Port Macquarie Focus - i84

Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Rally Champions

November 2012 // issue 84

EMMA VARGA

KOKODA TRACK

THE VILLAGE SINGERS

Emma's creative career as a glass artist and her dedication to her craft will be on display at the 2012 Ranamok Glass Prize at the Glasshouse from 23 Nov.

The challenges of walking the Track brought home the realities to a local family of the rigours faced by all who served in PNG during WWII.

Boasting an amazing repertoire of songs, a local community musical group is bringing smiles to audiences through its concerts.

editor's note.

IN THE THEATRE DAVID SCHEEL: DON’T SHOOT ME I’M JUST THE PIANO PLAYER This show has sold out in the West End and at three consecutive Edinburgh Festivals – David Scheel is regarded as one of the finest solo musical comedy performers in the world.

Monday 5 November, 11am

Tickets: $24.50 Adult, $22.50 Groups 6+ ALSO ON THIS NOVEMBER: Enigma Quartet (7 November), Elvis by Request (10 November), Joe Robinson (16 November).

IN THE GALLERY

editor.

from the

MICHAEL RILEY: SELECTIONS FROM THE

jay beaumont.

CLOUD SERIES The late Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Michael Riley is one of the most important Indigenous artists of the past two decades. This exhibition has been presented in conjunction with Bangarra Dance Theatre’s of earth & sky in the Glasshouse Theatre.

On view until 9 December

Welcome to the November issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. t’s hard to believe this year is almost coming to an end, which means it’s time to start planning for Christmas. We have compiled a great ‘Shop Local’ feature, with some great ideas on gifts for the festive season from local businesses around the region. Any added support you can give your local retailers is always much appreciated. Keeping it local means more money stays in our community.

I

We’ve dedicated our cover this month to our latest local producer of all things of liquid awesomeness, Black Duck Brewery.

Congratulations to Alistair and Kate on the opening of the new brewery. Black Duck joins the highly acclaimed Little Brewing Company, producing our own locally brewed beers that we can be proud of.

TASTINGS ON HASTINGS What an amazing day! A big congratulations to everyone involved, including Sonia Fingleton for her vision, Port Macquarie Tourism, who really got behind the event, and Simon Luke from the Sundowner for putting on the sound stage, which added to the great atmosphere on the day. Well over 10,000 people enjoyed the local food, freshly brewed coffee and a few cold beverages at the new location, hosted on the Town Green waterfront.

contacts.

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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.

The inaugural FOCUS Spaghetti Eating Competition had spectators in awe with how fast some of the contestants could scoff down a bowl of spaghetti. Congratulations to our lucky winner, whose passion for spaghetti won him an Apple iPad. We hope to have the video online soon, so stay tuned ... A big thank you to all those who participated in our celebrity round: Mayor Peter Besseling, Rob Oakeshott MP, Cr Adam Roberts, Lou Perri, Anthony Abi Saab, Dane Alling, Karl McLean and ReggieD, our winner being ... Anthony! Well done!

Michael Riley, Untitled [locust]: cloud series, 2000, (detail), 106 x 150cm, image courtesy of The Michael Riley Foundation and Stills Gallery, Sydney.

SURVIVOR A universal, multi-faceted reflection upon human survival, loss and death by contemporary Indonesian-Australian artist Dadang Christanto.

On view until 2 December 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.

2012 RANAMOK GLASS PRIZE A showcase of Australia & New Zealand’s best glass art.

On view 23 November until 3 February 2013

Thanks to our sponsors Café 66 and Ricardoes Tomatoes for supporting the event. I personally was busy hosting the Essential Energy Cooking Demonstrations with Adam Liaw, Serge Dansereau and Eric Robinson, which was great fun to be a part of. Can’t wait ‘til next year.

Emma Varga, Day & Night, Pâte de verre glass elements sewn into organza, (detail), courtesy of the artist.

COFFEE MORNING WITH EMMA VARGA: GLASS ARTIST, RANAMOK GLASS PRIZE. Join us for an exclusive insight into the Ranamok works on show when glass artist and expert, Emma Varga presents a wonderful talk about her contribution to the exhibition.

Friday 30 November, 10am

FINAL SAY “I don’t drink these days. I am allergic to alcohol and narcotics. I break out in handcuffs.”

Robert Downey Jr.

Tickets: $5 Adult, $3 Friends of the Glasshouse

JUST AROUND THE CORNER OF EARTH & SKY Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s internationally acclaimed Indigenous performing arts company, in Port Macquarie for the very first time.

Saturday 1 December 8pm & Sunday 2 December, 2pm

Jay Be Beaumont eaum – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

Tickets: $59.90 Adult, $54.90 Conc, $41.90 U21/Student, $53.90 Groups 6+ Dancer: Leonard Mickelo, photographer: Jason Capobianco.

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont

A VERY GLASSHOUSE CHRISTMAS

jay@focusmag.com.au

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment

Don’t miss this joyful Christmas Morning Music concert, starring musical theatre professionals and the delightful Tacking Point Bel Canto children’s choir.

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.

Monday 3 December, 11am

michael@focusmag.com.au

Tickets: $24.50 adult, $22.50 groups 6+

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

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

See glasshouse.org.au for full event details

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones

WHAT’S ON @

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

Tickets $7.50

d ies an ur bab e fun o y in Bring rs for som . toddle ical classes mus 26

21 & 7, 12, ber v No em

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

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focusinterview.

4 AUSTRALIAN

WD

N CHEERS E L E H & BOADEN L E A H C I M

The thrill of rally driving has taken team mates Michael and Helen to new heights in their passion for the sport ... they share their excitement about their DREAM YEAR of success ...

F

or those who aren’t familiar notes work perfectly and you get to the end of with the sport, what is a stage and you know you couldn’t have gone involved? What are your any quicker. Also, the camaraderie with our roles in the team? fellow competitors is great.

Michael: Rallying is all How has the year gone for you so far – about completing each special what are the race highlights or obstacles stage in the shortest amount of time. These you have had through 2012? special stages are usually held on closed Michael: This year has been a dream come forestry or shire roads, mainly on gravel true for us, but it has not been easy. Over the surfaces, and are linked together by transport last couple of seasons we have worked hard stages, where we are allowed time to aand an d imp improved as a team, taking it one travel to the next special stage. sst tep at a time. We won our first step As a driver, my role in the sspecial stage, which was a team is simply to drive big achievement for a small ett to When you ge as fast as I can without team, then went on to win of a special d en e th destroying the car, ess d the note a heat, then our first ARC an e ag st as the team with the and ve been spot on the ha victory at Queensland lowest overall time is the you have been on u yo earlier this year was t ha w winner. absolute limit ofdo, it’s a n awesome.

But to win ca r Helen: My main role and the ca ing. ” el fe g in fy tis again at South Australia sa very as a co-driver is to let then back it up and win Michael know exactly what again at Coffs Harbour, where is coming up ahead of us on we tied up the championship, is the road. I do this using pace absolutely unbelievable. notes that we have previously written Helen: To say we have had a great year for the special stage. We get 2 passes over each special stage at normal road is a real understatement. To win anything at speed before the event, to write our notes. a national level is a great achievement for We use a system like the hands of a clock; for anybody. As far as highlights go, beating example, a right 3 is a 90 degree turn to the the record set by Simon and Sue Evans on right and a crest 6 would be straight on over a the 32 km Tweeden stage at South Australia blind crest. by 8 seconds was really special, but to What is it you enjoy most about rallying? have my family and friends at the finish at Michael: For me it is the adrenalin rush of Coffs Harbour when we not only won the driving as fast as I can through the bush. When event, but secured the Australian 4WD Rally you get to the end of a special stage and the Championship, is something I will never forget. notes have been spot on and you have been The biggest achievement, I guess, is that on the absolute limit of what you and the car with one race to go, you can’t be beaten and can do, it’s a very satisfying feeling. will be crowned the Australian 4WD Rally Helen: Like Michael said, it is the adrenalin champions for 2012. rush, but it’s also very rewarding when your

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greater port macquarie focus.

Congratulations! This is a great achievement for you both, isn’t it?

Michael: This is a massive achievement, not only for Helen and I, but for the whole team. It is really satisfying to know that a small country based team of family and friends can take on the best in the country and succeed, especially when we do all our own work on the car and only have a small budget compared to some of our competitiors. I really need to acknowledge our sponsors for 2012, as without them none of this would have happened. Special thanks to Wauchope Motors, Hollinger Engineering, Wauchope RSL Club and Blue Chip Mortgages in Port Macquarie.

How will this help propel you into 2013?

Michael: The Australian Rally Championship will change in 2013 to a 2WD series, with teams running 2WD cars like the Honda of Eli Evans, so our Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 will no longer be eligible to run for a Championship.

We are in the process of trying to get some backing for the 2013 season and hope the fact that we have won 3 NSW state titles and now the Australian 4WD title will help us make the change to a 2WD drive car. But we are still in the negotiation stages, and nothing has been confirmed at this point in time. Hopefully things will work and we will be back next year, so watch this space. We will update our website: www.boadenmotorsport.com.au as things progress towards the 2013 season.

Behind the scenes, how much prep goes into each race both personally and with your vehicle?

Michael: As you can imagine, running in an ARC Round gives the car a real caning at each event, so we generally strip the car down in our workshop at Wauchope Motors. We check engine, gearbox and suspension components

to make sure they are OK and repair any superficial body damage we may have picked up during the event. Attention to detail in the workshop before we go to an event gives you a lot of confidence, so we can concentrate on our jobs of writing our pace notes and driving, without having to worry too much about mechanical problems.

Helen: On the pace noting side of things, if we are using the same roads, we tend to go through our previous in car video to familiarise ourselves with the roads and refine our notes before we get to an event. I also do a bit of gym work to try and stay fit, as I have no steering wheel to hang on to, and I have to be able to brace myself in the car.

What changes or improvements would you like to make for 2013 for the team?

Michael & Helen: Obviously we would like to be able to compete again at this level in a competitive 2WD car, but time will tell if this is possible. If we do get that opportunity, we won’t be changing a thing as far as our team or in house car preparation goes, as what we are doing now is working really well.

Have you considered overseas races? Is this a goal perhaps?

Michael & Helen: As far as racing overseas goes, we have previously competed quite successfully in the Otago Classic Rally and the Race to the Sky in New Zealand. We have also raced and been very competitive at the Coffs Harbour round of the World Rally Championship.

However, our main objective is to race in the 2013 Australian Rally Championship, as it is one of the most competitive rally series anywhere in the world.

Thanks Michael and Helen.

9.

inside this

Daniel Riley McKinley Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Of Earth and Sky at the Glasshouse in early December. This amazing production is a double bill showcasing two standout performances that meld visual art, theatre and dance. In a similar way, Daniel Riley McKinley blends his dancing and choreographic talent on stage …

Issue 84 - November 2012

usual suspects.

the

21.

Honey Spot Kyle Morrison, Artistic Director from Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, introduces us to Honey Spot – a production that highlights the issues of friendship, tolerance and respect for different cultures. Honey Spot is a heart-warming play suitable for students in Years 4 – 8.

22.

Tin Sparrow - FOTSUN Up and coming band Tin Sparrow is part of the lineup at this year’s Festival of the Sun. This year has seen them touring extensively and releasing a new single ... even receiving some airplay on a couple of popular American TV shows.

Performing at more festivals in the future is also on the agenda for this popular group.

8. what’s on for November 83. port chamber update 24. eat featuring local restaurants with Hadyn Oriti 29. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 89. travel with Susie Boswell 34. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 90. landcare with Estelle Gough 61. starguide with Terri 95. real estate with Greg Trembath 71. tourism with Janette Hyde

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

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

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focusinterview.

R O B I N S O N The young and exciting guitar virtuoso Joe Robinson will be playing several venues along the North Coast over coming months. Joe drops in at the Glasshouse on November 16, plays FOTSUN in December and also calls in at Bellingen later this year. Back home now in Australia from his new permanent base in Nashville, Tennessee for his Comin’ Home Tour, the busy star spares a few minutes to update us with his latest news …

I

’ve been reading your bio, and the thing that struck me the most is it’s certainly a long way from Temagog (where you grew up) to Nashfield!

How long have you been in the USA now?

I’ve been there for about two, nearly three years.

I made the move there when I was 18. It’s been a great place to live, and I’ve learnt a lot there.

So what are some of the most important things you’ve experienced in the time you’ve been there?

Recording in different studios and touring all over America, which is a really huge country, I’ve made a lot of good friends over there. I’ve seen a lot of good acts, and the whole experience of being there amongst it all is just fabulous.

You were self-taught on guitar from an early age. How much of an impact did watching YouTube videos have on your guitar playing?

When I was 13 or 14, I got lessons at school for a little bit, and my parents had a lot of musician friends whom I used to kind of hang out with and jam with. When it came to really learning a lot of the stuff I rely on now and just being exposed to the wide world of music, YouTube was the way I found the type of music I like to play.

You’re a big fan of both Phil and Tommy Emanuel. What led up to you actually meeting the pair?

I first met Tommy and Phil when I was 11, and that was a case of Phil’s old bass player living in Kempsey hearing me playing in my band called the Kaotic Penguins. We were playing at the Smithstown pub, and he heard me play and gave me Phil’s number – I then called Phil and met with him and Tommy in Taree.

They really encouraged me and said that I was really talented for my age.

Tell us a little bit about your latest EP and the music and inspiration behind it …

I made an album last year that was released in January this year, and I had great experience recording that. With this EP I went to the studio and basically recorded new songs that I felt had bit more of a raw quality. I was just really creative with the production of it; I played all the instruments, and it was a really fun time. I’m really proud of this recording − more so than others I’ve done.

And the EP’s called Toe Jam. Where on earth did that the name come from?

(Laughs). I wrote the song Toe Jam with a friend of mine − she’s a drummer in Nashville. We were jamming on it together and having fun, so I just thought I’d call the EP by the same name.

You’re coming to Port Macquarie and playing on two occasions, one at the Glasshouse and then Festival of the Sun. Do you get homesick much living away from home?

Absolutely. It’s really hard to be away for that long. I got back two days ago, and there’s nothing like the coast − it’s so beautiful here. Usually I try to come back this time of year.

What do you prefer – playing venues like the Glasshouse, or the whole festival atmosphere?

I like them both for different reasons. I love the energy and the rawness of a festival show; it’s a little more off the cuff. The theatre is more intimate, and you can connect with the audience a bit better.

I think the Glasshouse is one of the best venues in Australia; it’s a really awesome place to play, but I’m kind of biased, because I love playing there.

I haven’t played Festival of the Sun before but I’m excited to play there, because I’ve heard a lot about it.

You’ll also be playing at Bellingen soon, in December. Have you been there before?

I played a little festival there five years ago when I was young. It was a lot of fun!

How much of what you do on stage is ad-

libbed, as opposed to being rehearsed and practiced?

Usually I change the set list every night. As far as the songs themselves, I structure them so I have the freedom to change and improvise during a song. If it’s a festival, you really want to build the energy up and make them exciting.

Pretty much every song I play, there’s some level of improvisation.

How many guitars do you have in your collection, and how many travel with you when you do tours?

I think about 20. I take 4 on the road.

I guess it would be a bit hard to carry 20 around on tour!

Definitely!

What is there left for you that you’d like to achieve but haven’t accomplished yet?

I would like to win a Grammy and to crack the market in America. It’s really a huge industry there. Ultimately I want to have a touring career and travel and perform all my life, keep making albums and doing gigs and becoming better as a performer and writer.

Thanks Joe. Best of luck with your upcoming gigs.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

Joe Robinson will perform at the Glasshouse on November 16, at 8pm.

Tickets cost $25. visit www.glasshouse.org.au or call the Box office on 6581 8888 for details.

Please note: Joe Robinson will also be playing at FOTSUN in December.

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

What’s

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PORT MACQUARIE

Watermark Literary Dinner William McInnes is the Ambassador for the Year of Reading 2012, and Chair of the Museum of Democracy, Canberra. He is the guest speaker at the Watermark Literary Dinner.

Where Kendall School of Arts.

When Saturday 17 November.

Tickets are $60. Call Lyndal on 6559 9953.

Aqua Bomb Pool Party

4

Hosted by Evoke Management and Waters Edge Boutique Hotel.

Sit back and relax on the inflatable beds or by the pool side under the palms, while soaking in the cool sounds of our resident DJs, THE PERKS and SONIC BOOM. Sunkissed and sipping on refreshing beverages, snacking on scrumptious finger foods at Port's premiere pool party every Sunday afternoon.

When Launching Sunday 4 November 2012.

Every Sunday afternoon from 2pm (weather permitting).

Cost FREE ENTRY. Where Waters Edge Boutique Hotel – rooms available from $109.

1 Buller St, Port Macquarie. Phone: (02) 6583 2955.

more information

NOV Much Ado about Nothing A new exciting up and coming theatre company, ‘Popinjay and Nuncle’ is staging an all ages outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing this holiday season. ‘Shakespeare on the Green’ will be a perfect opportunity to showcase the talents of our local performers and musicians. For those who are interested in becoming involved, we are hosting free open auditions early Nov. More info Please email the company directly at: popinjayandnuncle@hotmail.com or visit us on Facebook @ ‘Popinjay and Nuncle – a theatre company.’

Beer in Mind appreciation night Our local expert of all things liquid golden, Jason Clifton will be holding the second Beer In Mind appreciation night on 24 November. 'Peak ‘n’ Ale' will be held at Peak Coffee in the industrial area and will feature six beers matched with a variety of US style street food, including a fish taco, dagwood dog, and pork sliders, to be served with matching beers from around NSW. A heavily hopped IPA from the South Coast will keep the beer enthusiasts happy. There will also be some higher alcohol speciality beers from the Brewer of the Year 2012 (Murray's in Port Stephens) to taste. Beer trivia will make a reappearance, with the questions a lot harder than last time and tasting challenges. Come and get a beer education and have some fun along the way. Tickets will be limited. Email beerinmind@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

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.

Dancer Leonard Mickelo - Photographer Jason Capobianco

Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Of Earth and Sky at the Glasshouse in early December.

This amazing production is a double bill showcasing two standout performances that meld visual art, theatre and dance. In a similar way, Daniel Riley McKinley blends his dancing and choreographic talent on stage …

Daniel Riley M C K I N L E Y

Photo by Andy Solo.

H

i Daniel. Share some of your back story with us – particularly your cultural and Indigenous background …

I have Wiradjuri blood from western NSW, in particular from the town of Wellington, and I also have Irish blood from my mum’s side of the family.

I joined Bangarra 6 years ago, at the start of 2007, and before that I studied at QUT (Queensland University of Technology) in Brisbane. I was studying for my Bachelor degree in fine arts, but received an associate degree in dance. Going back even before this, I was at high school in Canberra, and I was part of a youth company called Quantum Leap, which was what really drove my passion for dance and wanting to pursue it as a career. I wasn’t really aware that dance was a career option for men while I was in high school, but Quantum Leap was brilliant.

I danced with them for 6 years, from Year 7 through to Year 12 … and that’s kind of my career in reverse!

So how old were you when you were first introduced to dance?

I would have been about 9. I was very physical when I was younger, and I’d play soccer in winter and cricket in summer. I kind of stumbled across dance by accident – my sister was at dance classes through the week while I was playing soccer and cricket, and mum or dad would come pick us both up. I remember going into the dance studio and waiting, and I really became quite taken with the physicality of the movement.

And with Tap Dancing, it was the rhythm … the syncopated rhythm that moves through the feet. I did Tap Dancing all the way through until Year 7, until I was introduced to the youth company.

What led up to you actually joining Bangarra in 2007?

I first witnessed Bangarra in 2001, when I was still at high school. They came to Canberra and performed a show called The Dreaming. I was so taken by the physicality and the story telling aspect of Bangarra … I felt so involved in the

work, and the show was so filled with life, energy and the strong culture that surrounds us every day. I thought they were amazing.

I saw them in Brisbane while I was at university, and I’d contact them to do a company class or a workshop with them, so I developed a relationship What I really with the dancers. I still dance was to make that wanted to do tiful with a couple of those dancers connection with my was use his beaug them today … images and brin nce cultural heritage.

At the end of 2006, I to life through daI hope As the t. and movemen ins a had some time off after uni choreographer of ga ce en di the au finished. I was invited to spend n of Riley, what do you real appreciatio a week with the company, and at hope the performance Michael’s work.” the end of the week I was offered conveys to the a job. audience?

You’ve received some major Some people don’t know accolades as a dancer, including being Michael or aren’t aware of his Cloud Series, and nominated for Dancer of the Year at the I wanted to bring his images to life in another 2010 Deadly Awards. You’re a choreographer medium. Michael’s medium was photography, now as well … how much have you enjoyed and mine is dance. What I really wanted to do the transition? was use his beautiful images and bring them to I was nominated for the Deadly Awards again life through dance and movement. I hope the this year, which is great. audience gains a real appreciation of Michael’s I created the production called Riley in work. I also hope they gain an appreciation of 2010. At that time I was 24, it was my fourth Bangarra and our storytelling … year in the company, and I was the youngest Of Earth and Sky, the production Bangarra choreographer to create a full work for Bangarra. is bringing to the Glasshouse, is a double It was nerve wracking of course, and it was billing, as there’s your production, Riley, but harder than I imagined it would be … there were also Frances Ring’s piece – Artefact … lots of little things and details. But I thoroughly Yes, the first work is Riley, then there’s a short enjoyed the process … It was a huge opportunity, interval before Artefact. What’s really nice about and I wanted it to be professional; I didn’t want these two works is that both of them use visual to put only half of my energy into it. I wanted art as the information and the core of the work. to appear confident and comfortable in the role, Mine is photography, and Artefact is about actual and I think I did. I think we created a great work. physical objects or artefacts that are in museums Tell us about the inspiration behind Riley – and art galleries around the world and were once especially the work of your cousin and his used − like possum skin cloaks, flint spearheads, Cloud Series of photographs … grinding stones – tools that Indigenous people Michael Riley was the photographer of the had to use to survive. Frances’ work brings these Cloud Series, which was the final photographic tools to life. series he created before he passed away in This is where the name Of Earth and Sky 2004. I never got to meet Michael unfortunately, came from then? Artefacts from the ground but through his work I got to meet numerous and clouds from the sky? family members. It was lovely to make those Absolutely. I like the title – I think it’s beautiful. connections; one of the reasons I joined Bangarra How many dancers are involved with the

“

production, and are you actually dancing in this current tour as well?

Originally in 2010 I chose not to perform, as I wanted to try to make sure what I’d created translated to the audience. I’d always danced in Frances’ work, just not in Riley, but I am dancing this year in the complete double bill.

There are 13 dancers involved in the production altogether.

One of the descriptions I’ve read about Of Earth and Sky calls it “A fusion of visuals, movement and music”. Would you say this is a good summary?

Yes, I suppose it is. They are three very important elements in all of Bangarra’s work – particularly this one. We have images, projection of video; we have the music of David Page; and for me, the music informs my movement. In Indigenous culture, all three of those things are important: painting, whether it’s dot painting or bark painting, dance and song are married together – one is not performed without the other. So in that sense, it’s one hundred per cent true – it’s all three of those things presented on stage in unity.

Thanks Daniel. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

Bangarra Dance Theatre presents Of Earth and Sky at the Glasshouse on December 1 at 8pm and December 2 at 2pm.

Tickets $59.90 adult, $54.90 concession, $41.90 under 21/student, $53.90 groups 6+ Visit www.glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office on 6581 8888.

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Artist P ro file

Wendy Stephenson uses her skill with both embroidery and painting to create beautiful cushions, bags, toys and other items.

Her charming craft products can be found online and also at the Mums and Bubs markets locally …

We n d y S te ph e n s o n

H

charming craft products

i Wendy. Thanks for sitting still a bit of a kid myself. I just think of things that down with us today! Tell us made me happy when I was a child, and having my a little bit about yourself … grandchildren around definitely helps!

I moved to Port about 4 What’s a favourite piece you’ve made? years ago from Sydney to be My favourite piece is probably a cushion I made near my two adult children with a little felt pussycat sitting in a garden with and five grandchildren. One of my grandsons has a embroidered flowers around it. It’s based on the disability, and I like to be able to lend a hand when nursery rhyme Pussycat, Pussycat, Where have you needed.

Been?

You make children’s accessories like You’re also a keen painter. What sorts bags, pretty shoes and toys. of paintings do you do?

How did you get into this?

I do watercolour and ink I've always loved painting illustrations.

They mostly feature of k in I just th at and crafts so when I little girls, rabbits, owls, and fish. th gs in th came to Port, it was a I love fish! made me happyild, when I was a ch chance for me to explore Artistically, where do you get and having my my creative side. I was your inspiration from? grandchildren ly te looking around online and My inspiration comes from around defini discovered contemporary walking along the beach and helps!” embroidery. I started through the bush. I love looking at embroidering, and now I’m the patterns in the water and rocks, hooked. The biggest embroidery I I love the colours of my embroidery have attempted was the cover of a Tintin cottons, and this will sometimes inspire a little book (Red Rackham’s Treasure). I did this watercolour painting. for an online competition, and I got into the How long have you been painting, and how top ten! Lately, I’ve been designing my own did you discover you were good at it? patterns and then embroidering them. My work I have been painting as long as I can remember. has been featured on some online embroidery sites, When I was little, we had a neighbour who was a which is pretty exciting! well known artist. He used to hold art competitions Where do your cute ideas come from for for all the kids in the street! I did art at school and making your children’s accessories? have done painting and drawing classes on and off I love children’s illustrated books, and I think I’m through the years.

“

10 greater port macquarie focus.

Do you have a logo of sorts, or signature, so we can recognise your work?

I use a lot of calico in my work. I like to embroider on calico, and it is easy to draw on as well. My signature is ‘wendalene at snapdragon’ .

You sell your children’s accessories at the St. Paul’s Mums and Bubs Market. Do you also sell your paintings there?

Yes, I do sell prints of my paintings and some small original pictures also, along with the embroidered cushions and the embroidery hoops, felt rabbits, pussycats and owls and little cotton teddy bears. I share the stall with my friend, Elga.

She makes lovely big owls, elephants and dolls using colourful fabrics and felt.

For those who would love to purchase your handy work, aside from The Mums and Bubs Market, where can they do so?

My email address is wenda@optusnet.com.au and my blog is at http://snap--dragon.blogspot. com.au/ I also have a small online shop at Big Cartel, where I sell my original embroidery designs.

What’s in the future for your amazing crafts and paintings?

I have so many ideas in my head and not enough hours in the day. I’ve just started making pretty fabric bags for little girls. I recently embroidered some photos my sister took in New York and would like to explore this method further, and I would love to embroider some more Tintin book covers as well.

And more cushions, of course!

Thanks Wendy.

Feels nothing like a small car.

It takes a lot to win World Car of the Year 2012, or in this case a little. Test drive the Volkswagen up! and you’ll discover it’s big on the inside and yet small on the outside. It’s got room to fit four adults comfortably, a versatile 251 litre boot, and is so safe it’ll even stop itself in an emergency.# Basically, it’s everything you’d expect from a big car, without the big car.

Try one on for size at John Oxley Volkswagen today.

World Car of the Year 2012

Your Volkswagen Partner

John Oxley Volkswagen 130 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie MD7571 Tel. 02 6588 8555 www.johnoxley.com.au # City Emergency Braking helps the driver avoid a low speed crash or reduce its severity when the vehicle is travelling between 5 km/h and 30 km/h. It is not a substitute for the driver’s attentiveness, responsibility, or driving skills. Function may become inactive in some driving conditions or adverse weather.

focusinterview.

R NE COR

L a ra Tunbridge Winnie the Pooh holds a special place in the hearts of children everywhere, but Lara’s fascination with the loveable bear has grown to epic proportions since she was introduced to him at the tender age of 3 ...

ara, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 19 years old. My schooling was at Tacking Point Primary School and Westport High. In Year 11, I left school and studied a Certificate III in Early Childcare at TAFE. I now work at Bangalay Childcare Centre and have just completed my traineeship. I also work weekends at Centre of Gravity, where I have climbed for the past 5 years.

My pastimes include rock climbing of course, going to the gym and the beach. I love spending time with my family and friends.

You have an amazing collection of Winnie the Poohs! When and where did it all begin?

It started when my Godparents, Aunty Carol and Uncle Carl, bought me a Winnie the Pooh plush toy for my third birthday. Mum and Dad bought me the video Pooh’s Grand Adventure.

There was a poster in the video shop and I wanted it, so Mum asked the lady about it, and she let me have it. It was the first poster on my wall, and my collection started from there.

At what point did you realise it was becoming quite a collection (or obsession)?

After I received my first Pooh Bear, I was so

12 greater port macquarie focus.

attached to the little yellow bear, it seemed that everyone bought me Pooh things for my birthdays and Christmas. I received colouring books and pencils, clothes and stuffed toys for years. The items continued and still continue to come. I probably realised it was an obsession when Mum hung a net in my room and I filled it with Pooh bears; this was to make some more space in my room and get them off my bed.

My collection continued to grow, and I couldn’t fit in my bed any more; I now have a bunk bed, double on bottom and single on top.

A lot of Pooh bears sit on the top bunk and take up the whole bed, but there are also a number of Winnie the Poohs on the bottom bed as well.

Clearly it is a very dear collection to you. Have you finished, or are you still collecting?

I love all my Pooh Bears and no, I haven’t finished collecting. I still buy them on eBay, as I find ones on there that I do not have and that I can’t find in stores. People still continue to get them for me, although they now say they won’t any more, because I have too many and no more room for them (but they still do!) While ever they are out there to buy and I haven’t got it, I will continue to add it to my collection.

Do you know how many actual Winnies you have?

I’m not too sure, but I have about 150+ soft toys, which range from one as big as me to one as small as my finger nail. There are some dressed in all sorts of costumes for all different occasions; for instance, an Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, an elf, a reindeer, and there is even a Pooh Bear in a love heart for Valentine’s Day. There are probably over 1,000 items or even more, as there are too many to count.

These items range from books, magazines, towels, items of clothing, coffee cups, ornaments, movies, slippers, hats, bags, watches, USB sticks, mobile phone cases, lamps and many other items. I even have a book dad was given as a student in 1967. I have a Winnie the Pooh book written in French from New Caledonia, a T-shirt from California and a beach towel from Vanuatu.

My Grandma also brought me a few things from Disneyland, a place I have always wanted to see, along with The 100 Acre Wood. Whenever anyone goes on holidays, they seek them out for me. My Aunty even had an argument with the staff in ‘Toys R Us’, because they had one for a display and she wanted to buy it for me and they wouldn’t sell it to her; so she went to the head office and was allowed to purchase it for me.

Tell us about your favourite piece; we hear it is very unique.

For my 18th birthday, my mum, dad, sister and

brother-in-law to be gave me a solid silver Pooh Bear that Mum had made for me by taking a mould from a small plastic Pooh ornament I had.

It is very special to me, and I wear it every day.

I also have a Swarovski crystal Winnie the Pooh a special friend gave me, a Swarovski crystal Piglet that my friends gave me for my 18th and a Swarovski crystal Tigger that I bought myself when I finished my traineeship. These are very special as well. But I must say I love each and every one of my Winnie the Poohs.

Is there a piece that you don’t have that you have on your wish list?

There is a Swarovski Crystal Eeyore and Pooh Bear’s ‘Hunny’ Pot that I would like, which would finish the Swarovski crystal collection. Also there are still so many items on the internet and items being produced all the time that I still have to buy.

Thanks Lara.

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.

Video

Port Macquarie Hastings LGA

2:03

OF THE

BY THE

MONTH

NUMBERS

Watch on your smartphone

VIDEO BY: FocusTV. ABOUT: Take a look through the McDonald Jones display home now open at Sovereign Hills Estate in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia.

72,696 people living in Port Macquarie-Hastings.

20,633 famlies.

1.8 average children per family.

2.3 average people per household.

47 median age.

1.6 average motor vehicles per dwelling.

250 median weekly rent in dollars.

837 median weekly household income in dollars.

2011 Census QuickStats

WATCH AT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=risgUuyLYRY& Like a video like this for your business? Ph: 6584 7433.

LOCAL

READ Title. When the Lions are Drinking.

Local Author. Val Wake.

The lions are the embankment lions along the river Thames in central London. There is an old Thames watermen’s expression that says when the lions are drinking, central London, especially the seat of government in Whitehall, is in danger of flooding. Val Wake has used this watermen’s tale in his new novel as a metaphor. Whitehall is not in danger of flooding, but faces another threat, a clash of loyalties and values between Britain’s imperial past and the new fashion of economic realism and the realignment of the seats of power around the world.

When the Lions are Drinking is available on Amazon www.amazon.com/When-Lions-are-Drinking-Wake

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

Image of the month.

About: Eli Wilson getting air at Port Macquarie Breakwall : ‘This is not a dream’.

Photo by: Zane Wilson. Shot on: Canon 40D, with a Canon 75 - 300 mm lens.

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

AT ’ S I N WH

focusreview. foc

GREEN SHALLOTS Known Know wn by b many names (spring onion, scallion, eschalot) es sch chal alot o ) the green shallot is not really a shallot, but most m st of mo of us u are happy to call it one.

Actually A ctually a non-bulbing onion, these e edible hollow leaves le eav avess with w slender white bulbs can add intense flavour avou av ourr to ou o a wide range of dishes.

Popular Pop Po pula pu ar in i the warmer months in salads, noodle dishes dish di shes sh es and aan n stir-fries, the white bulb has a stronger onion avour than the green leaves, but just about on onio nion n fl fla a everything ev ver e yt yth hin (except the roots) can be eaten. hi vegetable is an excellent source of This versatile verrsa Vitamin C, with the leaves containing beta carotene.

Vitami min nC

WHERE

Green shallots are grown locally in Soms vegetable garden at Bago Vineyards . They are available to buy at Ken Little Fruit & Veg in Port Macquarie or Wauchope Fruit & Veg.

with Julie from www.gourmetgetaways.com.au

local dr p.

Innes Lake Vineyards 2011 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

I have found the perfect wine for the start of the picnic season and outdoor entertaining. This Semillon Sauvignon blend is light straw in colour, with the aromas of melon and tropical fruit. The flavours mirror the aroma but develop further into shades of green apples and citrus. It is a clean, crisp wine, with just enough residual sugar to perfectly balance for most palates.

Take a bottle to lunch with the girls, or have one handy for your next BBQ or picnic. I would particularly enjoy serving this wine with some Chili & Garlic Prawns or Sichuan Calamari.

GOES WITH: Seafood, Thai food, spicy dishes.

COST: $18.

AVAILABLE: Cellar door, The Ruins Way, Port Macquarie.

Wine tasting available. www.inneslake.com.au www.littlefishcafe.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 13

focusinterview.

Varga 2012 Ranamok Glass Prize The 2012 Ranamok Glass Prize is a stunning exhibition and annual award for glass artists from Australia and New Zealand. Emma Varga is one of the talented artists who’s contributed to the exhibition – and the complexity and intricacy of her work will simply amaze. Visit the Glasshouse to view the extraordinary pieces on display …

H

i Emma. You were born in Yugoslavia ... how much do you feel your upbringing there influenced your decision to study art at university

regular employment!

If I need to point out the downside of this lifestyle, it is the wild irregularity of income … the ups and downs. Still, I wouldn’t do it any other way. The upside is complete freedom in creating my work − when I want, and how I want. level?

You mentioned your medium is glass. Why I was born in a region (Mid Europe) that is glass in particular – what first attracted you rich with tradition, the interwoven cultures of 23 to this substance? nations in the immediate neighbourhood and a I started to study ceramic, but I wanted to do history of art stretching back 3,000 years − it all transparent objects and found a perfect medium boosts imagination. in glass, as a third-year student. I literally fell in I studied at the University of Applied Arts in love with this magical and unique medium, as it Belgrade 1970 - 75 ... a tough school, up to the offered a vast range of possibilities.

European standards of, for example, the Royal Explain the technique you’ve developed to College of Art. work with glass – multiple layers fusing.

I went to university for 5 years, 6 days a What’s involved with this process? week and completed periodical Perhaps the best way to explain practical work (design projects) the process is an excerpt from a in factories. I joined the catalogue describing my work: emerging studio glass “The technique of ‘multiple It takes two movement in Europe at layers fusing’ has been weeks to fire ande its very beginning in the gradually developed by n larg slowly cool dow , then mid ’70s.

Emma Varga during the past ks or sculptural w to ks We often hear of 14 years. It enables her to ee w o tw r he a furt all of the artists struggling to create and to gain control grind and polish ction.” survive financially – and over three-dimensional surfaces to perfe it’s a definitely a difficult images inside large transparent life choice for some. How glass objects.To make each difficult was it for you to of these sculptural objects, it is transition from being a graduate necessary to cut thousands of tiny glass from the University of Fine Arts in elements from clear and transparent coloured Belgrade, to a working, practising glass sheets and combine them with glass frits artist? and stringers.

Not too difficult. As a young artist, among “The sculptural glass objects are made from the best graduates of the university, I was 20 - 400 thin transparent glass layers; glass immediately ‘adopted’ by Sebastian Gallery from mosaic elements, colored frits and stringers Dubrovnik, who established a range of design are assembled on each sheet, according to a stores (around 100) in Yugoslavia. I collaborated complicated three-dimensional plan. with this gallery (1979 - 91) on glass design series “These are then fused together in stages. It produced in factories and had quite a steady takes two weeks to fire and slowly cool down income from royalties. large sculptural works, then a further two The other source of income came from sales of weeks to grind and polish all of the surfaces my art works (glass sculptures) over the past 35 to perfection. Only then it is finally possible to years. It was a sufficient income for a freelance see the inside; all the fine details and veil-like artist to keep working, travelling overseas and structures floating in the sea of clear glass”. raising family − I had not one single day of Your work involves many hours of

“

14 greater port macquarie focus.

painstaking skill and concentration. What limitations are there on the objects you can create – is your only limit imagination, or are there technical constraints?

My only limitation is time. A lifetime is not enough to create all the ideas I have. Glass offers such a wide range of possibilities and various techniques (which I learned very early, as a young artist), that almost anything is possible to create.

Your awards and accolades are too many to mention, but if you had to nominate an artistic achievement you’re particularly proud of – what would it be and why?

Awards come and go. I am very happy that after 39 years working in glass, I can still play with glass with ease and have a great joy in the process.

How do you come up with an idea or concept for your pieces ... do you sketch your ideas, for example, or create as you go – almost visualising your ideas in 3D? I have an ever growing crowd of new ideas in my head. The more I work, the more new ideas are born (this can be frustrating at times!)

I make very few sketches; however, creating my ideas in glass, using my multiple layers technique, requires me to make complex diagrams − similar to the way an architect has to dismantle a building and draw a separate floor plan for each floor (layer, in the case of my glass).

Your work will be on display in the Ranamok Glass Prize exhibition in the Glasshouse throughout November. Please describe the piece/s you will have on display?

It’s experimental work: playing with a combination of different materials, using unusual methods of glass application to create objects

‘out of the square’. I’ve used the process of pâté de verre to create ‘buttons’ fused from coloured fine glass frits, which are then sewn onto organza with thin monofilament (fishing line). The term 'pâté de verre' can refer to a paste made of glass, but also includes other methods used to melt glass together. I did not use a paste; I used dry fine frit #1 (which looks like coarse sugar).

Where can people go to view more of your work? My work is displayed at: Kirra Galleries, Melbourne; Sabbia Gallery, Sydney; Imago Galleries, Palm Desert, CA, USA; David Richard Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM, USA; Hodgell Gallery, Sarasota, FL, USA; Masterworks Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand; Gallery of the Museum of Applied Art, Belgrade, Serbia; Gaffer Studio Glass, Hong Kong; and Vitria Gallery, Singapore.

Thanks Emma. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

The 2012 Ranamok Glass Prize exhibition will be at the Glasshouse from Nov 23, 2012 to Feb 3, 2013. Emma will also present a talk about her work and contribution to the Ranamok Glass Prize at a Glasshouse coffee morning on November 30 at 10am.

Bookings essential for the coffee morning.

Tickets for the coffee morning cost $5.

Call the Glasshouse on 6581 8888 or visit www.glasshouse.org.au

16 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

This month Port Macquarie welcomes its latest brewery. After travelling throughout the UK, tasting all the great small batch beers, Alistair has decided to recreate that experience right here in Port Macquarie. Here at FOCUS we’re fond of the odd beer, so we thought we’d find out more ...

H

i Alistair. Thanks for inviting us to Port Macquarie’s latest Brewery, Black Duck Brewery. How did it all come about; where did the

dream start?

We started as most people do making beer at home, a long time ago. Then when we moved to Port Macquarie about 6 years ago, it was on the back of a UK tour.

We spent two months visting small breweries and trying their beers. It was such a great experience, that when we came back, it set the scene for us to want to develop something like that here – so people have the opportunity to try smaller batch beers and locally produced beers when they go to a different area.

It was when we finally bought property at Herons Creek that we had the opportunity to set up a small brewery, and we’ve been making beer there for the last 2½ years. The gear we have set up now came to us late last year; it was an opportunity too good to pass up, and that was the trigger to setting up the new brewery. People are welcome to come and have a look!

In terms of inviting the public out to visit, what does the brewery have to offer?

The cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday, and people can come in and try a tasting paddle of 4 beers, which is a small taste of each beer for only $5. Or, they can taste a larger serve of an individual beers, depending on what their liking is. Visitors can also buy bottled products to take away.

We have a pretty big space; we have seating for about 20 people already, with more to come, so people can come into the brewery and make a bit of a evening of it. We can also offer a great venue for catered functions or a larger gathering.

So tell us a bit about the current range you have to offer.

We have the English Bitter; it’s a good, easy drink. Then there is the Golden Goose, an American Pale Ale, which is fairly hoppy and an interesting beer – great with spicy food.

In terms of the We have a Dark Ale, which have been great future, we are n is chocolate and coffee mentors, as have hoping that we ca or flavoured. We have the get the cellar do Peak Coffee, and Indian Runner, which is an IPA really going and rs without naming locals and visito try [Indian Pale Ale]. It’s a bigger anyone, there have will come in and beer at 6% ... heaps of malt, been a number of s.” er the be hops and bitterness. I like it! micro brewers who There’s also the Platypus, which have been around for is an Aussie Pale Ale. It’s a good, well quite a while. They have rounded beer and a bit more subdued given some good knowledge than the Bitter – a great all round, seasonal support and encouragement to keep going beer. Then the latest one is the Irish Red, which and get set up. is more of a play on some flavours – a different We have also been very fortunate that hopping regime, and you get a real difference we have been supported by some great in flavour from the hopping ingredients. local establishments. The Laurieton United You have some very unique brewing Servicemen’s Club has had our Bitter on tap equipment. How did you get your hands for over a year and a half. Panthers gave us a on it? go for a year, and we’ll be back on tap there The brewing gear has quite a history. I don’t again soon. Town Green Inn have Mad Time know all of it, but it’s actually 50 years old. It Platypus on for 8 months, and Charlie is really originated from England and was operating good. He gives us a great plug when we need as a brewery in Victoria, but I don’t know the it. And again, Bago Vineyards – we’ve had a details exactly. We were fortunate to source it few taps out there. They’re actually our biggest locally. It had been in storage for somewhere customer to date and go through a reasonable between 10 and 20 years, up until now. amount of beer, it’s such a great venue.

We were given the opportunity to purchase And for bottled beer, Kendall Bottleshop: I it late last year and it’s in immaculate give those guys a great rap – Rhe and Darren condition, so it was easy to set up and get do a great job. And Lighthouse Cellars, Glenn making beer. and Craig, they’re happy to support all the No brewery just happens without any local products, so that’s always encouraging. help. Do you have anyone you would like What are the plans for the future – any to thank? new beers?

There have been a lot of people help us In terms of the future, we are hoping that along the way. My wife, of course, for her we can get the cellar door really going and ongoing and tireless support. Bago Vineyards locals and visitors will come in and try the

“

beers. I would like to make reference to the fact there are now two breweries here in Port Macquarie. People who live here should realise that’s an honour and a privilege they have, over having none. Hopefully we can both use that strength to encourage locals to try smaller batch, locally produced beers, other than the mainstream products.

We do have one more beer to go on our eighth tap. It will be a Stout, which is a bigger beer – 7% – a thick, black beer. It’s a real winter warmer, and we’ll probably have that early next year, just in time for the cooler weather.

You’ve travelled a lot, as you said, tasting beer right through England. What’s your all time favourite beer?

It’s probably going to be an Australian beer – one from Murray’s at Port Stephens.

It would be their wild thing imperial stout which is a 10% beer. It’s such a well balanced, good drinking beer. It’s not for everyone, but I really love beers that are as big as that. Shaun at Murray’s has been a great inspiration. I definitely think that would be my all time favourite beer. Best English beer was from Hook Norton Brewery “Old Hooky”.

The brewery is open now, as you said, Thursday to Sunday, but do you have a grand opening?

Yes, our Grand Opening will be on 15 December. Tickets are available by phoning 0407 874 474, or drop in and see us at 6B Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie.

Thanks Alistair. greater port macquarie focus 17

Come along and join us at The Players Theatre, we present a revue of these truly memorable “when musicals for your entertainment. ”

Saturday 17 November; Tickets $60.

Zonta Club.

The Zonta Club and the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie

Watermark Literary Dinner.

William McInnes’s books includes memoirs, A Man’s Got To Have a Hobby and That’d be Right, a novel, Cricket Kings and The Making of Modern Australia, written in collaboration with Essential Media and Entertainment, which gives a rare insight into Australian life since the 1940s. His new book, The Laughing Clowns is a novel that shows you can discover what is important in life just by going back home – sometimes when you go back to where you came from, you find out how much you actually have and how much you could lose.

William received critical acclaim for his leading role in the film Look Both Ways, written and directed by his wife, award winning filmmaker, Sarah Watt, adding to his reputation for performances in many television series, including Sea Change and Blue Heelers and, notably, as Prime Minister John Curtin in the telemovie of that name.

In 2011, Worse Things Happen at Sea, written by William McInnes and Sarah Watt, was released just a month before Sarah died of cancer. It is a story about families, suburbs and homes, friends, love and day to day life, with a poignancy that will resonate with everyone.

18 greater port macquarie focus.

Jerry’s Girls.

present the annual Port Macquarie Craft Expo at the

Join Jerry’s Girls at The Players Theatre, 2 - 25 November 2012.

There will be a huge range of quality art and craft for sale, as

Susan Morvan is directing our production of Jerry’s Girls at The Players Theatre, and she feels Port Macquarie is in for a treat.

Susan has gathered around her some of our most talented ladies from the theatre; these include Amanda Gordon, Kylie van der Ley and Lyn Turner, who lead the team of nine talented singers/dancers who are taking to the stage, presenting the fabulous music and lyrics written by Jerry Herman.

opportunity to do some Christmas shopping.

Being one of the most prolific writers of his time, Jerry Herman holds the record of being the only lyricist to have had 3 successful musicals running on Broadway at the same time. Susan is sure you will all know of his most successful shows; there will be songs from Mame, Hello Dolly, La Cage au Folles, Mack and Mabel, among many others. This will be an evening of song, dance and comedy to keep all our patrons entertained. The cast feel sure you will find yourself singing along, laughing, tappng your feet and humming the songs as you leave. Come along and join us at The Players Theatre, when we present a revue of these truly memorable musicals for your entertainment.

performances by Sing Australia on the agenda, will generate

Racecourse on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November. well as demonstrations and workshops providing a marvellous Musical entertainment, as well as lots of things to amuse the kids and men as well, makes for a fantastic community event with something for the whole family.

Lots of demonstrations all day of craft making, woodworking, metalworking, model and face painting for the kids, as well as much interest.

All the funds raised will go to the community, national and international Zonta and Rotary projects; this year the major beneficiary will be the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

With over 70 stalls on show showing a variety of arts and crafts for sale, this is an event not to be missed. There are lots of food stands; Rotary will be providing a BBQ, Zonta Devonshire teas, there will be wine tasting and sale, coffee vendors and many other food outlets.

See you there!

focuseditorial.

2N O V to 25

JERRY’S GIRLS. Jerry’s Girls to hit Port Macquarie Players Theatre in November 2 to 25. here is never an evening when,

Jerry celebrated 50 years in his beloved industry, and was suitably given a Tribute by his contemporaries. Some of his most famous leading ladies, including Carol Channing, Angela t Some of his mos g Lansbury, Chita Rivera and in ad le s ou fam rol Ca g in many more, paid tribute to ud cl in , es ladi a his lyrics, music and talent.

Channing, Angel

somewhere in the world, the music and lyrics of Jerry Herman are not being performed by some lady in a red headdress or the lady with the bugle descending their respective staircases.

Mame and Dolly have

“

Rivera Lansbury, Chita paid e, or m y and man s, tribute to his lyric.” nt le ta d music an

to be his most renown musicals and showcase the most successful musical heroines of all time.

Jerry Herman was the youngest ever composer-lyricist of all time when he burst onto the Broadway stage with Milk and Honey.

Jerry won numerous Tony Awards and Grammy Awards during his illustrious career. In 2011

We look forward to presenting Port Macquarie with some of our most talented ladies from the Hastings, performing hits from Mame, Hello Dolly, Mack and Mabel, Dear World, Milk and Honey and La Cage au Folles. As Jerry always said: “He wanted to make his audiences hum on the way out of the theatre; we hope that you will feel that need as well. We look forward to you joining us for this evening of pure entertainment.

OF THE

N

aturally there is healthy competition between all participants here at JOM to see who can grow the best and worse Mo, so we have decided to

award a few prizes and would be greatful if you could navigate to our Facebook page and vote accordingly.

e team at “ Last Year th lved in o v in e JOM wer $2,000 for raising over through the men’s health mpaign.

Movember caon again, This year it is even more and we have d keen to staff ready an actively participate by and raising money ” o. m growing a

There will be a prize for the best looking mo, the worst looking mo and the best man mo. Weekly progress will be posted on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ johnoxleymotors for all to have a good laugh and for anyone who can find a few dollars to donate, just send us an email at vehicles@ johnoxley.com.au and we will nominate our best mo of the day to accept your donation.

It’s a whole lot of fun for an excellent cause, so if you are here at JOM doing business with us, take some time to have a good look at our upper lips and admire the growth, be it big or small ...

I am a part of a small group that is a part of Sids & Kids, and we organise a memorial service which is held on the first Sunday in December each year. e have called this service the Blessing of the Angels, and it’s specifically for parents and other family members who have experienced the loss of a baby and wish to pay tribute to that child.

W

to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

The memorial service is a tangible way for families to remember their child.

The service is held at the St Thomas’ church with the assistance of Leanne Smith, the Chaplin at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. During the service, the angels’ names are called

The service is open to anyone by who has lost a baiage, through miscarrortly birth or even sh bies after birth; the ba ve do not need to ha Port been born in the.. ” ea ar ie ar qu ac M

“

As part of the ceremony, parents are encouraged to bring a present in memory of their child. The gifts are donated

and families light a candle in their child’s name.

After the service, the names of the babies who have passed away in the last year (or new to the memorial service) are embroidered on to a banner.

If you need any further

information, please do not hesitate to contact me, Martie Kuhn: 0413 596 903.

greater port macquarie focus 19

focuseditorial.

Chin Up. A unique opportunity for Schoolies Breelin Frederick is 18 years old and doesn't want to make a mess for Schoolies ... she wants to make a difference.

Y

ou’re currently completing your HSC. Minister, connecting my father and Which school do you go to, and what I with the Chin Centre, the program subjects are you studying? started to develop.

I go to St Columba Anglican School, I thought it might be fun to have I have done since Year 5 in 2005. I am friends along with me and that we could have our own currently doing the HSC, and it is pretty type of Schoolies. Unfortunately, that didn't come to pass, busy at the moment. I have studied Advanced English, but I have had incredible interest from other students at St Business Studies, Legal Studies, Studies of Religion and Columba, and the support from my teachers has inspired Continuers Japanese. There is a lot of content in most of me. my subjects and it is challenging sometimes, but I chose If the children of Australia learn to do good without subjects that I had an interest, in so I've actually enjoyed expectation of reward, I believe it can only be good for the last two years. our nation's collective character. The other alternative is Instead of taking part in the traditional self destruction through self indulgence. So one ‘Schoolies’ week activities after your of my goals for this program is to offer an HSC is completed, you’re proposing alternative perception of life. as d a very different idea. What exactly ne What was the inspiration behind ig Des an alternative is the ‘Australian Chin Up team’ the concept? m, Schoolies prograof 2 - 3 concept you’ve come up with?

My parents brought me up to give the trip consists itarian The Australian Chin Up Team more than I get and to think big. We weeks of humane (ACUT) Program is designed to build are blessed in this land. To whom th based work in nd ou ar leadership skills into young people, d much is given, much is expected. an areas in r, pu m Lu a whilst giving them an enjoyable I don't see this as a threat, but a al Ku Malaysia. ” and memorable alternative Schoolies challenge I aim to meet – as clichéd as experience. It aims to expand the that might be. horizons of our volunteers and challenge The reason I originally came up with their comfort zones. It will, along with finished the program was because I had no interest in HSC students, be open to university students and going to Schoolies. In my business class in 2011, our adults with a positive and hard working, change the major task was to create a business plan. My success in the world attitude. It also aims to create a memorable cultural Newcastle Business Competition gave me the confidence experience, that allows the team to represent Australian to improve my skills and develop new ideas. This is why I culture to the global community. began developing the Australian Chin Up Team business Designed as an alternative Schoolies program, the trip plan: below is the executive summary. consists of 2 - 3 weeks of humanitarian based work in the How many of you are going overseas this year? areas in and around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team will I will be taking with me a team of 10: students from St take part in activities with the orphanage, Chin Refugee Columba, Regional High School, St Paul’s and McKillop, Centre and Epic, who build homes for the Malaysian my parents and a family friend. This year I hope will be the Aboriginals. prototype for the program that will run again in 2013. I I have previously been to Malaysia and volunteered in the hope to run this program for 5 - 10 years myself, and then orphanage before and through the friendships there and during that time teach a successor how to run and also the generosity of Mr Morrison, the Shadow Immigration pass on the program. My personal goal for the program is

“

20 greater port macquarie focus.

to create foster leaders who lead by serving – leaders who gracefully hand over the reins when the time is best.

What do you hope the team will achieve while in Malaysia?

The groups of refugees that we will be involved with are those who have been waiting to come to Australia for up to seven years. Instead of making a fuss about what we can’t do, my goal is to give them what we can. I believe that the essence of Australia is in our youth, so we’re 'bringing the BEST of Australia to the global community'.

I also hope that for our team it will plant a seed of enthusiasm and drive to make a difference in people's lives.

Even at my age, I’m hoping to share with the team the idea that changing one person's world might as well be changing the whole world.

You hope that the Australian Chin Up Team will become an annual initiative. How can the public help to ensure the program’s continuing success?

The goal of the team each year will be to raise between $10,000 - $15,000. Different organisations and individuals will also receive the opportunity to sponsor the trip by donating finance and resources to the program. So that we can run the program again next year and years into the future, the public can help support this program by making a donation at the Hope Shop to john@hopeshop. org.au in the name of the Australian Chin Up Team.

Or to get more information, to make enquiries about making a donation, or make a specific type of donation, businesses or individuals can contact me directly at: australianchinupteam@hotmail.com.au The team members are (in order of the single line photo, left to right; Wil Wright, Maggie Mowle, Eleanor Wright, Sophie Stark, Charlotte Coleman, Breelin Frederick, Claudia Stark, Ellinore Frederick, Jordan Munro and Brandon Robinson. Missing from the photo is Isabel Hall.)

Thanks Breelin.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

focusinterview.

MORNING MUSIC @ THE GLASSHOUSE US PRESENTS R ENTS S Photo credit: Ashley de Prazer

Friendship, tolerance, respect.

HONEY SPOT

DAVID SCHEEL

Kyle Morrison, Artistic Director from Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, introduces us to Honey Spot – a production that highlights the issues of friendship, tolerance and respect for different cultures. Honey Spot is a heart-warming play suitable for students in Years 4 – 8, and will be presented as a part the Glasshouse's education program on November 14.

H

i Kyle. For our readers’ benefit, please give us a brief bio of your career as both an actor and director …

I started out as an actor. When I was 11 years old, I played the part of a boy in Black Swan Theatre Company’s production of Waiting for Godot. Since then, I’ve been really interested in the performing arts. A cousin of mine was doing a remount-based production of Bran Nue Dae …during that time I was rehearsing for Godot, and on my days off, I got to go and watch some of the rehearsals for Bran Nue Dae. I was quite lucky – I got to work on one of the most important scripts of the 20th century, and then see rehearsal productions of one of the most important theatre productions in original theatre. In terms of my introduction to theatre, I was doubly blessed!

After that, I got into television and did some commercials. I left high school in Year 11 to do a drama course at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts – it was a 3 month course for Certificate III in Aboriginal Theatre. Straight after that, I started working for companies such as Yirra Yaakin, Barking Gecko and Deckchair.

You’ve obviously had quite a diverse background as an actor, and you were certainly introduced to theatre at an early age then …

I was bitten by the bug quite early, and I was very fortunate that I had a very good idea right through my teens of what I wanted to do.

When I was in Year 7, our school actually did a production of Honey Spot. I remember when we were doing the production, how it made everyone feel … everybody would walk out of the performance, young and old, black and white, and absolutely everyone enjoyed it! Everybody got a good sense of what the story’s about and who the characters are, and how through the positive meeting of the young people in the

production, it’s a good reflection of what could transpire in Australian society, given the chance. I recognised this as a 12 year old, and Honey Spot’s always been one of those scripts I’ve loved.

You mentioned the meeting of young people in the story … but what’s the essence of Honey Spot – what’s it really about?

Basically, Honey Spot is about a young boy [Tim] and a young girl [Peggy] who meet in the bush from two different sides of the Australian social spectrum; the young lady is doing ballet as an extracurricular activity and meets this young fellow who tells her a little about Aboriginal culture – Noongar culture, specifically through the collection of honey … we get an idea of what Noongar culture and Noongar theology is all about.

Tim practises and performs Noongar dance, and once Peggy gets an idea of how this dance works, she wants to work with Tim’s family to produce a piece that embraces the two disciplines: ballet and Noongar dance.

The two kids come together through the love of arts, dance and culture, and their families are a little bit hesitant about this.

Through the power of these young people exploring creativity and wanting to work together and be friends, cultural, racial and socio-economic divides become insignificant compared to what they want to achieve.

The whole production sounds so positive, with the story and themes designed to leave people with a great feeling at the end …

And it’s all very truthful, in the way it shows that even though ballet and Noongar are from different ends of the earth, it’s through the joy of dance and culture that these two get together and bring their families together in the process.

The cello and didgeridoo combination used as the music for the production is so interesting as well, as it really reflects

the differences between the two cultures and the contrasts between the two main characters …

Exactly. The sound of the cello follows Peggy around – it’s the sound of her life.

And when Tim and Peggy work together, you could be forgiven for not recognising which is the cello sound and which is the didgeridoo sound; when they play together in harmony, it’s a really beautiful sound.

From your perspective as the director of Honey Spot, what’s been the highlight for you about the whole production?

Working with the cast … The cast have a real joy in telling the story. The story is full of joy, optimism and life anyway, but the cast separately have their own joy, optimism and life as well. This is the third time we’ve done this production, but this season has really been like working with family and friends, as the show is so full of us and our hearts … these characters are a lot like people we grew up with; everyone can really recognise the character they’re playing quite strongly.

This is the kind of story that needs to be told, and hearing the strength of the feedback is also such an enriching thing.

To hear what people are taking away from the story – in terms of the optimism and hearing how much they get out of it; it’s a wonderful thing.

Thanks Kyle.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

DON’T SHOOT ME I’M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER Monday 5 November, 11am David is regarded as one of the finest solo musical comedy performers in the world and Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player, has now been touring the world for 15 years. This show has sold out in West End, then at three consecutive Edinburgh Festivals, and continues to enjoy enormous success worldwide.

I NGS BOOK IAL T N E ESS on w o n ll ca

6581

8888

Christmas A VERY GLASSHOUSE

Monday 3 December, 11am

A joyous Morning Music concert of traditional Christmas carols and contemporary songs, performed by professional musical theatre stars and featuring the Tacking Point Bel Canto children’s choir. A morning of joy and Christmas cheer.

the plug!

Honey Spot will be performed at the Glasshouse thanks to the Open House Project. Two shows: November 14 at 9am and 12.30pm.

Tickets $10 per student – 10 student tickets = 1 teacher FREE Duration: 60 minutes followed by Q & A. Key Learning Areas: Drama, English, Aboriginal Studies, HSIE.

Tickets: $24.50 Adult, $22.50 Groups 6+

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

greater port macquarie focus 21

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Tin

W SPARRO

T

Up and coming band Tin Sparrow is part of the lineup at this year’s Festival of the Sun. This year has seen them touring extensively and releasing a new single ... even receiving some airplay on a couple of popular American TV shows. Performing at more festivals in the future is also on the agenda for this popular group.

ell us a little about Tin Sparrow and how and when you got together?

Well, we’ve been together for two and a half years now. Most of us got together at uni, and the singer, Matt, he went to school with our drummer. So we came from a few different places, but once we got together and started fleshing it, out it kinda worked out well.

Give us an overview of the band members and that ‘something special’ they each bring to the group.

We have Matt Emery, who is our singer, leader and front man; he is an excellent songwriter, and I guess he respects a lot of the classic Australian songwriters like Paul Kelly, and that comes across in his writing.

Our drummer, Mark Pickles, who is an excellent drummer and musician – he is a bass player, guitar player and has a really nice voice; Sonia Van Hummel is our sole female member and aside from being a heartbreaker/heartthrob for all the male audience members, she too is excellent musician and has an amazing voice – she can play like three instruments at once! It’s pretty awesome.

And then there’s me; I play guitar.

So you guys had a new single out in October?

Yes, that’s true. We just finished recording it a couple days ago in Melbourne with Tom Youngset from Big Scary, and this single signals a bit of a shift from our usual kids’ stuff. We’ve tried a few different ideas out and thought it’s a little more Pop focused … umm yeah; we’re pretty stoked with it, and it should be out in a few weeks.

You said that Matt is your main songwriter?

Yeah, he generally comes up with the main sort of

22 greater port macquarie focus

core idea – and then we get together and flesh it out You have toured with some big bands and artists with him. too and opened for their gigs on tour. What You’ll be visiting Port Macquarie this December opportunities has that given you for exposure? for Festival of the Sun. Have you guys played We went through with Matt Corby, and it many festivals over the last 2½ years? was actually a pretty crazy first half of the Ah, we’ve played a couple. The first one we year. We went around with Husky, then really did was Peats Ridge, which was a Matt Corby and then Boy & Bear for 6 couple of years ago. We were pretty weeks, and cruising with massive scared about it, and we haven’t really bands like that, you just learn played many since, but we will be so much. The main thing is What could be g doing a few this December and seeing the amount of hard better than goin g we’re super excited – especially in work and effort that goes ng ha to a festival and h of weird nc for me personally. into a show of that size bu our with a heaps ng ei se d an I mean, what could be better le and sort of learning from peop hile getting w of s nd ba of than going to a festival and those guys who have been ” some sunshine! hanging our with a bunch of on the road a lot longer weird people and seeing heaps of than us ... seeing how they bands while getting some sunshine! conduct themselves and just So yeah ... I am pretty stoked. sort of learning the ropes from A couple of the songs you have them. produced have been picked up by hit TV And it must be good to be able to shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Body of leverage off their fan base, as they have a huge Proof. How do opportunities like that come following? about for such a young band?

(Laughs.) Yeah! Especially Matt Corby and Boy & Well … I guess it’s the work of our publisher, who is Bear – their fans are hard core. It’s amazing to be able based out of Melbourne, and well ... I guess we owe to play in front of them and try our best to steal a them a lot of thanks for pushing out our music to a little bit of the limelight. It helps a lot. few different places around the globe. It’s worked out So what’s on the calendar for 2013? pretty well.

Well, I believe we’re working on a new EP, which That must have helped create some momentum should be released about March next year. We’re for the band? playing one or two festivals early next year as well, Yeah, in a way for sure. I mean, with a show and I guess we’re just planning on expanding what like Grey’s Anatomy, they have a huge audience in we’re doing and to keep pushing and putting songs America and we have never been over there, but out and meeting new people and having fun. hopefully when we do, maybe that sort of stuff will Tin Sparrow will be playing at FOTSUN on help us in the long run.

December 14 & 15. For tickets, go to fotsun.com

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PRESENTED BY triple j

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SOUTHERN CROSS TEN

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DRUM MEDIA

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TIME OFF

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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

greater port macquarie focus 23

Greater G t Port P t Macquarie M i

Fresh garden salad to enjoy with a tea or coffee from CafĂŠ Buzz.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 24 greater port macquarie focus.

eat.

Roast pumpkin risotto with toasted pinenuts, goats cheese, mint coulis and house baked grissini.

Seafood platter for two.

Restaurant Synergy Synergy Restaurant & Bar, located at the Mercure Centro Hotel – where food and service works in harmony.

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS DAY LONG LUNCH. Celebrate Christmas lunch with ease with our festive 3 course choice menu.

Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetisers on arrival. Lucky door prizes.

Happy hour 5.30pm – 7pm nightly.

Sunday special $50pp – 2 course choice menu with complimentary bottle of wine.

Bay Leaf Spring racing is on, and Bay Leaf is set for a Great Melbourne Cup day. Enjoy your champagne on arrival with a mix of gourmet breads, which will lead you into an assortment of fresh local seafoods and cold cut meats from the land; combined with fresh salads and fruits, our menu is sure to please. To finish your dining, we provide an array of sweet desserts. Races will be on screen. Prizes go to best hat, best outfit, lucky door and lucky seat. Secure your ticket at Bay Leaf by pre-purchase, $45 pp. Throughout the months of November and December, Bay Leaf is offering set Christmas menus in our function kits.

We will be open for our Christmas lunch this year and have two dining options, both at $85pp.

Maître d' Ammish & Executive Chef Nathaniel.

Owners Matt and Shane.

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

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

Dinner 5.30 - 8.30ish.

open 7 days, from 6.30am 'til 10am for breakfast; 5pm – late for dinner. Bookings essential.

Party platters for any occasion.

Watermans Café

Beantree Garden Café

Book your Christmas party with us!

Watermans Café in Wauchope offers the perfect setting for your party and/or Christmas function. Overlooking the beautiful Bain Park, Watermans Café is among the finest cafés on the Mid North Coast. Watermans Café offers 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.

Watermans Café can also cater for all functions, parties or corporate luncheons you are holding.

Come in and try our new summer menu.

The Beantree Café serves delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch in a relaxing garden setting.

56 High Street, Wauchope t 6586 4242 w www.watermanscafe.com.au open Mon - Thurs 8am - 4pm; Friday and Saturday - 8am - 9pm.

The chefs at Beantree are passionate about using local, seasonal produce and provide a new specials menu each week.

Try some of our new summer specials! Including the smoked salmon salad with caramelised pear, feta and walnuts, or the spinach, ricotta and sun-dried tomato stuffed mushroom with potato rosti, grilled asparagus and balsamic glaze (pictured).

Owners Ren & Farrah

Refreshing mixed juices and icy cold frappes are also a menu favourite.

Having a function or celebration? Consider the Beantree – no venue hire charged and catering to your budget and tastes.

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.

greater port macquarie focus 25

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.

Japanese oysters: with wakami, radish, pickled ginger and Japanese dressing.

Kataifi Tiger Prawns w/ romesco sauce

Scampis Seafood Bar & Grill

Bluewater Bar and Restaurant There is always something happening at Bluewater.

Get rid of Mondayitis and enjoy a meal with us.

Come in and experience our wonderful new menu.

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. Scampis is the place to be this summer period; whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re sure to get a great meal within a wonderful atmosphere.

Book your Christmas Function Lunch or Dinner at the Bluewater Bar Lunches – Tuesday to Friday $15 (including XMAS luncheons) Live Music Friday Nights and Sunday Afternoons.

Welcome to Summer - Sunday 2nd of December Six local performers 2.30pm to 6.30pm

Daily lunch time specials.

Weekend breakfast from 8.30am.

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.

26 greater port macquarie focus.

Happy Hour 3pm to 4pm - $5 Corona’s and Peroni, $10 Beer Jugs, Owners Mark and Jackie Holt.

$10 Cocktails.

Courtesy Bus available. Join us on Facebook at Bluewater Bar or check our webpage at www.bluewbar.com.au for all the latest info.

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

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - late.

The Wolf pack

eat.

Authentic Thai Orchid

Café Buzz

Why not treat yourself and your family to the exotic flavours of Thailand presented at their best! Outdoor and indoor dining areas, traditional and relaxed atmosphere. Dine in or takeaway available.

Banquet menus available for group bookings.

Fully licensed restaurant – BYOB (wine only).

Home delivery – $30 min; fee applies.

Perfect venue for birthday/anniversary dinners.

Café BUZZ is the region’s first Coffee Company. BUZZ showcases the full range of freshly roasted BUZZ Coffee, BUZZ Tea and local produce.

Our tiger rolls are an everyday must have; filled with fresh leg ham, turkey or corned beef and salad with a chutney or pesto spread, they are superb! OR enjoy a toasted panini from our ever changing daily list! Freshly made, toasted and filled with delicious freshness!

Every morning the BUZZ Chefs produce a tray of baby quiche. The tastes change every day, but could be Lorraine, pumpkin or roasted veg – teamed with a side salad and you, it is a lunch worth working to! Bring a friend!

BUZZ coffee has been making people smile since we opened the doors in the dark ages; you know it will be good every time! See you at your local BUZZ!

2011 Port Macquarie Business Awards finalist.

FINALIST: Best Thai on the North Coast Finalist 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.

Owners May and Paul

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

Next to Rivers Menswear, 4 Bay St, Port Macquarie t 6584 9049

open Breakfast and lunch.

open Tuesday - Sunday, from 5pm.

Confit Duck - beetroot, asparagus, spiced macadamia crumb with star anise jus.

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

November is the prime time to go straight from the beach to the bar at Zebu Bar + Grill with a tantalising range of cocktails and nibbles for you to enjoy in the bar as you watch the world go by. Grab the gang after work for a wind

Hook N Slice menu ...

down drink and enjoy some live tunes and tasty treats.

Monday – $10 steak night

Diary Date: Movember – Friday 30 November at 6.30pm

Tuesday – $8 lunches

A much anticipated man-style celebration of the ‘good old mo’ with a mega shave off event! Beer, gourmet hotdogs and lots of blokes! Poker exhibition

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.

Head Chef Steve Totton & Ricky Ross.

game. Ladies, gents, all welcome; $35pp inc. welcome beer or wine, gourmet hot dog and entertainment. Brought to you by Zebu, Corona & Hungerford Hill.

Executive Chef Ben Holloway.

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 27

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focusinterview.

Waterfront Big Brekky.

Waterfront Restaurant

Hastings Hotel Head Chef

KYLIE

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.

Now is the time to book for your Christmas functions – open for groups from small numbers up to 150 guests.

FLETCHER.

Can cater for a sit down meal, a buffet or finger food. Venue can be closed for private functions (conditions apply).

Have Christmas lunch with us book your table for Christmas day now.

Contact Rob and Karen for further details and information.

Inside and outside dining.

Bookings requested for dinner time.

After working in the hospitality industry for 20 years and experiencing many changes, Kylie especially enjoys the family atmosphere at the Hastings Hotel.

Sunset Parade, Port Macquarie t 6583 1944

ou're the chef at the The great thing about the Hastings Hotel Hastings Hotel in is that it can service many needs for the Wauchope. How long have community. It can be your afternoon watering you been in the industry, hole, a night out to watch a great band, and what do you love and the restaurant is no different. It can be about where you're working now? a party venue, a family dining spot, or just a I've been in the industry for 20 years now; great value for money place to get together I've seen a lot of changes. There have been with friends away from the main bar if you good years and not so good, but they all so desire. We try and accommodate all age taught me something and I wouldn’t groups and their specific needs. change any of them. One of Tell us a bit about the menu the great things about you have at the moment working here is the family ... atmosphere, for the y rt pa a The menu at the be It can staff and the patrons. moment can be venue, a family eat st a gr The Trembaths are a whatever you need it dining spot, or ju place to great family to work value for money friends to be. You can have get together with ain bar with, and it's great to traditional 'pub fare', or away from the m see them want to try .” we have a wide ranging re si if you so de new things and make specials board changing the business grow and daily, special meal deals improve, therefore keeping with our live entertainment, our days at work exciting. and not to forget the ever

open for breakfast: Monday - Friday, 7am - 11am; weekends 8 am - 11am.

Dinner: Monday - Saturday, 6pm - late.

“

Flynns Beach Café + Takeaway Voted by FOCUS readers as producing the best burger in Greater Port Macquarie! Try our signature burger, the Flynns Beach Burger, a sure way to fill your tummy, weighing in at half a kilo. Takeaway menu available for breakfast, lunch and most nights for dinner.

Our café provides premium Arabica twin-origin Peak Coffee – top quality coffee roasted beautifully, and a dine-in menu filled with flavoursome food as wholesome as mum's cooking. Café menu available for breakfast and lunch.

Find us on Facebook.

Corner of Pacific Dr. & Flynn St. 2/52 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie t 6583 2725 open Mon 8am - 7pm. Wed - Sat 8am - 7pm.

Sun 7:30 - 3:30pm. (Summer trading hours).

28 greater port macquarie focus.

Our cooks Nick and Tony.

Where did your love of food begin?

Probably my love of food started licking the bowl while helping mum cook in the kitchen and then followed on with a great teacher, Mrs Smith, in high school. I started cooking and found out that I really loved it and was OK at it. A busy service is a strange form of an adrenalin rush for me, and it's always satisfying when you receive that 'wow' result from a customer who likes what you made for them.

There seems to be always something happening at the Hastings Hotel. Can you tell us why The Hastings Hotel bistro is so popular?

popular Friday and Saturday night 2 courses for $25 or 3 courses for $35.

Tell us all about the family friendly dining experience and the kids' area within the restaurant ...

The kids' area is great to give everyone that little reprieve of some quiet time to eat their dinner, while being able to see the kids play and amuse themselves. It's a win-win situation for all involved.

Is there anything else you wish to add?

Basically, I would like to invite people to come and try us out over the silly season. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Thanks Kylie.

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louperri. from The Stunned Mullet

bl i n k a n d y o u ' l l m i s s i t t's hard to be hip. Well, I suppose it has always taken some sort of effort to be fashionable and current.

Knowing which bands to listen to, books to read, haircut to get, clothes to buy (before anyone else has them) and places to be seen.

For most of us, it doesn’t come naturally, and for more than a few it doesn’t come at all! But, there’s a definite pressure to attempt to be ‘with it’, whichever age you are, from tween through to OAP. You need to be quite dedicated to make the grade. Trends and fads move ever faster across the spectrum in this world of information OTT. You need to practically be psychic to pre-empt the latest and greatest before anyone else gets there. And how

much time (or money!) does anyone have to devote to this pastime?

It’s hard work, that’s for sure, and frustrating to boot. It can almost seem that once you’ve got the object of your heart’s desire, that it becomes yesterday’s news and the next big thing emerges on the horizon.

And of course, human nature being what it is, we’re never satisfied and once we acquire one thing, we naturally move on to the next pièce de résistance.

Such emerging ‘must haves’ are do-able to an extent when we’re talking about fashion, music and the arts. Relatively minor financial investments are incurred. With fashion, there are always cheap copies of designer labels, books can be borrowed etc. There are shortcuts to staying current in some ways.

That’s all very well, but what about when it comes to the places that we frequent when trying to being quintessentially hip?

There’s a certain scene built to house the up-to-the-minute folks. Bars, restaurants and cafés crop up as frequently in trendy urban areas as they disappear.

Recently on a trip to Sydney, I attended such an establishment (which will remain nameless). Location – inner city gentrified back street. Clientele – well put it this way, it was possible to count the patrons aged over 22 on one hand. Interior design – retro/ kitch/distressed (or something like that).

Service – sullen, bordering on rude, delivered by grungy yet highly attractive 18 year olds.

Food – basically fast food. Drink – a couple of very strong frozen cocktails.

Conclusion – McDonald's with Margaritas.

Some might say I’m past it and unappreciative of such a playground for the youth of today. But essentially to me, that is all that it was. All style, zero substance and certainly no soul.

Lots of perfectly coiffed and shod under 22s at a McDonald's built just for them – careful ironic retro, top shelf spirits and lots of posing to boot.

It may be hip, it may be trendy, it may be so cutting edge it hurts but at the end of the day, it leaves me cold.

There is no magic, no warmth, and nothing genuine about such a place. The impermanence of it gives it a film set feel; the posiness of its patrons makes it seem like a crowd scene.

Will it still exist in 2 years' time? Maybe, but the hip up to the minute crowd will have moved on and the place will have acquired a tired and jaded appearance.

Is it worth creating these fly-by-night meccas for fashion’s disciples? In a word: yes.

Having the vision to tap into the next big thing means big bucks. The hungry hordes will gather and beat down the doors to get in, such is the need to secure a table at the place to be seen. The momentum may even last for a couple of years, but it will eventually dwindle and fade, and the trendy so-and-sos will have moved on.

Hipness indeed does have its place, but when it comes down to it, true longevity has nothing to do with fashion. It’s more about character and soul, humanity and love … and a smile never hurt anyone, that is for sure!

greater port macquarie focus 29

Over 50 years’ combined industry experience.

XS Food Catering.

XS food are fast establishing a reputation as the best caterer in the Hastings Region.

Whether you’re entertaining 2 of your closest friends for an intimate dinner party or organising a major event with over 2,000 guests, we can design a menu to suit your needs and budget. With over 50 years’ combined industry experience, we are passionate about delicious, fresh and beautifully presented food. We have an extensive menu selection available, or we can tailor a menu specifically for your event.

We source local produce and suppliers where available and prepare food on site or in our own commercial kitchen and patisserie.

XS food are specialists in offsite catering. We regularly cater at local vineyards, surf clubs, function centres, private residences, corporate offices, community halls, arts and conference centres, marquees – anywhere!

Attention to detail is what sets us apart from other caterers. We take pride in our friendly, professional service, and our experienced team has a genuine can-do attitude.

XS food holds a NSW Caterers Liquor License

30 greater port macquarie focus.

What are you doing for your Christmas Party?

It has come to that time of year again, when everyone is asking, “What are we doing for our Christmas party?”

and has great working relationships with local vineyards and breweries, giving us the ability to meet all your beverage needs.

We understand the importance of providing excellent value catering. We publish all prices in our menus, so that you can see our costs up-front. We also provide flexible options to suit every budget.

Our reputation is backed by our clients rebooking our services time and time again.

Most recently, XS food successfully completed the catering contract for Ironman 2012 for the second consecutive year.

So contact us NOW to book to your Christmas function or discuss your next event.

or karaoke if you want to liven up your party with some dancing and singing.

Accommodation is also available should you require it.

At the Hastings Hotel, we’re here to make your life If you’re contemplating If you’re g in at pl easier. We have some having a party at home em nt co at y rt pa a ng fantastic function during this silly season, vi ha is home during th menus to choose from, then rest assured we season, then lly si whether it’s a finger can provide you with all rest assured we food cocktail party, a your food and beverage can provide you sit down 2 or 3 course requirements. with all your food and beverage meal, a Christmas buffet, Why not let us take the requirements. ” or a simple gourmet BBQ stress out of your holiday on the balcony, we have all season! your needs covered. However, Please don’t hesitate to contact should there be something your heart Robbie Trembath (manager) or Kylie desires that’s not on our menus, we are Fletcher (chef) on Ph 6586 1963 for further flexible and are happy to cater to your needs. information and copies of our function We can also organise live entertainment menus.

“

functions and Catering ideas

focus_feature.

New Upstairs area catering for 70 - 80 people

Lv’s Functions.

Exclusive new function room.

Griddle Bar and Grill would like to

chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice-cream

introduce their new upstairs function

for desert. With so much more to choose

room for all occasions. With stunning views

from, you are sure to find the perfect dishes

overlooking the river, take in the beautiful

for every palate for your party or function at

sunset whilst enjoying our exclusive cocktails

Griddle.

and wines.

The upstairs area can cater for 70 - 80 people

To make it easy for you, Griddle has four

comfortably, and has an inviting ambience

different set menus to choose from, each

and decor. Decorations can also be arranged

including an entrée, main and dessert. Starting

to suit. Your personal bar is also upstairs, with

from just $38 per head, we can guarantee

exclusive wines such as Tyrell, Moores Creek,

you won’t go home hungry! An example of

and Ocean Grove, and a unique cocktail menu

a set function menu includes garlic prawns

for something a little more celebrational!

for an entree, surf and turf for the main, and

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR NEXT FUNCTION!

Lv’s on Clarence has a passion for sourcing birthday coming up and you’re looking for the best and freshest seasonal, local that perfect venue? produce on the Mid North Come in and talk to owner/ Coast. We produce all chef Todd and his wife, Lisa, With outside products in house, such as and they can answer all and inside smoking the duck and your questions. Whether dining, you are ok salmon and baking the you’re after a function in welcome to boe bread; all cakes and one table or th t the morning, afternoon whole venue. Se sweet treats are baked or dinner time, Lv’s e, bl la menus are avai se on the premises too. are here to help. With n choo

“

Chef Todd has his very own veggie garden at home, to add that fresh taste to your meal.

or you ca from the canapé menu. ”

Have you thought about where to hold your Christmas party, or maybe there’s a

outside and inside dining, you are welcome to book one table or the whole venue. Set menus are available, or you can choose from the canapé

menu.

greater port macquarie focus 31

32 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

David Gillespie.

It’s fair to say the political temperature in Port Macquarie and around Australia has been elevated for a couple of years now, with few who wouldn’t like to see things settle down to a calmer state. Late afternoon this month, Susie met with one of them. avid Gillespie and I are snacking on nuts and a Wicked Elf over a chat about his campaign to become the Member for Lyne. We’ve skipped lunch because, again throughout this weekend, Gillespie’s been out and about meeting people as he works towards becoming our federal parliamentary representative. This time next year we’ll have a new government in Canberra. Even if the current rocky boat lurches on to its final throes, Parliament must be prorogued 10 months from now, in September, with the election following. Informed view is that a Coalition government will be returned, though nothing’s certain. Gillespie hopes voters here will return Lyne to the Coalition, whom he represents, and have our interests prominent on the government benches. What is certain is that people want certainty, not more of the same uncertainty and precarious, manipulated numbers: business and employers want certainty, retailers and consumers are crying out for it, and people want attention to issues, not displays of personal abuse and grubby toilet-block talk.

“I want to be part of a government that has everyone’s trust, restores confidence in its judgment, renews business confidence, implements policies that help the nation, individuals and business, gets the job done and lets people get on with their lives so Australia gets back on track and can grow and prosper,” Gillespie declares.

It’s the second time he’s stood as the Nationals/Liberals’ preferred candidate, after his introduction in 2010 when he won as a new face an impressive 11-plus per cent swing from independent back to Coalition. He and wife Charlotte came here 20 years ago when he was appointed a staff specialist at the Hastings District Hospital, to perform endoscopies.

D

“But there was no endoscopy unit! Go figure!” he laughs. “So I built one. We went into major debt, took a huge commercial risk, physically built it from the ground up, operated it for 12 years, employed 14 people, other doctors used it, and it’s still there today, treating thousands of people.” He also spent a decade as Director of Physician Training at the hospital, helping young doctors build careers in rural medicine. Now he takes on what will be another major challenge and achievement.

As it’s not yet his job to travel the length and breadth of the electorate it must be fitted around his daily work as a specialist gastroenterologist. I can’t imagine going through the unpaid hard yakka, but Gillespie dismisses this and, indeed, is thriving on it as he meets and re-meets constituents. “The overwhelming response I’m getting is very encouraging,” he says. “People who didn’t know me well the first time round are now saying they’re glad to see me running again.” Gillespie will build on that, aiming for people to get to know him and quiz him over a beer or a snag sanger as they see him at the clubs, pubs, parks, sports events and other locations around the traps.

Door-knocking, a slog, is essential for any aspiring MP: on foot from house to house, never knowing what reception they’ll get, to meet as many individual electors as possible to hear their opinions and demands. What a way to spend your leisure time; you’d need to be keen! Gillespie, an active sportsman, enjoys it. “People are more interested in meeting me this time round because they’re seeing me as potentially their local MP,” he finds. Charlotte and their three teenage children often join the entourage, agreeably surprising many voters who welcome meeting the family. “A lot of people have come forward to help the campaign: supporters, including young people,

who aren’t necessarily Liberals or Nats.” Campaigning proves candidates have the stamina to serve an electorate when elected to office: within 24 hours recently Gillespie mingled with voters at Taree Show, representing the show patron, giving a speech, judging a contest and hearing opinions, and fronted up next morning at Tastings on Hastings for more of the same.

Sure, it was a fun weekend out, as it was for everyone, he agrees, but an invaluable way of checking the pulse of Lyne. The following weekend it was Mooreland, Tinonee, Krambach, Beechwood, then working as voluntary medical director for last month’s Ironman.

Gillespie needs continued strong support in the big centres where it’s the perceived wisdom over the bar, at the match, “across the back fence”, the word of mouth that’s written on the wind as to who’s preferred that influences the big slab of voters who follow not policy but personality and popular, peer, sentiment: “Mike reckons Oakeshott will get back” or “Mike reckons Gillespie’s the one to go for”.

An independent poll four months ago put the Nationals in Lyne significantly ahead of our current MP by near 20% on a first-preference basis. The poll found just under half of all voters, 47.2%, preferred the Nationals/Coalition against 28% supporting the incumbent. But with up to 12.5% of Labor and Greens prefer-

ences possibly flowing to him, Rob Oakeshott can expect to do far better. So Gillespie needs to prove his endurance, meet as many electors as he can, become known to and be evaluated by them while our sitting MP has the profile and network to grab headlines. “I’d like to apply the principles of being a good doctor to political life,” Gillespie tells me, “reliability, persistence, hard work and empathy. I’m used to hearing people’s problems; you hear what their complaint is, take a history, diagnose what the situation is, and you try to sort it out.” He’s well placed to make the move to Canberra (he grew up in Queanbeyan), having recruited two new gastroenterologists to practise in Port next year.

Notably, medicos who move to parliament succeed; witness highly-respected academic and physician Peter Baume (also a gastroenterologist), Health Minister Michael Wooldridge, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Herron, Greens leader Bob Brown and more than a dozen recent others I can think of. Oh, and Sir Earle Page, son of a blacksmith, pioneering surgeon, PM and deputy PM, the longest-serving federal MP ever (42 years) in a single electorate … and founder of the Country Party, now the Nationals.

Out To Lunch is hosted by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach.

greater port macquarie focus 33

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

Left. Emily Kearney & Kristin Haveland @ High Tea.

Below. Jasmin Johansson & Jill McKern @ Port Cup.

Right. Fine fillies @ Port Cup. Above. Vickii Byram & Di Richmond @ High Tea.

Social/scene.

Above. Sharon Avery & Pam Foye at her farewell.

Event season is in full canter, with Port Cup safely under our fashionable belts and with sunstroke and silliness kept to a bare minimum, thanks to some seriously stunning headwear and hideously long bar lines!

O

ne of my favourite events of the year – Melbourne Cup is now upon us – barely a glass of bubbles away! Fashion, of course, is always the winner at these events, with fabulous lads and ladies going out on a leggy limb to dress in their best for fashions on the field. The stakes will be high this year, with venues all over town stepping it up to celebrate the race of all races.

I will be playing host to 170 fashionable fine folk who are guests at the annual Rydges event – this year we are paying homage to the blue bloods, with a very English Royal Ascot afternoon with a good lashing of lah-dee-dah! Kate and Wills – eat your heart out!

From betting to birthdays – Jo McCarthy organised hubby Steve’s 60th birthday with a party at their gorgeous home in Bonny Hills on Saturday 26 October, with 60 friends and family.

The birthday also doubled as a celebration for Jo, whose birthday is the following month. The jet setting couple zoomed in the night before from Lombok to host the bash. Local boys Ghost Road entertained the guests with a live performance and were actually suspended over the Macarthy’s pool on a purpose made deck. Brigid and the team at SilverSpoon served canapés throughout the night, followed by a scrummy birthday cake made by daughter Heather, lots of bubbles of course, and a bit of a boogie! Happy birthday Jo

34 greater port macquarie focus.

and Steve!

I had a very chilled out lunch at Scampis on the Ironman weekend, prepared by one of my favourite pommy chefs, Mark Holt, and his beautiful wife, Jackie. Saturday, sunshine, seafood, sea views and Sav Blanc – seriously sensational! Followed up by an afternoon on the back deck with my visiting bestie from Melbourne and a night out with all the girls – pure bliss!

The slight hangover the next morning was not as blissful. Tiddly nights followed by toddler mornings – not so fab! This will also be attested to by my fellow accomplices, who shared plenty of drinkies and a very rowdy and rather raucous cab ride home. Cheers to you, girlies!

The festival of lyrca and fabulously fit people has now drawn to an end. The walking wounded now proudly line the streets wearing their hard earned injuries and strains like a badge! Congrats to all involved in the event and who actually pushed themselves to participate! A shout out to the fabulous Dickson family, who all competed in races across the weekend, Mr David Capper our very own ironman GM and of course, the dynamic duo Louise and Jay Beaumont and Councillor Adam Roberts for their sporting prowess in the 5 km run! I may even be inspired to participate myself!

Charles Sturt University held their first bi annual Community Connections Dinner at Rydges Port

Macquarie recently, with a dinner for 60 special guests. Guests, including Shane Ryan, Julie Berry, Helen and John Ross, Kylie Morris, Kylie and Warwick Little and Terry Muldoon enjoyed four courses, Cassegrain wines and some fabulous company, as local business people met the local and visiting university team. The event was orchestrated by Dr Muyesser Durur and her team based in Port Macquarie and was a resounding success. An exciting time ahead for education in the region!

Pam Foye of Jobfind centre recently celebrated her retirement, with a series of parties all over town. The party girl farewelled 8 years with the company, with plans to hit the road with hubby, Terry, and their new caravan in the New Year.

Guests and colleagues, including Sharon Avery and Tamara Unterweger, shed a teary but fun filled farewell, with a final shindig at Sails Resort!

Bon voyage, Pam! Adam Spencer celebrated his 40th birthday with a bash at home in Port Macquarie with 80 friends and family, including Jim O’Brien, the staff of Newman’s Senior Technical College, Anne and David Churm. The event was organised by his lovely wife, Lee, with nibbles by Luxe Café and Catering. Happy birthday, Adam!

Well loved and respected Anne O’Brien celebrated with a cocktail party for 120 guests and colleagues at Rydges Port Macquarie in

late October, with a thank you event organised by her colleagues from St Joseph’s Regional College. Anne leaves her role as Principal to take up another position within the Parish.

Congratulations, Anne!

Men, throw out your razors and your love life! Movember is here, and hair is here to stay ... well, at least until this event! Rydges and Zebu will be hosting a much anticipated man-style celebration of the ‘good old mo’, with a mega shave off event on Friday 30 November! Gorgeous hairdressers and some brave barbers will be on hand to un-mo the be-whiskered guests! Prizes will be awarded for best moustache and beard, with trophies and fabulous beery gifts! Join other hairy like-minded men who enjoy good beer, blokey grub and a good laugh! Tickets will go fast and are available from the hotel! Be warned: there will be stories … and lots of photography!

I zoom off this month, heading to Sydney for a good friend’s birthday bash and deliciously relaxing cruise on the harbour! One slightly concerning item on the invitation – no heels allowed! Yikes – may have to go barefoot!

Looking forward to time with friends, a beautiful hotel room, a sleep in past 6am (do they actually exist?) and of course, the unforgettable Pitt St Mall! ‘til next month! Kate.

greater port macquarie focus 35

focuscolumn.

focuscolumn.

jason clifton.

When is a Beer not a Beer ... promised you that the world of beer Both the Little Brewing Company and Black has something for everyone, even Duck had a vast range for you to try, from those who like it big and strong. Well, easy drinkers, to hoppy numbers, and even the Scottish brewery Brewmeisters some darker ales. In all I think that there were (www.brewmeister.co.uk) have recently over ten different beers offered. Enough released Armageddon, a 65% (ABV) monster. choice to enable everyone to find a favourite.

The ingredients are stated to be “crystal Good to see our local breweries thriving. malt, wheat, flaked oats and of course 100% Beer festivals are becoming even more Scottish spring water”. That must be some prevalent than music festivals. Sydney has mighty fine water as it appears that there just had Sydney Craft Beer Week, with a are other Scottish breweries that have an range of tastings, events, and degustation affinity with high alcohol beers. In particular dinners at a variety of craft beer locations.

BrewDog (www.brewdog.com), who have Bitter and Twisted, an annual beer festival produced a long line of high alcohol beers held in Maitland, is on 3-4 November at the and compete viciously for the top spot of Maitland Goal, with over 50 boutique beers strongest beer in the world. In to taste (www.bitterandtwisted.

2009 their beer Tokyo (18.2%) com.au). Newcastle follows, drew attention from alcohol mirroring the efforts of industry watchdogs who got Sydney, with a weeklong “ I have finally condemned them for my act together festival. Various hotels and g in making a beer at that and will be hold venues host beer inspired In er Be nd the seco percentage available in a n events, tastings, and meet Mind appreciatio 330ml bottle. The brewery night on 24 the brewer sessions (www. responded in the only way November. ” newcastlecraftbeerweek. it knew how, by releasing com). The events include “Nanny State”, a 1.1% beer “Pint of Origin”, “Cooking with that contained lots of hops Beer”, and “Tap Takeovers” at various and no punch. Take that!! BrewDog locations around Newcastle. The event beers are available locally, even some of the culminates in a beer festival at Warners at the big ones. Many of the online beer shops Bay, an event that sells out just after Fathers carry these beers. Both the Tactical Nuclear Day each year. Even the local community Penguin (32%) and the Sink the Bismarck of Byabarra host a beer appreciation night.

(41%), both previous strongest beers in the It happens every October to raise funds for world, have been available but at $170+ a the local community hall. Eighteen beers are 330ml bottle, you’d have to be keen. tasted, games, and complementary food The secret to making these high alcohol is provided. Definitely one to put in the beers revolves around the process they go calendar for next year. through after fermentation. The beers are The second Beer In Mind appreciation typically referred to as “Ice Beers” and are a night on the 24th November. “Peak ‘n’ Ale” result of the beer being frozen and filtered. will be held at Peak Coffee in the industrial Once the beer has fermented it is frozen and area, and will feature six beers matched thawed. As beer is typically between 92-93% with a variety of US style street food. Soft water it freezes first and can be filtered off, fish taco, dagwood dog, and pork sliders increasing the alcohol concentration. The will be served with matching beers from process was first developed in Germany to around NSW. A heavily hopped IPA will keep create Eisbock, a higher alcohol bock (dark the beer enthusiasts happy. Also included beer) for Oktoberfest celebrations. As if you will be a higher alcohol speciality beer from needed something to get the party started the Brewer of the Year 2012 (Murrays, Port when attending the Oktoberfest celebrations.

Stephens). Come and get a beer education On the local scene it was great to see and have some fun along the way. Tickets a sunny day for the recent Tastings of the will be limited. Email beerinmind@gmail.com Hastings. More impressive was the queue to reserve your spot. for both of the local breweries. I overheard Beer in Mind…. beer contributes to several people in the queue calculating what weight gain but it’s generally the kebab or proportion of a beer they would drink while hamburger on the way home that does the waiting in the line was so that they could damage.

Eat responsibily. ensure they didn’t run out on return trips.

36 greater port macquarie focus.

w it h Bel i n da G ib son

' F I R S T

N I G H T : F I R S T

Every show’s ‘first night’ at the Glasshouse is like a first date. We stand there, nervous, excited with sweaty palms … hoping that this time … will be it love?

D A T E ’

the highlights on this tour”.

We work and strive to create those magical connections between the audience and a production ... to marry up the right production with the right audience, so the theatre comes alive with the sparks of excitement, emotion and appreciation.

The Glasshouse is a matchmaker. We scour the Australian performing arts landscape, This time last year we launched the 2012 searching high and low for perfect matches Glasshouse shows. I boldly declared, "It for our community/audience. Every relais you, the audience, that has the power tionship is different, and there is no magic to make the Glasshouse theatre formula. A show can look perfect come to life". A year on as on paper but when you meet the Glasshouse prepares face-to-face, there is no to announce the 2013 a spark – yet for someone “ And when it’, its is a program, I still firmly perfect matchIt’s that else, they will find it a believe that. blissful night. t when perfect match. en om m As we get ready to magic t and And when it’s a perfect the lights go ou introduce you to a e ak the audience m match, it is a blissful n tio the shows for 2013, ec nn magical co , the night. It’s that magic ow sh e we know the loud th ith w ” moment when the lights actors, the story. confident ones that go out and the audience you will love at first make a magical connection sight, the more earnest with the show, the actors, the ones that might require a little story. It’s the night when we all float work but are well worth the effort, home, happily content. It’s that night when and the shy, unsuspecting ones … the ones any previous experiences of ‘not quite’, ‘just that at first you overlook, but could capture OK’ and ‘never again’ disappear, and we just your imagination and heart. think, “Wow, that was the one".

Love, life and theatre takes work. Like all reIt is hard to know where and when the lationships, the connection between the aumagic will happen. Last month Bell Shakedience and the theatre takes a bit of effort, speare came to town, with something a but is worth it in the end. As we prepare little bit different to their usual offering of our 2013 shows to meet you, I beseech you The Bard – instead, we had a translation of to be kind to them and consider them with Moliere’s French The School for Wives. It care. Some shows may be the continuation was a wonderful ‘first date’, as the audience of an old trusted relationship, or the start of and Bell Shakespeare fell in love. The cast a beautiful friendship – either way, only you and crew declared the Glasshouse audience have the power to connect with them and “one of the warmest audiences … one of make the theatre come to life.

Scott Trotter.

Head Chef - Quality Resort Sails

H

ow did you become the Head Chef at Quality Resort Sails?

After travelling and working at various venues in London, Cairns, Darwin and Lord Howe Island, I had been at Sebel Reef House and Spa at Palm Cove for five years as Sous Chef, when the opportunity came up to join Quality Resort Sails as Head Chef.

My wife and I decided to return to my home town, Port Macquarie, to raise our family. We have three children, and I have been here at Sails for over 8 years.

I believe you have trained and mentored many chefs? I have been fortunate to work with many talented people over the time and have enjoyed mentoring and watching them on their journey from apprentice chefs to the success many of them now enjoy in their chosen craft as restaurant owners or Head Chefs.

What inspires you? For me, there is no greater thrill than having the kitchen running at full steam and the team all working in rhythm to create and present perfect food to our guests, whether that be for restaurant guests, a wedding reception or conference group.

What are some of your favourite ingredients?

There are so many! I would say amongst my favourites is seafood, and I especially enjoy creating the perfect lobster dish when a guest selects one from our live lobster tank. I prefer to use locally sourced product.

How would you describe the menu options at Quality Resort Sails? We offer various menus for all types of occasions; however, what is consistent with all the menu options is the freshness and quality of the food.

There is always something happening at Sails. What special events do you have coming up?

Our new seasonal menu launches the first week of November, which includes the flavours and textures of the season, with a fresh selection of entrées, mains and our superb desserts. Each of the chefs on the Sails team brings their own unique talents and special I d My wife an rn tu re to d dishes to the menu. de deci

“ n, Port to my home tow

ise our Macquarie, to rathree ve ha e W . ily fam ve been children, and I ha er 8 here at Sails for ov years. ”

We offer various menu selections for our wedding packages, conferences and events and special occasions, which include canapés, platters, two and three course menus, specialty menus, and we also cater for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free guests.

We are predominantly recognised as offering à la carte menus; however, we prepare everything from wedges, scones, jam and cream and even pizzas!

We will be a full house for the Melbourne Cup Luncheon.

We then move into the many Christmas festivities, from groups dining in the restaurant, festivities in our conference rooms and of course, our Christmas BBQs! We are open Christmas Day and provide a special Christmas lunch menu and then celebrate the New Year with New Year's Eve festivities and celebrations.

What a great way to bring in a New Year, with great food, a fireworks display and a nice wine!

Thanks Scott. greater port macquarie focus 37

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focusinterview.

FOCUS TALKS TO ANGUS FROM SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM ABOUT THEIR UPCOMING TOUR AND WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE FOR THE DUO.

Y

ou’re heading up the coast for onwards, we just have so many ideas between a few shows to wrap the year us ... we have, like, 60 different tracks that up. Tell us how 2012 has been we’re working on. For some reason, it just seems for you guys ... to have snowballed. We know more about what We’ve had a great year, we like, and we bounce off each other a lot actually. We spent a lot of the year touring better. I think we are both just in the constant through Europe and America and had a great process of recording and writing. response, particularly in America, so that was You mentioned you were collaborating with really good. We got back to Oz around the some other artists. Tell us a bit about end of September, so we have just been that ... bunking down in the studio, doing We have done a bunch of different lots of writing and recording. tracks with different people. We We are doing lots of have an underground disco guy, e We hav g calibrations with people we have done a track with n ti ri w n bee r fo ff and writing songs for a u Moby, written one for his st f o p ea ah lot of other people, as latest record, and we might the big Amereican well as doing our own be putting together another Pop stars. W just are actuallyem stuff. one with him as well. sending th we’ll You guys released an We have a big club track so , over now e what album this time last happening with one of the se d an t ai w year. Is that what this rising Swedish House guys, so happens there. ” tour has been about? that’s all pretty good.

Yeah, pretty much. We have We have been writing a heap of sort of been supporting that album stuff for the big American Pop stars. We throughout the last year or so, and now we are are actually just sending them over now, so we’ll at end of that cycle and starting to get some wait and see what happens there. With three other stuff, fresher stuff. albums under our belt, we thought it was time It’s great that you’re bringing your tour to to have a look what other options are out there. regional NSW. What do you enjoy about In terms of longevity, for a band you guys playing in these smaller towns? have been around for a while now.

NSW in general has been so supportive of us, Yes, we have. I think we are about to so we’ve made an effort to get up there and go celebrate our 13th year of Sneaky Sound and to to those places we have never been before. We be honest, it doesn’t feel much different from did more of down south earlier in the year, so it’s right at the start. We still get very excited about now time to come up the other way. music. It’s our language; it’s our currency. We are With just the two of you in the band now, very grateful that we still feel this way. can you tell us a bit about the process when Thanks Angus. it comes to collaborating?

It used to be rather a slow process. Going the plug! back years now, I did a lot of the writing myself, Sneaky Sound System will be at at Laurieton and Connie would come in and do vocals.

United Services Club, Thursday 22 November We started to evolve into much more of a (opening 8pm), Seymour Street, Laurieton. partnership. www.laurietonclub.com.au On this third record, it was very much collaborated together. I guess from now Phone 6559 9110.

“

38 greater port macquarie focus.

The way summer should be

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focusinterview.

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Having experienced somewhat of a nomadic lifestyle while growing up, James first picked up his father’s guitar as a young child and taught himself to play.

Since then, various musical influences have shaped the musician he is today.

W

hat’s your background, James? Where are you from originally?

I was born in Byron Bay NSW and spent most of my childhood on an isolated farm west of Lismore. There weren’t too many people my age who lived anywhere nearby to be friends with, so I spent most of my time alone or with my 2 brothers and 1 sister, adventuring or building cubbies from fallen trees.

We lived off solar, gas and battery power: no TV, a fridge the size of your average bar fridge and before the age of 13, I’d never used a power point or really knew what electricity was!

My parents split a few times, so we moved around a lot. I went to at least 13 different schools and always found it hard to fit in and was never quite sure whether to try and make friends, because I never knew when or if we’d have to pack up and leave again.

Why did you decide to relocate to Port Macquarie – and how long have you been here now?

When my parents split for good, we packed our lives into backpacks and came to Port Macquarie, as it was close to my grandparents in Halidays Point. I’ve been here 8 years now and love it! Things worked out for the best!

When did you first decide to make music a big part of your life ... have you practiced since a young age?

I never ever thought I would make music a big part of my life. I never saw it as a possibility at all.

My dad used to play his 12 string guitar when I was young; I always loved to watch and although he wasn’t the greatest guitar player, I was always fascinated by how he played it. I used to study every detail of his playing; he was the only person I’d ever seen play a guitar!

Even though I wasn’t allowed, I used to play 40 greater port macquarie focus.

it without him knowing. It was hard to play; it was a 12 string with every second string taken off, so it was just like a 6 string with a really wide neck. It also had steel strings, while most kids learn on nylon string guitars.

My mum saw me trying to play one day and handed me a song book full of Bob Dylan music, which was the only music I’d ever heard growing up (my mum was obsessed!)

I play 6 and 12 She told me when you see string guitars ark, lap a chord, you just “put your made by Cole Cl r and play until I find fingers where the dots are”. steel (slide) guitaso use a . I al as ic on rm ha something I like.

My mum couldn’t play guitar, a t Stomp Box and et oo gf Bi I try to combine fe but that’s what she was told, my tambourine with what I think is best and it was the only teaching I while playing.” about the three artists ever had!

I draw my inspiration I worked out simple chords like from and reshape it to the A, C, D, E, and F. I used to know an way I write and play. extensive repertoire of Bob Dylan songs At the moment, I perform a lot using only these chords, and I taught myself of solo shows.

I also have a drummer, Vince the harmonica from listening to Dylan’s music.

Pring, who plays with me sometimes, and I do I made my own harmonica brace from a a lot of shared gigs with my good mate Todd wire coat hanger and pretty much thought I Bourke, who is a big influence on my music; was Bob Dylan. we share similar views and styles.

Describe your musical style ... what What other instruments do you actually moves you, and what artists do you draw play? Do you see yourself more as an inspiration from? instrumentalist, or a vocalist?

I’d describe my playing as a Folk/Roots sort I play 6 and 12 sting guitars made by Cole of sound and style similar to that of those Clark, lap steel (slide) guitar and harmonicas. who inspire me!

I also use a Bigfoot Stomp Box and a When I turned 19, I discovered Angus and tambourine with my feet while playing. I’d say Julia Stone. The simple chords I was so familiar there’s not one thing I’d be better at than the with were being used in ways I’d never heard, other; it’s an all as one kind of thing. and the words to their songs were so similar Where can people catch you performing to that of Dylan’s. ... do you have any regular gigs?

Not long after, I discovered John Butler and I’ve just started to play out of Port in Byron discovered open tunings and lap steel guitar.

Bay, Bellingen, Forster and Newcastle. I do He made me understand there was a way I have a regular Sunday that I play at the Beach could play my guitar with no idea exactly what House in Port most weeks, 12pm ’til 3pm, I was doing, but somehow it made sense. and I also run the open mic night at The Pier To this day, with most of my songs I have every Tuesday night, 6.30pm ’til 11pm, both no idea what the chords are or how I find of which I’ve been doing for just over a year the chords I need for a song … I simply just

“

now.

You’ve recently produced an EP too.

What’s it called – and how would you introduce it to someone who’s never heard you perform before?

The EP is self titled and with 6 acoustic songs (guitar vocals and harmonica). I guess the songs are pretty catchy and a combination of my influences; it’s a great little EP. I’m happy with it as my first recording, and it’s very easy listening!

What’s your biggest dream/goal?

My biggest dream at the moment would be getting into some bigger festivals and maybe heading overseas. My ultimate goal is to make people feel happy and enjoy the music that I create and also to hopefully inspire others to play or write music like others did for me!

Where can people purchase/download your music, or read more about you?

My EP is available on iTunes, you can get a copy from The Guitar Factory, or at any of my gigs. I have some other songs on the Triple J Unearthed site www.triplejunearthed.com/ jamesbennett. I’ve got a 2nd EP coming out before the end of the year and an album next year!

Facebook artist page www.facebook.com/ jamesbennettsound. For bookings and info, email jamesbennettsound@gmail.com Thanks James.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Think Local - Buy Local - Shop Local

New owner Lusanna Klotz is excited tof to introduce hersel ce you as the new fa at Meg and Me.”

“ Coloniall Cobbler. r Step out in style yle this summer, with twear and accessories colourful footwear onial Cobbler! We all need from the Colonial the perfect pair of summer sandals that look good and feel comfortable all day long. From the beach, to holidays, shopping and lunch with friends, it is an essential part of every woman's outfit. We all wish to look like an international model that has walked the runways of fashion houses in Europe, and why not! From Port Macquarie to Paris, a girl needs to feel chic and well groomed, no matter where she lives. The new season shoes lend themselves beautifully to helping us along that journey. Many times we are able to integrate the old with a few new pieces and create a new season look that makes us feel well satisfied with our fashion choice for the season. Just remember that real beauty never goes out of fashion and often comes from within.

With all of the best brands available for quality make and comfort, you are sure to

find something to suit your style in store!

Minx, Hush Puppies, Ecco, Valeria Grossi, Easy Steps, Boston Babe and Ziera are just some of the quality brands in store at Colonial Cobbler for your selection. The accessories range includes Pierre Cardin and Cellini, to name but a couple.

Megan Murray (left); Lusanna Klotz (right).

Introducing the Girls at Meg and Me. Originally from Hobart, two years ago

handbags, jewellery and accessories hitting the

Lusanna and her husband, Anthony,

shelves weekly.

We naturally have our own individual style that we like to work with, but at times we want to break out and do something a little different. We have different moods, so our choice of clothing and footwear will reflect that change. Some of the new sandals are multi-coloured with platform wedges, just a little funky for that fun time out and about.

travelled up and down the coast of

Lusanna knows how important it is to look

Don't forget that for everyday wear, it is lovely to work back cool neutrals with just a hint of watermelon, citrus and indigo.

These are available for you to try on at the COLONIAL COBBLER. Whatever your choices for this year's summer wardrobe, enjoy the journey of adding a bit of colour and design to your summer shoe collection.

Since purchasing the business earlier this

Australia looking for a new home ... when they found Port, their decision was easy.

Lusanna loves the laidback lifestyle and sunny days (especially after growing up in Hobart!) that Port is famous for, but missed the variety

after her customers and believes that this is what boutique shopping is all about – it’s about having a personal, enjoyable experience each and every time you visit the store.

of specialty boutiques that she was so familiar

Lusanna and Megan also think shopping

with ... until now!

should be fun! So they now hold regular 'VIP

year, Lusanna has expanded on the existing brands Meg and Me is already well known for and is slowly introducing some of her own

Preview Evenings', where loyal customers are rewarded with a sneak preview of new stock before it hits the shelves – ensuring customers get an opportunity to secure their favourite

personality to the shop. Lusanna recommends

pieces for the season before they sell out. To

keeping a lookout for a fabulous new clothing

become a Meg and Me VIP, call in and register

range appearing in November, one which the

today!

girls are very excited about, as well as new

The girls can't wait to meet you!

greater port macquarie focus 43

November 8 from 4pm until 8pm.

VIP Christmas Launch.

Spotlight Port Macquarie is having their VIP Christmas Launch on November 8 from 4pm until 8pm. There will be lots of instore Christmas Specials, competitions and demonstrations. There will be face painting, kids’ crafts and a visit from Santa. Be inspired with our demonstrations, which include cake decorating, cake pop making and a Christmas cushion you can create. Come in and see our wonderful range of Christmas decorations, trees, Christmas craft, Christmas napery, dinner and tableware and our Christmas fabric range.

Spotlight has everything you need to make this Christmas special. So come on in and join the fun on our special Christmas VIP Night.

90 Horton Street Port Macquarie (02) 6583 2208

44 greater port macquarie focus.

ALL

Berlei “ Bras 30%

OFF at Silkies Lingerie.”

Create your own floral masterpiece!!

Designed especially for you, Glasshouse Flowers floral design classes are a great way to experience the world of a florist! Come and join in a fun-filled evening of inspiration, creativity, and refreshments.

Learn the basics of floral design and some tricks of the trade when you make your own stunning arrangement using a variety of flowers and materials. Everything you will need is provided, so bring along a friend, your mum or some work colleagues and have a great time creating a masterpiece.

With a class limited to only 6 people, you will have an inspirational evening with hands-on experience in a fun and relaxed environment. We cater to all abilities, and the class is designed as an introduction to floristy and floral design. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and at the end of the evening you will take home your own creation to show off to your family and friends.

Gift certificates are also available for either the introductory session or the series of four classes. Spoil someone you love with an experience that is original and sure to be remembered for years to come. You can also give this as a great Christmas gift! For more info and bookings, please drop in or call us on 6584 2242.

Silkies Lingerie.

Have a Willow Christmas.

It’s getting close to that time of year again, and hasn’t it come around quickly?

Christmas is a time for family, friends, loved ones and most importantly, time to relax and recharge. The last thing we need to be worrying about is where are we going to find those unique one of a kind gifts or that special something for the hard to buy for person in our lives.

Willow House and Baby have all your answers for your Christmas shopping this year. Come in store today and browse through the beautiful items that are on display. With new stock arriving daily, the only problem you will have is how to carry it all home.

Don’t forget about the very popular Willow Tree Figurines; add to your collection, or find the piece you have been looking for.

Gifts big and small fill the store. Lay-by options are available, and the ladies are happy to help when it comes to choosing the right gift.

Open seven days a week: Monday - Saturday, 9am - 6.30pm, and Sundays 10.30am - 3pm. Shoppers’ specials throughout the store.

There are so many specials in store at Silkies Lingerie and Sleepwear!

Berlei Sport – Electrify Berlei sport bras offer superior support and comfort and are specifically designed for high impact sports. Shaped and padded straps convert to cross back for extra support.

Australia's No.1 Everyday Bra – Berlei Barely There Contour – The Berlei Barely There Contour Bra is designed in a smooth, soft stretch fabric, so it's easy to fit and soft against the skin, creates a great shape and is easy to wash and wear.

Available in black, cafe mocha, ivory, white and pink.

• Miracle Control Wear 30% off • 40% off a full rack of bras, assorted brands • 40% off a full rack of sleepwear • Baskets of knickers 50% off Lin is a qualified bra fitter, who will measure to make sure you are wearing the right size bra. Please mention any current fitting concerns you may have and discuss with us the style of bra which best suits your needs. We offer a wide choice of quality big brand bras and can order in your ‘favourite’ if it is not in stock. (Special discounts do not apply for personal orders). Come and see what is in store today!

greater port macquarie focus 45

Buy local

Quad ds North Coast Quads and Motorbikes Phone. 6581 5331 M and Me Meg Phone. 6583 P 583 7773

Guitar Factory Phone. 6584 4066 Colonial Cobbler Phone. 6583 3525 The Shanti Butterfly Phone. 6583 6500

Kylie’s Art Studio & Supplies, Gifts and Homewares Phone. 0427 598 042 Silkies Lingerie Phone. 6583 8558

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is

Th year we “ introduce our

new Signature Christmas Series!”

Wonderful Festive Season.

At FOR GOOD …

We are preparing for a very special festive season, with our select range of homewares, gifts and toys.

At For Good, we choose quality products that are made from honest materials that carry a clear message.

We choose handmade over mass produced, unique and thoughtfully created inspirational and ‘edgy’ pieces.

Christmas Portraits.

Always wanted a classic Christmas children’s portrait, but don’t want to wait in line to sit on Santa’s knee?

This year at Renee Bell Studios, we have decided to introduce our new Christmas Sessions. Have your children photographed in a beautiful Christmas themed vintage style portrait session, giving you photos to be cherished for years to come. It’ll be all your Christmas gift shopping in one easy trip!

What you will recieve:

Our toys are heartfelt, healthy, and educational.

• One mini session for up to four children (15 mins).

The new range of unique decorations will inspire you this Christmas … these also make wonderful friend/teacher/work colleague gifts.

• A complimentary multi-media viewing.

Come and visit our store and be surprised.

All this for the special price of only $139! Book in now, as there are limited places available! Contact the studio for more information.

We have gift ideas for all ages, budgets and tastes.

Our happy store is opposite Town Beach in The Observatory Hotel, next door to the Milk Bar.

• A gift print pack consisting of your favourite image printed as one 8”x10” print, two 5”x7” print and ten 6”x4” prints.

www.reneebell.com.au or phone (02) 6582 0144.

greater port macquarie focus 47

The Block Coffee and Chocolate.

Kylie’s Art Studio.

With a name like The Block Coffee + Chocolate, you would expect a focus on chocolates, but be prepared to be wowed by the region’s most extensive range of fine chocolates from Australia’s most accomplished artisan chocolate makers. Located in Port Macquarie’s CBD Coles building, experience the chocolate bar with over 20 exquisite varieties on display, unique figurines and many other items ideal for a little self indulgence, gift idea or as a thank you to your hardworking staff or clients.

For any taste or budget, The Block staff will assist you in the perfect packaging presentation for your needs. From a simple 2 piece card box to the deluxe wooden gift box, there is sure to be something to satisfy your needs.

With Christmas fast approaching, you will find a good selection of more seasonal figurines table centre pieces and gifts.

Also experience our delicious macarons, bright and colourful, in many different flavours.

“

The Block’s café has a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks, sweets and breakfast and lunch plates.

”

Drop by for a browse 7 days and enjoy a chocolate with your next coffee or a light desert after lunch.

48 greater port macquarie focus.

As well as quality art supplies, you also stock a range of giftware and homewares?

We have a unique range of quality soft toys and musical/ talking bears, plus photo frames, painted gifts and artwork from local artists, as well as homewares from Bright Side and DWBH. We also sell Urban Rituelle creams and summer scents.

What are some of your favourite items for the Christmas season? The tea light holders are a favourite, along with the talking ‘Noah’ bears, plus we will be stocking Spineless Classics, which are classic books printed on a wall hanging – something for the person who has everything!

Tell us about some of the specials currently on offer in store. We still have our Art Spectrum special of buying 3 oil paints and getting a Titanium white paint for free. We will also have great discounts for the Laurieton Bargain Bonanza Day on Thursday 29 November.

What is unique about Kylie’s Art Studio?

We have five art classes in acrylics every week. A growing range of quality art supplies including Art Spectrum oils, watercolours, gouache and pastels, plus Matisse and Jo Sonja acrylics, mediums and accessories for the serious artist.

Ladybug giftwear.

Ever been in a situation where you are putting together a function, or having a wedding and need those last minute decorations, or after a certain finishing touch, but don’t want to spend a fortune and you only need it for that day or night?

Well, look no further! Ladybug gift and wedding hire are here to save the day, or event. With everything you need, from artificial flowers, wishing wells, wish trees, and table decorations to suit your theme or taste. Check out our website for our handmade designer wedding invitations and stationery: www.tiltcreations.com.au Ladybug giftwear and wedding hire also stock a beautiful range of gifts and craft items. Products such as the unique Lang Calenders, Lisa Pollock collection, funky angry bird ornaments, the very cute pod babies, and so much more.

Ladybug giftwear and wedding hire also stock a very unique selection of homemade craft, such as characters like Kitty and Thomas and name wall hangings. Come in and request your idea, and Emma will make to order.

Open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday morning.

Pop in today and start or finish your Christmas shopping.

Layby also available.

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.

Heart to Heart Lingerie.

Get your copy of the Byabarra Burlesque Calendar NOW. Purchase From Heart to Heart Lingerie. Cost: $25 • Breast forms • Prostheses lingerie • Amoena prostheses swimwear • Posture support bras • Phone for appointments • Look for us on Facebook • Medicare rebate available

• 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.

33 High Street Phone. 6586 1324

Class-ique Fashions Style Fit Service

Now Servicing Taree & Kempsey.

Shop 5/7 High Street Email hearttoheartlingerie@iftelecom.com.au Web. www.hearttoheartlingerie.com.au Phone. 6586 0050 Mobile. 0438 443 124

Blue Cow Designs.

IMMERSION Vintage Style Wares & Teahouse.

Browse our unique selection of gifts for Christmas.

• High teas • Light lunches • Selection of cakes • Serving World Par-Tea & Holy Goat coffee • Collection of antique and vintage furniture Glassware, china and bric a brac

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 • Lots of Christmas decorations and gift lines arriving daily.

36 Cameron Street Phone: 6586 0542 Open. Tues - Fri 9am - 5pm. Sat 9am - 2pm.

OPENING THURSDAY 'TIL 7PM & SUNDAYS, READY FOR CHRISTMAS

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

Hilberts Hardware PTY LTD.

Wr _ _ _ h

Ross T_ _ c h

Trai _ _ r C _ upl _ng

V - B_ lt

Castrol G_ _ _ se

Wo _ _ B _ _ t W_____n_ C__

• Garden Fittings & Tools • Water & Poly Fittings • Door Fittings • Bolts, Nuts, Rivets, Screws, • Hand Rails – Cabling & Fittings • Various Hand Tool Brands • Air Fittings & Tools • Hydraulics • Pressure Wash Customers travelling from over 100 km away know where to go!

In an age of big boxes and mega stores, Hilberts Hardware is a refreshing throwback to a time when good service trumped all else.

If you can’t get it at Hilberts Hardware, then you probably can’t get it!

43-45 Hastings Street Phone. 6585 2400 Fax. 6585 2435

Guess, and win! First 2 callers that can correctly guess all items will WIN!! greater port macquarie focus 49

The Athl Th Athlete’s lete’’s Fo F Foot ot Phone 6583 7177

elements of design Phone 6586 0900

The T Th he Bl he Bloc Block ck Phone Ph hon one e 65 658 6584 84 8 4 4141

Ladybug Gift Shop Phone 6584 0870

Designer Jewellers Phone 6583 2040

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Will Willow House H and d Baby B by Phone 6 6584 8 22 2275

greater port macquarie focus 51

e’’s ette hlle Ath he At Th T Foot Port Fo i can help ie uarrie qu cq ac Ma e perfect t th d nd fin fi u yo u ur o feett this fi fitt for yo summer!”

“

The T he perfect fi fitt for your feet feet.

The perfect time is right now; summer is fast approaching, and there is nothing worse than sweaty feet and uncomfortable shoes this time of year.

The Athlete’s, Foot Port Macquarie can help you find the perfect fit for your feet this summer.

Check out their current range, including sandals, thongs and lifestyle shoes for both men and women. With new sandals in stock now in a great range of colours and styles, your feet will thank you on those hot summer days. The Athlete’s Foot stock a great range of fitting options from the top brands, such

52 greater port macquarie focus.

as Fitflop, Naot, Merrell, Teva, just to name a few. To help determine the `Perfect Fit’ resulting in better performance and injury prevention, we use Fitprint – the unique shoe fitting service exclusive to The Athlete’s Foot.

Why not join our Clubfit program? This is our way of saying thank you for your loyalty and rewarding you and your family each time you shop with us.

So for the perfect fit, service and advice, call in and see Sue, Simon and the friendly team at your locally owned and operated Athlete’s Foot, Horton Street, Port Macquarie. Don’t forget about Christmas!

greater port macquarie focus 53

By Glenise McLaughlin from The Natural Health Sanctum

By Brenda Fernandez of East Coast Laser and Cosmetic Clinic

LED Cold light skin therapy.

W E I G H T

LED cold light skin therapy is hitting the cosmetic industry by storm, as practitioners and clients are recognising the great benefits without the down time.

Tried everything and still can’t lose weight?

D

o you ever catch yourself thinking, “How did I end up here?”, or seeing your reflection in the mirror and not recognising yourself? You are not alone; a 200708 Australian National Health Survey found that 68% of males and 55% females over the age of 18 were either overweight or obese.

It is not because your body has a vendetta against you, although at times it might feel like it. In fact, your body is doing exactly what it should be doing; it is storing excess energy as fat, just like it is programmed to do. Your body is indicating to you that something needs to be addressed.

What you are doing is not working for you. This is not just about how you look, but it is also about your health and well-being. The World Health Organisation says: “Obesity’s health consequences include serious chronic health conditions that reduce the overall quality of life”, such as insulin resistance, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, even some cancers.

Did you know that 80% of people fail to lose weight if they only do weight loss on its own?

Some of the obstacles to losing weight are

digestive disturbances causing fatigue, bloating, wind, diarrhoea or constipation. Evidence is now showing us that intestinal bacteria populations differ significantly between overweight and normal weight people.

Maybe you have a thyroid issue. A thyroid that is functioning on the low side can make it seem like you put on weight just by looking at food – how frustrating is that? Even with a sluggish thyroid, it is possible to lose weight; you just have to know how. Or maybe you have inflammation, which can stop fat burning, so all the effort – and still no weight loss.

Many celebrities are telling their secrets and confessing that their skin is looking great, especially for their age, thanks to regular treatments with LED light therapy.

NASA first discovered the effects of LED lights on cell growth more than 40 years ago. Although their studies have focused on wound healing rather than on anti ageing benefits, their experiments indicated a 150 to 200 percent increase in growth when cells were exposed to LED lights.

Without dealing with these obstacles, even with the most stringent diet changes and exercise you won’t be able to reap the benefits of all your hard work and determination. Will power just won’t cut it.

Spectrum LED cold light skin therapy is the latest in non-ablative collagen building for ageing skin. Red LED light activates collagen so that it renews itself, resulting in reduced wrinkles and increased elasticity of the skin.

Blue light at 415 - 425 nm has been shown in various studies to kill acne over a course of several treatments.

Each person is uniquely different and if you need help to get that fat moving, come as see Glenise McLaughlin at The Natural Health Sanctum, a fully qualified and experienced Naturopath who can design an individual fat loss program for you and remove your obstacles to fat loss.

Red and infrared wavelengths aimed at the skin bring a number of rewards. Blood flow increases, delivering nutrients and other cellular growth materials to the treatment site. Collagen production is stimulated to strengthen any areas where the skin is

W

By Adrian Cornale from Eyecare Plus

e are aware of the direct and irreversible effect that UV exposure can have on our eye health. It has been proven to accelerate eye aging, skin cancers around the eye, cataracts, pterygium and macular degeneration.

The only way to offer better is to eye protectionec ted fl re e th ce redu int ‘a light with an ing on reflective’ coat e. ” the back surfac

“

exposure.

New research reveals not all sunglasses offer adequate eye protection.

54 greater port macquarie focus.

New research has just uncovered new disturbing facts about UV eye protection.

Up until now, the commonly labelled ‘100% UVA UVB’ sunglasses were thought to give complete protection to the eyes from damaging UV light.

This labelling, however, does not take into account the UV radiation reflected on the

sagging or wrinkled. Lastly, the lymphatic system opens for improved drainage of toxins. All of these processes result in healthier, more attractive skin.

Typically, 10 x 20 minute treatments will reduce wrinkles and improve the quality of your skin by up to 60%. The light source does not have any harmful UVA and UVB. The light produced is pure red, infra-red or blue light at scientifically proven wavelengths for effective treatments.

At East Coast Laser, we use Spectrum LX with Medik8 amplifying fluid to speed up the process and enhance the results. back surface of the lens. Disturbingly, this reflected UV radiation can account for up to 50% of the UV received by the eye. In fact, some sunglasses can actually increase the UV exposure to the eye, due to this reflected radiation.

The only way to offer better eye protection is to reduce the reflected light with an ‘anti-reflective’ coating on the back surface.

As a result of this research, Essilor have now released ‘Crizal Forte UV’. This is an antireflective coating that gives maximum protection against reflected UV. If your sunglasses and spectacles don’t have back surface antireflective coatings applied, you are at risk of elevated UV exposure and UV damage. Please make sure to have this checked with your eye care provider.

headaches?

foggy brain?

bloated? tired all the time? stomach upsets?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you could simply be suffering from an intolerance to one or more foods you are consuming.

Food intolerances may cause a range of slow-onset symptoms that are seemingly unconnected to specific foods. Symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, in which time a lot of different types of food and drink have been consumed, baffling the sufferer as to what has caused their discomfort. Although not life threatening, the impact on sufferers can be significant, sometimes affecting their ability to live normal healthy lives.

Symptoms of food intolerance are many and varied and can include anxiety (acute/chronic), arthritis, ADD, bed wetting, bloating, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, depression, muscle aches and pains, headaches, inflammatory bowel disease, insomnia, itchy skin problems, mood swings, sleep disturbances, weight control problems – and many, many more.

Sufferers often complain of seeming to be in a ‘fog’, feeling bloated and being tired all the time.

Up until now, food intolerances have been very difficult and time consuming to diagnose, due to the vagueness of the symptoms and the time lapse.

Now a quick, reliable, simple, safe test for food intolerance to 59 foods is available at The Natural Health Sanctum. This procedure is the world’s first in-clinic test available for food intolerance.

This test now forms part of our comprehensive Food Intolerance Program, which is specifically tailored to suit each individual’s needs. Be quick, be smart, be symptom free – book in for your Food Intolerance Program now.

Glenise McLaughlin – Naturopath with over 17 years’ experience, specialises in the natural treatment of food intolerances.

World Sight Day Challenge.

Local Eyecare Plus Optometrist Adrian Cornale and Optical Dispensers Melissa Turner and Simone Tydd (pictured), joined the World Sight Day Challenge Charity to help end avoidable blindness.

“Over 600 million people around the world are blind or vision impaired, simply because they do not have access to an eye exam and a pair of glasses”, said Mr Cornale. This is hard for most people to believe, as access to excellent eye health services and spectacles here in Australia is taken for granted.

Avoidable blindness is a major barrier for many people who are trying to escape the cycle of poverty. Children are especially vulnerable. Providing vision correction to a school-age child can literally transform their life. Poor vision can prevent them from obtaining an adequate education, which is crucial to their future.

Men and women with poor vision cannot work to earn an income and care for their families.

Mr Cornale said, “I know that I, like many of those reading this article wearing spectacles, couldn’t perform my work tasks without my vision correction.”

That’s why Optometry Giving Sight is helping to fund the solution.

In 2012 it has committed funding to support 35 sustainable eye and vision care projects in 23 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Central Australia. These projects not only provide eye care to the needy, but train local people in the delivery of the eye care services, contributing to long-term impact for their communities.

Just $5 can help give someone in the developing world access to an eye exam for a pair of glasses.

Dr. Bobby Kumar Cosmetic Surgeon What’s New in Breast Augmentation …

The Keller Funnell – using this device allows Dr. Bobby Kumar a ‘no touch technique’. No direct handling of the breast implant as it’s inserted into the breast pocket has several benefits, including: • a reduced risk of infection; • the ability to use a smaller incision, and • a reduced risk of implant damage (such as rupture or fracturing).

New Breast Implant Silicone: • Improved cohesiveness (in rare case of rupture, silicone stays intact – similar to ‘gummy bear’ texture); • No ‘fracturing’ (potential of gel to crumble); • Already preferred for their resemblance to normal breast tissue, continued improvements further increase natural feel.

More information on breast augmentation is available on our blogs at www.bareaesthetics.com.au/blog 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.

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

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

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Improve your smile with dental veneers.

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

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 are resistant to whitening. The use of veneers is a popular treatment option and can be done in a comfortable procedure.

Candidates for dental veneers must have a strong, healthy underlying tooth which is not heavily filled. The consultation appointment is an important part of treatment with veneers.

During this visit, different types of veneers, benefits of each type and your needs are discussed. A thorough smile assessment is undertaken, with use of digital technology for proper case selection.

There are three main types of veneers: direct or indirect composite resin or ceramic. Direct composite veneers are generally cheaper and are placed in one appointment. The resin is carefully bonded to your teeth and sculpted

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to the desired shape. A special light is used to harden the composite resin. The veneer is then smoothened and polished to look like a natural tooth.

Ceramic veneers are thin shells made of strong dental ceramic. Often a small amount of enamel is removed from the front and sides of the tooth to make room for the veneer and prevents the veneered tooth from feeling or looking bulky or unnatural.

An impression of the prepared teeth is recorded and sent to the dental laboratory for manufacture of ceramic veneers that fit your individual teeth. In the next visit, the thin veneer shells are carefully bonded to the prepared teeth with special glue.

Like your natural teeth, veneers need to be looked after and treated with care. If you wish to have an appointment to check if we can improve your smile with dental veneers, please feel free to contact one of our friendly experienced staff on (02) 6584 7272.

Book a consultation with Dr. Robert Gilmour.

The NEW approach to acne Take the time to indulge Located at the entrance of Settlement City Shopping Centre, the friendly and highly qualified team at Port Massage invite you to take the time to indulge and find some real help.

Experts from China, we have speciallised in Chinese traditional massage for many years. Auther and Fang (owners/managers) have been well trained in Australia and certified from ACNT, The Australia College of Natural Therapies, and they are members of the ATMS, Australia Traditional Medicine Society.

We specialise in: * Tension releasing; * Headaches; * Nervous exhaustion; * Sports and accidental injuries; * Post pregnancy and conditions such as temporary or permanent paralysis, period pain, back pain, tennis elbow, shoulder problems etc.

Big Discount for November – half price on your birthday, 20% discount for seniors (over 70) and 20% off every Sunday.

Come in and see us today – 3 Bay St, Settlement City Shopping Centre.

Welcome to the revolutionary way of managing adolescent and adult onset acne. Three years in the making, the Klear Collection is a full range designed to have your blemish, acne-prone skin under control and on the mend.

The best news, the brand new Klear Collection is PARABEN, SULPHATE and BENZOYL PEROXIDE FREE. How does it work?

Based on the age old DMK concept, there is now a new and improved approach to the classic acne-focused DMK Treatments and Home Prescriptives. The five step range has you covered, from a cleanser to a spot treatment.

Who is it for?

The DMK Klear Collection is designed for both teenagers and adults who suffer from mild to severe breakouts.

How is it different to the original DMK acne program?

We’ve eliminated controversial ingredients such as parabens and sulphates, as well as products which are thought to dry out the skin with long term use, such as Benzoyl Peroxide. “It’s been three years in the making for this effective group of ingredients to come together to create such a balanced and effective range,” says Founder of DMK, Danné Montague-King.

What’s the most unique thing about the range?

The most unique product in the new range has to be the ACUMIST. It’s a light spray that hydrates the skin while helping to kill off the p.acne bacteria. This is an easy product to carry with you and have on hand all day. This product will change the way teenagers (especially) manage their acne.

Dr. Robert Gilmour Following graduation and internship in New Zealand, Dr Gilmour moved to Melbourne, Australia, where he continued his training in surgery between 1979 and 1987. Included in his training positions was a year appointment working within the Victorian Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Institute situated in Melbourne. In recent years, Dr Gilmour has returned to clinical practice focused on ‘Restoration Medicine’, including cosmetic procedures. He has a wide network of specialist clinicians which, along with his own work, allows him to offer patients a comprehensive range of options as to specific procedures that they may wish to consider and undertake.

Dr Gilmour's approach is to undertake a comprehensive assessment and then to discuss options and agree on an overall plan to meet a patient's wishes over time in accordance with their budget. Individual treatments are part of an integrated patient specific plan, which may well involve the participation of other professionals such as beauty therapists and skincare experts.

Dr Gilmour takes a relatively conservative approach, believing it is best to refresh and revive rather than markedly alter people's expression and personality. He has a particular interest in making middle aged women and men feel better about themselves and to make the whole process discreet, accessible and easily approachable.

Consults with Dr. Gilmour at Beachside Medi Spa – Phone 6583 3588.

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focushealth.

Invisalign Lifestyle, health, vitality and your new smile ave you always wanted system for correcting crooked or crowded straight teeth that give you teeth. It can be used to treat a range of the perfect smile? orthodontic conditions, including overbites, If the answer is yes, but underbites and even crossbites. Treatment you’ve never wanted to wear braces, then duration usually varies from twelve to read on. Invisalign is the flexible alternative twenty four months. to braces that can work in with your busy Key benefits of Invisalign are: lifestyle, and it’s NEVER too late to • It is virtually invisible. No one will start. know you’re in treatment.

Exclusive research • Patients are able to remove conducted in Sydney in Aligners for meals and ht ig ra st ve June 2011 on behalf special events. lie 54% be to d ke lin e ar of Invisalign Australia h • Removable Aligners teet erall ov s ’ on rs pe a confirmed just how means that teeth can d attractiveness anstraight much Australians be easily brushed and y sa lf ha around t how ec fl re value a nice smile, flossed, promoting en ev h et te take in with 99% considering healthier teeth and much pride you . your appearance it an important asset gums. and one in five going as • There are no brackets to far as to say a nice smile is cause ulcerations or abrasions. essential. In fact, teeth top the • Fewer visits to orthodontists are list of facial features most would like to required than with braces. improve.

• Patients are able to view their own virtual So what makes a nice smile? treatment plan, enabling them to see how According to 71% of Australians in their teeth will look on completion of the study, it goes hand in hand with treatment. straight teeth. It appears that straight So, is it suitable for me? teeth in a smile actually have many positive Whether your smile needs minor characteristics. 54% believe straight improvements or a major overhaul, teeth are linked to a person’s overall Invisalign can help. attractiveness and around half say straight Research conducted by Galaxy on behalf teeth even reflect how much pride you take of Invisalign Australia in June 2011. in your appearance. So it’s not surprising To find out if Invisalign is right for that there is almost universal agreement you, please contact Port Macquarie (91%) that when your teeth look good, Orthodontics. you feel more confident.

Suite 5, 145 Horton Street, Over one million patients have been Port Macquarie NSW 2444 treated with Invisalign worldwide. It is T: (02) 6583 8425 a virtually undetectable, easy-to-use, F: (02) 6584 1006 removable, comfortable and hygienic www.portmacquarieorthodontics.com.au

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NOVEMBER 2012

WITH TERRI

ARIES.

CANCER.

LIBRA.

March 21 - April 20

June 23 - July 23 Ju

September 24 - October 23

Now is a great time for a holiday, rest or time out. Your clever mind is in need of refurbishment. Nothing will help to bring fresh influences into the picture like a change of routine. Reflection time is invaluable, as it will help you distance yourself from negative influences and prioritise positive ones. Selenite is great for shattering negative thoughts and influences.

Try to recognise and free yourself from your past obstacles. By looking at them from a new perspective, you will see how they benefited you. Your divinity or personal power is at stake, so love and honour yourself enough to allow those negative influences to become your strengths. Malachite brings past hurts to the surface for recognition and release.

Don’t allow other people’s negative thoughts into your reality. Distance your-self from any dark influence, as you are shining at present.

Love holds some nice surprises; you only need to be available emotionally and with your sweetness of spirit, this should be easy.

Have fun and laugh more, so as to not get weighed down by others. Selenite keeps positive thoughts and energies prominent.

CAPRICORN.

TAURUS.

LEO.

December 22 - January 20

April 21 - May 21

July 24 - August 23

You need to acknowledge your clever self, as this recognition will align you with future success. Set some fresh goals and keep them to yourself, so others will not dampen your excitement. Remain positive to disconnect yourself from negative possibilities. Make laughter a priority for a couple of weeks, to feel the difference. Sugilite will give life a sense of ‘newfound’ love.

SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22

Time to party and celebrate the nice things in life. Social influences will serve you well at this time. Try and avoid heavy situations and negative thoughts, as your sensitivity is peaking. A great time for travel or adventure so if a holiday is not possible, try a creative activity or learn something new of interest.

Rose quartz is great for bringing passion into our thoughts and energy.

Your headstrong personality is favourable for positive change at this time. Understanding and practicing the difference between stubbornness and head-strength will benefit you enormously. Set some exciting fresh goals and give yourself permission to succeed. It is time for you to shine.

Turquoise is great for self-confidence.

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Try not to ‘day-dream’ too much, as this will have a de-motivating affect on your energy. Set some short-term, easy to reach goals and give yourself permission to succeed; then go for them full steam ahead. Your determination is waking up with speed. Citrine keeps us focused on the task at hand.

VIRGO.

SAGATTARIUS.

August 24 - September 23 A

November 23 - December 21

New changes to your outlook on life are working favourably at this time. Try not to lose momentum, as this energy will propel you into success more efficiently than any other influence. Set some fresh goals too, as this will benefit you. Social changes can be welcomed, with new vibrant friends coming into your reality. Clear quartz will empower you further.

Your brightness in your spirit is strength for others at present. Protect this precious commodity, by recognising the things that drain you and avoid them.

Physical activity is a must for your body at this time to maintain this happy vibration. Keep your-self intellectually satisfied as well. Citrine connects us to our creative genius.

Insecurities are playing with your thoughts lately. Try doing some selfempowering exercises like smiling at your reflection and giving yourself some compliments, as this will align your true identity and take care of negative self-thoughts. Connect with your heart’s ability to love hugely. Ruby shatters negative destructive thoughts.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Try not to be concerned by what you believe others think of you, as this will cause distractions from your goals and place unnecessary hurdles on your path.

Recognise how much you choose to do for others and the joy this repays you with, and make yourself a priority.

Amethyst helps align us with our purpose.

PISCES. February 20 - March 20

Take some time out of your busy schedule to smell the roses and sweetness life has to offer. Your focus on your tasks has brought a seriousness to your energy which could easily drown your creative flair. Honour your-self enough to prioritise happy thoughts; lighten up and laugh more. Turquoise is great for a happier vibration. greater port macquarie focus 61

focusinterview.

Several students at Port Macquarie TAFE are currently completing either a Certificate IV or a Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Technology under the tutelage of talented and creative teachers. The students will ‘materialise’ their fabulous designs at a Creative Industries Showcase evening on November 22 at the Glasshouse. Make sure you don’t miss this event, as you may just miss witnessing the future of fashion …

Future fashion - tafe

A

nne Blyth and Jennifer Fahey – teachers.

What is the aim of the course?

The fashion design diploma course gives you the creative, practical and technical skills needed for a career at assistant manager level in the international fashion industry or within Australia.

It is a ‘hands-on’ diploma, where the students learn a range of fashion designer skills for design and development of fashion concepts − from research through to patternmaking, figure and size analysis, fitting, garment cutting and block construction, garment realisation and merchandising.

The training environment simulates a work environment. A range of electives include sketching, fashion illustration, swimwear design, and using specialist fashion computer software.

Career opportunities include assistant designer, product developer, assistant patternmaker and grader, CAD operator, assistant production manager, assistant brand manager and fashion merchandiser.

What is the duration of the course?

After the completion of the Certificate IV in Applied fashion Design & Technology, the Diploma takes a further 12 months of full-time study to complete.

When and where will the presentation/ showcase evening be held, and where can people purchase tickets/find out information about the event?

A gala evening, ‘The Creative Industries Showcase’, is planned for 22 November. The Fashion Parade at 7pm on level 2 is one of the main events at the Glasshouse venue. The evening also includes a Graphic Design display in the Ross Family Studio, ground floor, at 6pm.

Both of these events are free to the public. A Film Festival at 8pm in the auditorium concludes the Creative Industries Showcase; these tickets can be purchased through the Glasshouse Box Office: http://www.glasshouse.org.au or by

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calling 6581 8888. Flyers will be available at the Glasshouse or for more info, call Lorrae O’Brien: 6581 6221.

Students How has attending TAFE A gala evening, helped you develop ‘The Creative your creative skills? se’ st Indu ries Showca 22 get an amazing amount Julie Oliver r fo is planned ion sh fa e Th r. be of satisfaction from being (Certificate IV student) m Nove level 2 able to ‘materialise’ an parade at 7pm on ts at the – The course has given is one of the evene. .” idea.

This course has me the confidence and Glasshouse venu enabled me to progress skills I never thought an idea to a completed I would have. The garment. experience of the teachers Amy Cooke (Certificate IV has helped me with my sewing, student) – I am content that this patternmaking and the overall course has taught me to be confident in my process of fashion design. I can now draw ideas and abilities, and I feel I’ve been taught by what I imagine, turn it into a pattern, and the best teachers of the North Coast. make it. I’ve learned the whole process.

Please describe the garments you will each Erin Haycraft (Diploma student) – This has be presenting at the Creative Industries helped me advance in my sewing capabilities.

Showcase evening.

As Julie has said, it gave me the confidence I Julie Oliver (Certificate IV student) – I design never knew I had. I feel like I can be creative and for women who want to look glamorous but push the boundaries to grow and expand even still feel comfortable. In the parade I will have a further. lime green dress that’s like a garden of flowers.

Sophie Green (Diploma student) – This course My eco dress was made from an optometrist’s has given me the skills to really evolve creatively. banner and satin trousers. My after dark range It has been an amazing opportunity to learn can best be described as an explosion of colour. from such wonderful teachers with so much Jan Potter (Certificate IV student) – My knowledge. I have been able to develop my collection is geared for the professional woman creative skills beyond what I thought possible. who wants flexibility. It ranges from streetwear Jan Potter (Certificate IV student) – My through to formal attire. creative skills have been encouraged and Rhianon Burgess (Certificate IV student) – My nurtured by the teaching staff and fellow designs are quite structured and emphasise the students. I am in a class with incredibly gifted curves of the female figure. people.

Sophie Green (Diploma Student) – My Rhianon Burgess (Certificate IV student) garments are structured and quite fitted, and – It has given me a new outlook on how all they fit the figure snugly. I tend to use prints and garments are made and the knowledge to create a darker colour palette. more advanced designs.

Gina Aquel (Diploma Student) – My passion Gina Aquel (Diploma Student) – It is exciting and focus has mostly been in children’s clothing, to be able to think up a design and then be able so most of my designs will be little girl’s wear, to see it through to a finished garment. TAFE has but there will be an evening gown and perhaps given me the skills to be able to do this. other women’s garments on the catwalk.

Juliet Callaghan (Certificate IV student) – I

“

Juliet Callaghan (Certificate IV student) – Pushing design boundaries excites me; I believe nothing is impossible. My designs vary from a pretty sundress to a gold sequin shift and gold painted jacket.

What’s your ultimate goal when you finish the course ... do you envisage working within the fashion industry?

Sophie Green (Diploma student) – I am hoping to study the Bachelor of Creative Industries at CSU after the Diploma. I would love to develop my own label and eventually open my own store.

Jan Potter (Certificate IV student) – My ultimate goal is to sew at a high enough standard to make evening wear commercially.

Julie Oliver (Certificate IV student) – I’m hoping to go on to Diploma next year and then participate in the TAFE to Uni pathway to a Fine Arts degree. It would be great to run my own business and have my own label. I hope to see manufacturing being brought back to the country.

Rhianon Burgess (Certificate IV student) – I would like to run my own clothing business and sell to retailers such as Myer and David Jones.

Gina Aquel (Diploma Student) − I would like to start an online children’s wear site when I have completed.

Juliet Callaghan (Certificate IV student) – A career in design would be the ultimate dream – I am more interested in creating the idea, rather than sewing the garment.

Erin Haycraft (Diploma Student) – To work within the fashion industry and maybe someday have my own label.

Thanks everyone.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

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A VAST Interior/ VERDE Bamboo / INSIDE Interior Design Collaboration This new Concept Gallery Room is a fantastic example of the collective products and services of Vast Interior, Verde Bamboo and Inside Interior Design on display!

Vast Interior. The task of furnishing a new

Similarly, the ‘gallery’ displays the ‘Wildrivers’

home or a renovation of an existing one can

more formal finish, in addition to the

be daunting – almost as daunting as selecting

‘Australiana’ natural finish. Suddenly, the total

the design/style of the house you intend to

look right before you can be visualised in your

build or buy. Accordingly, for the latter we avail

home. Apprehension over making the right

ourselves of the services of architects/building

decision becomes a thing of the past.

companies to fulfill these needs.

So call into VAST Interior to view the new

But what happens when it comes time to

‘CONCEPT’ GALLERY. VAST Interior, together

furnish? Your new home deserves a new look,

with VERDE Bamboo and INSIDE Interior Design

but what to choose?

has made flooring and furnishing selection

VAST Interior, in conjunction with VERDE

easier for you!

Bamboo and INSIDE Interior Design has made

Verde Bamboo love a makeover! A truly

it easy for you by way of the new ‘CONCEPT’

satisfying reward is to see the transformation

GALLERY ... unique individual bamboo flooring

of your living and work space going from

finishes, perfectly matched to the furniture and

drab to fab! As the Bamboo and Hardwood

accessories. The ‘CONCEPT’ GALLERY makes

Flooring Specialist you can be confident

the task of trying to imagine what you see in

that Verde provides you great value, style

a showroom duplicated in your home so much

and functionality. And there is more....Vast

easier. If your preference is for light, off-white

Interior and Inside Interior Design has joined

finished bamboo floor, we have perfectly

us to create a total makeover service just for

matched the complementary furniture and

you – the Concept Gallery at Vast Interior is a

accessories to the ‘Snowfields’ finish.

fantastic contemporary example of what you

can achieve in your home today. If you want to achieve the makeover or design you’ve been dreaming about – give us a call or drop into the Verde showroom this week to see how easy it can be.

your lifestyle. Being involved in the Styling of

INSIDE Interior Design Whether you’re looking to create a functional and stylish space, or simply want to make the most out of a room, INSIDE Interior Design can enhance your home or office interiors with our interior design services in the Port Macquarie area.

practical flooring or unique fittings, INSIDE

At INSIDE Interior Design, we believe your needs are unique and our ultimate goal is to enhance your lifestyle. We focus on providing exceptional interior design and space planning solutions to meet your needs and aspirations.

From initial consultation to final presentation, INSIDE are here to ensure that your property’s makeover is both harmonious and relevant to

the new Concept Gallery at VAST has seen the creation of a beautiful new show room.

Perhaps you feel you need to freshen up your existing space with new soft furnishings, Interior Design can provide you with professional advice as well as source beautiful accessories to match your personality.

Remember your home is your sanctuary. It is a place where you can truly be yourself, so it should be an extension of who you are.

Good design is not a luxury, it’s an investment.

Call Julie from INSIDE Interior Design now on 0417 850 137 and breathe new life into your property! For more information on our Port Macquarie Interior Design services, visit www.insideinteriordesign.com.au.

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With such an interest in Australian Military History and in particular Papua New Guinea in the South West Pacific Region and having a close personal tie with PNG, there was always a chance that Warren Turner would again walk the historic Kokoda Track, having done so with his brother, Phil, in 2005. So when his daughter, Lara, and her fiancé, Grant, told him back in 2011 that they were thinking of walking the Track, and asked him if he would like to go, the answer was always going to be yes – despite the training he knew they would have to undertake and the hardships that they would endure.

Y

our trek started on ANZAC and The Reveille and to see the sun’s rays slowly Day with a ceremony at pierce the trees and surrounding hills and expose the Bomana War Cemetery, the beautifully arranged white headstones is where the largest number of a more than moving experience. To look out Australian service personnel over thousands of white geometrically aligned lay in any Commonwealth headstones and remember the sacrifice that these war graves cemetery in the world. We hear Australians, Aborigines, Papuan New Guineans the ceremony was very special this year? and New Zealanders made for their country and I believe that ANZAC Day is a very special day their families is a sombre moment and brought for most Australians, and most Australian families tears to many eyes. would either have family members Your father gave an address at currently serving, or who have the very same spot back in served or have gone off to 1963. How emotional was war to defend our country that for you?

The above and our people. There are Extremely moving recollections thousands of Australian to return to Bomana n, ai ag ce together with, on storical men and women who after 49 years to stand hi e th experiencing ly al ci have paid the supreme pe there and imagine Dad es – k Kokoda Trac y of ar rs ve sacrifice for their presenting his speech ni an th on the 70 paign m ca t country in laying down back in 1963.

Dad an rt po im this – are just lia ra st their lives to protect had lived in Moresby Au ve sa to special.” their loved ones at home. from 1937 to when he quite simply very Such was the case in 1942, passed away in 1977, when Australia was under and from the onset was threat. So yes, to return to involved with the Port Moresby Bomana in PNG was very special and RSL Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Ela at times quite emotional.

Beach. The Club was an integral part of Having lived in Port Moresby since an early our family during my growing up years, where age, Port Moresby itself and Papua New Guinea I attended with Mum and Dad and at times my holds a special place for me, after having spent two brothers, Peter and Phillip. I was pleased for 20 years there. I had previously attended a Dad and extremely proud when he received his number of ANZAC Day Ceremonies at the Life Membership at a dinner there in 1968. I still Bomana War Cemetery with Dad and to attend have a tape (reel to reel) of Dad’s speech packed it again, with my daughter, Lara, and soon to away somewhere. be son-in-law, Grant, was very special. To listen The trek itself takes about 8 days and started to the address by an invited dignitary and to at Owers Corner. We hear you got off to a listen to the mournful sounds of The Last Post bit of a rocky start?

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Well yes ... after about 20 minutes descending from Owers Corner down to Uberi, I was distracted by my backpack and moved to reposition a waterbottle and placed my left foot on grass near the edge. But unbeknownst to me, the grass was growing out over the edge and of course – over I went. I dropped a few feet or so and rolled a couple of times, thinking that I had to spread my arms and legs to prevent further rolling and felt that I had achieved a stop, when suddenly I was hit in a bone-shaking tackle that drove me back into the side of the hill. My trustworthy personal porter, Jimmy, was ahead of me and had heard Lara’s scream as I went over.

He reacted immediately and sprinted further down the track (with a 15 kg backpack on) and tackled me to prevent me going further. All was well though and nothing broken, but I’m sure Lara’s heart rate was up.

What are some of the challenges you experienced on the trek?

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the fact that you are completely outside and away from your comfort zone; like, there isn’t a comfort zone at all. If you are used to certain levels with your living standards and personal hygiene, then when on the Track, just forget it all, as it virtually doesn’t exist. Bathing, for example, is either in a freezing cold river or stream or under a freezing cold pipe of water splaying over a rocky outcrop.

You don’t spend too much time having a wash, I can assure you! On the last night out at Isurava, I was absolutely freezing when scampering back to the hut to dry off. Toilets also are quite basic, mostly comprising a hole in the ground with perhaps three walls covered by a blue tarp!

The physical aspect is tough; it is either up or

it is down and this time with it raining for the first 7 days, going down was absolutely treacherous ... never experienced anything so slippery, especially on the red clay. I ended up using my walking pole (made from a fallen tree branch off North Brother Mountain in 2005 and making its second Kokoda Track trek) and jamming it into footholds ahead of me and then jamming my foot in behind it for each step as I descended. I did have one heavy fall backwards, and even our usually sure footed porters slipped on occasions, it was that bad. Climbing seemed higher, and therefore harder, this time.

Having trained on North Brother Mountain over 30 times certainly helped my cause and despite the difficulty, it was certainly still achievable, as a number of Port Macquarie residents have experienced in the last 7 years or so.

Any special moments from the trip that you will always remember?

Yes, many moments will live with me for years and as always, the staff from Kokoda Trekking Limited are just so awe inspiring; they are wonderful people and can’t do enough for you.

A really special bond develops between trekking parties and the group of personal porters, food porters and guides who are attached to you for the entire trip. You all share the same heartache and difficulties together, although the boys do traverse the country better than the Trekkers do and mostly in bare feet. I know what having Brendan as a porter meant to Lara, especially when she was crook on day 3. Similarly, Jimmy was just a wonderful friend for the entire trip.

Apart from the previously mentioned incident, he was always there, as they all were, to climb

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Gail Thomas - 35 year resident of PNG, owner of Kokoda Trekking LTD. A passionate supporter of the Kokoda people.

Russell Eroro - KTL Business partner & veteran of over 400 Kokoda Track crossings! Arnold Jinga - Our experienced guide. Brendan Buka - Lara’s personal porter. (holder of the fastest crossing of the Kokoda Track (16hr. 34mins.)

Horace Yauga - Grant’s personal porter - (2nd place in the 2012 Kokoda Challenge. Jimmy Orimbe - Warren’s personal porter - With Waza’s purple monster.

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ra and Grant’s Kokoda Trek Warren, La 1. Warren, Lara and Grant reflect at the Brigade Hill Memorial.

2. Australian Aboriginals perform Traditional Ceremony at Bomana War Cemetery.

3. Our 3 champion food porters, Dickson Akati, Charlie Aiwe & Jessie Aire.

4. Trek 872 about to depart Owers Corner, near Port Moresby.

5. Helpful advice along the Track.

6. On the Track, negotiating a fallen tree.

7. Euro Creek, one of the many log crossings and also the site of a vicious battle in Australia’s advance to retake Kokoda Village.

8. The Kokoda Plateau and Memorial.

9. The End – walking through the Kokoda Archway. first and offer a helping hand up and be there in front of you in case you slipped. I haven’t held a man’s hand as much as I did on this trek! We knew that if they wandered off ahead of us or lagged behind a bit, the going was relatively safe, but as soon as it was difficult or treacherous, they were there beside us, always ready to assist. We shared food, drinks and sweets that we took with us, and I will always recall the look on their faces at the start when we handed them our gifts. We had assembled ‘show bags’ of polo and T-shirts, a number of pairs of sports socks, biros, drink coolers, caps etc and gave one to each of the 7 of our party. From my previous trek in 2005, I vowed that if I ever returned, I would bring a ukulele back for the boys, because they all love them, play them well and sing their songs as we trek and of a night time. So on this occasion, I did that and then thought I had better get one for each of the porters ... and then thought that

it would be unfair to give 3 out. We ended up buying 7 ukuleles and presenting them to the boys as well. I remember Grant mentioning one night after we had bedded down at Iorabaiwa Village, listening to the boys all singing in the hut next to us, that: “Nothing can get better than this”. That night though, was a night that we wouldn’t forget, as about 10.30 pm, we were woken with this chanting, which went on and on. We found out next morning that one of the senior ladies had passed away, and the whole village, as well as adjoining villagers, were up all night chanting for her.

These lads would now be grandchildren of the famous Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels of WWII, who worked so hard in hugely difficult situations to help the Australians carry food, supplies and ammunition, initially north over the rugged Owen Stanley range, and then have to carry wounded soldiers back to receive medical attention. These Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels worked tirelessly over long periods with little rest, food or shelter and did a wonderful job for us; they should never ever be forgotton for what they did in helping to save Australia, back in those dark days of 1942. This special bond that was borne 70 years ago still exists today with these modern day porters and todays trekkers.

The professionalism and caring attitude of KTL and its owner, Gail Thomas, is second to none in my opinion, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. They put an enormous amount back into the Kokoda community and the Goiari people. I have walked twice now with Gail’s company, and the experience was certainly a life experience for me. Gail has 2 sons: Nathan, who looks after the Australian side of the business; and Shane, who also leads a number of treks.

And who could forget her PNG business partner,

Russell, a veteran of more than 400 Kokoda Track crossings!

Obviously trekking with my daughter and Grant was a special occasion, as I had previously trekked with my brother, Phil, and his son, Patrick, in 2005, with two great blokes from Hobart, Haydn and Steve and two lovely people from Canberra, Rosemary and Mark. To share such an experience as this was very special and to also visit Dad’s gravesite with my daughter was very significant.

The other highlight was reuniting three friendships that were created during my 2005 trek: initially with Rod Ori from Kovello Village, a trek leader, who led Rosemary’s and Mark’s trek back in ’05; and then when we arrived in Kokoda, I met up with Justus Evari, our ’05 trek leader, who walked in from the outskirts of Kokoda; and finally with Smithy, one of our ’05 food porters, who shared many hours with me on the Track back then. Smithy had walked an incredible 5 hours to Kokoda, just to come and see us. There were many tears of happiness shed that afternoon, especially as we were still on a high from having completed the walk earlier that afternoon. We certainly all shared a few SPs (South Pacific Lager) that night!

Finally, another unique part of the ANZAC Day ceremonies was witnessing a very special Aboriginal service at the gravesite of Private Frank Archibald, when his spirit was returned to its traditional resting place, back in Australia.

It was a wonderfully moving ceremony, with John Williamson performing and the Australian Minister for Defence, Steven Smith, also delivering a speech in recognition of the contribution Aboriginal servicemen made to the overall campaigns.

The above recollections together with, once again, just experiencing the historical Kokoda

Track – and on the 70th anniversary of this important campaign to save Australia – are just quite simply very special. When you walk through the famous villages and various locations of Imita Ridge (the last ridge where Australian troops initially moved back to), Iorabaiwa (the most Southern point of the Japanese advance), Nauro, Menari (the site of the famous address by Lt. Col Ralph Honour to the remnants of the 39th Battalion), Brigade Hill (also known as Butchers Hill), Efogi, Kagi, Myola, Templeton’s Crossing (named after Capt. Sam Templeton, one of our first casualties), Euro Creek (the scene of savage fighting in our advance), Isurava (site of perhaps the most famous battle on the Kokoda Track and the site of the Isurava Monument and also the site where Private Bruce Kingsbury won the Victoria Cross posthumously, Deniki and Kokoda, you are constantly in awe of what our men had to go through. And to meet two veterans, one aged 93 and one 91, of the famous 39th Battalion on the plane on the way to Moresby was indeed an honour, as they were there from 1942 to 1945 putting their life on the line every day for all those long, dark years.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to do the Kokoda trek?

Probably to ensure that you train in similar conditions for at least 3 months before you trek and to train on a daily basis, to research the Kokoda Track Campaign in the South West Pacific theatre of war, to gain an appreciation and some knowledge of the Track, to ensure that you respect the people, their culture, and their country of PNG and finally, to trek with a reputable firm. I really can’t go past Gail Thomas’ Kokoda Trekking Limited. Gail has a wonderful website of their treks. - Bamahuta Papua.

Thanks Warren. greater port macquarie focus 67

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with Habitat for Humanity in Nepal.

Relaxing Experiences Await.

Coast and Country Cabins, located on the banks of the Macleay River just 5 minutes from the beautiful beaches of South West Rocks, offers a quiet rural destination for a holiday or relaxing weekend away.

There are 6 modern, fully self contained cabins, each with private balcony allowing unobstructed river and mountain views. All cabins have full kitchen facilities, bathroom, dining area and TV with DVD player, and sleep 2 to 6 persons.

Linen is provided, and a coin operated laundry is available.

In April this year, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help build a home for a family living in poverty in Nepal. On 6 October, I flew out of Australia with an idea of what I was expecting to see and do and came home with a totally new and different perspective on how the world is and how the world should be.

M

y husband, David, were introduced to our Aussie mates – told me an ancient basically all strangers, except for a few Chinese quote introductory emails before we left. And which says: “Tell with that inevitable awkwardness of a me and I will forget; team of strangers, we set out to start Show me and I may remember; Involve our build. Before I left, I was under the me and I will understand” by Chinese perception that we would be building Philosopher (Lao Tszu), and I guess a bamboo rendered home. Little that just about sums it up. did I know that it would be No one could have told hand-made mud bricks, me or showed me this with cow poo, clay Coming home – only being involved and wheat grains for ge has been a hu r te as could have made mortar and render co r lle emotional ro a n ve gi me understand. en that we mixed by be ... I have ‘life Flying into hand! wonderful gift ofthe perspective’ by , and I Kathmandu, No time for Nepalese peoplerever. ” we were then being precious or will cherish it fo transported by bus squeamish; our team to our project village quickly gained common of Dhulikel. The culture purpose, and we dug in shock was immediate, as to the task of building this we travelled through chaotic simple/small, two roomed home traffic with a backdrop of broken for this impoverished family. By the buildings and people who were making end of the first day, we were strangers good with a whole lot less then we have no more, as we headed back to our back here in Australia. accommodation, covered in cow poo There were a total of 465 people mortar and our promised sweat equity. split into teams to build 35 homes for Five days later, and our unique team of people far less fortunate than us: teams committed Aussies stood filthy and proud from Britain, Singapore, New Zealand with our Nepalese family and dedicated and the USA. Disappointingly, there was their new home with a ceremony of only one team of 12 from Australia. We cultural offerings. Our proud new owners

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– Getta Shrestha (49) and her husband Prem Sagar (55) and their family of six then showed us their old home, and we all lost ourselves emotionally as we realised what a monumental change we had given them in comparison to how they used to live.

Coming home has been a huge emotional roller coaster. Most of all, I will remember what we were able to give these people, their smiles, their grace, the happiness of their children. I have been given a wonderful gift of ‘life perspective’ by the Nepalese people, and I will cherish it forever.

Thanks to all of my wonderful sponsors again. Do you have an idea about volunteering abroad? Google ‘Habitat for Humanity’ – give it a go; you won’t be disappointed.

The Macleay River offers a variety of boating activities – fishing, skiing, canoeing, sailing, and a private boat ramp and jetty is available with ample boat and trailer parking.

The well-appointed, covered BBQ area caters for larger groups and family gatherings.

South West Rocks offers a range of exciting experiences, including surfing, fishing, diving, exploring Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse, and also offers a variety of restaurants and cafés for the diner.

While enjoying the wonder of the Mid North Coast, why not call in and relax amongst the natural beauty and tranquility of Coast and Country Cabins – you won't be disappointed!

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The perfect setting, with the perfect atmosphere, the Harrington Hotel has a special emphasis on fresh, local seafood.

Play & Stay!

Planning Your Next Weekend Escape?

Close your eyes and imagine the sound of waves lapping on the shore, the ocean breeze rustling the leaves and the warm sun on your face ... you are at the Seabreeze Beach Hotel.

Stunning views and an extensive menu!

The Harrington Hotel is the perfect spot Why not try one of our 10 local and imported to relax and enjoy the day with tap beers, combined with seafood family and friends. or a tasty wood fired pizza! The The Harrington Hotel is ideal location for your wedding located in the well known reception or next party or Why not try one of our 10 holiday destination of corporate function. ed local and importned Harrington, just a short Family and friends of all ages tap beers, combia drive south of Port are welcome at the Harrington or with seafood d Macquarie.

Hotel; bring the boys down for re fi d oo w tasty Relax and enjoy a cool a punt and nice cool beer from pizza! ” drink overlooking the the bar, or relax with the girls Manning River. The perfect and enjoy a coffee and cake from setting, with the perfect our coffee shop. atmosphere, the Harrington Hotel has The Hotel is close by to boat ramps, popular a special emphasis on fresh, local seafood. fishing spots and river cruises.

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Perfectly situated across the road from the stunning Horseshoe Bay, you will find the Seabreeze Beach Hotel is the perfect destination for your next weekend escape or extended holiday – offering comfortable and relaxed beachside accommodation and representing unbeatable value for money.

Located in the centre of town, minutes from the main shopping centre of South West Rocks and only a short walk to the main beaches, the Seabreeze Beach Hotel is the ideal beach holiday venue.

We invite you and your guests to experience South West Rocks country hospitality at affordable rates, whether staying one night or a week.

You can choose from one of the many great accommodation activity packages, to make your next weekend getaway to South West Rocks one to remember.

At the Seabreeze Beach Hotel, you can enjoy a fabulous meal in the popular bistro, with everything from modern Australian cuisine to great steaks and fresh seafood. With a dedicated children’s menu, there’s plenty of variety to suit palates of all ages. Choose from an alfresco dining experience overlooking the stunning Horseshoe Bay that South West Rocks is famous for, or casual dining spaces within the Hotel – including the beer garden.

Every Sunday, local Mid North Coast musicians perform live from 3pm, entertaining guests with chilled out acoustics. It’s the perfect way to finish up a great weekend at the beach.

The Seabreeze Beach Hotel is also the ideal venue for functions and private dining, with a variety of spaces to choose from catering for all types of events, from corporate to social gatherings, comfortably accommodating 20 to 200 guests.

You can do as much or as little as you like in the little town known as ‘paradise’; so sit back, relax and unwind from your busy lifestyle at the Seabreeze Beach Hotel.

Play & Stay!

Sunday Sessions Live music from 3.00pm Icy cold Black Duck Brewery Beers Bacardi & Canadian club Cocktails

CNR LIVINGSTONE ST & PRINCE OF WALES AVE, SOUTH WEST ROCKS seabreezebeachhotel.com.au info@seabreezebeachhotel.com.au l 02 6566 6205

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By Jane Hillsdon Principal Consultant of Dragonfly Marketing

The Power of Social Media.

It has been very hard to ignore recently the incredible power of social media and the major part that it now plays within our community.

A perfect example of how social media can propel an issue is the recent incident involving shock jock Alan Jones. Following comments that Jones made about the Prime Minister’s late father, a Facebook page and online petition were implemented to try and force the 2GB broadcaster offline.

Almost immediately, these forums attracted heavy traffic and prompted a barrage of emails directed at the show’s advertisers, which led to the station temporarily removing all advertisements from his show. Wow! Julia Gillard also witnessed the undeniable forces of social media when her now famous 15 minute monologue delivered in Parliament addressing sexism went viral. It earned her accolades from every corner of the world within hours of her making this impassioned speech.

Regardless of the details, the prime reason that these two stories ‘trended’ throughout social media channels is simply that they provided great content! They were controversial; they gave people something to talk about and to have an opinion on. And this is what social media is all about!

janehillsdon By giving ordinary people a voice, social media is empowering people worldwide to express their opinion and be heard immediately. It helps us have more say in political matters, demand better service from businesses and most importantly, to share what matters to us.

Social media is here to stay, and while there will inevitably be some hiccups along the way, it opens up a realm of opportunities for individuals, businesses, communities and governments, and that’s exciting!

What’s your view on social media? I’d love to hear from you on my Facebook page at Facebook.com/DragonflyMarketing

Dragonfly Marketing specialises in innovative, creative and effective digital marketing solutions for your business.

Strategic Marketing Planning and Implementation Website Marketing

Want loads of free small business marketing tips emailed to you regularly?

Sign up for our e-newsletter at dragonflymarketing.com.au.

Social Media Strategy and Implementation E-mail Marketing Campaigns Online Advertising Market Research Online Branding

Jane Hillsdon 0420 853 283 jane@dragonflymarketing.com.au dragonflymarketing.com.au

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focustourism. Port Macquarie Tourism Association

T o u r is m janette hyde.

What a fantastic day was had by all at the Tastings on Hastings. Everyone I have spoken to has become a raving fan. The food and wine stalls, the layout, the entertainment and all of the other activities that were part of this event were fantastic. he move to the CBD was voted a winner. Sonia, Linda and her team, along with all of the volunteers, deserve a big pat on the back for such a huge effort. Council, the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce and the Town Centre Master Plan Committee also need to be acknowledged for their efforts.

Far reaching Community events like the 2012 Holiday Coast Credit Union Tastings on Hastings are not possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

The Holiday Coast Credit Union and Essential Energy, along with GPM FOCUS, Radio 2MC and Star FM, Southern Cross Ten and Rural Press are long time supporters of the Tastings, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary.

as well as some internationals (from Japan and Indonesia, to name a couple). We also had 26 professional (elite athletes) competing – 17 males and 9 females.

It was great to see so many enthusiastic athletes being part of this major event and enjoying our fantastic facilities.

A date to put in everyone’s diary is 22 November. The Christmas Countdown will commence from 6.15pm, with a Santa Fun Run starting at William Street and heading down Horton Street to the Town Green.

Far reaching Community like the 2012 ts en ev edit Holiday Coast Cron gs in st Ta on Uni t Hastings are no t the ou ith w le ib ss po t of generous suppor . rs so on Sp r ou

New sponsors for Tastings this year were Sundowner Holidays as our Entertainment Sponsor, Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, and Town Centre Master Planning Committee; all are to be congratulated for their substantial support, along with many other CBD businesses who welcomed the event to its new home on Clarence and Horton Streets and the Town Green.

The Santa Fun Run is for businesses only, and it is free to take part.

If you would like your business to be part of this event, you will need to register at http://www. surveymonkey.com/s/ CPWC52F

The Santa Parade, featuring local schools, bands and sporting groups, and of course Santa Claus, will follow.

There will be entertainment on the Town Green and then the lighting of our fantastic new Christmas tree. Please wear your Santa hats, antlers or any other Christmas attire.

It will be a great way to spend some quality time with your family. Please plan to be part of the night, either as a participant or spectator.

It was excellent to see the ACC (formerly the Assemblies of God Church) choose Port Macquarie once again to host their October Conference. Over 1,000 delegates attended, bringing with them their families.

Port Macquarie Panthers was the venue and performed a superb job keeping them all happy.

Many retailers, coffee shops and restaurants were visited by people participating in the Conference.

Some other events happening in November are: • Barefoot Bowls starts @ Port City Bowling Club • 6 Nov Melbourne Cup – plenty of events around town • 10 Nov – Elvis by Request @ Glasshouse • 11 Nov – Jazz in the Vineyards @ Bago • 18 Nov – Variety the Children’s Charity Santa Fun Run • 22 Nov – Santa Parade and Lighting of the Christmas Tree • 24 - 25 Nov – Craft Expo

Over 1,500 competitors took to the starting line for the Ironman 70.3 Event on 28 October.

The competitors descended on Port Macquarie from all states and territories across Australia,

Just a reminder that the Touch State Cup is back on the 7, 8 and 9 December, where once again we will host over 4,000 people in the beautiful area we call Greater Port Macquarie. greater port macquarie focus 71

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If you are looking for a place to stimulate your child’s activities – look no further than the Glasshouse!

The Glasshouse provides a number of free activities, including gallery art activity stations, a history hunt and a free monthly Saturday morning art activity.

Every school holidays, the Glasshouse is bustling with children enjoying a wide range of unique art and drama workshops for kids aged 6 - 18. The littlies can crash, bang and rattle their way through weekly musical education lessons for 0 - 5 year olds, presented by the Glasshouse and Conservatorium Mid North Coast.

The Education @ the Glasshouse program is very popular with local schools, with over 16,500 children enjoying a Glasshouse educational experience since July 2009. The 2013 program will be released later this year.

Find out what’s on offer for your child at glasshouse.org.au

KRMAS

Little Ninjas

CHILDREN’S MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM

The KRMAS Little Ninjas Education Program is a life saving and personal development program that will only enhance your child’s opportunities throughout their life.

There are 8 KR Little Ninjas Skills they will be taught, including focus; teamwork; fitness; control; memory; balance; discipline and co-ordination. The program will help improve a child's basic motor skills and promote a positive mental attitude. By integrating martial arts skills into games and fun activities, we can help your child learn in an easy and exciting way.

GORDON STREET CYCLES

Kids Bike Club.

Kids! You can get fit, learn how to ride a bike safely and have fun right here in Port Macquarie. Come along and join in our kids bike club which meets every Wednesday at Wayne Richards Park from 4.30 - 5pm.

Our youngest kid is just under 3 and the oldest up to 14 years. There’s no prior skills required just your own bike and a safety helmet. All the children are placed in groups according to their ability and the groups are run by two supervisors.

Once kids have learnt the basics they can progress to the next group. We make great use of the mountain bike track at Wayne Richards Park, so come along, have some fun and make new friends. Mums, Dads and Grandparents and carers are welcome to come down and stay to watch while the kids ride around. For enquiries call 6583 3633.

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Music education program for children aged 0 - 5.

KR Little Ninjas KR Little Ninjas – Karate just for Kids from 3 years of age! Do you want your child to develop the skills of selfcontrol, concentration, respect, responsibility, confidence, antibullying in a fun, safe environment?

Are you searching for ways to counterbalance the negative messages bombarding your children from movies, television, games etc? Then search no further!

Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts System has the answer for you!

The acclaimed KR Little Ninjas program is an age-specific curriculum professionally designed to teach children important life skills in a fun, exciting and enriching manner.

Your child will achieve more than just learning how to kick and punch; they will learn a whole new way to develop, with specifically designed martial arts skills, games and fun activities, helping your child to learn in an easy and very exciting way!

The 8 principles of KR Little Ninjas: focus; teamwork; fitness; control; memory; balance; discipline and co-ordination are taught in this truly life saving and personal development program.

The newly learnt skills will only enhance your child’s basic motor skills, as well as your child’s positive mental attitude, and provide opportunities throughout their entire life!

Instructors are fully government accredited and authorised under the Child Protection Act.

The Magic of Music.

After the runaway success of the Glasshouse’s Crash, Bang, Rattle music classes for little ones, the Glasshouse and Mid North Coast Conservatorium have created a structured music education program for children aged 0 - 5.

These weekly classes, called Magic of Music, are loads of noisy fun and are run by trained early childhood music education tutors. The aim of the classes is to develop rhythm and pitch concepts such as high and low, or slow and fast, as well as motor skills and the use of voice.

Research has shown that infants exposed to music with movement will remember and later show their learning when they reach the age of independent movement and speech.

Toddlers who are struggling with single syllable words will often sing complete phrases, and those learning to walk spontaneously begin to dance.

Price: $7.50 per session (ticket price per child. Must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adult is free.)

CLASS TIMES 7, 12, 21 November and 5, 10 and 19 December.

• Ages 6 months – 3 years: 9.30am – 10am.

• Ages 3 – 5: 10.15am – 11am.

To book, visit glasshouse.org.au, call 6581 8888 or visit the Glasshouse Box Office today.

Port’s Best Kept Childcare Secret.

Moruya Drive Child Care Centre is a long standing nationally accredited preschool long day care centre, which has been proudly owned and operated for the past 18 years by Early Childhood Director, Mrs Elissa Cross.

This small and personal early childhood facility caters for 24 preschoolers aged 3 - 5 years. The Moruya Drive team of qualified and experienced staff are committed to quality outcomes for children, implementing the National Early Years Learning Framework curriculum outcomes, along with a strong focus upon preparing each child for the next stage of their education journey – BIG SCHOOL.

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Moruya Drive Child Care Centre offers affordable early education and high staffing ratios in a stimulating, warm and caring environment.

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COME AND TAKE A PEEK ... We welcome families to drop in and see our gorgeous little early childhood facility.

Positions still available for 2013. But be quick!

Presented in partnership by Conservatorium Mid North Coast & Glasshouse Port Macquarie

This is a fun and noisy way to introduce your child to the world of music, while developing their speech and motor skills.

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Classes this his November & Decemb December ber See glasshouse.org.au for more details GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

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When you enrol a child, you actually enrol a family.

Lighthouse Childcare Centre.

What does Columba Cottage have to offer?

Like all early childhood educators, it’s the young energetic children who make our lives exciting and give us a purpose to wake up with passion for the day ahead.

Of course, this is contagious and most times, exhausting!

Everything we plan is for a reason and is delivered with energy, passion and enthusiasm.

For myself and my team, no matter how tired we are at the end of the day, their hugs and love empower us to come back each day, energised and refreshed to do it all over again.

When employees are truly respected, appreciated and provided with great working conditions, you have outstanding individuals who surround themselves with outstanding team members. Therefore, our business has a very small turnover of staff, which leads to continuity of care. Our high functioning team

members are empowered to aim for the highest qualifications possible and supported to do this.

When all stakeholders are consulted, there is a strong emphasis on collaborative processes and shared leadership. This benefits the children and their families, as they are assured that Columba Cottage services provide the most up to date practices and truly ‘opens up a world of opportunities’ for all children who attend our services.

Due to an overwhelming demand, we expanded our license to offer 138 places a day and are offering many of these places at a reduced rate as a 9am - 3pm session that can be subsidised by both CCB & CCR if applicable to families.

In the future, we will be offering more and varied services in the local area. For any further information, visit our website www.ccelc.nsw. edu.au

At the Lighthouse Childcare Centre, our curriculum aims to encourage all children to become confident learners through fun experiences and child focused interests.

Our educators focus on a year round age appropriate curriculum, which nurtures a foundation for lifelong learning, as well as teaching respect for diversity, sharing, independence and building friendships within a stimulating and inviting environment.

Dolphin (0 - 2 years) We value children’s learning through the immediate environment, play and using senses. We pride ourselves on setting up an aesthetically pleasing room, which encourages children to explore and develop their skills while experiencing different textures, sights, sounds, and smells.

Katie Alchin, Room Leader.

Starfish (2 - 3 years) We provide experiences based on children’s interests and extend upon these in our daily learning centres. Children in the Starfish room are currently investigating space, ocean life

and we are using our senses to explore our environments.

Nicole Raymond, Room Leader.

Pelican (3 - 4 years) Our learning centres evolve from the children’s interests and ideas, which are built upon daily and in turn encourage exploration, problem solving and investigation. This is also the age when friendships and social skills develop and collaborative play is encouraged.

Diana Sinclair, Room Leader.

Seahorse (4+ years) Our educators dedicate time to children playing freely and in the set environment of small or large groups. We execute a play and interest based curriculum on promoting the development of effective communication, early learning and literature, early maths and science and developing social and emotional skills.

Dominique Nagle, Room Leader.

If you are looking for Childcare, After School Care or Vacation Care, give our office a call on (02) 6584 5585.

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Queenstown Adrenal Rush

Adrenalin Rush in On a recent four day trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, Sue Taylor, a quite unassuming Wauchope grandmother, undertook what to most of us would be adrenalin filled madness. Chrissy Jones found out what possessed her to undertake such extreme activities ... part from participating in the usual activities that Queenstown is famous for, such as bungee jumping and jet boating, Sue also managed to squeeze in white water rafting and a 12,000 ft tandem skydiving jump! Organised by the team at Travelworld Wauchope, Sue had an adventure of a lifetime that she will treasure forever.

Sue, why did you choose this kind of holiday?

I love adrenalin sports and taking on challenges, so I love holidays with some adventure. It can be quite nerve wracking, but once you are there in the moment, I think the adrenalin just kicks in, and it’s a lot fun pushing yourself to the limits.

I chose Queenstown in New Zealand because you can’t beat it for a place packed with adventure activities. I stayed right by the lake, which was just beautiful.

The food is great, and there is just so much choice. As I was travelling alone, I chose to pre-arrange most of my activities, and that way I had the chance to meet other people and make the most of my time.

Tell us about some of the activities you did while you were in Queenstown?

Queenstown is one of the most popular places to Bungee Jump, so that was one of the first activities I did. There were a few choices of locations, but because I was short on time, I chose the jump closest to Queenstown, which was called ‘The Ledge’. It’s pretty much right in town, and you jump from a ‘runway’ and plunge about 400 metres.

White water rafting was very interesting. You wear a full wetsuit and wetsuit coat and boots, but it’s still very cold. There were other boats around us, and we would splash water between us – sometimes on purpose, especially if the guides find out that you are from Australia. There seems to be a lot of friendly rivalry.

There are also a lot of disused gold mines along the river, so old pieces of metal from the mines come down the river during floods and are submerged under the water. The guides warn you to be careful if you fall out, because there are a lot of these hazards, and it’s easy to get trapped by them. The guides are fantastic and give

Que e nstow n

you lots of advice, from how to paddle and The tandem instructor points out places to stay low when taking on the rapids. of interest and then just when you think Luckily there’s a hot spa at the end of the excitement is over, he throws in a the trip, which is great to warm you up couple of manoeuvres like a figure of eight before they take you back to your hotel. that just take your breath away.

What about the jet boat trip?

What would you say to others who It was called the Dart River Jetboat Samay be looking at a similar trip or at fari, and it was a full day trip. The jet boat least doing an activity that pushes ride up the Dart River was just spectacular. them out of their comfort zone?

Thankfully, the handles on the jet boat are You are frightened, but you can get over heated and you wear an oversized it. Don’t sit at home; get up and do raincoat, because they put it – have a go. the Australians on one Queenstown is located side of the boat and as on the South Island of d ke We also wal we realised later, as the New Zealand and is an h throug driver spun the boat renowned for being a st ancient rainfore ld in a 360 degree turn, year round destination or ‘W is ch whi , and we were the only ones for adventure seekers.

Heritage’ Listedbe ing that got wet!

Direct flights are availit was just like ld. ” in another wor We also walked able from Sydney and through an ancient Brisbane to Queenstown, rainforest which is ‘World with flying time from Sydney Heritage’ listed, and it was just around 3 hours. like being in another world. The ferns With the added bonus of some and moss were some of the most of the best and most easily accessible ski beautiful I have seen. The guide talked to fields in New Zealand, Queenstown offers us about the New Zealand native animals adventure seekers the ultimate challenges and birds and then took us to a Maori year round. village, where we met the Chief and expeA full range of accommodation is availrienced some of the Maori culture. able. Every budget and style is accommoI guess the highlight of your trip was dated, starting from upmarket backpacker the skydive from 12,000 ft? style, such as The Base Queenstown, Yes, it was definitely the highlight. I’ve located right in the heart of town, to an always wanted to skydive. I was terrified extensive choice of hotel rooms and apartat first, I was so nervous, but once I was ments. For those looking for a more luxurithere I was fine. I chose to do this skydive ous stay, there are a number of high quality in Queenstown, because it’s one of the hotels, such as the Sofitel Queenstown highest jumps you can do. Just before the Hotel and Spa, where all rooms offer the jump, I took a deep breath. The air was so Sofitel Mybed, rain shower, surround cold; it just takes your breath away! The sound entertainment system, underfloor camera man actually had an oxygen tube. heating and espresso machine.

He jumps out first and free falls with you to How and where did you book your take footage of your jump. holiday, Sue? I booked my holiday through Wauchope How was that first free falling moTravelworld and would thoroughly recomment? mend them if you are looking for highly I loved it. The instructor asked me if I informed and professional travel advice. wanted to roll coming out of the plane, It is so much easier to book through a and I said, “Oh yeah”... it was like somerlicensed Travel Agent, because of the level saulting into a swimming pool. I couldn’t of advice and the added security of dealing work out which way was up, but it was with licensed and qualified operators. This just exhilarating. can make a big difference between a good Once the parachute opens, you have a trip and an awesome trip! bit more time to look around and take in Thanks Sue. the views over the lake and mountains.

“

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ST E F W I N WO OD.

Working as an Investor Relations Manager in Sydney and also as a rare horse breeder on her farm in Upper Lansdowne, Stef Winwood definitely leads a double life. Stef explains that although one job calls for boots, and the other high heels – the keys to balancing these two diverse lifestyles are communication, integrity and ingenuity!

H

i Stef. Where did you grow up, and where do you actually live now?

I grew up all over New Zealand, as my father’s engineering work meant that we moved a lot over both the North and South Islands. I went to something like 16 different schools, including a period of home schooling. I found a love of horses at the age of seven.

Every spare moment from then on was spent roaming the countryside either in the back of a horse truck or on horseback … now I still do a lot of miles between Sydney, where I work, and Wedgetail, where I live with my husband near Upper Lansdowne.

You’re an Investor Relations Manager for a public technology company in Sydney.

What does this job entail?

I work for an exciting green technology innovator in Sydney called BluGlass Limited. The company is bringing to market a revolutionary semiconductor technology which makes ultra high efficiency devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), which will begin to replace your current light bulbs in the next few years. The anticipated energy savings from LEDs globally is said to be enough to close 133 nuclear power stations.

The company also conducts fundamental research into concentrated solar cells, in the hopes to bring solar to grid parity with conventional energy generation techniques.

My role in Investor Relations and Marketing is to work with our investors, manage the ASX communications requirements and translate the technical achievements into everyday language. It involves a lot of market research, government lobbying and juggling technical and investor requirements, but I get to work with really creative and innovative people in a really motivated workplace.

You also breed horses in Upper Lansdowne.

78 greater port macquarie focus.

What breed do you specialise in? saddlehorses, youngstock and stallion services We are a boutique breeder of performance for sale, but we are not yet commercial. We horses based on heritage Australian bloodlines, focus on breeding some very nice quality horses that go back to the horses that helped establish that our clients love, rather than breeding Australia as a nation and those that served large numbers. (Although, we did have three under the Australian Light Horse. stallions at stud last year!) The stud currently Because of the harsh environment that the just pays for itself (well … that’s how I tell the pioneers encountered when they arrived in story! My husband’s version would probably Australia, they had to set about establishing a be a little different) and we would love to get hardier type of horse that could survive on what it to the stage where it is growing and gaining were very limited resources. Instead of having a reputation and have the foals out and about separate horse for each job: plough, cart, saddle in some notable stables. It takes time for the and sulky, they needed a horse that youngstock to grow up and attract attention, could do all of the above … and but I’m pretty sure they will! ultimately that, combined How do you manage to juggle with the harsh Australian two such diverse jobs? to n w da landscape, created a I think the diversity is part ng ki Wor ith uniquely versatile and of what makes it work. I dusk wrestling wily ssar hardy horse. want to have my high heels nature is not neceking or w an th er pl sim Some of the and riding boots too! Both g wrestlin nine to five and r; foundation stock we my stud and the company with a compute bit more a e have sourced comes that I work for are doing ar rs compute !” ly nd ie from old remount things differently. Beating fr user stations, found in the a new track is always the same environment that hardest thing to do and while they have survived in since both roles have unique challenges, the late 1800s. They are an old I think the skill sets are basically the fashioned looking horse, perhaps same. Whether you’re communicating with more handsome than pretty. They are government, investors or horses, the shoes are a warmblood horse and what really set them different, but ultimately you have to be a clear apart is their strength, soundness and stamina, communicator, have a lot of integrity − and combined with a lovely sensible and trainable some ingenuity doesn’t go astray either! temperament. We have bred some youngstock Horses are the best judge of character, that we are quite proud of and we’re excited and I think if you can teach a 600 kg animal about their future, as we campaign them in to load into a small box with wheels (horse’s dressage and possibly eventing. perspective) willingly, other communication Is your horse breeding operation a challenges look much smaller! commercial concern? Do you sell stock, How often do you get to leave your day job or are you breeding to add to your own in Sydney and visit your horses? personal stable?

Actually, I spend more time on the farm than A bit of both, although I have found that I I do in Sydney now. I travel down for a few days am a few years down on the waiting list for in the office every fortnight, but the rest of the my own foals! We do have a small number of time I work remotely from the farm. Wireless

“

broadband means I can be at work just about anywhere.

What do you like most about the different lifestyles you find in both the city and the country?

I love the autonomy of working on the farm and the connection that you have to have with the environment, as it is often unpredictable and untamable, so you have to work with it − not against it. In the last 12 months we’ve had to deal with both floods and bushfire (most recently this weekend) on our property. People think that the farm is the simpler of my two lives, but I’m not so sure! Working dawn to dusk wrestling with nature is not necessarily simpler than working nine to five and wrestling with a computer; computers are a bit more user friendly!

While it’s so hard to tear myself away for a trip to Sydney (this could be because I have to get up at 3am), once there I am totally immersed in my work and love the dynamic nature of my job.

What’s a favourite quote you feel particularly relates to your life?

My first job out of school was at the ‘Ecole D’Art Equestre’ (School of Equestrian Arts) in Ecublans, Switzerland, and there I learnt some trapeze and tight rope. I was terrified learning the trapeze and was refusing to leave the platform. My instructor told me, “Throw your heart out over the bar, and your body will follow! Your body cannot be anywhere but where your heart is” … and he was right!

It became easy from that point. I have interpreted this more broadly in my life to mean ‘throw your heart into it, and it will happen’.

Where can people contact you?

Stef Winwood Wedgetail Equine www.wedgetailequine.com stef@wedgetailequine.com Thanks Stef.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Carol Watson.

Talented milliner Carol Watson has a goal ... to get more people wearing hats! Whether you like elegant and formal, or interesting and quirky, Carol can design a hat to suit.

Y

ou began creating have enough occasions to wear a hat hats and fascinators these days.

6 years ago. What How many pieces have you created, prompted the new and do you have a favourite? hobby?

I have been making hats for 6 years I love hats! There is and have lost count of how many. a certain dignity about them and when Probably around 300, as I make about you put one on, you can change who 50 hats and fascinators a year. I have you are like an actress for a day, playing so many favourites! Sometimes while the part that your hat, as part of your I am making them, they become an costume, determines. I used to buy obsession, and I think I may not be able bits and pieces and put them together to part with them; but then someone on a hat, then pull them off and do puts it on their head, looks amazing something else for the next occasion. and feels great, and I just want them to When my children finished school and belong to that hat. moved away to uni, I had a slight case The very first hat I ever made is still of 'Empty Nest Syndrome', in my hat room; it is an old which prompted me to fashioned style hat with a look for something large brim and a little g in th to do for myself. bit 'Audrey Hepburn' no is e er Th I jumped at the in lilac and bright I like more than for a opportunity to green; it would have creating a pieceng them client, then seei d learn millinery to be my favourite, if all dressed up an that from a renowned only for sentimental nt feeling confide Let’s .

Australian milliner value.

I am very fickle od go ok they lo an om w y er in Melbourne. though; I fall in love ev it; ce fa .”

Her name is Louise with a different hat loves to dress up McDonald, and she is every week. a very generous teacher.

How long does it take to Louise taught me basic create a piece? millinery, and now I go back Some hats can be created in an every year for her summer school afternoon – some take several weeks. to learn new techniques and keep up to Often when I have worked on a hat for date with the latest trends. a while, I may leave it for days, even Why did you choose millinery; what weeks, not quite sure whether it is right was it that ‘fascinated’ you? or not, then I will just tweak a couple of I have a passion for fashion, and things, and I know it is finished. there is something about well matched You are a keen punter, attending headwear that completes’ an outfit; it many national race days. What are is the difference between being dressed the current fashions for headwear? and being dressed up. There is nothing The current fashions in headwear I like more than creating a piece for a are trending back towards the classic client, then seeing them all dressed up clean lines that frame the face. The fun and feeling confident that they look of fascinators will always have a place, good. Let’s face it; every woman loves to but will never replace the sophistication dress up ... the problem is, we just don’t that a hat provides to an outfit. There

“

is also a trend towards different fabrics and textures, resulting in some of the amazing sculptured hats you will see around this year. I particularly love the sculptured and stiffened lace headpieces that are turning up they are elegant, formal and quirky, all at the same time.

If you could design a piece for a celebrity, who would it be and what would you design?

If I could design a headpiece for a celebrity, it would be for the Duchess of Cambridge; she is inspiring more people to wear hats and headpieces. She has a beautiful face and always looks so elegant in headwear. She is making hats cool again; many younger people are noticing how much style she has and aspiring to that.

You've already picked up a number of prizes in fashions events. Do you think you might enter some bigger competitions?

My pieces have collected several ‘best hat’ and ‘elegant racegoer’ prizes, which is very humbling for a newcomer to the industry like myself. (Not the least of which has included categories in FOCUS Fashion On The Field over the last couple of years). Prizes aside, I will always be striving to produce hats that complement the wearer and make them feel fabulous; the competitions are secondary to my goal ... to get more people wearing hats.

I have been very fortunate this year to have Vienna from Fever Hair display my hats in her window; it has created quite a storm of interest, and I was not aware Port Macquarie was harbouring so many hat enthusiasts. It is loads of fun! As you can probably tell … I love it!

To quote Monty Python: “The trouble with the world today is that not enough people are wearing hats!”

Thanks Carol.

Reward yourself !

Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie www.porthomezone.com.au

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Coastside Church.

Brodie Rafferty & Pastor Ian Mathews Local volunteer Brodie Rafferty is excited to be a part of the Coastside astsid de Church team team, m and can’t speak highly enough of his mentor, Assistant Pastor Ian Mathews. As a way to say 'thank you' for providing him with the opportunity to volunteer and learn new skills, Brodie suggested we interview Ian and profile the church and the many community services it performs …

B

RODIE RAFFERTY – COASTSIDE CHURCH VOLUNTEER. Hi Brodie. Tell us a bit about yourself please ...

I was born in 1990 in Port Macquarie District Hospital. I was unwell around my birth, and had to have three shunts inserted. I was treated in Camperdown Children's Hospital for much of my first year of life. I was released about a day prior to my uncle's wedding, which was held in Newcastle in December 1990, during which time my mum was offered a house in suburban Port Macquarie.

I'm second of four boys, my older brother being Jackson Rafferty, musician and photographer from Port Macquarie, and I have two awesome younger brothers, Garth and Coen. My mum and step-dad have done an awesome job raising us kids.

My number one interest is music. My favourite genre is Country, and I have a lot of respect and time for former Port girl, Aleyce Simmonds. I enjoy playing my guitar and saxophone, and I have been interested in politics and current affairs since about 2011.

I've taken a keen interest in swimming, which I've done in some form nearly each day since 19 October last year, even through most of the winter, missing only 8 days in total.

I attended St Joseph's primary from K to 6, and after a short stint in Brisbane, I attended St Joseph's Regional and Australian Technical College (now Newman).

I'm also a very keen volunteer, and have been at Coastside since roughly December last year.

What are some of the new skills you’ve learned at Coastside?

My duties at Coastside Church include vacuuming, gardening, refreshment duties (making tea and coffee for colleagues) and I might occasionally give the auditorium a major tidy up. My eyesight is not great, but since volunteering, I’ve managed to gain improved hand-eye coordination. Despite the fact my vacuuming is still not perfect, it seems a bit better since volunteering.

You nominated Ian Mathews as a great boss. Why do you enjoy working with him so much?

Ian Mathews is a brilliant superior. I've known him since I was in primary school, and

80 greater port macquarie focus.

we lived close to one another. I then started volunteering at the former Switch Skate Park in early 2004, which at the time was owned by Coastside Church. I decided in late 2011 to pop in to the church to say hi to a few people and see if there were any volunteer positions going, and Ian let me volunteer.

I enjoy volunteering in a peaceful, low pressure environment. I'm hoping someday, if I no longer feel able to pursue my duties at Coastside, that either Ian, Mark or Sheree will With the money give me a reference to take into raised, we assist possible future employment. l yo our uth to trave What are some of the things e th in l ho over to Bo our re you dream of doing in the he w , es in pp Phili 40 rs so on future? church sp h their In the future I'd love to go for children throug gateway site schooling.” a holiday to Los Angeles, because opposite McDonald’s I'd love to meet some celebrities. on the Oxley Highway, I'd also love to be able to do a TAFE to facilitate our vision of NSW course. being a district-wide church.

I'm a ‘Coastsider’ through and through, and I What are some of the regular hope I'll be there for years to come. activities/community services the church is Thanks Brodie. involved with?

IAN MATHEWS – ASSISTANT PASTOR At Coastside Church, we believe strongly in Hi Ian. What’s your position with Coastside community involvement.

Church, and what’s involved with this role Carl and Faye Moses, our Community on a day to day basis?

Pastors, released a grief package into the I’m an Assistant Pastor. My role here at Hastings, which is now being used by the Coastside is multi-functional. Being here on public hospital and Lifeline to help those staff three days a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays working through a difficult period in their and Fridays, supporting our Senior Pastor, lives. These packages can also be obtained by Mark, I’m responsible for pastoral care (hospital contacting Coastside Church. Pastor Carl is also visits, home visits, counselling and praying the Chaplain for the RSL and Liaison Officer to for people), as well as the care, cleaning and Council for the Ministers Association here in maintenance of the church building and Port. grounds, with the help of the many great For the past 6 years, volunteers from volunteers we have here at Coastside Church.

Coastside have wrapped presents at Port As the adult’s demographic leader in the Central for a gold coin prior to Christmas. church, I’m also responsible for all those over With the money raised, we assist our youth to 40 in our church, which incorporates coffee travel over to Bohol in the Philippines, where mornings, scrapbooking, Coastside seniors and our church sponsors 40 children through their a knitting cell. schooling. Port Central graciously supplies How long has Coastside Church been all the wrapping paper, ribbon and tape, established in Port Macquarie? so all donations go directly to our youth Coastside Church was established here in team. A team left for the Philippines in early Port Macquarie over 30 years ago as a part October, where they had a chance to meet of the Christian Outreach Centre movement, the sponsored children and exchange photos, moving to our current location in Mumford letters and gifts.

Street in 1989, and being renamed ‘Coastside’ Brodie speaks very highly of the way in 2004. you’ve helped him develop new skills.

In the future we plan to relocate to our What’s the story behind how you and

“

Brodie first met – and what role does he now perform at Coastside?

Brodie and I first met while living in the same street, and this led to him asking to volunteer one day a week at Coastside.

Gardening, cleaning, setting up for conferences, special events and general maintenance is where Brodie helps; he is more than willing to assist, with his happy, friendly nature being an encouragement to those around him.

What’s on the agenda for Coastside over the next few months?

On Friday night 23 November, our ladies have their next special event, ‘Shine’. Guest speaker for the evening is Kathy Abraham.

Kathy is the Senior Pastor of Elevation Church on the Gold Coast, together with her husband, Ross. In conjunction with the March ‘Shine’, this event will support the local community, providing gift hampers. Last year, these events supplied over 60 Christmas gifts to local children in need.

Preparations are also underway for our Coastside Carols, which are held on the Coastside Church grounds on Sunday 23 December, starting at 6pm. At Coastside, we believe singing traditional carols is an incredible way to celebrate the birth of Jesus, ending with fireworks lighting up the sky.

This event is open to all to attend. Our Coastside volunteers are excited and ready once again to serve our community through hosting the Coastside Carols.

Thanks Ian. Interview by Jo Atkins.

Is there a piece missing in your insurance?

Insurance Advisernet Australia.

Work Placement Success.

In February 2012, Jamie O’ Brien commenced her TVET course of Tourism at Port Macquarie TAFE. Jamie was required to complete a mandatory Work Placement in April, and she chose to do it at The Observatory Motel/ Resort.

The Observatory is a 4.5 star hotel/resort with approximately 30 staff in three departments: reservations, housekeeping and maintenance.

Operations Coordinator Jenna Gaul says, “The reason the organisation is so supportive of the work placement program is to give TAFE students experience on how we operate as a business – and also to explore options for future positions that may become vacant."

Jenna expects the work placement students to be keen, eager to learn, friendly and open to do all and any tasks relating to the position. Her advice to Jamie and other students looking for a break into the tourism industry is to always be willing to learn and soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Jamie performed so well in her recent placement, she was offered a school based traineeship with The Observatory.

Insurance Advisernet Australia (IAA) – Mid North Coast are your missing piece of the puzzle.

Complete Risk Solutions Pty Ltd is a corporate authorised representative of Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Ltd. IAA has been around since 1996. This gives us national buying power that we can deliver on a local level and gives us stronger negotiating power when it comes to a claim or arranging favourable terms and condition so as to better protect you.

What do you offer prospective clients?

We save you time and stress by offering an end to end service on risk assessment and review, placement of insurance and claims. We lodge your claim and track it all the way to settlement.

We're there for you when you need us.

Why choose your business over your competitors for insurance needs?

Not all insurance brokers are the same. In the past fortnight, we saved a number of Hastings clients on average $300 in broker fees alone. In doing that, we also conducted a face to face review of their business and checked other insurance markets to ensure they are correctly covered. Is your current broker doing this for you?

Jamie’s O’Brien story: Why did you want this traineeship? Tourism is the career path that I have chosen, and this is a perfect opportunity for me to learn.

How do you feel about getting the traineeship? Great! It still allows me to complete my HSC and have employment at the same time.

What do you hope to achieve from completing the traineeship? To one day have all qualifications to manage a large resort.

What do you like about tourism? Something exciting and interesting happens every day ... meeting different people and opportunities that may arise.

Favourite part of working at The Observatory? They are a great team to work with; their knowledge and guidance is much appreciated.

Reward yourself !

Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie www.porthomezone.com.au

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It’s good that after 20 years, more ing people are becomrnational te In e th of e ar aw ith a Day of People w CUS is FO d an , ty ili ab Dis !” helping with that

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SOPHIE You may know her as the girl with the bright blue scooter, but Sophie Kubowicz is a relative newcomer to Port Macquarie, with a bright, bubbly attitude and some big dreams. With International Day of People with a Disability on the calendar for December 3, Sophie candidly shares with us the ups and downs of having special abilities, with an optimism and sense of humour that is truly inspiring … i Sophie. Please share a bit of information about your background and abilities …

I’m 20 years old. I’ve been in Port Macquarie for nearly two years (at Christmas), and I moved here from my hometown of Dunedoo (NSW Central West, 98 km east of Dubbo).

My ability is called ‘Desbuquois Syndrome’, which basically involves short stature and too many other things to mention! At the time of my birth, there was only one other Desbuquois case in Australia (Newcastle) and 23 worldwide.

How are you enjoying living in Port Macquarie so far?

I absolutely love living in Port Macquarie. Living here has been a dream of mine for a long time and it still feels surreal being here.

People here are awesome! They’re friendly, accepting and helpful, which is lovely. I also love how Port Macquarie still has a country town feel. The shopping is fantastic too, especially the fashion, which has always been a challenge for me − but not here. I have been able to find clothes to fit me without needing alterations.

Shoes are more problematic, but I make do with what I can find.

What have you found to be the best thing about moving from the bush to the beach?

One of the best things about moving from the bush to the beach is the perfect climate. It is so much better for my health; I guess it is for everyone’s! The beaches are fantastic too, but having more social opportunities tops the list for me.

There are other types of things to do that you don’t have in the bush. Being able to buggy in and around town is a bonus. I was also hoping that there would be more opportunity for me to find work, but I haven’t been successful with that as yet. Employers in Dunedoo knew my capabilities, so it was easier there.

What are you studying at the moment?

I’m studying a Business Administration Certificate IV with OTEN, which is an online course. Being a Data Entry Operator is my goal. I recently completed work experience with Port MacquarieHastings Council, which taught me a lot. I’m able to work while I am studying; the course is flexible. I just hope that someone 82

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would give me a go.

A few of our readers might know you better as the girl seen scooting around town on a blue scooter! Tell us a bit about your wheels and how you got them ...

I do seem to be well known as the girl seen scooting around town on a blue scooter! I call it my buggy, rather than a scooter; it’s a cooler name. People often comment how fast I get along on my buggy, but I see bicycles whiz past me much faster! I am a very safe and polite driver. Mine’s a Breeze 3 from ‘Elite Scooters’ in Penrith. The man who organised it for me, Yoram Kugel, has a contact here in Port now. I had to wait 3 long months for my buggy to be shipped from Israel, but I am proud to say that it was the only Sky Blue Breeze in Australia! It’s a beautiful colour.

I bought my buggy with the help of my mum putting a deposit on it, and I raised the rest of the funds myself by doing some DJ gigs at my former hometown.

Saving up your money through DJ gigs is pretty impressive.

What do you love about this kind of work – and do you have any plans to do more of it locally?

I was impressed myself at how quickly I could save the money to be able to buy my buggy. I love DJ-ing, because it’s very fun and very social! Plus, music is my life! Yes, I do have plans to do more of it locally. I have shied away from it with respect to the DJs who are already in Port, but my presentation is much different, so it won’t affect what they are doing. I built up a following very quickly last time with my style, and think I will here also. I am on the lookout for some equipment, then I will shake this town!

Watch out for DJ Soph! Ha ha! But of course, my day job would be top priority.

Your buggy is obviously very important to you. Was it hard to learn to drive?

Yes, my buggy is more than important to me − it’s my life (apart from my iPhone!) It was a little hard to learn to drive at first because of its size, but it didn’t take me long, because I’ve always been good on anything with wheels! Riding around Port Macquarie is a lot different to the sleepy streets in Dunedoo.

I also found that most streets here aren’t buggy friendly. There aren’t enough footpaths outside of the main business area, and

ost of the paths in tthe he rres esid es id ide den enti enti tial al aarea rea en re end d su sudd dde dd den enly enl ly with ly, with no most residential suddenly, cess to the roads. The only acc cessi sibl ibl blee be b beac eac ach h is M a n Be ai Bea ac ach, access accessible beach Main Beach, cept that crossing the road at the William and Stewart Streets except tersection is a challenge intersection challenge.

A pedestrian crossing would help. The Gordon Street crossing near 3 of the biggest businesses in town (Coles, Dan Murphy’s and Finnian’s Irish Tavern) is nerve wracking, not only for me, but also for motorists and all who use it. I know the Council is on a tight budget, but I think it’s truly important not just for mobility scooters, but for everyone − tourists included.

Working out where I can and can’t go safely in Port is also a bit of a challenge, but I have most of it worked out now. Still, many routes mean I need to go miles out of my way to get from point A to point B. I don’t think too much about it though, because I do cherish the independence my buggy gives me.

Given it’s the International Day of People with a Disability on December 3, what are your thoughts on how the majority of community members could make life easier not only for those with disabilities, but also their carers?

That’s a tough question, because I don’t belong to any support groups or such, so can’t speak on anyone else’s behalf … but people in Port are extremely caring towards me and my mum.

If anything, sometimes they are too caring and tend to treat me like a 5 year old − probably because of my size. While I can understand their line of thought, it’s fairly aggravating. We do get a lot of nice smiles and positive vibes from the community at large.

It’s good that after 20 years, more people are becoming aware of the International Day of People with a Disability, and FOCUS is helping with that. I am hoping that it does make others think and do even a little more about those who do have to try harder to fit in with a ‘normal’ life. I find the hardest part of being me is not being treated equally, especially in the employment sector. The nicest part of being me is that I bring out the best in people.

Thanks Sophie.

Interview by Jo Atkins, with thanks to Jennie Mason (Sophie’s mother) and Noni Kubowicz (Sophie’s sister).

focusbusiness.

minding your

t may be only a distant memory for you now, but I want to take you back to Sunday 14 October.

I

That day, the weather gods smiled on Port Macquarie for the annual Tastings on Hastings.

The decision to hold the event in the CBD and on the Town Green was well and truly vindicated. Thousands enjoyed the great local food, wine and beers and the wonderful Port Macquarie foreshore. CBD based businesses who opened on that Sunday were able to take advantage of the thousands who came to browse and spend.

I encourage everyone to come into town and celebrate from 6pm on Thursday 22 November.

It is just the tonic we need to kickstart the festive season.

And as if too much celebration is barely enough, the combined Chambers’ Christmas party will be held on 6 December at the Mercure. The night is a fundraiser for REAP, an organisation committed to reducing food waste.

A thought I have for next year is to create a New Year’s Eve ball on the Town Green.

As I’ve gotten older, New Year’s Complementing the Journey Eve celebrations have generally of Flavour, the Tastings meant watching the 9pm After spring, provides an opportunity fireworks with my kids and a summer of ing. to present the wonderful slipping quietly into bed ckon celebration is be around st ju produce of the Hastings by about 9.15, while they is as tm ris Ch is year region. We who live stay up and party. But the corner and th, as a marks our returnidled here are truly lucky. the idea of a glamorous town, to an unbr e and sophisticated Port th The success of the celebration of on. ” as se Macquarie party really as Tastings sends a very Christm catches my imagination. strong message that we I can see women in their must have more events like beautiful gowns under the big this, showcasing our natural tent, dancing under the lights to the beauty and the vibrancy of the town music of the big band and delighting in the centre. Sonia Fingleton, the Council and great taste of local food and wine, welcoming the Holiday Coast Credit Union should be in a swinging New Year. congratulated and be proud of the success of

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this year’s Tastings.

After spring, a summer of celebration is beckoning. Christmas is just around the corner and this year marks our return, as a town, to an unbridled celebration of the Christmas season.

29 ‘truly local’

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Later this month we will have the Countdown to Christmas celebration. Witness the inaugural Running of the Santas! This is an event to rival the running of the bulls! And it is one I encourage all businesses to enter. As part of the Countdown to Christmas, the event will also involve a parade of primary schools and dance schools, culminating in a concert on the Town Green and switching onthe lights of our new Christmas tree.

Events like these don’t just happen. The Port Macquarie Chamber has been involved from the outset with the renewed Christmas celebrations.

Board members Alex Glen-Holmes, Cathie Linklater and Janette Hyde have worked closely with Council and Tourism board representatives Jenny Mead, Jeff Sharp and David Capper.

The Town Centre Master Plan Committee has generously acquired the tree, which at 12 metres high will really make a statement that this town is ready to celebrate Christmas.

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focusinterview.

Here’s a surefire way to put a smile on your face and a song in your heart … Rebekah Erga introduces us to The Village Singers – a community musical group which draws its members from all walks of life.

i Bekah – what’s your background as a musician/ teacher?

I am proud to call myself Australadian: Canadian by birth, Australian by choice. Music is my passion, because my life is a song! I grew up in a musical family; we were always singing around the piano, harmonising together. We loved to jam with our instruments.

I have done a fair bit of solo work over the years and have sung alto, contralto, tenor and first and second soprano.

I began directing my first choir at the age of 14. I had 18 singers, doing 3 and 4 part harmonies. In the nearly 40 years since then, there have only been a handful of years where I have not sung in, or directed, a choir. I have conducted choirs at church and school for children and youth, both in Canada and here in Port Macquarie.

The Village Singers is my first adult choir. It gives me pleasure to conduct this group. No matter what kind of day it’s been, we come with smiles on our faces and leave with a song in our hearts.

We are so blessed to have the wonderfully talented Ann Burgess as our accompanist. Ann recently retired as a K-12 music teacher and moved from Newcastle to settle here in Port with her husband. She is looking to take on a few more piano students.

How did you first become associated with the Village Singers?

I actually inherited this choir! When the conductor moved away in 2009, I decided to try my hand at conducting, rather than see us disband. Eight of the original core group remain.

How many members are currently part of the choir, and what is the age range of the members?

We have 22 singers, 5 men and 17 women,

ranging in age from 16 to 80(ish). We have room to double in size, and with our practices being held in the late afternoon, it’s a perfect time for high school students to come along if they’d like to consider another outlet for singing.

We would welcome anyone aged 13 and over who would like to sing with us. It’s The Village t not about perfection; it’s Singers is my firs me s ve gi It r. oi about the joy of singing ch t adul one another. uct songs from around the pleasure to condatter What costs are associated this group. No m it’s world that are easy to y da with joining the group? of what kind learn. ith w e m co e w It’s very affordable; we , been ces and Where and when smiles on our fa in our charge $10 per term. Where does the choir meet to leave with a song else can you find that kind of hearts.” practice? entertainment value?

We are fortunate to meet How varied is the repertoire the in the library at the Dahlsford Village Singers generally work with?

Lifestyle Village. Thursdays, from 4 We began with well-known songs such as ’til 5:30, will find us lifting our voices in song.

Moon River, Blowing in the Wind and It’s A About half live in the village, the other half are Wonderful World, to name a few. Now we have ‘outsiders’. It’s a friendly, relaxed environment. built up an amazing repertoire. We always try to What are the requirements for potential new have a few familiar songs, but now we’re able to members wanting to join the group – do challenge the group more. they need to be talented singers, or know Anne and I do some of the arranging of our how to read music? numbers and write our own harmonies, as we are We have a range of abilities. One of our ladies now learning to sing in 2 and 3 part harmony, as had not sung since primary school! Some of our well as in unison. singers have musical training; others do not read This year we have some ABBA, Beatles and music at all. If you fancy yourself a shower singer, Disney songs. We enjoy singing pieces from a we may be the perfect outlet for you to expand variety of genres, such as Pop, musicals and old your audience! There are no auditions. favourites. We are doing a tribute to The Bee Rusty voices are welcome. We will assist you Gees and Whitney Houston, in memory of Robin to extend your vocal range and enhance your Gibb and Ms. Houston. breathing. We will help you to discover your own What public performances do you have voice and the joy of bringing it into harmony with scheduled for the rest of this year? others.

We have a concert coming up at Dahlsford Though we are a community group, we tend Village on Sunday November 4 at 2.30pm. Please to call ourselves a singing group, rather than a come and listen; we hope you’ll decide to stay! choir, as the latter can be intimidating to some.

Entry is by gold coin donation. Enjoy a chat We really are a musical ‘family’. We care about

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and a cuppa afterwards. Colin And The Boys (David, Richard and Graham) will be providing instrumental music during the program as well, with flute, guitar, piano and organ.

Then, on 29 November, we’ll be doing a joint concert with the New Notes Band; this will also be at The Village. We are most looking forward to carol singing again on 6 December. It has become an annual tradition to carol around the village.

What do you see as being some of the benefits for people who sing as part of a community choir/singing group?

When I asked the group this question, there was a clamour of voices all wanting to share!

Singing releases endorphins, which improve mood and well-being. Breathing from the diaphragm, as we instruct, strengthens stomach muscles and improves circulation and digestion.

Singing will give you confidence in yourself.

Besides … it’s just plain fun!

How can people join the singing group, or find out more information?

People can join at any time, not necessarily just at the beginning of a term. The commitment is relaxed, since many of our group members are retired and come and go with travelling. Anyone interested in joining The Village Singers can call Rebekah on 6582 4762 or Ann on 6583 4308 for more details.

Thanks Bekah.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

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O’Connor Heckenberg Business Services.

Welcome to O’Connor Heckenberg Business Services, one of the oldest continuously established firms in Port Macquarie, operating from our current location in the Galleria building, William Street, since 1992.

Here at OHBS, we have a very strong, supportive and experienced team, with John Heckenberg, Chris O’Connor, Peter Steffensen, our three Chartered Accountants, with over 75 years’ combined experience, and our highly qualified support staff consisting of Murray Brook, Melanie Barnes, Julie-Ann Robins, Jessica Marland and Susan Blanch.

86 greater port macquarie focus.

We specialise in personal and small business tax consulting, superannuation, estate planning and asset protection.

Our specialties include advising on self managed superannuation and retirement tax planning.

We have a long standing alliance with licensed financial planner Bruce Pain of Regional Financial Solutions, to provide a complete service to our clients. Our office is open Monday – Friday, 8.30am - 5pm. To make an appointment, pop in and see us or call 6583 8674.

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Home Assistance Services.

Home Assistance Services (H.A.S) is a locally owned and operated Home Support and Assistance service provider.

We have been providing home care in Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas for more than five years, and understand the needs of those who want to live comfortably and happily with caring assistance in their own homes.

Our team’s commitment is to understand the delicacy of each person’s unique situation and to be responsive to each individual’s needs with patience and sensitivity. We promise to always respect you or your loved one’s independence and dignity, by performing services in a manner with which you are comfortable, while always maintaining safety.

Our goal is to help you or your loved one achieve the best possible quality of life as your full service partner in care.

We have a highly experienced and trained team of caregivers that you can always depend on to arrive with a smile.

We strive to make a difference in the daily lives of our clients, and our Carers are police checked on a federal level, insured, and undergo continual training to ensure that the highest and most professional standards are met every day. We work closely and encourage communication with clients and their families, referring agencies and case managers.

If you are in need of Domestic Support, Community Access or Social Support for yourself or a loved one on a one off or a regular basis, Home Assistance Services is here to help.

Caring help only a phone call away! Call 6582 2722.

Delicious Meals Home Delivered.

Since 1995, Tender Loving Cuisine has been delivering delicious, home style meals. Our menu includes Heart Foundation Tick meals, choices approved by the Australian Diabetes Council, as well as gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, easy chew, higher energy and low salt selections.

• All meals are prepared under a Certified Food Safety System and can be heated in a microwave or normal oven.

• There are no contracts to worry about!

• You don’t have to order on a regular basis, and you have the safety of our 100% money back guarantee on 1st orders of 7 meals!

• We deliver right to your door, and our friendly couriers will even pack your order into the freezer for you!

• You can pay by cash or cheque on delivery, or by credit card when placing the order.

• We offer an extra discount for Seniors Card Holders.

• Enquire about our complimentary tastings at retirement villages, community support groups and for health professionals.

If you use the internet, orders can be placed online at www.tlc. org.au - We also have an information page at www.tlcmeals. com - Can Tender Loving Cuisine be of assistance to you?

Phone us now on Freecall 1800 801 200.

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Photo/s: One&Only Resorts

focustravel.

with Susie Boswell

T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N : LOS CABOS, MEXICO ravel broadens the mind, our horizons - and our aspirations too. Tourists the world over are never content, it seems, always looking for the new “it” spot.

And so you might have noticed recently that Australia’s glitterati often mention Mexico’s Los Cabos as the latest must-do holiday destination.

Not since Bo Derek in the movie “10” put Las Brisas on the map 30 years ago has a Mexican beach resort gained such far-flung desirability.

Tortillas, quesadillas, mojitos and margaritas with our own sunny climate we’ve long said an enthusiastic Ola! to Mexican cuisine and culture.

But pack those precious Aussie dollars while the exchange rate for USD/pesos is favourable if you want to afford the delights of Los Cabos: it’s not for the financially faint-hearted. Yet, ay caramba!, it’s an experience that’s worth it.

On the extreme west coast of Mexico, on the edge of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos is washed by the same Pacific Ocean as Bondi.

Fly to Los Angeles, allow say 13 hours, and LAX to La Paz or Los Cabos, a couple more hours (similar to the distance from the Queensland border to Cairns). Los Cabos is the name of the region that stretches 30km between a pair of towns named “Cabo” - in Spanish, cabo means cape, promontory or extremity - because the two, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, bookend an area located at the southern tip of the peninsula. George, Gwyneth, Jen, Brad, Ange

and the whole uber-Hollywood Who’s Who are no strangers at Mexico’s number-one celebrity destination, as well as thousands of young gringos wanting to drink in a big gulp of summertime hedonism. The dual destination’s considered to combine the authenticity of old Mexico in San Jose’s narrow cobblestone streets, town square, mission churches and relaxed lifestyle … with frenetic party-central San Lucas, with its glam resorts, Michelin-star restaurants, funky bars and throbbing nightlife that begins jumping nightly at Mexican cocktail hour, around 10pm. (Note the saints’ names: San Jose, San Lucas - relics of the Spanish missionaries whose influence persists in charming Moorish architecture on up the coast into the US, via San Diego and San Francisco).

Among the top dozen most populous nations, modern Mexico is home to 116m people and one of the world’s biggest oil exporters. Los Cabos enjoys a spring/summer climate year-round but best to avoid the heat, humidity and sometimes hurricanes of July to September. February through to June experiences near zero rainfall.

Australian Foreign Affairs advises exercising “high” caution because of drugs-related violence and crime - the same awareness level it suggests for other destinations including Bali, Thailand, Brazil, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa and Turkey.

In the elite echelon of resorts is the highly acclaimed Las Ventanas al Paradiso (Windows

on Paradise). It boasts style, exceptional service, cuisine, sophistication and harmony with nature in 70 suites with rooftop terraces, jacuzzis, telescopes for sea and stargazing, some with private pools, hot tubs and outdoor showers.

Staff move via a series of underground tunnels to bring chablis and canapes to your elbow and cool you with a spray of chilled Evian - so the relaxing scenery isn’t spoiled by the sight of waiters going about their work! Butler service is 24/7; one of the hotel’s guest hire cars is a Porsche Boxster.

Other typical Los Cabos distractions include chi-chi spas, all water sports, game fishing, adventure experiences, and top notch PGA golf. A Tiger Woods-designed 18-hole course, with spectacular ocean views certainly superior to St Andrews’, opens at the Diamante resort in 2014.

At another top resort, Palmilla

ven furry friends get the rock-star (pictured), even treatment with their own cushioned daybed and treats, and a mini beach umbrella and gazebo.

Talk to a travel agent who’s also been there to determine if Los Cabos is your enchilada.

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focuseditorial Port Macquarie Landcare President sident

estellegough.

U P D AT E

Spring is Dazzling

ea Acres is a good place to spot Regent Bowerbirds as they celebrate spring, but they may also appear in any of our rainforest corridors.

S

Recently I saw one at Wingham Brush, feeding on the canopy vines. Dressed in black and gold, he was conspicuous against the greenery. He wants to be noticed: not by a predator, but by Mrs Bowerbird, who seeks the best father for her chicks (breeding is October to January). She is beautiful too, in his eyes, though she wears camouflage. It pays to be inconspicuous when you are sitting on eggs and caring for babies in the nest.

Colourful plumage does attract predators, including humans, who have killed countless birds for their decorative plumage. Gorgeous feathers have sadly led some bird species to extinction. But you can still see the lovely Regent Bowerbird, Sericulus chrysocephalus, on the Mid North Coast, thanks to preservation of its habitat. These birds live in the rainforest canopy, feeding on fruit. That’s also where they nest, building a fragile saucer of twigs amid dense vines; the nest holds two eggs.

In spring, the dazzling Regent Bowerbird is on show. This jewel of the rainforest is intent on showing us how splendid a bloke can be.

However, before that happens, there must be a pairing, and that’s where the bower comes in; it gives the Bowerbirds their name. Their courtship, in a lovingly constructed bower on the forest floor, is legendary. Mr Bowerbird laboriously builds a U-shaped ‘avenue’ bower from upright sticks about 15 cm high. He paints it yellow with his beak, using saliva and juice from crushed leaves. He decorates the ground around it with snail shells and red or black

berries.

When a female approaches the bower, he dances about it, flashing his bright coloured feathers and bright yellow eyes. He fans his wings while making chattering and churring sounds. If the female approves, mating may take place in the bower. CSIRO researcher N. Lenz observed that females stay longer at bowers that are well-built, but the ladies are not influenced by the number of decorations. Male readers: take note.

About

The female raises one brood per season. The immature birds all look like females, with brown feathers and duller yellow eyes. Mature females have scalloped underparts, brown wings and tail, and a black patch on the crown. Young males grow their adult plumage after four to six years. Males are smaller than females, which are about 28 cm in length.

The mature males are unmistakable, with purple-black plumage. The crown of the head and the nape are gold, and there is a broad gold band across the wings. Eyes and bill are bright yellow; feet are black.

You may encounter other beautiful Bowerbirds in our bushland, including blue-eyed Satin Bowerbirds and vivid Green Catbirds.

Bowerbirds may also visit your garden and help themselves to fruit, but they depend on forest for food and shelter.

In return, they help the forest by spreading seeds, and decorating their bowers is part of this.

Contributed by Julie Ho.

a refreshing experience awaits you Our village residents find using the pool is a great way to start the day.

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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Congratulations to all those involved with the Tasting on Hastings … it was fanastic and a credit to you all. So much better on the Town Green and a great day weather-wise. The music wafting through the air gave a great atmosphere to a very well organised day for this wonderful town of Port Macquarie.

Robyn Butler.

RUMBLINGS OF THE HASTINGS: We mightn’t have had much rain lately, but there have been a lot of rumblings in the air, with people receiving a 'shock' when they open their electricity bill. One good thing, and the only positive aspect of the high accounts, is that people are now very very conscious of turning the power off on all appliances before they go to bed and limiting the number of lights on during the evening. Solar companies must be rubbing their hands together with glee! As my friend said, shop around with electricity servers, as some are much better than others and offer better deals when you have solar energy.

BRAIN PRE PROGRAMMED … this will drive you 'nuts'. This experiment was

brought to the attention of the public by an Orthopaedic surgeon and will have you trying many times to prove him wrong.

What you do is sit down on a chair or lounge and lift your right foot off the floor and turn it in a circular motion clockwise.

Once you get that going, try drawing a six in the air with your right hand … your right foot will immediately turn anti clockwise and you just can’t stop it … a bit of fun! Thought I would break up my column from the Tastings and the Rumblings with a bit of nonsense!

CHRISTMAS AT THE BEACH Like the past eleven years, Karin and Max Davis are holding their FREE Christmas dinner at Town Beach (near the Skate Boarding section) for the homeless, lonely and people

without any family in the Hastings. (NO ALCOHOL).

Last year over 250 people enjoyed the delights of Christmas, with food, pressies, games, Santa and of course, caring volunteers ... volunteers being the operative word. Karen needs help setting up the tables, chairs, decorations, preparation of food, presents, food and donations. I was involved last year, and the work that went into making the day such a success was 'huge'. You can imagine the work involved getting Christmas dinner ready just for your family, so Karin could do with all the help she can get from the public. Even if you give a couple of hours in the morning to set up, it would be very much appreciated. Karin is very aware how tough it is for businesses at the moment, so dislikes asking for too much … maybe some businesses might have a old stock 'out the back' suitable for pressies (for men, women or children). Help setting up, preparing the food, donations … and pressies are her main priorities. Please ring Karin on 6584 4233.

NO JACKPOTS HERE! Did you know that one of the 'biggest' supermarkets take hundreds of

millions of dollars a year out of communities that can least afford the destructive impact of poker machine gambling? The more people know about 'their secret', the more pressure the company will feel to reform their pokies business. This company operates a vast network of over 12 thousand poker machines in 277 venues across Australia. It is estimated that their poker machines generate over one and a quarter billion dollars of revenue a year for the company. In fact, 1 in 8 dollars made from poker machines end up in their pockets.

How much do you 'bet' nothing will change?

Nice story to finish up on … my lovely friend's father has Dementia and resides in a nursing home. Even before he had Dementia, each time they would present him with a new great grandchild, he would say, “They are all as beautiful as each other”.

Last week he was presented with yet another great grandson, and when asked, “What do you think, Pop?” He replied, “This one looks like me”. Shocked at his comment, the mum said, “Why’s that?” "Well," said Pop, with great sincerity,”he is bald and toothless, just like me”. Hope you are smiling!

KEEP SMILING, ROBBIE X

Register for our free seminar to find out how!

REGISTER TODAY: www.challenger.com.au/seminar

If you are approaching retirement, or have already retired, and want to feel more in control of your finances, come along to our free retirement seminar, which offers: s A free financial health check s Travel tips from a travel expert s Smart money management ideas s The chance to talk to a Westpac Financial Planner, and more.

Cost: Free – includes light refreshments. Partners and friends welcome.

Proudly brought to you by Challenger and National Seniors Australia.

EVENT

Coffs Harbour

Port Macquarie

When

Wednesday 14 November

Tuesday 13 November

Times

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm or 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm or 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Where

C.ex 1 Vernon Street Coffs Harbour

Panthers Club 1 Bay Street Port Macquarie

REGISTER TODAY:

ill sw g Visit www.challenger.com.au/seminar kin oo tary b or phone 1300 154 337.

25 en rst plim . fi m ne he – t e a co f wi y o r r iv Hu rece ottle 14534/1012 b greater port macquarie focus 91

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Friends support the activities of the Glasshouse in delivering vering its visual and performing arts programs for the Port Macquarie-Hastings gs community, and supporting the Port Macquarie Hastings Regional Gallery. y.

”

of the

glasshouse Friends of the Glasshouse are like-minded individuals who support the Glasshouse and the nd events it hosts and have an interest in the visual and performing arts. Find out how you too can becomee a Friend, so you can start enjoying some of the amazing benefits ... lease introduce the new task force for Friends of the Glasshouse.

The Friends of the Glasshouse Working Group is made up of Jenny Hutchison, John Meyers and Max Grubb.

Dr Jenny Hutchison is a former academic, journalist and project manager with a lifelong interest in the visual and performing arts. A resident of Port Macquarie from 2000, she was the coordinator of AquaSculpture in 2009 and 2011 and is a member of the Council's Arts and Community Development Committee. Jenny is a donor to the Glasshouse and volunteer in the Visitor Information Centre.

John Meyers is a business strategist who moved to Port Macquarie in 2001. His involvement with economic development, farmers’ markets, airport development, regional development and food related activities have been his passions. John was Vice President of the Tourism Board and introduced the Tourism Ambassador Program and Major Events Bureau during that time.

John became involved with the Glasshouse as part of the previous Council Regional Development Panel.

Max Grubb was a Town Planner and former public servant and academic, with a lifetime interest in the visual and performing arts. Academic qualifications include BA, Masters of Urban and Regional Planning and Bachelor of Letters (Fine Arts). Max has lived in Port Macquarie since 1999, was Chairman of the Friends of the Gallery and is currently on the Gallery Advisory Board and in this capacity campaigned for the building of the Glasshouse.

What is a Friend of the Glasshouse?

A Friend of the Glasshouse is someone who supports and admires the building and its facilities, its staff and the events it hosts. Friends want to use this iconic

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building as a meeting place with like-minded people – Discounts on entry to certain productions and events; those interested in the visual and performing arts.

A series of social events to be held in the Glasshouse Friends support the activities of the Glasshouse in in 2013; and delivering its visual and performing arts programs for 20% off purchases from the Glasshouse Shop (very the Port Macquarie-Hastings community, supporting the useful at the moment for choosing Christmas presents Port Macquarie Hastings Regional Gallery. from the range of designer items).

The Friends manage their own activities in As a social group, why would you encourage new conjunction with Glasshouse management members to join? and look forward to having some input There are already a wide range of social to long term planning issues. groups in Port Macquarie-Hastings spread nt ca ifi gn The group has been around across a diversity of organisations and A si r fo t fi ne be since long before the building locations, ranging from sporting clubs, rly Friends will be ealable was built, but you are rereading groups, performance groups, ai bird booking av of launching the program now. other specific social clubs and is is th – s for show age nt va ad What are some of the new ar groups of artists. The Friends of the ul ic rt pa r benefits? when booking fo Glasshouse provides an opportunity popular shows.”

The previous Friends group was where people who have a particular purely focused on the activities of interest in the visual and performing the Regional Art Gallery. Those Friends arts can meet and share their interests were very active community supporters and experiences. of the Glasshouse during its planning and So, please consider joining the Friends, so construction. Funds raised by the Friends you can participate in the planning of future events – provided the architecturally designed benches in together with other local lovers of music, theatre and the foyer and the Wendy Stokes prints hanging near the the visual arts. meeting rooms.

What events do you have coming up over the For the new Friends group, a significant benefit will summer? be early bird booking available for shows – this is of On 30 November at 10am there is a coffee morning particular advantage when booking for popular shows, talk by Emma Varga, an exhibitor in the exhibition of such as the recent sold out Glen Miller Orchestra this year's finalists in the Ranamok Glass Prize.

Concert (which was so popular, a second show had to Join the Friends afterwards (at approximately noon) be scheduled) and performances by the Australian Ballet at Zebu in Rydges' Hotel for a complimentary beverage and OzOpera. and the chance to chat with Emma. We are also Some of the additional bonuses for Friends are: planning a Friends' Christmas function for early or midInvitations to Glasshouse VIP events (such as meeting December. the performers or exhibitors); Thanks Friends.

“

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focusinterview.

Making a difference in someone else’s life is invaluable … but so is doing something that will have a positive impact on your own life. Colin Rogers is a Telephone Crisis Supporter with Lifeline and says the personal rewards he has received through this role are immense. Are you looking for something that will fulfil both your need to help others, but also aid in your own personal growth and development?

Lifeline may just have the solution …

Roge rs lifeline

Lifeline’s

ntroduce yourself please, Colin ...

I‘m a high school English teacher; I’ve been teaching 27 years. I’ve taught in Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Nowra and – in the Northern Territory – in Katherine and Tennant Creek. I absolutely love my job. Every teaching day is a great one. Teen students are full of life, and that seems to rub off on me. I came to Port Macquarie High in 2004.

I’m a dad and granddad. There is nothing greater than being a granddad, I reckon. I love the beach and the natural environment of this region. I’m also a keen dancer − especially Latin dancing. I can’t stand shopping, but I don’t mind it if it involves the purchase of chocolate!

Sadly, I am a Doctor Who tragic … well, that’s how others describe it. I came from a large family. I have ten brothers and sisters. Unfortunately, too many of them have lost lives to drugs and alcohol. I’m learning Auslan at TAFE, so I can communicate better in the deaf community. I’ve enjoyed working with blind students, two of whom I have taught to dance. My highlight in teaching was being Year Advisor for six years. That has brought me unforgettable and cherished memories.

I haven’t always been a teacher. I was a coal miner, and I worked as a housing officer in the Housing Commission.

My parents immigrated to Australia with nine children in tow and added one in Australia. I grew up in the Illawarra.

Why did you decide to become involved with Lifeline?

I was a Year Advisor for 6 years, and in other schools I have worked in similar roles. I found that some students faced a variety of issues that I was able to help with. Upon reflection, I felt uncomfortable with myself about issues I wasn’t able to assist with.

I simply didn’t have the understanding or the skill. Compassion and empathy I had by the bucket load, but that wasn’t always enough.

A chance encounter with someone who had just come off a shift on the phones helped me realise that was the way to go. Get formal training and skilling in the areas I lacked and apply them on the phones AND, more importantly, apply them to family, friends and MYSELF. What training did you actually complete with Lifeline, and what was involved with the process?

The training is FANTASTIC! It is at the cutting edge in theory and absolutely follows world’s best practice. There is an online component that is very manageable and fascinating. You need to do the modules, and they are followed up in a class setting held 94

greater port macquarie focus.

“

is:

‘catch cry’ once per week in the evening. It is in this treat each caller al class that things are clarified and you get to with uncondition put it into practise through role plays. There positive regard.” is an incredible amount of support from the Lifeline team. They are a caring and loving (yes, loving!) team and very professional, enthusiastic and encouraging.

In what capacity do you volunteer with Lifeline now, and how many hours do you volunteer each week?

I volunteer as a Telephone Crisis Supporter. I do four hours per fortnight. These are high demand hours, as they are at night and However, Lifeline insists on self care – looking after yourself. on the weekend. We are cautioned not to rush in. I aim to increase This is a part I love. They actually tell you to do something nice for the hours when it is appropriate for me to do so. yourself! They even get a kick out of it if you share with them what In addition to the valuable service you’re obviously you plan to treat yourself with. I’ve lost that guilty feeling of doing providing to the community, what are the benefits you something for myself, and I really enjoy the uplift I get. So, this is believe you’ve personally received through your work with the part that is about you and not about the caller.

Lifeline?

Lifeline’s ‘catch cry’ is: treat each caller with unconditional Incredibly, I’m the one who benefits the most! It’s an awesome positive regard. If that is all I learned from Lifeline, it is the most responsibility when people call and need help. But, the skills I have precious gift I could have. It has totally changed my outlook. I learned, and continue to learn, help me deal with my own daily have let go of so many negative attitudes and judgements. It is troubles. When my family turns to me for support, I’m much better mind liberating. I am so glad to be part of Lifeline, and I really look at getting to the problem and helping them come to their own forward to my fortnightly ‘shift’. successful resolutions.

If you want to help others in a meaningful way – join Lifeline.

I’m also privileged to work with a team which really cares and Don’t worry if you feel wary about how you will go. The training shows genuine interest in me and the work we are involved in will benefit you, but the support from the Lifeline team will nurture together. The support is so uplifting. Volunteering with Lifeline you over the line. The course is the only qualification you need. gives you the greatest buzz. I love it, but that isn’t quite the right You are in for an incredible experience. Don’t wonder any more – word. It is also very humbling, yet enriching and rewarding at the just sign up! The Lifeline Crisis Support line number is 13 11 14. same time.

Thanks Colin.

You must get to listen to lots of concerns and issues brought Interview by Jo Atkins. up by people from all different walks of life in your role as a Crisis Support Volunteer. You obviously have to deal with tragedies and traumas at times ... what would you say to people who have the perception that a role with Lifeline would be too depressing, or upsetting?

Helping others in a crisis is an incredibly fulfilling thing. No matter what the trauma, whether helping someone deal with personal issues, family issues, loneliness, grief, mental health or suicide issues, you are working with the caller to help them come to the answers they need. It is about them. That is the amazing thing. It is not about me.

the plug!

Lifeline Mid Coast is currently seeking Telephone Crisis Supporters to start training in February 2012; people should register their interest now.

For further information, call 6581 2800 or visit: www.lifeline.org.au/midcoast

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focusrealestate

Ask Greg

Greg Trembath answers wers stions. your real estate questions.

Q

I hear the first home owners grant Considering today’s keen prices for land in our area, the timing is ideal for first home owners has changed. What is happening to really benefit by the additional incentives now? which have recently been introduced.

A: On October 1 this year, the First Home There are some home and land packages Owner Grant (New Homes) Scheme available in our area for less than $400,000, commenced. It replaces the previous so in my experience, it has been a long grant of $7,000. This is a terrific time since the situation has been NSW Government incentive, this good for first home buyers. and if you are in a position a I should also mention that non en be to take advantage of it, my s ha It first home owners, including advice would be to ‘go long time since s investors, have not been the situation ha for it’. been this good forgotten. They can benefit The scheme is designed for first home by a grant of $5,000 to build a to help first home owners owners. new home; however, no stamp realise their dream and help duty concessions apply. them on their way to owning I recommend visiting www.osr.nsw. a brand new home. A grant of gov.au to obtain all the facts on the $15,000 is available for eligible first various schemes.

If you’d rather give me a call, home owners to either purchase or build a I’m happy to walk you through them. new home.

Stamp duty concessions are also available, providing exemptions to transfer duty on new homes valued up to $550,000 (saving up to $20,240).

For example, a first home owner who purchases land at $200,000 would receive full stamp duty exemption of $5,490 in addition to the $15,000 grant to build their new home.

So the total benefit would be $20,490.

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.

greater port macquarie focus 95

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

NORTHPOINT HOMES

96 greater port macquarie focus.

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NORTHPOINT HOMES Combining an owner's exacting requirements, a builder's eye for perfecting detail and architect Wayne Ellis' vision, the November Home of the Month – brought to you by Northpoint Homes, presents as the ideal retirement haven for its occupants.

Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of being shown through this truly different, yet very practical home that serves its occupants well now and into the future ... ith a brief from owner Margaret having top of the list: house with no steps, meaning wheelchair friendly, Steven Dever of Northpoint Homes was given a few challenges from the get go with this build. Presented with a small, soft powder sandy block of land as the foundation and a home designed to be built right to the site boundaries in the shape of the letter H (the sides of the H are different lengths) with a garage attached; he has excelled himself with Margaret, who says that she wouldn't change a thing – a fairly rare comment in new home construction nowadays.

A striking selection of colours and textured finishes, combining Hardies Stria and Sycon Matrix Cladding, Horizontal Colorbond Mini-

orb on the gables, raked sandstone brick panelling (all panels are at equal height on all exterior brick walls) along with hardwood Blackbutt double posts, come together beautifully to project an earthy look to the exterior that blends well with the fully landscaped gardens and surrounds of the 3 bedroom home.

The front facade has been designed with the privacy and security of its occupants in mind, as is the entire residence. Strategically placed cement rendered brick wall panels, privacy walls on all external doors and bamboo screening that has been cleverly designed utilising a Colorbond fencing frame provide privacy from neighbouring properties.

Deadlocks on all windows and doors, sensor lighting, Crimsafe security mesh and a state

of the art security system protect the home.

An extra wide exposed aggregate drive allows for guest parking, as well as a wide turning circle into the double garage, which has been installed with an auto-panel lift door from Port Macquarie Garage Doors, giving remote access at the touch of a button.

Able to double as extra accommodation, an excellent space for the grandchildren to stay dormitory style, the garage has been fully lined with durable Pine Ridge wall panelling and by being fitted out with its own kitchenette and storage cupboards, is a home away from home. Having a painted concrete floor, fixed corner windows that allow in a generous amount of natural light, deadlocks and Crimsafe screening on all windows and doors, side, rear and internal access, the

garage is a very secure and useable space.

Entry to the home is at ground level, an easy walk from the garden and driveway areas to the tiled flat roof portico. A concealed box gutter catches the eye at roof level above the sheltered space of the portico and provides a capture point for rainwater, with the downpipe concealed in a brick pier supporting the roofline.

An extra wide entry door opens into the 1.8 m hallway, leading you into the home.

Designed to be wheelchair friendly, all halls and doorways are no less than 1.2 m wide throughout. English Oak Hardwood is the flooring choice in all living and dining areas, providing an easy clean yet stylish surface underfoot. continued over

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continued from over

A guest WC and vanity are tucked away neatly on the left of entrance and has an opaque louvre window installed that lets in a generous amount of directional airflow. The floor tiling of the guest amenities is flush with the English Oak of the hallway; grab rails and a 1.2 m wide door that swings out are wheelchair friendly additions to the design.

Square set walls to varying ceiling heights are a feature of this architecturally designed dwelling. Offering a functional open floor plan set for easy entertaining, there are also many versatile, private alcoves and living zones. This will allow adjustment to room purpose that will evolve to suit the individual living requirements of the family in years to come.

Purposely built as a retirement home that

98 greater port macquarie focus.

would evolve with their ageing requirements, Margaret had a specific brief for Steven. Having moved from a two storey dwelling, number one prerequisite was a level, easily accessible home with both separate living quarters for herself and her husband, as well as private guest or carer accommodation to be built in readiness for future years.

A very comfortable guest or carer’s residence has resulted from the initial brief. Having its very own external access, entry foyer and sitting room, the carer’s accommodation is private, but by being centrally located, is easily obtainable to the elderly residents if care is needed.

Provisions include an ensuite with a full frameless glass sliding shower screen, lowered shower floor eliminating shower leakage (standard in any North Point Home design), heated towel rails, Caesarstone vanity bench top with under mount

ning “ The living dios e room has purpnetry of built wall cabi k and Tasmanian Oa inted a pale green paecifically feature wall sp ement done to compl k. ” existing artwor

hand basin and a nice big vanity mirror above.

Soft carpeting, ceiling fan, builtin glass sliding door robe, built-in Rock Maple book stand, louvre windows allowing for direction of the available breezes and views to the adjoining courtyard make for a relaxing private carer’s or guest retreat.

Positioned in the centre of the home is the combined living/dining room, purposely sized and shaped to accommodate Margaret’s existing furniture; even the light fittings and in-floor popup power points are in their specific place. A high raked ceiling with celestial windows set above two single screened sliding glass doors, separated by a gas fireplace that has its own flat panel window above, creates an open feel to the living room. Opening out to courtyards both sides, the living dining room has purpose built wall cabin-

etry of Tasmanian Oak and a pale green painted feature wall specifically done to complement existing artwork.

All courtyards have been beautifully landscaped, with the initial design by Claudia Nevell of Garden Expressions and the implementation of plantings and garden furniture by Steve of Flourish Garden Management, incorporating sandstone pebbles, off white smooth exposed aggregate stepping stones and tropical plantings displaying a combination of kangaroo paw, weeping mulberry, statice, daisies, bromeliads, mondo grass, star jasmine for screening and miniature banksia. It’s a tranquil, low maintenance oasis that is readily accessible and visible from all rooms, complements all aspects of the design and brings the outdoors in expertly.

The main alfresco entertainment area faces

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NORTHPOINT HOMES

North West and is a very pleasant spot to entertain family and friends or just sit and relax. Tiled with a non-slip textured grey tile from Tiles With Style, laid expertly by Peter Dykes Tilers, the alfresco is complemented by an adjustable rollout awning providing shelter from the elements if needed. The lined ceiling is supported by Blackbutt hardwood double timber posts and matching kiln dried hardwood boards, that are the same width as the posts and have been placed alongside the floor tiles. The tiles blend with the stepping stones and white pebbling of the garden, which wraps around the home to the rear and leads you to the patio area off the kitchen.

Sliding glass doors open into the multi-functional home kitchen, that incorporates a home office space. Wide laminate benchtops run along the northern wall and comprise plenty of drawers and cabinetry; this bench wraps around to further bench and deep storage drawer space, designed specifically to suit Margaret’s kitchenware. Louvre windows allow for directional airflow and views to the courtyards on all sides.

The main kitchen work area is a home cook’s ideal, having all mod cons at hand. Olive green Caesarstone benchtops provide an easy clean surface for food preparation and serving, 2 x stainless steel Westinghouse electric ovens, gas cook-top with pale green glass splash-back and louvre windows that eliminate the need of a range-hood above the cooking station (vapours are drawn out naturally and noiselessly) and an under bench LG dishwasher and refrigerator are all incorporated into the kitchen cabinetry, giving a neat and tidy appearance. There is even further cabinetry placed below the ovens for convenience.

A large deep shelved pantry holds all cooking ingredients and condiments and has an automatic light which comes on when opened and off when closed. Extra wide kitchen benchtops were another prerequisite, along with an appliance cupboard with roll-up door that neatly tucks away the toaster and kettle. At the end of the kitchen bench is a breakfast bar that has further cabinetry underneath for other odds and ends. continued over

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NORTHPOINT HOMES

g with fan, “ A raked ceilin derfoot, un g in et rp ca soft ss gla e pl tri us ro gene obe dr ar w or do ng slidi and handcrafted iture bedroom furnFu rniture from Francis make to ne bi m co all rtable for a very comfo ” . m oo dr be

continued from over

Adjacent to the kitchen is an extra large laundry – another very practical and user friendly room. Corner louvre windows have been installed and provide enough natural breezes that there is no need for an outdoor clothesline; all can be dealt with indoors in this light and airy laundry. Further wide benchtops, an under bench clothes dryer and a large storage cupboard that provides lots of room for suitcases and folding beds for guests add to the functionality of the home.

The two remaining bedrooms are separate but interconnected via a sitting alcove and bathroom, providing individual private personal space for the occupants. The bathroom has floor to ceiling tiling, both bath and shower with a frameless glass door and a vanity basin with cabinetry that is a mirror image to that of

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the carer/guest ensuite; a separate WC services both bedrooms.

Cross ventilation has been achieved in the main bedroom via both louvre and panel windows. A raked ceiling with fan, soft carpeting underfoot, generous triple glass sliding door wardrobe and handcrafted bedroom furniture from Francis Furniture all combine to make for a very comfortable bedroom. Complemented by its own private verandah, which catches the eastern sun on one side and has courtyard views on the other, the main bedroom is private yet placed close to the living areas.

Bedroom 2 is also large, has access to all areas and via the installation of 3 louvre panel windows and a ceiling fan, is also a very comfortable, private space.

Overall, the home is one that totally works for the owners, with every aspect internally

and externally both pleasing to the eye, easy care and low maintenance. From easy clean surfaces, modern fittings and fixtures, to being finished off expertly with a modern, stylish colour scheme that combines a mix of external claddings, lush gardens and courtyards, the home will grow and evolve with the family and serve them well into future years.

About Northpoint Homes Northpoint Homes, formerly Hastings Valley Homes, is one of Port Macquarie’s longestablished and respected builders. Northpoint Homes has cemented a solid reputation from decades of designing and building homes of the highest standard.

Our homes are contemporary, original and practical, and we are able to work within the parameters of a brief, taking into consideration

all obstacles and topography of the land.

Managing Director and Licensed Builder Steve Dever oversees all projects. Being involved in the building industry since 1989, he has built a network of experienced and proficient tradesmen, which guarantees quality workmanship at competitive prices at all times.

Garry Hughes, also a licenced builder with 30 years of building experience, is the Building Supervisor and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in supervision of residential and commercial construction, ensuring all projects are built to the highest standards.

Eloana Dever has an administrative role within Northpoint Homes that ensures proficient business management.

Northpoint Homes is a building company that will take home construction well into the modern era.

retirement living - made easy

From the Builder Northpoint Homes Pty Ltd

NORTHPOINT HOMES

What types of building do you specialise in?

Northpoint Homes provides clients with traditional, personalised service, from first home buyers to prestigious, custom built homes.

Building your home with a company of integrity ensures the experience will be a positive and enjoyable one.

You deal directly with the builder and each one of our homes is individually designed, with eeach client receiving the builder’s personal atttention. We have a wide range of plans, with flexible design and an in-house drafting service.

Northpoint Homes are committed to buildiing homes with innovative design that suit the sshape, size and aspect of the land and the needs and budget of each individual client.

The projects are always completed on time and to not cause inconvenience to our clients; we will nominate a time frame in every instance.

What are some of the featured design elements of this home?

The home is specifically designed by Wayne Ellis as a home for retirement. The entire home has easy access in all areas, and the carer’s section of the home has separate access and is centrally located for easy access for care if required.

Did the owners have any specific requirements when they first asked you to build the home for them?

Margaret required a builder who would listen

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to her needs and provide her with expert, honest advice and be guided step by step through the construction process. We listened to her needs and requirements, to earn her trust and to ensure her dream came true.

Margaret was very thorough, and every fine detail was comprehensively detailed within areas, such as specific designs for interior and exterior finishes and also the smaller details such as linen cupboard and wardrobes.

How do we go about commissioning you to build for us? What is the process?

Initial contact and meetings with clients include a site inspection and effective communication, to ensure we work to achieve any specific requirements the client may have. When you build with Northpoint Homes, you enter a relationship that starts with your first planning ideas and develops through the building process and beyond.

A comprehensive quote is provided, and a personalised consultation ensures the quote review process is completely understood, to ensure there are no additional costs after the contract is signed.

After the quote has been accepted, a deposit is required to cover application fees and Home Owners Warranty Insurance. All paperwork is completed, and the application lodged with Council. Once the project is approved, we then make arrangements for the formal contract to be signed. continued over

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retirement living - made easy

NORTHPOINT HOMES

Harbourside living

From the Owner – Margaret I came across Steve, as he had built a home for my daughter a couple of years prior to myself looking for a builder. I had no hesitation in approaching Steve; because he built my daughter’s home so well, he came highly recommended by her. She gave me such glowing reports about him as a person and his expertise, that I went no further. My experience with Steve was totally the same as it was with my daughter – as in his attention to detail, in making sure that everything was just right, his pleasant manner; and everything about his work was A1. I would always go back to him if I were to build another

102 greater port macquarie focus.

home.

I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone who wants a superbly built home, that is evident in its joinery and all finishes.

Furthermore, what makes Steve stand out from builders generally is that he paid such attention to getting very secure foundations on our sandy block of land, and it was he who realised that we needed to have screw piers to make this house very solid and safe.

We have 73 screw piers, which have ensured the stability of this house for generations.

This is evidence of his attention to detail and expertise in knowing what to do when presented with a problem.

From Flourish Garden den Management

Privacy for the garden and the home was

Residential landscaping specialist Flour-

achieved through the installation of custom

ish Garden Management was proud to be

made bamboo screens and stainless steel

involved in the creation of this North Haven

cable trellising in which star jasmine will grow,

home.

creating a softening of the boundary fencing.

The experienced local team, headed by

Soil improvement and sub surface drain-

Steve Van Gemert, worked closely with the

age was undertaken before the installation

landscape designer and the client to deliver on

of all the plants. The planting consists of a

all aspects of the garden design.

wide range of low maintenance and drought

The project involved a wide range of hard landscape elements, including retaining walls, masonry walls, aluminium garden edging,

tolerant species. A combination of Australian native and exotic species was selected.

To find out more about the range of services

hardwood timber screening and large format

offered by Flourish, contact Steve on 0400

pavers.

764 204.

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of “ To the northan d the living areacustom the patio, the o fence made bambo combined with and carefully placted species selected planob lem solved this pr well. ”

NORTHPOINT HOMES From Apollo Blinds & Awnings We really enjoyed working with Margaret and helping her to achieve the best solution for blinds and awnings in her new home. Margaret was fairly specific in her requirements – they must look good and be easy to operate. Her home has all the finishing touches, so we needed to find a fabric for her internal roller blinds to complement the feel of Margaret’s home. Margaret chose two different fabrics – one a light filtering which maintains her privacy while still allowing some sunlight into her home, the other a full block-out to give total screening.

The awning we all decided was best suited to Margaret’s needs was a Folding Arm Awning – this enables Margaret to roll out the awning and have protection from the summer heat, and she can also close the awning to take advantage of the warm winter sun. She can have the best of both worlds in her outdoor area. The awning is

manually controlled and Margaret finds it very easy to use.

The beauty of what Margaret has installed in her home is that both the internal roller blinds and the Folding Arm Awning can be converted at a later date to a motorised system with remote control operation. The conversion is a simple process, should Margaret ever find she requires even easier control of her blinds and awnings.

Whatever your needs may be, Apollo Blinds is sure to have a solution – whether it be internal window blinds or shutters, outdoor awning solutions, whether you need total privacy, to keep out the elements or insects, want to take advantage of a view, or purely to dress your home – you will be pleasantly surprised at the range we have available. And until Christmas, we are offering 30% OFF OUR ENTIRE RANGE. Apollo Blinds is an Australian owned company – our franchise is locally owned and operated.

From the h G Garden arden De Designer Claudia Nevell from GARDEN EXPRESSIONS Claudia has been designing gardens and landscapes for over 20 years. Her range of work includes large country gardens, family gardens, pool designs, courtyards, as well as plans for Development Applications and Construction Certificates.

The aim of this project in North Haven was to create a garden that flows from the inside out, extending the living areas and, most importantly, create privacy from the neighbouring houses.

It was also desirable to have a pleasant outlook from each window. In larger gardens, screening shrubs and trees can solve these issues easily.

However, in small gardens, this can pose somewhat of a challenge.

The space of the garden could not be taken up by big and bulky plants; there had to be other screening solutions. To the north of the

living area and the patio, the custom made bamboo fence, combined with carefully placed and selected plant species, solved this problem well. The south facing courtyard is enclosed and screened with a masonry wall, which was painted in the same red colour that featured on the building. In other places, the fence height was extended with a stainless steel trellis, on which starj asmin is growing to provide a year round screen. The levels of the garden were also carefully adjusted and drainage installed to allow for optimal usage of the space.

Every garden needs a focal point; this applies particularly to small spaces. The Corten Steel sculpture on a weathered sandstone pedestal was sourced from Melbourne and fits perfectly into its place and contributes to the success of this garden. In the end, this garden has usable spaces to sit in and enjoy to suit each season and different times of the day.

greater port macquarie focus 103

All-round solution to property investing.

Local property management specialist, Terri

combined with an in-depth knowledge of

Tipper, has joined forces with a financial

the Port Macquarie Hastings rental real estate

services and home loans business to offer

market, provide landlords and tenants with a

clients an all-round property investment

level of service that is second to none.

solution.

Terri offers:

Terri has launched her own property services

• targeted marketing strategies to secure tenancy

business working alongside Carol Round of

• thorough tenancy selection processes to find

All Round Financial Services and Christine

the best tenant

Zimmerman of All Round Home Loans. After

• property inspections to ensure your important

working in the rental real estate industry for

investment is being looked after

almost two decades, Terri Tipper understands

• management of the rental payment process

that property investment is one of the most

• facilitating fast, quality repairs and

important financial decisions people will ever

maintenance.

make. By focusing exclusively on property

Terri and the team at All Round can also

management services, Terri’s fresh approach

assist with all your financial services needs

aims to maximise rental returns and provide

such as superannuation, wealth creation,

clients with a greater sense of security. When

retirement planning, estate planning and

acting on behalf of property owners, Terri

money management; as well as offering home

manages a property as though it’s her own.

loan services and financing for residential or

Terri’s experience, dedication and enthusiasm,

commercial investment properties.

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By Jane Hillsdon Principal Consultant of Dragonfly Marketing

Business

Melinda Newton. irst of all, congratulations on winning the Woman in Businesss Award in the recent Port Macquarie Business Awards!

Thank you very much.

You were up against some fairly stiff competition. How does it feel to have taken out such a prestigious title?

I feel very proud – the other finalists are clever and experienced business women, so I was surprised to win this category. I am pleased for the recognition and excited about the exposure this brings to our business.

The criteria for this Award was ‘females who have owned their own business (or co-owned) for at least 12 months and who have fostered growth and development in their business while contributing to the local community’. Can you please share with us how you have done this?

Since purchasing Apollo Blinds in 2006, my husband, Robert, and I have worked tirelessly to make improvements to our business. Initially when we bought the business, we took on two stores: Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Not long after, we opened a third store in Ballina.

During this time we have managed to increase turnover by more than 100 percent. We’ve successfully sold the Ballina region earlier this year, and we now employ nine local people.

We have increased our infrastructure, including the purchase of computer systems and eight vehicles. We’ve even managed to introduce basic things such as staff uniforms.

Everything we purchase, everything we do, we support other local businesses. We strongly believe that if we all support one another, we can keep our area economically strong and viable.

We also believe that we live a fortunate life and do the best we can to support as many charities, schools and sporting groups as we can. There are so many fantastic groups who assist our community – whether it is helping those who are less fortunate or are unwell, or vital service groups such as SES, Fire Service and Life Saving Associations, who dedicate their lives to looking after ours. These people and groups are amazing and deserve all the help we

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can give.

Tell us about your backgroun nd an and d ho h ow w background how you came to be in Port Macquarie?

I moved to Port Macquarie with my parents and brother and sister when I was 4, so I did all my schooling here at St Joseph’s Primary, Regional and MacKillop. My husband was born and bred in Wauchope – we met as young adults and moved away for almost 10 years, then decided to return after we had our first child – we wanted our children to grow up near their grandparents and great grandparents.

What inspired you to buy and manage a local business?

My parents have always been in business, so I think in my mind I always Since purchasing2006, Apollo, the experience planned to work Apollo Blinds inand will be a positive one. for myself. When bert, my husband, Ro elessly Should you need it, tir d ke Robert and I decided I have wor ents to em ov pr we give prompt after im e ak to move back to to m ss. Initially when ne si bu sales service, and your r ou the Hastings, we siness, e bought the bu ores: w product will stand the decided it was time st we took on two and Coffs test of time; that’s how to take the plunge, Port Macquarie our customers get value .” and we were both Harbour for money. ready for a change in What changes have you career. We looked at what noticed in your industry over businesses were for sale at the the last decade? time, and Apollo Blinds appealed to When we started in blinds in 2006, the us. fabrics were VERY basic. The fabrics available You recently participated in the NSW now are different, modern and much more Chamber of Commerce Women in Business exciting.

Awnings have developed an enormous Mentoring Program. How did this 6 month amount in a short space of time. There are so program help you in the growth and many fantastic types of awnings to convert development of your business? your outdoor areas or protect you from the I found this program satisfying and elements. When we started, people had hardly rewarding. It enabled me to step back and get heard of plantation shutters – now they are our perspective of what we were doing well and most popular product. where we could improve, and I learnt how to As a busy working mother of 3 children, better implement ideas we have. My mentor, how do you go about achieving a good John Ross, dedicated a huge amount of his work/life balance? time, knowledge and advice, for which we will Obviously being a business owner, you have be forever grateful. to put in a huge amount of hours, but I am How do you differentiate your business fortunate to have reliable staff. This enables me from your major competitors? to escape and attend school assemblies, awards By providing our customers with the best ceremonies, sports carnivals – all those special service, knowledge and professionalism of any events in our children’s lives. On the flip side, blind company in the area. We don’t try to be our girls spend most of their school holidays at the cheapest in town, but when you deal with

“

work with me, which they get sick of, but I also think it teaches them the notion of working hard to achieve what you want in life.

The most important thing we did was to have someone mind our children in our home rather than taking them out to day care before they started school. It was a financial sacrifice we made, but it was the best thing we ever did.

I didn’t have to race them out in the mornings, they were able to take their naps in their own beds, play with their own toys and with each other, which has made them very close to one another. It has changed now that our two eldest are at school.

Our youngest does go to preschool, but we always remain self-sufficient as far as the care of our children goes. We keep the grandparents for the occasional weekend stay, so Robert and I can get spend some time together and with friends. This keeps us sane and gives our girls special time with their grandparents.

So as an award winning successful business owner, do you have any advice to offer to other business owners?

My number one piece of advice relates to staff. Gather the best people around you that you can find, and lead them by example. If you’re not giving 200%, you cannot expect them to. You also need to continually strive to improve your business – don’t settle for good – always try to be the best.

Thanks Melinda.

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HOT WATER

greater port macquarie

107

Awesome Window Tint

Grand and Green

Summer’s on the way. Enjoy the view with window tint.

Window Film FAQs: What causes fading?

Fading is caused by a combination of UV rays, visible light, heat, humidity, and other factors. UV rays contribute mostly to fading; however, heat and visible light are also strong contributing factors.

GRAND AND GREEN GRANNY FLATS. Do you need some extra space? Have ageing parents? Have adult children saving for their first home? Or would you like some extra income? Why not build a granny flat or secondary dwelling on your existing block?

Window films contain UV inhibitors that filter out over 98% of harmful UV rays, to help reduce fading.

Awesome Window Tint offers a wide range of quality films to suit your home, office and commercial tinting needs. With our expert advice, we are more than happy to recommend a film that best suits your needs. Some of the features and benefits of window tinting include: Features – Benefits • Heat reduction • UV protection • Glare reduction • Privacy • Safety • Security • Decorative options • Reduced energy usage and increased comfort • Fade protection for furniture and carpets • Reduced eye strain and better light control • Increased privacy and security in the home and office • Reduced likelihood of injury when glass breakage occurs We can also give you an awesome deal on your vehicle tint too.

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Granny flats are perfect for a teenage retreat, home office, guest house, home for your Gen Y children or your elderly parents to downsize and be close to family, without losing their independence.

Granny flats can also be an effective way to bring more income into the home. By adding a granny flat to your existing home which then could be rented out, you could shave years off your mortgage. Not only that, but when it does come time to sell, savvy investors will be lining up to purchase a site with two rental incomes.

Thanks to recent NSW Legislation, building a granny flat is now easier than ever before. If your property qualifies for complying development, approval can be gained in as little as 10 days.

For more information about a new home or granny flat, have a look at our website. There is a link to Living Green’s website, where you can view a great range of plans and ideas, or phone Peter and Kim Ruming at Little Beach Building Co.

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HIA PROFESSIONAL MAJOR BUILDER

2009 /10 /11/12

HOMES PRICED FROM

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THE NORTH COAST

DESERVES THE BEST STYLISH DISPLAY HOMES NOW OPEN

When you live on the stunning North Coast, you want a home that matches your lifestyle. At McDonald Jones Homes, we’re focussed on creating designs that take advantage of the North Coast’s wonderful climate and unique style.

Sovereign Hills Port Macquarie Ph: 0409 882 108.

Oxley Highway, Turn at the McDonalds Roundabout.

HOME AND LAND PACKAGE SOLUTIONS

Our leading architect, Stuart Everitt, has designed award-winning homes throughout Australia. He has now used his skills to create homes for the North Coast area that are stylish and modern, but also functional, affordable and built to last.

Take a stroll through our beautiful display homes at Sovereign Hill, Port Macquarie and you’ll discover a McDonald Jones steel framed# home will exceed your expectations.

Searching for a package that fits your budget and preferred location? Talk to our house and land specialist Ph: 0418 745 396.

Cnr Horton and Hayward Streets, Port Macquarie.

NOW BUILDING ACROSS THE MID NORTH COAST including Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas.

Call for your free DVD / Brochures / Price List

Ph: 1300 555 382

www.mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au +Conditions apply. #Steel frames now included with Impressions package upgrade. * Prices for homes in the GenOne range start from $136,400 for the GenOne Hamilton design. The floor plan featured in this advertisement is the Stuart Everitt Monaco One design. Specific prices of these products are available on our price list available at our display offices. The photographs of interiors may be from another McDonald Jones design range. Photographs shown here depict fixtures, finishes and features not supplied by McDonald Jones such as landscaping, driveways, swimming pools and furnishings. Accordingly, the published prices do not include the supply of any of these items. The photo may also depict optional variations to the standard home which incur additional charges. Prices listed here do not include site costs. Additional material delivery costs may apply to some building areas. For detailed home pricing, please talk to one of our consultants. Newcastle Quality Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232, Builders Licence Number 41628, T/A McDonald Jones Homes. Architect MJH0405FOCUS Reg No: 4234

focus real estate

McGrath Estate Agents

An exciting new approach Managing your assets for your total peace of mind.

A

lways at the forefront of innovative excellence in the real estate industry, McGrath Port Macquarie has recently taken steps to further improve its already successful property management operations, bringing it fully into line with the extended network of McGrath offices and opening ready access to even more services and no-cost options for its valuable clients.

McGrath is committed to ensuring that landlords, and tenants alike, benefit from full access to its legendary ‘six star service’.

A highly experienced and proactive team has been restructured and extended, now covering all aspects of asset management and able to deliver a service which will always remain second-to-none. The team has been specifically trained, to McGrath’s high standards, by experts who are recognised as the finest in their respective fields and this collaboration will continue, for the benefit of all concerned.

David Blanch has been appointed Senior Property Manager for Port Macquarie. A popular figure around town and devoted

family man, David has been with the services. local office for some time and in the • Absolute benchmark tenant screening, for property industry for many years. Another the clients’ protection. recognisable face at McGrath; Phil Spillane • McGrath’s central database of valued will assist David in the area of new tenants, greatly improving the chances to business, whilst Shane Hanlon, attract quality tenants.

Katrina and Sharee will • Almost every available fully support the team. payment option for rental These are exciting payments. e ic rv se times for McGrath, • Regular inspections, ar Six st and the series of by more than one in property management of improvements representative, to and total peace th’s has been carefully ensure total fairness and mind for McGra designed to produce comprehensive reporting. valuable clients.” an increasing range • Ongoing reviews of benefits for the of rental rates, market company’s clients. conditions and property Clients of McGrath Property values, to protect your returns Management can now look and your security. forward to: • Regular payment of rates and services, as • Even greater communication and instructed. ongoing updates regarding relevant issues of • Highly competitive landlords’ insurance, interest. arranged where requested.

• A broader range of experience, from all • Monthly reporting and electronic transfer sectors of the property industry. of funds.

• A new synergy internally and with other • Efficient and experienced follow-up of any McGrath offices, which will lead to extended rental arrears.

“

MCGRATH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Six star service and total peace of mind for McGrath’s valuable clients.

At McGrath, our property management team has been speciÀcally trained to the company’s high standards, by experts who are recognised in their respective Àelds, and this collaboration will continue for the beneÀt of all concerned.

Call one of our friendly property management people today. Your investment will be in skilled, honest and reliable hands, and so will you.

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• Proactive updates and advice, covering all aspects of your investment.

• The ongoing availability of exciting refinancing options through McGrath’s affiliate, award-winning Oxygen Home Loans. Oxygen currently offers the lowest available fixed term rate, for McGrath clients.

Since implementing this new approach, McGrath has received very positive feedback from clients, together with a significant increase in new property managements. The company is taking a very real ‘hands on’ approach, to ease any investment concerns for its clients and to provide, together with them, a positive and constructive partnership. McGrath’s entire team, from the national network, to the local dealer principals, each sales agent, the front office and every administration officer, all have embraced the challenge: ‘Six star service in property management and total peace of mind for McGrath’s valuable clients.’

Call one of the friendly team at McGrath today. Your investment will be in trusted, honest and reliable hands, and so will you.

Roger Bates is a freelance copywriter.

McGrath Estate Agents 147 Gordon Street Port Macquarie T 6589 3777 mcgrath.com.au

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greater port macquarie focus 111

Imagine your home in Port Macquarie.

imagine your home.

Homes designed around you.

Visit us today.

+ Award winning plans customised to your needs,

15 Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie

budget and lifestyle + Mix and match quality fixtures and fittings

Or our Display Home at: 6 Currawong Drive, Oxley Park

+ ‘Small builder’ flexibility with ‘big builder’ savings Opening times: Thurs: 1 – 3pm, Fri: 1 – 4pm and Sat: 12 – 3pm

Contact us on 6584 5116 or visit gjgardner.com.au/nsw Photographs may depict fixtures, finishes and features not supplied by G.J. Gardner Homes. These items include landscaping – including planter boxes, retaining walls, water features, pergolas, screens and decorative landscaping items such as fencing and outdoor kitchens and barbecues. Narsza Pty Ltd. BL: 72890C.