largest private industry. The Wilson retail group currently employs over 100 team members across 10 stores and their head office. “As a familyowned business, winning these awards is great kudos for our highly deserving and talented team. We really appreciate the

support of our families, friends and customers; we couldn’t do it without them,” said Wilson. “As a business we embody the surf and skate lifestyle, and we are all passionate about showcasing the best brands and products that this industry has to offer. To gain recognition for this commitment by winning the Independent Australian Retailer of the Year is very special to us,” he said. Along with taking out the coveted “Independent Retailer of the Year” award, the Wilson’s Retail team were also awarded “Australian Store Fit-Out of the Year” for the new Stormriders retail store in Port Central Shopping Centre, Port Macquarie. Only weeks before adding the above awards to their ever-growing trophy cabinet, Saltwater Wine and Stormriders were thrilled to win the “Australian Retailer of the Year” award at the

2015 Australian Surf Industry Awards. This is the first year that the “Australian Retailer of the Year” has been awarded. To qualify for these awards, entrants had to win Finalist status at their various state awards. As the winners of the “NSW Retailer of the Year” for the fourth consecutive year and runner up for the Shop Fit-Out of the Year for the company’s new flagship Stormriders store at Port Central, the business had this criteria wrapped up. Now part of the growing Wilson Retail Group, the Stormriders and Saltwater Wine stores have successfully navigated the waves of running a retail business for over three decades. Wilson attributes this success to taking a handson approach to his operations - constantly evolving and adapting the business and the retail stores to meet changing customer needs,

as well as the team’s unwavering commitment to the business. Saltwater Wine and Stormriders are dedicated to providing expert, authentic and credible advice to their customers, both in their “bricks and mortar” stores and to their significant online communities. They are also committed to supporting their local community by supporting events such as the Saltwater Wine Pro - one of the longest running, grass-roots surfing contests on the NSW Mid North Coast. Wilson encourages people to come and experience their award winning stores in Horton Street or Port Central Shopping Centre. ”We’d love to see you, and our team are proud to show off their award winning stores,” he said.

greater port macquarie focus.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Nick, Jeremy and Alan P r i e s t l e g a l What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? We start work at the beginning of the day in our suits, our desks are clear (generally), our computer screens blank, our telephones on the hook. We get to work. At the end of any given day, we can’t see our results in terms of a tangible object - time is our commodity. We look the same and our offices look exactly as they did when we arrived, but within that intervening, often chaotic, period we can - and often do - achieve incredible results for our clients, be it enabling them to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, dodging bullets (figuratively speaking) or allowing them to prosper and realise their ambitions. Although things look the same as when we arrived, the satisfaction one gets walking out of the door at the day’s end in the knowledge we

82 greater port macquarie focus.

have facilitated some quantum shift for the betterment of a client is incredibly rewarding. How do you effectively market your business to new customers? We believe that the best way to market our business is to make sure that we deliver good professional services to our existing customers. Our best source of marketing is our own clients. However, we acknowledge that the provision of legal services is increasingly competitive and we recognise that participating in campaigns like the FOCUS “Men in Business” campaign is very valuable in helping us to grow our business. We are one of the largest, most diverse and experienced law practices in the area and as we continue to grow, we are always looking to take on new clients with new challenges, particularly in our core practice areas:

Litigation, Business law, Family law, Wills and Estates (including challenges to, and defending challenge to, wills) and Property and Conveyancing Law. Further details can be viewed on our website: www.priestlegal. com.au What background experience do you bring to your current role? Alan is the founding partner, with over 40 years’ experience in all aspects of legal practice. Jeremy cut his teeth in Moree, then London with the Prosecutor’s Office of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs, before settling in Port Macquarie. Jeremy has over a decade of legal experience, with expertise in most areas of civil practice. Nick joined us in 2014 after a career with the federal government, bringing a wealth of corporate experience and expertise to the practice. Nick works

mainly in the areas of general litigation, wills and estates, property law and conveyancing. How do you encourage a positive working environment? We have a cultural fit that works, and we try to look after our employees. This leads to a collegiate work environment and a contagious drive and enthusiasm to deliver the best service we can. It is a team effort. Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? The law is so complex and fluid that no one person can ever know all there is to know about it. So don’t pretend to. Uncompromising attention to detail and meticulous preparation are essential. Experience will follow. And, of course, love your work.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Well Creative T i m a a r o n a n d c h r i s Who is Well Creative, and what are your main business goals? We are a digital media and graphic design agency specialising in websites, branding, marketing, printing and signage. Our team’s combined experience includes working for international design and advertising agencies, business management, project management, programming and IT systems administration. Our aim is to help small and medium businesses become more successful by giving them a visual identity that attracts customers, evokes a response and consequently gives them a competitive advantage. We’re a friendly and supportive team who understand that for a lot of business owners, the speed at which technology is moving is really intimidating and can be a headache. We want to support our clients by speaking non-

jargon and developing websites that are easy to maintain and intuitive for their customers to use. What is the single most important thing you advise your client about their marketing? GET YOUR BRAND RIGHT FIRST. Without this, you are really putting the cart before the horse and marketing your business becomes much more difficult. If you don’t, your business brand usually pans out something like this: You need signage, so the sign manufacturer’s art department designs your sign. You need business cards, so the printer designs your cards. You need a website, so the web developer builds your site. Then nothing matches! The colours are different, you have three different logos and many different fonts. It

does not sit right, and you wonder why it looks a bit haphazard. Now if you need to produce a brochure or a press ad, which look do you follow? Once your brand is established, marketing is much easier. You don’t have to choose fonts, colours, photos and design a logo every time. You just have to roll out what has already been established, knowing it appeals to your customer. Your studio is based in Wingham; how do you find having a studio in a small country town? Having our studio based in Wingham is great. We really love this town: the central park, historic buildings, cafés, river and the beautiful country that surrounds it. Well Creative is proving that business can succeed anywhere. With high speed broadband, communicating

with our clients is easy. Wingham gives us a great central point to base ourselves. Aaron and Tim live in the Camden Haven, so can start their day seeing clients in Port Macquarie. Chris lives closer to Forster, so he can easily service that area. Our client base covers the Macleay to Sydney. We are really proud to be an example of how business can work regionally. We contribute to the vibrancy and economy of Wingham and create jobs as well. How do you encourage a positive working environment? An old boss of Aaron’s once said “Everybody is replaceable”. At Well Creative, we believe the opposite. Everybody is unique, and you can never replace them. We really value our team. Their skills, talent and personalities are our most valuable asset.

Tim say

THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO GET NOTICED! Try using a friendly bunch of designers who help businesses with websites, branding, marketing, printing and signage

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED!

wellcreative.com.au 02 6553 5828 greater port macquarie focus.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

PeterT i l eHollins s with Style Peter Hollins has been in business in Port Macquarie for over nine years as the owner of Tiles With Style ColorTile. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of chatting with Peter about his career in the tile industry, his staff and future prospects.

our team has been together since the early 1990s. What’s the secret to keeping a great team on board for such a long period of time? We have over 250 years’ combined tile industry experience in our team. A big part of keeping a team together for a long time is in recruiting the right people, then creating a family type atmosphere for them to work in. I’m a big believer in employing smart people and then letting them do their job. I’m not a micro-manager or a helicopter boss at all. As Managing Director of Tiles With Style ColorTile, what is the most satisfying aspect of your role? A lot of the time it’s really busy, so you don’t get the chance to enjoy it much. However, watching the business grow and prosper without the normal headaches associated with growth is very satisfying. The ability of our staff to just get on with the job reflects very well on them as individuals. How long have you been in the tile industry? How did you start out? I first joined the tile industry in 1991. I had just returned from living and travelling overseas for two years, and ran into the boss of Davco tile adhesives at the cricket. They had a sales reps job going, and I was lucky enough to win the position. I became Sales Manager eventually, and did the North Coast run for many years. This is how I met Garry Taylor, the previous owner of Tiles With Style. He eventually talked me in to buying the business in 2006 (thanks Garry), and I can without doubt say it was one of the best decisions of my life (apart from marrying my wife Dawn and having my two beautiful kids, of course). You have the largest and best appointed tile and bathroom showroom on the Mid North Coast - how do you keep at the forefront of your industry? This is where the ColorTile Group are so critical to our business. ColorTile have a dedicated buying team that sources the best product from all over the tile manufacturing world. At the same time, we are also totally independent, and we deal with over 100 tile 84

greater port macquarie focus.

in a single innings in 4th Grade cricket, to retire importers. We cherry pick the best of what they offer, both in terms of quality and affordability. from Oz Tag, and for Parramatta to make the Our showroom is over 600 m², but you would top 16 in the NRL. be surprised how quickly you can fill it with How does your business give back to the tiles. community? How do you effectively market your We are involved in the community in many business to new customers? ways. We sponsor the Port Sharks and Kendall We use a mixture of word of mouth and Blues in rugby league, the Port Pirates in rugby targeted advertising. Tiles are not something union, Bonny Hills Cricket Club, and various you buy every week, unlike groceries or fuel etc. other netball and touch football teams. I This means we have to be first cab off the rank am also a keen donator to local school and when people decide to build or renovate. We community charity events when local people are advertise on TV and radio, as well as in FOCUS in need of financial support. of course. We also work hard on having How do you encourage a positive very close relationships with our working environment? builders and tilers, so that they By employing good, also recommend us to new intelligent people, and customers. letting them do their 0 We have over 25 e What background job. I have worked til d ne years’ combi experience do you r ou in e in companies nc rie pe industry ex bring to your current keeping of rt pa g before where the bi A . team for a long role? boss has to microa team together g the tin As previously time is in recrui creating en right people , th mentioned, I was a phere mily type atmos fa a technical salesperson .” in k or w to em for th in the tile industry for many years. Sadly, I am one of the few people who has been to every tile shop in NSW! The technical side of the tile industry has always strongly appealed to me, and in my job at Davco I was able to spend a lot of time in the product development laboratory getting my hands dirty. This gave me a solid understanding of how tile systems go together, and what components make a great tile installation. Business/personal goals for this financial year? Construction is very busy in our region at present. My goals for the new financial year are to steadily grow the business and keep our wonderful crew together. To do this, we intend to keep looking after our customers the way we always do. Our motto is “If it’s not acceptable to us, then it’s not acceptable for our customers”. It’s a very simple philosophy, but it works. Personal goals are simple: make sure the family is happy, to get more than two wickets

“

manage every little process, and this stifles the business, and eventually good staff leave. We have a real family environment, and I encourage our staff to get involved in the decision making process. We also get out and let our hair down from time to time, which also plays a key part in creating the best working environment. We also have Tony Smedley on our staff, and he is a unique individual who keeps everyone laughing! Best advice for someone starting out in your industry and as a manager in general? Don’t do it! Only joking. First thing, you’ll need a good bank to support you, then recruit good people. Don’t worry too much if the staff are from another industry; just focus on what they can become. As a manager, know your business backwards, and know exactly what makes the business function well. Know what the key indicators are (good or bad) and look at them daily. And I repeat: let your staff do their jobs. Thanks Peter.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Searson Shannon & C O . P T Y L T D David Shannon is the Director and Principal of Searson Shannon & Co Pty Ltd, one of the largest legal firms in the Port Macquarie and Laurieton area. We speak to David about the growth and successes of the Searson Shannon team. Where are you from originally, and what brought you to the Greater Port Macquarie area? I was born and raised in Forbes, where my family ran a wheat and sheep farm. My parents retired to Port Macquarie in the 1970s and I followed them to the area in 1981, starting my legal career in a well-established local firm. I consider Port Macquarie home and have been lucky enough to raise my two boys in the area. Tell us about Searson Shannon & Co Pty Ltd? Searson Shannon & Co Pty Ltd was established in 1995 when George Searson and I formed a partnership. As the firm grew in size, a solicitor corporation was established. The company currently employs four solicitors

- George Searson, Chris McCarron, Mark Magennis and myself - all of whom have vast experience both in the local area and the legal industry. George has been working in the area since 1979. Chris has been practising in Port Macquarie for in excess of 45 years. Mark is well known for his commercial litigation experience dealing with disputed estates, amongst other complex commercial litigation matters. Searson Shannon & Co Pty Ltd also employs three licensed conveyancers - Michelle Gow, Justine Scully and Georgia Boland. Michelle has extensive knowledge and expertise in all areas of conveyancing, including commercial leases and subdivisions. Justine is well respected for her professionalism and has ten years of experience

handling conveyancing matters. George manages our Laurieton conveyancing branch with the assistance of licensed conveyancer, Georgia, who has worked in the legal industry since 1996. Our eight support staff provide assistance in all areas, including Wills, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianships, Succession Act Claims, Family Law, Criminal Proceedings and Litigation. Both the Port Macquarie and Laurieton offices have an extensive Probate administration practices. George and I are ably assisted by Ellarose Osborne (Port Macquarie) and Julie Thomas (Laurieton). What does the future hold for you and your firm?

Jenna Cook will be shortly admitted as a solicitor, having worked for Searson Shannon for nearly a decade. She will be working in Family Law and will add a different dimension to this area of our practice which has developed a reputation for mediation and conciliation, rather than adversarial and protracted litigation. Searson Shannon & Co Pty Ltd continues to grow and diversify, allowing us to relate to and assist with people in all stages of life. I am proud to have put together such a large legal team who are all known for their integrity, honesty and community service. I look forward to working in the Port Macquarie/Laurieton area for many years to come.

greater port macquarie focus. 85

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Robert Dwyer L U S C THE Laurieton United Services Club is home to nearly 9,500 members, and almost all of them would pay tribute to the strong community focus the club has developed under the leadership of Secretary-Manager Robert Dwyer. Every day, nearly every function room beats to the pulse of the Legacy volunteers, Torchbearers, Red Cross Women’s Auxiliary, snooker, quilting and some of the 72 sporting, sub-clubs and community groups the LUSC supports. The humble architect of the energetic club agenda is the Secretary-Manager, who has given countless hours personally and professionally to keep the Camden Haven rolling along and growing. What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? “Every day is an absolute pleasure dealing with people who are driven, community-minded

86 greater port macquarie focus.

and willing to help others,” Mr Dwyer said.

and social services; community development;

our system, leave better equipped to deliver

“There aren’t very many causes we wouldn’t get behind, and it’s about putting our hand on our heart and helping these groups to go about their weekly business, and sometimes taking that extra step and getting involved to assist where we can.”

employment assistance activities; community

first class service and to keep the customers’

health services; and projects aimed at

thoughts and needs at the forefront of their

improving the living standards of low income

everyday endeavours.

and disadvantaged people.

What keeps you in the clubs industry?

How do you encourage a positive working

“I started out in finance and I’ve been

environment?

privileged enough to work through every

How does your business give back to the community?

“Our motto for customer service is get it right,

aspect of the industry. It gives me great

first time, every time. In an ideal world we try

enjoyment now to help aspiring staff to attain

“We remain a not-for profit organisation that strives to give back to those who need the money most. The clubs industry as a whole is geared towards dispersing its profits to a range of portfolios, including: junior sporting organisations; community welfare

to take the issues out of people’s everyday

the skills and learn the many valuable lessons

lives. We share their grief and celebrate

the industry offers. Equally rewarding is

their milestones. We are here day and night,

working with a positive and pro-active Board

weeknights and weekends and public holidays

of Directors, our partners at Kew Country

to make sure they feel welcome. I would like

Club, and our wonderful members whom I

to think that staff members who come through

consider as extended family,” Mr Dwyer said.

TWO GREAT TEAMS ONE MISSION IN REAL ESTATE FOCUS ASKS... “Real estate is a tough job both in property management and sales with long hours and requires great dedication and time management. How do you all juggle work and family and what do you love about the job?”

Stuart Brown – Sales Administration

Rick Owen – Property Inspection Officer

Real Estate Sales is a demanding but rewarding job, I have an eight week old baby boy Hudson and it’s hard to leave him in the mornings, but everything I do at work is for him and my fiancé Hannah. I love how no two days are ever the same in real estate (which keeps me on my toes), and the desire to provide Percival’s clients with the best real estate experience in Port Macquarie means we push ourselves on a daily basis.

Juggling work and family – no problem. Our office runs efficiently, so I can go home and turn off (more or less). What do I love about the job? The people I work with make it a pleasure to go to work each day. Meeting the different personalities that make up our clientele and striving to exceed their expectations in service gives purpose to every day. It’s an evolving industry and exciting to be a part of.

Catch percival property on 2MC BREAKY SHOW WITH STRAWNY at 8.26am each Thursday

Adam Holborow – Leasing Consultant

Jay Magill – Property Inspection Officer

Michael Percival – Principal

Working in real estate gives a great sense of achievement when you can match the correct tenant with a place to live or call home, and assist investors have a stress free ownership. As for juggling work and family life, it is a challenge with two young children aged two and five months. My wife works three days a week as a general practitioner in Port Macquarie, but we have amazing family that help out!

Part of the reason we moved to Port Macquarie was to live the coastal lifestyle with an even work/life balance. I put 100% into my job so I can enjoy weekends with the family camping, deep sea fishing and cooking. I enjoy my job as it can be challenging at times, fast paced and no day is the same. Having owned and operated my own businesses in the past 20 years I am organised and can structure my day to best service our clients.

You would think that after more than 33 years in the industry I would dread going to work each day but nothing could be further from the truth. I don’t really have a work/life balance problem because I don’t consider what I do at Percival Property to be work.

seeking new and better ways to manage homes and working with the amazing people who make up the team at Percival Property all contribute to the fantastic feeling I get going to work every day. Even when the office doors are closed my phone is on and answered and my emails are responded to regardless of where I am at the time.

Caring for my client’s most valuable asset, helping people find the best place for their families to live, always

The old saying of choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life could not be more truthful!

PERCIVAL P R O P E R T Y

RESIDENTIAL SALES

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T

Phone 02 6583 8606 106 William Street, Port Macquarie www.percival.com.au

Phone 02 6583 7499 4/111 William Street, Port Macquarie www.percival.com.au

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Tony Kee - Centre Manager

TwoMinds Creative

TGs Childcare - High Street

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Working directly with families now allows me to see the true community impact of our work in early childhood. Beyond the amazing work we do every day with children helping them to reach their fullest potential, it is great to see how such diverse families can benefit from using early childhood services such as TG’s Child Care. I love seeing children, educators and families come together daily to share, learn, grow and play together; it is amazing! What background experience do you bring to your current role? I have spent the past 12 years playing, learning and studying in early childhood settings in NSW and QLD. I hold my Early Childhood Teaching degree and in 2012 realised a lifelong dream to visit the famous "nature preschools" in Scandinavia. My family’s passion for early childhood

88 greater port macquarie focus.

Dylan, Kyle, Joey

education and helping the community is something I am very proud of and aim to produce myself in daily practice. How does your business give back to the community? We are involved in regular local and national fundraising events, and 100% of the funds we raise go to the charities involved. Recently we have donated money to “Nourish Nepal” (for international Mud Day) and sponsored the Wauchope Thunder (for cervical cancer fundraiser). Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? Get in and give it a try! Men truly do make awesome early childhood educators - we can offer a fresh perspective on play and learning for young children. Lots of men are great with children - fathers, uncles, brothers - and children really respond well to men who love to spend time with them!

Who is TwoMinds Creative? People often ask, "Why Two Minds? But there are three of you". Our name is based on the creative collaboration between the designer and the client. We are made up of three graphic designers spanning 30 years of experience in the industry. We are excited to launch our brand as a collective design agency after working independently in Port Macquarie and other various places. What services can you provide? We provide a wide range of services, including design for corporate identities, advertising/marketing meterial , as well as publishing and print management. What is the most satisfying aspect of being a designer? We are lucky to be able to have fun every day working with clients from all over the country and seeing our work out in the real world, whether it is on a billboard on the highway, mounted on a wall at a restaurant/

bar, or amongst a stack of magazines at a barbershop or café. Do you each specialise in a field of design? Between the three of us, we each have our own strengths that we bring to our table. Dylan has created promotional artwork for Rydges Port Macquarie, Zebu Bar + Grill, The Beachhouse, Sails Resort, as well as many other bars and restaurants around Australia. Kyle has been involved with "Hello koalas" to help launch their brand around the local area, and more recently has connected with builders G.J. Gardner Homes Australia and America. Joey has been busy working closely with Port Macquarie Tourism to launch the annual Eat See Do magazine, as well as the newly launched Cutthroat Barber Trade Journal. A big thank you all of our clients; we look forward to working with you all in the future.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Chris Koch laing+simmons port macquarie Resting on his laurels is simply not an option for Chris Koch, Principal and owner of Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie.

fter almost a decade in real estate, “We are anticipating strong growth in real estate Chris has continued to build and great opportunities for locals, newcomers Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie into and investors alike. Interest rates are low, there is the city’s clear market leader - the a groundswell of demand from local, Sydney and office sells 20 properties on average interstate buyers, and Port’s importance as a key each month, 25% more than its regional centre continues to build. There are exciting nearest competitor. times in front of us,” Chris says. He could be forgiven for taking his foot off the Creating a point of difference in real estate. pedal. But he won’t entertain the thought. Real estate agents are typically quite adept Growing together. at patting themselves on the back. “Port Macquarie is experiencing This is especially apparent when unprecedented levels of buyer activity, the industry is booming and and new records are consistently the demand for property is re u’ being set in different sectors of the strong. Chris emphasises yo w Consider ho u yo en wh market. The town is growing, and that its times like these ed at tre t or walk the focus for our business is to that choosing the right contact an agen hen the W into their office. grow with it,” says Chris. agent to market and sell e, boom phas industry is in a e th of “We have recently added your home is even more ht sig se many agents lo ery ev g in at tre another person to the current critical. of e importanc with the full er om st sales team of six, and we have “Some agents will offer cu e gl sin serve. ” respect they de big plans for growth over the next cheap standard rates and

“

12 months. Watching the members of our self-motivated team develop their skills and knowledge, feeding off their enthusiasm, serves to keep things busy, fresh and most importantly, our clients benefit from this energy. “We commenced property management 12 months ago, and we have expanded this service steadily since. We are securing on average 10 new managements each month, and we’ll soon be adding to our team in this area too. As with sales, we won’t rest until our property management offering is recognised as the local market leader, and by maintaining a firm focus on customer service, we’re embracing this challenge.

neglect to mention some steep additional charges. Others will claim that they have years of experience, the best database of buyers or that they ‘own’ a certain segment. It can be very confusing,” says Chris. “So do your research. Look at the culture of the business. Consider how you’re treated when you contact an agent or walk into their office. When the industry is in a boom phase, many agents lose sight of the importance of treating every single customer with the full respect they deserve.” Of course, at the heart of selling property is an effective marketing strategy. But it makes no sense to

apply the same strategy to two different properties. “We understand that it’s necessary to look at each property on an individual basis and then work out an individual strategy to suit. It can take extra time and effort, but our results speak for themselves,” Chris says. “Such results need not be more expensive for vendors either. One of the key points of difference we offer our clients is that we don’t charge for our standard marketing, which represents approximately 97% of all our listings, and provides maximum value to our clients. “In short, real estate is a dynamic industry, so we as agents need to be as well.” Advice for those starting out. “Real estate is very rewarding, very challenging and only a 100% commitment will do. It’s not a job you can do part-time, and leave any notions of the 9-to-5 work day at the door,” Chris says. But the last thing such a positive person wants is to paint is a negative picture. “It’s a great career for people who love meeting people. Buying or selling a property is usually a deeply emotional transaction, and as an agent you are involved in the genuine emotions of clients during this time in their lives. It’s a privilege. “Understanding they will have a natural level of anxiety and doing what you can to alleviate that is the hallmark of a good agent. Demonstrating trust, removing confusion and being transparent are essential qualities,” he says. “Of course, the willingness to work hard is fundamental, and strict organisational skills are a must. It also helps to have a very understanding family, as the work can be very time consuming and at times, stressful. But the rewards are well worth it.”

Expert Advice. Proven Marketing Strategies. Exemplary Service. 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie

greater port macquarie focus. 89

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Chris Briscoe

Mark Sinclair

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role?

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Undoubtedly it is the feedback you receive after providing a massage for a client who has debilitating pain; it is a very gratifying experience when a client comes to the clinic in tears but leaves with a smile.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? I get to

Business/personal goals for this financial year? Whilst maintaining my current clinic in Shelly Beach Road, I will be increasing my access for clients by also practising from Total Balance Osteopathy (Clarence Street, Port Macquarie).

website, Google and Yellowpages. The odd FOCUS article

Seascapes landscapes

Working with clients to deliver quality outcomes for their property. A lot of the time they have issues with a part or whole of the yard, and being able to solve these issues, or just beautifying an outdoor area with a mix of structural elements and gardens is very rewarding. The work is challenging at times, but having such a great end result is very satisfying, especially if you’ve started with a disaster yard! How do you effectively market your business to new customers? Being a licensed trade business that specialises in all aspects of Structural Landscaping from decks to paving, retaining walls to stonemasonry and lots in between, we use many types of marketing, from staff shirts, branding on vehicles and equipment, newspaper ads, and we have an online presence through our Facebook page and Local Search. Not to mention, word of mouth. What background experience do you bring to your current role? I have been in the landscaping industry for nearly 10 years now and have had extensive building and construction experience (my father was a carpenter by trade) prior to that which culminates in nearly 20 years of building and construction experience to draw on.

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Massage 2444

Working with Kim Ritchie and Eddie Santamaria will also be a fantastic learning opportunity for myself. How does your business give back to the community? One of the great things about massage is they’re appreciated at many functions. I have performed volunteer work for headspace and at several sporting events (athletes always love post-event massage!) Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? Show respect to your clients and listen to them; don’t assume you know where their pain/discomfort is. Maintain your study; allied health is a dynamic industry, so you need to stay up to date. Join a strong and reputable Association.

Jeff Rogers

MVS Mid Coast PTY LTD

meet people from all walks of life, see where they live and work, and provide frank advice on property matters. How do you effectively market your business to new customers? We have a strong online presence with our helps. What background experience do you bring to your current role? I started in real estate in Port Macquarie 22 years ago, spent time in corporate property services in Sydney and have been in valuation for 17 years. Business/personal goals for this financial year? We have doubled our staff levels in the last 12 months. Getting another valuer on our team would allow me to provide more project management services to existing and new clients. How does your business give back to the community? We are regular sponsors of our local rugby league team and I am on the grounds trust board for the local cricket and football ground. How do you encourage a positive working environment? I work with my wife and do as I am told that keeps everyone happy. Best advice for someone starting out in your industry? Refer to previous answer.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Steve Crabtree, Tawhai Carter, Ross Cargill and Kiel Bigeni M e n @ W O R K Tawhai Carter: what is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Developing a strong network within the local region - whether it be internally via regular contact with our ever expanding roster of employees, or likewise externally through consultation with our diverse list of clients. In addition to this, seeing first-hand the involvement we have in assisting clients (both in the public and private sectors) complete significant projects and events provides a satisfying sense of community. Steve Crabtree: how do you effectively market your business to new customers? Our business has a recognisable brand,

though it is essential for people to know about the products and services we offer. Our staff are trained to source potential clients through in depth knowledge of local government tenders, new and proposed works in areas of building, civil construction, road maintenance programmes and public infrastructure.

delivering our business to new and existing

Kiel Bigeni: how does your business

markets.

give back to the community?

Ross Cargill: business/personal goals for

Men at Work is a locally owned family

this financial year?

company which has supported many

Men At Work will solidify its position as a

sporting groups and significant charities

market leader in training and assessment on

over the years. We are proud supporters

the Mid North Coast and continue to deliver

of a number of sporting clubs and are

our offering of quality traffic control and

also a sponsor member of the Chamber

Obviously our website and continued media advertising in various forms, assists with recognition in the labour hire and traffic management industry, and re-affirms our commitment to specialised training courses conducted throughout our organisation.

labour hire services to industry. We have

of Commerce. Other charities include

enjoyed an exciting growth phase in the

Wheel Chair Sports Australia, Endeavour

past 12 months, and 2015/2016 presents

Club House, Relay for life, Movember and

an opportunity to fine tune our operations.

the Special Childrenâ€™s Christmas party, to

We expect to implement further changes

name a few. We also provide our traffic

to our course offerings in 2016, with a

management expertise to a number of

Participation in many industry bodies through seminars and workshops assists in

number of prospective options available to

local events at no cost to support the local

the business.

community.

greater port macquarie focus. 91

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Lindsay Moller

Ian van Vessem

Tell our readers about your specific business model.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? I think getting the chance to meet new people and businesses and then creating solutions for them is the most satisfying. I enjoy seeing how effectively they can run their business with our solutions in place.

Lindsay moller photography

Lindsay Moller Photography produces quality photography for small to large businesses across the Mid North Coast. We specialise in helping businesses ensure they have the right image to ensure they stand out from the crowd. What’s your best advice for businesses to have a successful image? It is very important that businesses update their image every year from your business profile, marketing strategy to updating you and your staff’s headshots. It is vitally important businesses continue to update, refresh and rebrand their image every year. What do you do to create innovation? In many ways, I’m more than a photographer. I help clients tap into the power of images to promote their businesses and build their brands. I can help you work out what sort of photograph you need, what style will work best, and then show you how to use the images effectively. Packages are tailored for each client’s individual need. Call me to chat about how I can help your business improve its image.

“UPDATE - REFRESH - REBRAND”

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fuji xerox business centre mid north coast

How do you effectively market your business to new customers? We tend to use lots of different forms of media, including print, television, radio, social, online and direct mail. We find that what works best in terms of return, apart from FOCUS, is word of mouth.

Nick Diaz and Simon Leigh Latin Loafer

Nick Diaz and Simon Leigh are delighted after a first very successful month in business at the Latin Loafer. With a perfect location overlooking the sunsets of the Hastings River, Latin Loafer has a unique atmosphere incorporating art, music, wine and great food. Nick has a strong hospitality background, extensive wine knowledge and has been able to bring some of his own influences to the menu and overall concept of Latin Loafer. Specialising in Spanish and South American wines, Nick finds

What background experience do you bring to your current role? My background encompasses 20 years in sales and marketing, which includes representing companies such as Dell, NEC and Rentokil.

that the wines from these regions complement the tapas style

Business/personal goals for this financial year? As I am the new sales representative for Port Macquarie, I am eager to help grow the business in my area.

from Chile, a French grape varietal that was believed to have

How does your business give back to the community? We are proud to support many sporting groups, clubs and worthy causes within the local community such as the Port PCYC and Sailability. How do you encourage a positive working environment? I believe that no matter what role you are in within the business, everyone is as important as each other, so I make sure I treat everyone I work with, with respect and support them whenever I can.

of food on offer. Starting off with a basic list and good range, Latin Loafer showcases the more renowned wines such as Carménère been completely wiped out for hundreds of years, until it was rediscovered in Chile and still is one of their largest grown grapes. Simon’s passion for music introduces another element to the Latin Loafer, with live music often being played by local musicians, the combination of patrons enjoying the sounds of soothing Jazz while dining on delicious food and wine just tops off the vibe and experience of the Latin Loafer. For bookings phone 6583 948, to check out the latest event at the Latin Loafer visit their Facebook page.

by Michelle Newman from Newman Communications

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.

Paul BURKE nrma road assist crew

ave you ever had a breakdown, a flat call from the tow truck operator. He asked me to bring battery, a punctured tyre, or locked your my wetsuit. I met him at Fernbank Creek Boat Ramp, was keys in the car? Chances are, Paul Burke handed a tow cable and asked to swim out and hook up a or one of his team mates from the local submerged boat trailer with a Falcon attached. Only the roof NRMA Road Assist crew have helped you of the car was visible. I’m not sure that particular task was in get back up and running. my job description!” The NRMA Road Service Patrolman really enjoys “life on Paul often goes above and beyond. While working the road” after years working as a mechanic at away under the bonnet, he’ll take the chance multi-franchise dealerships. A natural problem-solver, Paul also to educate drivers on the importance of enjoys meeting people from all walks of in-between service maintenance checks life. Generally, people are very gracious such as oil, coolant levels and spare tyre SO M E T IM E when Paul manages to fix their pressure. BAC K A problem and turn their initial anxiety I As well as having broad D N A into a smile. P-PL AT ER ST R FI A mechanical skills, Paul relies on W ER E O N “Some time back, a P Plater and ER FT A S SI good communication and time NA M E BA I were on a first name basis after

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D LO C KO U T

H IS T H IR management skills. He can minimise his third lockout in a day. At the IN A DAY..” other end of the spectrum, some wasted diagnosis time by being a good people have been NRMA members listener. “Often a client will mention for more than 60 years and rarely used some small thing about a vehicle’s history the service. They’ll often apologise for and that can point straight to the source of calling.” the problem.” Paul is part of a core group of three full-time It can be hard to keep up with the jobs, especially as patrolmen, tow truck operator and relief staff employed numbers can fluctuate wildly at times. These days NRMA by Trotters Auto Group who sub-contract the NRMA members receive a text or call with the expected arrival tim, road service franchise in Port Macquarie. “We do our best to mobilise every vehicle we come which helps. The Port Macquarie crew cover the highway across. You get to know common model-specific faults and and other out of town areas too. “Those highway jobs in remedies, but there is still the odd ‘headscratcher’. Especially the middle of the night, especially in the rain, can be nervewhen we can be working on cars, trucks, motorbikes or even wracking.” mobility scooters!” Paul has really embraced the job, the shift work and the The most common issues involve battery problems, and rotating roster. It gives him time to put down the tools and then there’s the occasional quick response required to rescue pick up his surfboard, fishing rod or drum sticks, and spend an animal or child locked inside a car. “A few years ago I was on shift at 2am and received a time with his family.

my day 6:50am Check van supplies, oil, water, batteries. Pick up leftover jobs from previous shift. 7:00am Jobs drop down onto screen via the Sydney call centre, and we’re away! 9:00am Fielding calls from around town. Cruising along nicely, helping people with common problems like jump-starting flat batteries. 11:00am Blind-sided by an influx of highway breakdowns and a few out of town jobs. Need to work fast to keep up. 12:00pm No lunch break for me today. Too busy. Keep responding to call outs. 1:00pm Change a flat tyre, help someone who’s locked out of their car, and organise a tow for a client whose vehicle needs more serious repairs. 3:00pm Chat with the next patrolman on shift to relay information and share experiences. Knock off time! Surf looks good.

greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

MARSHALL SIGN CITY PLUS

SITTING IN THEIR STUDIO, ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU NOTICE IS THE HYPERACTIVE BUZZ THAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING, ARE DOING IT FLAT-OUT. THE PHONE RINGS AND ONE OF THE DESIGNERS SPRINGS INTO ACTION, DEFTLY ANSWERING QUERIES FROM A NEW CUSTOMER. THE DOOR OPENS, AND ANOTHER CUSTOMER COMES TO PICK UP COMPLETED WORK.

t’s a busy place. Central to the action is a huge job scheduling board that reads like a “Who’s Who” of companies and organisations in the Hastings and Camden Haven regions. We’re speaking with David Marshall, from family owned Sign City Plus, one of the area’s most dynamic businesses. David, you’re a Marketing graduate from University of Technology, Sydney with decades of top level experience with some of the world’s largest companies. How does that lead to Port Macquarie and Sign City? DM: Soon after graduating, I commenced a marketing communications role with an international company. Part of that role was to develop new branding and packaging. It was a process that was being frustrated by the glacial pace and artistic limitations of artwork and prepress methods of printing at the time. Researching alternatives, I stumbled across a brand new computer technology called “Desktop Publishing” or as we know it now, digital design. At the time, there were only a couple of people in the country who knew what it was, let alone how to use it. It’s fair to say that between a handful of us, we were the pioneers of digital design

94 greater port macquarie focus.

the way that you manufacture signage? in Australia. The packaging and literature DM: It’s improved our signage in lots of designs developed here became used around ways. The equipment that we use here is the world. I still get a kick when I walk into a exactly the same as was used in the JV. It gives hardware store or supermarket somewhere us more vivid, accurate and durable in the world and find products with signage than the plant ordinarily designs based on concepts I used in the industry. We developed decades ago. only use quality materials, Anyway, as my role e er th e, At the tim le up and our processes get progressed, I also co a ly on were y tr un co the most from them. became responsible e th in of people was , it t ha Competitors offer for signage design w ew kn who use to w ho guarantees of up and implementation, e on al t le that to 12 months. We eventually opening it. It’s fair to say l of us , fu guarantee our hard an opportunity for between a hand eers we were the pion signage for five years; a joint venture into in of digital design the differences are that high end signage with Australia . ” substantial. one of the newspaper So, with a marketing groups in Australia. The and design background, rest is history, I suppose. what do you look for in a I have wanted to live in Port graphic artist? Macquarie for most of my life. There DM: We have graphic designers rather are deep connections in the region, and it than graphic artists. People don’t walk was important that our young daughter down the street and decide to buy from grow up where the air is pure, the water a business because their signs have more is clean and people are salt of the earth. artistic merit. Rather, they are attracted by a Opportunity and possibility collided, Sign City business because the signage communicated came up for sale, and Port became our new a message that resonated with their needs. A home. There are no plans to be anywhere good graphic designer starts with an intent else. and knows how to craft that communication. Has the joint venture experience changed

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Unfortunately, even the best designers can get so closely involved with the artistic side of the design, that they can’t tell when the communication aspect starts to suffer. We have a collaborative design environment. Our design staff are constantly exposed to each other’s work in progress and if the message begins to get compromised, it will be picked up almost immediately and rectified. After all, If the design doesn’t work correctly, the whole sign is a waste. How critical is having good signage then? DM: I remember reading a magazine article about a guy whose job it was to resurrect failed franchises for a major fast food chain. They didn’t mention which chain, but it was easy to guess. He was asked where he started the process and his exact words were, “Well, first I fix the signage”. He didn’t even need to look to know they weren’t up to scratch. Forget special sauces, forget million dollar advertising budgets, forget colourful clowns, if your signage isn’t right, then your business is not working as it should. The importance of good signage cannot be underestimated. If you’re a plumber, in the Yellow Pages you are only competing with other plumbers. Your signage competes for attention with every other sign, car and object in your vision. Getting that attention is

focusinterview.

MARSHALL SIGN CITY PLUS a heady mix of design, location, positioning, colour and verbage constructed by skilled people working in the right environment. You don’t learn it selling photocopiers. The job board is very impressive. How important is scheduling to your business? DM: If the business was just one guy with a paintbrush and ladder, we wouldn’t need it at all. Finish one job, start on the next doesn’t need a whole lot of organisation. The board is the hub of what we do. We have two inhouse designers, two signcraftsmen, another couple of subcontract tradesmen, my wife, Elena, who looks after accounting and then there’s myself, quoting jobs and managing traffic. We all have to know what each other are doing and we have have to know it at a glance. We have about 180 jobs in the system at any one time. Good scheduling and control helps us to move them through in a timely manner. What are the advantages of this kind of structure? DM: Our customers have found many benefits. Each of our people are specialists in what they do. Take our designers, for example. They are the best signage designers in the region. Signage design is their focus, and our customers love their work. Our signcraftsmen likewise. They have the skillset to both produce and install signage at the highest levels of quality. Again, our customers love their work and actually take the time to call or email to comment on it. It helps that we concentrate only on signage; it has

allowed us to recruit only specialists in their field, rather than “jacks of all trades.” Probably one of the biggest advantages is accessibility. When customers call, the phone is answered. shopping list. In the Customers drop in le op end, it’s the bundle of pe r Each of ou unannounced, and in ts lis ia benefits that we offer are spec r there’s someone ou ke Ta . do which will help a what they here to help them. ample. customer to decide designers, for ex st sign age To me, that’s whether they do They are the be gion . re fundamental designers in the business with us or is their anything less is Signage design not. s er om st poor customer focus, and our cu Sign City Plus has ” k. or w r ei th service. love tripled in size in less Getting than four years. Does tradespeople to visit that make it successful? seems to be a common DM: I find that problem. Is this part of measuring success like that is customer service also something counterproductive. We prefer to measure that is problematic for Sign City? success on a job by job basis. If we deliver DM: It was a problem for us too, but we more than our customers expect, if they’re fixed it easily and permanently. Any of our excited by what we’ve done, if our signage staff can book an appointment in my diary, has the effect that they wanted, then we and I’ll keep it. Part of being a team. consider that job successful. Ultimately, it is You advertise strongly. It seems the the customer who decides by coming back Sign City jingle has infected half of our or not. It was once said that there are only population. Has promotion been key to two ways to be successful in business: you do your growth? common things uncommonly well, or you do DM: Advertising has played a role but uncommon things. Obviously, three times as ultimately, you have to be able to “walk many customers have decided to come back. the talk.” Paying good money to get new When they all come back, I’ll figure we’re customers through the door only to have doing it uncommonly well. them leave disappointed makes no business sense. Our advertising only gets us on the Doing the maths, you’ve probably

“

installed thousands of signs in the area over the past four years. Is there a job that you are most proud of? DM: There are a few standouts, but they are significant to me because of what the signage achieved rather than the signage itself. What I am most proud of is the cumulative effect of our work. We provide way more signage than any other business in the Hastings and very obviously so. That volume along with our designs and quality focus have lifted entire precincts. That was highlighted by a comment from an old time signwriter that we had “raised the quality of signage around here”. I was stunned. Until then, we had been quietly chuffed with the individual jobs, but the combined effect we missed entirely. Sometimes we get to take pride in our accidental achievements. Where to now for Sign City? DM: We have no grand plans of world domination. Our plans are to keep growing by doing what we’re doing, where we’re doing it and by doing it better all the time. That may mean better systems, more people, more equipment, bigger premises or all of the above. Ultimately, it will be our customers who benefit, and that’s as it should be. Thank you David; the phone is ringing. greater port macquarie focus. 95

focusinterview.

More Than You Ever Expected

STAGE ONE AT EVERMORE LIVING IS ALMOST COMPLETE, WITH THE DISPLAY APARTMENTS OPENING FOR INSPECTION IN SEPTEMBER. WE CAUGHT UP WITH GILLIAN TO TOUCH BASE AND SEE HOW IT’S ALL COMING ALONG. WE ALSO HAD A CHAT TO MARGARET AND JOHN STALENBURG, WHO WILL SOON BE RESIDENTS OF THIS LUXURY STYLE SUPPORTED LIVING COMPLEX.

Evermore Supported Retirement Living

APARTMENT S FROM $ *

285,000

MORE CARE Individually tailored care packages

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*Average Apartment Price $350,000

Call 02 6557 5005 for an obligation free chat.

40 Short Street, Forster. www.evermoreliving.com.au 96 greater port macquarie focus.

Evermore LIVING

tage 1 of Evermore Living is nearly all completed, which is very exciting. Tell our readers when the first display apartments will be open and what the process of inspection will be ... There is much excitement surrounding Evermore Supported Living, with Stage 1 on schedule for completion at the end of September. The excitement is not only within the Evermore team, but also our prospective residents, who have secured their new home at Evermore awaiting in great anticipation our Grand Opening and move in day. Evermore are anticipating the display apartments will be accessible in early September. Of the eleven floor plans, we will showcase two apartments, a one bedroom and a two bedroom situated on the ground level, featuring a large courtyard. There has been a wonderful reception to the Village; how many apartments are left to purchase, and can you tell us more about them? The concept of Evermore as a supported living model has created considerable interest. The ability to live independently in a beautiful environment with the provision of care on site is certainly sought after. We have been overwhelmed with enquiries and currently only have ten apartments still available for sale in Stage 1. There are a couple of two bedrooms on level 3 and 4, with the remaining a combination of one bedroom and one bedroom plus study. Prices range from $285,000 to $415,000. You do not have to have sell your home, or even have it currently listed for sale to secure an apartment at Evermore. A fully refundable deposit of $1,000 will hold your choice of new home. Margaret and John Stalenberg What was it about Evermore Living that first caught your attention? We first heard about Evermore through my sister; she had heard that an impressive retirement complex was in the process of being built at Forster, which sounded ideal for John and I and that it would be really worthwhile to look into as soon as possible - in case the units went quickly. We were planning to downsize and move into a village and both of us like Forster, as it’s a lovely town, also a little closer driving to Sydney, where we have family.

What types of apartment will you be moving into? Our apartment will be a luxurious two bedroom, with a large bathroom, a nice size balcony off the lounge room, a TV will be installed as well, and it has two roomy bedrooms with large windows. The kitchen has luxurious facilities with lots of cupboard space and very modern fittings, also a dishwasher, microwave, an oven and a refrigerator, stone benchtops. The laundry has a washing machine and dryer; you can’t ask for more. I almost forgot all the window furnishings are supplied so we won’t need to worry about those either! What are you looking forward to most about being a resident at Evermore Living? The whole concept of Evermore will be very impressive and besides all their wonderful five star luxuries, being able to live independently with security and nursing care on site as well as the opportunity to make nice new friends seems ideal. How have you found your experience when it comes to working and dealing with the staff to buy your new home at Evermore? I, Margaret, broke my ankle, which took a few months to recover from, so initially I was unable to travel to Forster. Following many phone calls, we finally had the opportunity to meet everyone from Evermore personally last week on a wonderful river cruise they hosted. We were very impressed with the thoughtfulness and friendliness (and patience) from the Evermore team we have dealt with frequently over the last few months. When we first heard about Evermore, we wanted more information straight away (we were making inquiries about other villages as well) which was sent to us within a few days. We phoned often and for additional information, and whenever we called nothing was ever too much trouble for whomever we spoke to. We can’t praise the people from Evermore enough; we are being totally genuine when we say that. It’s been a wonderful experience going through the process of securing our new home at Evermore Living; we are so excited and can’t wait to move in.

focus_business.

focusrealestate

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

Hadyn Oriti.

MINDING YOUR

business LET US TURN OUR COMMUNITY’S FORESHORE VISION AND MASTERPLAN INTO REALITY.

n 15 July Council has adopted the principles of design excellence for certain properties around Short, William and Clarence Streets fronting our foreshore. The Chamber commends Council for this resolution. If accepted by the State, any consent authority considering the development on those parcels of land will regard the following matters in determining whether the proposed development “exhibits design excellence”. They include a high standard of architectural design, materials and detailing, considerations of whether the development detrimentally affects view corridors or incorporates active frontages to key streets and pedestrian thoroughfares. Importantly, it includes a provision relating to activation of foreshore frontages to ensure that, in addition to achieving high quality design outcomes, any development of the lands effectively relates to the foreshore, having regard to it being such an important community asset. An online petition to Leslie Williams and the Minister for Lands and Water, Niall Blair, is circulating against the potential sale of the Plaza Car Park site to Woolworths. The Chamber has long advocated for a use of the Plaza Car Park that is consistent with the Foreshore Vision and Masterplan that obtained community support in 2009 and the 2014 plan of management for the foreshore. A large supermarket for that site does not meet that test. The Chamber asks that all of the current Crown Lands from Settlement Point through to the break wall, including the Sundowner Caravan Park, be vested in a state owned corporation that is charged with responsibility for implementing the plan of management and achieving a vibrant and interactive foreshore, recognised as an Australian icon, that strengthens the local economy. This company must be guided by a board made up of experienced locals

and professionals with requisite skills and knowledge. They must include people who understand what this land means to Port Macquarie. The company will receive all rents and profits from the existing leases and from the further commercialisation of appropriate parts of the foreshore land. The Plaza Car Park is ripe for proper development, sympathetic to the objectives of the community, including adequate parking. The revenues can then be used to maintain and develop public land, community access and activation along the whole of the foreshore ensuring feet on the streets of our CBD. This has worked in Newcastle, Brisbane, Townsville, Darwin and Sydney. It can work here. Without the proposed state owned corporation, the proceeds of proposed sale of the Plaza Car Park cannot be assured of returning to Port Macquarie. Those funds will go into consolidated revenue, and it would only be with the government’s good grace that those funds could be sent back here. That is not good enough. Accordingly, we call upon Leslie Williams to support the community in this project and get on board with the hundreds who have signed the petition started by local resident, Gary Cuttell. This is a real opportunity to achieve a great outcome for Port Macquarie. Let’s put in place a legacy we can be proud to leave to our children. This is important. This is the people’s land. Whatever goes on that site will define the character of this town for the next 50 years. Let’s put the plan in the hands of an authority with the resources to make visible the values we hold important. Otherwise, Port Macquarie may find its foreshore dominated by corporate symbols and other unflattering icons. Support the online petition. Creative and visionary thinking about what happens on the foreshore is needed. If the best plan is another shopping centre, then we are not really trying.

Ask Greg

Greg Trembath answers your real estate questions.

My husband and I are feeling really peeved and disappointed at being gazumped on our dream home. Despite having

our offer accepted by the owner and then paying good money for a building inspection, the property was sold to someone else. Are we entitled to be reimbursed for the money we

that money is refundable in full. The deal is not “done” until contracts are exchanged, and in the meantime, agents can field offers from other interested parties. It’s common for multiple offers to be made at the last minute. Some potential buyers may have slept on their decision or have been waiting for something else to come into play before being able to make an offer.

outlaid? Allison, Bonny Hills. A. Being gazumped does feel bad, and often leaves a very bitter taste in your mouth. At present the number of investors and cashed-up buyers in the

Being does gazumped d often feel bad, anry leaves a ve in your bitter taste mouth.

marketplace is incredibly high, and some can be very aggressive in their pursuit of what they perceive to be a winning property. To answer your question about reimbursement, when a buyer is gazumped in these circumstances, neither the seller nor their agent is legally liable or required to reimburse your costs, despite an apparent breach of an oral agreement. Whatever monies have been spent on building inspections, solicitor costs and bank fees are lost; however, if you have paid a deposit to the agent,

When an offer is made to the agent, he or she is legally obligated to refer the offer to the owner(s), with the decision then up to the owner(s) on whether to accept any other interest.

My advice to purchasers to reduce the risk of being gazumped is to be clear in your communication with the agent and to have your finance and legal representative in place, as you need to get to the exchange of contracts stage within days of having your offer accepted. Answers are general comment, and readers should always seek their own independent professional advice. Send your real estate questions to greg@gregtrembath.com.au Greg Trembath is Principal/Licensee at Greg Trembath Real Estate. Licensed Real Estate Agent – Licensed Auctioneer.

gregtremb th REAL ESTATE

greater port macquarie focus.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

n e h Kitc room & Bath

98 greater port macquarie focus.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

ELECTRICAL

property guide

Kitcthhreoonm & Ba

Custom Design Bathroom renovations Specialising in complete bathroom, ensuite and laundry renovations, Custom Design Bathroom Renovations offer a complete bathroom service. Based in Port Macquarie, they cover the entire Hastings region, servicing Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton, Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie. It all starts and finishes with C D Bathroom Renovations; that is, they do the lot ... so you are only dealing with them from the plumbing to the electrical wiring, tiling, painting etc. CD Bathroom Renovations can supply all the fixtures and fittings too ... bath, toilet, basin, bathroom ware, taps ... everything, from a wide range of reputable local suppliers. Services include: Complete bathroom, ensuite and laundry renovations and alterations. Why choose CD Bathroom Renovations? We offer a seven day turnaround for standard renovations and are fully licensed and insured. You will have the confidence in knowing that you are dealing with a local tradesman with 25 years’ building experience. We take pride in our work and your home. You will enjoy the Custom Design Bathroom Renovation experience; it is truly time you see it for yourself. Contact Craig today on 0412 625 891.

Tiles With style All time glass SPLASHBACKS - Glass stands alone for its practical and aesthetic values. Over the long term, nothing can touch glass for durability and sheer good looks. In your bathroom or kitchen, behind the sink or the vanity, a quick wipe-over makes for an easy clean up. A tough stain on any other surface is no problem for glass. That’s what makes glass your best choice for a splashback. Our Port Macquarie glass experts will match your exact specifications. We can fit a range of glass types, cut to the exact size and shape. SHOWER SCREENS - If you are designing or renovating your bathroom, we can supply items that offer innovative form and function for affordable prices. We specialise in fully framed shower screens, semi frameless shower screens and also fully frameless glass shower panels. We are more than happy to come out to your property and provide a free quote. MIRRORS - An inferior mirror - or one that is poorly placed, wrongly sized, optically inferior or damaged - will attract the wrong attention until the day its replaced. Your key to securing a superior quality mirror is our experienced Port Macquarie glazing team. We can produce mirrors that will match your decor. Call in today and speak to Anthony and the team at All Time Glass.

Want to renovate your bathroom and don’t know where to start? At Tiles With Style, your local ColorTile store, we have the whole process under control. Our experienced interior designers can lead you through the colour, design and selection of all of the key ingredients behind your beautiful bathroom: tiles, taps, toilets, vanities, baths, showers and accessories. We can then put you in touch with some of the area’s best bathroom renovators, ensuring the project is completed on time and to a high standard. Let Tiles With Style, your ColorTile store, take the worry out of what can be a stressful process. Renovating any bathroom is a big job. From demolition and removal of rubbish, through to the design of the layout, the difficult process of combining literally thousands of tile colours and style ideas, to the final clean, Tiles With Style can make it easy. Tiles With Style can offer a truly amazing range of products from the world’s leading manufacturers of tile, stone and bathroomware. We handpick our materials from over 100 suppliers, which means our displays are brimming with the latest ideas from Italy, Spain, and the best factories in the Middle East, South East Asia and Australia. Remember, at Tiles With Style, your ColorTile store, we make tiling (and bathrooms) easy. Tiles With Style, 181 Lake Rd, Port Macquarie. Please phone us on 6581 3200, or visit our website: www.colortile.com.au

greater port macquarie focus.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

ELECTRICAL

property guide

Kitcthhreoonm & Ba

Kitchen EXPERTS

Designer Living Kitchens The Kitchen is the heart of the home and the centre of any good party. So it’s important that it’s well designed and works well. Designer Living Kitchens have four branches up and down the coast, including Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Coffs Harbour and Ballina. Designer Living Kitchens caters for everyone’s budget: from the budget conscious person, right through to large commercial buildings, we can cater for the lot. Employing 55 fulltime staff, a couple of casuals and about 10 sub-contractors up and down our locations, we are very proud of our business and what we do. Our designers can come out and discuss with you your needs and lifestyle to obtain a clear picture of how you use your kitchen, bathroom, laundry etc. From this we then

100 greater port macquarie focus.

can do a 3D image so you know what you’re getting. Some of our kitchens and bathrooms we have done for our builder clients have won awards. So if you’re in the market for a new kitchen, vanity, laundry and or a new stone bench top we can help. We have a variety of materials to choose from, so you are sure to get the ideal modern kitchen for your home. Remember, we’re a joinery company with designer in our name, not so much with the designer in the price tag. So pop in to one of our friendly locations today and see what we can do for you. You’ll get the kitchen, vanity, wardrobe or bathroom that you have always wanted. For more information, visit our website: designerlivingkitchens.com.au

Graham and Sue Keena established their familyowned company Keena Kitchens in 1983 and specialise in renovating existing kitchens and installing kitchens in new homes. From the beginning, Graham and Sue have set the highest standards in materials, workmanship and customer service. Why choose Keena? Being a family owned company in the local area for 32 years, you are assured of a thorough approach, from the first design concept right through to completion. We are constantly involved in kitchen renovations, new kitchens, laundries, commercial fitouts, home offices, robes, bathrooms and vanities. Keena Kitchens is part of the Granite Transformations group, a global company that offers exciting alternatives to bench-tops and surfacing materials. What do Keena offer? High quality materials

and workmanship backed up by personal service. Value for money. We provide a full design service and licenced tradesmen. Most importantly, we’re real people, dealing with real people, our goal is to make you 100% happy with both our service and your new kitchen. Keena Kitchens are a one stop shop for your complete kitchen fit-out, with range hoods, hotplates and ovens…in fact everything including the kitchen sink! Whether its a new kitchen for your new home, a complete or partial renovation, Keena’s have you covered. We have a much envied resource of excellent and punctual tradesman who have all worked with us for many years and compliment our high level of customer service. Graham and Sue are proud of their reputation as Port Macquarie’s’ leading kitchen supplier, which has come from creating kitchens that look great – and make cooking a pleasure!

estellegough. The real estate market is still strong here in Port Macquarie and this is evident from the amount of auctions occurring across the town.

UPDATE flamenco flight Just when winter starts to get you down, your spirits can be lifted by an encounter with some beautiful local birds.

ike Flamenco dancers, the rare and Oak (Allocasuarina torulosa) and Black Oak lovely Glossy Black Cockatoos are (Allocasuarina littoralis) to survive. displaying. They are flashing scarUnfortunately, these trees have been tarlet tail feathers as they lift, circle geted for fuel, and this has reduced habitat and alight. for these birds, which are now classed as There may be up to twelve flying above. “Vulnerable” in NSW. They sweep, swoop, and croon high above Glossy Blacks lay one egg only, in autumn you. or winter, raising a single chick each year - if In pairs and triplets, these acrobatic birds they are lucky. glide above the Tallowwood trees, their calls They must have access to nest holes in greeting the morning sun. It’s special eucalypt trees, up to 1.4 m deep, in to see them anytime, yet in order to be able to breed. Only early winter they are makold trees can provide holes ing daily appearances. of the right size, so their I think they are opportunities to nest t courting, but perare limited. ec ot pr to ed We ne d an haps there’s more – Competition for s ee tr e thos ees tr g in st to it. It looks like the holes is increasne l ia uc the cr hat we w do t’s they are dancing Le ing, because so few l. el w as d rejust for the pleaold trees remain, can to preserve an ning ai connect their rem sure of it. and nest preda” t. habita Through binoction by possums is ulars I look for the becoming more of a yellow face markings threat. A breeding pair of females, but only seem will defend the area close to see male faces. I can see to their nest hollow. their large, bulbous beaks and They need to forage most little crests. But some are hiding behind of the day to find enough food, branches, as if they don’t like being “commuting” up to 12 km between observed. nests and feeding areas. But long flights use The calls of this small black cockatoo more energy and may result in less breeding Calyptorhynchus lathamii help to identify success, so fragmentation of their habitat is them: quiet, almost like the trilling of a frog. a serious issue. When perching, they sometimes make soft You may see the tell-tale litter of chewed clucking sounds that remind me of a budup Casuarina cones beneath the trees where gerigar’s “pretty pretty pretty”. they have been feeding. They are not far from the mountain where We need to protect those trees - and the I’ve seen them in the Casuarina trees, which crucial nesting trees as well. Let’s do what they feed on almost exclusively. They are also we can to preserve and re-connect their known as Casuarina cockatoos, although remaining habitat. they are not the only cockatoo that dines on If we do that, OUR next generation will seeds of these trees. have a chance of seeing a new generation Glossy Blacks occasionally eat seeds of of Glossy Blacks, adorning our world, and eucalypts, angophoras and acacias, plus inlifting our spirits. sect larvae. But in our area they need Forest Contributed by Julie Ho.

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any properties up for auction in This is not new news however the volume Port Macquarie in recent months of properties selling for under $400,000 is have sold prior to auction day decreasing month by month. As a client said as buyers eager to wrap up the to me recently, $400,000 is the new $300,000 purchase place offers with confiin Port Macquarie real estate – soon dence. For example, the First you won’t be able to purchase National Team sold 4 Merinda a standalone home under Drive (Shelly Beach), 11 $400,000. on The reas Chapman Street (Eastport) A very similar pattern is th ve we ha e and 3/65 Owen Street is occurring with units. th in s eagernes to e du is e (Eastport) all prior to It wasn’t that long ago ac pl t marke yers bu of nt auction. that you could easily find ou am e th s on The reason we have a unit to purchase under versus propertie this eagerness in the $200,000. For example, the market.” market place is due to the it’s getting rather difficult to amount of buyers versus find a unit under $200,000 properties on the market. in Waugh Street whereas 18 According to www.realestate.com. months ago you could take your pick. au there are just 367 properties on the It’s interesting to note that units selling market in Port Macquarie yet almost 100 under $200,000 only account for 14 per cent are selling each month – leaving an obvious of all unit sales. shortage of stock. If these conditions continue, I’m predicting Shelly Beach is one the town’s most popular that spring will be a great time to sell so now areas however there are only 20 properties is the time to start preparing your home for currently listed for sale (as at 21/7/15) out of sale. approximately 1,440 properties available – a Until next month. This article has been prepared in good faith with due care very low amount. by David Plews. No representation or warranty is made as to the The statistics are showing that more than accuracy of information contained in this article and readers should 80 per cent of the standalone homes selling make and rely on their own enquiries as to the correctness of such information. are valued between $300,000 and $600,000.

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CLASSICDIVER Pat R o d g e r s

Local Businessman Pat Rodgers took his love of diving back to the beginning, expanding his repertoire, tackling an 86 kg Historic Standard Dress Dive Suit and the adventure to go with it ...

efore you go into your experience with Standard Dress Diving, give us a bit of background of your prior diving experience and why you chose to go down this historic avenue … My diving experience started young, watching my dad dive on the Far South coast NSW. As I grew up, I was mainly free diving for Abalone etc. and scuba diving for fun with mates on weekends. I then started my own Marine Electrical Business,"Rodgers Marine Contracting" and incorporated diving within my business on the side carrying out anode replacements, bow thruster propellor inspections, trim tabs and hull cleaning etc … My good mate, Simon, was a clearance diver with the Australian Navy and has his own Desco Mark V Standard Dress kit; he was always talking highly of the Historic Standard Dress Diving. So I went down to Tasmania to visit him, and he got me into the helmet for a few dives. It was then that I realised how great this form of diving was, and he invited me along to Portland to become qualified at their rally weekend. What is Standard Dress Diving? Standard Dress Diving is fantastic. The first diving helmet was originally intended as a fire fighters smoke helmet, but was not well received and diving was its second option. The patent got sold, and in 1819 Augustus Siebe made what has become the widely accepted helmet pattern known today. Standard Dress

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I really love the

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Diving was widely used Dress was amazing. Standard Dress al re a by working divers, the The diving gear s Diving, as it’ k or w u Yo . rt more well known use appears to be original, team effo ur yo ith w am in Australia was pearl in its vintage form - is as a te the tenders to dress diving in Broome and there a story behind pport diver and you su also military diving the equipment used? e the diver with th and in the States. The US There is so much se umbilical air ho ...” Navy and their contract great history behind p to coms from up divers carried out most the equipment we of the salvage following used, especially with military the Japanese attacks on Pearl diving and pearl divers. The Standard Harbour in WWII using the US Navy Dress Diving equipment we used was (Desco) Mark V helmet. Standard Dress authentic right down to the divers’ stool we Diving helmets still remain in production sat on. The kit consisted of: Mark V Helmet, after 185 years; modern helmets keep diving breast plate, control valve, lead weights, leather alive in the west today,and the traditional belt, divers’ dress, knife and case and lead helmet is still widely used throughout the Orient shoes; even the tools we used to dress the by working divers. diver where authentic. All this gear weighs in Tell us about the training involved in this at approximately 190 LBS (86.1 kg) which is particular style … awkward on the deck, but once under the sea I was lucky enough to be invited to dive you do not notice. Simon's Desco Mark V helmet in Tassie, which What parts of Australia have you dived in, then led to him inviting me to Portland Victoria and what was that experience like? to complete the course over their rally weekend; I have been lucky with my diving in Australia. the training I carried out was participating in I have dived the Far South Coast of NSW, the NAUI Standard dress course. the Great Barrier Reef, the Curtin Wrecks in The course was run by Professional Diving Moreton Bay, Qld, Sydney Harbour, Ningaloo Services in Victoria and was attended by Reef WA with the Whale Sharks, Exmouth in members of the Historical Diving Society Asia WA, Tasmania with the Desco Mark V helmet, Pacific; it was a fantastic experience and all the and after the Standard Dress course in Portland, people involved where great. I would like to we crossed over the border to South Australia thank my instructors, Stephen Taylor and Frank to dive a couple of fresh water sink holes. That Zeigler - these guys where the greatest, and was a great experience - we dived to a depth of their knowledge and experience in Standard 37 m, which was interesting, as at that depth

it was quite dark in the sink hole - but I was in good company, so really enjoyed it. We also dived the Ewens Ponds conservation reserve in SA, which was the clearest water I have ever dived; it was unbelievable. Do you have an ultimate goal with this type of diving? I really love the Standard Dress Diving, as it’s a real team effort. You work as a team with your tenders to dress the diver and you support the diver with the umbilical air hose and coms from up top whilst the diver is working. Now I'm qualified, my ultimate goal is to invest in my own helmet and kit, so I can travel to more rallies and continue diving with Simon and the great people I have met. I also love the idea of being able to show people the amazing thing that is helmet diving; the history behind this style diving is amazing, and it really needs to be kept alive. I would just like to finish off with a little quote Steve Taylor said, “There are old divers and there are bold divers; there are no old bold divers”. Where can we find out more information or read up further on your diving adventures? You can find out more information about historical diving from the Historical Diving Society Asia Pacific www.classicdiver.org And you can follow my adventures diving and view more images at my business website’s"Recent Projects" Blog at www.rmcmarineelectrics.com.au Thanks Pat.

ASCOT PARK

IT FEELS AS THOUGH IT REALLY BELONGS, INTEGRATED AS IT IS, WITHIN THIS ECOLOGICAL WONDERLAND.

all tallowwoods and native eucalypts create a natural curtain around the perimeter, an occasional kangaroo observing this evolving new world from the safety of the tree line. The winding roads are wide, beautifully presented and impressively landscaped. High-quality homes are already occupied, establishing an exclusive and rapidly growing village within the estate, as skilled stonemasons complete their final touches to the new parkland surrounds. This is Ascot Park, a residential housing estate like no other in our region. Located just six minutes from Port Macquarie CBD, it offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and extremely generous building sites, carefully set within a magnificent development which has been unselfishly designed to complement the verdant majesty of its surroundings; a naturally delightful ambiance, reminiscent of Sydney’s exclusive North Shore or Hills District. Peace and quiet, the sounds of birds in the trees, yet so close to everything; on three sides Ascot Park abuts native bushland reserves, whilst the site for a proposed golf course

aligns with the other. Sealed walking and cycling tracks wind throughout the estate, past stands of trees and across recently completed parklands which, thoughtfully designed, meander sublimely across the pristine landscape to provide multiple family areas, inviting picnic facilities and brand new children’s playgrounds. It’s worth a visit to this tranquil oasis, even if only to enjoy a picnic lunch in such wonderful surroundings! Serenity, lifestyle and family living go hand in hand at Ascot Park. All home sites have been planned for ease of building, all embrace the magnificent environment and many have no rear neighbours at all; they simply back onto nature itself. A unique concept for prestige living, with blocks that are both oversized and, averaging in the lower $200k’s, very affordable; perhaps these are some of the reasons why Ascot Park has attracted the interest of so many buyers. So much so that only a handful of blocks remain available from stages 1a and 1b; all excellent sites, welllocated, ready and waiting to fulfil their new owners’ lifestyle dreams. These final stage one blocks will be the last

Ascot Park is fast, time would most available for building until truly an idyllic early 2016. Stages 2a certainly be of the environment; a and 2b are scheduled for essence. with world apart, yet registration in February There are few e every convenienc next year and will be things as fulfilling as nearby.” released for sale shortly moving into a brand thereafter. new home; a home built Ascot Park is truly an to involve your own ideas idyllic environment; a world and inspirations. Whether apart, yet with every convenience as a contracted project or as the nearby. Located mid-way between St result of a house and land purchase, Josephs College and St Columba School, government incentives currently remain it’s just an easy two-minute drive from available for approved buyers, offering just supermarket shopping, the new university one more valuable incentive to “capture the site or Port Macquarie Base Hospital, actually moment”. closer to the CBD than Lighthouse Beach. As a So why not take the six-minute drive? Why unique destination for local family living, Ascot not experience the realisation of this ambitious Park has no equal and it probably never will. yet magnificent vision, where lifestyle merges Todd and Greg Bates of McGrath Port seamlessly with nature’s grandeur, and the Macquarie have been selected by the developers to market building sites at Ascot environment embraces their union? Park and their genuine enthusiasm for the In these serene unspoiled surroundings, project is unavoidably contagious. Interested this is Ascot Park. It feels as though it really parties can contact Todd on 0420 318 305 or belongs, and perhaps you do too? Greg on 0418 112 025 but it really is worth Freelance copywriter: noting that, with current availability dwindling Roger Bates www.copywritingandcolumns.com.au

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focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

Tou ris m

janette hyde. It has been a really cold winter, so I am sure that we are all looking forward to spring.

he Port Macquarie Beer & Cider Festival is to be held on Saturday, September 26, in the form of a makeshift outdoor beer garden in celebration of all things beer, cider, food, games and music. Sounds like lots of fun! Festivals form a very welcome addition to the already successful sporting events our area attracts throughout the year. Just this year we have had the Wauchope Country Music Festival, Beatles Festival, BBQ and Blues Festival, Heritage Festival, Slice of Haven Food and Wine Festival, Big Band Blast, Timbertown Steam Festival and soon to come in October, Ekram Yoga Festival, in November, Tastings on Hastings and Festival of the Sun in December. All of these events impact on our local economy, with the potential to attract many visitors to our diverse region. The festivals are organised by community-minded committees who enthusiastically embrace each festival. We, as locals, also enjoy having these festivals peppered throughout the year and strongly support these home-grown activities. Have you ever been to Sea Acres, right in the middle of Port Macquarie? It was dedicated as a Nature Reserve in 1987, becoming a National Park in 2011 and was the first coastal landscape to attract a Heritage Listing for the preservation of an area containing an outstanding remnant of coastal rainforest. They have special bushtucker group tours with local Aboriginal guides. Apart from the Visitor Centre, the Rainforest Café and elevated boardwalk near Pacific Drive, part of the Town Beach to Lighthouse Beach Coastal Walk takes you through Sea Acres National Park between the southern end of Shelly Beach to Tacking Point Lookout. Sea Acres National Park is one of the largest and least disturbed remnants of coastal rainforest in NSW. Have you seen the wonderful display from the migrating whales? Our local waterfront operators would be delighted to show you this magnificent spectacle, so check them out while the whales are still travelling north.

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Again, a big thank you to the Tourism Ambassadors, who do such a great job welcoming visitors to our region. These very committed volunteers certainly make a difference to our visitors’ experience. Check out the events happening this month; there is lots to do. ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN AUGUST Australian Formula Power Boat Grand Prix, 1 - 2 August. This is a great event for the Hastings and will be stunning viewing for spectators at McInherney Park. www.formulapowerboats.com.au Photographic Mystery Bus Tour, 1 August. Starting from Sunset Art Gallery. www.eclectictastyarttours.com.au Mid North Coast Caravan, Camping 4WD Boat Show, 7 - 9 August, Wauchope. Over 150 exhibitors on site to showcase and demonstrate the latest products and innovations in caravans and camping www.ruralscene.com.au Jazz in the Vineyards with The Shuffle Boys, 9 August. From 11am, Bago Vineyards. www.bago.com.au King of the Mountain, 17 August. North Brother Mountain, Camden Haven, from 9am. A five kilometre “fun” run to the summit of Laurieton’s North Brother Mountain, climbing 450 metres, attracting runners from around the state. The event is open to all levels of fitness, and teams are welcome. Run, walk, skip, scooter your way to the top of the mountain. The Riverwalk Markets are on all day. Great family fun day. For details, visit www.chslsc.com 3 Rivers Marathon, 30 August From 9am, Rowing Club, Hibbard Drive. The exciting and much loved 3 Rivers Mini Marathon returns to Greater Port Macquarie in August. Celebrating its 10th year, the 25 km picturesque course sets the ultimate challenge for water lovers. www.threeriversminimarathon.com

focusarchives.

with Debbie Sommers

MANY OF US HAVE A FASCINATION WITH LIGHTHOUSES AND A NEW AUSTRALIA POST STAMP SERIES COMMEMORATING 100 YEARS OF NATIONAL MANAGEMENT OF LIGHTHOUSES RECENTLY CAUGHT MY EYE. TACKING POINT LIGHTHOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1879, WHEN LIGHTHOUSES WERE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH COLONY.

efore roads and railways, oceans and rivers carried freight and passengers from local towns and villages to major cities. Sea travel was quite perilous, and there was much excitement here in October 1874 when the Ballina arrived carrying a reported unusually large number of passengers, most of them members of the Marine Board: “… As one of the results of their visit here we are likely to have a light at the Pilot Station … and eventually a permanent light on Tacking Point …” Tacking Point lighthouse is one of several lighthouses built on the Mid North Coast to aid maritime navigation. Designed by Colonial architect James Barnet and constructed of bricks on a local stone foundation, the lighthouse shone its first light on 4 April 1879. Tacking Point was quite remote when the lighthouse was built. Manned by a keeper and his family, they were responsible for making sure the light was lit and remained so. Their residence was adjacent to the lighthouse, although only the foundations remain today. A newspaper report in 1899 described Tacking Point lighthouse as an “object of interest, very prettily situated” and commented on its perfect order and cleanliness due to the efforts of the lighthouse keeper Mr. T Robinson and his wife. The Robinsons were obliging in showing visitors over the building, a practice that continued until World War I, when visitors were banned under the War Precautions’ Act. The ban was lifted at the end of the war.

A lighthouse keeper’s existence could be a lonely one and for Tacking Point lighthouse keeper James Quinn, a dangerous one. Mr. Quinn had been the lighthouse keeper here for three years when, driving home one afternoon in July 1910, his horse bolted into a fence whilst going down a steep incline close by the lighthouse. Mr. Quinn was thrown out of his buggy and died shortly afterwards. Despite the dedication of our lighthouse keeper, the Australasian Steam Navigation Company’s steamer Wotonga ran aground on a reef about one mile south of the Tacking Point lighthouse in January 1882. The accident was attributed to fog obscuring the light. All passengers and crew were safely brought to shore. Tacking Point lighthouse was converted from liquid fuel to acetylene gas in 1919, removing the need for a resident lighthouse keeper. On two occasions in 1923 the unattended light extinguished, causing concern about the reliability of this important navigation mark. The lighthouse was converted to mains electricity in 1974. You can read more about our maritime history in a new online exhibition, Our Rivers Our History at http://www.oroh.com.au/ This collaborative project involving seven museums from the Manning to the Macleay also includes visitor trails for further exploration. Tacking Point lighthouse is one of our most visited places in the Hastings. greater port macquarie focus.

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DIRECTORS OF BDM CONSTRUCTIONS, AUSTIN BELL AND BRAD MAGGS, INVITE US IN TO THEIR NEW DISPLAY HOME AT GLENVIEW PARK IN WAUCHOPE AND TELL US WHAT THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN UP TO OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS.

CONSTRUCTIONS here are a couple of new faces in the BDM office. Introduce them and their roles to our readers, please... Yes, we have been steadily growing over the last five years and have quite a few new faces, both in the office and out in the field. Our new editions to the office this year are: Mick Ramsey - Mick has come back to BDM after a couple of years on the Gold Coast while his partner Ashley studied. Mick was previously employed by BDM as a carpenter and then Site Manager. He has returned to BDM as a Project Manager now and he manages BDM’s larger scale residential work and smaller to mid level commercial projects. It is a pleasure to have Mick back with BDM; he is a high achiever. Ashley Hawthorne - Ashley is Mick’s partner and as I mentioned above, she spent the past couple of years studying on the Gold Coast. Luckily enough for BDM, she graduated as an interior designer and has taken up a position with us. Ashley is a multi skilled young woman who handles some reception duties, along with doing an outstanding job of interior/exterior design, assisting with residential sales and being mum to three kids, all at the same time. That takes serious organisination and talent. Ash is a joy to work with, and her design work has further enhanced what BDM can offer their clients. Bernie Harris - Bernie is our Residential Project Manager. Bernie has moved back to the area after close to 20 years in Sydney. Bernie brings vast experience in the residential field and also fits in some sales and business development work as well. Bernie is a man of great integrity, and the large amount of our clients who work with him appreciate the honest approachability he possesses. Nicole Pender - Nicole is the most recent member to join the office staff. Nicole works in reception and administration. Her roles sees her assist in payroll, accounts and reception 106 greater port macquarie focus.

duties. Nicole has hit the offer house and land packDisplay home ground running since ages at Glenview Park en op now rk Pa starting with BDM, and other subdivisions w ie in Glenv r ou on e and it is great to see in the area. We can op ch Wau nd we ke ee w g in a local Wauchope girl custom design a home en op ps at reception with her for you and offer an had over 60 grou ed iv through and rece big smile and a can do outstanding architectural g very encouragin attitude. service. We can handle comments .” Congratulations on the everything to do with your new display home, at new home or commercial Glenview Estate in Waudevelopment from concept, chope; it’s a beautiful home. through the design and Council Tell us a bit about it and what BDM approval stage, right through to the final offer to those looking at building? finishing touches of your construction. Thank you. The display home at GlenA good working relationship with your clients view Park has only been open for a couple of will always see the best outcome on a project weeks. We saw this new subdivision, with 220 for all involved. We have formed some great blocks, as the newest subdivision in Wauchope, working relationships with many clients over in an ideal location that had the potential to the years, and it sees them coming back to use be the premier subdivision in town. We apour services again or recommending us to their proached Briscoe Property Solutions (Glenview family and friends. Park developers) and indicated our interest in We have also formed some strong working putting a display home on their development. relationships with a couple of high level investWe came to an agreement, and we got into ment networks, and the confidence we have designing and building a modern and funcbeen able to gain from them through successful tional contemporary home. The Briscoes have project delivery has seen these grow stronger produced a great subdivision that gives a feeling and stronger with each successful development. of openness and quality lifestyle. The business is definitely expanding. On our opening weekend, we had over 60 January saw the opening of your Sydney groups through our display home, and we office; how did this come about? received very encouraging comments around Yes, our office in Sydney opened on the 5th the design and quality of the home. We have January this year. We have carried out a lot sold two house and land packages out of the of shop fit out projects in and around Sydney weekend and have several more pending. since 2010. This has all been managed from our BDM Constructions would like to extend their Wauchope office. Our network of clients in the great appreciation to all our valued suppliers Metro area has expanded over the years, and and subcontractors who supported us with the we were being asked to carry out construction construction of our new display home. work as well as fit out work. The opportunity BDM have a great working relationship to have a BDM branch in Sydney has been with all their clients. Why is this such a valabout for several years, but we needed the right ued and important part of the business? person to head up our interests in this location. BDM offers our clients the full design and Late last year all the stars aligned, and we took construct service or any part of that full service the leap of faith to engage Geoff Dearden and they require. We have standard plans and can a senior Project Manager, Alf Corliss. They are

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doing a great job in both continuing the usual BDM service to our established clients in Sydney and also growing the business in that area as well. You have just completed some quite large projects and have more coming up. What are the projects and where are they? Recent large projects we have finished are John Oxley Motors VW showroom and service centre upgrade, the Wauchope Seventh Day Adventist Church and an 11 apartment development in Newcastle. Large projects that are underway or about to start are: 79 studio apartments at Highfield Ct Port Macquarie; Wauchope Physio Therapy Centre and town houses; 32 x 2 bedroom townhouses at Toorak Court Port Macquarie; TG’s Childcare Centre Glen Innes; and the biggest project ever undertaken by BDM Constructions, a $20,000,000-00, 600 student Flight Training College at Glen Innes Airport. What do you believe is the most important aspect when working on any job, big or small? That question depends on what part of the construction industry you are working in. There are a couple of common aspects across all areas of the industry that are highly important, and they are safety and quality. We endeavour to provide a safe working environment for all our staff and subcontractors, and we take Work Health and Safety very seriously. We want everyone going home safely to their families, just as they were when they left for work. The other is quality, and quality is not only a quality product, but also a quality service in the design and management of projects. When people invest their money with you, they deserve a quality outcome and job - no matter what the size of the job is. It is important that we give small jobs the same attention to detail in safety and quality as the multi million dollar projects. Thanks Brad and Austin.

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