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October Oc cto obe berr 2012 20 012 2 // // issue issu is su ue 83

Fun with Food

BEN RIDDLE

IDLEWILDE FARM

This Beechwood local lad talks about his unique range of eco-friendly jewellery and his passion for being a singer/songwriter.

Nestled in the hinterland west of Elands, tree-changers Darren and Liane share their new life on their enterprising free range egg farm.

TIM O'DONNELL A solid foundation of exceptional training and his mother's philosophy has taken Tim's career as a dancer to new heights.

N U F Y A D I L O H L SCHOO

K E R H S H T I W P M O T S E M CO

OURT C E R T N E C JOIN US AT

MON 1ST – FRI 5TH OCT 11AM & 1PM MEET & GREET 12 NOON CENTRE COURT

settlementcity.com settlementc

editor's note.

FOR TEENS HARDCORE ACTING™ WORKSHOPS with Penny McKee Learn new acting skills. Challenge your thinking. Reset your safety zone … and have a bit of fun! For ages 13-18 Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 October, 10am - 3pm

Tickets: $40

FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL KIDS HOLIDAY FUN WORKSHOPS SUPER HERO CAPES (Ages 6 - 12)

10am – 12pm, Tuesday 2 October PORTRAITS LIKE PICASSO (Ages 6 - 12)

10am – 12pm, Wednesday 3 October

editor.

from the

AFRICAN MASK MAKING (Ages 6 - 12)

jay beaumont.

1.30pm – 3.30pm Wednesday 3 October POP ART PRINTMAKING (Ages 9 - 12)

10am – 12pm, Thursday 4 October ONE-OF-A-KIND - T-SHIRT ART (Ages 6 - 12)

Welcome to the October issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. t’s my favourite month of the year and as anyone who knows me will tell you, I love my food. Every October I get to join foodies to celebrate our local farmers, producers and chefs, with a month long itinerary of events, culminating in the Tastings on Hastings. This year, the Tastings is being held on the Town Green for the very first time. A lot of work has been done to relocate the event, which outgrew the racecourse, and this will allow the Tastings to be even bigger and better than ever!

FOCUS will also be hosting our very own inaugural Spaghetti Eating Competition on the day, with the help of Ricardoes Tomatoes and Café 66. Contestants have the chance to win an Apple iPad, and all money raised will go to the Hastings Cancer Trust and the HOPE shop. See our feature starting on page 20 for more information on the big day, local events and of course, how to enter the Spaghetti Eating Competition. FRONT COVER A big thank you to everyone involved in shooting our front cover this month, especially to Jasmin Johansson, for pulling everything together; our great models, Suzi Pye, Ed Godschalk, Charlotte and Robbie Moore and Adabella Jones; photographers Michael Marchment and Dylan Gaul; and video by Zac

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: 62128786005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2012 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

10am – 12pm, Friday 5 October

Wright. Plus, a big thanks to the Port Macquarie News, for lending us their shed.

Location: The ArtLab $25 per child, $20 members

FOCUSTV The team at FOCUS has just revamped our FocusTV.com.au website. There are lots of local videos to watch, with a total of over 250,000 views so far. You can look forward to a heap more videos from us in 2013. If you want a video done for your business, give us a ring. Check it out at: www.focustv.com.au

FOR THE LITTLE ONES CRASH BANG RATTLE (Ages 0 - 4) Crash Bang Rattle is loads of noisy fun and a great way to start your child’s musical education. Friday 28 September & Friday 5 October @ 10.30am

Tickets: $8.50

KIDS SPOT (Ages 4 - 9)

OUR NEW MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS Congratulations to our new Mayor, Peter Besseling. Peter is joined by Councillors Adam Roberts, Lisa Intemann, Robert Turner, Justin Levido, Trevor Sargeant, Sharon Griffiths, Michael Cusato and Geoff Hawkins. We wish them all the very best and have no doubt they will do a great job representing the community.

Kids Spot provides free art activities in the gallery for our Glasshouse ‘sprouts’– helping them grow their creativity, learn new skills and make new friends! Saturday 13 October, 10 November, 11am

Kids Spot is free. Bookings essential

DON’T MISS... DANIELLE EVERETT Morning Music @ Glasshouse Fun musical showtunes to classic opera arias, Danielle will leave you mesmerised.

FINAL SAY “I hate when I’m on a flight and I wake up with a water bottle next to me; like, oh great – now I gotta be responsible for this water bottle” – Kanye West.

Monday 8 October, 11am

Tickets: $24.50 Adult, $20.50 Group 6+

THE SCHOOL FOR WIVES Bell Shakespeare brings to life The School For Wives, a “taut, biting and extremely funny masterpiece of translation. Tuesday 9 October, 8pm & Wednesday 10 October, 11am Jay Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

Tickets: $39.90 Adult, $36.90 Conc, $30.90 Student, $30.90 Under 21, $36.90 Group 6+

JUST AROUND THE CORNER...

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

DAVID SCHEEL Morning Music @ Glasshouse

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment

DON’T SHOOT ME, I’M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER Expect beautiful and technically brilliant piano music and, in between, pieces to laugh yourself silly.

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.

michael@focusmag.com.au

Monday 5 November, 11am

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone

Tickets: $24.50 Adult, $20.50 Groups 6+

kyle@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Zac Wright zac@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont

See GLASSHOUSE.ORG.AU for full event details

louise@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones chrissyjones1@bigpond.com

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

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

COPY EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse jo@focusmag.com.au / reg@focusmag.com.au

TRAVEL EDITOR: Susie Boswell winwin@portpr.com

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

of the

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WHAT’S ON @ (02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie A facility of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

greater port macquarie focus 3

focusinterview.

Sisters Mary Laing and Suzanne Naylor’s lives have both been touched by breast cancer, and this provided the impetus behind their support of the Mid North Coast Pink Ribbon Ride, an annual fundraiser held to assist research for a cure. Mary shares details of this year’s event, which will be held on 13 October.

Mary Laing

i Mary. Please tell us a bit about yourself ... We have been fortunate to live in the beautiful Camden Haven for the past 25 years. My husband came to the area when he was young with his family and always loved the place. We came for a holiday, and 6 months later left the cold Bathurst winters behind to enjoy this incredible seascape life. With a love of the outdoors and water activities, this was the perfect place for us to raise 3 wonderful children. I have worked in various admin roles, ranging from receptionist, travel agent, respite coordinator. Prior to this, we spent 5 years in Bathurst managing a hotel − I was just old enough to be in a bar, let alone run a hotel. It was during this time in Bathurst that our family was touched by cancer, when mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. What’s the special event you’re organising for October? The Mid North Coast Pink Ribbon Ride is now in its fourth year. It’s a fun day out, where the riders of all clubs come together and let their hair down, dress up and decorate their bikes in pink. There will be prizes for best decorated bike and best dressed male and female. This year, the ride will be on Saturday 13 October, riding from Port Macquarie to Long Flat Hotel via Laurieton, departing 10.30am sharp from Port Macquarie Donut McDonald’s. Come and have brekky or a pre ride cuppa from 9am. There is no registration fee, and all 4

greater port macquarie focus.

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R i d e

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t h e

i d will be through raffle tickets, money raised result for the breast cancer gene ‘BRCA2’. merchandise and donations. A BBQ lunch will This resulted in further members of our family be available at the Long Flat Hotel, along with getting tested and to date, my niece Alana live music, and those who wish to stay on can and I also have the BRCA2 gene. camp overnight for FREE. Alternatively, you The BRCA2 gene increases your chances may book accommodation at the hotel by of getting breast cancer by 80% and also calling Judith or Craig on 6587 4231 or 0427 ovarian cancer by 60%. You have a 50/50 223 769. chance of inheriting this gene, and it can What’s the aim of your event? affect men as well as women. So, I guess The aim of this event is to raise having a strong family history and much needed funds to assist close friends being touched by with research to help find a cancer makes you want to cure for this disease. fundraise and help find a th or N id M e Th on Research is the key for cure for this disease. Coast Pink Ribb fourth a future without breast Why have you chosen Ride is now in itsy out, year. It’s a fun da l clubs cancer. a ‘ride’ specifically where riders of al d let Is this the first time for your event – do an come together dress n, w you’ve been involved you have a love of do ir their ha their te ra co de d an with a ‘pink’ event for motorcycles? up bikes in pink. the Cancer Council? Two years ago, I was a Yes, this is the first time pillion passenger on the Mid I have been involved with North Coast Pink Ribbon Ride. a pink event. My sister Suzanne It was extremely moving to be part Naylor (who is a survivor) and I are both very of this motorbike fundraiser, which is so close dedicated about making this day a successful to everyone’s hearts and touches so many event, and we’re very grateful for the support lives. It was very well supported, the outfits from businesses on the Mid North Coast. are great and most of all, enjoyed by all who Most of us have been touched by cancer attend. in some way. What initially inspired you I thought then that it would be great if to raise funds for cancer research? my sister Suzanne and I could ride and help Having lost my mother to breast cancer organise the next event. We both now have some 22 years ago, it is very close to my our ‘L’ bike licence and will be there with pink heart, and I have always been passionate on. The ride leader will be my husband, Peter, about supporting breast cancer fundraisers. and Suzanne and I will have to settle for the Then 5 years ago, my younger sister was tail this year. The ride we have chosen takes also diagnosed with breast cancer. Genetic in the stunning coastline of the Camden testing was done and returned a positive Haven and then makes its way to the Long

C a n c e r

C o u n c i l .

Flat Hotel along the great Oxley Highway. What are you hoping the outcome of your event will be; do you have a fundraising target in mind? I feel that holding an event like this certainly brings more awareness about breast cancer to the people who attend and the wider community. We are hoping to raise as much as we can, as every dollar raised helps to fund Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services for those affected by breast and gynaecological cancers. Will your event be open to everyone, or is it invitation only? The event is open to anyone who rides a motorbike or anyone who would like to join us to help raise funds for cancer research. All welcome. How can people find out more information? They may contact me on 6559 9101 or email marylaing007@hotmail.com Final words … This event would not be possible without the generous donations from local businesses. A very big thank you to all of our sponsors to date: North Coast V Twins – major sponsor, Endota Spa, Yamaha Motorcycles, The Cruise Terminal, Port Macquarie Day Spa, Inner Vision, Laurieton Cellars, Dunbogan Boatshed, Longpoint Vineyard, Bent on food, Bling It All Together, Dr Guy Hingston, Streets Icecream, Caramels, Cassegrains Winery, Rocks Motorcycles and Harmony & Balance Centre. Thanks Mary. Interview by Jo Atkins.

inside this

Issue 83 - October 2012 Kerry Irby.

One lady with what some may call an addiction to all things Coca Cola is Kerrie Irby. Her collection has spanned the majority of her life, even flowing over into her business in the newly revamped Coca Cola room at Fuzzy Ducks CafĂŠ in Wauchope. Chrissy Jones had a look at some of her collection ...

Jake Rundle.

12.

Jake uses pencils and ink pens to create amazing cartoons, animated characters and more recently, one of a kind designer tennis shoes. His inspiration crosses the genres of novels, films, art and animation, and he plans to broaden his horizons still more with a trip to England.

26.

Adam Liaw. Adam Liaw, MasterChef Australia winner and host of the new SBS food and wine television series, Destination Flavour, will be heating up the Essential Energy Cooking Demonstration Arena at the Tastings on Hastings 2012.

14. Geordie Robinson 17. Shannon Noll 20. Tastings on Hastings 37. IdleWilde Farm

usual suspects.

the

10. whatâ€™s on for October 28. eat featuring local restaurants 39. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 40. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 54. tourism with Janette Hyde 60. starguide with Terri 65. travel with Susie Boswell 83. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti 84. landcare with Estelle Gough 91. real estate with Greg Trembath

No matter where you are in the world, read Focus for free online every month @

www.focusmag.com.au u follow us on www.facebook.com/focus.mag www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat greater port macquarie focus 5

focus ocusinterview.

O'Donnell Inspired by his mother, a dance teacher, from a young age and absorbing her core values for life have helped propel Tim O'Donnell into his dancing career. Now a lead choreographer and dancer for the Milwaukee Ballet – he tells us his story.

elcome home! What an exciting time for you, Tim! Tell us about what you've recently been doing? It is fantastic to be home; this entire area is paradise! I didn’t really notice that when I was growing up but after seeing so much of the world since I left the area back in January 2001, I can say without a doubt that the Hastings region is truly one of the most beautiful places anywhere. The last few years have been very exciting for me. After leaving West Australian Ballet, I co-founded a new Australian dance company, ‘Ludwig’, with Cass Mortimer Eipper and Emma Sandall, which was a very exciting time in my life. The creative freedom I gained during my time with Ludwig was priceless, and working so closely with two artists as exceptional as Emma and Cass was a privilege I will not soon forget. After the first year of Ludwig’s life, I decided it was time for me to move on and travel the world … you know, ‘live the dream’. The company is still going strong; in fact, they have a major premiere in Western Australia this month! Since then, I have been choreographing freelance around Australia and travelled to America to stage my choreography. Most recently I have been exploring Europe, taking classes with dance companies and looking for inspiration for my next choreography. You started out as a dancer at your mum's Academy, Francessca Louise Academy of Dance in Wauchope How did this help propel you into a dance career? Well firstly of course, the exceptional training I received from such a young age is without a doubt the reason I have been lucky enough to have such a wonderful career in dance. But further than just the dance training, my mum's philosophies of being fair and respectful to others has had a major impact on my career as a dancer and in life; I think there is nothing worse than children being taught that winning is everything, because it’s not.

greater port macquarie focus.

The young need to be taught that the only prize worth winning is being able to look at yourself in the mirror and be proud knowing you worked as hard as you could and did YOUR best, and that was how I was raised in and out of the ballet studio. Do you get home ar of He offered me a job there After the first ye cided often, and what is on ig’s life, I de dw Lu and then and as I have the agenda for this e e to mov it was time for me world … an existing relationship visit? on and travel th e dream’. with the company as a th e Up until the last you know, ‘liv still going is choreographer, he also ny pa m few years, visits had The co ey have a gave me the position been few and far strong; in fact, th in Western of choreographer in major premiere k! ” between and usually Australia this wee residence. I feel very quite brief. But I have honoured to have been given been able to spend much this opportunity. more time at home recently; What will your days be like once being around my parents and your contract begins? grandmother is one of the only things Busy LOL! I like to start every day with Yoga in this world that keeps me grounded, so my when I’m dancing, as it not only warms me time home has become very important to me. up and gives me a good stretch at the same As for my agenda, I always kid myself into time, but it also allows me to connect with my thinking I’m just going to come home and do body and see which parts are sore … which is nothing except read and eat, but I get restless usually most of me! After that, we do a daily far too easily and tend to get a little depressed ballet class followed by six or seven hours when I’m not doing anything with my life! of rehearsal, which in this case will include Luckily, my very dear friend Stacey Morgan is me creating a new work for a collaboration the Principal of Wauchope and Port Macquarie between the company and the University of Performing Arts, so she is always able to keep Wisconsin and rehearsing as a dancer for me busy teaching, which I really love. The only Michael’s premiere of La Bohème. problem is that I have grown very close to the Have you danced abroad before? students and will be a bit sad when I leave. Yes, but only while on tour with West And when all else fails, Mum always has a job Australian Ballet; this will be my first or 10 to keep my hands busy! international contract as a dancer. One of the You have recently been appointed many joys of my profession is being able to see the resident choreographer and soloist the world, while doing what I love. dancer for Milwaukee Ballet in the US. Your first assignment will be La Bohème. This sounds very exciting – tell us about it. What will your role be in this exciting It is very exciting; I am itching to get started! venture? I was offered the job on my last trip to the Well, it is actually quite a nice story for me, States, to stage one of my choreographies on as one of the first ballets I performed with Montgomery Ballet. While over there, I took West Australian Ballet when I was just 19 was a trip to Milwaukee to visit all my friends at Simon Dow's version of La Bohème, and I only the Milwaukee Ballet and got to talking with played a couple of tiny roles – mostly character Michael Pink, the director, about the possibility work. But, in Michael Pink's brand new of dancing with the company. I was ready to version, I will be playing Marcello, who is one step back into the ranks of a ballet company, of the two lead men ... so to me personally, after being freelance for the past two years.

“

it is a nice sort of representation of how my career has progressed over the past eight years. What other works have you done with the Australian Ballet School and West Australian Ballet? In my time, I have been lucky enough to be able to create several works within Australia at both professional companies and full-time dance institutions, such as West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and The Australian Ballet School. I have been very lucky so far, as it is a rare opportunity for young choreographers to get so much work; there is only a very small number of dance companies in Australia, and many aspiring choreographers are snatching for a chance to show their work. Along with creating new work, Ivan Cavallari, who is the director of WAB, also commissioned a re-staging of my work, The Games We Play, after it received first place in Milwaukee Ballet's international choreographic competition, Genesis. Will you get time for some R&R before you begin work on La Bohème, once you are settled in? The company has two weeks of conditioning classes prior to the rehearsal period, but I don’t need any more R&R, so I will be hitting the gym and doing all those annoying things like paperwork and opening bank accounts ... oh, and recovering from the jet lag, which just seems to get harder every time! Any advice for young people wanting to make a career out of dance? Listen to your teachers! They have the answers you need to make you a dancer; however, they alone cannot make you into a dancer – only you can do that. So stop talking, and start stretching! Thanks Tim.

focusinterview.

THE SCHOOL FOR WIVES

Harriet Dyer Bell Shakespeare returns to the region this October, with the 350 year old tale School for Wives. Newcomer to the stage Harriet Dyer tells us about the play and how she is settling into the lead role.

ell us a little bit about where your love for theatre began? I grew up in Townsville, a small city in north Quee Queensland. My dad did a lot of musicals w when I was little. He was part of the Theatre Group and would do a lot of plays and musicals as a hobby that he really enjoyed. I would see him go off to rehearsals, and he was always very happy doing it. Then the opportunity to audition for Annie came up, so Dad sat me and my sister down and said, "Don't expect anything; there are a lot of little girls in this town" (laughs) … as lovely dads do! But then my sister got the main role, Annie, and I got the little friend, Molly. So there was something there straight away that made us think that maybe we could do it – that maybe with our parents being quite theatrical people, it had given the lead in we needed to give it a crack. I was doing lots of musicals every year when I was little, then plays as well and then dancing concerts. And then when I was older, the plays' subject matter got more serious; although in high school, it was just what I was best at, and I had a natural love for it. I think in this world you have got to stick to what you're best at, or what you like! How did you become involved with Bell Shakespeare? I auditioned! The associate artistic director of Bell Shakespeare is a man named Peter Evens. He had directed a show at The Sydney Theatre Company that I was in at the start of the year, and they were having a lot of trouble casting this role, and I think he may have hold Lee [Lewis], the director of The School for Wives, to have a look at me. I am not sure to what extent I was thrust into her lap or anything, but I

feel like that was a small co connection Pet Then I just made there through Peter. auditioned, wass dow down to the bottom three, and then I got a call back and got the job about an hour later! As this your first lead role as a professional actress, how are you enjoying it? I'm enjoying it a lot. With doing the performances around the regional centres first, you can almost relax, because you know that regional audiences will just love it! If you give them everything, they will love it! There is something about performing in Sydney or Melbourne, which we haven't done yet but we are coming up to, where there is more of a judgement. You will find that there are a lot of casting directors in the audience or other actors in the audience who think that they could have done it better. That's the nature of the beast; any play that you do in a capital city, it's going to be 50% punters and 50% people in the business, and that changes your relationship to wanting to go on stage or not that night. In the regional centres, it's 100% punters, and they just love it, so it's been a total joy to get out and do it every night. Give us an overview of the play and about Agnes, your character in The School For Wives? It was written about 350 years ago. It's and old French comedy by Molière about Arnold, a 40 something year old guy who's been obsessed with finding himself the perfect bride. He has this huge obsession about women cheating that he just can't shake; he is completely scared of a woman cheating on him and him losing all of his pride and all of his love. He finds this four year old girl who has no parents – a very pretty little girl, and he essentially buys her and puts her in a convent for 14 years. She is kept innocent from all reality and not taught

anything about sex or adultery. So when she is 18, he pulls her out of the convent and thinks she will be the most angelic, faithful human money can buy. However, if you're not taught something, then you don't know it's wrong ... and you will probably do it, because you won't know it is wrong! I believe there is a fair amount of rhyming; is this difficult to deliver on stage? I was a little bit sceptical about doing a rhyming play. For a few weeks it was like waking up with a song in my head that I couldn't get out! But that's gone! It's kind of no different. If anything, it's slightly more of a challenge to not make it sound like you know what you're going to say ... Is there anything else you would like to tell Port Macquarie about the show? It's definitely a show for young and old! I have heard nothing but complete love for it! It's very funny! Anyone in the region who comes along, I just want to give them permission to laugh from the very start, because it's funny from the very start. People think they have to be serious because they are at a Bell Shakespeare show; but that's silly – people should come and just have a really good time. Thanks Harriet.

the plug! See Harriet in The School for Wives at the Glasshouse on 9 October at 8pm and 10 October at 11am.

Bell Shakespeare brings to life The School For Wives, one of Moliére’s finest comedies which has been raising eyebrows in comic disbelief for 350 years.

“…taut, biting and extremely funny…” The Australian

Tuesday 9 October, 8pm & Wednesday 10 October, 11am

Tickets cost $39.90 adult, $36.90 concession and groups 6+, $30.90 under 21/student. www.glasshouse.org.au or Box Office on 6581 8888

(02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

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focusinterview.

R NE COR

Kerry Irby. One lady with what some may call an addiction to all things Coca Cola is Kerrie Irby. Her collection has spanned the majority of her life, even flowing over into her business in the newly revamped Coca Cola room at Fuzzy Ducks Café in Wauchope. Chrissy Jones had a look at some of her collection ...

ou have a great collection of Coca Cola paraphernalia. When and why did you first start collecting? My very first piece was a dancing coke can; my brother gave it to me for my 16th birthday. I’m turning 41 soon, so it has been 25 years of collecting. I just liked the cute dancing can; it has gone from there. How many pieces do you have in your collection all up? Too many, if you ask my husband, Bill ... thousands upon thousands; I am not joking. I actually hadn’t realised myself just how much Coca Cola stuff I had, until I started sorting them all out for the interview. There’s just about everything you can imagine branded with Coca Cola. I have loads – underwear, T-shirts, jewellery, socks, hats, glasses, watches, lighters, golf tees, clocks, compass sets, diaries, drink bottles and coolers, thongs, eskys, folders, money boxes, toy cars and trucks, pens, fob watches, salt and pepper shakers, pocket knives, Tazos, key rings, even a 1960s bowling ball, collector phone cards, toy footballs, thermoses, and I have a bottle from World War II. Something a bit different in the collection are the framed Coca Cola staff training records from the 1950s. Bill bought me a lighter dated in the 1960s, 8 greater port macquarie focus.

in the shape of a little coke bottle; you take the world – Africa, Fiji, Bali, England, New the top off, and the flint is inside. Zealand, America, Thailand, Turkey ... they Which one is your favourite and why? are all different. Just by looking at them, you My sister gave me a gold coin for my 40th, can tell they are Coca Cola cans though; they which is under lock and key, that would be have the same styling of the Coca Cola logo, the most valuable piece I have. The coin is same colouring, but are different sizes and special to me and definitely my favourite; but, shapes. I do absolutely love it all – every single How has your collection evolved piece in my collection. When since your first piece? it’s all on display together, it’s My collection grew from that amazing. very first piece my brother things “ Some rareio Do you have any unique gave me. One piece grew to in the collectnsnand pieces? another piece, then another are many ca around bottles from I have a piece given to me piece; people started giving the world. ” from one of my Coke Reps, me presents as well. Everyone a replica bottle mould. Every says, if you are ever unsure of time Coca Cola change their what to get Kerrie for a present, bottles, which is every year, they make it anything Coca Cola, and make sample moulds, and then they you can’t go wrong. pick from these which style of bottle they will Is your collection still growing? use for the year. Each year Coca Cola also Much to Bill’s dismay, yes! I’m not allowed bring out new labels on their bottles, changed to go looking for it any more though, or slightly but different, and I have all of them source it from the internet either, but I am alfrom the past 10 years. lowed to be given it. If it comes to me, that’s Some rare things in the collection are many OK; I have lots of little spies out there! cans and bottles from around the world that You have transformed your café, Fuzzy people have given me from their travels; some Ducks in Wauchope, into a display place of these are on display in my Coca Cola fridge for some of your Coca Cola memorabilia. at the café. How did this come about? You go on a holiday, the last thing I say to I have brought my addiction to my business you is, “Bring me a can home, please”. My – it’s something that has also grown over the can and bottle collection is from all around 4 years that we have owned Fuzzy Ducks. We

have just finished painting the walls red and white and have custom furniture now – Coca Cola branded, of course. Customers enjoy looking at it all; so many people in town and out of town donate me pieces, just because it’s an odd piece they have got at home and they know it will be loved. Also, it’s another way to get more stuff! People also make me things, like the Coke can aeroplane and the Chinese junk boat, windmill and dunny can – it all adds to the Coke theme in the café. If you had to give it all away and were allowed to keep one piece (not the coin), what would you keep? I don’t think I could pick just one piece; it would be all or nothing! Has anything been added to the collection lately? Bill actually bought me the latest edition of the 2012 Olympic Games Yo-Yos, so my collection continues, and he was even the one who added to it! Thanks Kerrie.

are you a collector? We want to know about you! Let us know what you collect, and you might just be our next Collectors Corner guest! e. louise@focusmag.com.au ph. (02) 6584 7433.

greater port macquarie focus 9

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

Whatâ€™s

PORT MACQUARIE

27-28

The Desert Mob Exhibition

Christmas Gift Fair Artist: Kukula McDonald

Louella Guild from Alpitye At Port Aboriginal Art Gallery in Port Macquarie recently attended the Desert Mob weekend in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. The Desert Mob brings together 35 Art Centres from across Central Australia in an exhibition that highlights contemporary Aboriginal Art from the region. The exhibition demonstrated that Aboriginal artists throughout the desert continue to revolutionise arts and cultural expressions. When Throughout October. Where Aboriginal Art Gallery, 1/19 Short St Port Macquarie. More info www.alpityeatport.com.au

Creatability Workshop Celebrating Mental Health Month, the Glasshouse and Hastings Mental Health Network present a display of works from the Creatability Workshop program. This program encourages people living with a mental health condition to explore creative arts. Working with local artist Kim Staples, participants attended workshops once a month over a six month period and explored and experimented in a range of visual arts techniques and mixed media. This exhibition represents the outcomes from this program. Works will be on display in the Meeting Room Foyer on level 2 of the Glasshouse. When 13 to 16 October â€“ 10am to 4pm. Where Glasshouse Regional Gallery Meeting Room Foyer, level 2. Cost Entry is free.

more information

Large variety of crafts persons and selected retailers. Lucky Door Prizes! Hosted by Endeavour Mental Health.

Gentlemen of the Road Tour

Where Port Panthers, Bay St, Port Macquarie. When 27 Oct,10am - 4pm; 28 Oct, 10am - 3pm. Cost Entry $3 all adults. Under 12 free and secondary school students $2.

The Gentlemen Of The Road The Gentlemen Of The Road concept was developed by the members of Mumford & Sons, and is presented in conjunction with the teams behind the Laneway Festival and Splendour in The Grass. The one-day, outdoor camping event in the historic NSW town of Dungog was curated by the band and is part of a global series of GOTR Stopovers, which debuted in the UK this June. Gentlemen of The Road (A Camping Stopover), Dungog. Presented by Triple J, Fasterlouder, Channel [V] and themusic.com.au When Saturday 20 October 2012, 1PM - midnight. Where Dungog Showgrounds. Transport & Accommodation www.gentlemenoftheroad.com More info www.gentlemenoftheroad.com

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000, or log on to the Port Macquarie events website: www.gpmevents.com.au

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focusinterview.

here are you from originally, Jake, and what brought you to the Hastings area to live? I was born in Sydney, and I lived in a suburb called Minchinbury until I was about six years old. After that, my family moved to the area. For my mum and dad, it was essentially a ‘sea change’ of sorts, to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. What were you like as a school student ... were you a good all-round student, or someone who lived for art class but daydreamed in every other subject? I was a different kind of kid (I guess you could say eccentric!) but definitely the latter, more or less. My primary school Principal would probably vouch that I would draw all the time. In fact, all my books had drawings in the back, and this definitely continued into high school! I would also spend a lot of free time as a kid just drawing and losing myself in my own imaginary world, creating adventures for the characters I created. I was happiest there … and still am, really. If you were given a box of coloured pencils and a blank sheet of paper and asked to draw the first thing that came to mind, what would you draw (and why)? Depends. Whatever inspires me at that point in time that would determine what I would actually create. I’m thinking of something ‘Exploitation genre based’ right now – ‘Z-Grade Movie Poster’ with a cheesy tagline, probably! I guess I can put it down to being a bit of a cheesy movie buff … What’s your preferred media/medium to create with, and what is it about them that attracts you?

12 greater port macquarie focus.

Pencil and ink pen. It has never let me Iñárritu and Steven Spielberg. down! Pencils are the most important thing, Writer wise, starting to read Elmore Leonard as they ‘flesh out’ the artwork. This is where (if you like Tarantino’s stuff − he was inspired you can make a million mistakes, fix it and get by him − well worth checking out!) and inspiit looking the way you really want. The inks rations from humble beginnings include: J.K. refine the details. From there, it’s definitely Rowling and once again, Tarantino. Source masoftware like Photoshop and Corel Painter with terial of note: Watchmen (it deserves its hype!), the Wacom for digital colours, to get it looking Batman: Hush (by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee and S. the way I want it. If it’s all traditional media – Williams), The Dark Knight Returns by Frank then it would also include artists’ pigmented Miller, Batman: Year One by Frank Miller and inks, which I love using! The colours are so David Mazzucchelli, Eastman and Laird’s origibold, and it’s easy to ‘layer’ colour for depth nal Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, any Asterix with inks. On both levels, the attraction lies and Tintin graphic novels and The Animator’s with the way the details are enhanced in the Survival Guide by Richard Williams. artwork, including the way it ‘pops’ What projects have you worked on and works with my style. that you’re particularly proud You’ve created some of? fantastic cartoons, which I’ve just finished the inks I spent a lot of can be both amazingly on what will be my first free time as a d an g funny, and also very published piece of sekid just drawin my in f el ys thought-provoking. quential comic art for an losing m world, own imaginary ures for What cartoonists, or independent Australian creating advent created. even comic books, zombie magazine, Decay. I the characters ere ... th have inspired you? From there, I also have a st ie pp I was ha ly.” al re , am ill Firstly, thank you for graphic novel that I am colst d an the compliment! I have laborating on with a mate. too many inspirational people His writing is raw and very to list with all sincerity − and hard hitting – but for an artist, it’s from a variety of different fields as well. mouth-watering stuff! Some are … Animation: Ralph Bakshi, Richard Before recently however, I never really had Williams, Adam Phillips, Genndy Tartakovsky, too many opportunities on projects. Harry Partridge, Seth MacFarlane, Matt GroenWhere did you get the idea to use ing and classically, Walt Disney as a pioneer in coloured pens (sharpies) to personalise his own right. items such as tennis shoes? Do you draw Artists: Dave Gibbons, Tradd Moore, Drew on other types of fabric as well? Struzan, Frank Miller, Herge, Alex Ross, Jim That was an experimental process. Quite fun Lee, J. Scott Campbell and creator wise, Stan too! It was something I wanted to try, really – I Lee. Film related: Quentin Tarantino, Robert started on a pair of canvas shoes one night Zemeckis, Brad Bird (also animation), Dario Arand just went crazy with the markers, and it gento, Christopher Nolan, Alejandro González looked pretty cool! So then I tried some other

“

themes … one pair has the Drive movie theme to them, including the symbols from the movie like the scorpion, bullet and hammer. The other is a pair of retro Miami Vice shoes – with Crockett and Tubbs each overlooking a siren on either shoe with palm trees over a dusk setting. Different and kind of funky, I guess! You’re about to move to England very shortly for an extended stay. How long do you plan to stay overseas, and what do you hope to achieve while you’re there? Indeed! Excited and quite scary too! I am not sure on how long exactly I will be there – it all depends on what happens, really. I want to meet new and interesting people along the way, including seeing some interesting and inspiring places. Although, over there I will be open to opportunity – so if it comes my way, I will definitely be going for it! I wouldn’t mind trying to have a go at fulfilling some personal goals out there. Dreaming big, what’s an artistic project you’d love to work on or be involved with? Probably a major production of some kind (i.e. blockbuster film or animation production would be amazing) but even then, anything to do with comics, animation or film that is interesting and provides a nice fee! In all honesty, to be comfortable with your own artistic pursuits and being paid to be a professional artist – is a huge dream! Where can people go to view samples of your work? I am hoping to get a website sometime in the very near future – but any enquires or questions can be sent through to: two_boot@ hotmail.com and I will be happy to respond! Thanks Jake. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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VIDEO BY: FocusTV. ABOUT: A behind the scenes look at shooting our latest cover. The chaos happened in just a few seconds, but we managed to capture it all on a slow motion camera at 160 frames a second. Well worth a watch. WATCH AT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcnvVF0p_w

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LOCAL Title. The Mortuary Cult. Local Author. Doreen Bolton.

READ

Doreen Bolton had no thought of becoming a writer before her fiftieth birthday, being more interested in painting and ceramics – but now writing is her main pastime. She has several titles already in print that she has written. Doreen’s latest book, The Mortuary Cult was recently launched at the Port Macquarie library and is now available for purchase. AVAILABLE AT: mail a self addressed envelope and a cheque made payable to D Bolton for $11 plus $2 P&H each to P.O. Box 110, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 or phone (02) 6583 3516. Promote your local book or music album. Send us the details to editor@focusmag.com.au

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

AT ’ S I N

Image of the month. About: Quaid Munson ripping the bowl at the Port Macquarie skate park. Photo by: Ethan Astall. Shot on: Canon 60D, with a Tokina 10-17 fisheye. 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

focusreview. TOMATOES Hass an Ha anyo anyone nyo yone one noticed n the price of tomatoes in the su upermar arke kett They have been steadily climbing, and there is supermarkets? a reason re on behind beh b eh it. EEarlier Ea rlier this yyear, Australia’s largest tomato grower collapsed, af a series after af s ries of natural disasters and business pressures. It se ap ppear a s th ar that other major growers have not taken up the slack appears – supply su h as not been able to meet demand, and as a result, has pr ricceess climb prices climb. Th he go ood o n e is that you don’t need to stop enjoying The good news to omato matoes to oes – Port Macquarie is lucky to have Ricardoes tomatoes To oma mato toees to es – a local grower who not only wins awards for their Tomatoes frui fr u t, b ui but utt kke e fruit, keeps a steady price of $4.50/kg at the farmgate. To Tom matoes mato ess are ar sweet, juicy and delicious – and they are full of Tomatoes vita tami min mi n C,, llow o in calories and are fat free. vitamin Ri R pe,, re pe red d tomatoes tom to Ripe, are perfect for crisp spring salads as the w eathe herr wa a weather warms, or roast them and serve with a warm salad of cru umb mble led d fetta, sugar snap peas, olives and basil. crumbled

WHERE

Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries is located just ten minutes north of Port Macquarie at 221 Blackmans Point Road , Port Macquarie.

with Julie from www.gourmetgetaways.com.au

local dr p.

The Little Brewing Company Wicked Elf – Witbier

With the change of season, why not freshen your palate with the Little Brewing Company’s Wicked Elf Witbier. Perfect for the summer months, this style of beer makes a great thirst quencher and will go along nicely with your weekend picnic or BBQing menu. Witbier is a recently revived style of beer, which is handcrafted and brewed using 50% wheat and 50% barley malt. It is conditioned in the bottle and has a cloudy, pale lemon colour. On the nose there are floral aromas, but the flavour is predominately a balance between fresh citrus, complex malt and a refreshing bitterness. GOES WITH: Seafood and Thai Food. COST: $87 carton (24 x 330 ml). AVAILABLE: At all good bottle shops. Tastings and direct sales are also available at; Unit 1, 58 Uralla Road, Port Macquarie. www.thelittlebrewingcompany.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 13

focusinterview.

Geordie

re you a born and bred Hastings local? I was born and raised in the small seaside village of Sawtell, which is just South of Coffs Harbour. In 2005, my father became Principal of Tacking Point Primary School, so we moved to Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie for my Years 11/12 (senior). My mother and father still live in Lighthouse Beach, but I now live in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. What are some of your favourite memories from your time spent living in the Lighthouse Beach area? Some of my fondest memories of living in Port Macquarie are mainly made up of my times spent in the surf. I love Shelly Beach and the surrounding forests. No matter what the conditions, you’re always likely to find a wave at Lighthouse, and the beach is such a beautiful spot around dusk. The coastal walk is something I will always tackle when I come home for a holiday. I spent a lot of time in the water before and after school and especially on the weekends. The beaches are so clean and possess that ‘untouched’ feeling, which is completely different to, say, the overpopulated Bondi. Other memories include the times spent at school. I attended MacKillop Senior Campus for Years 11 and 12 … I was lucky to have some great teachers, especially my history teacher and my English teacher, whose support and genuine love of and investment into their work was inspirational and infectious. In Year 11, I acted in a production of Equus, which was directed by Paul Plunkett, an English and drama teacher at the school. My memories of that man are profound, and the work he puts into everything he does has certainly given me an approach that I still carry with me into every job, audition and meeting I have. What was your very first acting gig? My very first acting gig was in a school production of The Three Little Pigs, in which I played the role of the Big Bad Wolf. Although it was a very long time ago, Year 4, I remember 14 greater port macquarie focus.

the excitement and wonder that comes with live theatre. That buzz you get and the immediacy of having the audience right there with you following your journey is something that will never die. That was the first time I fell in love with the idea of make believe and creating a rapport with the other actors on stage; the fun you can have with your fellow cast (especially when they are dressed as pigs!) is limited only by your own boundaries. What training have with a pretty classy mustache. I like creating you taken advantage imperfect Hopefully Craig isn’t too of over the years? characters; it disappointed in his portrayal! dI stimulates me, an As soon as I You also had the chance ting love experimen graduated from high to act alongside Olivia and playing with school, I tried out for tic ra Newton John and Xavier idiosync le.” ro a in various drama schools r ou vi ha Samuel in the feature be across Australia and film A Few Best Men. What was lucky enough to be did you take away from this accepted straight into the 3 experience? year Journey program at the Actors A Few Best Men was a great experience. Centre Australia. After finding out it was the Unfortunately, a lot of what I shot didn’t make same school attended by Hugh Jackman and the final cut, but I had a great time shooting it Nicole Kidman, I wasn’t exactly over-confident up in the Blue Mountains. Xavier Samuel was going in, but it turned out to be the time of my very professional and focused, which was great life. to work with, and the entire cast and crew were Since graduating, I’ve continued my singing hilarious. There was such a relaxed energy on set, training with my singing teacher, Jeremy Powell, and everyone was just there to tell a great story. and attend the odd dance lesson at Sydney Dance This was the first feature film I was a part of, Company. I used to dance for Extreme Dance and for that reason I was really excited going into Studios in Port Macquarie, and I miss the talent it, and it taught me that you need to constantly of those guys and girls. Over the past two years find that sense of ‘play’ with your character in I’ve also pursued more acting training (mainly for every moment of each scene. screen) in Los Angeles, working with the amazing Would you consider yourself a method actor, Larry Moss, Lisa Beech and at Annie Grindlay’s or a classical actor? studio in West Hollywood. Although I was classically trained as an actor You live in Sydney now and have been (through relentless voice classes, Shakespeare fortunate enough to land some really good classes and everything in between), I don’t roles. Tell us about the character you’re think I would label myself as one or the other playing on Underbelly:Badness … − possibly a combination of both. For me, it’s I play a man named Craig Bottin. He works all about serving the story and the writing. The for Jonathan LaPaglia’s character, Anthony sooner an actor can let go of their ego and invest Perish. Craig was jailed for the kidnapping of themselves purely into the role of the character as Terry Falconer, which is explored in the first two it is written, the longer the career they will have. episodes of Underbelly: Badness. In the series, I like creating imperfect characters; it stimulates Craig is portrayed as a gum-chewing sidekick me, and I love experimenting and playing with

“

idiosyncratic behaviour every time I prepare for a role. That type of work allows me to find a ‘door’ into that character’s mind, voice and body. Your goal at the moment is to pursue an acting career in The States. What kind of roles are you hoping to land over there? Ultimately, it would be great to pick up a TV pilot, as this is a great springboard for many actors into building a career ‘stateside’, and the US is currently experiencing the ‘golden age of TV’, with shows such as Breaking Bad, Girls and Homeland really pushing the boundaries of the episodic formula. My main priority is to continue building relationships with the US casting directors and secure representation whilst over there. Aussie actors are in high demand in The States, due to their work ethic and honest approach to their craft. It’s a great time for us to head over. What’s the biggest acting goal you have? My main goal is to have the freedom and opportunity to work in both film and on stage both abroad and here in Australia. There are some great films coming out of Australia, and picking up more roles here is something that I’m excited about. Theatre is an actor’s medium, and doing a few shows a year keeps the creative juices flowing. I’d love to work with Philip Seymour Hoffman; I’ve seen a couple of shows he has directed here in Sydney and acted in on Broadway, and having the opportunity to work with a director/actor as inquisitive and as experienced as him would be amazing. Thanks Geordie. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Jerry’s Girls. Created by Herman and Larry Alford in 1981, the show originated as a modest presentation at Onstage, a nightclub located in the theatre district in midtown-Manhattan (New York City). Writing in The New York Times, John S. Wilson called it "a brilliantly lively and scintillating evening of cabaret."

Glenn Miller Orchestra. It is with great pleasure that we announce the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform one concert at the Glasshouse on Tuesday 16 October at 8pm. This concert spectacular will celebrate the unforgettable music of the 1940s, starring direct from the USA, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Moonlight Serenade Singers, performing those timeless, Big Band hits from the golden era of Swing – songs made famous by The Andrews Sisters and the nostalgic World War II melodies from legendary stars such as Vera Lynn and romantic music from the Frank Sinatra Songbook. And you will see the greatest Swing dancing ever, performed by the exciting Broadway Swing Dancers – 25 world class singers, musicians and dancers on stages! Remember ... Chattanooga Choo Choo, In The Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug, String of Pearls, Tuxedo Junction, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover ... and many more memorable songs. JOIN US ON A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY DOWN MEMORY LANE! Tickets on sale now! By arrangement with Glenn Miller Productions Inc. New York.

DIRECT FROM THE USA... BY POPULAR DEMAND, EXTRA SHOW, TUE 16 OCT 5.15PM – NOW ON SALE!

CONCERT SPECTACULAR A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY DOWN MEMORY LANE 25 MUSICIANS, SINGERS AND DANCERS ON STAGE

The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra The Moonlight Serenade Singers • The Broadway Swing Dancers

GLASSHOUSE – TUE 16 OCT, 5.15pm & 8pm Book at (02) 6581 8888 or glasshouse.org.au THE UNFORGETTABLE MUSIC OF THE 1940’s FROM THE GOLDEN ERA OF SWING 16 greater port macquarie focus.

Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm.

After La Cage aux Folles opened to rave reviews two years later, producer Zev Bufman approached the pair and suggested they mount a full-scale, all-star version. On February 28, 1984, the expanded Jerry's Girls premiered at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach, Florida, with Carol Channing, Andrea McArdle, and Leslie Uggams, backed by an all-female chorus, recreating scenes and songs from Herman's hits, including Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and Mack and Mabel. Jerry's Girls, the show's opening number set to the music of It's Today from Mame, enumerated the many actresses who had appeared in Herman productions over the years. An original cast recording was released by Polydor Records.

Colour Connections.

This is a revue style production, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and will bring to The Players a celebratory two-hour musical entertainment of glamour, love, melody and women.

Kim Staples is a practicing visual artist, art therapist and art tutor living in Port Macquarie. Various mediums are used to create her artwork – her love of culture, colour, nature, texture and the unknown is captured in her diverse styles of painting and sculpting. Kim has received awards for her artworks, including 1st place and ‘highly commended’ at the Annual Easter Exhibition in Port Macquarie.

More than most songwriters, Jerry Herman has put larger than life women in his shows centre stage; to name a few, we have Dolly Levi of Dolly, Auntie Mame Dennis of Mame, Mabel Normand of Mack and Mabel, Countess Aurelia of Dear World, and female impersonator, ZaZa of La Cage aux Folles. It is fitting that in Jerry’s Girls there are women centre stage once more. This production allows The Players an opportunity to showcase some of our fabulously talented female members. I am sure that Jerry’s Girls will knock the socks off our audiences and provide them with a truly colourful, energetic, funny and entertaining musical for all ages.

Another display of local artistic talent is taking place at the new ‘Truly Local’ exhibition at Long Point Vineyard during October and November. Meet the ladies with a passion and eye for colour. Rose Burke is a Glass Artist, and her work can be found in selected galleries throughout Australia. Having been exploring the possibilities of combining glass and enamels over the past two decades, Rose melts enamels and glass together to form one piece, then shapes them into bowls and plates. Rose has done many commissions for both private and government sectors through her glass art.

Karen Bulgin is a painter exploring portraiture, the night sky and the inner landscapes. Having studied painting and sculpture at East Sydney Technical College, Karen was awarded the ‘William Dobell Art Prize’ at the Art Gallery of NSW in 1989. Karen has resided in Port Macquarie for nearly 20 years, furthering her art practice, exhibiting locally and in regional galleries around NSW.

Shannon

Noll

focusinterview.

From Dancing with the Stars to a national tour, this year has been a busy one for Shannon. This popular entertainer is constantly evolving his music ...

ou have a new album out ... Yes, it came out in November last year, and I think we have had 4 or 5 singles off it now. So, it has been out for a while, and it’s going good. And this tour is to promote that album, is that correct? Yes, it is. I had a tour booked earlier in the year, but then obviously Dancing with the Stars came up and we couldn't do both. We postponed the tour until now, so that I could do the show. You’ve been on the road since June. How's it going so far? It’s been going really good, actually, and it’s been really good to be back out there in front of the full band again. I'd been doing a lot of acoustic stuff before this, so it's great to have the full band out there again. What instruments is the band made up of? We have two guitars, bass and drums. So tell us about the new album – it’s your fifth one – was there any particular inspiration behind this one? I had the opportunity to write with a few different people with this one ... obviously teamed up with Benji Madden from Good Charlotte to write the lead single, Switch Me On and I wrote with Mark Macailvy as well and Brooke McClymont – so a bit of a mix! That's great – we love the McClymonts! They’ve visited a few times and were featured on one of our covers! They are lovely girls; I just ran into them at Gympie a couple of weeks ago (laughs). So the current tour brings you back to Port Macquarie to visit fans. What can the audience expect from this show? Well mate, when I wrote this album I intentionally tried to structure it so that it would suit the live show, with a bit more tempo and pace with the timing of it. So it’s easier to dance to, it’s a bit more vibey, and they are a bit more party kind of songs. So

there are all of the big ones that I have had out in the past, plus some of the new ones. Tell us how you have changed and adapted to keep your music fresh? I think you have always got to be open to learning new stuff and learning how to perfect your singing and put a show together better; it’s something that continues to evolve, and I think that if you don't have that attitude towards it, you can get a bit stale and a dated. So we're always trying to mix it up and see what we can do different, We have a few to make it more fun. ideas for some want miss out on that stuff. You performed this projects that weof this d to do at the en g of But you know, I have year on the TV series, year or beginnine’re been able to come home Dancing with the w next year ... so ead ah on the Mondays and Stars. After being an pl trying to that’s k in th I t. Tuesdays and have a few in the spotlight with bi tle lit a ve a 12 days at home, so at least I singing for so long, important – to haace.” month plan in pl get that chance … what was it like to be Locally we have a healthy dancing? music scene, with lots of Yeah ... well, if you can call ambitious artists and bands. What what I did dancing (laughs)! would be your advice to them to help It was heaps of fun and completely launch their careers? different to anything I had ever done before, I think the main thing is you have to get out and it was really difficult to retrain your body and play; the more you can play, the better to move completely differently to how it has you get at it. And also, to write – write as your whole life! It was a great experience, a many songs as you can, because the writing lot of fun and well worth doing. is a skill you can hone, and the more you So, it was a good challenge? practice, the better you'll get and the closer Yes (laughs)! you'll then get to writing that song that could Is there anything on the horizon for next be the big break for you. year like that to challenge you? You have a few singles from the new Not as yet, no. We have a few ideas for album nominated for an award, is that some projects that we want to do at the end correct? of this year or beginning of next year ... so Yeah, yeah it is. The lead single Switch Me we're trying to plan ahead a little bit. I think On has been nominated for Rock Release of that’s important – to have a 12 month plan in the Year by APRA – which is a great honour, place. as APRA is a great organisation and to be With the TV show and the tour and new album, how are you balancing family life? put in that category is awesome. It is great to get that recognition, ‘cause I really enjoyed It’s been pretty hard, you know. I got to see writing that song, and it does rock pretty some of the boys’ first couple of footy games hard. this year, and I missed the rest of the season Is that the song that will get the locals up just about – that's always difficult, and you

“

and dancing when you get here? Yeah, I think so. It is just so much fun to play and it’s really pumping, so I think everyone will enjoy it. Do you have any other bands that will open for you on this tour? We have an acoustic support everywhere we go, and we try to mix it up a bit. We had a young bloke called Mark Wilkinson, who has opened the last 8 or 10 shows, and he's a really good young singer. We try and pick people up along the way, you know. It’s a great opportunity for them to play for you and get some stage time … Yeah, 100% for sure. Thanks Shannon. See you when you get here! No worries – looking forward to seeing everyone and playing there.

the plug! See Shannon Noll perform live at Port Panthers on November 1, at 8.30pm. $35 non-members; $30 members. Visit: www.portmacquarie. panthers.com.au/Entertainment or call 6580 2300 for tickets and details.

greater port macquarie focus 17

focuseditorial.

ABUNDANCE Lifestyle

Garden

orn with a passion for plants, food and creating beautiful spaces, the vision John van der Ley and Carol Goulding have shared for Abundance Lifestyle and Garden is about to become a reality. Realising the need for a quality Garden Centre in the Port Macquarie area, John and Carol put the wheels in motion several years ago. It has been a challenging experience, with the assistance of Bob Faddy Building from Laurieton and his team of tradesmen, the job is now done. The unique structures have been designed to be sympathetic with the existing growing houses and to blend with the environment. The Vanderley Nursery reputation as a premium plant supplier has developed over 30 years, beginning when John started his first wholesale nursery in Sydney, moving to the Mid North Coast in the 1980s to begin supplying flowering ornamental lines for Garden

Physic FAIR Centres, landscapers and chain stores in NSW and Queensland. Expanding to the current Sancrox site on Rawdon Island Road 8 years ago has enhanced John’s reputation as one of the largest growers in NSW of specialty lines in Bougainvilleas, Hibiscus, Perennial Petunias, Mandavillas, Sunpatiens, Geraniums, Daisies and Alstromerias. The full range of Vanderley Nursery plants and many more will now be available to the gardeners of the Hastings Valley, grown for our conditions and climate and proven to perform well. Opening for business on October 6 in conjunction with the Garden Centre, Abundance Café will provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea every day. Breakfast will be available on weekends. The quirky menu will reflect fresh local produce and healthy lifestyle. Delectable

cakes and desserts will be our specialty, all made in our café kitchen by a team of passionate people. Our Abundance team is made up of friendly staff with many years of experience, to make shopping and dining fun and rewarding. John will be assisted by a team of qualified Horticulturalists: Malcolm McKinlay, Darren West and Scott Keller in Garden and Lifestyle. Down at the waterside café, Sue Musgrave, Louise Carter, Bianca Davies and Carol make up the catering team. Group bookings and functions are welcome, and we offer the service of our Events Co-ordinator Kristy Pang. Kristy has many years of experience and will be delighted to work with organisers of tours, fundraisers, weddings, social groups and parties.

Do You Know What Your Future Holds? Find out what the future holds for you at “The Spirit Talkers” psychic fair. The Psychic fair is on Saturday 20 and on Sunday 21 October 2012 open both days from 10am to 4.30pm at our new venue, the Laurieton United Services Club, Seymour Street, Laurieton, with free entry. Readings in Clairvoyance, Tarot, Numerology, Atlantean Crystal, Aura Soma, or Runes are available, the fair will also feature, Chevarro recognized, as one of Australia’s most accurate and insightful Aura energy readers, Paula a metaphysical teacher and Aura Soma practitioner, Max “The Rune Master” and Litza-Rose medium and Angel Whisperer. This event also highlights the talents and expertise of the best local healers the Hastings has to offer, other stalls include crystals of high quality, crystal jewellery, health & beauty, and new-age gifts will be available.

the plug! Contact Chevarro from Aura-Mystics Tel: 655 93509 Email: mystics@pnc.com.au Web: www.Aura-Mystics.com

Life is about being Pampered... A visit to our unisex salon is always a great “pick me up”. While you’re living it up, your family will have peace of mind that you’ll be thriving in a warm and friendly community with four levels of care.

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A celebration of ‘50s and ‘60s Rock 'n' Roll music

held at Port Macquarie Panthers

Relive the era of Elvis and join in the excitement with Port’s newest festival ... two days of Rock ‘n’ Roll on 12 and 13 October. Mark Bowden from Juke Box Jive and Panthers Entertainment Co-ordinator Scott Mesiti (pictured right) shares the fun about the event ...

ock Around The Clock is the newest festival to hit Port Macquarie’s events calendar! Can you tell us a little bit about the event? Absolutely! Rock Around The Clock is a celebration of ‘50s and ‘60s Rock ‘n’ Roll music, held at Port Macquarie Panthers this October 12 and 13. The event will have two nights of live Rock ‘n’ Roll music, which will make it worthwhile for out of towners to come and enjoy. Sails Resort are our accommodation partner and have offered some great accommodation. Where did the idea for such a festival develop? We have been thinking about doing something for a while, as we have a strong Rock ‘n’ Roll community here in Port Macquarie who often support the club. What is the Rock Around The Clock’s line up looking like? We have Sydney rockers Juke Box Jive and The Pink Chevys performing Saturday 13, with No Brakes and Gold Coast outfit The John Skye Band opening the event on Friday 12. Special guest DJ Bob Bacurin will entertain both nights. What can Rock ‘n’ Roll enthusiasts expect from the two day festival? Lots of good tunes, Rock ‘n’ Roll dancing, dressing in the swinging ‘60s and an overall great time. There will also be a workshop held on Saturday where anyone can come down and learn about the ever popular Swing dancing. This must be an exciting time for the

local Rock ‘n’ Roll clubs! Can you tell have now been working successfully for us how they have been and will be the past 7 years. These shows consist of a involved in the festival? 13 piece musician team, which include Las In a sense, it’s the local Rock ‘n’ Roll Vegas style dancers. clubs' event. They have been instrumental in Have you or the band members been to planning the format of the event, provided Port Macquarie before? ideas for booking entertainment and used Yes, we have performed at Port Macquarie their widespread contacts market the event. approximately 6 years ago, and it was for The event would be impossible without their the Port Macquarie Rock 'n' Roll Festival involvement. and also at Panthers. We all Mark Bowden from Juke agree that the atmosphere Box Jive: tell us about at Port is a very relaxed, d an your music and your clean and tidy, friendly gr In the tradition of the ve career history? environment. We are x Li Deltones, Juke Bock ‘n’ Juke Box Jive is excited we have been continues the Roliving currently celebrating given the chance to re n, Roll traditio a of ts hi 25 years within the return. us lo bu fa the by – a music industry and has What are you fantastic era gonee a fun great way to shariends.” managed to keep the looking forward to night out with fr same style both in music most about visiting and costume 'til this day. the picturesque Mid Primarily performing the hits North Coast? from the ‘50s and ‘60s, Juke Just getting away from the Box Jive are also used at private events, hustle and bustle of Sydney, taking in presenting a great mix of general dance what we hope will be fantastic weather and music to satisfy a varied range of tastes. enjoying the sights. This will also give us the Mark Bowden is the lead singer and opportunity to catch up with friends who founder of Juke Box Jive and says that his are also up for the event. inspiration during the early years of the band A festival like Rock Around The Clock forming were none other than Australian must be such fun for you! Will you get group, The DELTONES. Mark has a great to enjoy it while you’re not preforming? love for doo-wop style vocal harmonies and Definitely. It is such a relaxed atmosphere, believes that each performance should be as mentioned earlier. We are considering energy filled and exciting, both visually and taking the opportunity of coming to Port on audibly. Mark is also a cabaret performer the Friday, to allow us a little time to look and was responsible for creating the Neil around and also enjoy a dance with the Friday night entertainment. Sedaka and Barry Manilow shows, which

“

What is the best thing about Rock ‘n’ Roll, in your opinion? As the majority of Rock ‘n’ Roll lovers are anywhere between 40 and 60 and occasionally some younger rockers as well, it is such a pleasure to perform to respectful, fun loving, sensible audiences. A high percentage have retired and have made Rock ‘n’ Roll dancing a large part of their social life, meeting new friends and visiting different venues. Others use Rock ‘n’ Roll as a form of exercise and a great way to let loose at the end of a hard week of work. Rock ‘n’ Roll is great way to share a fun night out with your partner and to listen and enjoy those fabulous hits of a fantastic era gone by. MORE INFO For those who are keen to enjoy some Rock ‘n’ Roll, how can we get our hands on tickets? Tickets are just $15 for Friday night and $20 for Saturday night. To book your tickets, simply call Port Macquarie Panthers: (02) 6580 2300. Quality Sails Resort is the official accommodation partner for the event and is perfectly situated directly across the street from Port Macquarie Panthers. Sails Resorts have offered a range of stunning waterfront accommodation packages, which include your tickets and breakfast each morning. To book your Accommodation & Ticket Package, call Sails Resort (02) 6589 5100 or book online at www.sailsresort.com.au For more information, head to www.portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

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Fun with Food The Holiday Coast Credit Union ‘Tastings on Hastings’ celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2012 as Greater Port Macquarie’s annual food and wine festival – and what a celebration it will be!

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TASTI NGS ON HASTI NGS

ctober is food month in this thriving Mid North Coast region, where from 6 - 27 October 2012 the Festival brings together the best local chefs, winemakers, farmers and producers in a growing program of culinary events. This year’s ‘Fun with Food’ theme runs throughout the program, with the 'Breakfast in the Beds’ at Near River Produce and ‘Kindee Valley Farm Community Pig on a Spit’, just to name a couple. And this year the main event, The 2012 Holiday Coast Credit Union ‘Tastings on Hastings Food and Wine Festival’ (Sun 14 October), settles into an exciting new venue in the CBD, on the lawns of The Town Green’s spectacular Hastings River frontage. This event will feature more than 90 exhibitors lining the streets surrounding the Town Green (Clarence and lower Horton Streets)

offering more room to move, grow and welcome patrons. Meet, mingle and chat with hinterland farmers and producers and taste the flavours from hip, coastal restaurants at this perfect paddock to plate day out! The program centres on country goodness, with a series of inaugural events hosted by hinterland producers on their farms. There’s also ‘High Tea on the Hastings’ by Zebu Bar + Grill, plus long lunches and degustation dinners. The main event on Sunday 14 October features Serge Dansereau (Bathers Pavillion) and Adam Liaw (MasterChef), alongside leading local chef, Eric Robinson from the Other Chef Fine Foods, in the Essential Energy cooking demonstration arena. The Sundowner River Stage on Town Green will be headlined by the virtuosic guitar playing and dynamic song writing of Jeff Lang. Joining Jeff at the Sundowner River Stage will be local Indie

Roots musician James Bennett and the thighslapping, toe-tapping sounds of Geoff Turnbull and the Mojo Bluesmen. The Sundowner team will also be organising street musicians to perform at a range of locations around the event and a top line selection of local bands performing in the Glasshouse forecourt. FOCUS will be hosting the inaugural Greater Port Macquarie Spaghetti Eating Competition! If you love spaghetti, then this is the competition for you, with the overall winner taking home a brand new Apple iPad. Contestants will have their hands tied behind their backs and will need to finish some delicious Ricardoes Tomatoes Spaghetti, cooked by Phil and the team at Café 66. Entry is $10, with all money raised going to local charities. PARKING ARRANGEMENTS: Patrons attending the 2012 Holiday Coast

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Credit Union Tastings on Hastings can enjoy complimentary parking on Westport Park and catch a free bus transfer to the town centre. The Sancrox Volunteer Fire Brigade will oversee the parking on Westport Park, and the bus transfers will be operated by Let’s Go Travel (a new sponsor) and Cruise in Style Limousines. Parking on Westport Park will open at 8am, and the first bus will depart Westport Park to the Short Street, CBD drop off point at 8.30am. The bus transfers will continue from Westport Park to the Short Street drop off points in the central business district throughout the day, with the last bus departing from Short Street to Westport Park at 4.30pm. Disabled parking will be available on Westport Park and in the Short Street car park. For further information regarding the parking arrangements ,contact Grey Fingleton: 0418 247 107.

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TASTINGS ON HASTINGS

“ The Essential Energy Cooking Demonstration Arena is a popular drawcard at the Holiday Coast Credit Union Tastings on Hastings annually, attracting visiting headline chefs and other locals who create fabulous dishes from farm fresh local produce. ”

Cooking Demonstrations his year’s special guest chefs are MasterChef 2010 Winner, Adam Liaw, legendary Sydney chef, Serge Dansereau from the Bather’s Pavilion and leading local chef and supporter of local producers, Eric Robinson from The Other Chef Fine Foods. The Essential Energy Cooking Demonstration Arena will be located on the Town Green at the end of Hay Street. Entry to the cooking demonstrations is free, and patrons will receive free recipe sheets and tastings of the food prepared on stage. Special guest compere in 2012 is publisher and dedicated 'foodie' Jay Beaumont, from Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. Assisting the special guest chefs will be local leading caterer XS Food, Chef Proprietors Craig and Rachel Freudenstein and their team. XS Food will assist the guest chefs and also prepare samples of the guest chef’s recipes, to be distributed to patrons at each of the demonstrations. Essential Energy has supported the cooking demonstrations for the past 4 years, supporting local producers and fine food product.

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10AM AND 3PM

Eric Robinson THE OTHER CHEF FINE FOODS The Other Chef Fine Foods is a family-owned & operated gourmet food manufacturing business based in Port Macquarie, run by Eric & Monica Robinson. With over 25 years experience as a Chef, including 7 years operating his own restaurant, Eric has received high acclaim for his innovative style and passion for hand-made food. 11AM AND 1PM

Serge Dansereau CHEF PROPRIETOR, THE BATHERS’ PAVILION Canadian born, Serge Dansereau began his career in Australia as the Executive Chef at the Regent Sydney Hotel. He is a long time innovator and supporter of fresh local produce and product and for many years has supported Mid North Coast food and wine initiatives. Serge is a pioneer, innovator and veteran chef – one of Australia’s best. He spent 18 years at the Regent, shooting their flagship restaurant to three-hat fame. In 1998, Dansereau was approached to head up the kitchen in the iconic Bathers’ Pavilion on Balmoral Beach. A local himself, the offer proved too much to resist, and he later bought it.

NOON AND 2PM

Adam Liaw MASTERCHEF WINNER AND SBS TELEVISION'S PERSONALITY ON THE CURRENT FOOD SERIES – DESTINATION FLAVOUR Adam Liaw is a cook, TV presenter and author, best known as the winner of MasterChef Australia 2010. Adam’s triumph on the hit show still remains the #1 most watched non-sporting event in Australian television history. Adam was born in Malaysia, before moving to Australia at a young age. He has lived and worked around the world, including China, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, India and most recently, a 7-year stint in Tokyo, Japan. His eclectic upbringing and life experiences have given Adam a passion for authentic Asian cuisine. He is cultural ambassador for the 2012 Chinese New Year celebrations in Australia and plans to open his first restaurant – a casual Japanese izakaya – in Sydney in late 2012. Adam’s latest project is the primetime food/travel program Destination Flavour, airing on SBS ONE. He is also the author of the best-selling cookbook Two Asian Kitchens, which has received a hugely positive response from fans, critics and food lovers alike.

TASTI NGS ON HASTI NGS

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Food Month Highlights Tastings on Hastings.

‘Town Green Inn Beer Fest’

SUN 14 OCTOBER FROM 9AM

SUNDAY 7 OCTOBER AT 11AM

The main event is a huge food and wine fair featuring a smorgasbord of the region’s producers, chefs, restaurants. Moving this year from the Racecourse to the Town Green in the CBD for the first time.

‘Breakfast in the Beds’ at Near River Produce. SUN 7 OCTOBER AT 9AM Pick your fresh vegetables and eggs from the farm, have it prepared by guest chef Todd Richardson, and dine in the paddock with a glass of sparkling wine. Children will meet the chickens and pigs and learn from a tree- change family from Sydney, who now live their dream of creating authentically organic handmade food, preserves, pastes and compotes.

‘High Tea on the Hastings’ at Zebu Bar + Grill SAT 6 OCTOBER AT 2PM Port Macquarie’s hippest new bar and restaurant hosts High Tea on the Hastings River, with a garden party on the lawn in front of Zebu at Rydges Port Macquarie. Sip on Pimms and lemonade, local Cassegrain sparkling, sweet and savoury delicacies and enjoy live entertainment.

Beer lovers rejoice: a beer hall from 11am will feature the flavours of locally crafted brewed beers, alongside local food. Led by local teams from The Little Brewing Company and Black Duck Brewery, pick up brewing tips, take part in tasting competitions, and enjoy a Sunday beverage with water views.

‘Tastings Australian Wine – how does the local drop rate?’ at The Boardwalk Restaurant WED 10 OCT AT 6PM Enjoy an education romp with wine tastings in the comfort of The Boardwalk with a stunning Hastings River backdrop. Compare some of the best local drops and other leading Australian wines. Wines will be matched for price and style. The tasting will have a one hour duration and dinner will follow.

‘Kindee Valley Farm Community Pig on a Spit’ SAT 13 OCTOBER FROM 10.30AM

hall, with Comboyne potatoes, vegetables, Bago wine and The Little Brewing Company beer. A relaxed country theme and rare opportunity to meet the locals in Kindee, a gorgeous, country village in the hinterland.

‘Rydges Six Degrees of Degustation' FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER AT 7PM Six chefs, six wines, six courses. A must-do and iconic event on the Festival program; dine on long tables with delicious local produce and talent, as six of the best local chefs cook it out for your dining pleasure.

‘Tastings on Hastings Dinner' at Panthers Port Macquarie FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER AT 7PM

Hosted by Kindee Valley Farm, the day starts with a farm tour of their grass fed beef, pork and free-range chickens, baked morning tea, and a roast ‘pig on a spit’ lunch in the town

Locally sourced produce features in a threecourse dinner with local wines and beer, live music and river views.

‘Degustation Dinner’ at The Corner Restaurant THURS 25 OCTOBER AT 6.30PM Explore Head Chef Blake Dwyer's his five course Tastings Menu working with a palate of 16 farm fresh products for a dining experience which is both satisfying to the eye and the tastebuds.

'Cheese Making Workshop' at The Amber Healing Farm SAT 6 OCTOBER AT 9AM Amber Healing Farm in North Haven is hosting Lyndal from The Cheese Making Workshop for a 100 per cent hands on day when you can learn to make Camembert, Fetta, Quark, Ricotta, Mascarpone and a Greek Style Yoghurt. FOR A COMPLETE EVENTS SCHEDULE, GO TO:

www.tastingsonhastings.com.au

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TASTINGS ON HASTINGS

Entertainment Lineup THE SUNDOWNER BREAKWALL RIVERSTAGE ON TOWN GREEN.

ew Tastings on Hastings sponsor, The Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park, brings a new level of entertainment to this 10th Anniversry Tastings on Hastings entertainment program. The Sundowner RiverStage will be headlined by the virtuosic guitar playing and dynamic song writing of Jeff Lang. Joining Jeff at the Sundowner RiverStage will be local indie roots musician James Bennett and the thigh-slapping, toe-tapping sounds of Geoff Turnbull. The Sundowner team will also be organising street musicians to perform at a range of locations around the event and a top line selection of local bands performing in the Glasshouse forecourt. The Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park ‘RiverStage’ on the Town Green will deliver this eclectic mix of top class entertainment while guests relax on the Town Green overlooking the beautiful Hastings River. Patrons can bring a rug and relax on the grass or enjoy the comfort of tables and chairs beneath shady umbrellas on the Town Green and in the Glasshouse forecourt.

THE GLASSHOUSE FORECOURT 9am Welcome to Country 10am Eliza Sayer and Claire Bruen 11am James Bennett Noon Hot Potato 1pm Mojo Bluesmen 2 pm Geoff Turnbull 3 pm Jeff Lang

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10am Mid North Coast All Star Stage Band 11am Young Guns Concert Band Noon Black Magic 1pm Tough Custard 2pm Dinner with Milton Dixie Jazz Band Entry is by gold coin donation.

Thanks to the Sponsors decade is a long time for Focus Magazine, Good Company an event to survive and Group, North Coast Institute of TAFE, even more so in the ever Newman Senior Technical College, changing field of food and wine Southern Cross Ten, Radio 2MC events. and Star FM and Rural Press have According to Council’s Tourism facilitated innovation and growth for and Economic Development ManTastings. ager Linda Hall the fact that Tastings And, this year we welcome Sundon Hastings has not only survived owner Breakwall Tourist Park as the but grown into a month long festival new entertainment sponsor with an and in 2012 expanded even impressive line-up on the Sunfurther with a new downer RiverStage on the location can be atTown Green and more on tributed to the level leading local bands gs “ Tastin t Hastings is noby of community in The Glasshouse an event run er involvement. Forecourt. a specific farm an is It y. er “Tastings on Other new sponor win event supported Hastings is not sors are the Town by many an event run by a Green Inn generfantastic local ” . rs so specific farmer or ously providing the on sp winery. It is an event Volunteer headquarsupported by many ters and refreshments, fantastic local sponsors, Fig restaurant, The Macquarie assisted by a team of generous volHotel, Let’s Go Travel, and supportive unteers promoting all the fabulous retailers, Maharajahs Indian restaufood and wine across our region,” rant, and Macquarie Seafoods. said Ms Hall. “With the involvement of sponsors The significant investment from comes not only financial support but long term sponsors such as Holiday new ideas, innovation and cooperaCoast Credit Union, Port Macquative marketing opportunities that rie Hastings Council, Greater Port further assist the promotion of this Macquarie Tourism, Essential Energy, important industry sector.”

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Eat Local

with Journey of Flavour

Volunteers needed Volunteers will be fully briefed at pre-event information sessions and at the event will have access to ‘Volunteer Headquarters’, generously donated by the Town Green Inn, where refreshments and lunch will be available. Each volunteer will also receive a festival T-shirt and cap to wear at the event and to keep after. “Our volunteers work very hard every year so that visitors can enjoy their time at the festival, and having you onboard will help to make the 2012 HCCU Tastings On Hastings Food & Wine Festival the biggest and best ever!” To register as a volunteer, visit www. tastingsonhastings.com.au and following the links. If you don’t have access to the web or would like further information on volunteering, contact Rachel Ross at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on (02) 6581 8036. Tastings On Hastings is an initiative of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

ESSENTIAL ENERGY IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE

Eating food that’s locally grown and produced is good for you and the community. The benefits are grassroots and global. And it’s something we are all becoming more passionate and educated about. At home, we can ensure the fridge is full of local goodies, but why not go one step further and shop and dine with businesses that are ‘officially committed’ to supporting the local farmers and producers? Journey of Flavour is a program that works with businesses in Greater Port Macquarie to certify their use of a large number of locally sourced producers and services. There are now 25 Journey of Flavour members that have gone through an accreditation process and become champions of all things local. They include restaurants, cafés, events, providores, retailers, wineries, breweries,

producers and processed goods. The agricultural bowl of Greater Port Macquarie is rich and abundant, with a diverse range of quality producers offering freshly farmed oysters, fish and prawns; crisp vegetables, herbs and spices, fruits, olives, macadamia nuts, cheeses, meat, poultry, eggs and other primary produce. With an abundance of supply, other interesting products include olive oils, pestos, gourmet jams, preserves and more. To find out how you can support our local industry, a complete list of the Journey of Flavour champions, and how to accredit your business go to www.journeyofflavour. com.au Keep an eye out for the Journey of Flavour logo around town and at Tastings on Hastings on Sunday 14 October 2012 on the Town Green.

ERX0353.156.125.5

The Holiday Coast Credit Union Tastings on Hastings annual foodie festival is fast approaching, and organisers are calling for volunteers for the main event on Sunday 14 October 2012. “Volunteers are a crucial part to the success of the Tastings on Hastings festival,” says festival coordinator, Sonia Fingleton. She adds, “The event has moved to the Town Green, and we have more stalls than we’ve ever had and are anticipating record attendance, so we are calling upon the community to donate some of their time to assist with the set-up, operation and pull down for this great annual event.” Volunteering at the HCCU Tastings On Hastings is a fun and rewarding experience, so why not get a group of friends, family or colleagues together to help? Volunteer groups such as Rotary already play a major role in the successful running of this iconic event.

TASTINGS ON HASTINGS

Call 13 23 91 or visit essentialenergy.com.au

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TASTINGS ON HASTINGS

Adam Liaw, MasterChef Australia winner and host of the new SBS food and wine television series, Destination Flavour, will be heating up the Essential Energy Cooking Demonstration Arena at the Tastings on Hastings 2012. ell us about your background; how did your passion for cooking come about? I think a passion for cooking always comes from a passion for eating first. I grew up with some great cooks, my grandmother and my mother, and I learnt a lot from them. Then as I grew up, I moved around a lot and lived in and visited a lot of different countries – Japan, China, India and all through South East Asia – and so I got to experience a real variety of cuisines. Known as the winner of TV’s MasterChef, what are some of your latest projects? Lately I’ve just finished filming Destination Flavour for SBS, which airs on Thursday evenings at 8pm, which has been great fun. I got to travel around to experience some of the best food and produce in Australia and meet some amazing chefs, producers and other people involved in the food industry. “ The way I cook is How do you feel about being really about a guest at one of the biggest introducing w culinary events on the Mid North people to ho easy, healthyal Coast, Tastings 2012? and quick re . ” I’m really excited, because Port Asian food is Macquarie has been one of my favourite places to visit since I moved to Sydney. It’s Asian cuisines have come from peasant so close and convenient for a quick getaway beginnings, and that makes them cheap, and of course, the food is fantastic. fast and easy, which are qualities that make it Will this be your first visit to Port Macquarie? perfect for busy people today. I try to get up to Port Macquarie at least once a year. What are you looking forward to about the event? What are some of the places you have been lucky I’m really looking forward to meeting a lot of the to visit during your food career? What has been local producers from the region and understanding your favourite foodie travel experience so far? more about the regional produce from the area. I think I’ve been lucky enough to travel a fair bit cooking, these days that is something that’s so important. eating and writing, and I just got back from a What are some of your favourite dishes, flavours long trip where I was writing some articles while and ingredients? traveling around Japan, and then I ended up in South I think my favourite dish of all time would have to Africa cooking at the Good Food & Wine Show in be Hainanese Chicken Rice. It’s something I grew up Johannesburg. It was such a new experience eating with and something that is relatively simple to make things like springbok, ostrich and kudu! (but very hard to perfect). I love eating it and making Give us some ideas as to what will you be it, because even though I’ve made it literally hundreds showcasing in the Essential Energy Cooking of times, I always keep trying to improve it. It’s a great Demonstration Arena? example of a simple dish with perfect balance that The way I cook is really about introducing people anyone can make. to how easy, healthy and quick real Asian food is. What is your advice for aspiring chefs in the 26 greater port macquarie focus.

industry? First of all, I’m not a chef, so my advice is probably more for people who just want to cook better at home. I think the most important thing for home cooks is just to try new things. It’s very easy to get stuck in a rut cooking the same old dishes again and again, but mixing it up once in a while is really essential. Do you have any future career plans – what's your next project going to be? At the moment, my next project is my next cookbook, which I’m almost finished writing at the moment. It’s all about simple Asian cooking and the way I used to cook when I was working full-time as a lawyer. I know what it’s like to feel like you never have enough time in the kitchen. A little more time in the kitchen and it’ll be done, so it should be out sometime towards the middle of next year. Thanks Adam. Interview by Jasmin Johansson.

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Greater G t Port P t Macquarie M i

Chicken Supreme, mushroom farce, charred asparagus, corn rosti and salsa verde from Bluewater Bar and Restaurant.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 28 greater port macquarie focus.

eat. Warm chermoula chicken salad.

Vanilla bean and Amaretto cheesecake with sable crumb, muscatels and chocolate Turkish delight.

Bay Leaf With the arrival of spring, come in and enjoy modern Australian cuisine in our relaxed dining atmosphere. We offer an à la carte menu, as well as pre arranged degustation menus and seafood platters. We require 24 hours’ notice to source the freshest produce for your seafood experience. There are still openings for October functions, with cocktail parties being most popular; otherwise, we also offer a range of menus to suit all needs. We believe in a total dining experience, delivering a fuller style of service.

Restaurant Synergy Now Under New Management – Synergy Restaurant & Bar, located at the Mercure Centro Hotel – where food and service works in harmony. Private dinner parties available for up to 20 guests. Enjoy an intimate dining experience serving modern Australian cuisine at its best. For larger events, consider our spectacular ocean view rooftop.

Owners Matt and Shane.

138 William St, Port Macqaurie t 6583 5527 open 7 days. Mon - Sun, lunch 11.30 - 2.30ish. Dinner 5.30 - 8.30ish.

Happy hour 5.30pm – 7pm nightly. Sunday Special – $50pp – 2 course choice menu with complimentary bottle of wine.

Maître d' Ammish & Executive Chef Nathaniel.

Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie t 6583 0830 w www.centrohotel.com.au open 7 days, from 6.30am 'til 10am for breakfast; 5pm – late for dinner. Bookings essential.

Coconut chicken and mango salad.

Ocean Breeze Café & Catering

Beantree Garden Café

Saddle up at Ocean Breeze Café this Melbourne Cup Day! Tuesday 6 November from 12pm. • Complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival • Chicken and prawn platter • Dessert pavlova • Prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat

The Beantree Café serves delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch in a relaxing garden setting. The chefs at Beantree are passionate about using local, seasonal produce, and provide a new specials menu each week.

• Bookings required. New spring menu and summer specials! Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or coffee and a sweet treat, the Ocean Breeze Café has something for everyone.

Inside Port City Bowling Club 4 Owen Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 1133 open Menu available from 10am - 8pm daily. Cake and coffee served all day.

Our friendly staff.

Try some of our new favourites for spring, including the chicken, avocado and brie toasted tortilla with chilli tomato salsa and sour cream, or the spinach, ricotta and sun-dried tomato stuffed mushroom with potato rosti, grilled asparagus and balsamic glaze. Having a function or celebration? Consider the Beantree – no venue hire charged and catering to your budget and tastes.

Chef Daniel & cook Kylie.

124 Horton St, Port Macquarie t 6583 3055 open Mon - Fri 7.30am - 3.30pm. (Breakfast 7.30am - 11.30am, lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm). Sat 7.30am - 2pm. Closed Sun and public holidays.

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eat. Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar Enjoy these beautiful spring days and nights at Spinnakers Restaurant, either by the window or on the deck overlooking Port Marina and the Hastings River. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy Spinnakers grilled prawns with ouzo, tomatoes, baby fennel and fetta, pictured left. MELBOURNE CUP RACE DAY LUNCHEON – Be sure to book your table now!

Off the Hook Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Narelle Walsh and employs thirteen staff. 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 and fresh Jew fish. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm are our extra special nights; pay just $9.90 for two fillets of fish and chips. We also have a complete selection of Coca-Cola beverages to quench your thirst, including the popular Goulburn Valley milk and juice ranges.

Head chef Scott Trotter

The friendly staff.

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

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar at Quality Resort Sails. 20 Park St, Port Macquarie at the roundabout, opposite Settlement City t 6589 5200

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green. t 6584 1146

open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6.45am, 7 days a week.

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

Confit pork nelly, parsnip mustard puree, baby veg and cider jus.

Grilled salmon with asparagus and olive tepennade.

Scampis Seafood Bar & Grill

Bluewater Bar and Restaurant

Who doesn't enjoy a great meal, with a nice cold beverage and an amazing view! Well Scampis Seafood Bar and Grill have all that and more. The sun is out, the ocean looks fantastic and it's time to come out of the house. Scampis is the place to be this spring and summer period whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner your sure to get a great meal within a wonderful atmosphere.

There is always something happening at Bluewater.

Weekend breakfast from 8.30am.

Thursday nights kids eat free and of course, Friday has happy hour between 5 - 6pm; happy hour Sundays from 3pm to 4pm.

Live acoustic music Friday nights and Sunday afternoon showcasing local artists. Come and try our new amazing spring menu. $15 schnitzel nights on Mondays; Tuesdays are our 2 for 1 VIP. The very popular $15 steak night is on Wednesday nights. Lunches for $15 Tuesday to Friday.

Live music Sunday afternoons. Takeaway or dine in.

40 William Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 7200 open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Breakfast Saturday, Sundays only.

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Owners Mark and Jackie Holt.

Bluewater Bar run their courtesy bus every Friday and Saturday night; we can pick you up from home and drop you back when the night is over ... no taxi fare, and you can leave the car at home.

Ocean Street, Flynns Beach Resort t 6583 5730 or 6583 9073 open 7 days: Monday, 3pm - late. Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - late.

Chef Wolfgang Razorback

eat. A selection of our seafood.

Macquarie Seafoods

Café Buzz

Looking for the best fish and chips in town? Come and taste the difference at Macquarie Seafoods. Cooked in our crispy thin batter, in pure, cholesterol free cotton seed oil means our food tastes better, and it’s better for you.

Café BUZZ is the region’s first Coffee Company. BUZZ showcases the full range of freshly roasted BUZZ Coffee, BUZZ Tea and local produce. As the warmth arrives our taste buds look for new delights. We seek the fresh, the light and the essence of summer. The BUZZ salad is always freshly made to order with the produce of the day, add chicken, ham or salami to satisfy your desires. A light dressing of local macadamia oil and lemon to finish marries the ingredients. The BUZZ Bruscetta is a simple classic that is again made fresh to order. Real turkish bread, local tomatoes, local feta, fresh rocket and BUZZ pesto with a drizzle of local macadamia oil… perfection! BUZZ coffee has been making smile since we opened the doors in the dark ages, you know it will be good every time! See you at your local BUZZ!

CHEAP TUESDAY SPECIALS ALL DAY, ALL YEAR! Exciting new menu options! Try our house-made honey prawns or satay macadamia prawn skewers. For a healthy alternative, we have grilled fish or grilled prawn skewers, with lots of different seasonings to choose from.

Owners Billy and Tracey.

So come and see our dedicated team at Macquarie Seafoods today for fresh, quality seafood and friendly service.

Port Macquarie: Grant St (opposite library) t 6583 5756. The Marina t 6583 6767. Peachtree Walk (CBD) t 6583 7797 Laurieton: Bold St t 6559 7744 w www.buzzcoffee.com.au

Shop 5, 68 Clarence St, Port Macquarie t 6583 8476

open Breakfast and lunch.

open 7 days from 11AM All public holidays except Christmas.

Opera slice – layered chocolate, sponge and cream with cinnamon tastings and brittle sugar sticks.

Wauchope Country Club

Zebu bar + grill

Just a five minute walk from the CBD, and what awaits you is a breathtaking oasis, a place to meet friends, to enjoy a coffee or a cold refreshment or a place to select a meal from our popular Hook N Slice menu ...

The month long celebration of food is here with Tastings on Hastings on Zebu’s doorstep. Sweet treats are bursting from our café on a daily basis

Monday – $10 steak night

The devil is in the detail in the dessert department - finish off a fabulous meal with little works of art created by our resident dessert expert Tina Hamel.

with handmade creations such as caramel slice, mini chocolate tortes and mini New York baked cheesecakes, the perfect partner to a locally roasted coffee.

Tuesday – $8 lunches

Match said delectable dish with a deliciously sticky dessert wine or cognac.

Thursday – $9 schnitzel night Friday, Saturday and Sunday – select from our blackboard specials. Book now for your Christmas party – private venue overlooking the beautiful 17th green.

King Street Wauchope t 6585 3020 w www.wauchopecountryclub.com.au open 7 days. Mon - Sun, lunch 11.30 - 2.30ish. Dinner 5.30 - 8.30ish.

Diary date: Six Degrees of Degustation – Friday 12 October at 6.45pm

Head Chef Steve Totton.

Executive Chef Ben Holloway.

Six Chefs, Six Wines, One night only! $125pp including live entertainment. Breakfast - Coffee - Cocktails - 10 Tap Beers - Wood Fire Pizzas - Steaks Seafood - Purveyors of Peak Coffee

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie t 6589 2822 w www.zebu.com.au open 7 days, from 6.30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended. greater port macquarie focus 31

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Creme brûlée w/ cream and spun toffee.

Waterfront Restaurant

The Stunned Mullet & The Good Food Guide

At the Waterfront Restaurant, our aim is to make sure that when you leave our restaurant, we have satisfied every facet of the dining experience. Family friendly and open for breakfast 7 days a week and dinner, 6 days a week.

David Henry, Head Chef and Co-Owner of The Stunned Mullet

Now is the time to book for your Christmas functions – open for groups from small numbers up to 150 guests. Can cater for a sit down meal, a buffet or finger food. Venue can be closed for private functions (conditions apply). Contact Rob and Karen for further details and information.

Owners, Rob and Karen.

Bookings requested for dinner time.

Sunset Parade, Port Macquarie t 6583 1944 open for breakfast: Monday - Friday, 7am - 11am; weekends 8 am - 11am. Dinner: Monday - Saturday, 6pm - late.

Mangan and The Cargo Group in London; however, it was a local restaurant in Bowral that etched the seafood philosophy into me ... yes, Bowral. You have also been awarded a glass rating as well. What does this mean? The Guide gives a glass to restaurants which showcase an exceptional and comprehensive list. Gourmet Traveller has also awarded us with a glass for the last three years as well.

Any aspirations of getting a hat? Well, that would certainly be an amazing achievement for any restaurant, but in a way it is a double edged sword.

Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar Food to Fear! October 31, the day the veil between the living and the dead is at it’s thinnest! Will now become the day that the barrier between sanity and insanity is also at it’s thinnest! Our Halloween Degustation menu will be a set five courses, for $75, or paired with wines for $100. There will be a whole host of creepy cocktails for you to suck back at the same time! There will be a restaurant voucher given away to the most horrifying costume as well! Visit www.zuluscoffs.com regularly to watch the menu grow; bookings close October 29.

Chef Joel McCulla.

27 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour (Pacific Highway). t 6652 1588 w www.zuluscoffs.com open: Breakfast: Monday – Friday, 7am – 9am. Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 6pm – late.

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i David. Congratulations, once again, for making the ‘cut’ for the SMH Good Food Guide. Thanks so much. It is an honour just being included in this dining ‘bible’ once, let alone 4 years running. We are very fortunate that we have such a loyal following and a creative, dedicated and talented team who contribute so much to our ongoing success.

Lou is responsible for maintaining our list, and he spends countless hours on this – as we speak, he is in Sydney for an imported tasting (or so I am led to believe) to further his awareness on current releases from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Spain. We do have a very strong list for A bit of skill in any restaurant, let alone a the cooking me technique and so regional restaurant.

What do you mean by that? Once a restaurant has a hat, expectations become so unbelievably high. The talent pool becomes small and volatility, clever and subtlets and which always exists So what’s next? We accompanimen l you al e within food and service, ar have our spring menu gs in season becomes inexcusable. I out at the moment, and need.” suppose by this I mean, one of my favourites is our the higher you fly, the Blue Eye Cod with sweet higher you have to fall. Once corn fritter, avocado soup and you get that hat, you basically wombok and blood orange salad have to hold on to it for dear life, as and our Spanner Crab taco (back after losing it can be so damaging to your business – serious demand) – both really fresh and super the hat brings such notoriety and such pressure tasty. The pork belly is an institutional dish with to perform at the same time. And as much as us, consistently pleasing our guests. we aim to please all our patrons, at the end And what about dessert? It seems to be all of the day you can’t please everyone – having the rage at the moment, with dessert bars the hat just creates such huge expectations, opening throughout the US and Europe? and the lucrative enticement doesn’t always It’s funny you mention that, as I am currently deliver, because you spend so much money working on the dessert menu; I promised Chris maintaining it. (a regular) that I would have a few new items So tell us about your style of food, Dave. for him when he returns from holidays. We aim to keep it fairly simple at the Mullet Any sneak previews? You’ll have to watch – no fancy foams or fiddly stuff. Our main this space, as I should have things nutted out philosophy rests with utilising fresh produce, by the time this interview goes to press ... but, meaning local too – as much as we can. I really should go, because I need to finalise I believe that if you have a truly superior these desserts for Chris ... I can hear his plane example of an ingredient, you don’t need to approaching. do too much to enhance it. A bit of skill in the Thanks for your time, David. cooking technique and some clever and subtle PICTURED: Left to Right, Dylan Cashman, accompaniments and seasonings are all you David Henry, Kieran Ari. need. I have worked with the likes of Luke

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Vince Jones. Fig Bar is pleased to announce a very special artist in their series of dinner show concerts, Vince Jones. If there was one voice in Australian Jazz more recognised than any other, it would be that of Vince Jones. Our leading vocalist, interpreter, trumpet player and composer has entertained and informed us for decades with his ever-evolving elite group of musicians. Vince Jones’ music includes original songs and beautiful contemporary versions of Jazz standards. His themes are often love, injustice, peace and anti-greed. The heart of his work lies at the crossroads of Afro-American Blues and the melodies of the Celtic Folk tradition. The songs he chooses – written by him or by others – always make an original, personal statement. The introduction of the dinner shows at the Fig Bar has been an overwhelming success with some of this country’s finest performers, including Richard Clapton, Wendy Matthews and 1927 gracing the stage to entertain full houses in an intimate and exciting format. Richard Clapton and band were in fine form and had the audience on a journey through the soundtrack of their lives, playing all the hits such as Deepwater, Girls on the Avenue and Glory Road. For more information on upcoming shows: www.ktgroup. com.au or phone 6584 1140.

Melbourne Cup. Enjoy a waterfront Melbourne Cup Race Day in style at Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar on Tuesday 6 November 2012 for the Quality Resort Sails Melbourne Cup Luncheon. This event promises fun, fashion and frivolity! • Be greeted with a glass of bubbly to kick start the day, followed by a lavish 3 course meal. • Enjoy the fashion parade, featuring gorgeous attire from local fashion outlets. • There are plenty of opportunities available for you to win fantastic prizes, including lucky door, raffles and Fashions on the Field! • Ensure you look your finest! There will be individual prizes for ‘Best Hat/Fascinator’, ‘Best Dressed Lady’, ‘Best Dressed Man’ + ‘Best Dressed Couple’. • Watch the race live on our big screens! Enjoy an afternoon of sweepstakes and Calcutta! • Tickets are $75pp – bookings essential! Event will sell out! For reservations, call 6589 5166 or email events@sailsresort. com.au Keep up to date with Quality Resort Sails promotions and events. Like us at facebook.com/QualityResortSails

SPINNAKERS Melbourne Cup

Luncheon

$75 Melbourne Cup Menu 3 Course Menu with glass of bubbles on arrival BREAKFAST Watch the race LIVE on the big screens Fashion parades, prizes, LUNCH sweepstakes + Calcutta! OR DINNER

Book your table now!

6589 5166

20 PARK ST, PORT MACQUARIE (at the roundabout opp. Settlement City) E | events@sailsresort.com

facebook.com/QualityResortSails greater port macquarie focus 33

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Celebrate the Melbourne Cup with us!

Hastings Hotel. Nothing beats a good pub style meal on a weekend with a cool beverage surrounded by family, friends and a relaxed atmosphere.

Jazz Brady

Café Buzz

Jazz’s trademark – amazing food utilising the best and freshest local seasonal produce! ell us about the fresh menu at Café Buzz – what are some of the favourites for the new season? My favourite thing about spring and summer is all the delicious local produce we use to create a whole range of chef’s salads, which include: curry pear & parmesan; summer fruits with citrus dressing; Waldorfs; pomegranate & fennel. We also have a variety of fresh rolls made daily, which have local meat such as ham off the bone, smoked turkey, chicken, Soppresa salami or house made silverside.

From strong to mild, sweet to citrus or if in need of a kickstart, the world’s highest caffeine content coffee … Black Magic from Uganda. We also sell all types of coffee making utensils for your home and cleaning products for your machine. In the café, our ‘house blend’ is hands down my favourite!

Tell us about some of your favourite ingredients/flavours to work with. Some of my favourite things to cook with are just simply fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. By using their own flavours and appreciating what you have, How long have you been working in it’s unbelievable the things you can eat … I the hospitality industry? Like most people mean create! Apart from that, I can’t really say dedicated to hospitality, I have grown up I have a favourite cuisine, because they are always interested in creating and all so different and magnificent in tasting anything and everything their own way. I do have a soft I get my hands on. I started spot for chilli – I can never get working at Buzz aged 12, enough! Our wall of 22 different buried deep in the sink What will locals and visilocal coffees includesopian with dishes, keeping an tors alike love about Café hi Et Australian, eye on the chef at all m fro s Buzz? I believe the fact ee ff co and ice times. To this day 9 years we have fresh coffee with Brazil and the sp on, I am still working with fields of India. ” a wide selection of choices, food and now coffee – and fresh food which includes would have it no other way! everything from chutneys, tap-

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As a qualified barista, what is one important thing to remember when making coffee? The most important thing in the world is to ensure each and every customer is getting exactly what they want! Whether it is weak, strong, skim, soy, caramel, chocolate, hot, warm or even 100 sugars! If that is what you want, we will facilitate. Apart from that, ensuring every pour of espresso is perfect and every jug of milk is stretched to perfection. How many different coffee blends are available at Buzz, and what are some of the most popular? At Buzz, we have an extensive range of tea and coffee. From green to black, herbal or the white tea that is rare to find, whatever your tastebuds feel like, we will make them explode! Our wall of 22 different coffees includes local Australian, Ethiopian and coffees from Brazil and the spice fields of India.

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enades, jams, quiches, pastries and rolls made on the premises, plus a range of local products to sell. Any questions you may have, our team will go out of their way to resolve. What can we often see on the daily specials board? If you are lucky enough to have one of our specials on Thursday and Friday, you are in for a treat! Some of our specials include pot pies, fritattas, lasagnes, roast vegetable stacks, smoked salmon vol au vents or a zucchini and pancetta cake. Every week is something different and delicious! Do you cater for functions or large groups? If you have a function, we can also cater for your needs with a range of sandwiches, wraps, rolls, mini quiche or pastries, salads or a mix of all of the above. At Buzz, we are all about giving you what you like! Thanks Jazz!

Why not experience our à la carte 3 courses for $35 on Friday and Saturday nights! Bring the family and let the little ones enjoy the kids’ corner, while you sit back and relax. Open for lunch Monday – Saturday from 12pm and dinner Wednesday – Saturday from 6pm.

The Hastings Hotel in Wauchope can offer all of this, plus so much more, and with spring well and truly upon us, there is no better venue than the Planning a function? The Hastings Hotel. Once you have Hastings Hotel can cater for experienced the food and Melbourne all functions and any budget, atmosphere, you won’t go Cup Tuesday great or small. Finger food ok anywhere else. 6th November, bojoy 3 menus from $10pp and 3 en d your table an Prizes Why not pop down in your courses from $35. Book 5. $3 r fo s course and lunch break and grab a a table, or hire the whole for best dressed famous $6 meal? restaurant. best hat.”

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Choose from our fantastic dinner menu, or select one of our mouthwatering dishes from our specials board; we offer a wide selection of beverages, and desserts for the sweet tooth.

Ask about accommodation options and enquire about our courtesy bus. Come in today and do yourself a favour; bring the family and make a day of it.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

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Gloria Watson. MICHAEL TOOK THE PHOTO

’m not in the mood to talk about housing design today, after half a dozen concreters started a driveway pour near us around 6 this morning, building to a crescendo of frantic BEEP BEEP BEEPs from a high-tempo reversing bobcat, a revving tip truck and a cacophony of assorted earth-shuddering thuds, shattering a peaceful dawn. But then there’s nothing like a crab and fish feast at The Mullet, and my bubbly luncheon guest, interior designer and colour consultant Gloria Watson, to lift the spirit. Indeed, many Port Macquarie homes, apartments and other places have been brightened by her intervention over the past two decades. The roll call of those who’ve sought her services includes prominent local families who’ve co-opted her imagination to dress their rooms. She’s one of those terribly capable, up-to-the-minute, oh-so-stylish rare individuals whose impeccable taste, talent and sheer genius for making things look “just right” invariably prompts us to wonder: “Now why on earth didn’t I think of that?” Ex-Sydney, Watson arrived in Port with her builder husband Wes 21 years ago, just as the town’s growing population was expanding into new residential locations, with shopping centres like Port Central and other commercial developments, and gearing in an upbeat economy towards our now enduring obsession with home decoration (and home improvement TV shows). Wes set about building spec homes while his wife, pregnant with their first child, produced the couple’s two daughters over the next few years. Before long, the elan she brought to decorating her husband’s properties

was noticed by other builders and developers - “they caught on to what I did, and liked it” - and word of mouth saw her create her consultancy business “by accident,” as she says. Names like Pycon, Brandon Calder and many more have since sought her advice. Her work would eventually be seen also in retirement villages, day spas, professional suites, pubs and cafes, gyms and childcare centres, even backpacker cabins. She used her time as the mother of two littlies to supplement her innate talent with formal qualifications, acquiring a Diploma of Interior Design from UNE. As commissions built, she travelled regularly to the Sydney trade shows that feature building materials, furniture and furnishing accessories for the wholesale market, keeping up to date with emerging trends. She found the trade shows stimulating … “I loved the excitement of it all!” From decorating she naturally expanded into design as well, opening a studio - first near Freddo’s and later on Horton Street - where clients could come to inspect and select their fabrics and wallpapers, spread out on wide benches, checking textures and colour palettes. Watson’s cache of items to furnish client houses grew larger, and she found she enjoyed sharing the thrill of acquiring lovely cushions, duvets and so on with others. So the business, Homeware Design Living, expanded into retailing all the extra treasures Watson couldn’t resist. “It was the fun bit,” she says, of the joy of spreading her discoveries to a wider circle of aficionados. Eventually though, retail grew too much, with demands of staffing and administration, so she sold the business to concentrate on

Ever admired the cool colour schemes around, say, The Anchorage residential estate? Ever noticed a display home with furnishings you covet, or stolen a design idea from their freshly decorated interiors? Chances are you’re admiring the work of Gloria Watson. This month, Susie lunches with a woman to whom style is second nature. design - and furniture rentals. Builders were contracting her to do complete fit-outs, to rent entire households of furniture and accessories to them, to showcase their new homes, villas and apartments to the buying public - or, “filling rooms with emotion,” as she puts it, “so people can see themselves living there”. News of her expertise saw her headhunted by TAFE; she acquired a teaching qualification and now lectures students three days a week in Interior Decorating, Visual Merchandising and a Style Savvy short-course for home decorators. “I LOVE teaching!” she tells me several times, eyes shining as she expresses the pleasure it brings her. It’s become an all-absorbing passion, and even as she describes the extent of preparation that’s needed for lectures, she does so with enthusiasm and creative delight. Trends change, she explains: “You can’t just use last year’s material!” She sets exercises around localities such as historic Douglas Vale Vineyard and, when clients agree, gives students the benefit of seeing one of her actual design projects take shape. “I love it!” she repeats, “I thrive on their interaction, and their enjoyment, and the excitement.” She now enjoys videorecording lectures too, for courses delivered online to distance-education students. “I was terrible with computers,” she confides, “but I’ve learned such a lot [via TAFE work]. Now she utilises “mood boards”, creating multidimensional room designs, placing furniture and furnishings into an online space where layout and placements can be altered, inclusions and colours modified. She’s adapted it to her consultancy business, taking photos to insert

a favourite piece - or even images of clients themselves into, say, an armchair. Above all, Watson loves playing with colour and design. Today, she’s prepared a 50 Shades of Grey storyboard for a class (it’s just to demonstrate the use of monochromes, that’s all!) and has been busy at her sewing machine with colourful fabric swatches. Geometrics are in; chevrons (herringbone-style patterns) are on trend; and there’s a lot of neon - accents, she stresses, not whole rooms! - coming out, she tells me. “It’s easy to embrace new trends with accents like cushions that can eventually be put away, so rooms don’t date.” Her own home and studio are a tribute to “less is more” good taste: a massive distressed dresser serving as a book/filing case; a huge Cambodian timber desk - “one of the pleasures of having had the shop!” she remarks; three little bottles placed casually in line, each holding a single white flower from her garden; a startling scarlet Arne Jacbosen egg chair creating an exclamation mark in the sitting room - “I like to have something iconic”, she explains. A fashionable dresser, it’s no surprise to learn she’s also a creative cook. Even her remarkable vegie garden is designed and coordinated, she confesses. The different shapes and shades of the leafy greens of the beans, snow peas, spinach, lettuce, rocket, leek, broccoli, watercress, coriander and so on, she shows me, are planned and planted in precise rows … to harmonise with and complement each other as they flourish. Out To Lunch is hosted by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach

greater port macquarie focus 35

Elvis by Request Live in Concert. Thousands of Elvis fans Australia-wide have clicked onto www.elvisbyrequest. com.au and placed their votes for Australia’s favourite Elvis track.

Akoostik Festival. Relax, refresh and rewind in the Manning Valley’s natural beauty over the weekend of October 19, 20 and 21.

take part in the closing event on Sunday after-

The Wingham Akoostik Festival opens on Friday, with screenings of short films from the Forster Film Festival at the Bank Guesthouse. On Saturday, take in the sounds of Grace Knight, Deborah Conway, and Doc Neeson in outdoors acoustic mode. Crowd pleasers AFRO Moses, Caravana Sun, Siskin River and Benjalu are amongst the line up on Sunday. Over 30 artists provide entertainment across the two days across two stages, amongst food and market stalls that boast hand made and hand grown goodies.

Cheap tickets? Become an Akoostik groupie!

You too can play, in the Biggest Band in the Land world record challenge; bring along any stringed instrument, or your Djembe drum, to

tion: www.akoostik.com.au

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noon. The song this year is Throw Your Arms Around Me. Get four of your friends to buy a ticket, and your ticket will be FREE! Festival gates open 9.30am each day, and the first 100 people through the gates on Saturday receive a goodie bag. Earlybird Day tickets are just $40, students under 25 years $15, and under 12s are FREE. Family packages also available. Get tickets at Leading Edge Music Taree, Video Ezy Taree and Bent on Life in Wingham. For more informaWhen: October 20 and 21, 2012. Where: Central Park, Wingham.

The tallies have been counted, and the Top 40 songs are being compiled onto a special double CD, to be released on the 35th anniversary of Elvis’s passing through Sony Music. ELVIS BY REQUEST is being compiled and released with the approval of the Elvis Presley estate, and Australia is the only country outside the USA to be given permission to put this album together. This commemorative CD will form the soundtrack to an exclusive Australian tour of select venues – ELVIS BY REQUEST: THE CONCERT, starring one of Australia’s most loved Elvis impersonators, Anthony Petrucci, backed by his sensational sixpiece band. Featuring two sets of hits, the first ‘by request’, will place the set list in the hands of the audience, featuring tracks from the Double CD, with the second counting down

Featuring Anthony Petrucci performing the hits of the special 2 CD compilation to be released to mark the 35th anniversary of Elvis’ passing.

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Elvis’ top ten voted and most loved songs from the double CD compilation. Some of the songs that are sure to feature include: ALWAYS ON MY MIND, KENTUCKY RAIN and THE WONDER OF YOU. Some obscure Elvis tracks also received votes, including EDGE OF REALITY, YOU GAVE ME A MOUNTAIN and A MESS OF BLUES. See the show ELVIS BY REQUEST live at The Glasshouse on Saturday, November 10. For tickets, log on to www.glasshouse.org.au or call the box office on 6581 8888.

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Following a tree change to Elands, Darren and Liane and family are relishing their new life where they have developed an enterprise based on the production of eggs. And as theyâ€™ve discovered both their children and their hens are thriving in the pristine environment.

ell us a bit about yourselves; how did it all get started at IdleWilde Farm? We moved from Newcastle to Elands in January 2007. Darren was previously a painter by trade, and Liane worked in various office positions. When the children arrived, we opted for the tree change, wanting to raise them away from the city and suburbs. We were quite unaware of the challenges that faced us. Where is IdleWilde Farm located, and where does the name come from? IdleWilde Farm is situated on the Bulga Plateau west of Elands on tourist drive 8, which takes in beautiful and diverse countryside and is home to the legendary Ellenborough Falls. We canâ€™t really take credit for the name IdleWilde. When we purchased the 115 acre property in 2003, we bought a topographical map which showed our land as being named IdleWilde. We loved the sound of it, so we retained the name ... obviously, the irony being that running a farm is anything but idle. It is all about the eggs from IdleWilde - how do your chickens live at the farm and what is the secret to getting great eggs? We first forayed into breeding Boer Goats; however, we soon realised the area was not suited to them, due to the high rainfall. Our second option was producing eggs. Isa Browns are our bird of choice, producing a great egg that we are proud to put our name to. We received our first 400 hens in January 2011 and purchased another 800 in January 2012. The first lot of hens lived in a mobile chook shed, which was essentially an old caravan which Darren converted and remodeled to include 40 nesting boxes and their perches. This was moved every 3-4 days to help distribute the manure

ough the mesh floor. evenly on the land which fell freely through We soon realized that our undulating to hilly land was going to render our mobile chook shed completely stationary, due to the high rainfall that the Bulga Plateau experiences (Bulga meaning water). So we had to reassess our housing for the 800 chooks arriving in January 2012. We decided on a stationary shed accessible from all sides with 5-6 paddocks surrounding the shed. We then restrict the doors that are opened at one time and move the hens around the paddocks on a rotational basis. The hens are free to roam, morning, noon and even night time, out of their housing into the paddock. We have never lost a bird to a fox or wild dog or eagle. We credit that to our three beautiful Maremma sheep dogs who are on guard around the clock. Bred in Italy, Maremmas have been used to guard livestock from predators for thousands of years. It is their natural instinct to protect the stock they are put with. They started off guarding

Laurieton, The Entrance and Speers Point and we sell to a few retail outlets. We also receive great feedback from our market customers. Our goal is to keep that standard, help others achieve it as well, and thereby help make a name and a tradition for the Elands, Bulga area as a source of good, clean, nutritional food that comes from a pristine environment. How long have you been attending the Foreshore Market in Port Macquarie with your produce, and what do you enjoy about it? We have been attending the Port Foreshore market since midyear. It is a great venue for a market and we hope to create a regular customer base there. It is an enjoyable morning by the seaside and we hope to see you at the next market in October. As a customer you can expect complete transparency when you visit our stall, being able to look at many photos of our farm and animals. As such, we welcome visitors to the farm to

I D L E W I L D E FA R M I S S I T U AT E D O N T H E B U L G A P L AT E A U W E S T O F E L A N D S O N T O U R I S T D R I V E 8 , W H I C H TA K E S I N B E A U T I F U L A N D D I V E R S E C O U N T RY S I D E A N D I S H O M E T O T H E L E G E N DA RY E L L E N B O R O U G H FA L L S .

our goats and had no problem when we introduced hens to their family of animals to guard. We believe we produce a great egg for a number of reasons, a few of which are the pristine environment the birds live in and the altitude of 650m above sea level, grazing on clean green pastures and drinking rain or spring water in the fresh mountain air. Our birds also have plenty of room to range. We follow free range and organic principles, but are not certified. Eggs are collected daily and sold to local and further afield outlets/markets. The markets we attend are Port Foreshore,

see the condition our animals live in. Please contact us via our website www.idlewildefarm.com.au for details and to arrange a visitation time. A family-owned and run property, what do you enjoy most about living in such a pristine environment? Being a family owned and run farm, we love the fact that our work is at home, except on market days. Our children benefit from having both parents around and living in such a pristine environment. They attend the local school which enrols only15 students. And they wouldnâ€™t live anywhere else they tell us. greater port macquarie focus 37

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focussocial. Lauren Carroll & Emilien Hosquet

social scene.

with Kate Wood-Foye from Rydges Port Macquarie.

Skye Frost and Gemma Clifton

Andrew & Elisa’s Wedding Day

Luminosity Youth Forum

o, this month I had the most absurd 24 hours I have had in a very long time … The day started just like any other Sunday, poached eggs, vegie juice, papers, beach, BBQ on the back deck, dog bite, icepack, bruising and then Monday morning – BANG – car accident. Seriously, the universe clearly decided to upend my plans for perfect spring happiness. I have never been bitten by a dog, and it is a new experience I am not sure I want to repeat. I have to say, I am slightly less fond of Beagles now that I have one’s dental imprint on my shin! The poor dog was merely defending its territory from some invader delivering a letter! I am a certified canine lover and would never blame the pooch ... it turns out the delivery I was making was to the wrong house – I actually needed to be 5 doors up! Bruised, iced and heading to work on Monday morning, I suddenly found myself in a three car accident – last car in, fire engine on the scene, car on a tow truck and then off to a dental appointment to finish a dreaded root canal treatment. That debacle over, I am hoping the only way is up for October! The divine Ms Gemma Clifton celebrated her inner goddess at her fabulous 40th birthday cocktail soirée at the Greek Taverna on the water at Jordan’s, hosted by the lovely Maryanne and her team. The bubbles flowed, as guests including hubby Jason Clifton, bestie Belinda Gibson, Kylie Malligan, Mark Lyon, Skye Frost, Trent Gordon,

Kate & Allistair Owen and Louise & Jay Beaumont partied the night away. Gemma wore a stunning green and silver dress (that arrived in the country less than 24 hours prior to party time!), sparkling as she shimmied her way through the event. Gemma had let me in on a little secret prior to the night … a secret I kept close to my chest at all costs, so as not to inspire too much excitement from a particular guest. Never has there been a more lethal and hilarious combination than my husband, a few light ales, an encouraging crowd and a 2,000 song karaoke machine with two mics! No sooner had the last canapé disappeared from the platter – the mic was on, and Steve, AKA Joe Cocker, was on stage and in fine form. He inspired the crowd to get their croon on, with Jason and cousin Keir Morrison singing an interpretive version of Hotel California, and Kylie Malligan dusted off her old fave – ABBA’s Dancing Queen. An unnamed group of normally refined ladies … ahem … found themselves arguing over who was the most spicy, with dibs taken on baby, posh and ginger … apparently video footage exists, proving we were all far more scary spice! The guilty parties have pooled funds to pay some serious hush money to the amateur film maker, with a total Facebook ban in place …who invented smart phones anyhoo! The night was fab fun, with Gemma, AKA birthday spice, having a ball! The night ended with a certain column writer and hubby doing a

ridiculous and champagne infused country toe tapping, thigh slapping and ear blocking version of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s Jackson. Good times, bad headaches – happy birthday, Miss Gemma. Thank god for sound curfews! A huge congrats to the beautiful Rebecca Jones and Jay Sidorenko of Wauchope, who welcomed the long awaited little Tahj Levi Sidorenko into the world four weeks early, but happily and absolutely safe and sound. So excited for the two clans, and I look forward to meeting the little man in the flesh! My fabulous running gal pal, Emily Pitt, also had some exciting news on her return from an eight week stint in Europe. Her gorgeous boyfriend, Michael Godwin, popped the question under the Eiffel Tower in Paris at the beginning of their European holiday – luckily for Michael, Emily said yes! So happy for you both! Michael and Emily travelled to Italy to celebrate the wedding of another former Port Macquariean, Emily’s big brother Andrew Pitt, who married his stunning long time love Elisa in a ceremony at the church, which was built in 1128 – the San Michele in Escheto Catholic Church, followed by a reception in La Villa Principessa in Lucca Tuscany (previously owned by Napoleon’s sister). Congrats to both couples! Aaah ... you gotta love amore! A group of 70 fabulous young people gathered at Zebu Bar+Grill in mid September for a inspiring Youth Forum, sharing their vision and hopes for the youth initiatives in Port Macquarie. The event

was coordinated by a group of 12 like minded business people to open up a discussion and shine a light on our future leaders. Facilitators, including Dr Muyessar Durur, Glen Towle, Sue Jogever, Sandra Wallace and myself were blown away by the amazing youth initiatives already in existence and were thankful to inspirational guest speakers, gold medal Paralympian Ryley Batt, FOTSUN’s Simon Luke and political science student, Susanne Ech. A fab night of discussion, teamed with some seriously yummy cocktails and finger food – ‘til we meet again! Stunning former Port Macquarie gal Lauren Carroll of Ella Baché married her gorgeous French fiancé, Emilien Hosquet, in a magical ceremony at the Eco Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns, followed by a sumptuous dinner in the lodge’s Julaymba Restaurant. Lauren’s mum, Bette, was there to witness this wonderful moment, alongside guests who travelled from France, Sydney and Port Macquarie. Congrats, Mr and Mrs Hosquet! So dog bites, bingles and root canals aside, it has actually been a fabulous month full of babies, birthdays and bubbles. Bring on the month of food that is October and the delicious Tastings on Hasting festival. You will catch me at the main event on Town Green – local sparkles in one hand, Comboyne Culture Cheese in the other, and possibly a Baba Lila choccie … or two … or three! Bon appetite! Kate.

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NORTHERN EXPOSURE II EXHIBITION 31 August – 14 October Northern Exposure II features the work of over 50 local artists and presents a diverse cross-section of artistic practice. Entry is free.

ARTISTS IN DISCUSSION Saturday 6 October, 11am Come along and listen to four local artists from Northern Exposure II discuss their inspiration, influences and artwork. Entry is free.

NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE 2012 EXHIBITION 15 September – 18 November This exhibition, from the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, showcases 46 of the most outstanding entries from the 2012 National Photographic Portrait Competition. Entry is free.

COFFEE MORNING WITH EXHIBITION CURATOR JOANNA GILMOUR Friday 26 October, 10am Joanna explores ideas behind contemporary portraiture, photography and the relationship between the sitter and the artist. Bookings essential.

SURVIVOR: DADANG CHRISTANTO EXHIBITION 20 October – 2 December Survivor is a universal, multi-faceted reflection upon human survival and what it means to endure tragic historical events, loss and death. Entry is free.

PERFORMANCE Saturday 20 October You have the opportunity to be an active part of this exhibition and work with Dadang Christanto on Saturday 20 October. This is a free event, see the Glasshouse website for more information. Entry is free.

MICHAEL RILEY: SELECTIONS FROM THE CLOUD SERIES 26 October – 9 December Over his career, the late Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Michael Riley created an impressive body of work. The cloud series is ten largescale colour photographs depict objects such as a feather, a cow and a boomerang suspended against brilliant blue skies. A sense of loss pervades this work. Entry is free.

PERFORMANCE This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Bangarra Dance Theatre’s of earth & sky performance. See www.glasshouse.org.au for show times and to buy tickets online. Entry is free.

See glasshouse.org.au for full event details Ted Hillyer, Beach family, 2012, oil on canvas (detail), courtesy of the artist. Brian Barker, Forever Changing Moods, Rainbow Beach, 2012, acrylic on canvas, (detail), courtesy of the artist. Roderick David McNicol, Jack Charles, 2011, digital print, (detail), courtesy of the artist. Nikki Toole, Lucky Day, 2011, digital print, (detail), courtesy of the artist. Dadang Christanto, Survivor, 2009 (detail), performance at 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney, courtesy of the artist and 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney. Image credit: Garry Trinh. Michael Riley, Untitled [locust]: cloud series, 2000, (detail), 106 x 150cm, image courtesy of The Michael Riley Foundation and Stills Gallery, Sydney. Dancer: Leonard Mickelo, photographer: Jason Capobianco.

What’s On in the Regional Gallery GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

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louperri. from The Stunned Mullet

we ’v e l ost the pl ot Phone 5, just released ... hysteria ensues. What on earth has happened to the world to enable the launch of a mobile phone to cause such immense excitement? And it isn’t even as if it’s anything new; it’s just the fifth version of an existing model. Apparently 10 million will be sold in the first week. Ten million!? It’s reasonably obvious to say that we are obsessed with communication. And the iPhone is such a device that enables us to communicate on a number of different levels – hence it’s referred to as a ‘smart phone’. First, there’s the old fashioned (well, it almost is now), mobile phone component. This part in itself practically comes with its own personal assistant, in that you can actually command the phone vocally to call someone, or perhaps dictate a text message to. Plus, who knows what else is possible with this new version – make you a coffee? Fetch the paper? Put a load of washing on? And then of course, there’s the internet and it’s infinite degustation of options to keep one in touch with whomever, whenever. Facebook is now built into the new iPhone. Now, what does that say about the rise and rise of social media? Then of course, there’s Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest – and I’m sure there’s cutting edge instalments emerging every second of every day. All this has led to our humble phones becoming infinitely more than a way to simply make a telephone call. They have become pretty much as important as, say, our right arm or left leg. This alone is evidence enough that we’ve lost the plot, but the most compelling facts to prove this lay in the quite scary propensity of people to now actually prefer to get their daily communication fix through their smart phones, than to physically meet up with another human being face to face. Of course, your smart phone is infinitely more convenient. It takes about 5 seconds to update your status on Facebook or fire off a quick email, as opposed to the potential

telephone tag or barrage of text messages necessary to organise a face to face catch up. I mean, who needs the headache – coordinating dates and times, checking one’s diary, jotting down a reminder, choosing a venue, allowing enough time to commute, being late and flustered, or being annoyed waiting for your tardy companion. The list goes on – seriously – why bother? When, at the click of a button, you can be in touch with every last one of your friends and family and even heaps of people that you haven’t spoken to in 20 years or more! In our time poor, super fast moving world, it seems resoundingly logical to resort to such instantaneous options. But, if we get our heads out of our smart phones and smell the coffee (and actually physically meet a friend for one!) it becomes overwhelmingly clear that there is supreme danger in resorting so frequently to the seduction of technology. There’s nothing sadder at the restaurant than seeing a couple out together for supposedly a lovely dinner, both heads down on their respective phones, clicking away. What happened to eye contact? It’s one of the very first primal and necessary ways we engage with our newborn babies, but now we seem to abandon this human and vital trait to stare blankly at a screen. Human beings are naturally social creatures. We live in a community, we have neighbours, we exist as part of society. In Italy, it is traditional of an evening to do the ‘passegiata’ – to stroll down the main street of town before dinner to stop and chat to others. Generations of old men from various Mediterranean countries spend the day on outside tables at the local café reminiscing, gossiping, arguing over an espresso or several. Such traits are the essence of what it is to be human. Without them, where will we be? I hope to still see those old men (and be one!), generations into the future – watching the world go by, keeping each other company and not be holed up at home, head hunched over smartphone, twittering away.

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Flanaga n. You’ve seen her on The Project, now you can see her at the Glasshouse. For a night of stand-up comedy, high jinks and fun, don’t miss Kitty Flanagan on October 12.

ou’ve been in showbiz for a while. Were you always a performer as a child? I don’t know if I was a performer, but I would say that I was definitely an attention seeker! I guess that’s kind of the same thing … my sister and I did used to put on shows, but not in that way that you see on American television sitcoms, where the kids are very organised and put a sheet up in the backyard and the parents are all very supportive. We used to do what would best be described as avant-garde performances, and my parents would sit there rather bemused and just go, “Hmm … is that it? We might go back to the television now …”It wasn’t like we were actively encouraged in some showbiz family, with everyone going, “Everything you do is fantastic!” My parents did do a lot of, “Hmm, well – that’s curious, but you seem to be having fun, so good on you!” We did also involve my brother … we did dress him up in tutus and things like that and give him dance moves to do … which I think everyone does if you have a brother who is much younger than you. He’s going to love you for telling us that! There’s about 10 years between us, and I think that anyone with that big of an age gap always has to go through the old photo albums when they get older and start deleting all the old pictures of them in dresses and makeup and everything else that we did to him, like he was some sort of living doll! He’s moved to Japan now. I wonder if that was to get away from us! So how DID you get in to showbiz? Secretly I always wanted to be an actor, but I knew that I didn’t have the mindset for it. I knew that you had to do a lot of study and do a lot of serious stuff, and I really was never interested in people looking at what I was doing and thinking, “My God, she’s really emotive … ”All I ever really wanted to do was go, “Hey, what about this … do you think that’s funny?!” So I knew that really wasn’t going to wash at NIDA, going, “Hey, what about this really funny take I’m doing on

Macbeth, do you like it?” So I think standup ended up just being the quickest way to get yourself on stage. You don’t have to wait for a director or someone to cast you in anything, you can write your own stuff with standup and go, “Well, what about this everybody?” Which is pretty much all I had the attention span for! And you’re working on The Project now. What’s that like? It’s great. My sister pointed out to me that this is the longest running job I’ve ever had! I mean, sure I only work 2 minutes a week, but it’s still the longest running job I’ve ever had. They’re great; they let me do whatever I want and sometimes they let me sit on the panel as well – so they’re very good to me. It’s just as if they say, “Right, what have you got here? Is that going to get us in legal trouble? You might need to take that out, but the rest of it … go for your life!” You did a segment not long ago about Turtle Divorce … that was amusing! See, that’s the thing; they let me do whatever topic I want. I just have to come up with a way to pitch it and make it relevant! I had to say, “Turtle Divorce really closely parallels human divorce … ”and they kind of look at me like, “Really? I’d like to see you do that!” They’re very good employers, I have to say. And Dave, Charlie and Carrie are all incredibly generous and fun to work with. They’re just interested in the show being good; no-one cares about who’s the best one. So long as everyone looks good, then the show looks good. It’s a good attitude. You’re on tour at the moment, aren’t you? Yeah, we do a very leisurely ladies tour, because my sister is in my show and she has 3 children, so we can only go away for three or four days at a time and then we come back for 2 weeks, then we go away again ... which is fantastic, because it means you never get sick of what you’re doing. It takes us a long itme to get around the country, but we enjoy every bit of it ...

We get to do a bit of research, find out where we’re going and all the good cafés – it’s great! It’s like a little holiday with a bit of work at the end of the day! So what can we expect from this show? This is the second live theatre show that I’ve done. The first one I did was much more coming off the back of working the club circuit in England, where I was for 8 years. So the last show was more of a compilation of all my favourite bits that I’d done over the years in all the clubs, whereas this is a show that I developed doing a whole bunch of small gigs in Sydney and Canberra and just putting it all together and really just getting used to the fact that I’m working in theatres now, rather than the comedy clubs. And they’re a much more pleasant environment to work in most of the time. I tell you … I’m bloody loving it! I’m loving doing this show and embracing the theatre space, at the risk of sounding like an acting wanker … I am all over that stage! I do some experimental movements, I do some dance moves, I do some singing … Do you ever find it daunting getting on stage that people won’t find you funny? There was a lot more of that in the clubs, because people turn up to see a comedy show with 4 people on that they don’t know. Whereas, I think if people buy tickets to come and see your show, you kind of already have a slight advantage … hopefully they bought a ticket because they already like your stuff. You’ve got a slight advantage over when you walk out on stage in the clubs and go “QUICK! You’ve got to win them over before they chuck something!” You mentioned before that you spent some time living and working overseas. What have been some of the best places that this career of yours has taken you to? That has been the best thing about this job. I have got to travel everywhere, all under the guise of work! It’s been paid for, and I love going to a city and having a purpose. You’ve got your day to look around and do your show at night, and

you walk around the city with a purpose. I think Berlin was one of my favourite places. I got to go to South Africa as well, which I probably would never have gone to had they not said, “Come and do a comedy festival over here”, and it was brilliant. I did comedy in Japan, which was kind of weird, but fun. Probably one of the best places in so far as enjoyable gigs would be Amsterdam. They’re a really strange audience, in that they don’t laugh out loud and you think you’re dying the first time you go over there, and then you realise that that’s just their way. They just appreciate everything and then they come up to you afterwards and want to sit down and discuss the comedy set you’ve just done at length and tell you which bits were the funniest and dissect it. So once you realise that’s just how they appreciate it, it’s really good. You do your set, and prepare to sit down with them afterwards. They put up their hands and ask questions during the set … it’s very funny and very ordered. No heckling; just questions. It’s like you’re a teacher up there! You’re currently on this national tour, but are there any plans to go overseas again any time soon? No, I’m not in any rush, I have to say. I spent 8 years overseas and travelling around, and I’m just really enjoying being based back here again and travelling around Australia. There’s plenty to do here and plenty of cities to go and see. And like I said, we do it so slowly, it takes us forever to get around anyway. So yeah, I’m in no rush to head off again. I feel like I might have got it out of my system for quite some time. So we’ll be seeing much more of you on home soil? Yeah, I think so. I’m looking forward to coming up for the Coffs show actually. We haven’t done gigs up there before, so I’m excited. Thanks Kitty. See Kitty at the Glasshouse on October 12 at 8pm. Tickets cost $34.90 – Visit www. glasshouse.org.au for details or call 6581 8888. greater port macquarie focus 41

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Hot on the heels of their new album release, The Datsuns will be visiting Port Macquarie in time for FOTSUN. You can catch the boys on December 14 and 15, and drummer Ben Cole promises they'll put on a show to remember!

[ B e n

ow and when did you guys start up? I have known them all – the band members – since we were about 14. Not long after they went overseas to record their second album, their original drummer left the band, so they gave me a call one fine afternoon and asked me if I wanted to join up. I said, "Yep", and that was about 6 years ago – and it's been pretty good ever since! So for those of us who don't know The Datsuns, you have been described as a 'Hard Garage Rock' band. Could you tell us a bit about your sound? Yeah … they started off definitely way more garage influenced, but as we have gotten better at playing the instruments, there are more varied influences coming into it. More '70s Punk and there is more Pop mellowed out melodies and vocal harmonies coming in as well now but of course, there are still the guitars and Christian (Livingstone – Guitarist) loves a shedding riff and all that kinda stuff, so there is still that rolling around. What have you guys been working on in 2012? What has your year been like? Oh man, we've been finishing off an album. It's taken us a little while to record it, because we all live in different parts of the world now. I live in Wellington in New Zealand, Phil (Somervell – Guitarist) lives in Auckland in New Zealand, Christian lives in

42 greater port macquarie focus.

C o l e ]

London and Rudolf (De Borst – vocals and Hemisphere, so it would be kind of silly of us bass) lives in Stockholm in Sweden. to not take that opportunity (laughs) to play We don't tend to practice, but we get around the place! As far as I know, we're together for around two weeks at a time playing in five cities, but I am not sure how and bang out some songs. We will email many days in each city we are doing. I am song ideas to each other, and there has even pretty sure we are doing five cities, which been a couple of song writing Skype sessions must be Melbourne, Sydney, Perth I guess … between Christian and Rudolf. Brisbane, maybe … Christian will fly to Have you been to the Mid Stockholm for five days or North Coast and the whatever, and they will Port Macquarie region I k The thing I thin t ou write some songs, then before? ab t os enjoy m to t ge u yo is we will get together I don't think I have, s] al it [festiv bands r he ot of ts lo e and bang them out. no. I don't know if the se obably my pr s ' at Th ... Rudolf has a other guys have done out favourite thing ab recording studio in or not, because I know s.” al iv st fe playing Stockholm, so we just when they started out, go there and record for before I joined the band, free, which is really, really they did quite a lot of good. We did that for most touring around Australia, like of this album that we have been little places, so it's quite possible working on. We recorded some in New they have been there! Zealand as well, but we have finished it now This is a smaller, intimate outdoor festival – thank God! with a 3,000 crowd capacity. What is it Just finished off doing the cover art, about festival performances that you and the album is coming out at the start guys enjoy as a band? of October! So that's what we have been The thing I think I enjoy most about it is working on, and it has been pretty full on! you get to see lots of other bands. When You're gearing up to come to Australia you play your own show, you get to see the for FOTSUN in December. Are you doing opening band, and hopefully you like them, a tour while you're here in Australia? but when you go to a festival, there is always I am sure we will, because Rudolf and stuff that you have never heard before that Christian are coming down from the Northern turns out to be really great. That's probably

“

my favourite thing about playing festivals. You get to see heaps of other cool stuff, which is really good! Your new album will be out by the time you get to us here in Port Macquarie, so what can we expect from your set at FOTSUN? Its definitely going to be loud (laughs), there is going to be loads of great guitar solos, I know that for sure! I play drums, so there is going to be some fantastic drumming! I am actually looking forward to it; we haven't played that many shows this year, because we have been finishing off this album. So there is probably going to be some exploding going on, so that will be really great (laughs). Yeah, it's going to be cool! Where can we find out a bit more info about the band, and where can we get your music? Probably the Facebook page, The Datsuns Facebook. We are in the process of redoing our website for the new album, so the Facebook page is the easiest way to keep up with what is going on! Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers, or that your fans might like to know? Just come along and have a great time, you know! And when we come down – to Australia – if you see our name playing a show, come along and it will definitely be a good time. Thanks Ben.

PRESENTED BY triple j

SOUTHERN CROSS TEN

DRUM MEDIA

TIME OFF

FOCUS

SUNDOWNER BREAKWALL TOURIST PARK – PORT MACQUARIE 14-15 DECEMBER 2012

KIMBRA

BYO EVENT FOR 18+

DEAD LETTER CIRCUS HERMITUDE • THE DATSUNS

BUSBY MAROU • HUSKY DZ DEATHRAYS • THE SNOWDROPPERS THE CAIROS • OVER-REACTOR • JACKSON FIREBIRD NAT COL & THE KINGS • TIN SPARROW DIRTY LITTLE REBELS • THE MORNINGS JOE ROBINSON • SISKIN RIVER THE WIDOWBIRDS • GEOFF TURNBULL MINNIE MARKS • DIRTY CASH DJ'S + TRIPLE J UNEARTHED WINNER

T I C K E T S

O N S A L E N O W – H E A D TO W W W. F OT S U N .C O M I N C LU D E 2 N I G H T S F R E E C A M P I N G A C C O M M O D AT I O N PAC K AG E S A L S O AVA I L A B L E

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POET

M C I LV E E N Tom’s winning ways with poetry.

hen did you first develop an interest in poetry – was it a particular poem that initially inspired you? My interest in poetry originated in Year 9 at high school, where I was blessed to have an English teacher who was obsessed with Shakespeare and Australian traditional poets Will O’Gilvie, Adam Lindsay-Gordon, Banjo Paterson and our greatest poet of all, Henry Lawson. He instilled in us a lifelong love and passion of the written word and poetry. He encouraged us to write our own and to recite it in class. He said it was generic to all races and cultures and predated the written word. Stories were recited in rhyme and meter, which made them easier to recall, with the meter giving the words a ‘flow’. I guess he must have liked my poetry, as he published two of my poems in the annual school magazine. When I left school, my interest in traditional poetry waned somewhat, and I became obsessed with singer/songwriter/poets like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Paul Simon, with lyrics both emotionally and intellectually penetrating. I came back to traditional poetry a little over two years ago, feeling a compulsive need to write after my brother’s death, writing a poem in honour of him, the Ghost of Johny Mack. This poem has done very well for me in competitions, is very close to my heart and helps keep his memory alive. How many poems would you estimate you’ve written over the years? I have written probably about 19 poems over the past three years, with some taking up to 3 months to get just right and to make each and every word count. I have won awards for most of them and would prefer to give each poem 110%, rather then just produce ‘art for art’s sake’. Some of these poems also include ones

this poem about – would I be correct in that were written for various family members and guessing it has indigenous themes? family functions. I found writing these poems for It is based on the history of Europeans’ functions were a great way to enhance a formal arrival here and how it affected the Indigenous speech, as everybody loves to hear a poem inhabitants at the time. I tried to paint a picture written specifically for them. with words to describe their unique 50,000 year What are the topics you write most of old culture. I am passionate about Aboriginal your poetry about? What is it about these culture and history and find it fascinating. I am particular subjects you’re so drawn to? constantly researching it for inspiration and Having spent half of my childhood on the land, material for new poems. Just as Aboriginal art I started writing about bush themes to convey preserves the culture with paint and canvas, to others my love and understanding so too do the words of a well written of the Australian bush. I then poem. wrote a poem entitled The Your poem, A Night Dungeon on the Hill, at Joe Maguire’s Pub, which has won me I will publish was successful in the several awards and a book of 1st inning ed plac award w ve Kembla Flame award describes part of my poems when I hato this year too, adding to childhood growing accrued enough lly fu your amazing haul of up in an orphanage. pe ho do so and y m of e m so ve trophies … A good friend then er pres for words as a legacyns in It was based on a true suggested I should generatio re tu fu character, my uncle Clarry, try something a little cyberspace.” who, in conjunction with the more contemporary, so I pub, is legendary throughout wrote A Snowy Mountain the Tamworth district. It was a Holiday, which has won three light hearted, humorous account of 1st prizes, including the coveted annual Bush Lantern Award, which has been my some of his legendary deeds. They say that truth greatest accomplishment to date. is stranger than fiction, and most of my poems You’ve had an amazingly successful year, are based on true events. I am learning this winning quite a few poetry awards and poem verbatim in order to recite it on stage at competitions. Share your experience of what upcoming poetry events. It should prove more occurred at the Bundaberg Annual Poetry entertaining to a live audience than my usual Awards Night ... serious poetry. I attended the annual Bush Lantern awards What poetry groups are you a member of? night in Bundaberg to accept my trophy and I am a member of a local poetry group that was amazed at how many people turned up. meets here every 2nd Saturday of the month from 1pm to 4pm at the Senior Citizens hall in Traditional and contemporary poetry is huge in Munster Street. Everybody is welcome to come Queensland; they absolutely love it! along and share and recite either their own or You also won first place in the national any poetry. It is a fun group of like-minded, Banjo Patterson Writing Award with your creative people. I am also Secretary for the ABPA, poem, Rainbow Serpent’s Progeny. What’s

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which is a registered national organisation of poets, writers, performers and lovers of poetry throughout Australia. My role is to work in conjunction with the President in keeping poetry alive and well in Australia today and in promoting future events. Why would you like to encourage a greater interest in poetry generally? I would like to promote poetry amongst young Australians at school and remind them that we have our own unique culture and poetry every bit as good, if not better, than their beloved Hip Hop and Rap, without the need of percussion or vulgar gutter language to colour it. Future generations will be cultural nomads without identity if we don’t implement change soon. I would love to instil a love of the written word and poetry into children today, as my teacher did for me so many years ago. I would also like to reignite an interest in poetry amongst older generations and bring them back to the poetry of Lawson and Paterson that they grew up with. What are your future goals where your poetry is concerned? I will publish a book of 1st placed award winning poems when I have accrued enough to do so and hopefully preserve some of my words as a legacy for future generations in cyberspace. My future goals include being the best possible ambassador for our beloved craft and taking advantage of my position as Secretary of the ABPA to promote annual performance of poetry events here and put Port Macquarie on the poets’ calendar and map. These events draw poets and lovers of poetry from all over Australia and overseas. We have some great performers amongst our ranks, who could hold their own on any world stage. Thanks Tom. Interview by Jo Atkins. Photo courtesy of Judy Sawyer. greater port macquarie focus 45

Over 70 talented young people between the ages of 15 – 30 gathered at Zebu Bar+Grill on Wednesday 19 September to share mocktails, canapés and some amazing stories of leadership and inspiration at the first Luminosity Youth Forum. ancers, web designers, life guards, political science students, bankers, beauticians, youth leaders, university students, spiritual youth leaders, politicians, photographers, musicians, school students and entrepreneurs all voiced their experiences and hopes for a better future and access to resources and opportunity for young people in our area. Inspirational young locals opened the Insight style forum, with gold medallist Paralympian Ryley Batt the keynote speaker; FOTSUN Creator Simon Luke also shared his tips on turning a dream into a reality through persistence and drive, and Political Science Masters Student and former local girl Susanne Ech inspired the group with her own experiences and dreams for the future of young people. The forum was initiated by a group of passionate business people and education leaders in Port Macquarie, including facilitator Dr Muyessar Durur and Sandra Wallace of Charles Sturt University, Kate Wood-Foye of Rydges Port Macquarie, Sue Jogever of MGrath Estate Agents, Glen Towle of ETC, Lesley Atkinson of PMHC and the principals from each of the private and public schools and vocational colleges, including Terry Muldoon of St Columba, John McQueen of St Agnes Parish Schools and Peter Tregilgas of RDA. The initiative has created much excitement with partners such as Youth Advisory Committee from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Adam Roberts, Rotary Sunrise, Peter Grob Mowing Centre and Louise Beaumont from FOCUS. Thanks must also go to Dylan Gaul, a young designer who created the logo for the forum and Michael Marchment of FOCUS, who provided photography for the event. The response to the forum was overwhelming, with young people jumping at the chance to voice their opinion and

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illuminate leadership opportunities for young people. Kate Wood-Foye, Sales and Marketing Manager for Rydges Port Macquarie and cofacilitator of the event is very excited about the response to the forum: “A discussion has now begun on how to create key cultural change to the fabric of Port Macquarie society. The focus is keenly on youth and our future – how can we lift young people up who may not have the confidence, resources or access to leadership opportunities? We are going to use the raft of information and the valuable networks established at the forum to work with these young people to create an ongoing program that will sustain and nurture leaders in our area.” Dr Muyessar Durur embraces the response from both local youth and business: “We are so pleased that we were able to facilitate this discussion and are hopeful these ideas and enthusiasm will transpire into a sustainable and exciting future for young people in Port Macquarie.” What is Luminosity, and how can I be a part of it? The group are seeking young people between the ages of 15 - 30 to help drive the project and work on an exciting annual event and calendar of activities and workshops alongside the core business group. We want your ideas and input on what you would like more access to as a young person in Port Macquarie and what is the missing link that will help propel you to success?

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w it h Belinda G i bs o n

‘ E A R P L U G S

A R E

O P T I O N A L ’

clearly remember standing in Research has shown that early childhood the foyer at the first education music education can make significant show and ushering kids from differences to children’s abilities related to Kindergarten to Year 2 into the learning, memory and social interactions. theatre to see the first show Studies have shown that kids who engage specifically designed for children as part of in creative learning at a young age show our Education @ the Glasshouse program. highly significant positive differences Along with having the unbridled enthusiasm in literacy and numeracy, science and that only kids that age can bring to a technology and social behaviour. new experience (my ears are still ringing As well as being a fun, engaging, and from the squealing!) they were also a bit dynamic (OK, that should just say noisy!) scared and unsure about the whole activity, this program is so much thing. Over 16,000 kids have more than just ‘learning participated in an Education music for music’s @ the Glasshouse program sake’. It is building a – and we now see those foundation for better kids “ Over 16,000 kids striding into the development in all in ed at ip have partic @ the building with absolute areas of a child’s n io at uc an Ed ram – confidence. They are life and future Glasshouse prog e those totally comfortable development. and we now seto e th kids striding inabsolute seeing a theatre show, Glasshouse building with doing a workshop education and confidence! ” with an artist or walking learning programs through the gallery. That are not only crucial to is a remarkable shift in three building future audiences, short years and is the start of lifebut they also contribute long learning for the next generation. to health and wellbeing in our Having invested in a pair of good earplugs, region. There is increasing evidence that I am very excited to announce the start of participation in creative activities directly a new program designed especially for the improves the health and wellbeing of very young! Following the success of our individuals and communities – in both the sell-out Crash Bang Rattle school holiday short term and long term. program, this October to December we It is always inspiring to witness young will be presenting our first full-term music people participating in something for the education program, called Magic of Music. first time, and their openness to trying In partnership with the Conservatorium new experiences is something that we Mid North Coast and delivered by trained can all learn from. With the variety of early childhood music teachers, Magic of performances, events and experiences Music is a structured early childhood music available at the Glasshouse each month, education program designed for children whether you are a first timer or a regular from 6 months to 4 years (bring on the visitor, we can all give something new a go. earplugs). (Earplugs are optional!)

Photo: Mathew Cramer, Osmosis 2012

Next time you are rinsing your dishes or scrubbing the cooking pans, think about where the greasy residue in the dishwater is going. When we borrow water from nature to use in our homes, our gardens and at work, we have to ensure that we give it back as clean as we can. The water we use today is the same water we will use again. What you put down your sink and flush down the toilet into the sewerage system can have a significant impact on the sewerage treatment process and the health of our waterways. You can help protect the environment, and keep our water clean, by disposing of your household waste products thoughtfully.

i i i i i

Dispose of cooking fat and oil in your green bin. Place cotton tips in the red bin, do not ﬂush in toilet. Dispose of nappies and baby wipes in the red bin. Choose phosphate-free detergents and powders. Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps.

Mandatory Level 1 water conservation measures are in force. Water gardens on Odds & Evens days before 10am and after 4pm only.

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About Shop in our town and visit our unique boutique range of businesses. From giftware to fashion, coffee & dining, pubs & clubs all within easy walking distance.

WAU C H O P E

GUIDE. Class-ique Fashions.

Blue Cow Designs. Under New Management • New stock and new lines arriving daily • Scrapbooking kits - great for school holiday fun • Fantastic range of Woodwick candles • Wonderful gift range including jewellery, canvases, soaps, glassware + much more

• Simply beautiful fashion clothing for the mature woman. • Large stockist of Black Pepper, Marco Polo and other leading Australian brands. • Size range 8 - 24. • Specialising in smart casual, ‘Mother of the Bride’ and special occasion.

OPENING SUNDAYS READY FOR CHRISTMAS 33 High Street Phone. 6586 1324

Class-ique Fashions Style Fit Service

1-36 High St, Wauchope Phone. 6585 2116 Email. chris@bluecowdesigns.com.au

Bago Tavern. Bago Tavern has an all new menu to please all tastes. This, as well as our Chef’s Special board, great kids’ menu, homemade desserts and freshly brewed HOLY GOAT coffee offer a memorable dining experience for all. Dine in one of our unique dining areas: the traditional beer garden, timber themed restaurant, sports bar, or the beautiful Bali Garden. Nine beers on tap, imported and local wines – all functions are catered for. Great kids’ playground! Live Music Every Saturday Night. Courtesy Bus Available Book your Christmas Party now…

235 High St, Wauchope (Opposite Timbertown) Phone: 6586 4722 Open. 7 days, lunch and dinner. Bookings preferred.

Hastings Diesel & Momentum 4x4. Diesel pump, injection & 4WD • Large supply of parts and accessories • We stock a large range of reconditioned pumps • Workshop equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment • Turbos and intercoolers, factory turbo upgrades, suspension systems • Engine, Diff & gearbox rebuilds • Performance chip upgrades • All service, repairs and reconditioning by qualified professionals • Pink slips for Rego 187 High Street Ph H.D. 6585 2146 Ph 4x4. 6585 3200

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Wauchope Auto Electrical & Air Con. Get your air conditioning checked, ready for the hot summer ahead. • Cars, trucks, commercial, motorcycle • Supply and fit • AC Delco batteries • Automotive air conditioning • Driving lights, stereo systems • UHF radios • Alternators and starter motors

e Wauchop

Auto Electrical & AIR CONDITIONING

• Dual battery systems and electric brakes • Any automotive electrical repairs 187 High Street (Next to Hastings Diesel) Workshop. 6586 0505 M. 0407 069 673

Watermans Café. See, feel and taste the difference at Watermans Café in Wauchope. Offering contemporary breakfast, lunch and Friday/Saturday night dinner menus. Watermans Café also offer house made jams and relishes available for retail, as well as fresh made cakes and slices. Watermans Café is situated in the beautiful town of Wauchope, just 15 minutes from Port Macquarie. Watermans Café is amongst the finest cafés in the Mid North Coast, overlooking Bain Park in the heart of Wauchope CBD. They offer a relaxed and contemporary atmosphere and serving up modern Australian cuisine, there is something for all tastes. Watermans Café is committed to showcasing local produce, displaying the best our area has to offer. Breakfast starts from as little as $5, lunch from $6.50 and dinner offers Tapas and main menus. Are you having a birthday, getting married, need to organise your Christmas party, whether it be for work friends or family and friends? Come in and talk to the staff. You can book a table or the whole restaurant. Look out for our dishes in the Dining Guide over the next couple of months.

Wauchope Retravision. Have you ever looked around your home and thought it’s missing that special piece, or I would love a nice new dining table, TV cabinet, wall unit? Wanted to opt for a fresh, rustic or modern day look in a particular room? Retravision in Wauchope invite you to explore their shop along High Street in Wauchope and take a look at the many new items that are arriving each day. From white goods, audio visual, cameras, computing and communication, kitchen, laundry, cooling, heating, health and beauty, and now beautifully crafted wooden furniture at amazing prices. You will be amazed at the quality, style and convenience of purchasing that piece that fits in perfectly with your home. Stocking Collections from the Period Style, Rustic Oak, Manhattan Natural Oak pieces. With a massive furniture range and new items coming in each week, hop on over today and layby for Christmas. If we do not have it in store please ask, as we have a huge catalogue and we can order your item in specially for you. Don’t forget about our deals on cameras, laptops and TVs for Christmas gift ideas. Call in today High St, Wauchope. Ph 6585 1602.

Yummy Thai. Eat in, takeaway or home delivery. Yummy Thai in Wauchope welcomes back Smiley Dang. After establishing her daughter’s Thai restaurant in Crescent Head, Dang is back as head chef, with her friendly staff and homely atmosphere. Yummy Thai is open for lunch and dinner. Dang was born in Chang Mai, North Thailand and learnt to cook from authentic Thai chefs. With an all new extensive menu, all meals are made fresh to your taste and liking. Located conveniently opposite the RSL, or first right west of the roundabout. Yummy Thai is famous for their bright orange shirts and little yellow delivery car. Yummy Thai also takes bookings for birthdays and Christmas parties. There is no corkage fee, and home delivery is free for over $50 purchases and a mere $5 for deliveries over $30. With the busy season fast approaching, be sure you don’t miss out on the best Thai food and atmosphere in Wauchope. Reservations suggested to avoid disappointment. Dang’s partner, Dave, is also on hand and happy to assist in guiding diners to the most popular selections.

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Dreaming of winning? Weekly draws increase your chances at Paradiso.

Colonial Cobbler. With shoes, it’s the look that will catch your attention, while inner beauty will capture your heart. Comfort technology built into Ziera shoes ensures they feel as good as they look. A family owned New Zealand company, Ziera has been making truly gorgeously comfortable shoes since 1946. Designed with style, premium quality, fit and all-day comfort in mind, Ziera shoes let you love every step. Now, just like back in the 1940s, a dedication to both style and comfort is something that's at the heart of our business. The company is now headed by the third generation of Robertsons – Andrew, grandson of the founder.

and leaf detailing conceals a velcro closure for an individual fit. Other features of Ziera shoes include: • Anatomical contouring for a perfect fit • Premium soft leathers mould to your feet • Exceptional energy absorption • Sole materials chosen for their cushioning, flexibility, slip, resistance and durability.

Colonial Cobbler has a new range of Ziera footwear in store now.

The heavenly range of orthotic friendly summer sandals and casual shoes truly live up to Ziera’s ‘beautiful inside, beautiful outside’ motto. With a focus on comfort technology, Ziera shoes are designed to deliver a 'soft journey' – every step of your day. So you can fall in love with the style, and rest easy knowing that you will be comfortable all day long. No more aching feet!

Within each style, Ziera has created a unique cushioning system of gels, rubber and other shock absorbing materials designed to give you that wondrous, walking-on-air feeling,

Don't miss out on the exclusive offer below – save $30 off Ziera ‘Banner’ orthotic friendly sandals until the end of October at Colonial Cobbler, Port Macquarie.

Spring... I’m loving it. Spring … I’m loving it, are you? A time of new birth, fresh beginnings and growth. Here at Paradiso, we’ve got a bit of spring fever happening. We’ll be showcasing some fabulous colourful new stock. We’ve been ‘picking’ and also discovered some great new suppliers.

caught your eye.

We’d really like to stock more of what makes you smile and so for the month of October, we’ve decided to have a bit of fun. In the front window display there will be a selection of tantalising items.

So come visit; you’ve got nothing to lose, and

What we’d like you to do is pop in for a visit and fill in an entry form in-store, letting us know your favourite pieces. You will then go in a weekly draw for the chance to win one of those beauties that

These items will be chosen from our vintage, homewares, giftware and jewellery ranges. You may find yourself the owner of that special something you’ve been hinting to your husband about for some time.

plenty to gain! Competition closes Wednesday 31 October, so don’t miss out. The winner will be drawn at random and notified via phone or email. Come on down to Paradiso, 223 Hastings River Drive (keep an eye out for the red bike) Tue to Fri, 10am - 4pm, or Sunday, 10am - 1pm for the chance to win. BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

LY EK RS! E W NE N WI Visit during October for a chance to win in our weekly prize draw. Nominate your favourite piece from our window display and you could win it! 223 Hastings River Drive (look for the red bike) Ph: 6583 1335 *Competition closes 31st Oct

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Tue - Fri 10:00 - 4:00 Sun 10:00 - 1:00

Fresh Faced for spring. The Wow Factor.

Usher in spring pull back your hair (and show off your fresh face) with this must have accessory!

The wow factor is something that definitely isn’t missing from Willow House and Baby. The ladies have been to the fair and have had a ball, buying lots of new gifts to fill the shop, ready for you to take a look.

Available at Medi Massage and Beauty Bar the new Microplus technology combining microdermabrasion and sonophoresis for smooth, fresh and clean skin. Microdermabrasion polishes the skin to stimulate new cell growth.

The colour of spring and summer fill the shop, with wonderful home decorations for inside and out, handbags, fresh and funky jewellery, silk scarves and so much more.

While we are partial to the Microplus as our springtime facial, with advanced training in chemical peels, therapeutic facial treatments and skin analysis you can rest assured that no matter your skin condition, a visit to Medi Massage and Beauty Bar will result in a personalised treatment that will leave you with a crystal clear complexion.

Come inside and check out the new stock today: • Music boxes • Water features • The famous Willow Tree figures • Ecoya Collection • Kelly Rae • Franz • Micky n Minny Mouse collectables Willow House and Baby have a gift for everyone in the family. Come down and see what the girls have that is just what you have been looking for! Open seven days a week: Monday - Saturday 9am - 6.30pm, and Sundays 10.30am - 3pm. Shoppers specials throughout the store. Layby available.

Call now to book in for our special Microplus Monday treatments, only $99! Normally $125 - (includes relaxing facial and a customised treatment mask). Dissolve stress and compliment your treatment with a relaxing massage or body treatment. Eyelash extensions available for that special occasion or just to brighten and lift your eyes just beyond the reach of natural, step into the world of glamour! Makeovers with our professional make-up artist are also available for all of those formals and spring racing carnivals coming up! Only $50.

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focusinterview.

RAT DESIGNS

Ben R i d d l e .

ou’re a local boy from the Port Macquarie region. Tell us a bit about yourself and where you are now ... I grew up in Beechwood with my family. A simple childhood of sports, climbing trees and learning to drive at a young age, I learnt to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. I moved away after school to study a Bachelor Degree of Communication at the University of Newcastle and later lived in Melbourne to pursue a music career and artistic ventures. Right now, I’m living back in the area, where I’ve begun a new project I’m very passionate about. You design eco-friendly unisex accessories and jewellery for your own label, RAT. Where did your great green idea come from? I’ve always been conscious about recycling and what we buy as consumers. I’m amazed and shocked by what people throw away as waste rubbish. I see such beauty and potential in that rubbish that others so unconsciously dispose off. It’s true, ‘one’s junk is another’s’ treasure’. Always scouting on Council collection days and a keen second hand shopper, there is always something out there to upcycle or transform into a new piece. I started using old timber offcuts from my father’s workshop and school and decided to make a ring for my sister. I discovered a fascination for using recycled materials, in particular timber, and transforming it into wearable unisex jewellery. Combining recycling, fashion, design and creativity into a sustainable business, encompasses all things I enjoy. Tell us about how you got into design? Design is always on my mind. A day never goes by without another idea for a creative project, recycling idea, house design, 52 greater port macquarie focus.

photography project, installation work, artist. sculpture, video or documentary, or even a How can people purchase your unique new recipe for a travel cookbook. jewellery and accessories? RAT is a new sustainable design project I have recently set up an online store to sell that really is something I’m passionate about my work at rat.bigcartel.com pursuing and developing. RAT is also featured on an independent Did you start as an eco-friendly designer? designer website called Young Republic here: No. I started with a media degree and music www.youngrepublic.tv/designer/rat.html career, but needed to pursue this compulsion All RAT sustainable jewellery and accessories to recycle and encourage others to be are available at independent artist markets sustainable by starting RAT. and some specialised stores across the country All of your products are made from and in Europe, and you can find out where materials sourced from the Port through the following sites: Macquarie area. What sort of materials do www.ecorat.tumblr.com you mainly use? Facebook.com/RATcollection I use mainly recycled timber You have also recently from waste disposal centres, been recording your own One of the construction workshops, music. How has that ts uc od pr special e ad local businesses and also been going? m nd ha e ar I design n be from around my family I’ve been writing and necklaces that ca your property. producing music for personalised with ords or own choice of w , the Timber is such a the past 10 years. I’m ay w is Th s. saying beautiful material to a singer songwriter, es m co be so consumer al work with, as I love the and I record and gn si de e th part of s” natural texture, the smell independently distribute creation proces and how it transforms during my own original music. the many processes of treating Music has been another it by hand. I also use recycled passion of mine since a very leather, plastic, metal, silver, stainless steel young age. I’ve recently released my and fabric. debut album, titled On The Rise. As your products are hand made, are How would you explain your musical there ever two pieces the same? sound to us? I try to always keep designs fresh and My music is rooted in new Folk styles with new. Therefore I often use a material I find honest raw vocal melodies, layered guitars, and once it’s finished, I move on to another instrumentation and harmonies. material. This means that my jewellery will Where does your musical inspiration come sometimes feature a certain colour, timber from? or design, but is always unique and different I’m always inspired by those people around every time. me that I’m close to. I write songs about those Each time I get my hands on a new ‘old’ I love and interweave stories from my past. material, I have a completely new design My travels across parts of the world inspire approach and method. This means constantly me also ... travelling to many different pushing myself as a designer and sustainable cultures and landscapes. I’m moved by simple

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gestures, honest people and aspire to grand worldly dreams. Where can people find your music? I sell my music online via an independent distribution website named bandcamp. You can find it here: benriddle.bandcamp.com Where are you hoping to go with your music and designs? What does 2012 hold for RAT? I aim to stock many retail stores nationwide, to encourage people to think more sustainable and ‘green’ when it comes to consuming and the future of design. My label RAT is a step in a greener direction. All products are designed and handmade by using recycled materials sourced from the local area my family lives in. RAT is ecofriendly, unique and affordable. Off the back of my debut album release On The Rise, I’m setting off on a one month tour across northern Germany, Belgium, Holland and France – promoting my music, making a short documentary along the way and promoting RAT also. Yes, I’m a busy man. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you and your artistic ventures? I’m looking to develop a fashion clothing range and a greater focus on men’s fashion ... sustainably, of course. I’m also beginning a collaboration with my mother designing unique men’s fashion and accessories. One on the special products I design are handmade necklaces that can be personalised with your own choice of words or sayings. This way, the consumer also becomes part of the design creation process. So if you would like your own personalised recycled natural timber tablet necklace, you can go online or even send me an email at: ratinfo@mail.com. Thanks Ben.

Your ur Fashion Leaders Leader ders in Footwear. The Manning Shoe Store has been operating since 1953 and has grown slowly but surely as our family has grown. We have had a policy of continually developing new avenues for our business to expand.

day. We are also on Facebook! Like us to

As Fashion is forever changing we continually react to current trends and looks. This is helped by the diverse brands in stock from countries such as Brazil, Spain, Italy, China and more.

colour, Brazilio shoes wonâ€™t disappoint.

The other feature which sets us apart from the crowd , if we donâ€™t have something in stock we will certainly try hard to get it. Two years ago, our website www. manningshoes.com.au started selling directly to the public. Once you buy with us at our website, we pack and ship to you the same

find out all our latest specials and all the latest trends. Brazilio shoes come right out of the heart of Brazil, and on to your feet! Known for You will find them styled in combinations only our South American friends can blend so well. All leather uppers and linings. Individual trims that give these shoes a wow factor. Brazilio shoes are sold exclusively at Manning Shoes in Forster, Taree and Port Macquarie. Come in and meet the friendly staff today and try on a pair!

sportura. where elegance meets performance.

90 Horton Street, Port Macquarie. 02 6583 2044

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focustourism. Port Macquarie Tourism Association

Tourism janette hyde. Well, I am not sure if it is just me, but with the recent glorious weather, our region swelled with visitors over the school holidays, a month long food festival with Tastings On Hastings and (finally!) an elected local Council – things are looking up! he Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association congratulates all our new Councillors, in addition to our new Mayor Peter Besseling, on their success at the recent Local Government Elections. As the peak industry tourism body for the area, we have traditionally worked closely with our local Councillors, and we very much look forward to continuing that trend by working with you all to continue growing our region’s tourism offering over the term of your appointments. Greater Port Macquarie Tourism has launched their latest destination advertising campaign with ‘Little Treasures’ – a very emotive and inspirational 90 second commercial which highlights some of our local tourism operators set in idyllic locations right across the region. The locations featured all draw attention to our region’s variety of offerings, including beaches, forest, heritage, fresh produce and wine. The television spot will be aired to regional towns within a three hour geographic radius of Greater Port Macquarie, including the New England, Tamworth, Gosford and Newcastle. Apart from the specific geographic targeting, the advertisement continues the focus on our core visitor market of families with young children, as well as the broader market of couples. The commercial can be viewed by visiting http://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au As mentioned earlier, October is Tastings On Hastings month, a celebration of the people, produce and natural beauty of the Greater Port Macquarie region and surrounds. It focuses on the farmers, wine makers, brewers, chefs, restaurants and cafés that combine to offer a unique Agritourism experience to our locals and visitors alike. There are too many events to cover them all, but some highlights are: Oct 6 and 7: Breakfast in the Beds at Near River produce, where the family can harvest their own fresh selection of ingredients to have the freshest of fresh breakfasts cooked for them. Oct 6: High Tea on the Hastings – an elegant

54 greater port macquarie focus.

Garden Party in front of Rydges on the banks of the Hastings River. Oct 6: Cheese Making Workshops at the Amber Healing Farm in North Haven. Oct 7: Town Green Inn Beerfest, with a recreated traditional beer hall and a celebration of many diverse styles, including those brewed by local craft brewers. Oct 12: Rydges Six Degrees of Degustation – ‘Six chefs, six wines, six courses – one night only’. Oct 14: The main event: The 2012 Tastings on Hastings in and around the Town Green precinct. Oct 19: Tastings on Hastings Dinner at Panthers Port Macquarie. Oct 25: The Corner Restaurant Dinner. For a full rundown on the events, including times, locations and booking requirements, visit www.tastingsonhastings.com.au Another event of note for October is the Ironman 70.3 Australian Age Group Championship, to be held on Sunday 28. Continuing our proud tradition with Ironman events, over 1,300 athletes from across Australia will compete for the Australian Age Group Championship, with the winners of each age group receiving the opportunity to enter the sold out Ironman Australia. Winners will also be awarded the title of Ironman 70.3 Australian Age Group Champion. Amongst the 1,300+ competitors will be four members from the popular TV show Bondi Rescue, Andrew Reid (Reidy), Ryan Clark (Whippet), Adriel Young (Bacon), Quinn Darragh (Quinno), who will all be making their Ironman debuts. Finally, the Annual General Meeting of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association will be held on October 16. Notices and nomination forms for prospective board members will be sent out to all Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association members. We would urge any member who believes they can make a positive contribution to our industry and who has the necessary time and energy to nominate for one of the honorary board positions, that will be subject to a popular vote by our members on the night.

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By Dr Tarun Nagrani from Davis Dental

By Glenise McLaughlin from The Natural Health Sanctum

Improve your

smile

with dental veneers

A dental veneer is a thin covering that is placed over the front of your tooth.

M e n’ s He al th - P r o s t a t e . One thing I have noticed over my many years in clinical practice is that getting men to actually admit there is something wrong with them is like pulling teeth. A saying I hear all the time is, “If it is not broken, don’t fix it”. But when it comes to health problems, a symptom actually means something ‘is broken’, and it needs fixing. One of the most common health problems experienced by men is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is just a medical term that means a man’s prostate gland has become bigger than it should be. Because the prostate gland wraps around a part of the urinary tract, when it becomes enlarged it actually presses on the tube that carries urine and alters the ability to pass urine. Some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate include difficulty starting to urinate, difficulty maintaining constant urinary flow, needing to urinate more frequently or more urgently. It can also lead to more frequent urinary tract infections, causing a burning sensation on urination.

The good news is that recent research has found that a combination of some herbs can be very effective at managing BPH and reducing troublesome symptoms. Zinc is also an essential nutrient for men’s health, and it is important to include zinc rich foods in your diet, such as oysters, baked beans, herring, egg yolk and seeds like pumpkin and sunflower. Even though BPH is not Prostate Cancer, it still needs to be treated. It doesn’t go away on its own. It is a troubling and uncomfortable medical problem. It is serious and requires proper management. If you would like some help with management of your BPH, or perhaps you know someone close who has BPH symptoms (not necessarily you, of course) make an appointment with me, Glenise McLaughlin – Naturopath at The Natural Health Sanctum on (02) 6583 3544 to discuss how to achieve your optimal health.

Teeth which have gaps, are discoloured, poorly shaped, slightly crooked or chipped can benefit from dental veneers. Veneers can also be used to lighten teeth which “Like your are resistant to whitening. natural teeth, veneers need The use of veneers is a to be looked popular treatment option after and treated with and can be done with a care.” comfortable procedure. sides of the tooth to make room Candidates for dental veneers for the veneer and prevents the must have a strong, healthy veneered tooth from feeling or lookunderlying tooth which is not heavily ing bulky or unnatural. An impression of the filled. prepared teeth is recorded and sent to the There are three main types of veneers: direct dental laboratory for manufacture of ceramic or indirect composite resin, or ceramic. Direct veneers that fi t your individual teeth. In the composite veneers are generally cheaper and next visit, the thin veneer shells are carefully are placed in one appointment. The resin is bonded to the prepared teeth with special carefully bonded to your teeth and sculpted glue. to the desired shape. A special light is used Like your natural teeth, veneers need to be to harden the composite resin. The veneer is looked after and treated with care. If you then smoothened and polished to look like a wish to have an appointment to check if we natural tooth. can improve your smile with dental veneers, Ceramic veneers are thin shells made of please feel free to contact Davis Dental on strong dental ceramic. Often a small amount (02) 6584 7272. of enamel is removed from the front and

By Stephanie from Aromatics Wauchope

treatments

56 greater port macquarie focus.

These sophisticated enzyme treatments are unique in the world to Dr. Danné Montague King, a leading Beverly Hills Botanical Scientist/Cosmetic Chemist/Skin Specialist. They are all plant based ingredients that work in harmony with the skin’s natural chemistry. Excessive dead cell build up and poor skin functioning contribute to wrinkles, fine lines, premature ageing, pigmentation, blackheads, and break outs. An exclusive series of Enzyme treatments effectively – • Hydrolyse dead redundant cell build up • Alleviate debris and impurities, leaving a clear, healthy, smooth complexion

• Increases cellular activity for superior skin nourishment • Provides supreme oxygenation for tissue regeneration and • Antioxidants to fight and combat free radical damage • Encourages your own skin to form new collagen and provides renewed elastin activity for a tighter, firmer, skin. Enzymes allow for unique treatments that match the individual’s body chemistry, regardless of ethnic background, gender, age, or skin condition.

All treatments are endorsed by the medical profession. There have been countless clients in over 30 different countries that have experienced and found results in Dr. King’s amazing procedures, and his celebrity list is bulging with names such as Brad Pitt, Tippi Hedren, and various models and celebrities. Optimal skin functioning is the key to slowing the ageing process and correcting skin conditions. Once you have experienced Danné Enzymes, you won’t settle for anything less.

Are Hot Flushes driving you mad?

Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, on cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Bobby Kumar. Spring into Fashion & Protect your Eyes.

Hot Flushes. Are hot flushes driving you mad? It can feel like hot flushes take on a life of their own when you are going through menopause. Waking up during the night hot and bothered, unable to get back to sleep, waking up tired in the morning, feeling like you haven’t slept at all, having to fan yourself when in company when no-one else has to, weight gain, memory loss, osteoporosis, depression and mood swings (just to name a few) are all symptoms associated with menopause. Actually for some women, menopause can be a very frustrating and unpleasant time. Instead of treating menopause like a disease, here at The Natural Health Sanctum we consider menopause to be a natural process that every woman goes through. But this doesn’t mean you have to suffer – there are many natural treatment strategies that can support your body while going through this transitional stage in your life. Easing your hot flushes and facilitating a good night’s sleep, assistance with weight loss and much, much more can be achieved using an individual customised health promoting program, because we believe one size does not fit all, designed for you by naturopath, Glenise McLaughlin, using both short and long term strategies. Call the Natural Health Sanctum on 6583 3544.

Spring is truly in the air. This is the time many start getting out and about with the warmer weather and embrace the new spring fashions. For many others, however, spring is the time they suffer with hay fever and allergies. Allergic symptoms include sore, watery eyes, discharge in the corners of the eye, red eyes at the end of the day ... does this sound like you? This season has been particularly severe due to our dry start to spring and the windy weather. Add to this mixture the smoke from national parks and forestry planned burning, and you have a perfect little scenario for allergies. Treatment can include antihistamine or decongestant eye drops and/or oral antihistamines. However, the simplest approach is to protect the eyes from exposure to the irritants in the atmosphere. This can be done by staying indoors ... but why not embrace the new season fashions with a pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes from exposure.

So you may have heard the term ‘mummy makeover’, but what does it mean? Often women express a desire after having children to ‘get their body back’, referring to their breast shape and volume, and a flatter, tighter tummy. Typically, a ‘mummy makeover’ involves restorative and reconstructive surgery addressing the changes in a woman’s body shape due to pregnancy and breast feeding. For example: Breast Surgery – this may include breast augmentation, breast lift &/or breast reduction, to address the shape, position and volume of the breasts. Tummy Tuck Surgery – (Abdominoplasty), with or without liposuction/liposculpture, to address the residual excess skin and tissue around the tummy that does not respond to diet or exercise. Dr. Bobby Kumar, a Surgical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, has specialised in cosmetic surgery for almost ten years, gaining comprehensive experience in breast, abdominal and facial surgery.

Many people don’t realise that sunglasses not only protect our eyes from damaging UV radiation, but also shield the eyes from exposure to the wind, dust, pollen and smoke. This is even the case with spectacle wearers, because sunglasses tend to be larger and wrap around the eyes, offering greater protection.

Dr. Bobby Kumar also brings his extensive expertise and experience in facial surgery to achieve natural and effective non-surgical facial rejuvenation with anti wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers, providing individual and personalised consultations and treatments himself.

So if you suffer from spring allergies, give yourself the permission to spoil yourself and get a pair of new season sunglasses. It will make you look and feel better.

Consultations by appointment – contact Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009 or email via our website at: www.bareaesthetics.com.au

Protect your eyes from allergies and UV this summer with...

y Prescription & non-prescription sunglasses

y Eye drops or antihistamines for allergy relief

PORT MACQUARIE: 95 William St... 6583 7333 29 Horton St.... 6584 3948 WAUCHOPE: 3 High St......... 6585 2393

www.eyecareplus.com.au greater port macquarie focus 57

58 greater port macquarie focus.

You already know that “ Curves works to give women a fast, efficient 90-minute workout in just 30 minutes.”

Wha stopping you from What’s looking and feeling your best? look

When you enrol a child, you actually enrol a family ... Considering early childhood education

You already know that Curves works to give women a fast, efficient 90-minute workout in just 30 minutes. To achieve that, we combine strength-training, sustained cardio activity, warmup, cool-down and stretching.

JANE – Age 41 years Weight lost 26 kilos R I TA – Age 40 years Weight lost 60 kilos

Curves is a complete solution, with both a fitness and a nutrition plan designed to fit every woman’s individual needs. Curves has helped millions of women of all shapes and sizes take charge of their health and combat the effects of ageing and disease.

DANIELLE -

There are over 450 good reasons women go to Curves Port Macquarie … here are just a few of them.

K AT Y -

Age – 37 years Lost 52 kilos ASHLEIGH Age – 22 years Lost 47 kilos

Age – 30 years Lost 26 kilos

years are not solely about preparation for the future, they are also about the present. At Lighthouse Child Care Centre, from the time children enter our care/our service, whether baby or of pre-school age, we encourage children to just ‘be’, to experience the joy and wonder of childhood:

for 2013? THINK Lighthouse Child Care Centre. It is recommended that children attend Early Learning Education for 3 days a week for the year before they attend school. In an Early Learning Centre children will acquire skills in effective communication, building

e early

Th childhood years “ out are not solely ab e preparation for tho future, but are als t.” about the presen

relationships, self-help abilities, and begin to develop an understanding of pre-reading, writing and maths. However, the early childhood

To learn about themselves and who they are, to develop deep and satisfying relationships and to become fully involved with new ideas

and interests. If you are considering childcare for any reason, work, study or other commitments call 6584 5585 to discuss your childcare needs and surprise yourself with how affordable your childcare experience can be.

greater port macquarie focus 59

OCTOBER 2012

WITH TERRI

A R I E S.

L E O.

SAG I T TA R I U S.

MAR 21 - APR 20

JUL 24 - AUG 23

NOV 23 - DEC 21

You may have been feeling unsupported or a little let down lately, and the reason why this is happening is so you can recognise how strong you already are and how little you need from other people. The outcome of this lesson will mean there is no hurdle you canâ€™t remove from your future. Carnelian is a very powerful crystal to reignite your strength.

You are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery, through the influence of another being. If you use this person as a mirror, you will be able to disregard old hurts and grow into a more comfortable you with self-appreciation, where success will flow easily. Rose Quartz will aid in forgiveness.

TAU RU S.

V I RG O.

C A P R I C O R N.

APR 21 - MAY 21

AUG 24 - SEPT 23

DEC 22 - JAN 20

Try not to worry about your ability to support yourself. You will always have opportunity lining up when you need it, but fear will hinder this ability. Instead, look at how another door opens for you just before you need it. This will always be the case for you; just relax and allow your abundance to flow. Ruby is great for dispelling fear.

GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUN 22

You may have been feeling unwanted or neglected lately and may fear being abandoned. Try not to allow this fear to gain strength. Instead, work with weakening it by seeing how appreciated you already are and how many people love and adore you. There will always be opened arms to welcome you. Citrine will shatter negative thoughts and fears.

Holidays and adventure are likely to be a big influence in your near future. You may just need to do nothing to re-boot and recharge. To avoid returning from your voyage exhausted, try to make unwinding your major incentive. You will throw yourself back into life when you return anyway. Aquamarine will help release any tension.

Expect total change from your challenging situation. The changes will allow you to experience the feeling of a new beginning so far removed from how it was, that you may feel reborn. Set some fresh goals, and donâ€™t compromise your standards for anyone. Clear quartz is a very powerful amplifier of energy.

LIBRA.

AQ UA R I U S.

SEPT 24 - OCT 23

JAN 21 - FEB 19

Listen to your wise words that you give in a counselling scenario, as this is how your guides are communicating your answers to you. There is no better way for you to hear than to speak. Trust and try. Your past fears and hurts are surfacing lately, so you can release the effects from your reality. Malachite is very powerful for bringing past hurts to the surface.

Your career path and employment opportunities may be opening up to a new level of success. Avoid self doubt or sabotage, as any training or learning required will be a part of the journey. You will enjoy your new beginnings, as you have wanted change for some time now. Sapphire is great for embracing different realities.

CANCER.

S C O R P I O.

P I S C E S.

JUN 23 - JUL 23 JU

OCT 24 - NOV 22

FEB 20 - MAR 20

You have experienced rough emotions just recently, but from now there should be no more hurdles to overcome regarding this challenge. Things should be exactly as they appear from here forward. Set some new intentions or goals, and give yourself permission to succeed. Jade is great for wellbeing and positive attitudes.

60 greater port macquarie focus.

Expect some nice calm energy around your living circumstances. Things have changed, and for this reason old unfavourable habits needed to be broken. You recognised influences that may have hindered your positive outcome and have taken action to change these things. Rose quartz holds a very soft, nurturing vibration.

You have a streak of good luck at present, so make as many wishes as you want and set some fresh goals. Fill your being with the excitement of already having what you desire, think thanks to the universe, and forget about your wish. You should not have to wait too long before it appears. Citrine attracts an abundance; carry a piece.

Celebrations and success for your dedication over the past few months are about to pay off. Know you deserve this change and swim with it. Listen to your inner voice, as you are very intuitive and rarely wrong, and you will have a secure plan to follow. DO NOT IGNORE YOUR INTUITION. Amethyst is great for helping us reach our full potential.

Massage @ Port Macquarie. He Lin Li Ling i gY Yi Ying ing (Dip. Rem. Mass ing Massage) – known as ‘Ling’ – would like to express her sincere app appreciation for the strong support, which she continues to receive from her many clients since opening her practice in the Lighthouse Beach/ Shelly Beach area, early this year. Ling remains committed to her original goal of providing a superior and genuinely effective massage experience, in surroundings which are totally conducive to complete relaxation and a sense of peaceful wellbeing. Massage @ Port Macquarie operates from a purpose-built, air conditioned home clinic, where parking is only metres from the door and where clients need have no concerns about parking fines or congestion; they can arrive relaxed, to enjoy their treatments without a care in the world. Naturally, as Ling is fully accredited, most health fund rebates are readily available, and HICAPS provides an instant rebate service. Medical research has evidenced that professional massage therapies provide highly beneficial treatments for a variety of conditions, including management of nausea and vomiting, chronic lower back pain, muscular and depressive disorders and sleep deprivation, by substantially improving circulation and introducing fresh oxygen to ailing tissues. A highly experienced (and surprisingly strong) therapist, Ling operated her own clinic in China prior to settling in Australia. Fully qualified to Australian standards and a member of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists, it is impossible to meet Ling and not be impressed. Sincere, warm and caring, she looks after her patients – male, female, young and not-so-young – with compassion, respect, understanding, and always with traditional Chinese courtesy and values.

greater port macquarie focus 61

focusinterview.

Local Year 12 student Madi Roberts – a keen n athletics enthusiast – is preparing to compete as the youngest person in the upcoming 70.3 Ironman. She tells us about her recent achievements and training schedule.

ello Madi. Congratulations ITU (International Triathlon Union) on being named Sports development squad and attended several Person of the Year at training camps and raced in numerous your school, St. Joseph’s junior state series races. My major Regional College. What highlight was crossing the line as first was involved in achieving this title? female alongside Mitch Robins at the This year I have competed in many Camden Haven Triathlon in February. triathlon, duathlon, running, and swimming Other major highlights were coming events. To gain the title of Senior Sports 2nd female overall at the Macleay River Half Person of the Year, I competed in many Marathon and 3rd Female overall at the Forster events through the school system. In March, half marathon last week. In July, I competed I competed in the NSW All Schools Triathlon in the first race of the Australian Duathlon Championships in Penrith, where I finished Championship Series in Parramatta, where I 5th. This race gained me selection for the placed 2nd in the under 19s and 5th overall. In School Sport Australia National Triathlon August, I competed in Australian Duathlon Championships in Busselton, Western Championships in Gatton QLD, where Australia. I placed 1st in the under 19s. In July, I qualified to This has gained me selection compete in the NSW All for the World Age Group Schools Cross Country Duathlon Championships In July, I competed in Championships at in Spain next year, which e the first race of thlon Eastern Creek, where incorporates a 10 km Australian Duath th s rie Se I finished 7 . This race run, 40 km cycle, and 5 Championship here I gained me a place in km run. in Parramatta, we under placed 2nd in th all.” the NSW team for the When did you start 19s and 5th over School Sport Australia competing in athletic National Cross Country competitions? Championships in Adelaide I started swimming when SA, where I placed 15th in the 6 I was 3 years old and began km cross country race and 3rd in the 2 competitions when I was 7. Throughout km time trial. primary school, I did surf lifesaving, netball, In August, I represented the school at the tennis, touch football, dancing, martial arts, Diocesan Athletics Championships, where I gymnastics, basketball, and little athletics. placed 1st in both the 800 m and 1,500 m. When I was 12 years old, I competed in This gained me selection to compete at the the school country, which I won. I decided CCC (Catholic Combined Colleges) Athletic to focus on my running and swimming as I Championships at Homebush, where I placed entered high school and later decided to buy 4th in the 1,500 m and 6th in the 800 m. I a road bike. I joined the local cycle club and broke the school record in both of these was selected in the North Coast Academy of events. Sport for Cycling in 2008-09. I competed in I have also had a successful year outside my first triathlon in January 2008 and really of school. I was selected in the NSW enjoyed it.

“

62 greater port macquarie focus.

I then became part of the local triathlon club and began competing in many competitions. I was selected in the North Coast Academy of Sport for triathlon in 200910, and the NSW International Triathlon Union (ITU) Development squad in 2011. Why your passion for such physically challenging sports? I really love competing in long distance events, as they are not only a physical challenge, but also a mental one. I love pushing my body to the limit and feeling a sense of achievement when I cross the finish line. I also love to compete and train with other endurance athletes, who share a passion in the sport as much as me. You are going to be competing in the Ironman 70.3 in October and will be the youngest person in the race. How are you feeling about it? I am really excited about the 70.3 Ironman in October. Every year I have volunteered at the food stations, and I have always wanted to compete in the race. This year I will finally be old enough to race, and I am really looking forward to it. The race is in Port Macquarie, so I should have a lot of hometown support. You compete in cross country, triathlons, duathlons and swimming comps. What is your favourite event? My favourite event is duathlon, because it combines my two favourite disciplines – running and cycling. I also really love half marathons, because of the physical and mental challenge.

What is your training schedule like? I train twice a day, covering all 3 disciplines throughout each week. I swim 2 days a week, covering 6 km each week. I cycle 4 days a week, covering 270 km - 300 km each week. I run 6 days a week, covering approximately 40 km each week. I train with adults for all 3 disciplines. Do you have any particular professional sports people in your field whose careers you follow? I admire Emma Jackson, Emma Moffatt, Emma Snowsill, and Erin Densham, who are all Australian Olympic Triathletes. I was lucky enough to meet Emma Jackson when I raced at the Australian Youth Triathlon Championships on the Sunshine Coast in March. What do you hope to do once you have finished high school at the end of this year? Next year I am going to study a Bachelor of Marine Science at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. While I am living on the Gold Coast, I will train with the Gold Coast Triathlon squad and continue to compete in many races. I also hope to gain selection in the NSW ITU Endurance Squad. I would like to give a big thanks to Port Macquarie Subaru and TRS Cycles for their wonderful support and sponsorship. They have helped with setting me up with a new Cervelo S5 road bike for the 70.3 Half Ironman. Thanks, and good luck Madi!

At Davis Dental, we specialise in making snoring/ Sleep Apnea appliances.

Sleep Apnea? Do you snore and not wake up D u fresh in the morning, or feel excessively tired during the day? If the answer is yes, then you could be suffering from a condition called Sleep Apnea. In an epidemiological study, it was estimated that 4.2 million people in Australia have a Sleep Disordered Breathing Condition. Snoring can greatly disrupt the quality of sleep and also disturb the sleep of those nearby, causing great frustration and placing a strain on relationships. Snoring is the sound of obstructed breathing during sleep, in which the soft tissues at the back of the throat lose muscle tone, fall back and vibrate. This condition is identified as a possible risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke and can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

mended by sleep physicians. The appliance is custom made to fit your teeth, after careful assessment for its suitability. The appliance is made of soft plastic or acrylic and looks more like a thin sports mouthguard. It is worn during the night while sleeping and works by gently bringing your bottom jaw into a forward position, and thus opening up your airway. There are hundreds of patients

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is diagnosed by obtaining a referral by your GP to see a sleep physician. Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked and the breathing stops.

who have benefited from this treatment and

At Davis Dental, we specialise in making the snoring/Sleep Apnea appliances, often recom-

and the range of specialist procedures of-

improved their quality of life. Please feel free to contact one of our friendly, experienced staff to know more about the snoring/Sleep Apnea appliances fered at Davis Dental. Phone 6584 7272.

greater port macquarie focus 63

focus_feature

P LU N K E T T S C H E M M A RT P H A R M AC Y

Plunketts Plaza Pharmacy 1982 to 1990

celebrating

years Original Gordon St site 1987

Judy working at Pasfield’s Pharmacy in Wauchope1982

Plunketts Chemmart Pharmacy is proud to be celebrating a milestone 30 years in business. Judy takes us through the history, evolvement and success of Plunketts over the years.

“

”

64 greater port macquarie focus.

ell us a little bit about the history of Plunketts Chemmart Pharmacy – how did it all get started? I grew up in Walcha, where my father was the local pharmacist for 53 years. I studied at Sydney University, as did my ex husband, Mark Plunkett. We were both fresh out of uni when we bought the Plaza Pharmacy in 1982. We were very inexperienced, but worked hard and provided good service and a happy atmosphere, so our business grew. We also got married in 1982, in 1983 we had our first child Claire, and in 1985 we opened Plunketts Health Food Shop in Settlement City and had our second child, Xavier. In 1986, we opened our second pharmacy on Gordon St, and had our third child, Dominic. In 1987, we

n St S bus b usin us sin nes esss to to b ecom ec ome om me th the he expanded ourr Gordon business become m tto o 8p 8 8pm pm, p pha harm ha rmac acyy wi with th first 7 days a week, 8am 8pm, pharmacy the ‘8 to 8’ Medical Centre attached. In 1988 ourth child we had our fourth child, Sally Sally, and in 1990 we bought the current Gordon St site and relocated our pharmacy, selling the Plaza. In 1991 we had our fifth child, Ben, and in 1996 we had our sixth child, Sam. During these years, as our businesses grew, we were very busy and would not have been able to do what we did without all the wonderful staff we have employed. Our staff also had to be multi-taskers – they even had to do tuckshop occasionally, if I had to work! Looking back at some of the old photos, what are some of your fondest memories of the early years? My fondest memories are of all the wonderful people I have met along the way – staff, customers, other health care professionals. There have been some very funny incidents as well; it is important to have a good sense of humour when situations become a bit tricky.

Ho H ow h ow as the business evolved thro How has throughout the years in terms of services offe offered, products and technology? Over the years years, Plunketts Chemmar Chemmart Pharmacy has kept up with the latest technologies. I can remember when we used to have to hand-write all of the prescriptions and type the labels on a typewriter. It is hard to imagine doing that in this day and age! The services that we provide in store have also increased. We have always offered free deliveries, Webster packing, Diabetes supplies, blood pressure testing, hire equipment; now we also have a fully qualified baby nurse, a continence nurse and a vaccination clinic – three fantastic new services. What do you enjoy about being a part of the local community and providing healthcare and advice? I love my job. I have worked for most of my life, even when I had the children. It gives me huge satisfaction being able to help people with good advice and good service. I get far more back from my job than what I give. Over time, you get to

P LU N K E T T S C H E M M A RT P H A R M AC Y know many of the people you look after, so you share their good times and bad. I also encourage my staff to become friends with our customers, making it a great atmosphere to work in. As far as being a part of the local community, we do often contribute to many of the fundraising events that are held in town; we always like to help if we can. The latest step for Plunketts has been the opening of a new pharmacy in Wauchope? Yes, the latest adventure has been the opening of our new store at the Timbertown Shopping Centre in Wauchope. I just love Wauchope – it reminds me of Walcha. From that store, we are also offering free deliveries to Comboyne, Long Flat and Lord Howe Island, in keeping with our commitment to provide as much service as possible. My staff are lovely and are doing a great job. Tell us about your valued team members. I am very lucky to have a wonderful team of staff. From 1982 until now I have been very privileged to work with great people. They are all extremely hard-working, have enthusiasm for their jobs and together we all create a great workplace and environment. A special mention for Julie Sage, who has been with me for 16 years, and Kim Shaw, my enduring Sunday pharmacist. How has Chemmart supported the business throughout the years? We have been a member of the Chemmart group for almost 20 years. Chemmart have guided us and helped us to gain the necessary tools to project an image of professionalism and helped us to be able to back it up with great

focustravel.

with Susie Boswell

Plunketts Chemmart Pharmacy on Gordon St today

advice and services. They also provide expert training for staff, excellent product selection and competitive pricing and promotions. Chemmart is the fastest growing group in Australia, and I am proud to be a Chemmart Pharmacy. What does it mean to you to be celebrating 30 years in business this year? I can’t quite believe I have been in business for 30 years! I would like to thank all of the customers I have had for their loyalty and support – I know, and have known, some wonderful people. Being a small business owner is a great challenge; there is constant change, and it is quite a daunting task to keep up with everything and do a good job. My father was my mentor, and what I learned from him was that if you provide a good service and are kind to people, you will be successful.

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

MALDIVES, VIETNAM he banyan tree, the remarkable wide-canopied giant tropical fig, is a talisman among traditional cultures, Hindus, Buddhists and Australia’s Aborigines among them. It’s also the Banyan Tree Group’s shelter-amid-nature motif for its interest in some 30 hotels and resorts in superb tropical locations. All are exclusive (for average folk, read “exxy”) but with the Aussie dollar’s big buying power the time has never been better to experience some of this luxury, if only for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, special occasion, or - if giving to loved ones gives you pleasure as it does me - perhaps as the gift of a honeymoon for newlyweds. Currently, Banyan Tree has marked two of its resorts for special offers: one newly refurbished in the glorious Maldives, the other an entirely new property in Vietnam. The Maldives’ Vabbinfaru reopened last month after adding plunge and jet pools to the private gardens of all 48 villas. Believe me, there’s no sand finer and whiter, no water more translucent, than the Maldives’. Lagoon snorkelling right off the beach among fish, rays and turtles is incomparable. Vabbinfaru is 20min by speedboat (the usual means of transfer to the Maldives’ individual island resorts) from Male’s international airport. Changi, Singapore, is the gateway, four hours away by air, so the overall flying time from home isn’t tiring. The cuisine’s superb. Dine on international fare at the beachfront restaurant after cocktails at the alfresco bar. Fresh lobster’s on the menu at elite Shark Point dining, also on the beach. “No shoes” is the way of life at Maldives resorts and guests can wiggle their toes in the sand at the weekly beach barbecue. Or enjoy “sandbank dining”: travel by speedboat to a private sandbank where a butler serves breakfast, a picnic or dinner and then vanishes while you dine mid-Indian Ocean, not a soul around. There’s also an evening jetty experience: “Bedouin style”, with champagne, canapes and the awesome tropical sunset. Spa experiences are equally sensational. Check Vabbinfaru on the website image gallery. If you’re quick, book a minimum two nights by October 25 for stays till October 31 for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner daily for two, daily one-hour spa massage plus half-hour refreshments/relaxation for two, and an “Intimate Moments” experience

with wine,, scented oils and cand candles around ndl dle les se les sett ar a o nd ou d a pool. Closer to home, Banyan Tree Lang Co opens in Vietnam on November 1, with 49 new pool villas adjacent to Laguna Lang Co and its array of dining options, luxury spa facilities and championship golf. Designed for absolute privacy, the new enclave’s nestled on a 3km beach on the central coast, renowned for pristine waters, tropical jungle and rugged peaks, close to the city of Hue. It’s under an hour’s drive from Da Nang airport, in turn just over an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Referencing the region’s traditional architecture, resort buildings boast clay-tile roofs, open courtyards and bamboo, wicker, and raffia (palm) to blend with the lush surrounding forest. Dining includes Thai cuisine and Viet-influenced French specialties, indoors and alfresco. For extra special intimate dinners there’s Saffron restaurant, on a hilltop overlooking the sea. Azura, on the beachfront, serves Italian fare and fresh local seafood. There’s also a sophisticated all-day snack menu venue. There’s also sensory spa treatments, water sports, a fitness centre and yoga classes as well as the Nick Faldo golf course suitable for skilled and novice players. The site’s rugged terrain has been preserved, framed by mountains, the East Sea, soaring trees, streams, rice paddies and dramatic rock features. Taxman funding your “conference”? A handsome boardroom is suited to small meetings! To celebrate next month’s opening, a promotional package starts at USD735 a night for a minimum two-night stay. Book two nights from November 1 to March 31 next for USD735 complimentary hotel credits per stay, tenable for dining, spa and retail gallery. Guests for three consecutive nights get the credit plus private round-trip transfers. Start at www.banyantree.com greater port macquarie focus 65

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T R AV E L W O R L D T R AV E L E X P O .

Wauchope’s first ever Travel Expo will kick off at 10am on October 27 at the Wauchope RSL. Proudly presented by Travelworld at Wauchope, the event will feature a feast of travel information, advice and products from a range of visiting and local exhibitors. trip to Asia, you’ll be able to speak directly with operators such as InterAsia, who have in-depth knowledge of this region and have local contacts on the ground. You can choose between larger group fully escorted tours, or more personalised itineraries, especially tailored to you and your travelling companions.

Wauchope’s Inaugural Travel Expo is Coming hether you’re looking for Australia’s biggest and best cruise companies or a boutique adventure holiday, the Expo will bring together everything you need to know about travel under one roof. There will be something for all tastes and budgets, including domestic and international cruise, coach, rail and adventure holidays. Visitors will be able to take advantage of many special offers on the day, so if you’re tempted to travel, be prepared to leave a small deposit so you can secure your Expo deal. This event is for the whole Hastings region, so

66 greater port macquarie focus.

why not make a morning of it – head to the Farmers Markets at the Showground, then go right around the world at the Wauchope RSL. After an African adventure? Africa is such a large destination, with many travel companies on offer. It can be hard to know where to start. South Africa or Kenya? Safari or luxury? Five star hotel or tent? Representatives from Swagman Tours and Bench International, who offer detailed African itineraries, will share their expertise to help you decide on your ideal adventure. Looking to journey through Asia? China and Vietnam are very popular destinations at the moment, so if you’re thinking about a

Considering a coach tour or cruise in comfort? Some of the largest and most popular coach tour companies, including Globus, Scenic, Evergreen and Trafalgar, will be available to advise you on their exciting destinations across the globe. If cruising in style is more your thing, Complete Cruise Solutions will be onboard, representing the ever popular P&O, Princess Cruises, the new and exciting cruise line in Australia Carnival Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O World, and Seabourn. Opting for the outback? If you’re heading for the Australian bush, a family operated coach tour can provide attention to detail, fantastic drivers and guides, and many lifelong friendships. Robert from Northern Highland Tours will provide information about their Australian itineraries, which take you off the beaten track to discover the smaller towns and outback events that shape this great country of ours. Watermelon Festival

anyone? Tripping over the Tasman? The Expo will also feature representatives from specialist New Zealand travel companies, including Grand Pacific, ANZCRO – a name synonymous with quality New Zealand holidays – and Kirra Tours. The experts will share their knowledge of the amazing scenery, bountiful food and a return to the way things used to be that makes New Zealand a favourite destination for Australian travellers. Don’t risk a travel horror story ... The Wauchope Travel Expo provides the opportunity to talk to real people who understand your individual needs and can tailor a holiday that’s right for you – rather than going ‘online’ and hoping for the best! Suresave Insurance will be at the event, providing a great opportunity for you to understand what might happen if a volcanic ash cloud returns or another disaster strikes. Wauchope Travelworld staff will be on hand to point you in the right direction and answer all your questions – so come and chat with Natalie, Bev, Jenny, Robyn and others to plan your perfect holiday. A gold coin donation for Rotary is all it will cost you to see the world in Wauchope on October 27!

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T R AV E L W O R L D T R AV E L E X P O .

On all of Trafalgarâ€™s Europe & Britain 2013 â€œholidays, you can save up to 10% with Trafalgarâ€™s Early Payment Discounts when you book and pay before 27 December ... â€?

Exotic New Experiences Globus has unveiled more than 70 tantalising holidays across Europe in its new 2013 brochure, including 10 new tours that explore the furthest reaches of the continent â€“ from the Arctic Circle to the exotic east. New special offers include return airfares to Europe from $1475* per person, as well as savings of 10 per cent on tours booked 12 or more months ahead of departure. Among the latest additions to the Globus program are tours in Russia, Iceland, Poland, Scandinavia and Bohemia. Travellers can sample la dolce vita in Tuscany and Umbria, travel through empires past from Austria to Turkey, or traverse the Arctic to the furthest reaches of Norway.

Globus has also introduced new Local â€œFavourites â€“ hidden gems and behind-the-scenes activities that provide an added insight into local culture or history â€“ unique experiences like seal watching in Iceland, belly dancing in Istanbul, beer tasting at the famous Hofbrauhaus in Munich or an overnight stay in a French chateau.

â€?

For full details, visit www.globusfamily.com.au/onlinebookings contact 1300 130 134 or see us at the Expo. *Prices subject to availability and conditions. Airfares subject to seasonal variations, for bookings by December 27, 2012.

A Tale of Two Rivers Discover the beauty, history and culture of waterways which forever inspired the Romantics.

Europe & Britain On Sale Trafalgarâ€™s 2013 Europe & Britain programme is on sale now. Featuring over 104 First Class guided holidays filled with authentic local experiences, thereâ€™s no better time to book than now, with prices in Europe reduced by up to 13%. If youâ€™re a value seeker, Trafalgarâ€™s CostSaver holidays are a great option, with less inclusions and more flexibility. With travel from $121 per day, you can save up to 30% versus booking on your own. Or if youâ€™re more of an independent minded traveller but like the benefits of Trafalgarâ€™s insider knowledge and experiences, the At Leisure holidays are for you. Choose from over 17 Europe & Britain itineraries with more free time, later starts and longer stays at each location. On all of Trafalgarâ€™s Europe & Britain 2013 holidays, you can save up to 10% with Trafalgarâ€™s Early Payment Discounts when you book and pay before 27 December. To start planning your 2013 Europe holiday, visit Trafalgar at the Travelworld Wauchope Travel Expo; there will be great deals on the day.

A cruise along the romantic Rhine River is an inspired tour of beauty, and a showcase of the mesmerising Rhine Valley landscapes expressed by poets and artists during the period of â€˜Rhine Romanticismâ€™ in the 18th and 19th centuries. The popularity of this region proves its allure is still as captivating today. One of the longest and most important rivers in Europe, the Rhine flows from the eastern Swiss Alps to the North Sea coast of The Netherlands, and its many medieval buildings and prehistoric fortifications testify to its importance as a waterway. In particular, the Middle Rhine flowing through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge is known as the â€˜Romantic Rhineâ€™ and also famed for its castles, vineyards and quaint villages. Just as striking is the Moselle River, a left tributary of the Rhine, which joins in Germany at Koblenz, and also flows through France and Luxembourg. Beginning in one of the worldâ€™s most open-minded cities, Amsterdam, and bound for beautiful Basel, the Scenic Tours 15 day Romantic Rhine and Moselle River Cruise sails through a vast array of breathtaking vistas and medieval masterpieces, all which inspired the Romantics.

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focusfeature.

T R AV E L W O R L D T R AV E L E X P O .

Experience The Real Asia Ever wanted to visit China and walk the Great Wall, take a leisurely cruise on the mighty Yangtze, see the intriguing Terracotta Warriors, or explore imperial Beijingâ€™s old lanes by exp rickshaw? Why not sample the very rick best of historical kitchens in Beijing? bes Stop off in e Bangkok for som re fo be ng pi great shop Mai exploring ChiangTriangle n de ol and the G beach or the southern and et uk Ph resorts of ing Krabi in welcom !â€? Thailand

â€œ ow about a visit to the Panda Research Facility in Chengdu and explore world heritage towns and gorgeous valleys in Chinaâ€™s west â€“ or explore the wonders and history of the Silk Road? Or perhaps you would like to check out the amazing glass skywalks on some of Chinaâ€™s holy mountains â€“ definitely not for the faint hearted! Perhaps take one of the great train rides in the world climbing the Tibetan plateau to Lhasa to explore the very roof of the world! You may prefer to visit Vietnam to check out

bussttliling bu bust ing g Saigon Saaiig go on and and bustling anoi oi with wit ith h colonial H Hanoi tree lined boulevards, or take a cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay! Perhaps explore Sapa and the pristine lakes and mountains of the far north of the country. Or be totally spoilt in a luxury resort and have clothes tailored just for you in Hoi An.

magic Brunei. Stop off in Bangkok for some great magical shopp shopping before exploring Chiang Mai and the Golde Triangle or the southern beach resorts of Golden Phuket and Krabi in welcoming Thailand!

Or how about the wonders of Angkor Wat in Cambodia? You could step back in time with a visit to Luang Prabang in Laos. Explore the many faces of Golden Myanmar and find out why Burma held such an attraction to Rudyard Kipling! Visit Sabah and Sarawak on an extended Malaysia & Borneo tour â€“ perhaps an enchanting short stay in

InterAsia can turn all these, plus much more, into reality! If you have a yearning to experience the wonder and excitement that is found in any of InterAsiaâ€™s exotic destinations, simply check out www.interasia.com.au for more travel ideas â€“ then talk to David or Dan on the InterAsia stand at Travel Expo to put your plans into place.

Take an extended journey through the many wonders of Northern India including the Taj Mahal and the forts and palaces of Rajasthan â€“ observe the life and rituals of the River Ganges or relax on a delightful cruise in Kerala â€“ or perhaps take in a luxury train journey across India! Why not explore the mountain countries of Nepal and Bhutan with guided treks or in five star luxury exploration tours?

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68 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Craig Hindley. Currently teaching a Year 5/6 class at Heritage Christian School, Craig’s passion for teaching and dedication to his students have been recognised with a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) ...

ongratulations on ng grrattul ulat lat atiions ionss o on n bein b being eing nominated to The Aust Au stra trali lian ian S cholarships h Group (ASG) and Australian Scholarships receiving a National Excellence In Teaching Award (NeiTA). Can you tell us a bit about the award you actually received?

Thank you. It is a nomination that is put forward by members of the community in appreciation of a teacher’s dedication to their profession. Nominations are then put forward to a committee, which sorts through the candidates; the successful candidates are then recognised with this award. I have been told that there were 2,000 nominations this year and that I am among the top 50 that actually received an award. Such recognition is wonderful for the Heritage Christian School and you! What does receiving this award mean to you personally and professionally? It was a wonderful surprise. To be recognised within the school community as doing your job well is extremely encouraging and uplifting. It is great to be reaffirmed that what you are doing is effective. We understand it was one of your pupil’s parents who nominated you! How does that feel, knowing they think so highly of you and your work? To be acknowledged by parents of the students I teach is such a positive means of feedback. It is wonderful to be recognised for the hard work I place into teaching and nurturing each student. Have you ever been so well recognised for your work prior to this award? Not to this level. I was nominated and won another award a few years ago from the Australian College of Educators, for the annual World Teachers’ Day, which again was a nice surprise. Give us a run down on your career? How did you get to where you are now? The majority of my schooling was undertaken at Heritage Christian School, where I now work! I arrived in Year 4 and continued through to Year 12 and was the first student to come back as a teacher. Following my 4 years of training

at Chr Christian Heritage College in Brisbane, I was offered is expected, and these all need to be enforced. Students a posi position here at Heritage, to which I am still currently need boundaries and if these boundaries are over-stepped, emplo employed. This is my 14th year here, and I currently teach consequences should result. Consistency and love are key a Year 5/6 class. I have also undertaken the role of Head of factors in this procedure. Encouragement is another key Primary this year and am enjoying the experience of guiding aspect of my classroom. and developing the students within the primary as a whole. I The classroom environment should cater not only for am very happy to be teaching in such a supportive and family academic progress, but also social, physical and spiritual oriented environment. development. What is the best aspect of teaching Year 5/6, in your I honestly don’t see myself any better than other teachers, opinion? but students seem to enjoy being in class, so I I have taught classes ranging from Year must be doing something right. The day my 2 through to Year 8 in my time here at classroom becomes boring and students Heritage. I enjoy aspects of all those don’t want to be there will be my time to ul grades, but must admit I really do move on. It was a wonderf surprise. To be enjoy teaching upper primary. Many elements combine to enable in the recognised with ity as Students at this age are starting children to gain a quality education that school commun ell is to mature and taking on more provides them with a platform for their w doing your job uraging co responsibility. I do enjoy assisting future lives. I don’t take this position of en y extremel ” ... g tin lif them at this stage of life, where they being a teacher lightly and will continue up d an are transitioning from being a child to to look for ways to improve what I love a teenager. The pastoral care aspect of to do. teaching becomes very important during You now go into the running for these years. I am honoured that parents the National Awards in mid 2013, would allow me to work in partnership with them commemorated with a professional project in guiding their children through this crucial stage in their life. development grant. If you receive this gift, what might Tell us what the key is to being an inspirational teacher, you do with it to continue your great work? such as yourself? Our school has recently started a process of Team Teaching Teaching for me is not purely an occupation, but rather Mentor Approach. I would love to further this program, a ministry that I believe I have been called to. I am very in allowing myself and fellow teachers to go to other passionate about what I do, and students know very quickly schools and learn from like minded teachers who could whether a teacher really wants to be there. offer assistance in continuing to improve the quality of our It is important that there is respect, both teacher-toteaching. A holiday would be nice, but I don’t think the student and student-to-teacher. Showing love and respect money can be used for that purpose. to one another builds trust. When students are in my care, What are your plans for the future ... can we expect I treat them as if they were my own. There needs to be a more of your awesome teaching for years to come? balance to the relationship for each child, both professionally I am very content in my position at Heritage. If I become and socially. stale in my teaching or start not to enjoy it, only then might Students need to feel safe at school and to help achieve I consider moving on. So yes, I can see myself working with this, I believe a classroom environment needs to be one that children for many more years. is conducive to learning, displaying clear standards of what Thanks Craig.

“

greater port macquarie focus 69

Careers and gap years focus feature

70 greater port macquarie focus.

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CAREERS AND GAP YEARS FOCUS FEATURE

Careers feature

Careers and gap years focus feature

guide

WELCOME TO THE NEXT STEP As the year 2012 draws to a close, there will be hundreds of young adults from our local area who will complete their secondary school education and prepare to embark on the next phase of their lives. any will have their path mapped out, and that may include continuing with formal education as they seek a higher qualification, while others will join the workforce – keen to advance in their careers. Others still may be planning to enjoy a 'gap year', before they continue on their chosen path. The face of education has changed dramatically in the Greater Port Macquarie region over the past few years, with many more options now available. In this special FOCUS feature, we highlight a range of local businesses and institutions that offer continuing education, on the job training, facilitation of work placement, adult education, pathways

FOR FITNESS

to employment, apprenticeship and traineeship provision, training courses, advanced training in specialty fields, and university education, to name a few. If you are thinking of taking a gap year before commencing full-time study or work, then you might also consider short courses on offer locally, to learn a new skill or up-skill for a particular job or higher qualification that you're aiming for. For parents and families of younger children, you can learn more about each of these businesses, so you can assist your children and young adults in making the right choices for their educational futures.

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NOW RECRUITING IN YOUR LOCAL AREA: Riﬂeman AG68820

greater port macquarie focus 71

focusfeature.

CAREERS GUIDE FOCUS FEATURE

Careers feature

guide

Celebrating a transformation Local businesses and community members have joined the Port Macquarie VERTO team to celebrate the launch of the organisation’s new name. Formerly known as Central West Community College, the not for profit organisation has been operating since 1983 and has grown from being a regional evening College based in Bathurst, to a leading provider of apprenticeships, employment, training and community support services, with 26 offices around New South Wales. “We realised we had outgrown our name both geographically and service wise. We chose VERTO, Latin for ‘transform’, because we believe that reflects what we do – help to transform communities, businesses and lives,” said CEO Bernadette O’Connor. In Port Macquarie, VERTO works with a range of employers, from small businesses through to multinational companies, to manage the sign up and administration process for their apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Last year we signed up over 6,500 apprentices and trainees in a whole range of occupations throughout the state,” said Apprenticeship Consultant Toni Wailes. “They are both a great career choice for the apprentice and hugely beneficial for businesses, who can access generous financial incentives while creating a skilled workforce.”

Testimonial From Robyn – work placement

and I was so grateful when I found out that in the

member at Khodary's Pharmacy: "I decided to

end I got the job. My role and duties while working

do my work placement at a pharmacy, because my

in the pharmacy have been a majority of the skills I

sister worked at one of the Khodary’s pharmacies

had learnt. As well as that, I have to offer assistance

nearby, at Laurieton. When I'd see my sister working,

to customers, be well presented and always keep a

I just became really interested. So I did work

smile on my face. My area in the pharmacy is on the

VERTO also has a dedicated employment services team which can assist businesses to recruit for both apprenticeships and traineeships and general vacancies.

placement, hoping I could get a job out of it.

front counter and customer service."

I was keen to start, and I was pretty excited about

From the Employer – Khodary's Pharmacy

VERTO Business Consultant Jayne Pepper said getting the recruitment process right saves businesses time and money. “That’s where specialists like VERTO can help. With our years of experience, access to a large pool of candidates and knowledge of all the support available for employers, we can develop employment solutions for any business, large or small.”

the future. I learnt how to check and mark off

For more information on VERTO’s services, visit verto.org.au or call the office on 6580 1900.

Apprenticeships? Call Toni and Stacey! Toni Wailes and Stacey Blanch – your Port Macquarie Apprenticeship Team providing employers and apprentices with accurate advice and ongoing support. Free onsite consultations to assess your needs Management of the administration processes Assistance to select training packages Payment of incentive funding.

Call VERTO – your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre today!

1300 302 977 | verto.org.au

72 greater port macquarie focus.

A testimonial of success

what it would be like. I learnt so many skills while I was at work placement, that will help me in invoices, using the cash register and tills, collecting

"We first heard of Mid Coast Connect when one of their consultants rang us to see if they could help out with the school based program for students

prescriptions, as well as handing prescriptions out

within our workplace. Having Robyn has benefited

with medication, facing up shelves, making special

the business, as she has worked with all staff

tags, editing special prices, adding stock, sorting of

members and she has great customer service skills;

scripts, using a pocket PC, and giving advice on a

we believe she will go far in any field she tackles.

range of products.

We would recommend the program to other

The thing I have enjoyed the most about Khodary’s

businesses, as Mid Coast Connect can find the right

is that you make so many new friends, and everyone

person for the job and offer ongoing support to the

you work with is like family. It’s a great experience,

business and trainee."

Careers feature

guide

Employability Skills. Employers are interested in what they describe as employability skills when they decide who to employ and who to promote within their organisations. Employability skills are the skills that allow people to do their jobs well in all circumstances – they are not the technical skills required by an occupation. Employability skills and personal attributes are important, no matter where people work or what work they do. There are eight skills that employers want you to have, whatever industry you’re working in: communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organisation, self-management, learning and technology. For example, the communication skills required for a job may mean that you have to be a good talker and maybe also a good writer (depending on the job). You have to be confident in speaking to people face-to-face or over the phone, and you might also need to write well enough to be understood in emails and memos. The Port Macquarie Community College can

• • •

assist you in gaining these employability skills throughout your gap year. We can offer a wide range of courses for professional development, such as: The Art of Effective Communication, Dealing with Difficult People, Preparing for Work, Marketing a Webpage Design, plus a comprehensive range of computer and accounting courses. Taking a break after Year 12 to do something different can really help if you are not sure about what career you want to pursue. Why not consider gaining skills in hospitality, so you can be ready to secure that part-time position to help pay your way while studying?

Practical experience. In 2013, Charles Sturt University will double

CSU’s paramedics degree has been offered at

its course offering at Port Macquarie Campus,

its Bathurst Campus for a number of years, and

bringing its highly regarded courses in business

students say the course is preparing them well for

studies, justice studies, medical imaging and

their career.

paramedics to the region. If you are interested in pursuing a career in one of these fields, you can now gain practical experience and the qualifications you need, without having to move away from home. CSU’s Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) is

“The degree gives us exposure to exactly what we are going to see in the field,” paramedic student Jordan Emery said. The ambulance industry also rates the course highly.

recognised by the Ambulance Service of NSW as

“It is important that paramedics are well equipped

a leader in providing paramedic education. Port

and educated to provide high quality patient care

Macquarie Campus is happy to welcome

to the community,” Mr Alan Morrison, Education

Short courses like RSA, RCG, Food Hygiene and Safety, Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee or First Aid can help beef up your resume. These courses provide nationally recognised training and can be credited towards a full qualification.

Mr Joe Acker, who will take up the position of Senior

Manager for the Ambulance Service of NSW said.

Lecturer for the delivery of the paramedics course.

“Completing the CSU Bachelor of Clinical Practice

Students develop practical skills in a range of

(Paramedic) provides an excellent foundation for

clinical procedures and learn about major incident

meeting the challenges of being a paramedic, and

prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

we are keen to see graduates from the course

Call the college today on 6583 7288 or visit www.portace.com.au to view our latest brochure and the range of face to face, distance education or online courses available.

Students complete hands-on experience with

join us.” For more information on studying the

an approved ambulance service as part of the

Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) at CSU in

course, providing a real insight into working in the

Port Macquarie, visit www.csu.edu.au/4me or call

paramedic field.

1300 135 435.

• • • Charles Sturt University (CSU) could be the choice for you. CSU offers degrees, as well as pathway programs with North Coast TAFE, at our Port Macquarie Campus. Distance education and flexible study options are also available for anyone on the Mid North Coast. Going to uni in Port Macquarie... it’s now easy with CSU.

Call today 1300 135 435 csu.edu.au/4me F2650A

greater port macquarie focus 73

focusfeature.

T H E S PA R TA E X E C U T I V E T E A M

S PA RTA S O LU T I O N S Locally owned and operated emergency risk management, training and consulting company Sparta Solutions specialise in onsite training and offer a range of safety courses for the mining, building, construction and manufacturing industries. parta caters to clients from a diverse industry background, from Australia’s premier tier 1 mall construction companies, to small n for business with an undisputed reputation high quality service.

In addition to on-site services, SPARTA run a suite of Public Courses each month area ar ea..” ” The Th The he helicopter h area.” facilitates in Port Macquarie, delivering critic in the vicinity of 4 - 5 critical courses from working casualty transfers from Port safely at heights, to Macquarie every week In July this year,e a confined space, and is a completely free SPARTA becam warden, extinguisher, service supported by estpac partner of the Wter Service; risk management generous charities like op ic el H Rescue ccessful and gas test SPARTA. $1 from every su nated atmospheres, to participant is do and Are you aware of to this generous sation.” name a few. ni the new WHS laws

“

lifesaving orga

SPARTA can also assist with all your safety equipment needs via our partner in safety- safety ything equipment online, stocking everything from first aid kits to height safetyy gear nge of and now also stocking a large range nd safety spill response, and work health and equipment.

SPARTA’s success has been largelyy credited nal to instructors with ‘real’ operational experience, and this background has lead to n to safety SPARTA’s continuous contribution across a wider industry. In July this year, SPARTA became a partner of the Westpac Rescue Helicopterr Service; ant is $1 from every successful participant esaving donated to this generous and lifesaving organisation. am Dalton SPARTA Director of Operations Sam pport a said, “SPARTA was looking to support reement unique local charity. This new agreement ontribute enables SPARTA participants to contribute to what is an essential service in our own

74 greater port macquarie focus.

affecting your business and entitlements? Go to www.spartasolutions.com.au/ legislation and follow the links. Find us at facebook.com/spartasolutions

CAREERS GUIDE FOCUS FEATURE

Careers feature

guide

Johnson’s Club Chef Culinary Challenge

Four aspiring chefs from Port Macquarie TAFE campus are y preparing to compete at the Johnson’s Club Chef Culinary lains Challenge in Sydney this month. Teacher Dean Groth explains how the challenge will help hone his students’ skills... irst off, tell us a bit about your history as a chef and how long you’ve been a teacher at TAFE? I began my apprenticeship in 1981 and have worked in the hospitality industry since then. As a chef, I have worked my way around Australia. I have also worked in England, Asia and the Middle East. My travels brought me to Port Macquarie, where I settled down. I have had the privilege of working as a casual teacher at Port Macquarie TAFE for the past 18 years.

complete the merccia ial Cookery. ial Cooke Co ok ker ery. ery y. Certificate III in Commercial dents are preparing This year local students to enter the Johnson's Club Chef Culinary Challenge. Tell us a little about challenge? The Johnson's Club Chef Culinary Challenge is a mystery box cooking competition held in Sydney every year, and 8 teams are chosen from the state to compete.

What is the current process and training required to become qualified as a chef? To become a qualified chef, you need to work with a qualified chef as their apprentice.

The apprentices are required to plan and prepare a three course meal for four people from a limited list of ingredients. The teams are judged on creativity, teamwork and professionalism. It is a fantastic opportunity for the students to challenge themselves and compete with the best apprentices in the state.

This apprenticeship takes three years to complete. During this time, apprentices are required to attend TAFE one day a week and

Who are the students competing the Challenge? The team of four students from our college are: Stacey Miller, who works at

Bright Beginnings; Chloe Plumb, from Restaurant Synergy, Benn Greives; who works at Watermans Café; and Sean Page, from the Whalebone Wharf.

are The apprentices and an pl to d require course prepare a three ople from pe meal for four gredients. a limited list of indged on ju e The teams ar ork and creativity, teamw.” m is professional

“

How have the students prepared for a mystery box challenge? Apart from studying at TAFE and working in excellent local establishments, the students have had a chance to plan and prepare a three course menu that was served in the ‘Graduates Restaurant’ at the Port Macquarie TAFE campus, on Wednesday 19 September. The menu they prepared was well received by the

guests who attended the night.

We hear you and the students will be visiting a few locations in Sydney to get motivated and excited? While we are in Sydney, I felt it would be a good opportunity to show the students the wider hospitality industry, so we will be visiting places such as The Sydney Fish Market, Flemington fruit market and hopefully Serge Dansereau's Bathers’ Pavilion. Good luck on the 10th; we wish the team all the best.

Go higher Associate Degree of Accounting Get a career in accounting! Be work ready or springboard your way into an accounting degree at a partner university*. Study locally at Port Macquarie TAFE. Commencing 2013. Applications close 29 October 2012. Visit highered.tafensw.edu.au or web search North Coast TAFE.

*Subject to terms and conditions as prescribed by each partner

Internships + Scholarships* available!

NC038809 greater port macquarie focus 75

focusfeature.

Hastings Education Fund As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”, but for some families, affording tertiary or higher education for their children can be a struggle. his is particularly true of students from rural communities, where the costs of travel, accommodation and the isolation from loved ones and friends can have a major impact on achieving their goals. Help is at hand for local students that find themselves in this situation. The Hastings Education Fund (HEF) currently offers study grants and support to young people between the ages of 17 and 21, and who are currently residing in the Port Macquarie Hastings LGA, to follow their career and study dreams. HEF started in 2010, as the local arm of the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEFA), which offers support to regional students. Backed by a strong team of dedicated volunteers from local education, business and community professions, HEF relies heavily on funding from local businesses and currently boasts over 32 in-kind and gold level sponsors. All funds raised through sponsorship are allocated directly to applicants, so more sponsors translates into more successful applicants and a higher rate of youth from our community attaining a tertiary or higher education qualification through the program. Around November each year, applications are sought and the process for determining suitable applicants begins. After interviews are conducted, successful applicants are then invited to attend a presentation event and meet with sponsors, the HEF committee and other dignitaries to receive their grant.

76 greater port macquarie focus.

Careers feature

guide

Grants are not based on academic ability but on financial need and are generally around $500 - $3,000. To date, the Hastings Education Fund has assisted 14 recipients from the Hastings Valley with study items, such as laptops and equipment maintenance, to assistance with fees for university degrees in Medicine and Music, to trades in Carpentry and Disability. Apprentices and trainees are also welcome to apply for funding. On a recent visit home, 2011 recipient Jenna Donnegan said, “It is so wonderful to receive support to follow your goals. Having a dream and a passion is one thing, but to receive both mentoring and financial support is hugely appreciated. In my case, it made all the difference. It’s great to have local people helping local kids achieve their dreams, and I would very much recommend applying. “Beyond the significant financial help it is, HEF is very much concerned with making sure you are coping personally as well.They believe in a well-rounded mentor approach, and their support has been fantastic.” With applications now open for the next round of funding, local students that meet the criteria are strongly encouraged to apply. Ask for an application at your school or TAFE, or contact HEF Chairman, Peter Cuskelly, on 6582 2429 or email hastingseducationfund@ gmail.com HEF also welcomes sponsorship enquiries from individuals and businesses wanting to invest in the future and education of youth in our region and gain the best ‘interest’ for our community.

focusfeature.

Skills for Life. Mid Coast Group Training (MCGT) is part of the Hunter Valley Training Company, Australiaâ€™s oldest and largest Group Training Organisation. A â€˜not for profitâ€™ company, HVTC has employed 18,000 apprentices and trainees over the past 31 years.

Results. Our apprenticeship and traineeship

We employ you direct. We look after your training, wages, workers compensations, annual leave, public holidays and superannuation. This frees your host employer, to give you the best work experience possible. It also means that you have a number of options to choose from, particularly if your host employer can no longer provide work for you.

and traineeships!

Mentoring and support. We have higher staff to student ratios than many of our competitors. Our expert, caring staff will help you complete your qualification and offer on site job support.

increase the flow of apprenticeships and

The best training. We partner with TAFE and other training providers to give you the best training possible.

or trainee full-time, part-time or school

completion rates are 85% â€“ much higher than the industry average of 50%. Make sure you register with MCGT for all fulltime, part-time and school based apprenticeships

MCGT aims to provide optimal employment solutions to help the future growth of businesses and communities. We value our role, working in partnership with industry groups, governments, host employers, schools and training providers in assisting to develop career awareness and traineeships across different industry sectors. If youâ€™re looking at employing an apprentice based with ease â€“ contact the team at Mid Coast Group Training to find out more!

for life. s l l Ski Are you looking for a

career starter

or gap year a nationally recognised qua q lification? practical training and work experience? il money whhile you learn?

2012/2013 Registration OPEN NOW $SSUHQWLFHVKLS DQG WUDLQHHVKLS ÂżHOGV :H RIIHU IXOO WLPH SDUW WLPH DQG 6FKRRO EDVHG DSSUHQWLFHVKLSV DQG WUDLQHHVKLSV LQ D ZLGH UDQJH RI DUHDV LQFOXGLQJ Â‡ Electrical Â‡ Dental Â‡ %XVLQHVV $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ Â‡ Retail Â‡ )DEULFDWLRQ Â‡ :DWHU ,QGXVWU\ Â‡ Mechanical Â‡ +RVSLWDOLW\ Â‡ $XWRPRWLYH +HDY\ Â‡ &RQVWUXFWLRQ Vehicle 3/86 PDQ\ PRUH Â‡ $JHG &DUH :H FRYHU 0DFNVYLOOH WR %XODKGHODK DQG RXW WR *ORXFHVWHU

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that gives you...

Providing quality apprentices and trainees

greater port macquarie focus 77

Camden Haven Marine

10th birthday!

Camden Haven Marine are turning 10. We talk to owner Rob about what’s new in boating, his business and the boating season ahead.

irst of all happy birthday Rob. Tell us how long you have been involved in the boating industry? Thanks Annette, it’s quite a mile stone but it’s amazing how quickly it’s come about. Although our family grew up around boats, Ros and I only really got into the industry on a commercial basis 10 years ago when we bought Camden Haven Marine. Prior to that I had been working in the motorcycle industry which I guess is related in some ways.

a lot of accessories, you know sounders, trolling motors, oars, trailer parts. Heaps of stuff really. We usually have 20 to 25 boat packages in stock, new and used. When we bought the business 10 years ago I think it had about 3 or 4 small tinnies here – so it‘s grown quite a bit.

Your 10th birthday celebrations are happening on the 20th of October. What deals will you have in store and can you tell us a bit about what will be happening on the day? We have some special prices on What has been the the Suzuki portable motors, most enjoyable part to mark 10 years we’ve a ve ha e W of your job? Ha Ha, got 10% off, so you beautiful black that when ever you mention can save around $250 bow rider there 000 we are taking $5 y, you own a boat shop, on a 15HP motor. All off just for the da um people assume you’re our accessories will nk di so we’re fair in semi retirement, but be less 10% as well, g rin ea cl t abou it couldn’t be further including the Ocean stock.” from the truth. Like all Kayaks in store. On top of small businesses it’s a lot of that all STACER boats will hard work. But it does have be marked down. We have a it’s perks. The best part is taking a beautiful black bow Rider there that customer out on the water in their new boat we are taking $5000 off just for the day, so for the first time – it’s always a blast to see the we’re fair dinkum about clearing some stock. smile on their face. It will never be cheaper.

“

Camden Haven Marine have all your boating needs covered, can you tell us a bit about your store and how it’s grown in the last 10 years? We try to keep a good inventory of popular accessories and parts. I guess you learn what items you need to cover over the years. Basically we stock a full range of Suzuki outboard parts as a Suzuki dealer, but we also carry a good range of parts for other brands as well, especially over the summer months. Also we stock 78

greater port macquarie focus focus.

The weather is definitely in the boating enthusiast favour, what’s the best thing about getting out on the water? Do you know what, I reckon the best thing about boating is that you can do it as a family, and all ages can enjoy it. A lot of people don’t realise how cheap it can be, you can have a 3.5 m tinnie with a 15HP on the water for around $6000. And it’s dead easy! That, and there really is no better place to forget about the weekday stresses of work.

Whether you are looking for a fishing workhorse “ordesigned a weekend family pleasure craft, all our boats are with versatility and practicality in mind. ”

Formosa Boats. Established in Brisbane since 1998, Formosa has slowly been building a reputation through word of mouth as one of Australia’s best-designed and versatile range of aluminium boats.

Based on the popular Tomahawk hull, the hull

Whether you are looking for a fishing workhorse or a weekend family pleasure craft, all our boats are designed with versatility and practicality in mind. Each boat has the same engineering specifications, so you can be assured that our famous strength qualities are present in each hull, regardless of the size or model, while our spacious layout and freeboard allows you to have the best of both worlds without compromise! In 2011, Formosa Marine evolved the Classic range even further, with a new hull release called the MK3 Classic.

water performance, comfort and practicality,

now features a host of new standard features, including a reverse chine hull, fastback transom and raised sheer line. This new hull not only offers improved on it also demonstrates that Formosa Marine as a company is always moving forward through product innovation. There are many reasons why our customers choose to buy a Formosa. Whether it be for the smooth ride, design, price or build quality, to name a few; everyone is different, and with the boating season well and truly underway, why not pop into Camden Haven Marine and see Rob and the team and get yourself a great deal today.

Quality built for ultimate performance. AUSTRALIAN OWNED & BUILDING BOATS SINCE 1998

formosamarineboats.com.au greater port macquarie focus 79

focusinterview. The Zonta Club of Port Macquarie demonstrates that a small group of women can make a big difference to people’s lives. Chrissy Jones chatted with Lesley Tomasulo to find out what good work they do, both locally and internationally.

Z ON TA C LU B. hat is the Zonta Club? Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organisation of executives and professionals who seek to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at global and local levels through service and advocacy. Zonta was first founded in Australia in the 1960s and Clubs have spread in keeping with the growth of Zonta around the world. Australia is home now to three Zonta International Districts. Together, they represent around 2,300 members in over 100 Zonta Clubs that are spread right across all states and territories. Where does the Zonta name come from, and what does it mean? The origin of the word ‘Zonta’ is derived from a Lakhota word, a language of the Native-American Sioux peoples, meaning honest and trustworthy. It was adopted to symbolise the combined qualities of honesty and trust, inspiration and ability to work together for service and world understanding. How many members worldwide are there in Zonta? There are more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 63 countries and geographic areas. Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta's mission and objectives. The current International President, Lynn J McKenzie, is from District 16, Wellington, New Zealand. Zonta International supports many projects. Tell us more... Projects in 46 countries have provided scholarships and awards to women around the globe, and Zonta International has been a powerful advocate for change in our local and international communities, thereby transforming the world and women's place in it. Worldwide, 70% of the 1.3 billion poor are women. Zonta International is committed to expanding women's access to skills training and income generating activities that lead to sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. To this end, Zonta has supported programs that increase women's access to financial resources and generate higher wages through the establishment of all-female micro-credit programs, technical skills training and improved techniques in the production and marketing of goods. What does Zonta International aim to do? Zonta International helps women overcome gender barriers to careers in traditionally male-dominated fields through the Amelia Earhart Fellowships and Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarships. Gender inequality in education, however, 80 greater port macquarie focus.

(not so) secret women's business...

ti t d 93 million illi children h begins much earlier in lif life. Of an estimated not in school, 48.4 million are girls. During the 2012 - 2014 Biennium, two projects are being supported by the Zonta International Service Fund. The Liberia Fistula Program is being funded with US$1,000,000 to United Nations Population Fund and aims to prevent the occurrence of obstetric and traumatic fistula and a reduction in the use of harmful, traditional obstetric practices. The second project is the Elimination of New Pediatric HIV Infection and Prevention and Response to Survivors of Domestic and Gender Based Violence in Rwanda, which Zonta’s major is being funded with US$1,000,000 to fundraiser, the United Nations Children's Fund. Port 2012 Craft Expo t When did the Port Macquarie Club in jo a , ie ar qu Mac tary form? cover. venture with Ro quarie, ac M rt The Zonta Club of Port Macquarie This is a not for profit community event, Po of Club e Port Inc was chartered in 1995 and meets and all funds raised go to the Zonta Club of will be held at th course Macquarie Race ber.” on the 1st Tuesday of the month for an Port Macquarie and the Rotary Club of Port on Sat 24 Novem informal dinner. The current President is Macquarie's local and club service projects. Lesley Tomasulo, owner of the Immersion The major beneficiary from this year's event will Tea House in Wauchope. Lesley has been a again be the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service – a member of Zonta for over 8 years. The Zonta Club community owned and operated search and rescue of Port Macquarie Inc was the proud host club for the District service covering the Hunter, Mid North Coast, New England and 24 Conference, held in Port Macquarie in October 2011. North West regions of New South Wales. Tell us about the Port Macquarie Zonta Club. What do Each year the helicopter service performs over 1,200 they do? missions, rescuing people from accident scenes and transporting In 2011, the Club, with just 20 members, raised nearly critically ill patients from small, rural hospitals such as Port $8,000 for both local and international causes. The Club is Macquarie Base Hospital to large tertiary hospitals, including proud to support local women entering tertiary education, John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. The service is provided offering 4 scholarships in 2012, ranging from $500 to $2,000. free of charge for over 1 million people, covering a region of As well as donating to our overseas programs, Zonta Port 132,000 square kilometres. Macquarie is assisting women locally, by supplying breast The entry fee to Craft Expo will be $5, with children admitted cushions for ladies who have undergone breast cancer surgery, free. Come along and attend a workshop, buy quality items for and donating funds and goods to the Woman’s Refuge and friends or family or a unique Christmas gift, or perhaps treat other worthwhile causes. yourself! If you would like to exhibit at the Craft Expo, or would What are some of the fundraisers coming up? like further information, visit the website at www.craftexpo.org The Club will be hosting a number of events over the coming Zonta offers scholarships. How can readers find out about months, including a member drive High Tea at the Immersion those? Teahouse in Wauchope on Saturday, October 6, and a Girls’ The Zonta Port Macquarie 2013 Scholarship program has Night In function at a member’s private residence in Port just been launched, with application forms and information Macquarie on October 26, to raise funds for breast cancer. available on the website: www.zontadistrict24.org Zonta’s major fundraiser, the 2012 Craft Expo Port Follow the links to Area 3, Port Macquarie. Macquarie, is a joint venture with the Rotary Club of Port If you are interested in attending one of Zonta’s upcoming Macquarie Inc. It will be held at the Port Macquarie Racecourse events, wish to find out more about Zonta or are interested on the Oxley Highway, on Saturday 24 November, 11am - 5pm in joining the Club, please contact Lesley Tomasulo on and Sunday 25 November, 9.30am - 3pm. There will be over 50 0409 441 416. quality craft stalls, workshops and children’s activities, all under Thanks Lesley.

“

K Y L E A N D JAC K I E O TA K E T H E B I G D R O P

School in the Cloud. The Digital Transformation of St. Columba Anglican School. 2012 has been a big year for St. Columba Anglican School. In January, the school hired an eLearning Leader from Melbourne, Matt Richards, to lead the process of bringing the school into the 21st century with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The changes in the school have been exponential.

The Summer Is Here. Port Macquarie Seadoo has lots of stock in and ready for the summer season of watersports.

quality and has warranty back up, just in case there are any problems.

Now is also the time to get your PWC in for a service or check Get into Port Our range of products over, ready for the summer Macquarie y da include over 100 season. It’s always best to find to oo Sead t lifejackets in stock for any problems before you get to and check it ou for yourself. Gift PWC, wakeboarding and the water or away on holidays. uchers are also vo waterskiing from Seadoo We also have ski poles, travel available. and Jet Pilot, wakeboards covers, sand anchors and and waterskis from Liquid detailing kits all in stock for your Force and Masterline, towable Seadoo Watercraft; these make some tubes from masterline, waterski and great gift ideas for Christmas too. PWC gloves, ski ropes and handles, neoprene So get into Port Macquarie Seadoo today and ski shorts and Jet Pilot clothing. check it out for yourself. Gift vouchers are also All our stock is sold with the confidence of

available.

Macbooks and iPads are utilised in the primary school to facilitate ICT integration into key learning areas. Students in the secondary school are not limited to one type of device. They can bring any device to school they like to enhance their learning (as long as it can access the internet and keep a charge all day). The school now has Optus 100Mbps fibre internet and a state of the art school wide WiFi array. The school recently hosted a meeting of all Highly Accomplished ICT Educators from the Mid North Coast as a part of the PLANE initiative. This group comprised teachers from public, Catholic and Independent schools. PLANE (Pathways for Learning Anywhere Anytime – a Network for Educators) is a statewide initiative aimed at upskilling teachers for contemporary learning with educational technologies.

Acquiring state of the art technologies and networks is just the first step for SCAS. “Technology is just the tool. It’s what technology allows us to do and learn that is really exciting,” said Matt, who is now working with teachers on developing Superclasses for 2013 and beyond. Superclasses are dynamic, flexible and rich learning environments where technology is ubiquitous. “SCAS is preparing its students for the modern workforce. Schooling must match technological advancements and provide students every opportunity to connect and innovate with the modern networked world. “The digital transformation of SCAS could not have occurred without the vision, courage and support of the school’s leadership team – in particular, the Principal Mr. Terry Muldoon,” said Matt. “The independent school system affords a freedom of action that has enabled us to innovate and make the most of emerging technologies.”

greater port macquarie focus 81

Legal Talks with Jeremy Brigden.

House with no Steps. Since 1962, House with No Steps has been one of the leading organisations providing support for people with a disability and mental health in NSW, QLD and the ACT. We provide support to 3,300 people across 160 locations. HWNS does more than offer a service - we help people take positive control over their own lives, lives where they are valued contributors to their community. The main services we currently provide in the Mid North Coast are:Specialist supported accommodation, respite and community based support packages. We empower people to plan for and achieve their goals and determine their own life choices. We work in partnership with people with a disability and their family and carers, to help achieve their personal potential and lead a full life within their community. Person centred approach:- This is all about

82 greater port macquarie focus.

focusing on the individual's hopes, goals and dreams, promoting community inclusion and generally helping people to live their life better. Individual funding packages are being gradually introduced and are now available for some support services in NSW. Everyone is different and requires different levels and types of support in their life. Individual funding allows you to design your own support services truly customised to your needs and preferences. Each year hundreds of individuals donate their time, skills and energy towards making a difference to the lives of people with a disability. You can make a difference too! We are always looking for passionate and enthusiastic individuals to participate in a wide variety of activities including assisting with special events, providing companionship to someone with a disability or helping in our offices or businesses.

The recent Federal Court case of PVYW Comcare (No 2) [2012] FCA 395 puts a whole new spin on the concept of compensation for injuries sustained “on the job”. The case involved an appeal by an injured employee against a decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) not to award damages for injuries sustained in a hotel room. The AAT said the appellant was not injured “in the course of her employment”.

a glass light fitting, located above her bed, fell resulting in injuries to her face and head. What makes this case interesting is that the glass light fitting fell in the midst of a lawful sexual encounter between PVYW and a male acquaintance. I should point t ur Co l ra de out that this “encounter” Fe The of appeal ruled in was not at the request of on the favour of PVWY,juries her employer. in

“

basis that the uring were suffered “dterlude an interval or in all period between an over k” or episode of wor

The appellant, a female public service employee known as PVWY, was required to travel to country areas as part of her duties. On one such journey she was injured when

The Federal Court on appeal ruled in favour of PVWY, on the basis that that the injuries were suffered “during an interval or interlude between an overall period or episode of work”.

Was she on the job? Sufficiently so, according to the Federal Court, and it followed that she was awarded compensation for injuries sustained in the course of her employment.

focusbusiness. with the Port ort Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

minding your

Who’s afraid of the clouds?

Hadyn Oriti.

Cloud C Clou Cl lou oud d co ccomputing com omputing simply me means having programs and data remotely stored and accessed ac over the internet. Most people already use cloud computing each day and don’t even know it. Some examples are: internet banking, Gmail, iTunes, Hotmail, Facebook, eBay and any secure login on the internet. It has nothing whatsoever to do with trumpet-bearing cherubs and is nothing to be afraid of! Cloud accounting is touted as ‘the most important change in accounting since the PC’. Some people are embracing cloud accounting, some will wait for it to happen, and others will wonder what happened! It delivers efficiencies to small business that was previously only available to large enterprises. The most powerful benefit of working in the cloud is accessing information anytime, anywhere. All you need is an internet connection. Benefits include: reduced costs; ease of access; sharing of information; improved business performance; and superior disaster recovery. Knowing that information will never be lost permanently is the endgame benefit of online accounting. Strong security measures are a core, built-in component of online accounting systems. Encryption the same as that used for internet banking, enterprise-level firewalls and more, plus the fact that you control who has access to your data combine to mitigate the risk. Cloud Accounting is appealing to all small and medium businesses, because it allows them to ‘scale out’ their technology. They can become more flexible and grow, without added overhead costs. Talk to local cloud accounting specialist Jan Clogg, to find out more. Jan specialises in XERO and MYOB.

“Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country,” said President John F. Kennedy at his inauguration in 1961. hose words called to a us have the ability to contribute in generation of Americans some way to how our community who had already works. The contributions people sacrificed tremendously make are varied – from Rotary, to during the Second Meals on Wheels, helping at women’s World War, the Korean War and who refuges, to caring for and feeding the were then entering the cold war and homeless. The unifying theme of all Vietnam War. Anyone who hears community organisations is the notion those words is jolted to lift one’s sight of attending to the needs of others. I beyond self and to think of others. salute all of those who contribute in Recently, Port Macquarie farewelled this way. one of its much loved sons. The Chamber of Commerce is a Norm Morgan was the community organisation that senior partner in works to improve the local a local law firm business environment. and through Its success depends his career, on the commitment, Membership of the Chamber touched energy, and be allows people to ant many. dedication of heard on importg the But the many people. The matters affectin .” ity reason people who freely un comm I wanted contribute their to raise his time and energy to passing is not our board, the business because he was a awards, the industrial lawyer who helped many sub-committee, the HBEN in the community. That, he certainly advisory panel and on the Chamber’s did. Rather, it was his voluntary numerous other activities are contributions to the community responsible for ensuring the Chamber through the surf lifesaving movement is a vibrant, engaged organisation and to public education that lives on representing the views of business. for many. Norm was a volunteer who, The efforts of all of these people over his lifetime, made the world all help make this town a wonderful the better for it. He asked what he place to live and raise a family. could do for his community and in As the voice of local business, doing so, has been a role model to our credibility depends on our others. membership and how representative Norm’s contributions got me we really are. So my call is for thinking. He is not unique. All of all business people in the Port

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Macquarie-Hastings region to consider becoming a member of our organisation. Times are tough. Money is always tight, and it may seem that paying membership dues of the Chamber are a ‘discretionary spend’ that can be cut without any harm. That view is understandable. So it is up to me and our board to give business people a value proposition that makes sense. Membership of the Chamber allows people to be heard on important matters affecting the community. Members are consulted on issues and their views heard. They have access to services and assistance. Matters are raised on behalf of members with all levels of government. Members have access to information affecting their business and networking opportunities. Being involved in community organisations has its own rewards. Lifting your sights from the day to day of your own business and looking at the broader business environment gives you a better understanding of the forces at work in your community. Having strategic input to our growth as a community and being able to influence local decision making strikes me as a pretty good reason to get involved. I ask all businesses, small or large, to roll up your sleeves and get involved in our Chamber. How about it? Contact Lisa McPherson on 6583 4412 today. greater port macquarie focus 83

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U P D AT E

estellegough.

President’s Annual Report 2012

A new working bee van, and 64 new volunteer members, were highlights of the past year. We have seen big leaps forward, rather than a series of smaller steps as in previous years.

ur growth can be attributed to Kennedy Drive and Yarranabee Creek. This project our increasingly high profile in the is introducing us to the benefits of using machinery community and our sites ‘speaking like forestry mowers and excavators. Because for themselves’ as fine examples we work in partnership with Council, we were of our urban Landcare work. happy to see the change to a ‘Planting indigenous Absalom, Rushcutter, Lilypond and the Kinny’s species in public areas’ Council policy. Already Timber Ridge project are just some of the green Council has removed some Liriope (which has corridors we care for and make available to the become a weed in bushland Reserves, and has community for recreation. Enjoyed by humans no place in any garden). Reserves such as Central and wildlife alike, they show what Road are showing improvement after work by volunteering can achieve with the Council’s ‘in house’ bush regeneration support of government and teams, while at Blair Reserve the the private sector. This year Parks and Gardens team have This year we we had more volunteers done a great job enhancing the e or had m ly al formally trained in the use bike jumps. Another bonus is rm fo rs ee nt volu e of chemicals, chain saw, Council’s changeover to mowers trained in the usain polesaw and pruning. that disperse the spoil out the of chemicals, ch d saw, polesaw an This is in line with what back, instead of ending up in pruning.” Council requires, for us to the Reserves as a weed problem. continue our volunteering on To spread knowledge about their Reserves. Our Community weeds, Port Macquarie Landcare Nursery, where volunteers produce published our Weed Wackers Manuals in thousands of native plant seedlings, 2012. The manuals are gaining credibility in the enjoyed another successful year. It is run on a broader environmental community, being used as business footing and generates a small surplus, appendices to submissions by Landcare groups and which is fortunate, as we have to pay the fees being requested by Bush Regenerators. They are for training members. We also have to purchase also at the library for loan, and on our website at Personal Protective Equipment, such as highwww.landcareportmac.com.au visibility shirts and gloves, as well as the tools we Our affiliated groups, ACES and Port Underwater need for 180 members. No wonder we are feeling Research Group, are still going strong. PURG has the strain financially, although we are always been successful in winning grants for their work seeking sources of funds to cover these costs. exploring and recording the amazing undersea We are taking on 14 new sites, with world just off our beaches. PURG is spreading this Environmental Trust work in the two catchments knowledge about life underwater through signage, of Wrights Creek and Yarranabee. Work has lectures and their website at www.purg.com.au already started on Timber Ridge, Pacific Drive, which is well worth a visit.

Port Macquarie Landcare President sident

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*Prices are per person twin share, in Australian dollars and subject to availability. Guided holiday must be paid in full 70 days prior to departure. Prices are correct as at 20 September 2012 and are subject to change without notice. Single supplement is available. ^Airfare listed is based on Etihad Airways / Virgin Australia Europe Earlybird Special to London, is per person return economy. Full air payment (incl. taxes) must be made within 4 days of reservations or by 24 Dec 2012, whichever is earlier. †Must be booked and paid in full by 27 December 2012 to qualify for early payment discount, this is applicable to land only portion, subject to availability and change without notice. Conditions apply. For full inclusions and terms & conditions, contact Flight Centre Settlement City. 12219TTSL

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Tile Power TILE POWER PORT MACQUARIE TILE AND BATHROOM RENOVATIONS â€“ With over 40 yearsâ€™ experience, Tile Power specialises in delivering complete bathroom renovation packages, from the initial design consultation, through to after sales services. Tile Power Port Macquarie will work closely with you to design and create your ideal bathroom, ensuring that all work, from quote to clean-up, is completed on time, and on budget. Tile Power Port Macquarie displays a large range of exclusive product from all over the world, including porcelain, ceramic, Italian timber look, natural stone, glass and stackstone. Tile Power Port Macquarie are also a part of the BIGA+ plumbing buying group, offering you an extensive range of tapware, toilets, baths, vanities, laundry tubs and even the kitchen sink. Tile Power Port Macquarie offer the following services: tile laying, waterpoofing, concrete grinding/polishing, undertile heating, tiling tools, adhesives, free pricing and advice. Mention this advert to receive an extra 10% off our already competitive prices.

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life is part of what’s made ANZ Money magazine’s Home Lender of the Year in 2012. Pauline Bryant Nicole Parnell Branch Manager Branch Manager ANZ Port Macquarie-Oxley ANZ Port Macquarie 02 6581 0103 02 6584 6361 Pauline.Bryant@anz.com Nicole.Parnell@anz.com

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M i ni at ure Ra i lway

A miniature railway track at Yippin Creek Reserve on the outskirts of Wauchope, built by the Hastings Valley Miniature Railway Society to run scale passenger carrying trains on, is now open to the public. Chrissy Jones caught up with Mark Stoker to find out more ... ell us about your group, Mark ... The society is a not for profit group with a common interest in railways. Our hobby involves the many facets of running the railway, the club social activities and the building of the miniature trains. You are open to the public, when ...? On the second Saturday of each month the railway is open to the public to take train rides. Anyone who can sit on a carriage is able to ride. The youngest passenger has been 2 years old, and the oldest I know of was 94 years young. Small children under 6 years need an adult to ride with them, and for safety reasons, all passengers need to be wearing covered shoes. Suitable clothes to ride behind a steam train are advised, as it is real steam and smoke that comes from the locomotive chimney. Yippin Creek Reserve is a great location. Why was this spot chosen, and what was the process to get it up and running? We chose Yippin Creek Reserve for many reasons, but mostly because it has been under utilised in the past and is the ideal location for our activities, as it already has picnic shelters and amenities, grassed areas and tall trees for shade. Families can picnic while watching the trains and having rides. Most parents enjoy it so much, it is more common to see the kids getting tired and dragging the parents away! The track had to leave its original location two years ago and after consultation with Council and Wauchope Lions, the Reserve at Yippin Creek was selected as a suitable location. It has good parking, picnic facilities, toilets and shady trees, everything we needed. Although a lovely park, usage has been low for many years since Lions first built it. The landscape makes it difficult for other community uses, so the marriage of the railway with the location has been a best use solution. Once preliminary approval was given to

the concept, consideration had to be given meet the AALS codes and rules. It is not to the laws governing use of the public just a replica, but must actually work like park, the impact on neighbours and the the real train. existing users of the park. Two years has The Society is affiliated to the been spent preparing plans and reports Australian Association of Live to obtain permissions, the DA and lease. Steamers. What does this entail? The neighbours were consulted before the The AALS regulates the hobby through application was made. its codes and two independent standing Council, representing the community committees, one for the steam boiler as a whole, required certain provisions be codes and another for safe working of made to ensure the park’s existing usage tracks and carriages. The affiliation has 85 wasn’t adversely affected. This clubs throughout the country. was all incorporated into the Our club is over 10 years old DA in order to develop a with about 25 members, good plan. We found aged between 12 and everyone concerned 90. On the secof nd to be very helpful. A lot of work been Saturday o the Council staff, and done. Who was each monthp,en for railway is oto take we have been involved? the public Anyone assisted by a large Our members . train rides t on a number, have have put in over si n ca o wh le to been very helpful 800 hours on site carriage is ab with suggestions to lay the track. We have a ride.” and generous with could not have done it their time. without the assistance of During this time, the many people; they have been entire track and all its equipment very supportive. There is a long list of was dismantled, stripped back, supporters at the station platform. reconditioned and repainted in preparation Who can join your group? for the new site. Approval was granted Anyone interested in trains and in December, but insurance and legals, having fun is welcome. There is a small and then the rain, held up actual work subscription each year, and we expect commencing until new year. The soft, members to help with the upkeep of the rain soaked ground held up Jeff from reserve, track and equipment. We are Mid North Coast Tree Services and the a club with members of various talents, consulting arborist John Kennedy from and it is the mix and cooperation that doing the tree pruning and removing some makes it fun and satisfying. Be warned old stumps and unsafe trees until early though, once you have driven a steam February. locomotive, in the words of one member: The trains look fantastic – just like the “It’s addictive”. real thing, only smaller. Do they run If you think you may be interested, the same? come to the next running day, talk to a They sure do. The trains are scale member, get a member information pack, working models of actual steam and attend some activities. locomotives. Each is powerful enough to We start at 10am and finish at 2pm, the pull a set of carriages with both children second Saturday of each month. The track and adult passengers. The locomotives is on the corner of Yippen Creek Road and are built by the club members in home Beechwood Road at Wauchope. Turn at workshops; it takes about 1,000 man the showground heading for the racetrack, hours to build each loco and can take and look for the steam plume and listen many years of spare time to complete. for the train whistle! The specifications are exacting and must Thanks Mark.

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greater port macquarie focus 87

Firstly, congratulations to the ‘New Team’ of Councillors, led by Mayor Peter Besseling. May all your decisions be made for the good of the area. he community in general have waited a long time to have an honest, reliable, up front Council for our wonderful area ... don’t let us

down!

The number of people at the funeral of NORM MORGAN last month really showed how many lives he touched and the high esteem in which he was held by the community. “I had three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship”. Treasured friend and mentor to many … sadly missed. CARERS OF THE HASTINGS … YOUR TREAT AT THE GLASSHOUSE! Carers of the Hastings are going to be treated to a relaxing, fun day at the Glasshouse on Tuesday 16 October 2012, 9am to 2.30pm. FREE morning tea and lunch. Workshops include drumming, pampering, legal sessions and health and nutrition and lucky door prizes. This is an opportunity for you to be nurtured, pampered and ‘fussed over’. Information is available through Support Services. LIMITED PLACES – REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL – 1800 052 222. This lovely gesture is brought to you by Port MacquarieHasting Council, Glasshouse, Mission Australia, Carers NSW, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, Alzheimers Australia and

88 greater port macquarie focus.

Department of Veterans Affairs. NOT A ‘PRETTY PICTURE’ ... A lady rang the other day and asked me to print her experience buying a camera in Port Macquarie. Whilst strolling through a fairly large camera store in Port, she saw the camera that fitted all her requirements. After a discussion with the salesperson, she decided to purchase the camera. Several weeks later, she was in another ‘smaller’ camera shop and saw exactly the same camera for $126 less than what she had paid. Horrified, she went back to the original shop she bought the camera and showed them the brochure indicating the cheaper retail price of the item. To the credit of the store, they refunded her the $126, and she was happy. Her moral of the story is BIG is not always cheaper. FASHION PARADE BY C.W.A.GIRLS – ALL WELCOME A fun afternoon will be held on Saturday 27 October 2012 at Tennyson House, (St Agnes Village) off Ocean Drive. A fashion parade by Red Cent, a sumptuous afternoon tea by the CWA ladies, a ‘pink’ elephant table, jewellery by Beads with Beauty and music by Three’s Company will make for a great afternoon, with all money going to local charities. Tickets are $5 and available at door. I will be MC for the afternoon and look forward to seeing you there.

Robyn Butler.

Clothes will be available for purchase on the day. POLICE CARE AND KINDNESS A day of family discovery and goodwill developed into a day of tragedy. Sorry, I always seem to be talking about my family … here I go again.

arrived. She rang and kept me in touch at all times and was just delightful in her manner and care. It stressed the importance of being more aware of our elderly neighbours’ welfare and to be watchful of their comings and goings in a caring manner.

To the wonderful Police at Taree, in particular Senior Constable Lisa Pritchard, for calling on my dad’s cousin in Cundletown, after he didn’t arrive at the doughnut to show Dad his detailed findings on their family tree.

We understand he had a fall and lay there for some time, but died peacefully in hospital that night from complications. He was 84. Thank you, Lisa and your patrol partner, for your humility and care in this delicate matter.

To cut a long story short, after much deliberation I called the Port Police to see if there had been any accidents, as my uncle was hours overdue at our meeting place. None reported, so we waited a little longer and kept ringing his home (he didn’t have a mobile). I then rang Taree Police, and they went out immediately and found him on the front verandah with papers in one hand and a cake for me in the other. Senior Constable Pritchard rang me and said the ambos had taken him to hospital, and she did her best for him until they

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY to ‘JOE THE FRUIT WHISPERER’ of Growers Market fame. You often see Joe leaning over a trolley sorting out fruit in his leather apron, whistling away or having a ‘yarn’ to the customers. Enjoy your special day, Joe, in late October! Hope they make you a ‘BIG FRUIT CAKE’. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FEMALE SOLICITOR AND A FEMALE BARRISTER? THE FEMALE BARRISTER HAS BRIEFS! Keep smiling, Robbie x

focusinterview.

Chris Spencer Selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum in January 2013, Chris is anticipating the experience will expand his understanding of particle physics and cosmology. He shares his enthusiasm for learning and science!

i Chris. Please tell us a as well as an exercise in which I had to bit about yourself … critically and scientifically analyse a report I’m in Year 11 at and an exercise to demonstrate my ability MacKillop Senior College. to understand and follow procedures. I’m interested in music, How competitive was achieving and sport, particularly Rugby League. selection, and how does it make you I play League for the Port Macquarie feel that you’re one of a small number Sharks. I enjoy running and hanging out of students selected nationally to take with friends. part? What fields of science are you The selection was incredibly competitive, particularly interested in – and what is and the calibre of some of the other it about these topics that inspires you? students I met who were unsuccessful I’m inspired by particle physics and in their application really makes me cosmology, but enjoy researching appreciate how much of a privilege a wide range of sciences. this opportunity is. My source of inspiration You’ll be visiting comes from the Canberra in January nature of the logic 2013 with is F The NYS g, in rm fo in behind the scientific other students t ou ab understanding who’ve made it inspiring and ents to challenging studtential of the chemistry through. What achieve their pothe and physics of the activities are you and to considerworking universe and its expecting to be of ns implicatio nt re ffe direct implications for involved with in di in with e.” human advancement. Canberra? avenues of scienc What exactly is your We’ll be staying on understanding of the campus at ANU for National Youth Science 12 days in January. The Forum (NYSF) – what is the aim of experience will be an amazing the forum, and how does it work in opportunity to collaborate with students practical terms? who have an equal enthusiasm for The NYSF is about informing, inspiring science and to meet some of the brilliant and challenging students to achieve their and inspiring science minds within the potential and to consider the implications Australian science community. In particular, of working within different avenues of we have been told that session A will science. Over the course of the forum, involve a live web conference with CERN we visit labs working within our chosen in Geneva, Switzerland – the organisation area of interest, as well as meeting many who discovered the Higgs Boson! prominent practising scientists. I expect that the NYSF will help me What processes did you have to go expand my own understanding of my through to be selected as one of the fields of interest and provide and inform students taking part in the forum? me of new and exciting pathways for There was an initial interview here study and work in the science community. in Port, which was informal. The more What organisations/individuals were formal selection interviews were held in instrumental in allowing you to take Kempsey, where a series of activities were part in the NYSF – and do you have set up to identify my ability to contribute anything you’d like to say to them in to the forum. The stations included an acknowledgement of their support? 8 minute presentation in which I spoke My science coordinator, Phil Lloyd, and about electromagnetic induction and last year’s participant, Cameron Smith, transformers (no, not the giant robots!) have been very supportive in giving advice

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and helping me organise my application for the NYSF. Rotary member Ian Last has also played a big part in my selection, being involved throughout the interview process and keeping in contact throughout the few months. The Rotary organisation of Australia has been instrumental in the running of this event for me and all past and future students. They were responsible for the selection process of the Forum, and the Port Macquarie club has been amazingly supportive in sponsoring me for this opportunity. I look forward to being a good representative of the club and organisation as a part of the forum, and I hope to be able to contribute to the Rotary in the future as a thank you for the support they have shown me. This the fourth year in a row that a student from MacKillop has been selected to attend the NYSF. This is obviously a great reflection on the science program at the college ... What are some of the things you’ve learned at MacKillop that you feel will stand you in good stead if you pursue a future career in science? MacKillop has provided me with an amazing education so far in my studies. The culture of learning is incredibly helpful in driving and inspiring success for me and other students in our future aspirations. The science program at the college is extensive, and the teachers do an amazing job in expressing their knowledge of their subject areas. Any idea of what you’d like to do after you graduate, or are you still considering all of your options? No options are off the table yet, with obviously my academic success in the next year being imperative to the options I will have available to me to study. I am considering studying Advanced Science, hopefully at ANU in Canberra, with a major in Physics and completing a PhD in Particle physics, but I’m still considering other avenues, such as medicine. Thanks Chris. Interview by Jo Atkins.

$79.95

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It’s never too late to learn a new skill, or upgrade an old one, and the University of the Third Age

Improve

(U3A) encourages people to do just that! Bessie Jennings teaches a course called ‘Improve your Writing’, and she’s very excited that one of her students, Maggie Jones, is now a published author! Maggie’s book, The Lost Child, will be launched on October 20. Bessie and Maggie both have some excellent advice to offer other budding writers ...

BESSIE JENNINGS

i Bessie. Last time we spoke, it was about your poetry and published works. Now you’re teaching at U3A – how did this come about? Jo, I love the idea of U3A. It’s not like a real university, where you have to pass exams and write assignments. It’s a learning exchange program for retired and semi-retired adults − a place to learn or teach anything of interest, from line-dancing to psychology. I’ve always enjoyed learning, and in my young adult life I enjoyed teaching children. So when U3A first started in Port Macquarie about eight years ago, I was one of the first to join. I was actively involved in the Bush Poetry scene, both writing and performing, so I was keen to share my pet hobby. What exactly are you teaching? I run a course called ‘Improve your Writing’. At the beginning, I called my course ‘Poetry for Fun’. Then I met a lady in her fifties who had just learned to read and write and who was keen to record her life story for her grandchildren. So I changed from focusing on poetry and ran a group called ‘Beginning Writers’. Gradually, the members became more skilled, and they’re no longer just beginners. Some are writing their memoirs; some are entering writing competitions. Some are writing great fiction stories − including Maggie Jones, who has now had her first novel accepted by a commercial publisher. What skills do you hope your students will take away from your classes? First, I encourage people to begin by writing just whatever comes into their heads and not worry about grammar or spelling − realising that they can go back later and fix up the rough bits. Next, I ask them to aim for clarity and to leave out unnecessary words. Reduce, reduce, reduce! It’s usually the short sentence with a

90 greater port macquarie focus.

‘pac a punch’ − not the long strong verb that ‘packs flower sentence with fl owery phrases, padded out with unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. Also, beginnings are important. Let your story (or article or poem) begin with something that excites the reader’s curiosity. If people find your heading and first line fascinating or intriguing, they’ll read on. And, just as beginnings are important, ‘middles’ and endings need attention too. When we read or hear each other’s work, we learn by experience what ‘works’ and maintains interest to the end. Finally, be prepared to rewrite, revise and rewrite. In our group, we assist each other to improve our work by giving each other positive and critical feedback. We acknowledge and praise the strengths of someone’s work, before challenging its weaknesses. What advice do you have for aspiring writers who’d like to see their work published? Definitely join a writers’ group − either the Fellowship of Australian Writers or some other group, where fellow writers share their experience and skills. Next, be prepared to send your work to more than one publisher and to send it many times. Expect lots of rejections. If your ‘baby’ is returned with a polite rejection comment like, “We don’t require this kind of work at the moment”, believe it. The editor is not trying to squirm out of saying, “Your work is rubbish”. Some excellent and award-winning books have been rejected many times, before being accepted for publication. Your first dozen rejections may happen simply because the timing wasn’t right for that particular book or play or article. Where can people find out more information about the classes you teach? Contact U3A through the website www. pmhu3a.org.au/, or contact me personally by email on befrank@tsn.cc

Thanks Bessie. MAGGIE JONES Hi Maggie. Why did you decide to study at U3A? Why did I decide to study at U3A … I think the organisation is a wonderful way to keep my mind active and also a way to meet intelligent people of my own generation. I was particularly interested in the writing group, because I have been writing for thirty years – it is one of my favourite hobbies. I love putting words together and expressing myself and sharing my work with our group. What’s something you’ve learned through your studies that has proven to be particularly valuable? What I’ve found most valuable from being part of Bessie’s class is that I have learned to give all of my attention to what I am hearing and to communicate my opinions on the other participants’ work in an encouraging and helpful way. How many of us really know how to listen to other people? Having to participate in the group and give feedback to our fellow writers is a skill I wish I had learned when I was much younger! The encouraging feedback I got from the group gave me the confidence to take my writing to the next level, by putting it ‘out there’. I was lucky to have my work accepted by the first publisher I sent it to. I was successful partly because I chose the right publisher for my type of work. My book is about an issue that has had a lot of publicity through the years, but particularly recently through the film Oranges and Sunshine. I began writing my story twenty years ago, as a result of watching a documentary called The Leaving of Liverpool and felt the issue needed more exposure. My writing skills were not good enough back then to try to get my work published. I am happy to say, because of my experience with the U3A Writing group, it is

now in print. Yes, you’ve received some exciting news, with a book you’ve written being accepted by a publisher. What’s the book called – and what’s the story about? Yes, I am very pleased to have had my story accepted for publication. As I mentioned, I began writing it twenty years ago. I wrote the first draft in a hurry, then put it away for many years. The trouble is, my character wouldn’t let me forget about her … she kept nagging at me to do something with her. So, I took my story to the U3A writing group and got encouraging feedback from my peers. The book is called The Lost Child. It is both a heart-rending and a heart-warming story of a Scottish woman whose child was taken from her and shipped to Australia as a child migrant. It is a look at the psychological consequences of her loss – and the maturing of a young Australian girl who decides to help Rosie find her lost child. You plan to launch the book later this month. When and where will the launch be held? The Lost Child, author Margaret A Jones book launch is on: Saturday 20 October, from 2pm – 4pm. The launch is by invitation only, but interested people can contact me on my mobile (number below) if they’d like to attend. Books will be sold for a discounted price at the launch. Where will be people be able to source a copy of your book if they can’t make it to the launch? Ginninderra Press has details of my book on its website. Google them and go into the fiction section, then scroll down to Margaret A Jones and follow the ordering procedure. Or, you can call me, and I can arrange to sell anyone interested a signed copy: 0434 081 924. Thanks Maggie. Interviews by Jo Atkins.

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Ask Greg Hanging out with celebrities literally is a typical day for Sam Dalton. irst off, how did you get into abseiling? I was fortunate enough to have a fantastic upbringing, consisting mostly of hiking, horesriding, canoeing and abseiling. After over a decade of professional adventure guiding, it was an easy transition across to industrial abseiling. I guess IÕm one of the lucky people who have managed to combine their lifeÕs passion with career.

You recently abseiled Kyle and Jackie O from the roof of the Novotel in Sydney. How did that come about? Several years ago, I moonlighted as a rope access technician with an outÞt known as Advanced Solutions Group (ASG) based in Sydney. With my own roots obviously in Port Macquarie, I expressed an interest in establishing and heading up a division of ASG to service the Mid North Coast area. ASG is a solutions based company offering a suite of specialist high risk services and technical access solutions. Boasting major contracts with many of AustraliaÕs premier organisations, I guess weÕve always been on the radar of several big brand names, including Red Bull and more recently, the Kyle and Jackie O Amazing Race. We had about 17 of our people on the ground looking after the likes of Brian McFadden, George from Packed to the Rafters and other celebs off Home and Away. It was unreal and went off to a tee! We hear Kyle was a bit of a chicken, but Jackie O plucked up the courage to abseil down? So true. Apparently Jackie O is renowned as being terriÞed of heights and even piked when she had to climb into the cab of a semi on last yearÕs Amazing Race! After a couple of attempts, Kyle pulled the pin and somehow managed to convince Jackie to complete the challenge. While I safeguarded Jackie Ôon ropeÕ, my colleague, Nick from ASG, abseiled down beside her to complete the challenge. She nailed it! Kyle is a bit of a love him or hate him kind of guy. How did you find him? Actually, he is a lovely bloke and not exactly what I expected. HeÕs quite funny, albeit he was very nervous perched on the edge of an 8 storey

Q drop! What training do you have to undertake to be able to abseil celebrities off high-rises? ThereÕs obviously no substitute for experience, but my background in adventure training, Þre rescue, rope access and as an industrial and emergency instructor has given me a pretty solid grounding in all things rope and rescue. My 3½ year old daughter, Isla, now has her own climbing wall at home and converted to natural rock features in the last 4 - 5 months, so I get to practice my hard skills almost daily! We hear you have done a fair bit of travelling with your skill set? I travel weekly and am currently training and operating between Gympie, Sydney and west to Perth. I completed my 7th training deployment to the Middle East last February and will continue to travel on the odd occasion as Senior Rescue Instructor for ResQ Training International. IÕm gradually getting closer to home and with the help of my awesome team, expect to spend even more time at home with my 3 beautiful girls in the not too distant future.

Greg Trembath answers wers stions. your real estate questions.

What do I do if my property is not selling?

a problem that needs attention? Try to focus your future marketing on your propertyÕs strengths and the positive things people have said about A: The Þrst thing you should do is talk your place. to your agent. It is important to have a frank Have a critical look at your presentation. and open discussion, so you can identify what is Presentation is paramount Ð make sure your stopping your property from selling. property is suitably prepared. Go for a walk The issue is likely to be one of three things: around your neighbourhood and ask yourself, price, presentation or marketing approach. Take ÒHow do we compare with our an open mind into the process of neighbours?Ó Remember, your buyer reviewing your sales campaign needs to be sufÞciently impressed and be prepared to make some from the street, to want to walk changes. To keep going Your buyer through your front door. exactly the same way is needs to be There is a ÔSelling TipsÕ section tly en ci unlikely to improve your suffi from d se es on my website that contains pr im chances for selling. reet, to want st e th some useful and effective tips. Reassess your pricing to walk througorh. Visit www.gregtrembath.com. position and compare your your front do au/selling/selling-tips and review price point to the prices the information at your leisure achieved for comparable Ð hopefully there will be an idea or properties that have sold in recent suggestion that helps your property sell. weeks. Set your price as competitive as possible. Assess the effectiveness of your marketing campaign. Perhaps the group you assumed would be your target market is not the one you should be focusing on (and you know what people say about people who assume Ð they make an ÔassÕ out of you and me). Ask your agent for detailed feedback from the people who have inspected your property. Is there

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.

Speaking of training, that's your main focus now, tell us a bit about that and what you offer. The scope of my SPARTA operation is pretty broad now, and IÕve managed to surround myself in a group of people with very unique skill sets. Erin, Heidi and Mel run the ofÞce operations, while Don and Guy handle the emergency risk management training and consulting operations. DonÕs background in emergency services and GuyÕs experience in the special forces and ambulance service, as well as lead auditor and safety professional for some of AustraliaÕs biggest organisations makes them a formidable team. SPARTA Solutions has deÞnitely branched out from Safety Performance and Rope Technical Access Solutions to include industrial, medical and emergency training, consulting, conÞned space, height safety and rope access operations to equipment sales, service and hire.

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

brandon calder homes

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Photos by Matthew van Dijk from Iron and Clay Photography.

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Harbourside living ON SHOW An architectural ural masterpiece, masterpiece showcasing the visionary bu building talents of Brandon Calder Homes, is the FOCUS October Home of the Month. itting majestically at 41 Harbourside Crescent on North Harbour, the home is a standout in its surrounds. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of taking a look through this truly magnificent home ... Clearly a lot of planning has gone into this beautiful family home. Imagination is the key to the design and construction, with a feel for space and tranquility paramount. A combination of quality craftsmanship by Brandon Calder Homes and the imaginative, creative approach of King+Campbell Architects, and interior

designer, Michelle Burton of SMB Interior Design, brings us a fantastic example of contemporary architectural waterside living. From first look the property projects a modern, stylish image that has an interesting combination of angles, colours (all painting by AB Precision using Wattyl Paints), textures and product finishes, which is further testament to Brandon Calderâ€™s eye for finished detail and superior quality in all of his projects. continued over

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Modern functional architecture Being well positioned on North Harbour the home offers expansive water views across the wide bay area from every possible vantage point. The distinctive modern, textured exterior is a visual appetiser to what awaits the visitor to the property. Combining angled roof lines, a striking colour scheme, aluminium screening, auto-roller garage doors (supplied and installed by Mid Coast Door Services) and a glass roof above the entrance gate, the home is captivating from the onset. “The brief from Brandon and wife Karen was to create a family home which seamlessly blended all living areas and the indoors to the outdoors” said interior designer Michelle

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Burton. ”And it had to have ‘wow’ factor at every turn. Quite a challenging brief.” Earthy textured porcelain tiles from Tiles with Style - Color Tile, lead from the substantial entrance gate (supplied and installed by Muras Steel), through the landscaped front courtyard to the custom-joinery Laminex olive coloured entrance door. The door is flanked on one side by a vertical panel louvre window and is a brilliant contrast to the basalt and surfmist colouring of the textured concrete exterior walls.

Home office The new Brandon Calder Homes’ office is to the right of the entrance (INVISI-GARD security screen door supplied & installed by Coastal Screens & Glass ), where the Laminex

olive continues on the benches of the cabinetry with white overhead storage cupboards. The office floor is covered in commercial grade hard-wearing, scratch and stain resistant Havwoods walnut timber tongue & groove flooring. A ceiling fan and louvre panel windows keep the space comfortably ventilated. The office is a very functional space for Brandon and his associates to sit with clients, suppliers or sub-contractors to discuss projects. On entering the main home it evident that this is a very special tri-level residence with a light airy feeling. The Havwoods walnut flooring used in the office is evident throughout the whole of the ground floor, complemented with aluminium commercial skirting, offset with crisp white walls.

BRANDON CALDER HOMES

Guest est bedroom and en en-suite suite Once inside, to the right, is the luxurious guest bedroom boasting its own unimpeded views to the side courtyard, pool and spa with tantalising glimpses of the North Harbour waterway. A spacious room featuring roller blinds from Cullens Carpet & Blinds, a triple sliding opaque glass doored wardrobe and adjoining private en-suite. Blue feature tiles divide the shower from the WC. The vanity has an above-bench oval bowl handbasin and round wall mirror. Floor-to-ceiling white tiles and an opaque glass door opening out to the side landscaped area all add up to a stylish en-suite for guests.

Powder room and laundry Opposite the guest bedroom, across the impressive light filled hallway, is a powder room where the installation of feature lighting creates a surprising large feel for such a small

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space. The room also incorporates a large narrow vanity cupboard featuring an olive and earthy brown laminate detail with an above-bench bowl basin with flick-mixer and large mirror. The dark brown floor tiles of the adjoining laundry complement the rectangular tiles used on the exterior walkway and in all wet areas. Smart tile floor grates are also fitted. Wide Essa Stone bench tops match the laminate of the under bench cabinetry concealing the integrated Asko washer and dryer. A w white tiled splash-back, louvre lift-up overhead cabinets and s shelving are incorporated into the cabinetry alongside a deep, s stainless steel round bowl laundry sink. The control centre of the homeâ€™s integrated ducted vacuum s system is neatly tucked away behind double glass sliding d doors on the opposite wall. Floor-to-ceiling broom and ironing board cupboards complete the storage provided in the laundry and have an easy clean melamine surface.

Spacious lounge The wide entrance hallway leads you to a spacious lounge room that has a ceiling line divided by a bulkhead which opens to the first level above. Coastal Commercial Linings provided all the internal plaster work and Coast Reo the plasterboards throughout the home. Custom-built wall hung cabinetry neatly provides ample space for the surround-sound system and wide screen TV. Ducted air-conditioning along with louvre windows to allow for direction of the readily available cooling waterway breezes, add to a very comfortable living area overlooking the eastern courtyard. continued over

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Kitchen and dining room Stunning is the only word for the kitchen and dining room. Incorporating an indoor/ outdoor BBQ, it is definitely a one-of-a-kind and a true showpiece. Michelle Burton of SMB Interior Design provided the concept, all construction drawings and together with Karen, selection of colours, surfaces, materials and appliances. In Michelle’s recommendations environmentally friendly products were selected. Brandon and Karen’s brief to Michelle was to create a kitchen that didn’t look like a space just for cooking. Designer Living Kitchens manufactured and installed this truly impressive kitchen. The contemporary layout is ideal for entertaining and making full use of the great views of the northern aspect overlooking the picturesque canals. The kitchen incorporates

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only the best in SMEG applia appliances including Australia’s first white glass SMEG induction cook top. A SMEG range-hood, electric oven, microwave and a built-in coffee machine make this kitchen the envy of every cook. An integrated fridge/freezer is more than just somewhere to keep the family’s food fresh, it is also part of the furniture being encased in a timber laminate surround matching the other cabinetry and shelving throughout the home. Pull-out drawers are a handy addition in the large pantry which is alongside a concealed sliding appliance/bar unit. It’s neatly tucked away, but at the ready for entertaining. A large angled island bench divides the kitchen from the dining area and is another delightful part of the kitchen furniture. Not only is the SMEG dishwasher and double stainless steel sink placed in the island, it

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Harbourside living

also has an under-bench mirrored recess on the dining room side as a feature. Stylish panelling, to match the cabinetry laminate, is a decorative addition to the bench and mirrored-glass sliding covers conceal the sink. Down-lighting is installed in the overhead cupboards and soft-close drawers are found in the under-bench cabinetry. The LED lighting on the skirting kick panels, above the pantry, bar and in the island add a special ambience when cooking and entertaining in the evening. Harsh reflections from the North Harbour waterway have been reduced by the implementation of matt finishes to the primary surfaces: joinery, floors and all walls. An impressive one-piece 3mm porcelain tile slab

is the splash-back used behind the cooking and preparation bench-tops. Very stylish and anti-glare practical. A custom-made dining table, that has a generously sized Essa Stone bench-top from North Coast Marble and Granite, finishes off the kitchen/dining area perfectly. With the carefully selected designer high stools, the table is in perfect position providing both North Harbour and pool views as well as being placed adjacent to the indoor/outdoor BBQ area and within close proximity to the kitchen. Great for entertaining. Twin sets of glass sliding doors, supplied by Mid Coast Windows, section off the kitchen/ dining from the outdoor balcony. These along with glass/aluminium concertina doors on the

pool side of the home, all open to bring the outdoors indoors (or the indoors outdoors) creating a huge entertaining area both pool and harbourside. A glass frameless balustrade, supplied and installed by Muras Steel, provides safety while not impeding on the expansive views.

BBQ kitchen

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Twin sets of glass sliding doors, supplied by Mid Coast Windows, section off the kitchen/dining from the outdoor balcony.

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The indoor/outdoor BBQ kitchen stone bench, with matching stone splash-back, is fitted out with a bar fridge, gas wok cooktop and grill, twin motor range-hood and plenty of drawers which work well with the horizontal lines of the kitchen/dining space. An extra high kick-board is a further design element of the cabinetry. continued over

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BRANDON CALDER HOMES

Harbourside living

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‘His and hers’ robes are separated by an exquisite bathroom featuring a freestanding oval pearl-white quartz bath with matching above-bench basins.

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Pool ool and spa The family’s very own tropical oasis has been created surrounding the pool and spa, both having a waterline edge of blue glass mosaic tile. Waterfall features and LED coloured lighting are a stunning addition to the pool (installed by Country Swimming Pools with pumps, lighting and maintenance from Donna’s Pools & Spas) area creating a tranquil ambience at night. From the jetty the clear glass of the pool showcases the cascading water jets, bubbles and colours - a whole show in itself.

Master bedroom and en-suite The staircase to the first floor has semipolished tiled treads and risers and a glass frameless balustrade. Flanked by crisp white walls, the staircase is broken by a landing which gives the opportunity to capture views of the outdoor side courtyard and pool and take a close up look at the delightful glass bubble

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suppli by Maloney contemporary chandelier supplied Lighting. Left, at the top of the stairs is the master bedroom and master en-suite. A fantastic design in its own right. The glass walled twin shower features timber-look floor tiling to tie-in with the downstairs and is fitted with a linear Smart Tile grate. A recessed niche in the porcelain white wall tiles is handy for soaps and shampoo. An Abbey 3mm thick flat panel rain shower from Reece who supplied all tapware and bathroom fittings and fixtures, and a hand-held rail shower, give options when showering. All plumbing in this home was fitted and installed by Aquajack Plumbing. Hot and cold mixers, hard-wired towel warmer and an IXL designer exhaust fan with built-in lighting, add to the luxury of the master en-suite. ‘His and hers’ robes are separated by an exquisite bathroom featuring a freestanding oval

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pearl-white quartz bath ath with matching abovebench basins. Spanning across the feature blade walls is a suspended white vanity cabinet unit with drawers and paneled mirrors above. A frosted privacy screen conceals the WC, which has its own louvre window and harbour view.

Dressing room To the left of this impressive space is the carpeted dressing room which merges seamlessly with the master bathroom. The colour scheme of the dressing room cabinetry complements the en-suite. A clever feature is a built-in circular light and power point in the mirror above the dresser cabinet which has plenty of storage. A walk-around wardrobe system, supplied and installed by Wardrobe World, is revealed behind the dressing table wall. Across the room, concealed behind the bed

wall, is a spacious walk-around robe area. There is a generous triple-door wardrobe, which acts as a dividing wall for the master bedroom. Opaque glass sliding doors open to reveal plenty of hanging space as well as shelving. The master bedroom, like the rest of the home, has aluminium skirting and textured carpeting, down-lighting and ducted airconditioning. Suspended lighting, a ceiling fan, roller blinds and a wall-mounted TV are all included in this comfortable space. The expansive harbour views truly make this bedroom something special.

The ‘bridge’ and media room A frameless glass balustrade continues from the top of the staircase right along the first floor hallway leading to the remaining bedrooms belonging to the younger members of the family. The kids call this ‘the bridge’.

The two bedrooms are a mirror image of each other. Both are roomy and have built-in triple opaque glass fronted robes, textured carpeting, a large window with hinterland views, down-lighting and an ingenious stopsquare-to room ceiling fan. Each bedroom has its own en-suite comprising shower, WC and vanity with a round mirror. White floor-to-ceiling tiling and grey/brown floor tiles are contrasted with a bright green feature tile on the shower divider wall. The children’s bedroom is separated by a conveniently placed hall linen cupboard, opaque glass sliding doors open to plenty of storage shelving. Located at the end of the hallway is the

media room - a great challenge for DP Electrical. Just like stepping into a movie theatre the room is dark and welcoming and draped with black velvet curtains that effectively block out any light. Surround-sound speakers have been integrated into the walls on all sides and four comfortable leather elevated cinema chairs, complete with cup holders, are all in place ready for the films, programmes and games projected on the wall-mounted giant TV screen. High gloss dark Laminex cabinets house the audio and visual equipment, a ceiling mounted projector, sound-proofed walls and soft carpeting give a true cinema experience. continued over

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brandon calder homes

The ‘man cave’ The lowest level of this tri-level family home is ‘the man cave’: a boat garage and a games room separated by a divider wall. The boat-garage opens through concertina glass doors to a private boat ramp, (all concreting in the home by Holcim Concrete) and jetty. As well as safely storing the boat the garage also provides room for storage of all the other ‘toys’. A place to hang trophies and memorabilia, the wallmounted widescreen TV, surround-sound music system and pool table - the games room is a great spot to relax, unwind and enjoy a beer.

Sustainability built-in Even on such a large family home the use of sustainable, environmentally friendly products was in the initial planning,

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as it is in any Brandon Calder Home. The light coloured roof is a low solar absorption metal deck installed by East Coast Roofing with roof trusses from McNamara Frames & Trusses, with a photovoltaic 3kw solar power system. Under the metal roof is an R1.5 foil blanket and the ceiling has R3.0 insulation installed by Myhill Insulation using CSR Bradford products. All external walls (cladding by James Hardie) have the correctly BASIX rated sarking and 2.0 rating insulation. Louvre windows and fans make full use of any cooling breezes and all window glass is low E rated for solar control, providing effective insulation. Only LED lights have been used in this eco responsible home. All the cabinetry from Designer Living Kitchens had been specified to use Laminex EO board which is Green tag certified. The kitchen also uses gas and induction cooking -

both energy efficient. Underneath the front entrance is 5,000 litre underground water tank used for all the toilets, washing machine and outdoor taps. The sub level concrete slab adds the necessary thermal mass to help regulate the homes temperature all-year-round.

Low maintenance family home Purposely built for Brandon, his wife Karen and his young family, this home is easy maintenance with timber and tiled flooring in keeping with the modern architectural style of the overall design. The home is an absolute showpiece, blending the indoor/ outdoor living areas seamlessly while taking full advantage of the expansive water views and readily available breezes of the North Harbour waterway. By merging downstairs with upstairs and the interior and exterior by way of finishes;

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... the company is renovating “constantly and adding additions to existing properties as well as building architectural designed sustainable homes - throughout the MidNorth Coast.

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incorporating state-of-the-art h t fitti fittings and d fixtures t along l with ith the implementation of an organic colour palette, the result is a show home that is a stunning example of the high quality craftsmanship of Brandon Calder Homes.

About Brandon Calder Homes Brandon Calder is a highly respected master builder with amazing organisational skills. He is locally known as “quick quality Calder”. He and his team are renowned for building quickly without sacrificing quality.

Don’t substitute price for quality With many projects currently underway in the North Harbour area and with more in the Port Macquarie and surrounding areas, Brandon is different from most builders in the area. Brandon’s role is definitely hands on – he likes to be involved in a project from start to finish. Brandon said “We

never substitute price for quality.” This gives him a good standing with his team of expert tradesmen. Brandon has access to a network of fully qualified and licensed professionals - many of whom have been working with him and the company for over ten years. Brandon Calder Homes belong to the Master Builders Association - Australia’s largest building industry association - which gives everyone connected to the company the assurance to stay ahead of the forever challenging changes in the residential building industry. Having lived in Port Macquarie for 30 years, Brandon has formed strong trade and supplier associations and has an extensive knowledge of the building industry within this region. He has been responsible for up to 80% of all new construc-

tion within North Harbour, priding himself on superior build quality and a close working relationship with both owners and tradespeople – this he considers is the key to his success. While many of Brandon Calder Homes beautiful waterfront homes can be seen on the canals of the North Harbour in Port Macquarie the company is constantly renovating and adding additions to existing properties as well as building architectural designed sustainable homes - throughout the Mid-North Coast. Brandon Calder Homes has also constructed a number of residential developments in the Hastings region, including single and two storey clusters of villas and townhouses. continued over

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BRANDON CALDER HOMES

The client – number one

From The Architects – King+Campbell

One of the main priorities at Brandon Calder Homes is the necessity to establish a good working relationship with all clients from the very beginning of a project and to acknowledge that clients are the most important aspect of the business. “It’s very important to get to know each client’s lifestyle to ensure that the home they have in mind is actually going to meet their requirements,” said Brandon. “There are many lifestyle options to take into consideration, that’s why we recommend utilising the skills of our interior designer to add the finishing details to the building plans. It’s also just as important to make sure we stick to the clients’ budget. And timing. I am proud of our company’s commitment to the quoting process - easy to understand and clients are left in no doubt as to what is included. Nothing hidden.”

Brandon and Karen Calder engaged King+Campbell to produce a piece of architecture that would enhance their family’s waterfront living experience and express a very contemporary building aesthetic. The house enjoys a wonderful site that opens out to the north with an expansive waterfront connection while it tapers to a narrower street aspect to the south. The client was keen to incorporate some of their previous waterfront experiences and refine those in such a way to reduced them to a practical pattern of living that such a waterfront site encourages. That is, to blur the edges between a traditional covered outdoor space, kitchen and terrace in such a way that unifies these spaces into one. The primary concept of the design is to essentially `float’ a solid form over a transparent living space and embraces the internal courtyard as an outdoor room. To achieve this

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a structural steel frame was incorporated to enable high performance glazing to take the place of walls below and to maximise views to the water. The solid form houses the master bedroom `retreat’. In addition to the strong architectural language, the floating form extends beyond the transparent living level to provide sun shading in the summer months. The deeply recessed `Ned Kelly’ windows of the upper level also provide the advantage of self-shading. Privacy has been enhanced by an internal courtyard flanked by a lap pool that runs the length of the side boundary. This provides the family with a connection to the water throughout the depth of the site. The pool also promotes dappled and reflected day light to shimmer throughout the house. To the street side an upper level roof terrace, complete with an open fire and chimney enables the Calder family to visually connect with the street, the waterfront and the pool

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brandon calder homes

Michelle Burton

from an elevated position. A lost urban housing experience is the connection to the street and with your neighbours and the roof top terrace seeks to bring back that good age-old connection to your neighbourhood. A further advantage afforded by this terrace is a place for the kids and their friends to `hang out’ at the opposite end of the house and immediately off the media room and bedroom. Numerous environmental design features have been incorporated to best utilize the site and microclimate, with windows positioned to best utilize cross ventilation and stack ventilation within the home, especially for those steamy hot days. Outdoor living spaces have been created which offer refuge from the different climatic conditions, the internal courtyard offer refuge from the north-easterly winds, and the hot summer north and west sun. The northern terrace and connection with the home and waterfront encourages outdoor living all year round. The King+Campbell architecture team found the Calder family project to be a very rewarding design experience and are very pleased with the home. We are also left with some `resortstyle living’ envy now that the family has moved in. At King+Campbell we offer Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Town Planning and Surveying services.

The good thing about Port Macquarie from an interior designer’s point of view ... When Michelle Burton decided to move herself and her interior design business from Sydney to Port Macquarie, friends and colleagues questioned the wisdom of the move. Especially as Michelle was the 2011/12 Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year (KBDI) and her services were in demand from Sydney and Melbourne clients. But this year was her year of change and she has been determined to make the most of the move to the Mid North Coast. “It’s been fantastic.” said Michelle. “Since setting up my design studio in lovely Lake Cathie at the beginning of 2012

it has been non-stop. I have met some great new clients and suppliers and have worked on a whole variety of projects. The proximity of suppliers and trades means the interior design process is refreshingly quicker. People like Julie Borger from Color Tile with Style and Damon from Designer Living Kitchens and Sandra from Reece - to mention just a few - make my job so much easier and enjoyable.” As to the variety of her interior design services, one of the projects that she has worked on is Brandon Calder’s (custom home builder) and his stunning new 5 bedroom private home on the canals. “The Brandon Calder home was a great example of a client allowing SMB to co-ordinate every aspect of the design process, both interior and exterior. It was fantastic working with Karen and Brandon on their family home” said Michelle. “Having been contacted the day I arrived back in Australia, I had just returned from the Eurocucina Design Fair in Italy (it’s Europe’s biggest kitchen and bathroom show), I was bursting with inspiration. The timing was perfect.” King+Campbell, the architects on the project, provided a great foundation for me to work from. They were very receptive to my design input and were a pleasure to deal with. That is another good thing about living in the Hastings / Port Macquarie area - people are genuinely friendlier and more helpful. I guess it must be less city stress.” In addition, Michelle has also enjoyed working on other local projects such as acting as a design consultant for Pycon Constructions; a bed and breakfast in Lake Innes; additions and alterations in Dunbogan; varied colour consultations in Port Macquarie as well as two major projects in Sydney - one commercial and the other a new home. “I have recently bought a delightful 1960s shack in Lake Cathie, which I am looking forward to creating a ‘shack to chic’ make-over.” enthuses Michelle. She obviously loves the Hastings. Since moving to the area Michelle and her partner G have been living by the beach in Lake Cathie. They have made many

new friends, even played a game of bowls wls at the local bowling club - apparently G was surprisingly good. Originally from New Orleans Michelle studied interior design in Los Angeles (UCLA) and finished her design qualifications in Sydney. Michelle is principal designer of her own company establishing SMB Interior Design in 1998. She recently won the prestigious 2011/12 Australian Bathroom Designer of the Year judged by her peers through the Kitchen & Bathroom Design Institute (KBDI). She has also won awards for her kitchen designs in previous years and was invited to be this year’s judge for the national awards. You can see Michelle’s portfolio and range of design services, on her website www.smbinteriordesign.com.au Photos by Matthew van Dijk from Iron and Clay Photography.

the plug!

brandon calder homes The best way to see more of Brandon’s work is to view his website, www.brandoncalderhomes.com.au. Have a browse and then ‘talk to the builder’ to discuss your building needs. Phone: 0403 348 288 Email: info@brandoncalderhomes.com.au

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EATHER RECRUITMENT HASTINGS

Sports Peter Grob from the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and Darren Eather from Eather Recruitment are pleased to announce that the Eather Recruitment Hastings Sports Awards Presentation Breakfast will be held at Rydges on October 26... hat is the aim of the Eather Recruitment Hastings Sports Awards? Peter Grob: For Rotary Sunrise members, it is very important to encourage the community to get involved in recognising local sporting heroes, of all ages, including the ‘quiet achievers’ and ‘unsung heroes’. The Hastings Sports Awards also support local charities with any proceeds from the Sports Awards, which provides much needed assistance to organisations such as the Hastings Special Olympics, ACES, MS Society, Women’s and Children’s refuge and the local soup kitchen, who all received a contribution in 2011. The Hastings Sports Awards were created thirteen years ago to encourage greater participation by young people in local sport, and that is why at our Awards presentation we acknowledge every nominee by presenting them with a certificate of achievement on the day. Darren Eather: We at Eather are passionate about promotion of local and regional sport. We believe sport brings people together and promotes community spirit. In particular, sport provides young people with a healthy activity which creates a bond among team members, competitors and the broader community. Who have been some of the worthy recipients from previous year’s awards? Previous Sportsperson of the Year recipients: 2011 – (did not run last year due to change of date from March to October 2012 and to bring on board a new major sponsor); 2010 – Lauren Kitchen; 2009 – James Magnussen; 2008 – Tim Berkel; 2007 – Ryley Batt; 2006 – Karina Nowlan; 2005 – Damian King; 2004 Damian King; 2003 – Damian King; 2002 – Jacob Groth; 2001 – Pete Murray; 2000 – Ben Reece; 1999 – Daniel Ninness. What involvement do both Eather Recruitment and The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise Inc. have with the awards? Peter Grob: Sunrise Rotary has organised the last 13 yearly annual sports awards, and we donate all proceeds from the event to local charities. Eather Recruitment is the major sponsor who makes the Awards possible, along with our Rotary Sports Award Committee, which has worked tirelessly in gaining donations and organising all the logistics of the event. Nominations for the awards closed on September 30, 2012. What are the various categories nominations sought for, and what prize money/benefits are attached to each of these categories? Peter Grob: Each category winner receives a cash prize and trophy. All the nominators go into the draw to receive a $500 voucher from Harvey Norman. All nominees are presented a certificate at the Awards ceremony breakfast at Rydges on 26 October 2012. Please come along and show your support for this worthy cause! • Sportsperson of the year – $1,000 • Junior Sportsperson of the year U12 – $500

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The Hastings ere Sports Awards w s ar ye n created thirtee e greater ago to encourag young people participation by d that is why in local sport, an esentation we at our Awards prery nominee acknowledge ev em with a by presenting th evement certificate of achi on the day.”

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• Junior Sportsperson of the year U18 – $500 • All other categories – $250 • Junior Team • Senior Team • Sportsperson with a disability • Masters • Services to sport The winners of each of the categories will be announced at a Presentation Breakfast on Friday, October 26. What is the venue for the presentation, and what are the starting and finishing times of the event? Peter Grob: Rydges Port Macquarie (upstairs function room overlooking the picturesque Hastings River), 6.30am for a 7am start. All Awards will be presented by 8.30am, and those who would like to stay for the raffle draw can. The morning will be wrapped up by 9am, so everyone can head off to work. Apart from presentation of the Awards, what else will happen at the breakfast? Will there be a guest speaker? Peter Grob: The breakfast will be hosted by Mike Rabbitt from NBN, and we are very fortunate to have retired Australian Cricketer Gary Cosier, who represented Australia in 18 tests between 1975 and 1979. Gary was the 7th Australian player to score a century on debut against the West Indies at the MCG. He was elected Vice Captain of Australia in 1978 and scored more than 5,000 first class runs. Gary was not only an exceptional batsman, but also achieved 75 wickets and 83 catches for Australia. Gary played with the best, including Ian and Greg Chappell, Denis Lillee, Jeff Thompson, Doug Walters and Rod March and played against some of the best cricketers the world has seen. We are looking forward to hearing the insights from a man who has competed and worked at the highest levels of sport in Australia. Who are the major sponsors of the Hastings Sports Awards this year? Peter Grobb: Eather Recruitment, Port Macquarie News, NBN, Stihl Shop Port Macquarie, Jobfind, Donovan Oates Hannaford, Laing and Simmons Port Macquarie, Essential Energy, Tilepower, Care and Mobility. We are also currently selling raffle tickets to help raise proceeds for the Awards Breakfast function − Major prize: return tickets for 2 – Port Macquarie/Sydney/Port Macquarie courtesy of Qantaslink, with overnight accommodation package at Langham Hotel, Kent Street, Sydney. Other prizes: donated by Observatory Resort Port Macquarie, Childish Photography, Macquarie Waters, The Corner, Tonic Beauty Therapy, Stunned Mullet, Zebu – Rydges Port Macquarie, Spinnakers Restaurant – Sails Resort, The Fat Fish Bistro – Bonny Hills, Cassegrain Wines, Thai Orchid Restaurant.

Darren Eather has also donated a signed photograph of James Magnussen, which will be raffled separately and will also be drawn at the presentation breakfast. Raffle drawn on 26 October at the Awards Breakfast. Raffle tickets can be purchased prior to the presentation breakfast from Eather Recruitment, corner of Buller and Hollingsworth Streets. Why would you encourage individuals/groups to both become involved with sponsoring the awards in future, or attend the Presentation Breakfast on October 26? Peter Grob: By supporting the 2012 Eather Recruitment Hastings Sports Awards, local businesses are demonstrating their commitment to our community, they are helping promote and recognise the achievements of local sportspeople and volunteers and are also helping to support local charities, as all proceeds are donated back to those organisations that support our community. People who nominate a sporting hero have the opportunity to win a $500 Harvey Norman voucher, while all nominees gain free entry to the presentation breakfast, including a sit down breakfast overlooking the lovely Hastings River. (Teams who are nominated received 2 free entry tickets). We are also encouraging people in our community who love sport to come along, to spend their morning congratulating all the nominees and winners. Darren Eather: As far as sponsorship goes, I can highly recommend it – not only does it make you feel good to support the local community, but we are also supporting the much needed recognition and providing a financial boost to all people involved in sport, making Port Macquarie a great place to live, work and play! How much do tickets to the breakfast cost, and where can they be purchased? Peter Grob: Tickets to the breakfast cost $25, which includes a full breakfast of hot and cold treats. Tickets can be purchased several ways: call Joy Raisborough from Sunrise Rotary on 6581 5531 or email: joy@portit.com.au Go online − it is quick and simple: http://www.sunrise-rotary.org.au and click on Sports Awards, or drop in to Eather Recruitment and Darren, Ivana and the team will help you with any enquires. Thanks Darren and Peter. Interviews by Jo Atkins. Main photo depicts members of the Hastings Sports Awards organising committee and the Eather Recruitment team.

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focusinterview.

R I S I N G S TA R L A N C E DE L A FORC E G R EW U P I N P O RT M AC Q UA R I E A N D H A S S I N C E BEEN MAKING HIS MARK ON THE M E L B O U R N E AC T I N G S C E N E . S OM EON E W HO’S NOT A F R A I D T O TA K E R I S K S , B I G T H I N G S ARE ON THE HORIZON FOR THIS TA L E N T E D A C T O R . . .

i Lance. Where did you grow up and go to school? I was born and bred in Port Macquarie, and now I look back on this and think how very lucky and fortunate I was to grow up in such a beautiful and chilled (at the time) place. I went to Hastings Primary and Port Macquarie High School. Was it at school that you developed an interest in acting and drama, or did that come later? No, not really. I think I took drama one year, ’cause I thought it may be fun and a bit of a bludge ... I was wrong about it being a bludge! But I always studied art, have drawn and been a bit arty my whole life. That's what I wanted to be ... a fine artist. So it definitely came later – and totally out of the blue. What were some of the acting projects you were involved with while you were still based in the Hastings area? I worked in television for some years beforehand, but more in the production and presenting side of things. Then after some time off, my agent at the time basically pushed me to take the role alongside Kat Stewart in Dungoona. That was the first project in the area, then there was a short film not long after that, then more recently a film called Crash Crash Burn, directed by Elise Reader. You mentioned your role in Dungoona, which I know you were very excited about at the time. Was this film kind of a turning point for you in terms of your acting career? Absolutely! Reuben Fields was an amazing director, then to have a ‘simulated love scene’ alongside the AMAZING Kat Stewart was just icing on the cake. She taught me so much on that gig, such as disconnecting and finding the character. She really looked after me. And it's ‘6 degrees of separation’ in this industry, because I've worked alongside Kat again I think 3 or 4 times, and we often joke about our ‘drunken pash’! Also, being an MTV and Optus180 winner has made a huge difference when getting work and management. Like a lot of actors, you decided to move to the city to further your career. Why did you ultimately choose

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Melbourne, over Sydney? What’s on the drawing board for you at the moment – Well, I had already done the Sydney thing when I was anything fantastic happening, or about to happen? studying, then working on Sunrise and Foxtel, and after getting I have another movie coming up next year − an American back from Europe, I knew it was time for a change. And since production where I play a Blues singer. Lots of prep! It also there was still hype with the films I was in, I thought, “Why involves being based back in Sydney for an amount of time, not Melbourne?” There was a great foundation down there for which is great, because I'll have a chance to come home more most Aussie drama at that time. often. My family are amazing and super supportive, and Was the move a good one career-wise? How yet always keep me grounded. has it helped you with your acting goals? I've filmed a bunch this year and then Definitely career based. I flew in only one other TV gig last year, that should be knowing two people and with the released in 2013 … just shows you the I recently bags of clothes and money I had. It turnaround time in movies and television! played a real a helped me dramatically. I researched Plus, things are always popping up. It's a life murderer in icide – Melbourne hometting new management, as my agent had great feeling! that was great. G urself relocated back to the USA with her Any plans to aim for Hollywood to totally lose yo ite business, then only a few months or the overseas market in the near qu be n in a role ca afterwards, I auditioned and got a role future? What’s your ultimate career ” ... rare on Neighbours. Then the gigs started goal? rolling in. People ask me this all the time. You know, What’s been the most exciting acting gig I haven't thought a great deal about it. I'm you’ve been involved with – and why did you heading there next year to NYC to do a workshop. enjoy it so much? My original agent [Nikole Hunter-Weber] is over there and Wow, that's a hard one! I recently played a real life murderer wants me to come over. I trust her instincts − always have. I in a Melbourne homicide − that was great. Researching the owe A LOT to Nikole. guy … listening to the emergency calls for the victim … the How often do you get to come back and visit all your Police briefs. Getting to totally lose yourself in a role can be friends and family in the Hastings area … is there quite rare; plus, being a ‘country boy’, I enjoyed the firing the anything about ‘home’ that you particularly miss? gun scenes. I come back whenever I get the chance − sometimes just Then there were other gigs where I got to work with people for a few days and sometimes for a couple of weeks. It just I’d watched and admired for years, like Miranda Otto, Cyndi depends on the ol' schedule! I'm usually always working in Lauper, Meatloaf, Essie Davis, Rachael Taylor and of course, the blocks (chunks). Neighbours cast (laugh). There have been so many − I am very, I have the most amazing family. I definitely miss Mum, as very lucky! anyone does, but without my family, I wouldn't be where I am Also, my agent wormed me in as a featured extra on the today. They have always supported me and yet always never Kath and Kim movie, and that was a total trip working with let me forget who I am at heart. Plus, the friends I have here those girls. I even got my own “look at me” at the catering are just awesome. Most of us have spent almost all our lives table at lunch one day! together. They never let me get too carried away (laughs), but Hanging out then spending time with Cyndi Lauper was seem be to super proud of what I’m accomplishing. Mind you, definitely a highlight. Hey − I'm a child of the ’80s! most of them don't even watch my work ... but then again, I It was amazing going to the Logies and having people say, don’t often have time to either, really! Thanks Lance. Interview by Jo Atkins. “Hey, I know you”!

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GOLLEDGE

David Golledge shares the vision beind Harleys for Humanity (H4H), with the organisation set to hold its amazing annual Turkey Run from 26 - 28 October.

ow and why did you transit from being a Prison Officer in the Riot Squad to raising money on Harleys? I had been a fairly aggressive person in my younger days, and working in a specialist riot squad for the Corrective Services suited me at that time and period of my life. I worked with a bunch of guys who were very tough, very disciplined, and we knew how to train hard and play hard. But after about 8 years in the Corrective Services, I became disillusioned with where and what I had become, so I resigned. I struggled with life and eventually came to a decision that I needed to change my life. I needed to do something for someone else and the community. How has Harleys 4 Humanity evolved? I was driving home from work one afternoon, and this idea hit me like an epiphany. I had a Harley, and a few mates had Harleys, so why not do something like ride our bikes and raise funds for charity? The original Harleys for Helicopters was created in 2001. In 2010, Harleys for Helicopters changed to Harleys for Humanity into its own incorporated body, to raise funds for other charities as well. How much money have you raised to date, and who has benefited from these funds? I think to date we have raised around $700,000 in funds, which has mainly gone to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in the Hunter and New England areas ... Although, now we are our own incorporated body and can decide who we donate money to. In 2012 we are donating to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in the Hunter and New England regions and McMaugh Gardens Hostel in Uralla. The hostel can do with some more money, and we are looking forward to helping them out. If there is one thing that chokes me up, it is people who need help, defenceless people and children. That is why I wear the tattoo on my back that says: “When Injustice Becomes Law, Resistance Becomes Duty”.

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Tell us about your annual Turkey Run? The Turkey Run is a ride that celebrates a great mate who died. The ride leaves Newcastle on a Friday morning at 10am and gets into Uralla about 4.30pm in the afternoon. There is a lot of lead up work all year long, with heaps of raffle tickets sold, heaps of days on the road chasing sponsors, getting things right. Why is Uralla your destination choice? Uralla was the only choice. My mate, Sandy Philp, grew up there; it was his town. Sandy had been to Sturgis in America for the biggest bike rally in the world. I wanted to bring Sandy home to his little town and the best little bike rally in NSW. Uralla also had Scotty Cox, the best bike builder in the world. I was determined to make this event a success for Sandy and to celebrate the person I believe to be the best of the best, Scotty Cox. Scotty has been a huge supporter of the Turkey Run from day one. He has made or built the Top Bike trophy for our bike show every year. I was fortunate to win the inaugural Top Bike trophy. To bring Sandy’s memory home and to win that trophy .... well, life didn’t get much better for me at that time. What are the attendance numbers for the Turkey Run, and describe the atmosphere during the event? We have over 450 riders and pillion passengers come to Uralla for this event each year, and it just grows. You have some people decide not come for whatever reason, but more seem to want to come. I believe it is because there is no BS at this show – just good, honest people who want to have fun. The atmosphere is electric; you cannot imagine the buzz you get riding into Uralla at 4.30pm on the Friday afternoon, to be greeted by men, women and children waving their arms and yelling out from the outskirts of town right into the main street and down to the bowling club. It makes you teary, and the hair on the back of your neck stands up. I love it; it is what makes me do it year after year. This event puts approximately $300,000 into

Uralla over the Turkey Run weekend. It is the single biggest event that Uralla has in any one year. How can one support H4H? Anyone can support and be involved with H4H or the Turkey Run. You don’t have to ride a Harley; you can ride any style of bike. This group is about people and doing something for the community – to leave a legacy that you can be proud of. I want business to support this event; I want mums and dads to bring their kids to this event. I want to open up the town of Uralla so that people see this as a great destination ride or drive. When is your next big event? My next big event, mmmm ... it’s going to be a huge custom car, custom bike, street bike and mini truck show in the main street of Wallsend in Newcastle on 7 April 2013. We are just going to shut down the main street of Wallsend and do it. I will be working with the Wallsend Festival Committee to put on a real cracker of a show. I had been asked numerous times to do a show in Newcastle, but just couldn’t get the right place. Then it hit me after talking to Ray Bowles (my good mate) about it, and the idea hit us that Wallsend had so many characteristics like Uralla to hold an event, that it was a done deal. Already the sponsors are lining up to be involved in this event. Who could you have not done this without? In the beginning, in the early years, I could not have done this without Mike Hadfield; he was tremendous. I have received massive support from my 5 major sponsors, who have been there from day one. They are: Gregg Carson – Gregg Carson Design – a magician in graphic design. He has designed each and every shirt, logo, banner, cap, our website and anything that has H4H in it, on it, or around it. He coined the phrase: “We need to protect the brand, your brand, H4H”.

Greg Tapp Printing – prints our flyers, posters and business cards. Brad Want from Hi Vis at Carrington has been the man behind getting all our coloured banners and decals and poster holders and the like. Hi Vis are also just about to fully wrap our Transit Van in our logos and sponsors’ logos; that van will look hot! Fraser Motorcycles have been supporting us with merchandise and cash and bikes at reduced costs for raffle prizes, such as Harley Davidsons, since the beginning. Panthers World of Entertainment in Newcastle has been there from the beginning, donating thousands of dollars each year. The cheques just turn up at the right time. I really need to say thank you to Tom O’Connor the General Manager of Uralla Council; his support, along with Uralla Council’s, has been great. And Leanne Cooper and Bev Stubberfield from Thunderbolt’s Festival; they work very hard for us in their community. I need to say a huge thank you to the team of people behind me that make up H4H Inc – who make me look good all the time: Ray and Pauline Bowles, Helen and Paul Duggan, Matt Hall, Rick and Irene Balkema, Barry Golledge, Neil Reed, Tracey Wolter, John and Kathy Quinton, Graham and Sue Jones, Michael and Kerrie Kearney, Keryn Barnett, Lou Lewis, Dave Smith, Steve Feeley, Jeff and Gaye Lawrence; you can all take a bow. And last but not least is my wife, Leanne, who keeps me grounded when I get too ahead of myself with exciting ideas for fundraising. All of these people are the real workers. I get the good job talking to sponsors and organising, but these guys do the hard work; without them behind me, this group would not succeed. I guess all I can say is thank you with all of my heart to each and every person who attends the Turkey Run and makes it such a great event year after year. Thanks David.

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