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Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

October 2013 // issue 95

Reggie D and the Bloozers

editor's note.

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

IN THE THEATRE BLUE GRASSY KNOLL The combination of timeless comedy, classic film and superb music has charmed film and music lovers alike - it’s pure entertainment for all ages. “An inspired fusion of cinema and performance that never fails to delight...” Richard Watts, The Age, Melbourne.

editor.

from the

jay beaumont.

JOHN BUCHAN AND ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THE 39 STEPS

Welcome to the October issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. t’s my favourite time of the year! October is Tastings on Hastings month. This year features an amazing line up of events to tempt any foodie and culminates in the big day on 27 October. FOCUS is proud to have been a part of the Tastings on Hastings for several years, watching it grow into a major event that attracts well over 10,000 people each year. A big congratulations to Sonia Fingleton and the hardworking team from tourism, who work so hard to make sure each year is bigger and better than the last. This year will feature the inaugural ‘Sneak Peek Party’, celebrating SBS Feast magazine’s sponsorship of this leading regional event. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and chat with Alix Clark (SBS Feast) and the visiting Sydney Chefs, Mitchell Orr (121bc), Patrick Friesen (Ms G’s ) and David Tsirekas (Xanthi). Tickets are only $50 per head, which includes live music, a welcome champagne or beer, and fine food by XS Foods. For bookings, email goodcompanygroup@ bigpond.com or phone: (02) 6585 9324.

Friday 25 October, 7.30pm

SPAGHETTI EATING COMPETITION Thanks to Ricardoes Tomatoes and Café 66, the FOCUS Spaghetti Eating Competition is back! Last year over 40 contestants entered for their chance to win an iPad at the Tastings on Hastings. If you think you have what it takes, check out page 30 for more information. This year will also feature great runners up prizes, and all money raised will be donated to charity. And remember: don’t wear white! I HAVE HAIR! Thank you to Jimbo the Barber for the full head of hair this month. And by hair, I mean his actual hair, which I stole from a photo – thanks to the wonders of Photoshop. FINAL QUOTE “Ever wonder about those people who spend $2 apiece on those little bottles of Evian water? Try spelling Evian backward.” George Carlin.

Hitchcock meets hilarious in a jolly good show! Seen by over 3 million people in more than 60 countries, this is a theatrical tour-de-force not to be missed. TWO NIGHTS ONLY!

Tuesday 5 November & Wednesday 6 November, 8pm

IN THE GALLERY — FREE ARTHUR BOYD: AN ACTIVE WITNESS This is the first major exhibition considering Arthur Boyd’s political life & the social consciousness that infused his art.

18 October - 8 December OPENING: Thursday 17 October at 6pm Arthur Boyd, piece of art, artwork info

COFFEE MORNING: Join us for an exciting morning exploring key artworks in the Arthur Boyd: An active witness exhibition. Jim Birkett, Education Officer from Bundanon Trust, will explore the different aspects of Boyd’s work, gifted to the Australian people in 1993.

Friday 25 October, 10am

ALUN LEACH-JONES Jay Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

A selection of recent works from one of Australia’s most renowned abstract artists.

4 October - 1 December

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

ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 62128786005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2013 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Alun Leach-Jones, piece of art, artwork info

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment

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

michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Annalise Montgomery annalise@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones

*Transaction fees may apply

MID YEAR GLASSHOUSE MEMBERSHIPS! The Glasshouse is offering part-year memberships, valid until January 2014 so it’s not too late to enjoy discounts, early bird buying periods and 20% discount in the Glasshouse Shop! Membership: $20 adult, $17.50 concession, $15 under21/student

chrissy@focusmag.com.au

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

friends OF THE GLASSHOUSE

SEASON LAUNCH DINNER

7PM THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2013 Tickets: $65 Friends | $75 Non-Friends L2 @ GLASSHOUSE. DINNER TUES-SATURDAY LUNCH FRIDAY-SUNDAY. The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

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focusinterview.

REGGIE D - THE B BLOOZERS LLO OO OZ ZEER RS

Popular local Reggie D and his band THE BLOOZERS are celebrating 20 years this month. The man himself tell us more.

C C

ongratulations on 20 years of the Bloozers! How did you first get started? I’ve always been around music from a young age and had this dream to maybe become a performer. Along the way I was never shy to get up and belt out a few songs when an opportunity appeared. Because I grew up in the West Indies, I was more than likely to sing or play Calypsos. In my mind, especially after arriving in Port Macquarie in 1986 and working at The Sand Castle, where a great part of my customers were retired, it become clear that I would find things to do that I don’t have to retire from. Music was one of those things. My first official gig was at the RSL club, before it became Panthers. You have played a lot of gigs over the years. What are some of the more memorable ones? The need to play a lot of gigs has slowed down, but yes ... there have been times that I’ve done seven gigs in a week. The more memorable ones are the early days when we first started as Reggie ‘D’ and the Bloozers, and with the help of guitarist

greater port macquarie focus.

Adrian Kimmorley there was no stopping us. The most memorable two gigs were when Adrian and I performed at the Star Hotel in Wauchope. We played all night with only two people in the audience. In my opinion, it was the best fun I had. And the other gig was when I was asked to be a busker at one of the crazy day sales in the streets of Port. It confirmed that I was going to busk more often. That first time I made about $70 in my guitar case, and when the presentation for Mid North Coast Busker of the Year was announced, I received a cheque for $150 as the winner. Not bad for a few hours' work 20 years ago. Tell us about the current band and who is featuring? A present there are five in the band; but that could change at the drop of a hat. We’ve got George Yonan on drums, Garry Kealey on bass, Bernie Schwartz on lead guitar, Phill Moore (Phill Harmonic) on the harmonica, and myself on vocals and rhythm guitar. Chris Trotman on the saxophone has played with us many times when Phill was not available. There have been many times where all six of us play the gig. You’ll be having a party, we hear, this

month. Tell us about that! that I find in Calypso. 'Keep it simple' is When you mention the 'party', it’s my motto and is also one of my favourite something we have everytime we perform. tunes. What we’re going to do is get back after a Where can we see you play regularly? short winter break and hopefully The first Sunday of the month try and get a few of the started about 20 years many musicians who ago. It’s like going to have played and church and catch-up jammed with us with Reverend Reg. st The fir e th of ay over the years to I do want to thank nd Su t ou ab d te ar show up at our the amazing local st month ’s It o. ag s ar first Sunday of crowd that seem ye 20 ch the month gig to always show like going to chur ith and catch-up w at Finnian’s Irish up. Although we Reverend Reg.” Tavern on Sunday perform on the 3 November, from first Sunday of the 2pm. How many will Month at Finnian’s, for show up I don’t know, December we’ll do the but it seems that every time second Sunday. we play at Finnian’s we get guest We do sometimes perform at artists up, and some of them are 'world other venues, but you’ll have to keep class'. your eyes and ears open. For those who don’t know The On behalf of Reggie ‘D’ and the Bloozers, Bloozers, what kind of music do you we’d like to thank everybody who has play? made us what we are today and look Reggie ‘D’ and the Bloozers play a range forward to seeing you at our 20th Birthday of music, but we try to stick to Blues. I, for to get together at Finnian’s on Sunday 3 one, love the simplicity and the stories of November. the Blues. They have a lot of similar feelings Thanks Reggie.

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inside this

Issue 95 - October 2013 Ryan Rosenbaum.

11.

Local Ryan Rosenbaum has been awarded some major accolades within the Surf Life Saving industry recently, having been named NSW Surf Life Saver of the Year. Ryan will now attend Surf Life Saving Australia’s Awards of Excellence on October 26, and says he’s very proud to represent our area at a national level …

Matt Blackwell.

46.

Matt's rich heritage combined with his artistic talent has resulted in him developing his own versatile and unique style that is winning him many fans and a growing demand for his creative works ...

Lou Perri.

53.

Winning a chef's hat is no small feat. For every restaurant on the Mid North Coast, only 3 can proudly claim to own a hat, as awarded by the Good Food Guide.

6. Carlie & Yosi 22. Tastings on Hastings 75. Motorcycle Classic 92. 2014 Career Guide 98. Arthur Boyd 112. Real Estate Experts

usual suspects.

the

14. what’s on for October 32. eat featuring local restaurants 37. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 45. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 61. starguide with Terri 77. tourism with Janette Hyde 87. travel with Susie Boswell 99. landcare with Estelle Gough 99. real estate with Greg Trembath 119. port chamber update with Hadyn y Oriti

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

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focusinterview.

Carlie Fairburn has travelled far from the shores of Port Macquarie, and now with partner Yosi Chopen and 11 month old daughter Yemaya she enjoys love, laughter, music and a fulfilling life in beautiful Israel.

ell us a bit about yourself and growing up in Port Macquarie? I grew up in the beautiful little seaside town of Avalon on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and moved to Port Macquarie when I was 13. We came to Port for holidays almost every year when I was younger, so it was kind of a natural move for our family. I spent all my high school years here, growing up with the sun, sand and surf, and then moved back to the Northern Beaches to begin a teaching degree. You've travelled extensively. Tell us where your adventures have taken you? I travelled a little in my 20s, short trips here and there, but began really travelling at age 28. I left my permanent job as a primary school teacher and travelled to India with my best friend. It was then that I fell in love with travelling and have explored many countries since ... The States, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Israel, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hawaii, The Maldives, Austria, Turkey ... and I've spent a lot of time in India since too! When did music begin for you? I loved to sing when I was little at primary school. When we moved to Port Macquarie, I stopped, and I didn't sing again until I

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was about 21, when I began a short period of singing Other times guitar chords inspire sounds, which then lessons with a wonderful teacher. I fell in love with become words. I'm a super sensitive creature, and I singing then and remember the excitement of the first thank God often that I am able to express my emotions time I sang on stage. Adrenaline coursed through song. through my veins like a drug, and I felt You now reside in Israel. Tell us overwhelmed with light! From then, about life there ... what you do ... I sang cover songs with various your family. We are lucky enough other musicians and bands until to live in a Kibbutz, on the I left my as a I wrote my first song in India. permanent job Sea of Galilee. It's very quiet teacher From that song on, the muse and peaceful, surrounded by primary school dia In has been with me, and I and travelled to nature and animals. It's an nd. It haven't stopped writing. with my best frie amazing place to call home

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en that I fell in

was th Writing comes to me in and a little haven to return ling, and love with travel strong moments. I don't sit to after travelling the country y an m I have explored down to write a song; I kind doing shows and sharing our ...” e countries sinc of 'feel' a song coming to me. music. My husband, Yosi, and I When it happens, I try to make travel all over the country – these the space and time as fast as I can days with our little girl too! I gave for it to come 'through' me. It's an birth to our beautiful daughter, Yemaya, extraordinary feeling every time. Sometimes 11 months ago and, aside from our music, I the words just begin to flow in the most random spend my time these days learning and growing of places, and often I begin typing madly on my with her, learning what it is to be a Mama. Wow, phone, lyrics in flow. Often entire songs come to what a journey it is! We spend a lot of time in nature – me super quickly, and then melodies and music follow. walking and exploring, swimming each day in the Sea of

focusinterview.

our Now with Yosi , s to ue in nt co music those in d di it as st spread, ju the om fr et , days on the stre have just e grass roots up. W bum, w al released our ne VE, which is LI de si LooopIN reactions getting amazing d loving an from our loyal following. ”

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those Folky roots are still present, but mixed with a lot more groove – and more recently an almost tribal vibe is coming through. We've named our genre Hypnotic Folk Groove. We use many instruments in our show – didgeridoo, love flute, percussion, xylophone and guitars, and with a loop station, with which we record live on stage, creating layers of sounds and harmonies. It's an amazing sound from just two people.

Galilee, going to the beach. We love to go camping, to travel in the desert and the north of Israel, and to spend time with friends and family. You and your husband share a special connection with music, we understand? Yosi and I met when he'd just begun to study Sound Engineering and I was in Israel as a tourist, recording music in the Sound School. We had an instant connection through music, though we only began to actually play together as a duo last year. We had a break when Yemaya was born and then when she was 2 months old, we began rehearsals. Each time she fell asleep, we would head to the studio in our living room and play. She has become so used to hearing us in her dreamtime, that she falls asleep in shows! My musical roots are very Folk based – guitar and voice. Over the last years I have played with amazing musicians from all over the world. Now, with Yosi,

Yosi and I are both so passionate about our music. Creating together forms an even stronger bond between us. The love we share grows and grows through the music, and people always comment on the connection between us on stage. They can feel the love, and this is so beautiful. Yosi is much better than me at making time for rehearsals. Now that we have Yemaya, sometimes he has to drag me to the microphones, when I'm outrageously tired and just want to sleep. I love him for that. He is the force that constantly improves our show. You say that you always felt like you were meant to be in Israel – can you explain this to us? After travelling in India and other parts of the world, I had a very strong feeling that I 'needed' to come to Israel. I remember telling my mum and best friends at home, "There is something for me there. I need to go there to sing. Something really strong is going to happen to me". There was a pull to Israel I couldn't explain logically, but it was so strong I couldn't ignore it. I had to follow my heart; it wasn't even a choice. I came to Israel in 2008, straight from Turkey, and on

the way to India ... and from the moment I landed, I was just completely in love. With the country, the people, and this feeling I had inside ... I felt I could really feel the land here. I travelled on to India, and 5 months later I was back. That was it! I knew I would stay. I felt a feeling of 'home' here very quickly ... unusual, as it's so far from my Australian home, in many ways. You have received some great exposure with your music in Israel ... My music began to spread when I first arrived here and began singing on the streets of Tel Aviv. It was an extraordinary time in my life. To busk on the street is so different to singing on a stage. People were incredibly generous to me. I met amazing people singing my heart to those what walked by. Many would stop and sit, sometimes for hours at a time. People would cry with me, laugh with me, sing with me, invite me to their homes. Israelis are very warm and generous people. The essence of life touched my skin there. Just a smile from a stranger could light me up. l learned so much about people, about trust and freedom, about love. Many people got to know me from those days of busking, and over time, the word spread and the music grew. Now with Yosi, our music continues to spread, just as it did in those days on the street, from the grass roots up. We have just released our new album, LooopINside LIVE, which is getting amazing reactions from our loyal and loving following. We played many festivals over the summer, and have shows booked until we arrive in Australia in November! So, you are heading home soon. This will be exciting for your family! Yes! My dad still hasn't met Yemaya, and I have a new baby nephew I am yet to meet. It will be such a beautiful Christmas this year. I can't wait to come home, to my family and friends, to the Aussie sunshine and to spend time on Port's beautiful beaches ... magic. Where can people hear your music? They can listen and download our new album, LoopINside Live, on our website: www.carliefairburn.com and check out our documentary and music clips on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/CarlieFairburnMusic Thanks Carlie.

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focusinterview.

Jes ca Day Kittysaurus Photographics

hat’s your family/schooling background in the local area ... did you grow up here? I have been a Port Macquariean all my life. Schooling wise I attended school through Westport Primary and High School, then moved onto TAFE and am currently studying distance ed through the University of New England in Armidale.

When did you first realise that photography was something you enjoyed – and what was your first camera? I first realised I enjoyed photography when I was younger, probably around 10 years old. My first ‘Camera was the Gameboy Camera, which is an accessory for the old Nintendo Gameboy handheld gaming system. It was the greatest thing ever. It came with its own little black and white printer. I had a few cameras, both film and digital, between that and when I first started to become a bit more serious about photography. My mother bought me a Fujifilm bridge camera for Christmas one year, and I found myself taking photos of everything I could see. I took it on my first visit to Taronga Zoo, and that was what created my main interest in animal photography. I then progressed from the Fujifilm on to Nikon DSLRs and now find myself shooting with a Nikon D3. You specialise in pet photography. What is it about animals that you love to photograph? The thing I love about animals is that they don't see a camera and fake a smile; they are always natural and genuine. You can capture something really interesting and enjoyable when your subjects are not forced to have their photo taken. The animal world is an amazing 8 greater port macquarie focus.

place, and capturing those habits and emotions in a photograph is my favourite part of photography. Plus, animals are awfully cute! The furrier, the better!

When photographing u have animals, I find yo well al im an to meet the least in advance, or at you can observe them, so bits ha r pick up on thei .” an d m ovem ents

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There’s an old saying: “Never work with children or animals”. What are some of the challenges associated with photographing animals? Having worked with both children and animals, I don't think the word ‘never’ should be in that saying. Maybe, "work with children or animals patiently". Patience is the key. When photographing animals, I find you have to meet the animal well in advance, or at least observe them, so you can pick up on their habits and movements. This helps to know what the key moment is, to capture what you want. A high frame shot also helps, as I often find the animal will do something amazing straight after they hear the shutter for the first shot. The biggest challenge I have faced with pet photography is shy pets. Many pets are a bit wary when it comes to new people. I like to meet these pets a few times before I take any photos, so they become more familiar with me, and I can get photos of them in a natural state … not hiding behind a rock!

Describe some of the favourite shots you’ve taken recently … I recently visited the Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie and snapped one of my favourite images so far. The zoo out there is beautiful, and they recently got a Red Panda exhibit. One of my main goals in life was to pet and feed a Red Panda; I am a little bit obsessed with them. These pandas are beautiful, and they

were very interested in me and my camera. I observed the pandas for a good two hours before I got this beautiful shot of one lounging on a tree, staring back at me with one eye coyly hidden by a hand. I love this photo so much, because it captures everything I see in the Red Pandas: calmness, sweetness, and a bit of cheekiness. That is what wildlife photography is all about for me: capturing that animal in one shot. I took a photo a few years back of a close friend’s dog. This dog was beautiful, but very, very hyper. While dog sitting one morning, I ventured out into the freezing cold, at 5am, and managed to capture a photo of the dog, Milly, standing still and looking up at me. In my whole life of knowing this dog, I had never captured an image of her standing still! Patience is a virtue. Sadly, Milly has passed on, but every time I visit my friends I see a print of this photo on the wall, and it reminds me how much I love what I do and that I can give people a little bit of their pet in everyday life − even though its time here has ended. How do you consistently improve your photography skills ... do you study/have you studied, or do you find practice makes perfect? I have studied photography briefly

in the past. I did photography as an elective in Years 11 and 12. I also undertook two courses at TAFE that had a photography unit. Mainly I learn by taking photos. My partner is also a photographer, so having someone to bounce ideas off and learn new things is wonderful; he is always teaching me something new. The internet is a wonderful resource, with YouTube clips and heaps of blogs! Local photographers have begun joining community groups on Facebook, and it’s great to meet people with the same interests and learn some new things. Apart from pets, what other subjects do you like to shoot? I enjoy shooting all genres of photography, except landscapes. I just don't seem to have the patience for those. Model portfolios are one of my favourites, as you can be really creative and try some crazy concepts. When you’re not behind a camera, what other activities do you like to do? I love to watch movies and play video games while wearing animal onesies. How can people contact you? Find Kittysaurus Photographics on Facebook, or visit www.kittysaurusphotographics.com.au to book a shoot … or just look at some more of my photography. Thanks Jessica. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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focuseditorial

WAT E R M A R K

Literary Muster The 6th biennial Watermark Literary Muster will celebrate the nature and place of childhood at Kendall School of Arts from 18 to 20 October 2013.

ifteen writers will be joined by readers for two and a half days of interactive sessions to talk about childhood experiences, about hopes and fears, about the past and the future and, above all, about imagination and stories. Names and brief biographies of writers and the full program are at www.watermarkliterarysociety.asn.au SCHOOLS PROGRAM - in partnership with the Mid-Coast Library Service, and with the support of Arts NSW, six of the writers will spend Thursday 17 with students of twelve district schools. In addition to Julia Cooke, Bruce Pascoe, Tony Taylor and James Woodford, they include: David Hardy, an Indigenous writer with more than eight years of animation experience with Walt Disney Animation Studios. A freelance illustrator, specialising in character design, portraits and caricatures, David worked on 12 animated feature films, including The Lion King 3: Hakuna Matata, Tarzan II, Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch and Return to Neverland. His first book which, he also illustrated, is Alfie’s

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Search for Destiny. It follows Alfie on a long search that, in the end, leads him back to his home; and Gladys Milroy, an Aboriginal elder, who was born in Perth and grew up in the Parkerville Children’s Home. Her people’s country is the Palkyu country in the eastern Pilbara. The mining resources boom in northern Western Australia is a complicated issue, impinging as it does on traditional lands with thousands of years of treasured history. Gladys and her daughter, Professor Jill Milroy, have written Dingo’s Tree to raise awareness with children and adults alike. WATERMARK DINNER - Professor Richard Kingsford, Director of the Australian Wetlands and Rivers Centre at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, is guest speaker at the 2013 Watermark dinner at Kendall School of Arts at 7pm on Saturday 19 October. Richard will ‘meander down a river or two’ in the Lake Eyre and Murray-Darling Basins. This presages a charming interlude, but you should come prepared for as much challenge as charm. He says: “Rivers convey

water into some of the most spectacular places on earth or provide nutrients for estuarine and marine systems but we have destroyed much of this, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. The challenge is to learn from what we have done and not make the same mistakes but also rehabilitate our rivers. There is a headlong pursuit for increased populations in Australia and a drive to make the north 'the food bowl of Asia'. The implications for rivers are considerable.” Richard’s work has received many awards, including two Eurekas and the Hoffman Medal for contribution to Global Wetland Science. He gave the Eric Rolls Memorial Lecture at the National Library of Australia in 2012.

partnership) and James Woodford (of Wollemi Pine fame) in a session entitled: And they lived happily ever after – or did they? commencing at 10am on Sunday morning.

Richard will also appear with environmental writers David Eastburn (Murray Darling Basin/Primary English Teachers’ Association

Book for the dinner ($60 BYO) and for full or part day Muster sessions – Lyndal Coote, 6559 9953.

focusinterview.

NSW Surf Life Saver of the Year

i Ryan. Please share a bit of your family background, hobbies and interests with us. With a proud tradition of parents and grandparents growing up in the local area, it was a natural progression for me to stay around and grow up in one of the most spectacular locations on the coastline. I am proud to call Port Macquarie home. Between growing up with 4 brothers and Bobby, my father, who never left the water, it was hard to stay away and at times a challenge for my mother, Carole. My grandfather served as an Alderman on the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council from 1984 through to 1995 and was elected to the office of Mayor for one term. I have a keen interest in surfing, volunteering my time for the wider community through various events such as the Festival of the Sun and patrolling with the Tacking Point SLSC and MNC Branch Jet Ski. I keep fit with regular training sessions at the Port Macquarie Olympic pool with swimming and crossfit training, along with regular board, ski and swim sessions at the Hastings’ beaches and rivers. When did you first become interested in surf life saving – how old were you when you joined your first club? I was introduced into surf life saving by my father at the age of 6 as a nipper, but have been actively involved as a patrolling member with Tacking Point SLSC for the past 11 seasons, and have never looked back. Throughout my time in surf life saving I have had the chance to further myself as an individual, whether it is through competition, personal development camps or even patrolling on the NSW beaches.

What is it about the surf and surf life saving year? that you enjoy the most? The awards night will be held at the Novotel The networking within the organisation is the Brighton Beach, in Sydney, this year. The awards reason I come back each year; being part of the ceremony recognises the contributions to Surf Life largest volunteer organisation in Australia is a Saving nationally by groups and individuals. I will privilege, but having the added advantage of be up against 6 Lifesavers from across Australia, saving lives when people are in need. with the Lifesaver of the Year being the Last I love spending my time on the beach, and award on the night. what better way to do that than to don the red What do you personally hope to achieve at and yellow uniform each summer! the Awards of Excellence? Over the years as a trainer, For me, it’s not about winning assessor and facilitator, I have awards, but with the not only developed myself opportunity to represent I was introduced within the organisation, the area and the state ng into surf life savi but also members of the at a national level, it the age by my father at public, by training them has become quite , but have of 6 as a nipper lved as to identify rip currents, surreal. I like to meet vo been actively in to learn how to swim people and network at ith w r be a patrolling mem for the in the surf and in the these functions. With SC Tacking Point SL d have correct use of vital life 129 surf life saving an s, past 11 season .” ck saving equipment. ba clubs in NSW alone, ed never look What are some of your there are a lot of people proudest moments/ with numerous different biggest achievements to backgrounds and experiences, date? and it’s great just to hear their Back in 2007 and again in 2012 stories and continually evolve within the I was involved in a resuscitation on Port organisation. Macquarie’s Lighthouse Beach, where I What have been some of the biggest managed to defibrillate members of the changes you’ve witnessed in the surf life public back to life. This would have to be the two saving field since you first started? proudest moments of my SLS career, but getting One of the most substantial changes would back to the basics by patrolling on the Port be the introduction of 24 hours a day, 365 days Macquarie’s beaches for the past 11 years with a year Lifesavers. What this means is not only my family has been unbelievable. patrolling between the flags on a weekend and Already named NSW Surf Life Saver of the public holidays, but also being available to assist Year, you’re now off to the Surf Life Saving members of the public after hours. Australia’s Awards of Excellence on October With the development of technology, we now 26. What’s the aim of this award ceremony – have live patrolling information being updated and where will the awards be presented this onto the SLS website, Beach Safe. This site lets

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the public know if Lifesavers are patrolling, any hazards, and up to date weather and sea conditions. Now we’re approaching the warmer time of the year, more people will be out and about using our beaches. From your perspective, what are some important things people need to remember when they’re out in the surf? As mentioned before, with the advancements of technology Surf Life Saving has developed a website called Beachsafe. The purpose of the site is to give the public the most up to date information, with live information being updated, including if the beach is patrolled, hazards and statistics such as rescues and preventative actions. Beachsafe is also available as an app for smart phones. I would also encourage the public to swim between the flags, but if you do get in trouble, raise your hand and signal for assistance. Otherwise, please call 000 and ask for the Police in emergencies. Would you encourage others to become involved with surf life saving, and if so – why? I would encourage all people to join the biggest family in Australia. By joining, you can learn vital life saving skills, not just in the water, but also for your day to day life. The organisation does not just cater for people who want to go in the water. Where’s the best place for people to go if they want to find out more information about our local clubs? The quickest way would be to go onto the SLSNSW website at www.surflifesaving.com.au and you can search for your local club. There are four clubs you can join in the Hastings area. Thanks Ryan. Interview by Jo Atkins.

greater port macquarie focus 11

focusinterview.

Make-up organisation

Wardrobe make-over BEFORE

The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie and Australian Rotary Health are holding “The Great Gatsby Dinner Dance” to raise money for research into mental illness on Friday 25th October 2013. (The month of October is dedicated to mental ill health. Special Guest on the night is Barbara and Ray Martin (Baz Luhrmann’s Mother & Stepfather). Baz Luhrmann was the Director of the film ‘The Great Gatsby’, also films such as “Moulin Rouge” and “Strictly Ballroom”. FOCUS spoke to Barbara about her upcoming visit to Port Macquarie.

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arbara can you tell us a little Gatsby I believe? about yourself and what Yes that is correct it is a fundraiser for you do professionally? mental health. Professionally I teach and Tell us about how you came to be judge Ballroom Dancing. That is the uminvolved in this great fundraiser. brella Ballroom Dancing which encomI was first approached by a friend passes three styles under that umbrella of one of the organisers. When they which are Latin, modern and nu-vogue. said that the fundraiser was for Mental You lived in Herons Creek for a numHealth I thought it was a great cause to ber of years, I believe. get behind. I just feel that there is a lot Yes many years ago we bought a run of fundraising that is done for the more down business there and built it up well known area's of health; over a period of years. but mental health is We lived there for about misunderstood as to 8/9 years. A lot of peohow many types there is a lot ple drive past Herons of mental health “ I just feel that at is done for of fundraising th Creek. The business is there and how own area's the more well kn not there anyone it is it can affect a tal health of health; but men just a highway. persons life. w ho as to is misunderstood The township of So that is why th al he ental many types of m herons creek was I said I would a t ec can aff there and how it across the creek back come. persons life. ” then and the township I have a lot of didn't have much other empathy for people than a little shop; all the who have problems in people that lived there worked in this field. the big timber mill. So the Great Gatsby Dinner Dance We located there as city people; we hopes to raise much needed funds to had come to the area for a holiday and help service the local needs of people saw that the business was for sale. At suffering from Mental Health issues, the time my then husband was in the what will they be doing to achieve navy and we were looking for something this on the night? for when he got out. I believe that they have an auction. As Have you been back to the area the well as a best dressed competition and much since then? also some dancing prizes on the night. Yes, We have friends in Port MacquaWill you be judging the dancing? rie. Then and now it is very much someThat would be great! where that people do like to go. (laughs) I am not sure what I am comYou'll be retuning to the area this mitted to doing on the night just yet, but October to support a Rotary function I am happy to do whatever I can to make which has the theme of the Great it a memorable evening.

You were there for the premier of The Great Gatsby Movie- tell us about that. Oh it was wonderful. It was pouring rain but we did our best to walk up the red carpet; but it was an absolutely fabulous night and everyone loved the movie! The movie has done very well, earning lots of money and has just only recently opened in China! So it is still going well. Do you think Baz's movie Strictly Ballroom was inspired by you? (giggles) Ah… Its a great possibility ! (laughs). Well you see all my boys learnt to dance, but later on when I had a little girl and from the age of 8 she started dancing ( because she drove me crazy wanting to do what her brothers did) and she became a champion as well. So Barbara - You have the best connection to the Great Gatsby and the theme - Do you have your outfit organised for the night? (laughs) Oh you'll have to wait and see! Thanks Barbara, We look forward to seeing you at the Dinner Dance in October

the plug! 25

When: Friday evening 25th October 2013 Doors: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start Cost: $50pp - 3 course emal Where: Panthers Auditorium Bookings: Shelia Openshaw mentalhealthsupport@hotmail.com or mobile: 0408 235 870 RSVP: Friday 18th October

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John Oxley Volkswagen 130 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie MD7571 Tel. 02 6588 8555 www.johnoxleyvolkswagen.com.au # Driveaway price of $39,990 is for new Volkswagen Amarok TDI400 Dual Cab manual, white (no added options) only. ^Driveaway price of $44,990 is for new Volkswagen Amarok Trendline 4x4 manual, white (no added options) only. *Driveaway price of $48,990 is for new Volkswagen Amarok Highline 4x4 manual, white (no added options) only. #^*Offer applies to stock vehicles only (and excludes Model Year 2014 models). Vehicles must be purchased and delivered between 17th September 2013 and 31st October 2013. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Volkswagen Group Australia reserves the right to change, modify or extend this offer. +Capped Price Servicing applies to the first 6 standard scheduled services of your vehicle. Exclusions and conditions apply. For details on pricing, items not included in the capped price and for full terms and conditions please see greater port macquarie focus 13 www.volkswagen-commercial.com.au. Volkswagen Group Australia reserves the right to at any time modify or discontinue the Capped Price Servicing program.

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2 0 1 3

The Foreshore Market Your local market of handmade art and fresh local produce.

When Saturday 12 October. Where Westport Park, Port Macquarie. Contact Necia Waghorn. Phone 0401 526 936. Email foreshoremarkets@gmail.com

18 12

Ladies Day at North Haven Bowling Club.

Rydges High Tea Live entertainment on the lawn, World Par-Tea, Cassegrain Sparkling Wine and an array of sweet and savoury delicacies. Co-sponsored by Cassegrain, Port News and World Par-Tea to complement the fundraising Race for Rach, with a portion of the funds raised going towards Camp Quality. When Saturday 12 October; 2pm - 5.30pm. Contact Phone. 6589 2811 email. kate_woodfoye@rydges.com Tickets strictly limited! Available for sale at Rydges reception for $39ea.

more information

Includes sandwiches with tea and coffee, fashion parade by J.A FASHIONS of Laurieton and music by Three’s Company ... lucky door prizes. When Wednesday 16 October 2013. 1pm to about 3pm. Cost $10 per head.

Garden Village Food & Wellness Expo Food samples, nutritional information, physiotherapy, reflexology, clinical assessments, physical fitness and exercise, Meal on Wheels. Where Garden Village Community Centre. When Friday, October 18. 10am - noon. FREE ENTRY. Also Garden Village Auxiliary Sausage Sizzle: 11 October from 11.30am – 1.30pm. All welcome. Proceeds go to assist aged care residents.

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

A COMPLETE NIGHT OUT AT THE GLASSHOUSE Something Fantastic & GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE present

& The General starring Buster Keaton The combination of timeless comedy, classic film and superb music has charmed film and music lovers alike - it’s pure entertainment value for all ages. “An inspired fusion of cinema and performance that never fails to delight...” Richard Watts, The Age, Melbourne.

New Spring Menu featuring the freshest local produce Enjoy a relaxing drink and share plate in the lounge or dinner before the show. Bar & Restaurant Open Tuesday - Saturday from 5.30pm Friday - Sunday lunch from 12pm

FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER, 7.30pm BOOK NOW: 02 6581 8888 I GLASSHOUSE.ORG.AU

glasshouse.org.au l 14 greater port macquarie focus.

BOOK NOW: 02 6584 3677 I LEVEL 2 @ GLASSHOUSE

Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

Is Busyness Your Way of Life? When people ask, “How are you?” for many of us the answer is, “Busy”. Why is it that we move to Port Macquarie to enjoy a quiet lifestyle and end up just as busy as before?

Christmas Gift Fair Rydges Melbourne Cup 2013

Being busy goes hand in hand with being stressed. Our minds never stop. Life feels like one never-ending to-do-list, so that ev even enjoyable tasks become just another chore. We become imp impatient, neglect our relationships, have trouble sleeping or ssimply taking a rest.

The countdown is officially on towards Australia's most prestigious event with the race that stops a nation. Ensure you dont miss your spot at the 'Black Caviar & Lace' Melbourne Cup Event on the waterfront at Rydges Port Macquarie.

A yoga practice can act as a mirror, making us more perceptive of how things like stress impact on who we are and how we live our lives. We may start to realise that being stressed is not inevitable, that in fact, it’s based on choices we make and what we value in our lives.

On Tuesday, November 5, guests will be spoiled with a glamorous day filled with fashion, food, fillies and fun!

Achieving a measure of happiness in life requires both a healthy body and a quiet mind. In yoga we use the body as a tool to access the mind. By stretching the body, breathing consciously and opening energetic pathways, we start to transform our lives. The Yoga Shala offers a variety of classes suitable to all ages and levels of experience. During October get two weeks of unlimited classes for $20 (new students only). W. www.theyogashala.com.au / P. 6583 7730.

Experience an exclusive fashion show with a twist from major sponsor Settlement City Shopping Centre, a Chambord Cocktail on arrival, divine handcrafted four course luncheon, plenty of bubbly, fashions on the field, TAB facilities, Calcutta and thousands of dollars in best dressed prizes and of course, a fabulous water view. Tickets will sell out! Available at Rydges reception, by contacting Kate Wood-Foye on 6589 2811 or by email: kate_woodfoye@rydges.com

'Deck the hall with loads of goodies!' That's the catchcry of stallholders attending this year's Christmas Gift Fair at Port Macquarie Panthers on the 26 and 27 October 2013. With over 40 quality stalls filling the auditorium this year, the event promises to be as successful as the previous. Customers from last year have been contacting stallholders and the committee organisers to ensure that the event is happening for 2013! Some new stallholders, not seen in Port Macquarie before, are attending the event. They are travelling from Sydney and Armidale to take part and have been enthusiastically working to have enough stock ready. Committee members were amused last year when a customer lodged her only complaint about the Gift Fair – that she "had to go outside three times to get more money"! This compliments stallholders and reflects on the quality of goods they displayed. All proceeds from the Gift Fair are to assist with the expenses of Endeavour Clubhouse, a recently completed facility on Hastings River Drive. However, due to a lack of ongoing funding, this facility is currently not functional; but, hopefully this will be remedied soon.

greater port macquarie focus 15

What’s Happening at

Garden Village The Garden Village Port Macquarie ‘Over 55s Food and Wellness Expo’ will be conducted in the Community Centre on 18 October 2013 from 10am to noon. he main goal is to provide information and education to people over 55 years on ways they can maintain good health through a healthy diet and exercise. It will showcase the services available at Garden Village, with an emphasis on Food and Wellness. Garden Village’s expectation is for the expo to reach not only the Garden Village community, but all Over 55’s in the Port Macquarie area.

There will be a Nutritionist/Dietician, Physiotherapist, Fitness Instructor, Reflexology Therapist, food suppliers, Meals on Wheels, clinical and catering staff manning booths that will be set up with different information associated to their specific areas. A selection of sample foods will be available in the catering section. Handouts will be available, and there will be opportunity for participants to purchase books etc. from the presenters. For more details please phone Garden Village on 6582 8923.

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GARDEN VILLAGE AUXILIARY 30 YEARS STRONG The Auxiliary will celebrate its 30th anniversary this month and a milestone of Community Service over its lifetime, raising more than $160,000 for the residents of the Garden Village. This is a wonderful achievement. Many may not realise the special place the Auxiliary has had over the years in the hearts of those who have been involved in arranging fundraising events to benefit residents in the aged care facilities and self care areas of Garden Village. The success of the Auxiliary is attributed to the dedicated volunteers of the last 30 years, who’ve given their time to fundraising events that benefit everyone in Garden Village. Even the staff have enjoyed picking up bargain items in garage sales or attended events like ‘Dancing Under the Stars’, or bush dances/theatre nights.

events where funds were raised to purchase items like special beds and mattresses, TVs, chairs, Pulse Oxymeter, upholstering of chairs, electric beds, mechanical lifters, audio equipment, soft furnishings, gel cushions, games, medical equipment and the fitness classes for self care being sponsored and paid for by Auxiliary funds. The residents and friends of Garden Village will be celebrating 30 years for the Garden Village Auxiliary with a ‘High Tea’ on Wednesday 2 October at 2.30pm in the Community Centre. Garden Village is an integral part of the local Port Macquarie and surrounding community, providing aged care accommodation and support for around 330 residents in 4 levels of care, including self care, respite care, hostel accommodation and nursing home high care. Garden Village is also significant in terms of being a major local employer, employing 160 staff at the facility.

In the past 30 years there have been raffles, lucky draws, garage sales, concerts and special

On-site facilities include: 24 hr emergency call systems, coffee shop, heated pool and spa,

gym, hair salons, general store, therapeutic clinic, visiting health care professionals and regular bus trips and social activities. Garden Village can assist you, if you have attained 55 years of age, would like to spend retirement free to come and go as you please, have relatives and friends visit you at any time, pursue interests and share hobbies, knowledge and skills with others, forge new friendships and forget the stresses of life, and enjoy privacy and security in a garden atmosphere. Garden Village is for you! Garden Village has currently a limited number of vacant one bedroom apartments available. The modern re-furbished apartments are spacious, fully appointed and are priced at $150,000 for a one bedroom apartment and $240,000 for a two bedroom apartment. Call Operations Manager Kate Chew on 6582 8923 for an appointment to inspect today and see for yourself what a great place it is to live.

focusreview.

with Julie from www.gourmetgetaways.com.au

local dr p.

Cassegrain ‘Stone Circle’ Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Enjoy the young, fresh flavours of this crisp, dry white wine. With a vibrant lemon colour and the aroma of passionfruit and green apple, this wine ignites the senses. On the palate you will notice flavours of kiwifruit and fresh pineapple, giving a lovely clean flavour and crisp finish. This is the perfect bottle for enjoying in the warmer weather. It’s an easy drinking wine and great value for money. PAIR WITH: Seared scallops, fresh seafood, spicy food.

Image of the month. About: Whilst whale watching we were treated to a sighting of these Cownose Eagle Rays, which swam right up to the boat and past us. The photos came out looking quite surreal. Photo by: Virginia Pott. Shot on: Canon 7D (70-300 lens).

COST: $14.95 or $11.95 (club price). 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

AVAILABLE AT: Cellar Door off the Pacific Highway, Port Macquarie, all good bottle shops and online at www.cassegrainwines.com.au

LOCAL

READ

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au ww.theotherchef.com.au

Title. Until the Little Birds Sing Author. Charles Granquist

Set in 2020, Until the Little Birds Sing was written by local resident Charles Granquist. The story follows protagonist John Dean and his family, as they fight to survive in a world that’s feeling the brunt of global warming – droughts, rising sea levels, temperatures in excess of 45 degrees and a slowing economy. Creating self sufficient lives for themselves on a farm, John and his family are forced to make tough choices – even having to do the unimaginable: kill to defend and protect what is theirs. This is a story of survival and also about the human race’s ability to adapt.

AT ’ S I N

PEAS 17 The humble pea has been a household favourite in Australia for generations. A versatile green vegetable, peas can be purchased fresh in their pod, shelled and frozen, canned or dried. Luckily for those of us who love fresh peas, the Greenfeast pea variety is grown locally at Moorland, so if you don’t have your own growing in your vegie patch, you can still get them as fresh as they come. To shell peas, pull down on the stem to open the pod, then run a finger along the opening to remove the peas. Simple enough, but it can take a while, so enlist a friend – or the kids, who will probably love to help!

Until the Little Birds Sing will be launched at Lincoln Gardens Retirement Village, Marian Drive, Port Macquarie, on 17 October at 10am. For those wishing to attend the launch, please RSVP to Sue Reid on 6581 3370 or email sue.reid@stockland.com.au at least one week prior to the event.

Video

1:51

OF THE

MONTH

Peas are an excellent source of dietary fibre and vitamin C. They also provide some protein, iron, zinc and niacin. Look for bright green, waxy pods that are small in size – as peas grow larger the sugar converts to starch, so young peas are the sweetest. Peas make a great side by simply blanching quickly and served with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of quality olive oil. Salmon and pea risotto is a favourite in our house – and with the warm weather well and truly here, include them in a crispy spring salad.

Watch on your smartphone

VIDEO BY: Nathan Branch, Branch Productions. ABOUT: Rydges Port Macquarie proudly hosted the Annual Hope Shop Masquerade Ball. The 1920s theme was a hit and saw over 200 people enjoy a fun night raising money to help people in our community.

WHERE

Local spring peas are available at Ken Little’s Fruit & Veg in Munster Street.

WATCH AT: www.vimeo.com/74790273

greater port macquarie focus 17

focusinterview.

MIKE SMITH AND ANNA BURGESS

The 39 Steps – 4 actors, hundreds of roles, fast moving action, a combination of poignancy and farce … this is a one of a kind performance from HIT Productions that will keep you enthralled. Two of the stars, Mike Smith and Anna Burgess, share their experiences being a part of the show, which will light up the stage at the Glasshouse in November …

IKE SMITH I often start my interviews with actors by asking them to describe their characters. That’s a bit difficult with this production – so few actors and multiple roles!

in mind this is 1935, so it's prepre-World -World War II, where there's a lot of fear and trepidation in terms of where the world is heading. At that time there was a lot of fear in terms of where the Third Reich was heading – the influence it had in Europe.

Mike: I'm fortunate in that regard because I only play the one character myself. I play the main protagonist in the show, Richard Hannay, who is a guy who's in the wrong place at the wrong time. The genius comedic talents of Michael Lindner, Sam Haft and Anna Burgess have to deal with a hundred characters.

The difference between the novel and the film, and then of course the play, is that the novel was written pre-World War I and the film itself pre-World War II. They both have the same sort of pre-war fear and scepticism and anticipation for what is to come … The play itself has a lot of heart. The fact that it is a comedy and it's a farce, it has all those elements to it; it's also a story with great heart and soul …

There are certain characters that are actually scripted. I think Anna does three characters herself. There aren't too many female characters in the show, but she managed to create another character in the process of rehearsal. We call it the Pirate. She did an interview and it's actually a Pilot, but the person who interviewed her misinterpreted what she said. It's a running gag! As the protagonist, are you on stage for nearly the whole production? Pretty much, yeah. I like it this way, actually. I've done many plays in my time. Quite often you can be on for 20 minutes and off for ten. What is only two hours, sometimes feels like three or four. But in this particular case, it feels like I'm on stage for about half an hour, and suddenly the show's finishing and you're bowing [and] the audience is leaving the theatre.

Theatrically, stage-wise, it's ggest probably the bi d so far. ha e I'v e challeng s ago ar I knew many ye vel no e when I read th those, that it was one of e mal I guess, for any le …” ro ft gi a s it' r, acto

“

In terms of the other productions that you've been involved with, how does this one stack up? In terms of stage, this will probably be my biggest challenge. As we discussed earlier, being on stage the whole time, it's very wordy. It's a massive script to learn – quite the phonebook. Theatrically, stage-wise, it's probably the biggest challenge I've had so far. I knew many years ago when I read the novel that it was one of those, I guess, for any male actor, it's a gift role … Thanks Mike. ANNA BURGESS

The original book by John Buchan is from 1915, the Alfred Hitchcock film from 1935. For those who aren't familiar with The 39 Steps – tell us a bit about it …

Anna, how do you juggle your multiple characters? I actually only play four characters. The other boys – Clown 1 and Clown 2 – they play, in a collective, I think it's about 100 roles. It's a manic show, but I think that part of the joy of it is watching the two of them do that in front of your eyes. I have to actually go off stage and transform; I get a breath before I come back on. But they actually do it on stage, which is magnificent.

An homage to the classic film noir, Alfred Hitchcock murder mystery that involves a number of strait-laced characters and very weird, bent characters. It's the classic story of the strait-laced guy trying to make his way through the world. Keep

I love all my characters. I mean, the Pilot is just a little cameo, but I play three roles. The first one is quite iconic. She's a German spy, so she's quite serious and she sets the play up. She comes to a very unsightly death in front of the audience,

I think I get two or three opportunities to walk off stage and wipe my brow and have a drink and then race back on stage.

18 greater port macquarie focus.

which is quite humorous. Then I play a little Scottish farmyard-housewife, who's a little sad actually; she's got a pretty hard husband. And I play the protagonist Richard Hannay's love interest, true love interest, Pamela. She's the typical Hitchcock blonde; she comes into his life and causes upheaval to everything – like every good woman does! How would you interpret the story? The plot is a reference to the movie. It's not taking away from the movie and the book; it's just adding on a little farce. But it is a Hitchcock movie and if you do watch it, please come and see the show. It is very similar. I don't think it's too far from the truth; it's just that we have four actors and we have fun with it. And it's a farce, so it's supposed to be a little 'something's not quite right' … How much have you enjoyed being a part of this production? I was saying when I first joined HIT that my first show in show business was The Producers, with Mel Brooks. He had come out for the opening. He's the king of comedy and my style of comedy is Blazing Saddles, one of my favourite movies. It's funny … I actually referenced Blazing Saddles for the German spy that I play. I started with that kind of comedy and it's interesting that I've come back to it, because it's just such a joy to play on stage. You have to do it so cleverly. You can't poke fun at it; you really have to be in the reality of it. I think that's what I like about this story. There is a truth, there is an underlying story that

is a love story and a little bit of a drama with what Richard's going to do with his life ... It's quite a poignant little piece. We've got a good team. All the actors of course, but Terrence [O'Connell] the director; I've worked with him before. He's just a joy. And the creative process, to be able to create three ridiculous characters, go as far as you want with them and then pull them back into reality. Normally you don't get to do that … Is there anything else you'd like to mention? We've got two performances in Port Macquarie at the Glasshouse. It's a show for everybody. If you haven't seen it, and you don't need to have seen the Hitchcock movie to appreciate it, but if you have there's that other level that you understand where it comes from. It's a good night out. A laugh! Thanks Anna. Interviews by Jo Atkins.

the plug! See The 39 Steps at the Glasshouse on November 5 and 6 at 8pm. $49.50 Adult, $45 Concession $41.50 Under 21/Student. Visit www.glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office on 6581 8888 for details.

greater port macquarie focus 19

focusinterview.

LOCAL CELEBRITIES WILL GET TOGETHER FOR A GREAT CAUSE THIS NOVEMBER IN PORT’S INAUGURAL DANCING WITH HASTINGS STARS EVENT! CANCER COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE ELIZA VOSAGE (CC IS THE BENEFICIARY OF THE FUNDRAISER) AND EVENT ORGANISER LOUISE BEAUMONT OF FOCUS TELL US ABOUT THIS EXCITING EVENT!

ell us about the work and services the CC offers locally? Cancer Council NSW was established in 1955 and today is the leading cancer charity with the broadest reach of any cancer organisation in NSW. Each year we know that approximately 530 people will be diagnosed with cancer in the Port Macquarie Hastings area. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring people are supported through their cancer journey with the services we offer: information and support, prevention programs and lobbying of government through our advocacy campaigns and our commitment to cancer research as the largest non government funder in NSW. Over 630 people living on the Mid North Coast accessed the Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20), last year. Approximately one third of these were Port Macquarie-Hastings residents. Our Helpline provides free confidential professional psychosocial support and referral to support services, as well as a follow-up call from our Call Back Service. Our legal and financial planning service, supported by a number of local lawyers, provides free advice to cancer patients and their families. Cancer Council has also helped a number of local cancer patients and their families with a one-off financial assistance grant of $250 to help offset the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Connect (telephone support groups) and accommodation during treatment at Rotary Lodge are also both available to local Port Macquarie-Hastings Cancer patients and their carers. Another fantastic local program is the Community Speakers Program, which is provided to local community groups, workplaces and other organisations. It is a free program which delivers a range of relevant, 20 greater port macquarie focus.

up to date information on cancer and cancer prevention. 91% of primary schools and early childhood centres in Port Macquarie-Hastings are SunSmart thanks to our local work, and we continue to strive to reach our target of 100%. In partnership with Mid North Coast Local Health District, we have provided just over $11,000 ($11,127) to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to implement smoke free outdoor policies in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Local libraries and hospitals are stocked with our information booklets and resources. What immediate services needs are there? Through our work locally in the community, we have identified a need to provide a transport to treatment service for disadvantaged cancer patients and their families who live in communities such as Wauchope, Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie and as far reaching as Kempsey. This program is expected to be available by the end of the year and is in partnership with North Coast Cancer Institute and the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation. It is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, without whom projects like this would not be possible. The Transport to Treatment Program will ensure people who would ordinarily have opted out of treatment due to transport difficulties, will get the treatment they need. We are working in partnership with Port Macquarie Hastings-Council on the implementation of a healthy workplace program. This program aims to work towards the goal of reducing the risk and impact of cancer in the community. Ensuring healthy habits are created in young children we are looking to introduce early next year the ‘Eat it To Beat It’ program in local primary schools. This healthy eating program is for parents of primary school aged children and aims to improve the dietary habits of children and their

families. Tell us about the importance of having community partners to raise funds? Cancer Council NSW is 96% community funded, which means that we rely heavily on community fundraising events and partnerships to help fund cancer information and support services, prevention programs, advocacy initiatives and research activities. Our community partners become advocates for Cancer Council and the work we do and can help the initiation of further community events by passing on knowledge of their experience in working with us and also raising issues that affect cancer patients and their families in Port Macquarie-Hastings. Cancer Council NSW’s partnership with FOCUS for Dancing with the Hastings Stars is a really great example of a wonderful partnership that will deliver an exciting, fun community event that everyone can support. Together, we will beat Cancer. What is the concept of the DWHS event? It’s a very exciting concept, actually! Although it is not an original idea to us locally (it has been running in Coffs Harbour and Tamworth for a number of years successfully), it is the first time to run an event like this in Port Macquarie. Essentially, it is a live dance competition. We have 9 local ‘celebrities’ whom we have approached from the local business community, and they have been teamed up with a local dance teacher ... together over the next 8 - 10 weeks they will learn a style of dance ready to perform for a live audience on the night. We have a great mix of people from the local area, and they will be dancing various styles from Rumba to Charleston and Jazz to Disco and Rock ‘n’ Roll! The event will be held at Rydges on 29 November, where the hotel will be transformed into our live audience and stage – complete with not just the performances from our

dance stars and dance schools, but also a few ‘special’ routines and surprises! The night essentially is a ‘showcase’ – our local dance ‘stars’ will show us the moves that they have been learning over the past few months. What did they have to do to be involved? The event is in aid of the Cancer Council NSW, so the Dance Stars first and foremost must commit to fundraising over the next few months – with their personal targets being $3,000. They will be doing this through a number of exciting local events. Secondly, they had to commit to learning a routine to perform on the night. At the gala showcase they will be judged in three categories: best performance, highest fundraiser and people’s choice (as voted by the live audience). So who are the stars and schools? We have (in no particular order): Kristian Murphy from Laing and Simmons dancing with Kristy from KG Dance Academy, Mat Relf of Lighthouse Beach Flavours dancing with Port Rockers Helen Ross, Sandra Hollins from Essential Energy dancing with Greg Smith from Danceway Ballroom Studios, Trisha McIntyre dancing with Rob from Port Rockers, Leslie Williams MP dancing with Sam and Alex from Port Macquarie Performing Arts (PMPA), Kate Wood-Foye Dancing with Jason Dubock also from PMPA, Ben Hennessy of PRIME7 dancing with Alana Carter from PMPA and Councillor Justin Levido of Donnovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers also dancing with a PMPA teacher, Kate Lineham. How can locals get involved? Easy! Attend one of the events put on by the dance stars and purchase tickets to the show! Friday 29 November, $65pp, tickets from Rydges Port Macquarie: 6589 2811 Thanks Eliza and Louise.

Pe a k Coffee. Peak Coffee would like to send a huge thank you to all of our loyal and very supportive customers … thank you for helping us to achieve our goals! One of these recent goals was to win our third consecutive title in the Industry, Manufacturing and Engineering category of the 2013 Fuel 4 Business Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards. Without the support of local consumers and businesses, we would not have been able to do so. The staff at the Peak Coffee Roastery and Brew Lab strive every day to provide an experience that's as unique and up-to-date as possible. We're lucky to have some very close ties to the Australian café industry and roasting community, which allows us to keep on top of our game. Where possible, we use direct trade relationships for our green bean supply, ensuring freshness and high quality. We offer the most advanced barista training for our café customers and assist in any way possible when cafés require education or updated techniques. This translates to great coffee at the end of the line, and that's what we're all about. If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about, call in to see us at the Peak Coffee Brew Lab.

Split Personality Another ‘Truly Local’ Art Exhibition at Long Point Vineyard and Gallery, starting this October. Ruth Bergin and Elsa Toms’ exhibition Split Personality is a visual experience of textures and layers, bold colour, mystery and imagination. A great love and appreciation of both the coastal and hinterland areas of our lovely diverse region is something that local artists Ruth and Elsa both share. Elsa Toms - Elsa is a well known artist from Wauchope and paints with watercolour, acrylic, pastels and mixed media. A member of the Hastings Valley Fine Arts Association, she has won prizes and commendations in many local and state wide exhibitions. Ruth Bergin - Ruth is a part of the Hastings Valley Fine Arts Association and also works with mixed media to create her semi abstractionist artworks, in the genres of figurative, landscape, and portraiture, which results in a contemporary visual experience for the audience. “Painting allows me to lose myself in the rhythm of brush, paint, colour and imagination, as the inner vision translates into a visual reality. My work is eclectic, using mixed media, but the underlying theme is always to provide a positive statement, an encouragement and an affirmation about people and nature”. Come and share the beauty at Long Point Vineyard and Gallery from October 1 to November 30.

Pink Ribbon Ride at Long Flat The Mid North Coast Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride will be taking place in October, and the Long Flat Hotel is proud to be a part of this great annual event to help raise funds to support the Cancer Council. With the ride concluding at The Long Flat Hotel, there will be a BBQ lunch in the outdoor picnic area, with proceeds raising funds for the Cancer Council. There will also be live entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Owners David, Judith and Craig Sonter offer great service, icy cold beers on tap, family-friendly bistro dining and fresh coffee. Social morning teas are held every 3rd Sunday of the month. Located in the picturesque countryside and focused on good old fashioned hospitality, the Long Flat Pub is the perfect place to relax and take a break, celebrate a special occasion, and visit a piece of local history. Visit somewhere different and unique this school holidays and bring the family (pets welcome outdoors only) out for a day trip to the Long Flat countryside; you won’t be disappointed!

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TASTINGS ON HASTINGS. PORT MACQUARIE IS HAVING A MONTH LONG FESTIVAL IN OCTOBER TO CELEBRATE THE PASSION, CREATIVITY, BOUNTY AND VARIETY FROM ITS FARMERS, VIGNERONS, BREWERS AND ENTERTAINERS.

he SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings food and wine festival kicks off on October 6 with Oasis by the River French Themed Winery Tour and Lunch and crescendos on October 27 with the main event, a huge outdoor festival held throughout the Port Macquarie town centre and riverfront on Town Green. The main event will feature more than 100 exhibitors who grow, bake and make the specialties of this fertile food bowl. The SBS Feast Cooking Demonstration Pavilion will feature three top Sydney chefs Mitchell Orr (121bc), David Tsirekas (Xanthi) and Patrick Friesen (Ms G’s) who bring their highly praised international flavours to this leading north coast festival. They are joined by SBS Feast magazine Editor, Ms Alix Clark who will MC the appearances by these popular SBS Feast Chefs in Action. For just $5 entry per session patrons can get up close and personal with these food magicians as they cook their favourite Italian,

Greek and Asian dishes crafted the f d from f h best b local produce, alongside leading local chefs Eric Robinson and Craig Freudenstein. Tickets include a tasting of the demonstration dish, a Feast magazine and the opportunity, at each session, to win a kitchen appliance from The Good Guys including a Sunbeam Mixmaster, a Nespresso machine, a Toaster, a Breville Pressure Cooker or a Phillips Juicer. The fantastic line up of entertainment brought to you by Coast Front Realty will spread across two stages, the main Riverfront Stage on the Town Green and another on lower Clarence Street. There will be tables, chairs and umbrellas spread across both areas so patrons can relax and enjoy the entertainment, food, wine and beer. Visit www.tastingsonhastings. com.au for the full Entertainment Schedule throughout the day. And, don’t miss a variety of intimate events at farms, restaurants, wineries and breweries in the lead up to the main event on October 27. Get glammed up for Jazz and Shiraz, an

inspired at the i i d dinner di h new Eighteen Thirty Restaurant, Black Duck Brewery’s seven course beer and food matching and The Corner Restaurant’s five course degustation dinner. Or learn how food is grown at the Landcare North Coast TAFE Farm Gate Tours, an inspiring walk around a handful of organic and sustainable farms. The SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings is the largest food and wine festival in the region and to celebrate its growth and commitment to sustainability this year’s theme is ‘Green and Growing’. Festival Events throughout October 6 October – Breakfast in the Beds at Near River Produce organic farm 6 October - Oasis by the River French Themed Winery Tour and Lunch 12 October – High Tea on the Hastings 18 October – Jazz and Shiraz at Eighteen Thirty Restaurant 19 October – World Par-TEA Victorian Luncheon Banquet 19 October – Black Duck Brewery Beer and

Fine Food Matching Dinner 19-20 October – Landcare North Coast TAFE Farm Gate Tours 20 October – A day at Bago Vineyards with a Treasure Hunt in the Bago Maze 24 October – Five plate tasting menu with matching wines at The Corner Restaurant 25 October – An Evening on the River Dinner at Port Panthers 26 October – Hastings Farmers Markets 1 to 100 Acre Farming Expo 26 October – Artist Market in the Vines at Cassegrain Winery 26 October – SBS Feast Sneak Peek Party on Town Green 27 October – The Main Event: The SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings Join the fun and explore Port Macquarie’s thriving foodie culture during October or anytime throughout the year. There are winery tours, tastings at wineries and boutique brewers, farmers markets and dining at award winning restaurants and cafés. www.tastingsonhastings.com.au

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Glasshouse Flowers. The perfect gift for food lovers or for ‘someone who has everything’….

S B S Feas t Tastings on HastingS

ENTERTAINMENT. SBS FEAST TASTINGS ON HASTINGS EXPANDS TO TWO ENTERTAINMENT STAGES FOR 2013 The award winning Coast Front Realty has been announced as the Entertainment Sponsor for the SBS Feast Tastings and will present entertainment across two stages at the main event on Sunday, October 27. “Port Macquarie and the event are fresh and dynamic with a good splash of culture and sophistication – all qualities that enhance the ongoing growth and prosperity of our region,” said Coast Front Realty Principal, Sue Jogever. The Coast Front Realty Riverfront Stage on Town Green and the second stage in the lower end of Clarence Street will serve up daylong entertainment. The line up includes funky high energy performers, a selection of young rising stars and special Sydney guest artists, including eight piece Blues and Soul outfit ‘Beaten Bodies’ plus pianist, songwriter and composer Lionel Cole (nephew of the late Nat King Cole). Crowds will be wowed by a special performance by The Mount Gambier Generations in Jazz Academy Big Band featuring Port Macquarie’s own Laura Small on double bass, Tom Walsh on tenor saxaphone and Timothy Boutis on piano. Add to this a barrage of local talent from the region’s leading performers, youth and community bands and Port Macquarie will rock for the SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings. The full schedule of Entertainment is listed below: The Coast Front Realty RiverFront Stage 9.15am 9.30am 10.15am

11.00am 11.00am 12.00pm 1.00pm 2.00pm 3.00pm

Welcome to Country – Uncle Bill 'Time-Out' St Agnes School Band The Mount Gambier Generations in Jazz Academy Big Band featuring Port Macquarie’s own Laura Small on Double Base, Tom Walsh on Tenor Saxaphone and Timothy Boutis on Piano. Mayoral Welcome Jordan Jive Beaten Bodies Cole Soul and Emotion (Lionel Cole) Quantum Soul Ollie Brooke and Co

The Clarence Street Wharf Stage: 9.30am Jordan Jive 10.45am 'HATCH' 12noon Blue Hypothesis 1.30pm Time-Out 2.45pm Black Magic 24 greater port macquarie focus.

Oxhil l Organic e ggs. 2,000 chickens are pasture ranged on the Eggert family’s Redbank organic dairy farm, just north of Wauchope. The dual purpose nesting and roosting chicken caravans are moved every day, so that the chicken manure is evenly spread over the paddocks. The chickens enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and as well as fresh green grass; their diet includes organic grain soaked in organic milk. In turn, they produce nutrient rich eggs with deep yellow egg yolks. Working so closely with nature does have its problems. News that there is the occasional stray organic chicken up for grabs has been posted on Fox Facebook and Eagle Twitter. Alpacas are used to help protect the chickens from these predators, together with electric fence netting. Oxhill Organic Eggs are looking forward to being part of the Tastings on Hastings for the first time, in keeping with the organic ethos of reducing food miles and supporting local industry. Come and meet us, taste our delicious food and buy some freshly laid eggs to take home.

This year we are excited to be joining local providores and growers at the Tastings on the Hastings! With our love of all things local, we thought it would be a great way to show the region our “Port Macquarie Hampers” – hampers and baskets full of delicious local products from the Hastings area. Featuring scrumptious goodies from some of our favourites The Other Chef, Yarras Valley Olives, Bago Vineyards, World Par-Tea, Barbushco, Peak Coffee, Lorne Valley Macadamias and Baba Lila Chocolates. Also available will be the new range of jams and chutneys from our own “Port Macquarie Hampers”. Whether you take a hamper with you on the day or pre-order for Christmas delivery we are sure to have something to tantalize your taste buds!! What’s new in store?? To complement our local food products we have selected a range of condiments and sauces sourced from around Australia, with the focus on products that are Gluten free! Our favourite is the Dark Chocolate coated Goji Berries, not only are they a superfruit, but full of antioxidants. Come in to the store today and check out all the new yummy options. Spoil someone in your life with a sample of what this beautiful region has to offer! We can organise to send the hampers anywhere in Australia or overseas. You can also view a range of the hampers online at glasshouseflowers.com.au.

TASTINGS ON HASTINGS.

SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 9am -3pm

THE ARTIST MARKET IN THE VINES . T H E P ICTURESQUE BAGO MAZE. The Bago Maze, located within the picturesque grounds of Bago Vineyards, will be overrun by Treasure Hunters on Sunday 20 October with the inaugural staging of the Cupcake Treasure Hunt @ Bago Maze.

Hunters along with the Bago Vineyards Cellar Door from 9.30am for tastings and sales. The Bago Maze Café will be open plus the popular Local Cheese Platters will be available from the cellar door, along with a variety local products and produce.

Treasure Hunters will set out to find and eat (or keep) four freshly baked coloured cupcakes hidden within the confines of the Bago Maze. Hunters will need to locate the ‘Cup Cake’ stations and then surrender their specially designated coloured wristband at each ‘Cup Cake Station’ to receive the cup cake matching the wristband.

October represents the start of a busy period for Bago Vineyards, with ‘Jazz In The Vineyards’ featuring the Bellingen based band 'The Wizards 5' on Sunday 13 October, the Cupcake Treasure Hunt on Sunday 20 October and then Tastings on Hastings on Sunday 27 October.

Bookings for the Treasure Hunt are essential, with a charge of $12 per Treasure Hunter. Bookings can be made by telephoning Bago Vineyards on 6585 7099. The Maze will also be open to non Treasure

It doesn’t stop there, with Jazz in the Vineyards on Sunday 10 November and then on Wednesday evening 20 November ‘The Date Brothers’ performing their own brand of Gypsy Jazz, Swing, Blues and World music as part of their 2013 Australian Tour.

In celebration of our local producers and our support for Tasting on Hastings, we will bring our market to life on Saturday 26. As a market we are passionate in our role to support local producers and artisans and we welcome the opportunity to become an event in the Tasting on Hastings program. You may have noticed the ‘Tree of Life’ which was part of the launch of Tastings on Hastings, with the gorgeous Dani Downes from Face of Dreams and model Eloise Osborn. The Artist Market In The Vines was very proud in making its artistic contribution to the event. What a market October will be! With our involvement also in Arts Mid North Coast 'CREATIVE COAST' program, our October market will be our time to take centre stage. With regional recognition with what as a market we are trying to achieve, hats off to all the stallholders who embrace and love this market as much as I do. It has grown from its concept to become a market recognised throughout our region for its quality stalls, beautiful setting and our music line

up. So this month we welcome back to the stage – The Quantum Souls. They blew us all away with their first performance at the markets, so bring along a blanket, grab a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy. The Artist Market has been chosen for the launch of The Frugal Forest Project. Over two years, the aim is to build an entire forest from salvage, with input from artists, musicians, scientists, community, business and industry. Bring along your old photos and odd socks to drop into the collection cart, and who knows? Later you might recognise them in the trees! The scope of this market and the people and their projects that it embraces is incredibly beautiful. It is an absolute pleasure to be part of this market, and we welcome you all to come and experience what we are achieving. See you on SATURDAY 26 October, 9am - 3pm. Don’t forget your smiles, your friends and your picnic blankets.

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TASTINGS ON HASTINGS.

Da v i d from X a nthi .

THE MONTH LONG FESTIVAL HAS AN IMPRESSIVE CALENDAR OF EVENTS THAT WILL TAKE FOOD LOVERS ON A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY STARTING WITH A VINTAGE CAR VINEYARD TOUR AND FRENCH INSPIRED LUNCH AT OASIS BY THE RIVER ON OCTOBER 6 AND CULMINATING WITH THE MAIN EVENT, SBS FEAST TASTINGS ON HASTINGS OVERLOOKING THE PICTURESQUE HASTINGS RIVER ON OCTOBER 27.

See page 21 or visit www.tastingsonhastings.com.au for the full calendar of events. The recipe for the main event will satisfy the most serious foodies. Add over 100 exhibitors who grow, bake and make the specialties of this fertile food bowl, cooking demonstrations by leading local and SBS Chefs, an impressive lineup of leading local bands, children's entertainment under the sprawling Town Green fig tree and the Focus Spaghetti Eating Competition. Mix it with a dash of ambience and a splash of a brilliant riverside location, and you’ve got an award winning event! BSS FFeast east ea st " st Ch hef efs FOCUS caught up with these SBS "Chefs uest ue stts aatt sts In Action" who will be special g guests nda d y, y, the festival's Main Event on Sunday, October 27.

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Mi tch from 121bc.

Where did your career as a chef/cook begin? I started cooking professionally/officially at a pub in Parramatta when I was fresh out of year 12, I did sort of fall into it while I was at school doing food tech ob and hospitality. I was lucky enough to land the first job from doing work experience there.

here did your love e of ood and passion for food n? and cooking begin? n My love and passion ve for food and cooking began by a love for eating! I became curious as to what else was out there and what tasty I find influences things I was missing usually come from a out on growing up certain ingredient that in rural Canada. So I can’t get out of my I cooked to try new head. I was stuck on things and discover new tastes and fell rhubarb one day and so in love with the I created A dish to use industry. it in a creative way.

You'll be visiting the Port Macquarie region in October - have you travelled here before? What are you looking forward too? I have not been to Port Macquarie before. I’m looking forward to meeting the local producers and chefs in the area and getting to

Prawns and Blue Swimmer Crabs. Advice for producers looking to get noticed by metropolitan restaurants? We could learn a lot from countries like Greece, where they stick to the seasonality of ingredients. This ensures that the produce is the cream of the crop, appropriate for the season and the price is always better than higher, inflated out of season prices. Thanks David.

itch tell us a little bit about who you are and where you are working at the moment. I'm just a young chef who cooks what I like to eat. I'm currently working at a small little wine bar in Surry Hills that focuses on fresh dishes mixed with Italian wines.

P a trick fro m MsG s Gs. s..

What influences you most for your dishes at present? I find influences usually come from a certain ingredient that I can’t get out of my head. I was stuck on rhubarb one day, so I created a dish to use it in a creative way- we used to do a sashimi kingfish with buttermilk, rhubarb and jalapeno. But most importantly it had to be tasty!

avid, where did your love of and passion for food and cooking begin? I actually was a swim and water polo coach before taking up cooking when I was 28. I found the love and passion in cooking from reading books on Ancient Greece, and I wanted to find out what more there was to the Greek cuisine than the stereotypes of lamb moussaka and souvlaki. What influences you most for your dishes at present? My cooking is inspired by the flavours that make Greek food so unique and loved by millions of people around the globe. You'll be visiting Port Macquarie in October; have you travelled here before? What are you looking forward to? Yes. Tasting some of the local produce is at the top of my list. I love the beach and ocean swimming, so I hope to take a dip while I’m there. Favourite ingredient to cook with? It’s hard to pin down an absolute favourite, but I’d have to say that cinnamon is an ingredient that I use in a lot of sweet and savoury dishes. Best local product you would like to use? Line caught local Jew Fish or new moon hand caught

know the amazing food they cook and get to work with. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to a swim down at the beach! Favourite Ingredient to cook with? Pork! What can’t a pig do?

Best local product you use? It’s not quite Sydney local but lately I am in love with this sashimi grade baby octopus we are getting out of the Clarence River. It’s sensational. We stir fry it with chorizo and rice cakes at Ms.G’s and I can’t get enough of it. Advice for producers looking to get noticed by metropolitan restaurants? Be able to deliver consistently and have a great quality product. A great story always helps and getting to know the chefs that you are supplying. Thanks Patrick.

What was it about cooking that really inspired you to become a chef, what did you enjoy about it? When I first started at school it was an extra free lunch (laughs) so that is kinda why I started. Most people will tell you it's because their mum or grandma was a really good cook or they hated to cook so either way you get into cooking that way. My mum hated to cook so that's why I got into it. Can you tell us a bit more about where you are working now? Well as we are a wine bar we have dishes that accompany the wines. Our dishes are more share plates, we don't really do any dish to accompany one particular wine. We have fun, interesting food. What process do you have to put together a unique menu? It's very seasonal, I change it often. Usually on a one or two week cycle depending on when things come into season, when a grower has something really cool or if there's something new I want to use or even a new technique I want to try. Then I go from there working out how I can incorporate it all into a dish. In 2010 you made it into the Good Food Guide as the Young Chef of the Year, how was that feeling and what did they recognise you for as a chef? That was probably the biggest moment of my career, that sort of set everything else into motion. It was almost nine years of hard work. The competition is based on Josephine Pignolet, wife of Damien Pignolet who was an amazing chef and passed away

when she was quite young. The competition is judged by people who knew Josephine and is about finding someone who embodies her spirit, her passion and her love of cooking. Can you tell us about some of the opportunities you have had over the last three years from winning this award? Part of the prize was money and a plane ticket overseas to go and work. I won $19,000 and went to Europe. I travelled around a bit and then started in a restaurant in Italy called 'Osteria Francescana', which is currently number three or four in the world. From that experience you have obviously brought back some skills to your wine bar in Surry Hills? Yes it was quite a while now, I have been at two other restaurants before the wine bar. The experience opened my eyes and you see different things. By travelling around and eating as much as working you learn different things as well. You will be coming to Port Macquarie for the Tastings on Hastings with two other chefs- what will you be doing whilst here? We will be doing a cooking demonstration on the Sunday at the Main Event, and then I am hoping for heaps of beach time. What do you hope to showcase at the demonstration? We will be using heaps of the local produce and seasonal ingredients, and just hoping to teach some really cool interesting ways to use them when cooking. Thanks Mitch.

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Tour the farms, see the paddock to plate story and reap the beneFIts

WIN AN APPLE IPAD F A RM GATE TOURS North Coast TAFE is teaming up with Hastings Landcare to run a special Paddock to Plate Farm Gate Tour as part of the 2013 SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings. The special Farm Gate Tour will run on the weekend of 19 and 20 October. People who register for this special tour will have the option of being transported by North Coast TAFE campus mini-buses to selected participating farms, where they will be able to join guided tours. All registered participants will go into the draw for a seat at the table of the North Coast TAFE Hastings Landcare Green and Growing dinner on Monday 21 October at Port Macquarie TAFE Campus Graduates Restaurant. The dinner will feature produce from farm producers presented in a range of signature

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SPAGHETTI EATING COMPETITION. dishes prepared and served by North Coast TAFE students and staff and VIP chefs. Anyone undertaking the Farm Gate Tour can also enter their digital story of their tour into the Paddock to Plate Picture Show Competition. Junior and Senior winners will receive a trophy and dinner for two at the Graduates Restaurant at the first available date. North Coast TAFE’s Ecological Sustainability Project Officer for Primary Industries and Hospitality, Alicia Bales, says that the tour and subsequent activities provided Hastings residents with a great opportunity to discover many surprising elements of the ‘Paddock to Plate’ journey. “In fact, we are now approaching it from a ‘paddock to paddock’ angle, where food waste, composting and recycling complete the journey,” added Ms Bales.

It's back! And it's bound to be bigger and better than last year. The Annual Greater Port Macquarie Spaghetti Eating Competition! Hosted by the FOCUS crew, locals will get down and dirty as they scoff fresh spaghetti – cooked to perfection by our friends at Café 66 and drenched in Ricardoes Tomatoes sauce! Heats will be held from 11am 'til 1pm, with the Grand final kicking off at approx 1.30pm, and the overall winner will be taking home a brand new Apple iPad. The rules! Contestants will have their hands tied behind their backs and will need to finish the delicious Ricardoes Tomatoes spaghetti from plastic plates, without spilling the plate off the table. The quickest two to do

so in each heat to the judges’ satisfaction will make it through to the grand final. Entry is open to all ages, and you simply need to turn up on the day and enter. Entry is $10, with all money raised going to local charities. The Spaghetti Eating Competition will be located at the Town Green. Spectators and cheer squads are more than welcome. Oh, and our advice ... don’t wear white. Celebrity scramble. If you missed our celebrity heat last year, don't miss it this year, as politicians, restaurateurs, entertainers and the like go head to head for the celebrity round ... Want to dob someone in, maybe a local celeb? Call the FOCUS office and make your suggestion: 6584 7433.

In Conjunction with Tastings on Hastings We are Hosting a

Victorian Banquet

Sat. 19th Oct. At 1pm $35 pp Bookings Essential

Caramelised onion and parsnip soup shooter w/ parmessan wafer

S I P S CAFé. The newly renovated Sips Café on Horton St offers a diverse menu for breakfast and lunch, six days a week. Sips Café has been established in Port Macquarie for two years, and has recently undergone a transformation with a bright interior and more table seating for customers. The menu includes breakfast items, and consists of a variety of fresh and filling wraps, sandwiches and salads to suit all tastes. Specialising in using local produce and product, owners Erin Thompson and Raymond Weatherby are excited to be a part of this year’s Tastings on Hastings main event in October. They will have fresh caesar salads and wraps on the day, so come down and meet the team from Sips Café!

Lambs brains crumbed in panko crumbs w/ grown up chicken nuggets Lamb shank pot pie served w/gratin dauphinois, baby carrots and greens or Four and twenty black birds pot pie w/ gratin dauphinois, baby carrots and greens Tea soaked prune flan and a slice of a jam pie served w/ double thick cream

If you can’t make it on the day, Sips Café still have a fabulous offer for customers to take advantage of: As part of the Tastings on Hastings ‘food celebration month’ throughout October, Sips Café will be offering a FREE COFFEE with every wrap or salad purchase when you mention FOCUS!

Bookings Essential

Shop 22/35 Merrigal rd; Port Macquarie

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T A S T I N G S O N HHASTINGS. ASTINGS.

COOKING DEM ONSTRA T I O N S.

S B S F e a s t T a s t in g s o n H a s t in g S

THREE OF SYDNEY’S TOP CHEFS, MITCHELL ORR (121BC), DAVID TSIREKAS (XANTHI) AND PATRICK FRIESEN (MS G’S) WILL BRING THEIR HIGHLY PRAISED INTERNATIONAL FLAVOURS TO THE SBS FEAST TASTINGS ON HASTINGS FESTIVAL IN PORT MACQUARIE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27.

hey are joined in the SBS Feast Cooking Demonstration Pavilion by SBS Feast Magazine Editor, Ms Alix Clark, who will MC the appearances by these popular SBS Feast Chefs in Action. Tickets include a tasting of the demonstration dish, a Feast magazine and the opportunity, at each session, to win a kitchen appliance from The Good Guys, including a Sunbeam mixmaster, a Nespresso machine, a toaster, a Breville pressure cooker or a Phillips juicer. The SBS Chefs in Action are looking forward to escaping their city kitchens for a culinary adventure up the coast. Mitchell Orr, 121 bc (Italian) Mitchell is head chef at 121bc, a wine bar in Surry Hills, where he creates fascinating Italian meals and morsels to accompany a broad range of natural and biodynamic wines. Rising from his beginnings cooking in a Western Sydney pub, a career highlight was winning the Good Food Guide Josephine Pignolet Best Young Chef of the Year award in 2010. Mitch has worked in some of Sydney's highest profile kitchens, including Lo Studio, Pello, Pilu at Freshwater, The Beresford and Sepia. www.121bc.com.au Patrick Friesen, Ms G’s (Asian): Hailing from Canada, Patrick leads the daily charge in the popular Ms G’s kitchen at Sydney’s Potts Point to bring diners an anarchic, twisted take on Asian fusion food. He took up the position as chef de partie at

Guillaume at Bennelong for two formative beautifully presented food. Working with years, moved to Ms G’s as Junior Sous Chef, local producers, Craig prepares all food on and became Head Chef in 2012. Ms G’s site at their Port Macquarie commercial dazzles diners over four floors with modern kitchen and patisserie. Asian dishes, a graffiti wall, communal www.xsfood.com.au tables and a veggie garden courtyard. The Eric Robinson, the Other Chef Fine restaurant has held a Good Food Foods: The Other Chef Fine Foods is Guide hat since 2012. www. a boutique producer of an merivale.com.au/msgs award-winning range David Tsirekas, of jams and relishes Xanthi Restaurant located in Port The SBS Chefs (Greek): David is Macquarie. Chef in Action are lord of the manor Eric uses as many looking forward in the spectacular locally-grown r to escaping thei Xanthi Restaurant ingredients as ra city kitchens fo e and Bar located possible, sourced ur culinary advent at Westfield in personally from up the co ast..” Sydney’s CBD. nearby growers. Specialising in Most of their products historical Greek cookery are gluten free with no David also offers cookery artificial colours, flavours or classes, themed dinners and food preservatives. It is a family owned and cultural tours to Greece. Originally a and operated business – chef Eric Robinson swim and water polo coach David turned to designs and hand-crafts every product, cooking when he was 29 and secured his while Monica Robinson looks after account first Good Food Guide Hat at Perama Greek management, sales and marketing. The Restaurant before opening Xanthi in 2011. Other Chef also designs and manufactures www.xanthi.com.au a range of products for other brands such Craig Freudenstein, XS Food: XS food as Ricardoes and Near River Produce. is fast establishing a reputation as the www.theotherchef.com.au best caterer in the Hastings Region. From the plug! an intimate dinner party to organising a major event with over 2,000 guests, Craig For event details go to with his wife, Rachel, and their team bring www.tastingsonhastings.com.au or more than 50 years' combined industry follow us on experience to deliver delicious, fresh and facebook.com/tastingsonhastings

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F RE E PAR K IN G A N D B U S T R A N S F E R S F R O M W E S T P O R T P AR K The SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings is offering its patrons free parking and complimentary bus transfers from Westport Park to the Short Street entrance to the event on Sunday, October 27. Bus transfers from Westport Park to the CBD will operate from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

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Sancrox Volunteer Fire Brigade parking marshals will keep the parking organised and flowing. So take advantage of this easy parking option and enjoy! For further information Ph: (02) 6585 9324.

Sneak Peek.

Join us for a Sneak Peek of the SBS Feast Cooking Demonstration Pavilion and meet SBS Feast Magazine Editor, Alix Clark and three leading SBS Feast Chefs in Action at a party on Town Green on Saturday night on October 26. The Sneak Peek Party celebrates SBS Feast magazine’s sponsorship of this leading regional event and gives guests an opportunity to meet and chat with Alix Clark and the visiting Sydney Chefs, Mitchell Orr (121bc), Patrick Friesen (Ms G’s ) and David Tsirekas (Xanthi) and local champions, Eric Robinson (The Other Chef Fine Foods) and Craig Freudenstein (XS Food). Enjoy live music, great local wines, beers and fabulous, elegant foods crafted by XS Foods from delicious local product. XS Foods will be putting their best foot forward to impress our special visitors and local guests. SBS Feast magazine coming on board as the major sponsor for the 2013 Tastings on Hastings is a great cause for celebration, and we invite you to celebrate this great partnership; it's propelling Port Macquarie onto a national stage and showcasing the people, places and great bounty of our thriving region. And what better place to celebrate than in The SBS Feast Cooking Demonstration Pavilion on the Town Green overlooking the Hastings River on the eve of the festival's main event. For the first time in Tastings’ history, the cooking demonstrations pavilion will feature an elegant kitchen backdrop constructed by Mid Coast Kitchens and furnished with appliances courtesy of The Good Guys. Join us to extend a warm Port Macquarie welcome to our generous sponsors and the talented chefs.

the plug! Time: 6pm to 8pm. Sneak Peek: Saturday, October 26. Location: The SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings Cooking Demonstration Pavilion on Town Green, Port Macquarie. Cost: $50 per head, including a welcome champagne or beer, entertainment and fine food. Bookings essential. Numbers are limited. Bookings: Email: goodcompanygroup@bigpond.com or Phone: (02) 6585 9324. The Main Event: Sunday, October 27 to enjoy more than 100 exhibitors and day long entertainment on two stages. Website: www.tastingsonhastings.com.au For details on this and all other events featured throughout Greater Port Macquarie's Month of Food.

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Greater Port Macquarie

Rabbit Ballantine, honey roasted baby carrots, smoked goats cheese tortellini, pressed rabbit terrine, seeded mustard and chive jus from Zebu bar+grill.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 32 greater port macquarie focus.

eat. Salt & Pepper squid and Avocado Stack.

Port Piazza

Octopus carpaccio, squid ink crumbs, spiced tomato gel with deep fried capers.

BOOK NOW FOR MELBOURNE CUP DAY! Tuesday 5 November - lunch and dinner. No set menu: à la carte menu available; BYO no corkage. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. Prizes for Best Dressed Gent, Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat! Pasta Night 2 for 1, only $24! Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat nights. Bookings essential. New à la carte menu! Lunch 7 Days - à la carte menu, or $25 lunch specials including main, dessert, and tea or coffee. Breakfast & Brunch Specials - Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am. Parking 3 BYO No Corkage 3 Great Food 3 Excellent Prices3 Water Views 3

Zebu bar + grill The month long celebration of food is here with Tastings on Hastings on Zebu’s doorstep. Sweet treats are bursting from our café on a daily basis, with handmade creations such as caramel slice, mini chocolate tortes and mini New York baked cheesecakes, the perfect partner to a locally roasted coffee. Diary date: Rydges High Tea – Saturday 12 October from 2pm to 5.30pm Tickets are strictly limited! Available at Rydges reception for $39 each.

Executive Chef Adam Tait.

Breakfast - Coffee - Cocktails - Steaks -

168 Settlement Point Rd, Port Macquarie t 6584 2020 open Weekdays from 10am. Breakfast Sat & Sun from 8.30am. Lunch and dinner 7 days. Bookings essential.

Seafood - 10 Tap Beers - Wood Fire Pizzas

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.

Scampis Seafood Bar & Grill Scampi’s Seafood Bar and Grill enjoys magnificent ocean views and a delicious menu, taking advantage of local fresh seafood and the expertise of an experienced head chef. Scampis is the perfect place to relax and enjoy for lunch or dinner. Takeaway or dine in. Bookings for Friday and Saturday nights are preferred. Fresh cocktails and cold beer.

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar Escape the bustle of the CBD and rediscover the tranquility of the marina with a sun kissed lunch or romantic dinner on Spinnakers Deck at Sails Resort by Rydges Port Macquarie. Start your weekend off with a good dose of sun and fresh sea air with an alfresco breakfast amongst the yachts and stroll around the peninsula. Wind down from a busy week at the office with our Friday Night Piano Bar with live tunes from Joachim Thomas on the Baby Grand from 5pm – 8pm every week. Diary Date: MELBOURNE CUP ON THE MARINA –Tues 5 Nov 11.45am – 4pm; $75pp for three courses, a glass of bubbles on arrival, fashion and fun!

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar at Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges. Park St, Port Macquarie at the roundabout, opposite Settlement City t 6589 5200 open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6.45am, 7 days a week.

Owners Mark and Jackie Holt.

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

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eat. Cured ocean trout, seared scallop, gribiche, radish and vanilla vinaigrette.

Restaurant Synergy Synergy Restaurant & Bar, located at the Mercure Centro Hotel – where food and service works in harmony. Enjoy an intimate dining experience, serving modern Australian Cuisine at its best. Private dining rooms available for up to 20 guests, or for larger events, consider our spectacular ocean roof top.

CELEBRATE MERCURE'S 40th ANNIVERSARY every day for the month of October with a 40 minute 40% Happy Hour; 5.20 - 6pm.

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

Pan fried Barramundi with semi dried tomato and maccadamia nut tapenade, Kipfler potatoes, wilted greens and lemon buerre blanc.

QuayLime Café by day, à la carte restaurant by night! Marina Sundaze every Sunday live music from 3 - 6pm with $10 tapas, $20 beer buckets and pitcher perfect cocktail jugs from $25. Take a look at our new summer menu with fresh salads and sumptuous seafood! There is something extra for the kids too – receive a free busy nippers activity bag with every kids' meal and ask our friendly staff to feed the fish swimming below! Don't forget to book for Melbourne Cup – watch the race at Quaylime with canapes, lucky door prizes, best dressed male and female, best fascinator and sweeps! Book now for you next function or Christmas party – packages available from $30pp.

Quaylime R E S TA U R A N T

Executive Chef Nathaniel.

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

Chefs Tim Grieves & Will Roberts.

Shop 9/18 Park St, The Marina, Port Macquarie t 6584 4039 w www.quaylimecafe.com open Open 7 days for breakfast and lunch, and Wed - Sat for dinner.

Macauleys Restaurant Summer is so close, we can almost touch it ... and to celebrate the onset of the deliciously warm Coffs Coast weather we have another 'Tunes and Food' event locked in on Saturday 4 October, featuring the talented acoustic maestro, Ryan Martin. Be prepared to embrace the coastal Blues vibe whilst enjoying the most sensational food on the coast. We’ll have our SUBLIME 'à la carte' Macauleys Restaurant menu available PLUS we’ll be showcasing the amazing seafood currently available with our FAMOUS Surf and Turf steak special. Bookings essential ...

Off the Hook Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Narelle Walsh. We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old style hamburgers, snacks, salads and of course, fish and chips. We have added a larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm are our extra special nights; pay just $9.90 for two fillets of fish and chips. There’s nothing better than a meal by the edge of the beautiful Hastings River.

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green. t 6584 1146 open 7 days, from 11am - late. EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome.

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The friendly staff.

Head Chef Craig Clarke.

99 Park Beach Road, Coffs Harbour t 6652 5970 w www.macauleys.com.au open: Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

Melbourne Cup on the Marina. Enjoy Melbourne Cup on the Marina @ Sails Resort Port Macquarie With a waterfront luncheon in Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar, Tuesday 5 November 2013; 11.45am – 4pm Enjoy fashion, fabulous food and fun on the waterfront. Start your race day with a glass of bubbly, followed by a scrumptious three course meal.

to win fantastic prizes, including lucky door and best dressed! There will be individual prizes for ‘Best Hat/Fascinator’, ‘Best Dressed Lady’, ‘Best Dressed Gent’ + ‘Best Dressed Couple’. a Enjo y

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fashion g parade featurin l ca lo om fr es ec pi es fashion hous ur and dress in yo rt pa a be d best an e th of ns io sh Fa of Fi el d. ”

Enjoy a fashion parade featuring pieces from local fashion houses and dress in your best and be a part of Fashions of the Field. Be in it

Watch the race live on our big screens, Calcutta and sweepstakes with a delightfully relaxing afternoon of race day fun. Tickets are $75pp – bookings essential – event will sell out! For reservations, call 6589 5166 or email functions_ sailsportmacquarie@rydges.com

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Wendy Matthews As one of Australia’s most influential artists, what have been some of the highlights of your music career? There have been so many highlights for me. Overall, I have been really grateful for the travel I have gotten to do through my work. Generally, I don’t think I would have had the privilege to see as much of the world if I didn’t do what I do. Describe your new album, The Welcome Fire. What makes it so personal? The songs, the writing, the words I suppose, and the stories that we ended up writing. It has been about 12 years since I have written an album, so there was a lot to call on and lots of life experience to put into the music. Why do you think so many people around the world connect to your songs? As a thinking, feeling human being myself, I know that I am moved by certain lyrics, certain lyrics and chords, certain songs, and that is my form of expression I suppose. I guess people feel that way about my stuff as I feel about other people’s music. What can audiences expect from your upcoming performance at The Fig? It’s wonderful to have a new record to be playing parts of these days; there are lots of older songs to choose from, so hopefully there will be a lot of songs that people already know, and quite a few from the new record too. It’s just a fun night. I have been to Port Macquarie many times, so I am looking forward to it and hope to see everyone there. Thanks Wendy.

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Customer Service Number 1 Priority Ken Little’s Quality Fruit & Veg has been supplying both retail and wholesale customers for over 30 years from his Munster Street shop. It’s stacked to over flowing with countless kinds of healthy, colourful produce from alfalfa and mangoes to zucchinis. Ken, his family and staff are here to serve you, customer service is number one priority. Dedicated staff have helped to build the business to what it is today, helping to develop a large wholesale business supplying shops and restaurants. Chris Burns steers the ship, making sure all orders are delivered on time 7 days a week. There is a wide variety of fruit and veg to choose from, with organic fruit and veg available on Tuesdays. Ken also has herbs, dairy products including cheeses and yoghurts, eggs, Ricardoes Tomatoes, flowers, Asian greens, nuts, honey, gourmet foods, fruit platters and fruit trays. Call into our store and view the selection of top quality fruit and vegetables, its always fresh. Home delivery is free within Port Macquarie Monday to Friday, and Wauchope, Telegraph Point, Bonny Hills, Kendall, Lake Innes, Lake Cathie and Laurieton is also serviced. You can order by phone or email. The shop is open 7 days, 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 7am to 5pm Saturday and 9am to 2pm Sundays. Phone 65 83 5685

Momenti Coffee The coffee lovers of Port Macquarie are raving about Momenti Coffee because of its delicious full-bodied flavour, made from high quality beans. So what makes a good cup? It takes great coffee beans from all over the world, roasting and packing fresh, as well as an expert behind the espresso machine – this is why you often have good and bad coffee from the same café, depending on the person who made it. Momenti Coffee has carefully chosen only the best cafés on the Mid North Coast to stock their beans. These cafés are passionate about serving great coffee, and only using the best ingredients. Cafés like Quaylime Café, Tumble Gum Bakeries in Kempsey and West Kempsey, Pages for All Ages in Laurieton and 4 more cafés in the region coming soon. Momenti Coffee began developing their blend with the customer in mind – not with the café in mind. We see the people drinking our coffee as V.I.Ps and want to treat them as such. For the People of Port Macquarie, Joe has set up a special email: popm@momenticoffee.com.au for coffee enquiries; home espresso machine sales. www.momenticoffee.com.au

focuseditorial.

louperri.

from The Stunned Mullet

THE HAT It’s been quite a month … Election won and lost, one rainy day, many busy nights and as some of you may be aware – a hat for us in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

es, we are as proud as punch Does everyone expect more from their – not just for the Mullet and dining experience? And do we ourselves its team, but for the Mid North feel even more pressure to deliver? Coast region itself. The answer is both yes and no. A hatted restaurant is a definite drawcard Yes, that people expect a certain to a regional area; it is the firmest of something when they dine at a hatted endorsements to the food and wine tourism restaurant. There is more of a sense of trail. occasion attached to the idea of going to Whether it is us who receives one, or one. any other restaurant in the region, it is And surely that has to motivate us to an achievement for Port Macquarie. This smarten our game and to give 110% to is indeed a reflection, not just of our every diner. restaurant, but also of our town – its But on the other hand, everything amazing fresh and local produce, remains just as it as, in that we its warm welcome to just try to keep doing what visitors, its increasingly we do and keep it as sophisticated tourism consistent as we possibly “ So, yes we are infrastructure and quite pleased and can. proud. But after a amenities. Not to And that entails couple of elated days mention of course, nothing glamorous or of celebration down its amazing natural extraordinary. Merely, in Sydney with the beauty and excellent we continue to work kitchen team, it was business as usual. ” climate (naturally, none with commitment, to of us can claim credit for keep the love for what any of this). Our bustling we do, to make sure we and beautiful coastal town is are organised and prepared, now on the ‘map’ as far as wining to keep things fresh and fun. And and dining Sydneysiders, and indeed visitors most of all, to enjoy ourselves and our both nationally and internationally go. And wonderful customers! this benefits all of us. Most of all, we would just like to say So, yes we are quite pleased and proud. a big ‘thank you’ to all of you – our local But after a couple of elated days of dining public. celebration down in Sydney with the kitchen Without your unwavering support, team, it was business as usual. encouragement, and feedback (both Once we got back into the day-to-day positive and negative!) over the last 8 years ebb and flow in the restaurant, we began to – we most certainly wouldn’t be here and think to ourselves, “What does it all mean?” still going strong. Do the stakes or ‘steaks’ suddenly become Here’s to another 8 years of happy dining higher? and drinking! greater port macquarie focus 37

Café 66 Authentic Italian Mount Seaview Resort Everyone needs a break, whether it’s for the day, the weekend or even the week. Mount Seaview Resort, located only 57 km west of Wauchope along on the Oxley Highway, has recently re opened and has been remodelled. Mount Seaview offers a variety of accommodation options. Lodges: sleeping up to 5 people per room; those accommodated in our lodge have access to communal kitchen and dining areas and shared bathroom facilities. Motel: our self rated 3-star motel provides comfortable rooms for those seeking a more private experience. Currently undergoing a refurbishment, come and experience our renovated rooms! Units: our self-contained units provide all the creature comforts, including limited self-catering facility!

highway, see glow worms, pan for gold or swim under the waterfall. We can tailor a trip to cater for all sorts of special interests.

Enjoy our popular half-day property and rainforest tour or a full day tour to local sites at the Cell’s River and travel the convict built

Visit our website for more information or like us on Facebook. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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Ralph Clissold has experience coordinating the best 4WD tours throughout Australia and overseas! Some of the most spectacular tours take place in Mount Seaview’s backyard, experiencing the local sub-tropical and cool temperate rainforest. Don’t miss out on our homestyle cooking at our café restaurant! Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner or in between, enjoy the country-style cooking that Mount Seaview’s café restaurant has to offer. Come for drinks or a meal – we welcome groups.

Established in 1995, Café 66 is owned and operated by the Saltafosso family and was the first true Italian café/restaurant in Port Macquarie, introducing authentic Italian expresso coffee and extended hours of trade. Over the years Café 66 have developed their extensive menu from an all day café style cuisine to a multi award winning BYO and licensed café and restaurant. Café 66 is renowned around the world for their quality Italian cuisine, and the warm family style hospitality greets you when you dine here. Traditional Sicilian/Italian food and friendly service is what the patrons experience every day. You can enjoy an intimate meal for two, or book for a group function, because Café 66 can cater for large numbers, with an upstairs area for those private parties or business functions. There is also the daily blackboard menu to

select from, and a functions menu that caters for all tastes and budgets. The best freshly grown local produce is used throughout the menu, and all the pasta sauces and salad dressings are made on the premises. Café 66 cater for all types of functions, offering a private upstairs area that can seat up to 50 people. • For that group meeting • For your next birthday party • Christmas parties • Catered business meeting • Business breakfasts You can book functions for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and quality food and service is what Café 66 is renowned for, so you can be assured that your function will be enjoyed by all. For further enquiries, or to make a booking, please phone Café 66 on (02) 6583 2484. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

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editorial

Coffee and Tea BUZZ

Harry&Vicki

from Café Buzz

Café BUZZ has always showcased coffees from all over the world. No other café offers you this huge range of fresh roasted quality coffee every day of the week. ingle-origin coffee is coffee grown within a single known geographical origin. Sometimes this is a single farm, or a specific collection of beans from a single country. Single-origins are viewed by some as a way to get a certain taste, and each one has its own special characteristics.

Recently we welcomed the return of our CUBAN Lavado Altura Coffee.

coffee maker. Chai tea is now an accepted part of the café menu. Ten years ago it was a drink people hadn’t heard of. Café BUZZ has its own blend of Chai that mixes perfectly with hot milk to give you the heady aromas of India.

It is sweet, milky and flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cardamom. Finished on top with a sprinkle of cinnamon In the image sugar, and you have your is you see below is BUZZ Chai Latte. This is . Th our Handybrew g in ew also available to buy at the is perfect for br ywhere counter from your local coffee or tea an Café BUZZ. you are. ”

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This is a rare coffee that produces an earthy, rich flavour. It has a wonderful mouth feel and long after taste. It is superb with milk but enjoyable as an espresso or long black. It has become one of our biggest sellers over the last few months, as BUZZ Coffee lovers discover for themselves how delicious it is.

In the image you see below is our Handybrew. This is perfect for brewing coffee or tea anywhere you are. You can enjoy the best teas and coffees BUZZ has in an easy, convenient way. Available from $34.95, you get a free bag of coffee or tea with your purchase.

Try it at your Café BUZZ or grab a bag to enjoy at home or work. If you do not have a grinder, we can grind it for your style of

Join us on Facebook to enjoy all the BUZZ news. THANK YOU again for the 10 years together.

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focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

BEN

Pork belly with scallops, Coffin Bay oysters, and sweet steamed ling, created by David Henry, co-owner and executive chef of the M Mullet ... our premier restaurant demond strates why it’s just been awarded a a 2013 Good Food Guide Chef’s C Hat. And in another devel development, Susie catches up with the wife and partner of our new MP.

Charlotte GILLESPIE.

harlotte Gillespie’s hanging out the washing on the veranda of her century-old timber cottage when I call in; it's a familiar task for her amid a looming different future. Husband David’s election in Lyne means things will change: no longer a practising physician, he’ll be away from home a lot now. A few days ago, a long, diligently-fought campaign culminated in the couple thanking an army of volunteers, many of them non-Nats members, at a jubilant election night party. On the Sunday, dozens of the two visiting extended families gathered here at their home. Children Isabelle, 21 next month, studying architecture, and Oliver, 18, HSC, are fleeing the nest, leaving Alice, 16, entering Year 11 next year. So where to now life’s taking on a new complexion? “We hadn’t thought about it too much [not counting on the outcome], but I’m a planner and like to be organised so it was difficult being in limbo. So now,” she says brightly, “I feel excited to be able to plan the next chapter in our lives. I’m not afraid of change; there’ll be a role as an MP’s wife but it’s also important I find something personally meaningful, and not just being David’s handbag.” Tough indeed it can be for spouses. As press secretary to the Member for Wentworth (where I followed Tony Abbott in the job - quirky!), I always felt for partners in electorates outside the urban east coast. But Gillespie’s a child of

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the bush who saw change and challenges from childhood. One of five kids: “Dad had an ag science degree, but no money. The cheapest land he could find was at Hay so he and Mum went into partnership with another family with three children. They bought an old fire truck and a milk van; we all drove out there and started from scratch, built a house and started cropping,” she recalls. Today, her two brothers still run the place. Then, too, there was Charlotte and David’s own beginnings. “We were a young family and we didn’t want to let the grass grow under our feet, I guess. We came here 20 years ago; Isabelle was three months old. We bought the farm and everyone said ‘You’re mad’: it was very basic, outside toilet, cattle grazing all around the house, no fences.” While David built his medical practice the pair also built the town’s day surgery [since sold], again, starting from scratch. Charlotte, an economics graduate from Sydney Uni, had worked in banking in London and Sydney for close to ten years. She organised meeting stringent requirements for the surgery’s hospital accreditation, then managed its financial side. Life settled into regular family routine: work, school, sport and hobbies - cricket and soccer for Oliver, ballet and dancing at eisteddfods for the girls. The old house here has a casual, lived-in warmth. Gillespie guides me unselfconsciously past their bedrooms and a rustic bathroom, and we perch on kitchen stools. She enjoys cooking

and having friends for dinner, her herb garden’s planted with dozens of greens. It turns out she’s something of a greenie herself, growing fresh fruit and vegies, house powered by solar, and a determined recycler. This last aspect emerges incidentally, when we discuss the merits of coffee pods: she gives me a no-nonsense briefing on the severe environmental impact of aluminium coffee capsules. She admits: “I am passionate about the environment. I feel we have an obligation to live as sustainably as possible.” A French-language book lies on a table. Weekly, as an interest, she joins a group learning French: “I’m not particularly good at it but I enjoy the challenge.” She volunteers at the Neighbourhood Centre. That began when Oliver's school required him to do community service: seeking out opportunities saw her and the children helping at one of the soup kitchens, Oli at Emmaus and St Agnes, and then her being taken on at the centre: it and the Women’s Refuge “do a fantastic job”, she says. At the centre it’s “whatever I can do”, helping with things like electricity bill subsidies or updating the website. It’s handy, then, that she’s a technophile: loves her companion iPad, digital cameras and so on. Currently she’s arranging a photo-collage of election volunteers and I uncover a picture of David’s long-time school and uni mate Tony Abbott holidaying here on the farm. David and Margie are in the shot, Charlotte’s behind the lens, and there are four little girls about five and

under: Isabelle, Bridget, Louise and Frances; the Abbots, when they too were setting out, had brought a caravan to the farm for their holiday, and in other years a group of old school friends and families spent Christmases together on the south coast. Family’s important to the couple, both from big households, David one of seven children. His late father was a GP – “the oldfashioned house calls, weekend-calls kind”, an older brother’s an orthopaedic surgeon and a sister a nurse. David’s no stranger to Canberra: his mother and four of his siblings live there. Gillespie is fit, does Pilates, plays tennis; she was a Tildesley Shield and later, comp, player, and is a regular in the City to Surf, last year matching her time of 11 years earlier: “It’s good to have a goal,” she reckons. The couple rise around 5.30 or 6, David has a run or bike ride or they hit a tennis ball around. His wife thinks his qualities suit his new job. “He’s caring and a good listener; he’s a hard worker and doesn’t have a massive ego, it’s not all about him. So I think he’ll make a fabulous MP.” Later, at lunch, he arrives, scoffs some fish, departs politely but fast for commitments in the Taree area. It’s hasty farewell to his wife, who – three days now since the election – is headed to the campaign office to pack up tables, chairs and boxes. Out To Lunch is hosted by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach.

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Melbourne Cup Carnival Celebrate the exciting Melbourne Cup Carnival at the Port Macquarie Golf Club!

Experience LUXE If you have been to LUXE lately, you may have noticed a couple of changes ... and yes, you would be right. Josh Wratten is the new owner and head chef at LUXE café and has already wowed his customers with great food and wonderful service. With a new menu and some decorative changes to the café, Josh and his team are ready to tantalise your tastebuds and give you the ultimate in dining atmosphere. LUXE also offers a wide range of menus to suit every occasion, and we personalise every event to suit our clients. We understand at LUXE that your wedding day is the most important day of your life.

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Ensuring the food is of the highest quality, we allow you to sit back and enjoy every moment of this special time – offering all types of menus catering for everyone's different tastes, making sure that your favourite foods will be presented and any guest's requirements looked after. Many times we have been the secret ingredient at some of Port Macquarie's stylish events. Whether you are looking to cater for a conference/meeting, boardroom, office lunches, business event or themed event, LUXE can develop a menu to please. Whether it's an intimate gathering for family and friends in your own home or a formal occasion in the venue of your choice, our team will ensure that your event is unforgettable.

Kicking off at noon on Tuesday 5 November, get dressed up and bring along a group of friends to enjoy a day of Thoroughbred racing, food, entertainment, fashion, sweeps and prizes. The menu will include cheese platters, and a selection of ham, chicken, prawns and salad will be on offer. Tickets are available from reception – book your table now! New Chef’s Specials at Aspire Restaurant! Talented chefs Alex Hallam and Keiran English have a fresh new menu now on offer, with a variety of choices to suit all tastes. From fresh local seafood to succulent steaks, come and try the new menu soon! Some of the favourites include the pistachio crusted rack of lamb with garlic mash, honey baby carrots, baby spinach and rosemary jus, or the seared scallops with cauliflower puree, pine nuts, crispy pancetta, peas and lemon buerre noisette. With so much to do at The Port Macquarie Golf Club, there is something for everyone! So come and join us for BINGO every Monday from 10.30am and every Thursday from 6.30pm.

Free trivia, raffle prize giveaways and cash countdown every Wednesday from 5.30pm. Friday raffles with over 50 prizes to give away, tickets on sale from 6.30pm. We also provide a free courtesy bus to pick you up and take you home. New and Exclusive Raffle Vouchers! Instead of the usual meat tray raffle prizes, we can now offer our exclusive ‘Raffle Vouchers’ that can be redeemed at any of the following stores: Khodary’s Pharmacy, Growers Market, Lighthouse Meats, Waniora Meats, Baskin Robin, Fredos Meats, IGA Gordon St, IGA Wauchope, BP Service Station at Tacking Point and the Donut. If you are a business that would like to be a part of our raffle vouchers, please contact Kelly by phoning 6582 0409 or by emailing kelly@portmacquariegolf.com.au

Melbourne Cup in Style Your function venue this party season. Lv’s on Clarence has a passion for sourcing the best and freshest seasonal, local produce on the Mid North Coast. It's been over 12 months since Todd and wife Lisa opened the doors of Lv's café, and what a 12 months it has been. All the hard work and enjoyment of running their own café has paid off, with the inclusion in the 2014 SMH Good Food Guide that was realeased late September this year. Some would argue that summer is the best time of year. With parties and get togethers, who wouldn't agree! The friendly team at Lv's are known for their functions. With spilt

level dining, indoor and outdoor seating as well the perfect view and parking areas, Lv's is your function venue this party season, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner. Set menus and canape options to suit your needs and budget. Lv's can fit up to 60 guests comfortably and with parties greater than 20 guests, you are more than welcome to book out the whole venue at no hire costs. Dinner functions are availble with a minimum number of 12 people. Pop in and talk to the team today, or visit their website www.lvsonclarance.com.au to view sample menus.

The Jim Bruce Urology and Prostate Cancer Trust invite you to join us for a sophisticated Melbourne Cup Race Day celebration at the award winning restaurant, The Stunned Mullet. The event will help raise funds for the Trust, which was established in 2009 by the Bruce Family for urological care and treatment in the fight against prostate cancer, particularly on the Mid North Coast. To date, funds raised by the Trust have been utilised to enhance urological care in the Mid North Coast in the following ways: A total of 15 nursing scholarships in 2010, 2011 and 2012 – providing local nurses with advanced education in urological care within their employment industry sectors; The hosting of two annual health forums at the Glasshouse;

The purchase of a bladder scanner for use in the community; The purchase of a stepper/stabiliser for use at the Port Macquarie Private Hospital; The purchase of green light laser equipment for locally based specialists. This machine has to date saved the Port Macquarie District Hospital over $65,000 and is improving the care provided to local residents as well as reducing the length of hospital stays. We hope you will join us for some race day frivolity, fun and fine food and help us raise the much needed funds for urological care in our local region.

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

Below White Knight organisers - Samantha Townsend, Woman's Day editor-in-chief Fiona Connolly Sue McGinn and Nardia Stocks Photo Credit - Jen's Photography

Right. Anthony and Carole Sarks with Al Owen at Rydges Degustation

Right. Aya Dennis & Eligh Johnston @ White Knight Fundraiser Netherby House Photo Credit Jen's Photography Right. Jay Beaumont, Jordyn Beaumont and Carole Beros at the Mil Studios.

Social/scene.

October is the month where fine fillies and gastronomes collide in a month literally chomping at the bit full of racing and food festivities! Oc he annual quandary is here – do we make a dinner reservation, make a bet or a fashion statement? The choice is up to you! Either way, the smell of freshly cut turf and spray tan is the air, mixed with a dash of gastronomic flair, a stiletto or two, a drop of Jazz, a touch of Shiraz and an eclectic recipe for sun, fun, food and fashion. Port Cup is again rearing its fabulous mane of hair – tempting us all to get silly in the sun at Port Macquarie Race Club on the second Friday in October. FOCUS will host Fashions on The Field once more, with thousands of dollars worth of prizes up for grabs on the day for those fellas and fillies in their race day finery, including prizes from Settlement City Shopping Centre and Rydges Port Macquarie. Rydges Port Macquarie and Dancing with Hastings Stars have injected a little extra glam this year, with a VIP Touch-Up-Tent for those guys and gals wanting to get their hair and makeup professionally touched up throughout the event. The glam factor is being provided by Donna De Maria, Trisha McIntyre and the fab hair and beauty team from Port Macquarie TAFE. Get glam for a gold coin donation going to the Cancer Council of Australia and Dancing with Hastings Stars. Pop in for a mid race glam up or post race/pre town 'tszuj'! Six Degrees of Degustation kicked off the month of food with a dinner for 110 food fanatics at Rydges Port Macquarie in late

September. Lou Perri of The Stunned Mullet, Eric Robinson of The Other Chef Fine Foods, Ben Crompton of Eighteen Thirty Restaurant and Bar, Adam Tait of Zebu Bar + Grill, Callum Riddock of Rydges Port Macquarie and Tina Hamel of Sails Resort Port Macquarie were heating up the Rydges kitchen. The food this year was outstanding, with wines and beers matched by Paul Jogever of Cassegrain Wines, featuring drops from Black Duck Brewery, The Little Brewing Company, Roses Vineyard, Bago Vineyard and Innes Lake Vineyard. Guests were spoilt for flavours, with many a heated discussion on the favourite dish of the night. The cuisine marathon was topped off with a Buffola Gelato Affogato from Peak Coffee. Happy food month to all, with plenty more events on the Tastings on Hastings calendar in October to celebrate all that is divine and local! Jackie and Mark Holt of Scampi’s restaurant recently became first time grandparents to lovely little Lola Holt, born on 13 August 2013. Congrats to the entire Holt family, who are proud as punch of their little lady! Perhaps a little chef in the making? A sea of white was seen at Netherby House, as women dressed in the colour to make a stand against domestic violence for the inaugural White Knight fundraiser in Kempsey. Sixty gorgeous ladies raised nearly $10,000 for Kempsey Women’s Refuge, which helped 160 women and 300 children last year. The gorgeously styled event was hosted by Kempsey Shire Councillor and dairy farmer Sue

McGinn OAM, Nardia Stocks from Wheatley & Co and mother-of-two Samantha Townsend. The trio formed the White Knight charity to not only raise awareness about domestic violence, but to also help women affected by it. Guest speaker Woman’s Day editor-in-chief Fiona Connolly travelled from Sydney to attend the fundraiser. Congrats to all involved, who put on a fabulous event with heart! Congrats to Rachel Varady, Kieren Dell, Andrew Weir and the team at Majestic Cinemas who relaunched their fabulous new complex in mid September. Over 100 guests enjoyed canapés and drinks in the gorgeous new art deco foyer of the cinema followed by a black tie screening of the Nicky Lauder biopic RUSH. The cinema now has five new spaces to enjoy a flick, including a mega cinema for blockbusters and family favourites and a selection of intimate cinemas for smaller groups and art house flicks. Popcorn and choc tops for all! Congrats! Two hundred ladies are set to converge on the Rydges lawn for an afternoon of fun in the sun, sparkling, live entertainment and some delectably wicked sweet treats for the annual High Tea on the Hastings on Saturday 12 October. We get to put our posh on with Pimms and Lemonade and Cassegrain sparkling flowing to raise funds for the Racing for Rach and Camp Quality. A rather civilised way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Congrats to Michael Marchment, who opened his stunning new premises, The Mil

Studios, on Clarence St on Black Friday in September. Over 100 guests enjoyed a private invitation to the underground photographic studio to partake in SilverSpoon canapés, Black Duck beer and plenty of lovely bubbly. Guests included Tiffany Slack-Smith, Amanda Moore, Matt Jorgensen, Meredy Bates-Lacey, Sue and Paul Jogever and Tony Marchment. All enjoyed a sneak peek of the 'for hire' studio that will offer fabulous services to not only Michael’s clients, but fellow photographers, artists and videographers wanting a CBD space to shoot their work. He also launched his twist on wedding photography with a post wedding 'trash the dress' session, previously only available to brides in metro studios. Congrats, Michael! A fabulous space! I leave you amidst the settling dust from the almost complete mini renovation in Zebu with a mild panic attack starting to form. The dread and drama will hit fever pitch in a matter of weeks, as I am one of the slightly gullible locals roped into this crazy little dancing thing all in the aid of charity at the end of November. The panic stems from my lack of dance ability and the fact that my dance partner doesn’t set foot on Australian soil until 3 weeks prior to the event! Super yikes! Praying for a miracle and some of his magic dancing dust to rub off me on the night … recurring nightmares of slips and trips and hazardous embarrassment on repeat at the mo ...! Must find non slip stilettos pronto! 'til next month! Kate.

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artist.

Matt's rich heritage combined with his artistic talent has resulted in him developing his own versatile and unique style that is winning him many fans and a growing demand for his creative works ...

ou grew up in Kempsey? I was born in Kempsey Hospital. Throughout my life I have experienced many moves; however, I always managed to stay around the bush and lived in houses around Wauchope. Two other great spots I've lived in were Pipers Creek and Rollands Plains. What were your career plans at high school? I was doing six units of science. Chemistry and the periodic table [interested me]. When did you move to Rollands Plains? I moved up there in 2000. When did you start painting? I’ve been winning art competitions since Year 2, and I've been drawing and doing tattoo designs for mates. I started painting this year. You say you’ve been inspired by the places you grew up around. Tell us about those two special places you mentioned, Pipers Creek and Rollands Plains ... There are convict barracks at [Pipers Creek]. I used to go for walks with my younger brothers and sisters; we'd be gone all day if we could. Whilst on our walks we would come across many animals, and we'd get chased by snakes. You’re of Aboriginal (Dunghutti) heritage. How has that inspired your art work? It just came to me. My style is different to my uncle’s (more traditional). After spending time out in the bush, I would go home and draw animals and the landscape that came with them on to paper exactly as I saw them. 46 greater port macquarie focus.

Most off my family areas; however, ffam amilily are are good good in in the th artistic artistic i I wanted to be unique! Your mum used to tell you stories to scare you off? She tried to tell us not to go near the dams ‘cause a bunyip was in there. It would grab you if you go in there. Now that you’ve started painting some of these memories and stories, tell us about some of your first artworks. What were they like? My first artworks were just trials, ‘cause I’d never painted before. I just wanted to see if I could do it. Then I started experimenting with different colours.

the Diversity Rules exhibition exhibition in Brisbane. I’ve got two large coffee tables and two tw wo big canvases [at the Brisbane exhibit].

So you’re not just limited to canvases? I used to work in the furniture industry in Brisbane and got bed slats, cut them down into shape and into clap sticks, then paint them up and lacquer them. I’ve painted wooden bowls, made them I’m exhi biting in myself, didgeridoos, boomerangs, Sunset Gallery tables, and lamp tables. ie,

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quar here in Port Mac ty plus the Diversi in n tio bi hi ex s le Ru two t go e I’v Brisbane. and es bl ta e ffe large co t the [a two big canvases ” t]. bi Brisbane exhi

Your career as an Aboriginal dot artist has taken off in the last 18 months, and you’ve been selling quite a few pieces of art. What are some of the most popular ones? A lot of men like the kangaroos and goannas. Women seem to like the turtles and sea life. As you started painting, how have you been promoting yourself? I started going to the Brisbane markets with business cards and just taking small paintings. A lot of people at the markets were from overseas, and I would get emails and I’d post [the paintings] to them. You’re exhibiting in galleries at the moment? I’m exhibiting in Sunset Gallery here in Port Macquarie, plus

What are you working on at the moment for your collection? I’ve got two more pieces for Wauchope High School. They’re trying to work out something where I can teach every now and then. At Sunset Gallery, the 23rd and 30th of this month, I’m running two classes for kids.

Do you have a favourite piece of artwork that you’ve created? Definitely the coffee table [at the Diversity Rules exhibition in Brisbane]. I did one for the CEO of Access Community Services with two snakes and a goanna in the middle; that would be my favourite canvas. What are your goals and ambitions for yourself as an artist now? I just want to be known and to teach. If someone wants to own some of your artwork, where can they go to buy it? The Sunset Gallery. Thanks Matt.

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HI TC HI M HC LA EE O RI TS CK O BY ARRANGEMENT WITH EDWARD SNAPE FOR FIERY ANGEL LIMITED US ! A PRODUCTION BY CHRISTINE HARRIS & HIT PRODUCTIONS AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER THEATRE TOURING COMPANY

CHAN & JOHN BU K’S TCHCOC ALFRED HI

ORIGINAL FROM AN K BARLOW Y DIMON BY PATRIC LE & NOBB RB ADAPTED CO BY SIMON ELL CONCEPT E O’CONN BY TERENC DIRECTED

with Be l i nda G i bson

Dangerous things can happen at a night out at the Theatre; just ask Richard Hannay.

Richard decided on a carefree evening at the theatre but before the night is over, he has a mystery to solve ... what are The 39 Steps?

ichard who is aimlessly bored with his life (in the a manner in which only a true English gentleman can muster) decided to go to the theatre one evening and break the monotony of his daily routine. Being your typical debonair type, while enjoying his night at the theatre he meets a mysterious woman who turns out to be a secret agent trying to save England from a mysterious foreign power (happens all the time at the Glasshouse – really!) When she is murdered in his apartment, our innocent yet devilishly handsome man about town finds himself accused and escapes in hopes of completing her mission. To find the answer to The 39 Steps and to clear his name, our dashing hero must foil dastardly foreign agents, elude the police and win over a pretty girl. Of course he falls in love and finds himself in numerous awkward situations: pursued by police, fooling hotel owners, farmers and train conductors … that makes for one very big night out in Port Macquarie! Based off the 1935 Hitchcock spythriller movie and novel by John Buchan of the same name, the stage version of The 39 Steps is an incredibly fast-paced romp through the story of Hitchcock‘s film, and pays homage to the ‘spy’ genre.

If you've seen a black and white Abbott) could think of. thriller, you'll recognise the bumbling All set and scenery is created with coppers, breathy femme fatales, upper the actor’s manipulation in a triumph of class ‘ twits’ and handsome hero physical theatre, and the talent required figures. What you get in this show is an by these cast members is extraordinary. incredibly hilarious night in the Theatre. Good comedy takes precise timing, Seen by over 3 million people in and the pace at which this show moves more than 60 countries, this stage demands absolute precision – this adaptation of The 39 is truly a test of the magic Steps premiered on the of theatre and it works West End in 2006 brilliantly! 35 19 e th and currently For an audience, f of d Base ysp k oc stands as the this is an hc itc H novel d an ie ov m longest running r experience at the le thril of the comedy playing theatre which is by John Buchan stage same name, the on the West playful, joyous Steps is 39 e Th of n versio End. The play and laugh out ed ac -p st an incredibly fa story of opened on loud funny. e th h romp throug ...” Broadway in Recently opened m fil s k' Hitchcoc 2008, winning two in Melbourne Tony Awards and two and touring to 23 Drama Desk Awards and theatres in Victoria, is about to make a return Tasmania, New South Wales season off Broadway in New York. and Queensland, this show is It is a piece of theatre that stands about pure unbridled fun. the test of time and is adored by This production was so popular we audiences worldwide. were only able to book two shows at Often hailed as being ‘theatre at its the Glasshouse, and I encourage you not finest’, this show is a testament to the to miss this opportunity to experience acting profession as only 4 actors create this play. It is genuinely a great night the entire action packed adventure, with out – well for everyone except poor one actor playing the lead role, one Richard Hannay … perhaps learn from female actor managing all the play's his mistakes and be wary of talking to flirtatious ladies and two other actors mysterious blondes at the Theatre … you create over 100 other villains, spies and never know what hot water you will land ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’ that you (or Mr yourself in!

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ople in r 3 million pe Seen by ove S... 0 COU NTR IE more than 6

o rce not tto r-de-fforc to tourA theatrical be missed...

TWO SHOWS ON LY!! TUESDAY 5 & WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER, 8pm BOOK NOW! call: 6581 8888 or online: glasshouse.org.au

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

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Who knew that Beards could be such a serious topic of conversation? As Louise Beaumont found out, despite the quirkiness of this band and their chosen theme, beards are no laughing matter. Nathaniel Beard fills us in ...

ow many of you are in the band – and who has the best beard? There are four of us in the band. And as for who has the best beard? Well, I don't want to toot my own horn, but I would say … that I have the best beard.

Describe your beard then. My beard is like, just a big bush ranger beard that comes down to my chest … it's pretty impressive. So there are four of you in the band. Tell us how you got together and how 'The Beards' was born ... Some of us met at university, where we joined a Beards Club. We would just get together and meet and talk about beards. (Laughs.) We'd stroke each other's beards. And we would try and get more people to join, but there were only three of us in the group. (Laughs.) And beards weren't very popular back then – this was in the early part of last decade. In the early 2000s, beards were not popular at all; we copped a lot of flak, and we didn't think that was really fair. So we would stick together in solidarity and eventually we met our fourth member, whom we saw busking on campus and singing songs about beards. We thought we could join forces with him and use music as a vehicle to promote beards. So we did ... and ever since that day, we haven't looked back. So musically, what are your foundations – are you a Rock band? Yeah, we think Rock is pretty fair description – that's a pretty beardy genre. But really we don't like to limit ourselves to any musical style, because like beards, music is 48

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about diversity, and we like to experiment with different kinds of music and different kinds of beards. So all of your songs are about beards? Yes!

We like to le entertain. If peop is it y, nn find our lyrics fu e W e. nc de mearly a coinci serious ite are actually qu about beards. ”

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And how many different beard topics are there? Well, I like to think there are limitless topics in the field of beard related songs. We have currently written 40 songs about beards and released 3 albums. And we are currently working on our fourth beard related album. Ok, so what are the stereotypical things that go with beards? Everything goes with beards; that is the thing. For example, you can wear any type of clothing ... think of any kind of clothing and add a beard to it; it's an improvement. Likewise with music; add any type of beardedness to it, and it will instantly become better. I see there is a comedy element to what you do. We like to entertain. If people find our lyrics funny, it is merely a coincidence. We are actually quite serious about beards. I thought you might have had someone who wrote your material for you and added in comedy? No, we write all our own material and sort of use our own beards as inspiration. So you are very serious about it; it's not funny? It's not funny to us. (Laughs.) Have you been touring the world far and wide the past year? Yes, we have been inspiring lots of people to have a

beard, and we are not going to stop until everyone has a beard. This December you will hit the stage at FOTSUN in Port Macquarie, yes?

Yes, that will be our first festival and show back in Australia after we tour North America. It's going to be great to perform at the start of the Australian summer festival season, as that is normally shaving season. So we want to remind people that having a beard is not just for the winter months – it is an all year round thing. And also to remind people of the many benefits of having a beard.

So what are your keys tips for maintaining and looking after a beard? The most important tip for anyone who wants to maintain or grow a large beard is to not shave. That is really important. In terms of maintenance, you have to treat it like you treat hair. You have to wash it, condition it, treat it. Most importantly – be proud of your beard. Thanks Nathaniel.

the plug! Tickets are on sale now for Festival of the Sun, 13 - 14 December at Sundowner Tourist Park, Port Macquarie. fotsun.com

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Grassy K ll

Creating a unique niche in the music world by combining music and film in a way that has never been done by a contemporary band before ... Blue Grassy Knoll has combined its enormous talent to blend harmonisely with that of comic legend Buster Keaton ... all guaranteed to leave you smiling!

ho are Blue Grassy Knoll’s this – reoccurring themes and motifs are common, and certain members, and what are their instruments sometimes take on certain characters. roles? In order to achieve this we spend countless hours watching BGK is a five piece group who the movie, plotting out its structure, then creating music formed in 1996. We all play a variety individually or as a group and then arranging it to match of instruments – Philip McLeod the action on screen precisely – down to a door knock or an dominates on accordion, mandolin, cello and harmonic, Steph unexpected glance, the music is shadowing the action down to O’Hara plays violin and mandolin, Mark Elton plays double bass, the last frame. tuba and trumpet, Simon Barfoot plays guitar, drums, percussion Where did the idea come about for this style of and sound effects, and I'm (Gus Macmillan) the banjo, flute and performance? clarinet player. We all compose, as individuals and I had heard about musicians who used to perform collectively. like this back in the 1920s and thought it would You are all fine musicians in your be a great thing to try to emulate, but with a own right; what helps you gel as a contemporary twist. It’s been the perfect vehicle of t on fr in t troupe? for our band to fully realise all our skills as si We en re sc ie ov m e There is just a chemistry that musicians and composers. th aying pl is m fil e th is hard to define – each member Where is the current tour travelling to? le whi r score ou m or rf pe d has particular strengths that they It’s a regional NSW tour, taking in Casula, an have no live. We usually t sit bring to the band, but I guess Port Macquarie and Newcastle in late bu notes or music, the main thing is a shared sense October, and then again at the Mullum en or re sc e th g in ch wat of humour and musical aesthetic. Festival in late November. ch have TV monitors whi We’ve done so much performing It is a unique style of performance; what ” the movie on it. and touring together we are like a do audiences love about it? family, which means we have fun as It’s a completely different experience than well as the occasional fight, but at the either going to see a movie or going to see a band end of the day there’s a mutual respect and – it’s the best of both! There’s palpable excitement love of what each other contributes to the overall when the lights darken and the band strikes up, the film energy. Having created so much original music that we flickers onto the screen and everybody is transported into all love playing certainly helps us to gel, and there’s also Buster Keaton’s world. been so much shared life experience that bonds us, plus Audiences really fall in love with Buster – his stunts were and we to get to work with a genius like Buster Keaton ... who acts still are amazing spectacles, his humour is very contemporary, as a kind of marriage counsellor/party starter. and he always wins the day. It’s the sort of show that appeals to Describe a typical performance and how you set about kids, to grandparents, to movie buffs, music fans, comedy fans creating the experience. ... there really is no demographic that doesn’t walk away smiling. We sit in front of the movie screen while the film is playing and perform our score live. We usually have no notes or music, the plug! but sit watching the screen or TV monitors which have the movie on it. So we use the film itself as our score, creating Tickets are on sale now from the emotional background for each scene; for example, the glasshouse.org.au or the box office love scene has love music, the chase scene is frenetic and on 6581 8888. fast, etc. etc. – however, there’s much more subtlety than

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Barbeques Galore

Celebrating 30 Years in Business, Barbeques Galore, Port Macquarie has grown from a small store in Central Road to the current impressive showroom.

stablished by Bruce and Iris Wilcox, Barbeques Galore Port Macquarie commenced trading in October,1983. The first shop, located at 30 Central Road, was approximately 1/5th of the current size showroom; six years later, in 1989 the business moved to Settlement Shores near McDonalds.

Barbeques Galore head office staff were very supportive in the early days right down to assisting with the shop design and fit-out, setting the foundation for Mark to grow the business. He didn't have the budget in those days to stock the shop as fully as he would have liked, so to make the right impression to his customers, he had to be creative with what he had on hand.

After successfully commencing and running Barbeques Galore Port Macquarie for 14 years, Bruce and Iris decided it was time to retire in May, 1998. Mark Lyons purchased the Barbeques Galore, Port Macquarie licence and in turn the business from them. Mark was fortunate that Rob Kilmurray, who had been with the business for several years decided to stay on and he managed to accept and run with the many ideas Mark had for taking the business ahead.

Mark and his staff set up dozens of colourful boxes, including a wall of the old 3 legged round BBQ's on top of the shelving pelmets. Even though they were empty, nobody could tell; that is until they ran out of that particular BBQ one day and a customer asked “why he couldn’t have one off that shelf up there!” Mark's early days in retail might not have been that pretty but he definitely had the passion and a real understanding of the importance cash-flow would play if he was

going to grow the business. Utilising the expertise of Shayne Newham in 2001 and 2004, the shop was extended to cater for the growing demand for outdoor dining. This enabled the store to compete with other major retailers in the same industry and continue to grow, which led to the purchase of an offsite warehouse in 2010. It’s not too hard to recruit staff to help grow your business, but retaining the best is not so easy. Three of Mark's four staff including Rob Kilmurray, Grant Miles and Chris Kohlhause have been working with Mark for over forty (combined) years. The newest staff member is Chris Fuller, starting as a Weber demonstrator over 20 years ago. Chris has been demonstrating on the Weber Q for the past two years before

coming on staff full time. Mark’s children Adam and Bianca, have grown up with the business and will always be seen selling on the shop floor at Christmas. Behind the scenes you’ll find Mark’s partner Kylie assisting in the buying of furniture and table accessories making the shop unique and special. Lastly, but not to be forgotten is Judy Wilson; the wonderful lady that comes in every week to pay wages and to ensure we stay up to date with all the accounts and financial matters. Throughout the last 15 years, Barbeques Galore Port Macquarie, has proudly donated in excess of $60,000 towards cancer research, local charities, schools and sporting clubs.

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H APPY 14th BIRTHDAY. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL FOR HELPING US KEEP IT LOCAL.

ount Seaview Natural Spring Water – the only locally sourced and bottled mineral spring water in the Hastings, would like to thank all for the fantastic support that we have received over the past 14 years. We are locals supporting locals. The support we have received since our beginnings has allowed us to contribute to the many worthwhile local community organisations. Thank you.

we can do for you.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since our small family business commenced operations in 1999. Employing locals and competing with the multi-nationals, we could not have got this far without the support of our loyal customers, staff and suppliers. We currently operate a regular delivery service from Forster to Coffs Harbour.

our blood viscous and keep our body in balance.

Rehydrate with the Natural minerals and electrolytes in your Mount Seaview Natural Spring Water. Water (H20) is the body's transportation system that delivers nutrients, removes wastes and regulates body temperature. We are an alkaline water and believe this to be better for your health. We look forward to bringing you more of the same exception product in the future. Let us know if there is something else that

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Exercise and water - Throughout our normal day, we lose on average 10 cups of water as our body attempts to maintain its optimal temperature. This is achieved through perspiration and respiration. Certain factors such as the weather, age, our physical activity, sickness, pregnancy, and caffeine or alcohol intake, may increase this fluid loss. These lost body fluids need to be replaced to maintain normal bodily function, keep Signs of dehydration - It is important to drink before you feel thirsty as your thirst mechanism indicates that you are already mildly dehydrated. The amount of fluids to drink and how much depend on the participant and the sport. For the endurance athlete it is important to ensure that your body is well hydrated before, during and after an event or training session. Signs of dehydration include: • Thirst, dry lips, mouth and skin, nausea • Increased body temperature, breathing rate and pulse • Dizziness, lack of energy • Dark or small volumes of urine • Decrease in physical and mental performance

Ways to increase your every day fluid intake 1. Start your day with a glass of water. 2. Take a water bottle to work or whenever you go anywhere in the car and drink it. 3. Drink a glass of water before each meal and keep a bottle in the fridge. 4. Take a full water bottle on all bush walks, runs, swims and bike rides. 5. Create a water chart and develop a hydration plan. 6. Use a combination of water and sports drinks for endurance events. 7. Make allowances for warmer weather. 8. Finish your day with a glass of water. For Friendly Reliable Service - From Forster to Coffs Harbour Call us on 6585 1612 or Check us out at The Main Event – The SBS Feast Tastings on Hastings Sunday, October 27, 2013 Or on the web www.seaviewsprings.com.au Remember to Think Local and Drink Local Mount Seaview Natural Spring Water. For Information on Mind, Body and Spirit visit our Facebook page at fb.com/mountseaview.naturalspringwater

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Winning a chef's hat is no small feat. For every Restaurant on the Mid North Coast, only 3 can proudly claim to own a hat, as awarded by the Good Food Guide. With the support of co-owner and head chef Dave Henry, Lou Perri and the team at the Stunned Mullet are the proud bearers of Port Macquarie’s very first Hatted Restaurant.

k first off, congratulations on being awarded Port Macquarie’s first chef's hat. Was the award a surprise, or something you had been working towards? Surprise? The team was certainly surprised as we were in Sydney for a 'Chef’s weekend' and apparently dining at Quay that night (I kept the invitation to the awards completely under my hat!) I would say that we were all somewhat emotional, and it is a great achievement for The Stunned Mullet, our customers and most importantly, Port Macquarie as a region - it really cements the fact that we mean business as a coastal town - THAT REALLY EXCITES ME! Our customers are what matters and that is our only objective. We didn’t set out with a goal of achieving hatted status, however I believe that our ongoing commitment to the overall dining experience is what has elevated us to the 'hatted' tier. That is fantastic news for all of us, because we all love doing what we are doing! For those that don’t know, tell us a bit about what a chef's hat is exactly and how does the judging process work? I am not sure how I should answer this question - as a statistic or methodically? Statistically, a hatted restaurant represents the top 2% or thereabouts of restaurants within Australia. Methodically, a reviewer dines with us anonymously and scoring us along the way

for food, service, atmosphere and wow factor. A total of 20 points are up for grabs and you must secure a minimum of 15 before you enter the hatted tier. The table below outlines the breakdown in the hatted tier: 1 hat 15/20: Very good, consistently notable 2 hats 16/20: Great, worth seeking out 17/20: Excellent, one of the best 3 hats 18/20: Outstanding 19/20: Brilliant 20/20: The best of the best What has been your philosophy to the restaurant since you opened the Stunned Mullet? Our philosophy is simple; listen to our customers and deliver on their expectation plus more. We have certainly made some significant changes over the years and thankfully our customers have been complimentary and encouraging throughout the evolution. Dave and I have certainly placed a major emphasis on delivering the best experience we can. That has presented some challenging moments - our customers demand the best from us - Dave and I along with our fabulous team hammer away at this everyday. What has made The Stunned Mullet successful? Overwhelming question … our team first and foremost - Dave instills the pride and hard work ethic in our kitchen. He also has an unbelievable passion for seafood and is a

great advocate for its sustainability. The guys a gripe I have regarding wines by the glass in the kitchen really look up to him and that and how many establishments continue to provides a great synergy. Our team out front serve stale or unacceptable drinking wines is also very passionate and professional about given the low turnover of bottles (particularly their delivery. If only I had a dollar for every in regional areas). I highlighted how The time James makes reference to our overall Stunned Mullet serves a plethora of ½ bottles product proposition: fantastic food, wine and in order to negate this issue and provide service! The team is really passionate a true and untainted expression of the about what we offer and that producer’s fine efforts - there is ultimately reflects favorably considerable effort made from on our customers vineyard to bottle and the last rs ne Now that you have thing we need is negligence di w Our ne ly te ni Port Macquarie’s fi (yes) once we open the de will ith w in e only chefs hat, do m bottle - glasses are great if co n, io at ct pe ex e m you feel like there is they truly reflect what iniso however I am an added expectatially went into the bottle! our comfortable that tion for the RestauHuon agreed with this and . team will deliver rant? was kind enough to share It’s a double-edged this with his audience (http:// sword. Our new diners will www.smh.com.au/good-food/ definitely come in with some drink/doing-things-by-halves-hasexpectation however I am comfortits-perks-20130817-2s30h.html) able that our team will deliver. I believe that Huon is a great ambassador for the wine Port Macquarie is becoming a very sophisindustry and I thank him for his time. ticated food destination and therefore all What’s next for the Stunned Mullet? us restaurateurs will be under some level of It really is business as usual for us. We scrutiny over the next few years - I actually have a sensational dinner coming up on 30 think this is great, we are finally generating October that you should all make yourself interest in our town … Byron who? available for (marketing starts just after You recently spent some time with wine publication of this article) and I believe this critic, Huon Hooke, tell us a bit about summer will keep us busy. Here’s a clue, 1 hat that. + 2 hats = 3 hats. Huon Hooke was kind enough to spend And don’t ask about a 2nd hat for the some time with me discussing wine lists and Stunned Mullet … you know the response! the like. During our discussion, I highlighted Thanks Lou. greater port macquarie focus 53

By Glenise McLaughlin from The Natural Health Sanctum

D i d

By Dr Bobby Kumar from Bare Aesthetics

y o u

k n o w ?

Up to 45% of the population is estimated to suffer from some form of food intolerance at some stage in their life.

hat means almost one in two of us constant sinus conditions, joint pains, aching (including infants, children and adults) muscles and weakness, bloating, weight gain, are being affected in some way by the difficulty losing weight, diarrhoea, constipation, food we are eating, WOW, that’s a lot stomach pains, difficult concentration, of people suffering. headaches, migraines, sleeping difficulties, mood Sometimes people can identify the changes, including tantrums and crankiness, offending food easily because they itchy skin rashes such as eczema – feel unwell when they eat that oh, the list could fill this entire particular food; others find it magazine! The severity of the very difficult. The reason for symptoms vary as well, even e Th this is that it can take up to within the same person. Food symptoms e nc ra le to in od three days for a symptom intolerance can significantly fo of can be many and to appear, plus some people affect your ability to live a varied ..” have been living with the normal life. symptoms for so long that You know it doesn’t have to they think that it is ‘normal’ for be like this; help is available. them. For example, the milk or At The Natural Health Sanctum bread eaten today could be the cause we use a quick, reliable and simple of the joint pains three days later and can test for food intolerance that is suitable for last for weeks. Can you imagine how hard infants, children and adults. We then design it would be for an infant or a young child to be a comprehensive Food Intolerance Program able to communicate what is wrong with them specifically tailored to suit your individual health when even adults find it difficult? needs. Call us at The Natural Health Sanctum on The symptoms of food intolerance can be (02) 6583 3544 to take all the guess work out of many and varied, such as: fatigue, reflux, finding out which foods are your ‘trigger foods’.

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WHEN DID YOU LAST HAVE A CHECK? hen did you last have a skin cancer check? Skin Cancer – What you Need to Know: Of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia each year, skin cancers make up approximately 80%. Skin cancers are caused by damage to skin cells resulting primarily from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (the primary cause in 95-99% of cases). Any sun exposure causes damage and increases the risk of developing skin cancer, not just sunburn or tanning. There are three main types of Skin Cancer: • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) • Melanoma – the most dangerous and third most common cancer in Australian men and women Early Detection The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the more effective and successful the treatment. Early detection

of skin cancer can literally save your life. It’s important to be familiar with how your skin looks so you can notice any potential changes that may indicate a skin cancer. What to look for: • Any crusty sores or sores that are not healing • Small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour • New spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months (particularly those dark brown to black, red or blue-black in colour) A regular skin examination by an experienced Doctor is essential to early detection & management of skin cancer. Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, brings his extensive knowledge and experience to Skin Cancer Assessment, Treatment and Surgery. Call Wendy on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009, or email bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au for an appointment today.

By Jamie Finn from Port Macquarie Day Spa

S Perfect TAN

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pray tans have come a long way oils, moisturisers, perfumes and deodorants, over the years; gone are the days of all of which can create a barrier and affect the looking like an orange zebra! Your tan application and quality of your tan. can now look as natural or The tan itself is very quick to apply and bronzed as you wish, dries in a matter of minutes; generally without the streaks. Here you will only need 15 minutes for the we’ve listed the best tips to entire process. rayed “ After being sp achieving the perfect tan. After being sprayed it is advised r it is advised to wea It all begins with to wear loose, dark coloured ed loose, dark colour the preparation ... any clothing, and it’s very important to very clothing, and it’s hair removal should avoid water. d important to avoi be performed 24 hours After you have allowed your water. ” before being sprayed. tan to develop, it’s now time to Your skin needs to be in tip shower off. Ensure you use plenty of top condition: the better the moisturiser afterwards and over the next condition of your skin, the longer your week, as this will help prolong the life of your tan will last. Exfoliation is the key! tan. For your perfect Port Cup tan, visit us a Port Ensure your skin is completely free from Macquarie Day Spa www.portdayspa.com.au

World Sight Day Challenge EYECARE Plus joins the global campaign for eye health.

Thyroid holding you back? Are you wondering where your ‘get up and go’ went? • Do you want to lose weight, but can’t? • Do you feel sluggish all the time? • Is your skin dry, nails brittle? • Your hair falling out? • Fertility problems? • Raised cholesterol levels? • Insulin resistance? • Decreased appetite? If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be suffering from low thyroid function. Symptoms of low thyroid function occur slowly over time; making it difficult to notice them until they start to significantly affect the quality of your life (ie: fatigue, weight gain, higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes etc.). Therefore restoring normal thyroid function is vital to ensure your long term health. The good news is that Mother Nature has provided us with many safe and effective herbs and nutrients to help your thyroid function at optimum levels. So, if you would like help to regain your ‘get up and go’ and to improve the quality of your life, call Naturopath with over 20 years experience, Glenise McLaughlin, at The Natural Health Sanctum (6583 3544) for an appointment.

600 million people in the world are blind or vision impaired simply because they do not have access to an eye exam or spectacles. Local Eyecare Plus optometrists are taking part in the World Sight Day Challenge during October, which is the only campaign that specifically focuses on this avoidable cause of blindness. To support World Sight Day (October 10) local Eyecare Plus optometrists will donate a day of eye exam fees in October to the global charity Optometry Giving Sight, so people can contribute by simply having their eyes examined during October, or you may choose to make a donation on any day in October in the practices. A fun way to participate is a guessing competition to win a jar of lollies or ‘people power’ wristbands available to wear and show support. Our local Eyecare Plus practices have proudly supported Optometry Giving Sight since it was launched 10 years ago, and principal optometrist Tony Hanks OAM is a voluntary member of the Global Development Board for the charity. So, we are very committed to this very worthwhile cause. The charity has been able to fund 67 projects in 38 countries. These include El Salvador where 64,000 school children were assessed in extremely poor communities. With an eye examination and a pair of spectacles, primary schoolgirl Carla (pictured) had her vision restored, renewing her potential for a quality education and a life full of opportunity.

Dr. Bobby Kumar on Breast Augmentation Who seeks Breast Augmentation surgery? Women choose Breast Augmentation to enhance breast size, shape and volume for a variety of reasons, including: • Dissatisfaction with small or uneven breasts; • To restore volume and shape lost through breast feeding or weight loss; • To achieve confidence in a curvaceous and feminine figure. Women considering breast implants should be fully informed as to the range of choices available, with surgery tailored to meet each individual’s needs and goals. For example, choices regarding Breast Implants include; • Different types of silicone • Size/volume, shape, projection • Smooth vs Textured (eg ‘furry brazilian’) • Placement (e.g. above or below pec muscle) Can breast implants look natural? Yes! By far the majority of women who seek breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, are looking for natural results, with full, shapely breasts in proportion to their body shape and figure. Heard of Rapid Recovery? Dr. Bobby Kumar’s personal technique based on years of experience minimises pain and facilitates an optimal, efficient recovery. Consultations by appointment – call Wendy today on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009 or visit www.bareaesthetics.com.au

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Jessica Moss

JK Healthcare

Hypnotherapy is the key to your success Elizabeth Bullock has been helping people as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Stress Management Consultant for over 30 years. Most people are aware that hypnotherapy is an excellent way to quit smoking, but there are probably hundreds of problems that can be helped with hypnosis. As well as quitting smoking, other common treatments include anxiety, weight control, alcohol, gambling, stress, study, confidence, pain control, public speaking, insomnia, comfortable childbirth, bed wetting, sports improvement and marijuana addiction, as well as fears and phobias, to name a few. All consultations are kept in the strictest confidence. You may be wondering how it feels to be hypnotised … it is a very pleasantly relaxed state much like a daydream, similar to the feeling you get when you wake up early in the morning and you drift in and out of sleep. When in the state of hypnosis positive suggestions are given into your subconscious to help you make desired changes to your behaviour so you can more easily stop habits or addictions or change your thinking about problem areas in your life. Make Hypnosis your first choice, not your last resort. You have nothing to lose by asking, and Hypnotherapy just may hold the key to your success!

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A recent report from the 2012 International Congress of Dietetics discovered Australian children are not getting enough calcium daily. Calcium plays an important role in building strong bones and teeth and reducing risk of osteoporosis later in life. Dairy foods remain the best sources of calcium for Australian children. • 60% of Australian children (9 - 16 years) do not meet daily calcium requirements. • Teenage girls are most at risk, with only 18% 14 - 16 year olds getting enough calcium. • Trends show as children age, milk consumption drops and is replaced by less nutritious foods. • Flavoured milk drinkers had a similar Body Mass Index to those who didn’t consume flavoured milk. • Calcium requirements: 2 - 3 serves of low fat dairy foods daily, e.g. 1 cup low fat milk, 40 g reduced fat cheese and 200 g tub reduced fat yoghurt. • Other foods such as green leafy vegetables, almonds, wholemeal breads, baked beans, salmon with bones and calcium fortified soy products can also contribute small amounts of calcium. • Vitamin D is also necessary to help the body absorb calcium. Sun exposure is one of the easiest ways to get enough Vitamin D. Small amounts of Vitamin D also exist in foods such as fish and eggs. If you are unsure where to start, or would like some realistic and practical advice on how to achieve your goals, ring JK Healthcare on 6583 7717 to make an appointment with Jodie Kennett (Accredited Practising Dietitian/Diabetes Educator) or Jessica Moss (Accredited Practising Dietitian) today!

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SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION

Swimming is a healthy, low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits.

Aqua Tots A bright & happy Aquatic program providing early swimming & water survival skills for the Infant, Toddler & Preschooler. Parents gain knowledge and confidence as they participate in their child’s swimming lessons and progress.

Sat 19th October from 9.00 – 11am Squads

Laurieton & Kendall Pools Block 1 Oct - Dec 2013 9 Week Program Mid Week & Saturday Mornings Available From 14th Oct

Laurieton & Kendall Pool MORNING OPEN SQUAD Laurieton Pool Mon Wed Fri 6 am — 7am AFTERNOON Tues & Thurs • B SQUAD ... 4.30-5.30 pm • A SQUAD ... 4.30 -5.45 pm STROKE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD Tues Wed Thurs 3.30 – 4. 15 pm

Wauchope Pool Block 1 Nov - Dec 2013 4 Week Program Sat 23rd Nov to Sat 14th Dec Assessment Dates Sat 19th October from 9.00 – 11am

Wauchope Pool AFTERNOON Mon, Wed & Thurs STROKE DEVELOPMENT Squad 4. 15 - 5 pm A & B SQUAD ... 5 – 6.30 pm

Learn to Swim Our Learn to Swim program operates after school. Children are assessed & placed into class groups determined by their ability. All our instructors are qualified through AUSTSWIM providing a high standard of teaching & experience. School Age Children.

Aqua Fit All Ages All Fitness Levels • Tone & Firm * Burn Fat *Aerobic Conditioning *Strengthen & Define • Cardio & Well Being *Fresh open air • Ideal water temps *Funky music • Friendly faces

Laurieton & Kendall Pools Block 1 Oct - Dec 2013 9 Week Program Mon 14th Oct to Fri 13th Dec Assessment Dates Laurieton - 8th & 10th Oct 3.30 - 5pm Kendall - 9th Oct 3.30 - 5pm Wauchope Pool Block 1 Oct - Dec 2013 7 Week Program Mon 28th Oct to Sat 14th Dec Assessment Date

KENDALL POOL Thurs 9-10am LAURIETON POOL Mon & Wed 9-10am Splash Aqua Playgroup Laurieton pool Splash playgroup is a fun and active social group for parents/carers and children, everyone is welcome. Splash is led by infant/pre school trained swim teachers with experience in early childhood education and children's fitness. Friday 9.30am - 11.30am (weather permitting) Cost is just $5 per child (includes pool entry)

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Salt Therapy Bowen for Everybody Feeling TIRED, FATIGUED or STRESSED? Perhaps you are a busy mum or carer … Inevitably we are all busy trying to do the best we can to support our family or loved ones … sometimes at our own expense. Why not try a Bowen Treatment to help pep up your energy levels and take away any niggling aches and pains while you are at it? Bowen will relax the muscles and get your circulation flowing, whether it be little headaches, aches and pains or tightness in the back, neck and shoulders. You will feel relaxed, refreshed and revitalised. Why try Bowen Therapy over massage? Some clients do not like oil massage, or removing their clothes. Bowen is performed through light clothing or on skin with no oils. Massage is contra-indicated for 48 hours after most injuries. Bowen Therapy on the day of injury is beneficial in taking muscles out of spasm and rehydrating the fascia, easing restrictions. Some clients find massage painful so tense up during treatment, which defeats the purpose. Bowen is extremely gentle and relaxing. Call today! Experience Bowen Therapy for yourself or purchase a Gift Certificate for a friend or loved one.

Does your child sometimes feel like a fish out of water ? Seeing children gasping for air is something we all could live without. If your child suffers from a respiratory condition such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, hay fever or allergies, there is a natural solution to help with your child's breathing. This solution is 'Halotherapy' or Salt Therapy. Salt Therapy is a safe and natural therapy that is clinically proven to help alleviate the symptoms of many respiratory conditions. 85 - 95% of children who regularly use Salt Therapy in conjunction with a Salt Pipe and Salt Lamps within their home, became more symptom-free after only a few therapy sessions. This effect remains long term whilst under going regular Halotherapy treatments. Parents also noted that after 10 - 12 months there was still a significant improvement in their child's symptoms and regular medication had been reduced by 65 - 75%. Salt Therapy can improve children’s quality of life and is complimentary to the use of medicine, as it will help build a very healthy and strong immune system. Don't wait any longer. Give your child the opportunity to breathe a little easier with a visit to Halo Healing Haven Salt Cave. Come and discuss your child's treatment options and explore a natural alternative. Call our friendly staff on 6584 2870 or visit us on the web: www.saltwellness.weebly.com

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The team at Forty Winks Port Macquarie are experienced to help find the right TEMPUR ® product for you. Shop 7, Port Home Zone, 160 Hastings River Drive Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (02) 65839277

www.fortywinks.com.au

OCTOBER 2013

WITH TERRI

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

A promotion at work can be anticipated with financial rewards. You will be feeling much more secure and honoured for your efforts. A happier atmosphere in the work place is likely to come into effect soon, so help make it happen. Citrine attracts happy, bright energy and shatters any negativity.

PISCES. February 20 - March 20

A happy, bright outlook on life can be expected, as your focus is drawn to nurturing. Family life holds much laughter and happiness for your next cycle with adventure. Set some fresh goals and enjoy! Clear quartz helps with direction in life.

ARIES. March 21 - April 20

Exciting changes are fast approaching, so connecting with your ‘Gypsy’ energy will ensure no opportunity is missed. New friends are approaching with shared interests to enjoy. Travel opportunities are also coming into the picture. Carrying Citrine with you will help release any fear.

Be patient just a little longer, as your efforts are about to be rewarded. Do not give up on your dream; you will gain confidence by focusing on your truth and feel the success waiting. Remain positive. Selenite will help to keep a confident outlook.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23 Ju

Words need to be expressed, but your fear of consequence makes you bite your tongue. This leaves you feeling weak and powerless. Regain you strength by owning your reality. If you keep it about you, there can be no manipulation. Turquoise helps with positive communication. Good Luck.

LEO. July 24 - August 23

The universe asks for you to decide what you desire. You are being guided, so listen to your intuition, set goals to cater to all aspects of life and then enjoy the contentment of NOT needing or wanting anything. Ruby is great for connecting with the excitement of the unknown.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Even though you may not feel like much is happening in your reality just now, there is an abundance of good fortune and luck just waiting for your recognition. Put that brilliant head-strength to work and set some fresh goals. Lemon Quartz is wonderful for attracting happiness.

You can expect smooth waters and contentment. Good luck and great opportunities surround work. Terrific new friends with like minds are entering your reality and perhaps some travels or adventure into new experiences. ENJOY! Blue-Lace Agate is very calming for your thoughts.

LIBRA. September 24 - October 23

A journey may present a paid opportunity for one of your talents to be explored. You will be likely to feel this is your destiny and enjoy all related emotions. It is time for you to receive, as you have given so much in the past. Moldavite is very good for aligning talent discovery.

SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22

Don’t be hassled by not participating in some family conflict. You are the advisor, counsellor and arbitrator. Being segregated from everyone else is perfectly where you need to be for now, as this keeps you objective and preserves your energy. Chrysocolla helps with loving communication.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

Your mind needs satisfaction, or else your thoughts will become your own worst enemy. Find a topic of interest or intrigue and pursue it. Spend as much time as you can in nature or outdoors to keep your imaginative energy strong. This is where you connect with knowing anything is possible. Moonstone and Labradorite help realise dreams.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Now is the time to release all past hurts, as a fresh beginning awaits your heart energy. Personal growth through relationships will be high on the agenda, so don’t make anything unnecessarily complicated. Just view issues without emotion and be completely honest with yourself lovingly. Rose quartz strengthens love.

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Bundaleer Caring for the Aged Longstanding CEO of Bundaleer Care Services, Dennis Marks, talks with us about Bundaleer, the services they offer their residents and the local community and the village’s upcoming open day... on providing its residents and care recipients with a high standard of quality care; tell us a little more Bundaleer Care about this? Services is a Bundaleer has two sites, with ned, community ow a residential care facility on public charitable and each of them. Both facilities itution benevolent inst have full accreditation status rved that has now se with the Department of Health d the Wauchope an rict and Ageing. We are also fully st rural outlying di s.” ar compliant with all other relative for over 30 ye legislation.

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ell us about the Bundaleer Care Facility and what it offers its residents.

Bundaleer Care Services is a community owned, charitable and public benevolent institution that has now served the Wauchope and rural outlying district for over 30 years. We have a diverse range of services available, including care and support in your own home, independent living accommodation and full residential care. Our overall philosophy is to partner with our residents to assist them in maintaining a quality lifestyle in an environment that they choose. We want to provide the support that’s necessary for them to maintain their independence and control of their lives.

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You have now been with Bundaleer Care Services for 30 years and in the position of CEO for the majority of that time. What is the most rewarding aspect of your role with Bundaleer? The most rewarding aspect in my role has been witnessing the growth of our organisation from a 25 bed nursing home to caring for over 250 residents/clients today. There have been a number of expansion projects that I have overseen, and it is very rewarding to see new residents enter our care as a result. Bundaleer is also a major contributor to the economic standing of Wauchope and is one of the largest employers as well.

Bundaleer Care Services has a strong emphasis

Our care team encourages residents and their families to contribute in decisions that determine the level of care that they require. We aim to provide individual care plans that deliver the level of care our residents want and need. We also encourage feedback so we can continually improve the way we deliver our care and ensure we exceed our resident’s expectations. What are the various benefits that facilities such as Bundaleer Care Services can offer to older people looking to maintain their independence, while still receiving day-to-day support?

Most people these days want to maintain their independence by receiving support in their own home as long as they can. In order to help meet this demand, we offer an in-home community care service. Community care provides a diverse range of services, which include assistance in daily living activities, housework, home maintenance, attending appointments and going shopping. The availability of our residential care is a safeguard if the need arises, but residential care does have the advantage of 24-hour care and also provides a social network for people who may not have the capacity or will to venture out into the wider community. And finally, what can people look forward to discovering at the Bundaleer Care Services open day? The best way to get a feel for what life is like at Bundaleer is to experience it yourself. Our open day will enable us to show you around our beautiful village. People will be able to view the homes and facilities, chat with residents and staff and have any of their questions answered.

The Garage Sale Trail 26 October Host your own garage sale of pre-loved items or hit the streets to pick up a bargain as a buyer on Saturday 26 October as the Hastings takes part in the national Garage Sale Trail. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has joined over 110 local Councils across the country to support the Garage Sale Trail initiative, which helps Australians reduce waste and reuse unwanted items in a fun and creative way. Registration is now open and free via www. garagesaletrail.com.au. Individuals, households and businesses are invited to get involved, while schools, community and cultural groups can host a garage sale as a fundraising initiative. By registering online, sellers can access some great support to help make their sale a success, and buyers can check out the sale hotspots and map out their treasure trail in advance. Mayor Peter Besseling said Council was proud to support the event and urged the Hastings community to get involved and become part

of what is fast becoming one of the largest sustainability and community events in Australia. “While Garage Sale Trail generates local economic activity and provides residents with a fun day of buying, selling and connecting, the program also supports Council’s very important aim of reducing waste and reusing items which might otherwise end up as landfill,” Mayor Besseling said. Garage Sale Trail has redistributed approximately one million items from landfill, generated more than $1 million in local economic activity, facilitated $3 million in fundraising and created hundreds of thousands of neighbourly connections across Australia.

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Re yo gis u t to r sa er da le y

FOR SALE

Pre-loved items, handmade goods, vintage art & design, fashion, music, craft and everything else! Sales by local residents, makers & creators, community groups, cultural institutions, local businesses, schools, charities, libraries and more! Help reduce waste to landfill and put your SALE ON THE TRAIL

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Random acts of kindness the heart of Mental Health Month

Have you ever been surprised by a spontaneous hug, an unexpected smile, or by a stranger kindly topping-up your parking metre when it expired? Perhaps someone paid a bill for you, left a little gift on your desk, or maybe you simply spoilt yourself and spent half an hour doing something you love? October is Mental Health Month and Mayo Private Hospital is holding a number of events to celebrate and promote good mental health. The theme for this year’s Mental Health Month is ‘Kindness: little acts, big impacts’. Mayo Private invites you to take part in a month-long quest to ﬁnd opportunities to be kind to yourself and to others. “We often overlook the importance of being kind,” says Dr Chris Pollock, Clinical Director of Mental Health Services at Mayo Private. “Many people feel isolated or suffer in silence with depression and other mental health issues. Seeking help is a kindness you can show yourself and, in turn, helping others to seek help when they are depressed is a very important act of kindness that can make a big difference to them. We invite you to come and join the events Mayo Private is holding throughout October to mark Mental Health Month.”

serving the local community since 1922 Mental Health Unit: 02 6552 0071 General hospital enquiries: 02 6539 3600 Website: www.mayoprivate.com.au

Key dates & events for mental health month 10/10 Morning tea At 10am on Thursday 10th October, come and share morning tea with us at the front entrance of Mayo Private (2 Potoroo Drive, Taree). Meet the mental health team and celebrate mental health month – you may even be ‘surprised’!

23/10 Free talk on ‘Resilience’ 10am on Wednesday 23rd October at Club Taree, 121 Wingham Rd, Taree. Michael Scarlett (Clinical Psychologist) and Paul Cox (Manager Mental Health Unit) will speak on the topic of ‘Resilience’ and the part it plays in recovering from tough times. Refreshments will be provided.

29/10 Free writing workshop Writing can be a very cathartic, healing process. On Tuesday 29th October from 10.00-12.30 at the Taree Library (242 Victoria St, Taree), multi-award winning local author and respected short-story competition judge, Jacqui Winn, will hold a free writing workshop on how to write compelling short stories. Your story can be based on ﬁction or real-life experiences, and Jacqui will help you polish your short story in preparation for Mayo’s Short Story Competition. Morning tea will be provided.

Mayo Short Story Competition To celebrate Mental Health Month, Mayo Private is sponsoring a short-story writing competition on the theme ‘Kindness: little acts, big impacts’. The competition is free to enter. Cash prizes will be awarded for the winning entries and certiﬁcates will be given for commended entries. Closing date 11th November. Winners will be announced during an awards event at Club Taree at 2pm Sunday 1st December. For more information and conditions of entry, visit www. mayoprivate.com.au. If you would like details posted to you, phone 0419 422 671.

So be heard – tell your story!

Don’t suffer in silence Mental Health Month in the spotlight Mental illness can affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. It’s natural to feel sad or moody sometimes and to feel the pressure of daily stresses. However occasionally the burdens don’t lift and the pressures seem overwhelming – and many people suffer in silence. With one in ﬁve Australian adults experiencing mental illness each year, it can have a profound impact on individuals, their families, friendships and workplaces. Mayo Private offers the most comprehensive mental health service on the mid north coast of NSW. The Mental Health Unit specialises in treating people suffering from a range of anxiety-based and depressive disorders, including acute and chronic anxiety disorders, phobic disorders and extended grief reactions. Inpatient and day-patient programs provide specialist treatment for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, drug and alcohol use, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotic illnesses and personality disorders.

Accessible mental health services “One of Mayo Private’s key strengths is that we can respond quickly in the early phase of people experiencing mental health issues,” says Dr Pollock, Clinical Director of Mental Health Services at Mayo Private. “We don’t have to wait until people reach certain criteria or severity of symptoms before they can receive treatment. We encourage people to seek help early because timely access to mental health services

can mean less disruption to their lives, quicker recovery and better outcomes long-term.” Some people feel a diagnosis of mental illness is a ‘life sentence’ and that they’ll never be well again. “That doesn’t have to be the case,” says Paul Cox, Nursing Unit Manager of Mayo’s Mental Health Unit. “Mental illness and depression can create such a black hole that people can’t see their way out of it. However there is so much help available, and through quality mental health programs and support networks in the community, people can recover and live meaningful and fulﬁlling lives.” Participation in Mayo’s mental health programs is voluntary, and can involve a short stay in hospital or attending day programs. Once people are on the road to recovery, Mayo’s mental health team works through a comprehensive plan with clients so they can be conﬁdent support networks are in place to help them remain well in the community. Mayo Private links with many local organisations involved in mental health, employment services, sports and recreation, skills training, and creative outlets –

to help people stay involved in their community in a supported way.

New mental health facilities During Mayo Private’s $10 million upgrade in 2012, a new mental health wing opened with 20 inpatient beds – the majority being private, ensuite rooms. “We have friendly, professional staff providing care in a respectful, private and discrete environment,” says Paul. “Our inpatient and day programs include cognitive behavioural therapy, anger management, sleep management, mindfulness training, and dialectical behaviour therapy.” Inpatient mental health programs are conducted onsite at Mayo Private. Day programs are run by Mayo’s mental health staff in a venue conveniently located in the centre of Taree. Don’t suffer in silence. To access Mayo Private’s mental health services, see your GP for a referral and call 02 6552 0071 for more information. Join us throughout October at one of Mayo Private’s events to celebrate mental health month.

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Pink Ribbon St Columba Anglican School students have won a place in the Tournament of Minds, Australasian and Pacific Finals.

Mid North Coast Pink Ribbon Motorbike Ride 2013. Free event — All Welcome. Money raised by sales of Pink merchandise, T Shirts, BBQ, Raffle or By Donation.

ikes, riders and pillions are encouraged to PINK their RIDE & them selves for this event. Prizes for best dressed male, female

a bikes. When: Saturday 12 October Where: Departs Port Macquarie "The Donut" at 10.30am. Travelling through coastal towns of Bonny Hills & Laurieton, then west for a BBQ lunch at The Long Flat Hotel. Why: We want to help the National Breast Cancer Foundation - Australia's leading community-funded organization, to raise money for research into the prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer. Our family has a strong history of breast cancer, losing our mum 23yrs ago at 52yrs. In 2008, at the er, 2 age of forty, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, years later the genetic test revealed I was posi--

tive for Brac2 gene. I then decided to change my future with the life saving surgery, removing both my breasts & Ovaries. Further family testing also gave positive Brac2 results for my Sister and my Daughter. If you would like to donate but can't attend on the day, please help by going to the link below and donate on line. www.pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au/events/view/t/ a23a91ms6d6o/mid-north-coast-pink-ribbonmotorbike-ride A special THANK YOU to Local Businesses that have Donated so far, V-Twins, Rocks Motor Cycles, Professionals Real Estate, Laurieton, Safety First, Yamaha Motor Cycles, Caramels @ Lake Cathie, Ros @ Harmony and Balance Centre, Wauchope.

FOR YOUNGER WOMEN ALSO!

eing young does not make a woman immune to breast cancer. It is true that the risk of breast cancer increases with age, but apo are proximately 20% of new cases are women who ger less than 50 years of age. Breast cancer in younger urs women often has poorer outcomes, with tumours on is being larger and more aggressive. Early detection the best strategy to improve your chances of survival. breasts feel. This will help you identify Younger women are not eligible any unusual lumps, especially if it is n for routine breast screening but only on one side. Also be aware of “ Early detectio then, about 50% of breast any unusual or persistent pain. is the best strategy cancers are found by women or e If you find anything that concerns ov pr im to their medical officer. Becoming of s you, make an appointment to see ce an your ch familiar with your breasts is your general practitioner. There may survival. ” therefore good practice. be no reason for genuine concern, Familiarity is knowing what but ignoring a problem will not solve your breasts look like and how they it. Don’t just assume that being young is normally feel. It is ok to look at yourself in enough to protect you. _______________________ the mirror! Do you see anything unusual, perhaps

changes in the shape or size of a breast? While breasts are never identical, any obvious differences should be noted. Is there dimpling or changes in skin colour, such as redness. Have you noticed any discharge from a nipple? Be familiar with how your

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Lyn Bowen RN, MN, BEd. Lecturer, Site Convenor School of Nursing & Midwifery. Faculty of Health and Medicine University of Newcastle - Port Macquarie Campus.

he energy, enthusiasm what role they might contribute to the and effort put in by the St team. Many of the members have never Columba Anglican School worked together and TOMs offers a great students during the Tournaextension activity for students, creating ment of Minds (TOM) State a wonderful bond between a group. Finals last weekend has shot them into a Some members of the two State finalist spot in the Australasian and teams have worked together for Pacific Finals as part of several years but each year the NSW team. St new Year 7 students are I was extremely w Columba Anglican added to the team ho impressed with e School had and, therefore, e Stat performed at th t the ey th three regional members have to agains finals, especially schools ey finalist teams work together to dn Sy ile of high pr inate this m do attending the get to know each to nd te who confident am I n. io State event at tit other’s strengths. pe m co ams will do the University This year’s Year 7s that these two te arie and NSW, Port Macqu of New South have been outstandSCAS proud.” Wales in Aping additions to the plied Technology, teams.” Maths Engineering and The two SCAS teams Language and Literature. All are now making preparations teams performed outstandingly with the for their trip to Canberra on 17 October Applied Technology Team and the Maths where on Saturday 19 October they will Engineering Team winning their respective compete against teams from all of the divisions on the day. Australian states and territories, as well as Designed to encourage the developSingapore, New Zealand and Hong Kong. ment of higher order thinking skills and Ms Dimmock believes that these two creativity in students, TOMs is for students teams have as much chance of winning as with a passion for learning and problem any team attending the Australasian and solving, enabling them to demonstrate Pacific Final. She said, "I was extremely their skills and talents in a public forum. impressed with how they performed at Ms Cheryl Dimmock, SCAS TOMs facilithe State finals, especially against the tator said "TOMs a great experience for high profile Sydney schools who tend to students as it allows them to work as a dominate this competition. I am confident team. The teams are often under pressure that these two teams will do NSW, Port as students are challenged to find out Macquarie and SCAS proud.”

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Glasshouse Hair and Beauty Step into style this summer season with Glasshouse Hair and Beauty. Blonde tones are always on trend, and the best thing about going blonde is that there are so many different tones to choose from. There is the platinum, beige, natural, and golden hues, and by using the foiling technique, the colour will add depth and brightness to your locks. Messy beach hair and loose waves are also a popular and easy way to style your hair during summer. For the next two months at Glasshouse Hair and Beauty we will be offering ‘Catherine’s Crazy Special!’ (As seen below.) This is exceptional value and the ultimate way to kick off the new season! Using the sulphate and paraben free NAK products, Catherine is offering her customers a half head of shimmering foils – any colour of your choice, glossy toner, ‘NAK Aromas’ therapy mask treatment, stress relieving head massage, blow wave and an eyebrow shape and wax – ALL FOR JUST $79! October and November only. NEW to Glasshouse Hair and Beauty is Australia’s premium tanning range, ‘Jbronze by Jennifer Hawkins’. Lightweight and easy to apply, ‘Jbronze’ tanning mousses provide an incredibly deep or natural looking even and streakfree tan. Glasshouse Hair and Beauty has all you need to get ready for the summer season, so give the girls a call today on 6583 2088.

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focusinterview.

Successful business owners are like your favourite pair of shoes – they are worn, torn and experienced at handling things. The wisdom they have gained will have come through hard work and great favour.

Penny White Whit - elements l t of design / in my element enny White is one such local business owner. She has just opened her third store in the Wauchope CBD in the space of two years: 'in my element'. Chrissy Jones chatted with Penny about how her business has grown in such a short period of time. Why did you start your business (other than to make money) in the first place, and how did you find your niche? After leaving school and completing a TAFE course at Gymea Technical College and then another at Port Macquarie Technical College in Fashion, I had several years working in the fashion retail industry. I met my husband in Port Macquarie and had three children: Jack (now 19), Brodie (17) and Georgia (15). After working in my family's business for 12 years and my husband suffering a critical illness 3 years ago, where he was hospitalised in RPA in a medically induced coma for five weeks, we realised life is way too short; if you have dreams, you should not wait until a crisis makes you realise you need to go for it and make the change you wish to see in your career! Hence, elements of design was created from the ground up two years ago, stocking a great range of ladies clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages at affordable prices. Having a background in fashion and interior design has given me the experience to create and constantly source unique finds for everyone's liking. Our second boutique, eod vintage and clearance, opened 12 months ago in the same building as elements of design with the concept of giving our customers a terrific little bargain outlet were they will find our end of season

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stock, as well as great buys along the way. The beginning of September saw a huge surprise take shape, with the creation of 'in my element', our third boutique in the one great location. 'in my element' has been achieved with a vision to create a space that is a little extraordinary (that is far from the ordinary!) stocking gorgeous homewares, furniture, accessories, and apparel catering for men, children, ladies sleepwear with an exclusive ladies range to come. Our aim was to have customers feel and enjoy a homely, yet slightly industrial feel and natural element ambience, and from the response and comments we have received, we are happy to say we have successfully achieved this! In an economic climate that some retailers are finding tough, you are going from strength to strength; what do you think is the biggest challenge facing businesses today? On the outside, everything in retail looks appealing and sugar coated, but on the inside there is a lot of hard work to achieve such a result. The biggest challenge facing small businesses today is competition. You have to be constantly on your game with the knowledge of knowing exactly what your clientele wants and what their needs are, whilst still trying to be unique every step of the way, with customer service playing a huge part on an everyday basis. You have a strong, tight knit family working with you. How do they help you to do what you do? Our boutiques thrive on my family's close bond. We all get in together to achieve what we have to, whether it be my husband attending every trade fair with me, my daughter working weekends and helping me choose stock, to my son, Jack, working at 'in my element'. My son, Brodie, puts together furniture and collects boxes, my mum works in

urierr all three boutiques, and my dad does courier ky jobs and drops in coffees daily! How lucky I am! ne What advice would you give someone me? going into a business for the first time? he Take plenty of time to plan and source the products you wish to sell. They say mimicking is a form of flattery, but e in business uniqueness is what holds the key! u've What's the most important thing you've he learned about running a business? The most important thing I have learnt aboutt running a business is that you never know 'till you try, and you learn by your mistakes! Without giving too much away, what is the secret to your success? Many hours of hard work, all hours, every day of the week to source something a little different with a 'wow' factor.

Having a back ground in rior fashion and inte e the m n ve gi s design ha te and ea cr to ce en experi unique ce constantly sour 's ne yo finds for ever is to liking. My go al g exciting in br to ue contin r ou new finds to all boutiques.”

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What are the goals you’ve set for yourself and the business over the next 3 - 5 years? Continuing to bring exciting new finds to all of our boutiques, with more surprises planned in the near future. Our ideas are constantly flowing to achieve a complete emporium element for all of our clientele to continue to enjoy over many years to come.

has assisted me to create all of our 'elements'!

How does your business reflect you as a person? Fashion and design gives me a fulfilment that I can only explain as a huge buzz. It gets me so excited to create and will continue to be a work in progress that I enjoy every minute of! What are your opening hours? 'elements of design' and 'in my element': 8.30am - 5pm weekdays and 8.30am - 1pm Saturday.

What is the single most critical talent you possess in your role as a business owner?

'eod vintage and clearance': Thursday and Friday 10am - 2pm & Saturday 10am - 12.30pm.

I definitely believe having an interest and studying fashion and design from a young age

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/elementsofdesignwauchope

Embrace colour this Summer Summer is a great time to have fun with your footwear and embrace colour. The hot hues for shoes this season are eye-catching shades of seaspray, tangerine, mauve and guava. Or shift to neutral, with fresh looks in white, stone and tan. I can't help but think that Ziera have excelled themselves this season. We have the traditional comfort shoes that they are renowned for, but added to that mix are some very interesting Ziera are also colours and styles. In doing a little fact, I couldn't help dress thing, anhdas a sandal that ing myself; I had to take such an amaz, and a pair home! Having arch support ey worn them already, I at only $1 29 the can add they have that a sandal that has such an are great valu comfort factor that we amazing arch support, and too.â€? all like at the end of a long at only $129 they are great day at work. value too.

â€œ

One of the sandals has the interesting concept of having a reversible/removable T-bar strap that creates three different looks in the one shoe. It's so unique, you can't help but warm to it. There are some clever designers out there! Ziera are also doing a little dress thing, and

When spending long hours on our feet, it is important to invest in suitable footwear. Ziera have combined style and support into their range of shoes, and I am sure you will be impressed too! Come and see what is in store at Colonial Cobbler today.

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focusinterview.

Go4Fun is a free, after school program for children aged 7 – 13 years who are above a healthy weight. Children and their parents involved with the program get to enjoy a range of exciting and fun activities and learn about good nutritional choices. Margo Johnston, Jenny Arnold and Shannon Jobson explain the benefits of Go4Fun – and with another program about to kick off in Term 4, now’s the time to register your interest!

argo, Jen and Shannon: please tell us your official job titles and the organisation/s you work for ... My name is Margo Johnston, and I work as a Health Promotion Officer with the Mid North Coast Local Health District. Health Promotion is about enabling our local communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and we do this by running healthy programs such as Go4Fun, setting up walking groups throughout the Mid North Coast, working with local organisations and schools and child care centres to get our children more active and into good nutritional choices, just to name a few. Health Promotion is about preventing lifestyle related diseases, so our communities can live healthier, better and longer. My name is Jenny Arnold, and I am an Exercise Physiologist from Port Macquarie. I work locally on a range of physical activity programs, including being an exercise leader with Go4fun programs in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Macksville. I also provide a falls prevention program called Stepping On for older adults in Laurieton, and I am a Surf Coach at Port Macquarie Surf School. My name is Shannon Jobson; I'm an accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). I work for myself as ACESO Exercise Physiology and through this have contracted for Kempsey, Port MacquarieHastings and Nambucca local government areas to lead the Go4Fun program. Margo: What is Go4Fun, and how was the program initially established? Go4Fun is a free program for children aged 7 72 greater port macquarie focus.

to 13 years above healthy weight, and their parents. It was developed in England in 2002 and is now running there and in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Africa. Go4Fun is an after school program that children and their parent or carer attend that runs one afternoon per week for the school term. Go4Fun is free and kids become fitter, healthier and happier from participating. It includes fun games and activities, fun and interactive discussions that give children and their parent skills for life in choosing healthier foods and becoming more active. When children graduate from Go4Fun, they receive a free Family Fun Kit (valued at $80) that will enable their healthier lifestyle journey to continue. Jen: What are some of the activities you organise for Go4Fun participants, and how do these activities benefit everyone? We play a huge range of games in weekly exercise sessions that are designed to be maximum fun and also reinforce the twelve fundamental movement skills, like throwing, catching, hopping and leaping that we use throughout our lives in a range of ways – like for dancing, jogging, and playing group or individual sports. The games are designed to reinforce and encourage these fundamental skills, so children are even more prepared after Go4Fun for an active and healthy life! Shannon: What are some of the key nutrition messages you aim to get across to Go4Fun participants? At Go4Fun we encourage families to eat foods from the five food groups: vegetables and legumes; fruit; grains and cereals; lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds; and milk, yoghurt, cheese, mostly reduced fat. We discuss how children and parents can incorporate whole grain foods and lots of fruit

and veggies into their everyday foods. No food is prohibited, rather eaten in moderation. Goal setting, bullying prevention, making healthy choices and label reading are also an important part of the Go4Fun program, included in the 'mind' and 'nutrition' sessions.

fared. Becoming MEND detectives in the supermarket tour we do as part of Go4Fun helps the kids to go home and be more mindful about the foods in the pantry that they usually eat. I know a lot of the kids raided Mum’s pantry and knowledgeably said to Mum that these school snacks are not friendly snacks!

Jen and Shannon: What are some of the success stories you’ve personally Margo: When and where will the next witnessed as a result of the program? session of Go4Fun run locally – and Jen: I love to watch both children and parents’ where can people find out more info confidence increase in both exercise and or register? nutrition throughout the program. Also Go4Fun is running every term in Port being told that parents and children Macquarie and Wauchope and have taken on new and fun in other parts of the Mid life challenges; a recent North Coast. From October one for a local family was (Term 4) Go4Fun will run can visi bly see I entering and completing of from Port Macquarie towards the end the Forster Running m that Public School on a G o4Fun progra weight Festival! Another child d Mondays from 3.30 children have ha also es doing Go4Fun received loss. Most famili ve to 5.30pm and from ha a most improved award report that they Wauchope Indoor r te hips af for PE at school – her closer relations Stadium on Wednesdays first ever! doing G o4Fun.” from 4pm to 6pm. The children regularly We often use schools or report that they have indoor stadiums as a Go4Fun decreased their small screen time venue, because they are safe usage and social media. I can visibly see and designed for children to be able to run towards the end of a Go4Fun program that around. All children above healthy weight children have had weight loss. Most families and their parents or carers are invited to also report that they have closer relationships participate. Brothers and sisters may also after doing Go4Fun. come along to share the fun if child minding

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Shannon: I love the kids coming in every week ready for Go4Fun and telling me about how they went with their goals that week, whether they ate more fruit and veggies at school rather than snack foods, or if they had been able to reduce their screen time or increase after school physical activities; it's always exciting to hear how they have

is a difficulty. Interested parents and carers can call Margo Johnston on 6562 0324 locally, or they can register directly by calling the free call number 1800 780 900 or registering for a local program on the Go4Fun website: www.go4fun.com.au Thanks everyone.

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kitchen, health service, empowerment projects and offering home-schooling for disadvantaged children.

Robyn Butler.

These are the dates and places you can listen and talk to this very special man. DATE: Friday 11 October 2013 TIME: 7pm PLACE: Heritage Christian School Hall, 8 Mumford Place, Port Macquarie. Plus Helen Mottee, local singer/songwriter will entertain you ... free entry and supper supplied.

Well in the 25 years I have been writing for magazines in Port, the letter to Rob Oakeshott in my column last month received more reaction than any other article I have written …

ostly thanking me for writing how they themselves felt about Rob, his achievements and wishing him some serenity in his life ahead. Hear, hear! Congratulations to Keiran Dell on a fantastic official opening of the Majestic Theatre Renovations … the food, the wine, ice cream and popcorn added to an evening enjoyed by the invited guests. The staff serving the food and behind the bar from Rydges and the theatre excelled themselves. The tour of the 5 theatres, games room etc. was an eye opener

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… how lucky are we to have this facility in Port? This is a very social column this month … plenty of events to choose from … GOOD NEWS OUT OF ZIMBABWE … HEAR ALL ABOUT IT! Once again, local boy Martin Barrow has returned to Australia to talk about his wonderful work in Zimbabwe. Ten years ago Martin left his corporate finance job to assist the poorest of the poor in Zimbabwe. In ten years he has accomplished so much: establishing homes for children, a soup

Also, Martin will be talking at Sovereign Church, The Ruins Way, Saturday 12 October 2013 at 5.30pm and at Grace Church, 2 Kingfisher Road, Port Macquarie at 8am and 10am on Sunday 13 October 2013. Ring his mum, Robyn, on 6582 3300 or 0427 335 555. PINK LADY LUNCHEON … EIGHTEEN THIRTY RESTAURANT (in the Glasshouse Building) DATE: Tuesday 15 October 2013 TIME: 12.30pm COST: $29 per head Includes lunch and a glass of sparkling pink champers. Prize for best dressed 'Pink Lady', entertainment and lots of fun. All monies going to the Breast Cancer Support Network (celebrating their 10th anniversary this year), and the Aussie Dragon Flies (rowing team) that will be competing in the Sarosota (U.S.A.) in 2014. Booking is essential on 6584 3677.

Also, the Blank Canvas Café (downstairs in the Glasshouse Building) are having 'Pink October', whereby you can buy homemade pink macaroons, with all monies going to the Breast Cancer Support Group. You can just pop in and purchase one or several and take home to enjoy … great fundraising idea! BELLEVUE GARDENS RETIREMENT VILLAGE - DALE BURRIDGE CONCERT Guess who is coming to dinner? Bellevue Gardens Retirement Village are holding another of their fanastic concerts in the dining area. Once again cabaret style, with entertainment by the famous Dale Burridge, who played the lead in the Sydney production of Phantom of the Opera and Les Mis. He will be accompanied by the well known pianist David Cameron. TICKETS ARE LIMITED, so ring the office on 6584 1400 between 9am - 4pm weekdays to guarantee your seat. DATE: Sunday 13 October 2013 TIME: 2.30pm COST: $25 PER HEAD Hot and cold supper served after concert included, plus tea/coffee. B.Y.O. drinks. My friend’s house was broken into … they didn’t take the television … just the remote … now they drive up and down the street changing the channels all night! Keep smiling! Robbie x

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motorcycle

Clas c show

The Port Macquarie Classic Motorcycle Club will be hosting its inaugural Classic Motorcycle Show on October 27. John Butler expects the event will attract a number of motorcycles from clubs in other towns, as well as from local motorcycle enthusiasts …

i John. How and when did the Port Macquarie Classic Motorcycle Club begin? The Port Macquarie Classic Motorcycle Club (P.M.C.M.C.) held its first monthly meeting on 5 July 2011. I had the idea of starting a Classic Motorcycle Club for a while, so after gaining positive response to advertisements I placed in the local press I arranged a suitable meeting place and to my surprise, we had 13 people turn up to the first meeting to see what it was all about. What’s the aim of the club? The aim of the club is to foster and develop the restoration and registration of classic motorcycles. Clubs are great places for the sharing of knowledge, and we have a number of members who have been involved with classic motorcycles for many years. Where and when do club members regularly meet? Do you host rides/trips for members? We hold our monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month starting at 7pm, at the Settlers Inn Hotel, 101 Hastings River Drive. Meetings usually last less than an hour, and members can then mingle and discuss classic motorcycles and upcoming events. Please explain what a ‘classic’ motorcycle actually is ... do club members need to own one of these bikes to join the club? A classic motorcycle in N.S.W. is generally considered to be a motorcycle 30 years of age or more. Historic or conditional registration of classic motorcycles is relatively inexpensive, with the first registration costing less than $100 including 3rd party insurance and annual renewal of registration costing less than $60. Club members have to read and sign the club constitution; this is required by the Roads and Maritime Services Department, and this details members’ obligations and the rules that must be followed under the conditional registration scheme.

Members don’t have to own a classic motorcycle to become a member, but it helps. Many members have both old and new motorcycles and often take the newer motorcycle on our longer rides. Members can also have their classic motorcycle on full registration, therefore allowing you to ride your classic machine at any time.

south as the Shoalhaven Club. We hope that the show will become an annual community event and as the word gets around the classic motorcycle community, there will be an increase in entries. Living in the Port Macquarie area, we tend to forget what a lovely place it is and I have been told that some members of other clubs will make the show part of a holiday break in Port.

How many members does the club currently have, and what is their age range? The club currently has What are some of the organised activities/ well in excess of 30 members, ranging in age entertainment planned for the day? from their 30s to our oldest member, Apart from the public being able to who is over 80 years of age … and get up close to some lovely classic while he doesn’t ride now, he is t ea gr e motorcycles, there will be a involved in the restoration of a Clubs ar jumping castle for the kids and places for the couple of motorcycles and of ledge, of course, the full bistro and bar course, joins our social events. sharing of know r we have a numbe d an facilities of the Settlers Inn. Describe the motorcycle ve

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of members who

show the club will be What costs are associated ith been involved w r fo es hosting in October ... cl with attending the event? cy or ot m classic where and when will it s.” Members of the public will ar ye y man be held? The Port Macquarie be asked to make a gold coin Classic Motorcycle Club is holding donation to enter the show area, a Classic Motorcycle Show on 27 with the bulk of the money being October in the function room at the donated to the ‘Kids like Kobi’ charity Settlers Inn Hotel, starting at 10am for the at Westmead Oncology Unit. It will cost public and concluding around 2pm. $5 to enter one or more ‘classic’ motorcycles. Monique Turner, the Licensee of the Settlers Inn, will be choosing a Publicans’ Choice Motorcycle, and there will also be trophies for American, European, English, Japanese, Veteran, Vintage, and Off Road and Racing Classic Motorcycles, as well as a separate trophy for the best Port Macquarie Club motorcycle, as members cannot win the other categories. How many and what types of bikes are you hoping will be on display at the venue? We are hoping that we will have over 40 registrations for the show. Invitations have been sent out to all the local Classic and Historic clubs and have even gone as far

Motorcycles don’t have to be registered, but they must be at least 30 years old and not modified − with the exception of safety modifications like better brakes, lights, indicators and tyres. How can people find out more info about the motorcycle show, or the club? If anyone requires additional information about the show, feel free to contact me (John Butler) on 0419 485 493 or 6582 6878. The club also has a great website at: www. pmclassicbikes.com Thanks John. greater port macquarie focus 75

If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise! SW State Forests offer a range and quality of nature-based tourism experiences that have something for everyone. You can pitch your tent and light a campfire, enjoy free picnic and camping facilities, take in the views at spectacular lookouts, get a burst of adrenaline by riding along dirt tracks on your mountain or trail bike, explore via 4WD or bushwalking, ride your horse and even bring your dog. The warmer months are a great time to get out and enjoy your local State Forest. And even if you’re travelling, there are plenty of opportunities to explore NSW forests without veering too far from the Pacific Highway. Here’s the lowdown on some favourite State Forest destinations in your local region: SWAN’S CROSSING Kerewong State Forest Close to: Kendall, Kew. Opening hours: always open. Cost: free. Best known for: family-friendly camping. Swans Crossing in Kerewong State Forest is a popular picnic and camping area set on a former dairy/beef property owned by the Swan family. With plenty of open spaces for the family to play, the surrounding regenerated native forest and hardwood plantations provide a lush backdrop to this beautiful, expansive area. The nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek provide a cool swimming spot and plenty of places for wading and splashing fun. The historical Longworth’s Tramway Heritage Walk is only a short drive away, with connecting bushwalking trails offering even more for the nature lover. Getting there: take the Pacific Highway exit to Kew. Travel via Lorne Road to reach Upsalls Creek Road; follow to Kerewong State Forest. 76 greater port macquarie focus.

OLD BOTTLEBUTT vation zone) within Orara East State Forest. Burrawan State Forest. The forest is luxuriant with lush rainforest Close to: Wauchope, Port Macquarie. areas to be found along walking tracks and Opening hours: always open. dirt roads. Cost: free. The centrepiece of Sealy Lookout is the Best known for: a uniquely-shaped towerimpressive Forest Sky Pier, a majestic viewing tree. ing platform offering spectacular views over Burrawan State Forest is worth a visit to Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas. Cansee the 'Old Bottlebutt' – an ancient and tilevered off a natural cliff and 15 metres impressive Bloodwood tree with a large above the forest floor, the viewing platform flanged base, in an area of protected remsways ever so gently as visitor walk along it. nant rainforest. Old Bottlebutt is accessible It is constructed from native North Coast via a comfortable 600 metre loop walk inhardwood beams, with Turpentine decking corporating 3 pretty footbridge creek crossand Blue Gum handrails supported by a ings. A timber viewing platform and seating stainless steel cable structure. The Forest are in development and will allow visitors Sky Pier is safe and accessible to all (includto experience this magnificent ing wheelchairs and strollers); you can Bloodwood in all its glory. drive and park within metres of A picnic shelter and the Pier itself whilst picnic, toilet facilities are extra seating and toilet fad located at the cilities are also available. te It is construc th or N start of the Getting there: Turn e from nativ s, am be d walk. off the Pacific Highway oo Co ast hardw g in ck de e tin Getting there: just north of Coffs en with Turp rails nd ha um G Turn off the Harbour, onto Bruxner ue and Bl ainless st a by d te or Pacific Highway Park Road. Drive up supp ure.” at Herons Creek through banana plantasteel cable struct (Wauchope exit) tions to Scenic Drive – onto Bago Road. turn left and follow to the Forest Sky Pier. SEALY LOOKOUT & NSW State Forests are open FOREST SKY PIER free for public use. They are an imporOrara East State Forest. tant asset for both the timber and tourism Close to: Coffs Harbour, Korora. industries; State Forests are sustainably Opening Hours: daylight hours. managed and productive, whilst also proCost: free. viding places for people to play, appreciate Best known for: amazing views over Coffs and enjoy our beautiful natural landscape Harbour, the coastline and surrounding and Australian environment. hinterland. Want to know more? Sealy Lookout is an award-winning tourwww.forestrycorporation.com.au ist attraction, having won both Bronze and Want to share your experience? Gold tourism awards since its revitalisation www.facebook.com/forestplayground in December 2011. The Lookout is located www.twitter.com/visitnswforests on an escarpment 310 metres above Coffs instagram: #visitNSWforests Harbour, only 9 kilometres from the city tourism@fcnsw.com.au centre. It lies inside a flora reserve (conser-

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focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

T o u r is m

janette hyde. The school holidays are here and there is so much to do for both our locals and holidaymakers. Take advantage of some of the myriad of events planned for October. here has been a great response from tourism businesses taking part in the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Partnership Programme for 2013 - 2014. Planning is now underway for the production of the latest version of the Eat See and Do Guide, which will be released in Match 2014. There is still stock of the current version available. You can also go to www.portmacquarieinfo.com Destination Management Planning is a new State Government requirement; essentially, it is a business plan for building and managing the visitor economy for our destination. To this end, Council will be holding workshops in each of our main town centres over the period 21 - 23 October. Venues and specific timing will be confirmed shortly. NOW FOR THE ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR OCTOBER OASIS BY THE RIVER FRENCH THEMED VINTAGE CAR WINERY TOUR AND FRENCH LUNCH 6 October; depart 9.30am. Enquiries: Oasis by the River 6559 6918. Event info: https://www.facebook.com/oasisbytheriver BREAKFAST IN THE BEDS 6 October; 9am – Near River Produce. Experience this organic market farm, harvest the freshest of produce and pass it on to the chef, have it prepared and served for breakfast. Event info: www.breakfastinthebeds.com 2013 CARLTON MID PORT MACQUARIE CUP CARNIVAL Friday 11 October to Saturday 12 October. It’s that time of the year again: spring racing. The Port Macquarie Racecourse comes alive on Friday 11 October with the Carlton Mid Port Macquarie Cup Day. Event info: www.portmacquarieraceclub.com.au HIGH TEA ON THE HASTINGS 12 October at Rydges; 2pm. Enjoy an elegant High Tea on the lawn overlooking the sparkling Hastings River. Event info: www.rydges.com/hotel/RNPMAC/ Rydges-Port-Macquarie.htm JAZZ N SHIRAZ AT EIGHTEEN THIRTY RESTAURANT AND BAR 18 October; 6.30pm – 2nd floor of the Glasshouse. You’ll find live Jazz, accompanied by a delectable 6 course degustation dinner. Event info: www.facebook.com/EighteenThirtyRestaurant

IRON KIDS Saturday 19 October – Camden Haven; starts 9am from Laurieton Services Club. Event info: www.IRONMANportmacquarie.com IRONMAN 70.3 Australian Age Group Championship; Sunday 20 October – various locations around Port Macquarie. Event info: www.IRONMANportmacquarie.com DOUGLAS VALE OPEN DAY 19 October; 9.30am - 3.30pm – Douglas Vale Homestead and Vineyard. The winery is opening the gates to welcome visitors for a family day of fun, wine and entertainment. Event info: www.douglasvale. com.au A NIGHT AT THE BREWERY 19 October; 6.30pm - 10pm – Black Duck Brewery. Guests at this beer and fine food matching night will enjoy seven beers accompanied by fine food crafted from the best fresh local produce by leading local caterers, XS Food. Event info: www.blackduckbrewery.com.au FARM GATE TOUR AND NORTH COAST INSTITUTE OF TAFE FARM GATE BUS TOUR 19-20 October - Various locations around Greater Port Macquarie. These Farm Gate Tours are a not for profit event supporting farmers and farm gate enterprises. Event Information: www. portmacquarieinfo.com.au/explore/location. aspx?id=372 A SOPHISTICATED 5 PLATE TASTING MENU WITH MATCHING WINES 24 October – The Corner Restaurant; 6.30pm. Chef Blake Dwyer joins with restaurant manager Joh Chapman to romance your taste buds with a five plate tastings menu, accompanied by premium wines. Event info: www.cornerrestaurant.com.au TASTINGS ON HASTINGS DINNER 25 October; 7pm – Port Macquarie Panthers. Experience a night to remember at Port Panthers overlooking the beautiful Hastings River, with delectable food, wine and beer, great company and acoustic entertainment. Event info: www.portmacquarie. panthers.com.au SBS FEAST TASTINGS ON HASTINGS 2013 27 October; 10am - 4pm – Town Green Park and Horton Street. With more than 100 stall holders, serving an amazing range of great local cuisine along Clarence Street, the lower end of Horton Street onto the Town Green. Event info: www.tastingsonhastings.com.au/events greater port macquarie focus 77

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

The 2nd Travelworld Wauchope Expo! Whether you are planning your dream trip to The States, a cruise, a walking experience in Italy – or just dream of far off places, the Expo has everything you could wish for under the one roof. Still call Australia Home: We are excited to have AAT Kings along this year. Inspiring journeys into the Australian outback and combinations with rail make this a great opportunity to discuss first hand what our great country has to offer.

here will be something for all tastes and budgets, including domestic and international travel, insurance, coach and rail. There will also be special ‘today only’ deals, so be sure to be ready to pay a small deposit on the day to secure your discounts. Asia in the Bag: always popular, China, Vietnam, Bali are all well covered at the Expo, with lots of specialised itineraries for you to chose from. InterAsia also cover the road less travelled, with Mongolia, India, Sri Lanka and Japan on offer. African Queen: this ever popular continent is a bit of a mystery to some – but not to

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Evergreen and Scenic Tours! What is the best time of year to visit – visas – money – it all makes sense when you talk to the experts. Coach Touring: still a wonderful way to see the sights, while someone else does all the work; coach touring is maturing. Trafalgar have an exciting change to their programmes with the focus on ‘guided touring’, making this the way to see Europe. Their regional tours start at 10 in the morning and stay for 2 or 3 nights in each place, making this a relaxed and refreshing holiday. Conrad will be there to share his special brand of enthusiasm for this fantastic new way of seeing Europe and the Americas.

Northern Highland Travel will be in attendance. Starting in Walcha many years ago, this family business has grown by attention to detail and sticking to old fashioned values of service. Friendly drivers, great coaches, and itineraries designed to take you to some of the most out of the way events around Australia – and even overseas. Fully escorted and with local pickups, Northern Highland Travel offer something for every taste.

Matt McLachlan is one of Australia’s leading war historians and has spent more than 10 years following Australian war history around the world, and he will be on hand to share his passion. Cruise: unpack only once – sumptuous meals – wind in your hair – who doesn’t dream of a relaxing trip on one of our popular vessels? Australians are taking to the high seas more often and with a confusing array of cruise companies out there, find out just what will suit you the best.

New Zealand: features well, with several companies offering information and advice; Anzcro, Kirra Tours and Grand Pacific Tours will be there. Talk to the experts about the land of the long white cloud.

Don’t risk a travel nightmare – use the knowledge of the travel experts and the combined experience of our licensed, professional local travel agents at Travelworld Wauchope to help make your holiday the trip of a lifetime! Bev, Natalie, Jenny, Karen, and Robyn will be available on the day to point you in the right direction and help get your dream holiday underway!

Battlefield Tours: this specialised area is growing in demand, particularly with the centenary of Gallipoli coming up in 2015.

A gold coin donation for Rotary is all it will cost you to see the world in Wauchope on November 2!

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

Discover MSC Cruises magical Mediterranean way of life, with its stunning early booking program for 2014.

MSC Cruises 2014 Cruise Moments Offer Amazing Savings

ith over 180 ports of call and amazing new itineraries to discover, the 2014 season is a world of excitement. So book now and take advantage of these savings of up to $200 per person off our 2014 prima prices! Amazing itineraries are always exciting, and MSC’s Mediterranean 2014 cruise program is no exception, with weekend departures from Venice and Genoa to the East or West Mediterranean discovering Greece, Croatia, Spain, France and many more to suit your holiday plans. From a range of 7, 8, 9 or 11 night Mediterranean cruises exploring Istanbul, Izmir, Greek Islands, Yalta, Odessa and Constanta in the Black Sea and so much more, the choice is endless, and our flexible embarkation ports means our cruises suit your European vacation.

In 2014 our popular beautiful ports of the Norwegian Grand Mediterranean Fjords and Baltic Capitals are es These cruisea cruises have reached once again stunning options on open up arr s new heights! the 2014 cruise program. A ei known for th Travellers can choose highlight is 4 amazing cruises ty es aj beauty, m and to start their 14 discovering the worlds of ry to is h and rly nights, discovering the Midnight Sun or Iceland, with MSC’s ea it’s a both the East and as well as 2 cruises that bird savings,th ’s cruise price!” at West Mediterranean, provide the chance to have an le b ta ea unb from either the overnight stay in the amazing stunning port of Venice Russian port of St Petersburg. or the charming historical These cruises open up areas known city of Genoa. Choose from 2 for their beauty, majesty and history and stunning itineraries covering ports of with MSC’s early bird savings, it’s a cruise price call including Turkey, Croatia, France, Spain and that’s unbeatable! still receive the FREE transfer, no matter which From Europe to the Caribbean, the savings side of the Mediterranean you start! continue with MSC. For the first time MSC has a

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While the Mediterranean is our home, the

ship cruising year round in the Caribbean, with

the elegant MSC Divina offering clients a great way to see this unique area from the home port of Miami. Cruise from May to September 2014, and you can gain some amazing early booking deals in this stunning area. With 12 ships cruising in 2013 - 2014 and a range of destinations on offer, including Arabian Peninsula, South America, South Africa as well as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Caribbean, MSC Cruises' new program showcases a world of discovery. Early bookings for Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Caribbean start from AUD$609 per person for a 7 night Mediterranean cruise or AUD$1338 per person for a 14 night Grand Mediterranean if you book by 30 November 2013. Visit www.msccruises.com.au or call AU 1300 028 502.

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

Experience The Real Asia Ever wanted to visit China and walk the Great Wall, take a leisurely cruise on the mighty Yangtze, see the intriguing Terracotta Warriors, or explore imperial Beijing’s old lanes by exp rickshaw? Why not sample the very rick best of historical kitchens in Beijing? bes Stop off in e Bangkok for som re fo be ng great shoppi Mai exploring Chiang iangle Tr n and the Golde beach rn he ut so or the and resorts of Phuketing m co el w in Krabi Thailand!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let Trafalgar take you beyond the expected Every Europe trip should include the icons: the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, Big Ben. But what if you want to experience more than the major sights? This year, guided holiday experts Trafalgar have enhanced their itineraries, adding richer, more exclusive Insider Experiences, taking travellers even deeper into destinations on their guided holidays across Europe, Britain, Canada, the Americas and Asia. Like introducing you to Beatrice, who welcomes you to her 17th century French farm with a warm smile, Loire Valley wine and stories of her ‘noble’ family. Or Libero, a Florentine chef, who teaches you how to make fresh pasta from scratch, cooking and enjoying it together in his kitchen garden. Real ‘insiders’, Trafalgar’s passionate Travel Directors, open up each destination to you with all the details taken care of, from quality accommodation to luxury coach transport and many meals included. There’s no better time to book your 2014 Europe and Britain holiday, with earlybirds on sale with savings of up to 10%*! Plus, you’ll save even more at the expo. To fi nd out more, visit us at the expo, come in store or call us on (02) 6585 2060.

North American Discovery Only with Scenic Tours will guests wake up in luxury at the finest Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, experience the romance of rail on the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service or first class sleeper comfort on VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’, as well as enjoy the privacy of a guaranteed verandah stateroom on every luxury Alaskan cruise. A number of exciting enhancements have been made to the Canada and Alaska program – new experiences, new hotels and new itineraries, including the much anticipated Glacier skywalk, as guests venture over the incredible Icefields Parkway in Alberta. With new Scenic FreeChoice options for 2014, guests have the freedom to choose the activities they enjoy the most at no extra cost, such as zip lining through the rainforest in Victoria and jet boating in Whistler. Scenic Tours have extended their trail across the vast continent of North America, introducing new itineraries throughout the USA. Guests can now experience the Iconic Route 66, Discover Yellowstone, the world's first national park or cruise along the mighty Mississippi on board the authentic steamboat, American Queen.

Luxury Cruising and Touring Europe. Are you ready to travel beyond the expected?

Be inspired by one of the many Scenic Tours luxury cruising or touring options. Find out about our magniﬁcent European River Cruises, Canada, Alaska and USA touring programs, African Safaris or one of our many other must see destinations. All inclu

ve 5 stasir

luxu ry

Anyone can see the iconic sights. Travel with Trafalgar and you’ll experience the sights like an insider. Hearing stories from local experts, watching artisans at work, even dining with local families in their homes.

Visit us at the Travelworld Wauchope Expo to discover more.

SPECIAL EXPO OFFERS AVAILABLE 1/31 High Street Wauchope NSW 2446 Phone: (02) 6585 2060 Email: info@wauchopetravel.com.au

Quote code: SNTR590 greater port macquarie focus 81

focusmotoring

‘The Smug’

THIS MONTH THE SMUG TEST DRIVES THE BRAND NEW ‘POCKET ROCKET’ PEUGEOT 208 GTI 2 DOOR 6 SPEED MANUAL (PETROL), COURTESY OF JOHN PATRICK PRESTIGE CARS PORT MACQUARIE.

aving previously been a Peugeot owner myself for five years, it’s amazing how many variations of the pronunciation there is for the brand. So first up, let’s pronounce this little gem correctly. It’s a Purr-zhyo (like a cat – purr), not Pew-jay or other variables. Getting down business, this little pocket rocket is one of the most exciting offerings from the Peugeot stable in recent times. Not least since the 1980s 205 GTi, which still holds firm in many motoring columnists’ memories. The brand new Peugeot 208 GTi is a fun little beast with some serious features that will knock your socks off. If we ‘torque’ power for a minute, the 4 cylinder 208 GTi fits 200 horses under the bonnet or 147 kW with 275 Nm at 1750 rpm. Some serious nuggets by anyone’s language. If I didn’t know it was a 1.6 L, I would have guessed it was a 2.0 L. Weighing in at a lightweight 1130 kg, it’s not hard to feel that Peugeot have packed this one to the brim without overloading it. Taking this one out onto the open road was an amazing experience. Winding through the gears, the turbocharged engine really impressed, with some seriously good punch lower in the acceleration to cleanly and quickly get you off the mark. The six speed manual gearbox wasn’t a problem and simply added to the fun of throwing this little rocket around. I don’t know if you’d want this one in an automatic version. I don’t recall a more balanced and steady drive in a small car and the 208 GTi’s handling through the bends and turns is of particular note and in my view, one of its best attributes. 82 greater port macquarie focus.

The interior décor and layout are something to be solid as a house and feature ‘beam absorbers’ to assist seen. The driver and front passenger are treated to in effectively distributing any impact in the event of a love handle hugging race style seats, and the steering side collision. wheel is a swanky looking leather trimmed rallyAs usual with all Peugeots, the occupants’ safety inspired little number. is paramount and aside from the side door beam Whilst still in the interior, the impressive multiabsorbers, the 208 GTi is packed full of safety function digital display sits boldly in the middle features. From stability and traction control systems of the dash and everything else sits to anti-lock braking and a half a dozen back, secondary to this pride of airbags, feeling safe in this hot four is joy. Clearly Peugeot made the a given. conscious decision to make In a mini ‘what-tha’ safety ’ this display, or command feature, the hazard lights ue rq ‘to e If w centre, a focal point of on the GTi initiate under power for a yinder the front interior. Having heavy braking. The fuel minute, the 4 cl horses 0 20 said that, the balance of consumption on the 208 GT i fits et or the dashboard features, highway is noted at under the bonn m at N including the speedo 4.7 L/100 km, and 147 kW with 275 rious se 1750 rpm. Some ’s and tacho elements, the city cycle will yield ne nuggets by anyo sit comfortably well 8.2 L/100 km with a language.” together from a visual combined 5.9 L/100 km. A perspective. very respectable outlay for a Although we’re talking whole lot of fun for sure. a 3 door hatch, there’s plenty When it comes to other notable of leg room both in the front and features of the Peugeot 208 GTi, a few the back, and the 208 GTi offers a very stand out for special mention. generous boot space big enough to rival some The top speed is 230 km/h and the 0 - 100 mid-sized vehicles. The rear seats fold down in km/h acceleration is 6.8 seconds, or can transport a 60/40 split to provide even more room for the you from a standing start up to one kilometre weekend toys. away within 26.9 seconds ... under controlled From the exterior, the 208 GTi clearly exudes both circumstances, of course. speed and sports. With a choice of many colours with In the technology and sound stakes, the two USB or without metallic finish and the low profile 17” alloy ports, auxiliary jack, Bluetooth, satellite navigation and rims, this bunny is going to look good no matter how a six speaker system ensure you’re connected, iTunedpoor one’s colour coordination is while personalising. in and travelling in the right direction. A great little feature on the front grille is the Taking out the 208 GTi was one of the more chequered flag strip above the number plate and the exciting drives of the year and is well worth including sleek fog lights set low into a clean-lined and curvy in your notes when looking for your next commuter front bumper section. car, weekend fun runabout or genuinely economical Of some notice, the doors appear oversized but as second vehicle.

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focusinterview.

by Michelle Newman from Newman Communications

The ‘Day in the Life’ series gives us a glimpse into the working lives of the people we don’t often see or think about, but who play an important role in keeping our community running.

helley Fabian and her fellow truck drivers at JR Richards are up at sparrows every day collecting over 31,000 tonnes of domestic waste, recycling and organics in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area each year. Arriving at work at 5.30am, when the world is “peaceful and beautiful”, Shelley looks forward to seeing the same people out and about each week, especially the little children whose faces light up when she gives them a wave. Shelley’s ability to be alert and adaptable helps her concentrate when there’s a lot going on at once – keeping an eye on the traffic, making sure people are using the correct bins and dealing with neighbourhood dogs. “Once when I was emptying a recycling bin, I looked in the mirror and saw a Jack Russell hanging off the wheel of the bin about to be dumped! Luckily I saw him in time and lowered the bin so he could jump off.”

Once when I g was emptyin I a recycling binmirror e th in d looke and saw a Jack Russell hanginogf off the wheelt to be the bin abou dumped!”

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Shelley and the other drivers appreciate the recognition they receive from the public when people thank them for doing a great job. “Sometimes it’s difficult being one of only four females working in what is perceived to be a man’s job, but I like being outdoors, driving the trucks and working with a great team.” 84

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Shelley would like to see people taking more responsibility for their rubbish and is bothered by people dumping things like furniture, mattresses and household waste illegally. Council is currently looking into the use of video cameras in dumping hotspots to catch repeat offenders. Shelley also thinks many people could do a better job of sorting their recyclables. Residents and businesses could save a lot of money by separating waste when they drop it off at transfer stations. Recyclables, scrap metal and e-waste (computers and TVs) are free to drop, whereas general and green waste incurs a fee.

“It’s disheartening to see recyclables like bulk cardboard from businesses going into landfill when there are many more economical and environmentally friendly waste management options in the area. Almost 42,000 tonnes of waste went to landfill in the Port MacquarieHastings area last year. Much of it should have been recovered for reuse or recycling. “I hope people get behind the Garage Sale Trail on 26 October so things can be reused instead of being sent to the tip.”

My Day. 5.00am Alarm goes off; time to get ready for work 5.30am Arrive at work, have coffee and organise daily route 6.00am Clock on for the day, complete daily inspection of truck, including oil, water, tyres, lights etc 6.05am Leave yard and commence travelling my route for the day picking up bins 8.00am Head off to the rubbish tip with my first load, continue on route and deliver second load to tip 11.00am Time for a break; morning tea 11.30am Continue working until the third load is complete; drive to the tip to empty the last load 1.30pm Fill the truck with fuel and head back to the yard 2.00pm Clock off for the day

focustravel.

Marlborough Food and Wine Festival

Tour

Bo en T H E R A P H Y.

G entle Effective Relief with Bowen Therapy aren Andrighetto, Melissa PriceFaala and Deborah Fleith are three Bowen Therapists working in the local Port Macquarie to Laurieton area who advertise together under the one banner, but operate independently. These practitioners have created a support network for clients. If you suffer from pain or discomfort and feel like you have tried everything, perhaps you should investigate Bowen Therapy, a gentle and effective soft tissue therapy. Designed to reduce or eliminate a wide range of problems and injuries, Bowen Therapy helps to ease pain, increase range of movement, improve one’s sense of wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and improve digestive, hormonal and lymphatic functions. Bowen Therapy sessions are personalised to the client, whether it be a newborn baby, someone with sporting injuries, a pregnant woman with back

pain through to the elderly. Deborah Fleith works from her clinic in Port Macquarie; she has had a long association with natural therapies and yoga, which she brings to her practice and after experiencing the benefits of Bowen therapy, decided she would love to help others feel the benefits. Melissa Price-Faala has a background in homeopathy and foot care; whilst offering other services, she specialises in Bowen Therapy. Melissa operates from Safe Haven Natural Therapies in Lake Cathie and can come to you if necessary. Karen Andrighetto of Soft Tissue Therapies, Bonny Hills, is a Registered Nurse; she has witnessed firsthand positive changes to people's everyday lives resulting from Bowen Therapy. Karen also offers other soft tissue therapies. Contact your local therapist for an appointment today.

FOOD, WINE & FUN – THIS IS THE TOUR FOR YOU

his is an amazing biennial festival borough Chateau offers the best of the arranged by the premium probest with well appointed rooms, at the ducers of the Marlborfringe of the CBD, close to the ough. Wednesday 30 vineyards. October to Monday 4 Before and after WO RL D CL A SS November 2013 the” Official Festival” W IN ER IE S, EE NGR S With Your Tour we will enjoy the U O M FA EL S, LI PP ED M U SSIS Hosts Helen & John many wonderful J&H , ES IDYL LI C CRU ED Ross OAM. Our tour Tours experiences IL U N SP O W IL DE RN ES SIN&G will capture the esand enhancements SU PE RB DI N S ” CE sence of the Marlborof the area. Following EX PE RI EN ough Valley; world class is useful and important wineries, famous greeninformation and your daily lipped mussels, idyllic cruises itinerary. in the Sounds, unspoiled wilderness For more information and bookings and superb dining experiences. contact 1800 836 811 or email Your accommodation at The Marlinfo@jhtours.com.au

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focusinterview.

By Jane Hillsdon Principal Consultant of Dragonfly Marketing

ShaneRyan r y a n

ou’re a busy man and clearly very passionate about what you do! Not only are you the Principal of Chartered Accounting practice Ryan Financial, you’ve just launched Balance Business Partners (a cloud based accounting and bookkeeping business) and you are a stakeholder in a number of other significant startup ventures. How do you successfully juggle all of these hats? I have a very supportive wife, Rene, an exceptional management team (including Karyn Farr and Kieran Proberts) and 2 very honest, committed and hard-working role models in mum (Sue) and dad (Bob). With all of these business commitments, is it still possible to achieve a work-life balance? And how do you manage to do this? It depends on your definition. If it’s ‘equal time at work and play’, then ‘no’ ... but if it’s having the flexibility in my work life to attend a school function or take a long weekend when I want, then ‘definitely’. Life’s very busy, but the flexibility to work when and where it suits is a not negotiable element. Building solid relationships with your clients is an imperative pursuit for any business. What processes do you have in place to ensure that this activity is prioritised and implemented across your business activities? I thoroughly enjoy getting to know my clients and their varied businesses, and relationships tend to come naturally the more time you spend together. In terms of process, I keep track of who and how I stay in contact and my personal role in the practice includes speaking with clients and other business contacts as regularly as possible.

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How do you manage to keep your staff motivated and engaged with the growth of your businesses? We’re building a team of people who are naturally pretty motivated to do well. That’s not possible in all industries, so we are a bit fortunate. From there I try to keep the team up to date and involved in strategy development and implementation, and we offer a flexible work environment with an emphasis on family priorities. We spend a lot of time at work, so it’s important that it’s an atmosphere people are happy to turn up to. Your businesses operate in fairly competitive environments locally. How do you differentiate from the competition? You’re right, and there are a lot of very good tax accountants locally. We do tax (and we do it as well as the next guy) but it is very difficult to differentiate in this space – clients don’t always know if you’ve done a good job or not! We are a business like any other, and so we try to provide great customer service. For us this means keeping clients up to date with where things are up to and little things like returning phone calls and emails promptly. For the clients who want it, we also assume an enhanced role in their business by assisting them to identify their goals and developing the systems and strategies (and accountability!) to get to where they want to be. Not all accountants have this capability. What are some of the changes you have seen within your industry over the past decade, and how have you adapted your business model to adjust accordingly to these changes? What has traditionally been a very conservative and sedate industry is currently receiving a massive shakeup on a number of fronts. The

f i n a n c i a l

are some of the areas we see successful startmain one is the introduction of some excellent cloud based accounting software (such as ups struggle. Surrounding yourself with the right Xero), which creates huge efficiencies but blurs people is critical. the line between traditional bookkeeping and What would you class as your biggest accounting roles. Balance Business Partners career achievement to date? addresses this development. The other emerging That’s a bit difficult to judge. On one hand I impact is from Financial Planners pushing into was CFO of a $450m turnover company before tax services due to changes in their industry. Our the age of 30. On the other, we have been market will undergo more change in able to cultivate a dynamic young the next five years than it has accounting practice whilst in the last 25. achieving quite a few personal In terms of startgoals on the home front. I thoroughly up ventures, how Probably the latter. enjoy getting to important do you What do you think s and know my client think the strategic is the single most nesses, their varied busi planning process important factor in s tend and relationship the is, and why do you running a successful lly to come natura think that? regional business? spend more time you Strategic planning is It’s all about cash together.” critical for all businesses, management. Businesses including start-ups, can strangle themselves growth businesses and those with their own success. operating in mature markets. Without good systems and an This needn’t mean a weeklong understanding of the cash impact of conference to produce a ‘telephone book’ every decision you make, life can be pretty that sits in the top drawer until next year. stressful. Without strategy, you have no idea what it And finally, what advice do you wish is that you want to achieve and whether there is someone would have given you before even a path to get you there. embarking on your journey as a business From your experience with working with owner? growth businesses, what are some of the Stay focused on what you are good at. biggest challenges you see them face, The particular product or service you deliver and how are they best to overcome these is somewhat irrelevant to you achieving your challenges? goals. Some of the most successful businesses The transition from successful ‘one-manin the Hastings don’t sell particularly ‘sexy’ band’ to profitable growth business is very products (and a lot of people probably haven’t challenging. Managing cashflow, engaging the even heard of them). Whatever you do, do it staff that do things ‘as good as you do’ and well. staying true to your goals during tough times Thanks for your time Shane.

“

focustravel with Susie Boswell

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

TROPICAL FRUIT SAFARIS

ike a regimental guard commander Trina McKiernan strides along rows of greenness escorting me, the nominal dignitary, as we inspect serried lines of flourishing fruit trees. She props, draws secateurs and dives under a low canopy - and emerges, sweeping back foliage, brandishing yet another perfectly ripened specimen. We’re gathering produce from a lush orchard in Mission Beach, 90 minutes from Cairns; our harvest’s to star later in a tropical fruit “safari” in town. The exotic varieties are remarkable for their size and brilliant colours: not ho-hum bananas or pineapples, but carambola, granadilla, rollinia, guanabana, bixa and more. They’re tagged “ultra” tropical fruit. Mangos, paw paws and so on are traditionally regarded as “tropical”, yet grow outside the tropics in, say, Sydney. But “ultra tropical” fruits are equatorial rainforest species, needing high rainfall and humidity. Another notable aspect of this abundant Garden of Eden is that, two years ago, this entire region was flattened by 300kph winds, in Tropical Cyclone Yasi. Yet to a visitor’s eye it’s as if nothing stronger than a cooling sea breeze has passed by. Tourists have returned to resorts, beachside cabins and luxury shacks, pet-friendly caravan villages and B&Bs. The locals’ motto: “Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” The owners of Fruitforest Farm, where we gathered the cornucopia, had taken the precaution of buffering the trees against nature, growing them against strong trellises. Soon, visitors will be able to replicate my experience here, riding the rows on a flat-back truck, beginning the safari in the orchard. But, for now, it begins at the Visitor Centre where volunteers chop and slice the bounty we’ve brought, displaying it on tables at the head of a classroom. Our safari starts. Angi Matveyeff, Mission Beach Tourism manager, tells us: “Feeling, smelling, tasting fresh produce is seductive. It’s like wine tasting: swishing the pulp across the palate, searching our retained memories for beautiful connec-

tions”. She offers our gathering of tourists a truly “oral” tour of the fruits and their uses, passing them round for sampling and offering cooking tips. The purple star apple, like rice pudding; black sapote, like chocolate pudding; the crisp citrus tang of pomelo for marmalades and stir fries; butterscotchflavoured sapodilla; others for use as sorbets, in pannacottas, cheesecakes, flambeed, in cocktails - even as faux chicken curry, and room deodorisers! Abiu, she declares, “is like creme caramel: a must-try before you die!” The safari’s popularity offers “an authentic gastronomic experience and cuisine that’s intrinsically northern Queensland. We seduce our visitors by adding another dimension taste - to an area that already heightens the senses.” Drinking it in: A honeyeater and I are sipping the nectar of delicious tropical fruits in a rainforest retreat between Port Douglas and Mossman. The bird’s supping directly from blossoms entwining the pergola over Shannonvale Winery’s tastings tables. I’m enjoying the secondary product - tropical fruit wines processed from produce grown right here on the farm. “We started making our own wine from our surplus fruit,” owner Tony Woodall says. “You can only eat so much jam, and we didn’t want to take fruit to market. So we hired a leading Victorian wine consultant and opened up ten years ago.” Woodall reaps an abundant harvest from his land and turns it into award-winning wines - mangosteen, lychee, jaboticaba, kaffir lime “limoncello”, passionfruit and more, manufactured, bottled and labelled on the farm and sold in their leafy cellar-door, and online. Further tastings: Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm B&B and farmstay in the Daintree. Mango wine at Golden Pride Winery, Mareeba.

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Hastings Business Women’s Network

Nurtu ng the growth of tall poppies

Hastings Business Women’s Network President Kelly Lamb talks to us about why the HBWN is hosting the Growing Tall Poppies Conference and what women in business stand to benefit from attending …

he HBWN is all about growing tall poppies. We have a proud history as an active member of the Port Macquarie Hastings community, and we endeavour to raise awareness of the contribution of business women to the local economy and community. The HBWN has hosted a regular series of networking events, educational seminars, mentoring programs and conferences similar to this one, and we thought it was a good time to revive the idea. The conference will not only be an added benefit to our members, but will also benefit the whole region by nurturing the growth and development of women in business generally. The HBWN has a renewed focus on professional development this year – tell us about that? This year we introduced a Professional Development Points Program, which aims to provide opportunities for lifelong learning, to recognise growth and development and to support our members in achieving success. The initiative will culminate with a Professional Development Award as part of the HBWN Awards in November. In 2013, the network has hosted a number of workshops aimed at supporting the personal and professional development of our

ces members, including seminars on marketing, human resources ce will and business finances. The Growing Tall Poppies Conference be the highlight of our professional development calendar. What’s in store for those coming along? By attending this onal conference you will get the chance to further your professional development, connect with like-minded business women, increase your circle of influence and learn leadership skills to take your career to the next level. nder Attendees will hear from keynote speakers, including: founder of Oz Harvest, Ronni Kahn; CEO of the Australian Institute of Management QLD & NT, Vivienne Anthon; and founder of HBWN and business coach Kellie Mills. The conference will also include an exhibition, a number of workshops on communication styles and how to have it all, plus a wrap up session to help attendees turn the top tips of the day into practical action plans. A cocktail party at the close of the conference will provide an opportunity for networking in a fun and relaxed environment. What will the expo involve? The expo will provide a showcase of our members from a cross section of industry sectors. There will be over 20 stalls offering a broad range of products and services, giving attendees an opportunity to

network with other businesses in the community. Who should come along and why? The Growing Tall Poppies Conference is open to all women in business, not just members or business owners, but everyone looking to be inspired to achieve success in their endeavours. There are only a couple of weeks to go to register for this exciting event, and seats are limited. Visit www.hbwn.com.au follow the links and register today.

saturday 19 october 2013 9am – 5pm the glasshouse, port macquarie cost $199 PLUS conference expo networking opportunities cocktail celebration Presented by Leslie Williams MP

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Hastings Business Women’s Network

Several successful women in business are coming to Port Macquarie to inspire attendees at the Growing Tall Poppies Conference on 19 October 2013. Hastings Business Women’s Network Communications Coordinator Michelle Newman caught up with the keynote speakers for a preview…

Ins ing

business success

R ni Kahn

Vivienne Anthon

s founding director of OzHarvest, tell us about the important work of this organisation? Nine years ago, OzHarvest became the first organisation in Australia to rescue perishable food that would otherwise have been wasted.

lease tell us about the Australian Institute of Management and your role with the organisation? AIM is the Australian peak body for managers across all sectors. Our reason for being is to assist with managerial skills, complementing people’s professional and technical skills. I am the CEO of AIM for NSW, QLD, the ACT and the NT.

OzHarvest’s driving philosophy is to nourish our country. Nourishment is saving food from landfill and providing it to people in need. Nourishment is educating all sectors of our community to better utilise food, waste less and promote healthy eating. Nourishment is about nurturing community togetherness through food, providing pathways to employment and changing lives. Nourishment is reinventing the cultures surrounding food in our society. That’s our vision for the future.

As a consultant, lecturer and author, you specialise in corporate culture, innovation and leadership. What role do these elements play in the success of a business? They are fundamentally important elements and are often underestimated compared to the technical aspects of business. Corporate culture is the key and without it a business lacks innovation, preventing people from leading themselves or others. Success in business requires a global view which esteems and honours your core production.

You’ve been able to secure funding, in-kind donations and voluntary services. What advice would you give women in business who are looking to secure support for their ventures? Passion, belief in your vision, persistence, determination and not accepting ‘no’ for an answer. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not able to achieve your goals or that they are unrealistic.

You hold a Bachelor of Laws and a number of postgraduate qualifications. Would you say that education and lifelong learning is important for women in business? I believe it is important for everybody in business. Statistically women have a far more punctuated career then men for a range of reasons, not just family commitments. Whatever women are called to, or choose to do, they are learning all the time. Even when they are out of the workforce they need to be engaging, networking, being fascinated – it is as equal and valuable as the skills learned while working. There are many forms of learning for everyone.

What are some of the key lessons you hope women will take away from your Growing Tall Poppies Conference session, ‘Inspirational Leadership in the Community’? I truly believe that unless every one of us becomes involved in giving back to their community, they will not have experienced true wealth or happiness. In my experience over this journey, my personal growth has come from my commitment to others. I just hope that women from all industries can become inspired by my passion, and in turn find theirs – whatever passion it is – I encourage them to follow their dreams and make an impact in their lifetime. Success is not always defined by money or status; it’s also defined by fulfilment and happiness.

in the Hastings

At the Growing Tall Poppies Conference you’ll be sharing ‘12 Tips to Networking Success’. Please share with us one of your secrets for making the most of networking opportunities? I fundamentally believe that networking is essential to business. There is so much information out there you can’t be expected to know it all. Your networks will point you in the right direction and help you bring order and purpose to the world. Networking internally within an organisation as much as you do externally will give you a vast network of people to use when you need a hand; it’s important the two are in equal balance.

Kellie Mills

hat led you to establish the Hastings Business Women’s Network back in 1999? 9? Like many women who go from the corporate environment to their own small, home-based business, I often felt isolated and out of touch with what was happening ‘out there’ when I too made the leap. I realised I needed to get out and network with other women, and I figured there were plenty of other women in my region in the same boat. The original goal was to gather around 25 women to meet for breakfast or lunch, but I quickly saw that the need was much greater than that. Membership grew rapidly – why do you think it took off and has remained such a strong network of women in business? I believe it is due to a number of factors, but if I were to pick a key one, it would be the adherence to one of our original core objectives: “To create a non-critical gathering place for all members in which to support, encourage and challenge one another to achieve beyond their own expectations in all aspects of life.” The continued success comes from the energy, passion and hard work of the committee members over the last 14 years. These women drive the network and flex to meet the demands of its members. You’ll be presenting a session at the Conference called, ‘The Myth of the Superwoman’. Do you think women really can ‘have it all’? I believe as women we need to define what ‘all’ is on our own terms, rather than trying to meet society norms. We can be pretty hard on ourselves (and others), and this can impact negatively on our health, relationships, success and personal growth. I am looking forward to addressing these areas at the conference and offering tips and strategies that I have found useful over the years. greater port macquarie focus 89

Hasting s Business Women’s Network

Thanks

to our Sponsors rs

Have our people call your people

O R T H C O A S T TA F E

North Coast TAFE is proud to sponsor the Growing Tall Poppies Conference 2013. We are passionate about engaging with our local community, not just through educational development, but by sharing in their endeavours to help each other, fostering a sense of unity. We recognise that business can be challenging and we are all looking for that competitive edge, that little extra to keep you on top, or at least keep you competing. We offer customised programs to build your staff’s skills, to build your capability, to build your career if you are already working, or to help you build your business. W E S T PA C B U S I N E S S B A N K I N G

Creating a diverse workforce and focusing on gender equity is part of Westpac’s vision to be a workplace that attracts the best people and where our customers can prosper and grow. By drawing on the abundant skills of women in the workforce, our organisation benefits from a more diverse pool of talent and also reflects the diversity of our customers. We're also the only Australian bank with a unit dedicated to supporting women. Westpac Women’s Markets works alongside female business owners and professional women to help them build sustainable and profitable careers, which includes the Ruby Connection networking support forum. CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY Charles Sturt University (CSU) is the largest regionally-based university in Australia, supporting 38,000 students studying

on campus and online to realise their potential. The university has a broad research program with several areas of research strength, creating new knowledge and practice through our nationallyrecognised research centres and faculties. CSU’s vision is to provide distinctive educational programs for the professions that prepare students for work and citizenship. The Port Macquarie Campus of CSU is proud to support the Hastings Business Women’s Network and work with its members to reach their own and their businesses’ potential.

by creating opportunities that will benefit the business and professional community throughout the Greater Port Macquarie region. PMCC is a voluntary partnership of business owners/managers and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the

A Lead HQ our catch-cry is ‘have our people call your At people’. We support our customers to build their business by generating sales leads through telemarketing campaigns, using effective outbound calling techniques. We are a new, innovative Port Macquarie based company working with clients to improve their customer base, drive their business growth and deliver more revenue. We generate appointments, follow-up in sales drives or leads and can assist you to retain your customers and enhance your business relationships.

on issues affecting local business. With a

Our team are Port Macquarie based – you may very well know one of them! Friendly, focused and customer service oriented, our dynamic team come from a variety of sales and service backgrounds to deliver you results. We provide tailored scripting and marketing emails, that succinctly makes a first impression for your business.

KAREN ARCHER

range of member benefits available, the

Here’s what one of our local clients have to say about us:

Karen Archer is a local business woman, specialising in Natural Medicine and Nutrition. She is committed to providing health solutions for all, believing that everyone can achieve outstanding health with the right advice and guidance. She is a qualified Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist, with a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) from Southern Cross University in Lismore.

PMCC assists business to get connected

elected as Member for Port Macquarie

"Lead HQ are like a dynamo. Fast and professional, they generate leads and report back with prolific effectiveness. They provided excellent advice, feedback and support during the course of their assignment with the Brolga Project; I wholeheartedly recommend their value for money model and I look forward to using their systems again in the future."

in March 2011. While representing our

Richard Cowley, Manager - The Brolga Project, Port Macquarie.

community in State Parliament, Leslie

S T E A M AT I C

member of Rotary, Hastings Business

Steamatic of Port Macquarie is a family owned business established in January 2013 by Paul and Bronwyn, franchisees. Both have come from a long background in the cleaning and restoration business servicing the local community and are backed by an international company. Providing services such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, mattress cleaning, stain treatments, mould remediation, air duct cleaning, kitchen canopy and flue cleaning.

Women's Network, Port Macquarie Suicide

PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bravehearts and has been a Mid North

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.

Leslie

Williams MEMBER FOR PORT MACQUARIE

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works to develop and grow local business

quality of life in our local community. Our members are businesses, organisations and individuals who want to be informed about and contribute to discussions and policies

and have a local voice. LESLIE WILLIAMS MP Lake Cathie resident Leslie Williams was

continues to be actively involved in many community organisations as a current

Prevention Network, Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, Hastings Cancer Trust, North Coast Amateur Swimming Club, Laurieton Swimming Club, Special Olympics Mid North Coast, Lake Cathie Football Club and was a founding member of the Hastings Men's Shed. Leslie also convenes the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia Group, is a Committee Member of the Mid North Coast Chapter of Coast Ambassador for the Cancer Council’s

Hasting s Business Women’s Network

Sandra Magann

ompared to other complicated systems, what makes Xero so easy to use? Xero is perfect for small business owners. Its userfriendly design allows you, even with little or no bookkeeping experience, to manage your day-to-day business finances. Xero uses language that is easy to understand and is simple to navigate. The software has many smart features that automatically do much of the work for you. As a small business owner, how can you help other small business owners? As co-owner of Port Badges, I was amazed at how long it took to reconcile the bank, chase money and pay bills. SeaChange Accounting Solutions can reduce the time you spend on your bookwork. We make your accounting processes as efficient as possible and show you valuable tips for saving time using Xero. What are the implications (if any) of converting from an old system to Xero? Xero have made it very easy to import data from other accounting systems. It is the perfect opportunity for us to review your existing set up and make improvements to your reporting, account classifications and more. SeaChange will also ensure your information is transferred correctly into Xero. As part of the HBWN, what experiences in life and business have empowered you to get to where you are today? I have learned much from the talented business women in our network. As women in business we understand time is precious and we can’t do it all. Successful business owners focus on what they are good at and seek expert help when they need it.

Tracy Brenton

hy is everyone talking about Xero? Xero is an award winning online accounting system that puts small business owners back in control. It gives small business owners and their advisors easy access to bank transactions, invoices, reports, and BAS – anytime and anywhere. Why is it such a great tool for new businesses? Xero is designed to help you manage your business better, with a real-time view of your cashflow. Having up to date information helps you make fast decisions and stay in front of your competitors. For new businesses, it’s easy to get started. You pay monthly, so there is no upfront cost, and it includes unlimited users and unlimited transactions with fantastic support and no more upgrades or backups. Why should people choose a Xero Certified Accountant? As a Xero Silver Partner and as one of the first local accountants to use Xero, Brenton Accounting Services offer clients in-depth knowledge and experience which translates into a fantastic Xero partnership. We’ve got the know how to get you set up properly and to teach you what you need to do, step by step, to achieve some fantastic time savings and to manage your business better. How can businesses try the Xero system for free? As part of the HBWN ‘Growing Tall Poppies’ conference we have put together a special offer which includes a free Xero subscription until the end of the year, up to two hours one on one training, and some other Xero goodies. Come and see us at the Expo to get your special offer promotional flyer!

Jan Clogg

hat are the benefits of using the Xero system? tem? Xero makes it easy for small businesses to take control of their finances by keeping accounts accurate and up to date. Xero’s intuitive and automatic processes save you time and money. Whatever happened in your bank yesterday will appear in Xero today. With current, correct and customised information at your fingertips, Xero users are better informed and empowered to make sound business decisions. Explain the term ‘cloud accounting’. Cloud computing simply means storing programs and data remotely, accessible over the internet. The cloud has changed the world of accounting forever by delivering efficiencies previously only available to large enterprises. The most powerful benefit of cloud accounting is the ability to access information anytime, anywhere and on any device. How has Xero technology improved business processes? Credence Business Solutions helps clients harness the power of Xero to gain insight into their finances. Our Xero-based solutions contribute to the success of our clients’ businesses by streamlining operations, increasing profitability and providing easy access to accurate financial information. Xero provides a better way for business owners and their trusted advisors to work together in real time. What aspects of the Xero system will you be demonstrating at the HBWN ‘Growing Tall Poppies’ Conference? Xero’s Anna Cochrane will be demonstrating Xero and running videos to showcase Xero’s amazing features. We will have take home information and a special offer available. Come visit us at the Expo to talk all things Xero!

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2014 Career Guide

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Why Choose Your Community College? Local students find right answers at Mid Coast Uni Portal

available to me as a student?" may be some of the questions school leavers will consider when deciding 'what next' after Year 12. The information on the Mid Coast Uni Portal will help prospective students find the answers to these and many more questions.

October is a big month for Higher School Certificate (HSC) students. With their exams just around the corner, and the building excitement of 'what will come next', it is important Check out for students to take the time rtal. midcoastunipo to consider their options for a d com.au to finright life after high school. urse that's

“ co

for your

The Mid Coast Uni Portal website can also help younger students, people returning to study, parents and anyone interested in finding out about study options offered both locally and by distance.

for you and The Mid Coast Uni Portal chance to win” website can help students an iPad Mini! to find a Higher Education course that suits them, their TAFE enrolments and interests and lifestyle, with links Main Round Applications for to information on TAFE to university University study in 2014 are now pathways, as well providing really practical being accepted, so now is the time to visit information for the region's students considering www.midcoastuniportal.com.au to find a study their study options. option that suits you. "Should I stay at home or move away to study?", "Can I study online?" , "Do I want to study at university or TAFE?" and "What support is

Connect with other local students who are thinking 'what to do next?' by liking the Mid Coast Uni Portal on Facebook.com/midcoastuniportal

Port Macquarie Community College courses reflect the needs of local individuals, community groups, businesses and local industry. Quality ... As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) we provide quality training and assessment that meets strict national standards. These qualifications are recognised across Australia. Nationally qualified and experienced trainers are employed for their industry experience and commitment. Choice ... Our training and education service covers a range of industry areas, including Business Services, Hospitality, Community Services, Information Technology and Training and Assessment. Our general education and leisure program caters to many interests for personal enrichment and healthy living. Long term local ... Established in 1984, the Community College has grown with the community. As a not for profit community owned and

governed organisation, supporting the College is an investment back in to your local community. Supportive ... We provide a range of support services to meet the individual needs of students. We ensure that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are tailored to the learning needs of the individual. Where necessary, course delivery incorporates specific workplace communication, literacy and numeracy skills. Individual learner needs can be assessed and supported with specialised staff if required. Flexibility ... The College is flexible, innovative and responsive to client needs. Our extensive range of programs and services provide flexible learning solutions that are tailored to suit the needs of community and business clients. PMCC can design, develop and deliver training to suit your workplace, for individuals or for groups. Customised training will target the skills you need. It’s YOUR life, YOUR future, so choose YOUR Community College.

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2014 Career Guide

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Hastings Education Fund As former president of Harvard University, Derek Bok once said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”, which is one good reason for investing in local education.. ut unfortunately for some families, affording tertiary or higher education for their children can be a struggle. This is particularly true of students from rural communities where the costs of travel, accommodation and the isolation from loved ones and friends can have a major impact on achieving their goals.

invited to attend a presentation event and meet with sponsors, the HEF committee and other dignitaries to receive their grant.

Grants are not based on academic ability but on financial need and are generally around $500 - $3,000. To date, the Hastings Education Fund has assisted 36 recipients from the Hastings Valley with study items, Help is at hand for local students that find such as laptops and equipment maintenance themselves in this situation. The to assistance with fees for university Hastings Education Fund (HEF) degrees in Medicine and Music currently offers study to trades in Carpentry and grants and support Disability. Apprentices and to young people trainees are also warmly The Hastings ) between the EF invited to apply for (H Education Fund ants ages of 17 and funding. gr udy currently offers st g 21, and who un After returning from and support to yo e ages are currently th Malaysia where she n ee tw people be residing in the e ar ho w did humanitarian d an , of 17 and 21 Port Port Macquarie e th in work, HEF recipient ng di si re currently A, Hastings LGA, LG gs tin Bree Fredrick was as H ie Macquar d to follow their an er re inspired to study ca r ei to follow th career and study in the hope of one ” s. m study drea dreams. day working for the

“

HEF started in 2010, as the local arm of the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEFA), which offers support to regional students. Backed by a strong team of dedicated volunteers from local education, business and community professions, HEF relies heavily on funding from local businesses and currently boasts over 21 in-kind and gold level sponsors.

United Nations. “The cost of university study is one thing, but textbooks, travel and accommodation costs are quite high as well. My textbooks cost me $600 for the first trimester, which is really expensive. I’m really grateful that I received the grant. I don’t think I would have been able to afford to go to university without the extra assistance,” Bree said.

All funds raised through sponsorship are allocated directly to applicants, so more sponsors translates into more successful applicants and a higher rate of youth from our community attaining a tertiary or higher education qualification through the program.

With applications now open for the next round of funding, local students who meet the criteria are strongly encouraged to apply. Ask for an application at your school or TAFE or contact HEF Chairman, Peter Cuskelly on 6582 2429 or email: hastingseducationfund@gmail.com – HEF also welcomes sponsorship enquiries from individuals and businesses wanting to invest in the education of youth in our region and secure the future for our community.

Around November each year applications are sought and the process for determining suitable applicants begins. After interviews are conducted, successful applicants are then 94 greater port macquarie focus.

2014 Career Guide

Future Ambition and the Arthur Beetson Foundation launch their ‘31 Jobs’ campaign with Laurie Daley. From left: Brad Beetson, Director of Arthur Beetson Foundation; Emma Wilson, Program Manager at Future Ambition; Laurie Daley, NSW State of Origin Coach; Katie Davis, Training Manager at Future Ambition and Rod Barnaby, Director, Future Ambition.

From work experience to School-based Traineeships Year 10 students from high schools across the Hastings have been engaged by Big W Port Macquarie for work experience as part of the Retail Industry Partnership Program. Eight students from Westport High School, St Joseph’s Regional College and St Columba Anglican School were provided with an orientation to the Retail Industry by Big W. They were then exposed to various department operations throughout the program where they worked as part of the team. Store department staff assisted the students throughout the program and offered mentoring and support. Students attended their local store one day a week over the six week period. On conclusion, those students interested in casual work within the store were able to apply for available positions. School-based traineeships may also be offered to those students who displayed the right attitude and skills during the program. Store Manager Ken Quimby said, “Being a part of this program was as rewarding for me as it was for the students, helping to develop their skills and also developing possible leaders of the future for retail.” The aim of the Retail Industry Partnership Program is for local young people to participate in a flexible learning opportunity and gain access to career pathway information within the retail industry – specifically, BIG W. The program provides opportunities for students and teachers to learn about current and emerging skills within the retail industry and the required qualifications for retail employment. Through this practical experience students can then make an informed decision when considering subject choices for their further education. The program allows students the opportunity to gain workplace exposure in the retail field, to understand what it feels like to be part of a working team and to better understand the employment opportunities offered by BIG W.

Calling all Employers!

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There is a 24% Indigenous unemployment rate on the Mid North Coast, vs. 7.6% for non-Indigenous*. To reduce this gap, Future Ambition, in partnership with the Arthur Beetson Foundation, have recently launched a campaign with NRL Star Laurie Daley in Kempsey and Port Macquarie where they are calling on employers to fill 31 Indigenous jobs in the 31 days of October on the Mid North Coast. Future Ambition will work with employers to run 'Day in the Life' courses to find the best Indigenous person for the job - all at no cost! In addition, the Arthur Beetson Foundation, with their strong connection to Indigenous communities Australia wide, can provide great mentors to help the new recruits settle into their new jobs found via a 'Day in the Life' course with Future Ambition. The 'Day in the Life' course is provided at no cost to Employers. We will meet with you to identify your employment needs, then do all the background work with employment agencies to find a selection of suitable candidates to attend the 'Day in the Life' course. All you need to do is turn up on the day to identify the best candidate for the job. • Save time - No need to read through resumes, no need to schedule and conduct interviews. Booking a course is quick and easy. Call Emma on (02) 6583 6843. • Reduce guesswork - Every company is only as good as its people, so we'd like to ensure you find the right people for the right job. Our 'Day in the Life' course enables employers to really get to know a group of job-seekers in half a day! • Save money - Our courses save time and direct recruitment costs. If you hire a job-seeker through our 'Day in the Life' courses, you could be eligible to receive wage subsidies from the Australian Government. Register your interest: www.futureambition.com.au/31 jobs *ABS 2011 Census data for the Mid North Coast Priority Employment Area.

What's your business' competitive edge? The Pack Leader is a new business in town. I am able to come to your home, the beach or a park to work together to modify your dog’s behaviour. Problem dogs – no problem! I offer attractive rates and like to work with a customer to deliver quality training for as long as you need. What are you offering customers in 2014? I offer one-on-one sessions with owners and their dog, families or any family member who wants to be trained in handling their dog. The sessions with clients and their dogs are based on dog psychology, pack mentality and giving clients the knowledge and tools to take control of their dog and any behaviour that is not acceptable. This based on rules, boundaries and limitations along with exercise, discipline and giving your dog a ‘job’ or something to do – a purpose in life. Tell us about any recent qualifications you have gained… I am fully trained with a Certificate III in Training, Obedience and Behaviour through NDTF (Australian Dog Training Federation) which was held at Pet Resorts Australia at Dural in Sydney. I’ve had both my dogs since 8 weeks old. They are two Kelpies; Scout, the eldest at 18 years, and her niece, Lainie, who is only a mere 12 years old.

Partnership arrangements such as this improve young people’s level of engagement with education and increase the retention rate of students through to Year 12 or equivalent. They assist to develop pathway opportunities through Vocational Education and Training, School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, part-time and full-time employment. The program has been a major success, with all eight students graduating and receiving a certificate for all their hard work.

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focusinterview. Arthur Beetson was the first Indigenous Australian to Captain Australia in any sport, and a champion of both Rugby League and Indigenous Australia. Following Arthur’s passing in 2011, the Arthur Beetson Foundation was established by his three sons to promote Indigenous employment, health and education programs. Kristian Heffernan, CEO of the Arthur Beetson Foundation and Arthur’s youngest son tells us about their partnership with Future Ambition and why it is so important for employers in the community to help close the gap in Indigenous employment on the Mid North Coast.

Below Laurie Daley and Brad Beetson at the Future Ambition 31 Jobs in 31 Days campaign launch.

Local employment agency, ETC and Indigenous job-seekers from the Kempsey area meet Laurie Daley.

31 Indigenous Jobs in 31 Days

ell us a little bit about the history of the Arthur Beetson Foundation. After Dad passed away, we decided we would continue all of his great work within the community. We started up the foundation to continue his legacy and to help the Indigenous and Torres Strait islander community. We started a little over two years ago with what we call the 'Murri League Carnival', which is a carnival held in Queensland for Indigenous and Torres Strait islanders, and it is mandatory if you are playing in that carnival to have a health check, and if you are under 15 you have to have a 90% school attendance rate to be able to be eligible to play. We also had an expo stall at the carnival, where we had employers and educational institutions come along to talk to the crowd and players about opportunities for jobs or further education. Out of that we had a lot of people come to us with job and apprenticeship offers to help them reach the community. We spoke to a lot of different people about the best way to do this, which is where the partnership with Future Ambition started. Really that is what the foundation is all about: health, education and employment, whilst using the vehicle of rugby league. As CEO, what is your involvement and what are some of your roles as an important part of the foundation? Well, I am up in Queensland at the moment where we have the carnival kicking off on Thursday, so we are preparing for that. I was in New Zealand last week doing a pre tour inspection, as we are organising a trip taking players to Papua New Guinea to play and to New Zealand to play against the Maoris. So my role varies with everything from the carnival to employment programs and working with Future Ambition to make sure we are on track to achieve our

goals.

How has Future Ambition helped the foundation achieve some of its goals? In What initiatives does the Arthur Beetson June this year, Future Ambition and the Arthur Foundation have in place to help make a Beetson Foundation received funding from difference to the Indigenous community? the Australian Government under the VET The biggest problem within the community national programs. Future Ambition runs 'Day is through health and employment, people in the Life' courses to introduce employers talk about closing the gap but to do that to Indigenous job-seekers, and this can be we really need the community giving them followed by support for the new recruits in opportunities to gain employment their first few weeks on the job by and further their education. matching them with culturally That is one of initiatives; trained mentors. What is so also the Murri Carnival good about the ‘31 Jobs Now is the providing health checks, in 31 Days’ campaign, opportunity to and mandatory school with ‘31 and the 'Day in the get in and help, attendance; school from Life' programs, is that Jobs in 31 Days’ scholarships, and we t just this is an opportunity O ctober- and no work with different ober-, throughout O ct for job seekers to organisations such g g thin this is an ongoin put themselves in the as McDonald’s and ly that we are deep position of a career role, Telstra. Our initiatives .” to ed itt m com not just a job placement. are all based on health, So this is an opportunity employment and education for employers to actually for the Indigenous and Torres do something. Both programs Strait islander community. include a selection of candidates in a Why is it crucial for all Australians course and ongoing mentoring to provide to work together to close sustainable employment. We partnered with the employment gap between Future Ambition as their reputation and what Indigenous and non-Indigenous they do is second to none. Australians? Indigenous unemployment is Recently launched with Laurie Daley in at 24% vs 7.6% non-Indigenous on the Mid Port Macquarie and Kempsey, describe North Coast (ABS 2011 Census data). To close the Future Ambition '31 Jobs in 31 Days' the gap, you need to provide opportunities campaign. We’re calling on all local employers through employment, Unfortunately there are to help fill 31 Indigenous jobs in the 31 days far more non-Indigenous business owners out of October to help close the gap in Indigenous there than there are Indigenous, and that is employment on the Mid North Coast. what we are trying to achieve. If everybody was to give a couple of jobs to the community In the ‘31 Jobs in 31 Days’ campaign, Future it provides that opportunity for these people Ambition will run ‘Day in the Life’ courses to to show what they can do, and they are just help employers find the best Indigenous person as talented and hardworking, and in some to fill any existing vacancy in their business, cases are willing to work even harder to prove and support new employees with a mentor themselves because there is a stigma out there. to ensure they successfully settle into their

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new role. The Arthur Beetson Foundation provides connection and support to Indigenous communities and can assist with cultural awareness training for businesses that take on a number of Indigenous employees through the ‘Day in the Life’ program. What message would you like to give employers who are thinking about being a part of this? Now is the opportunity to get in and help, with '31 Jobs in 31 Days' from October and not just throughout October, (this is an ongoing thing that we are deeply committed to). Everybody has a job out there, regardless of what it is- my message would be to have a look at the programs, and help out members of the Indigenous community and give them a go. This program has got great origins, but it’s not going to be successful if the community and employers aren't on our side. We had a great reaction at the launch and we really want to make a difference, so now is the time to take action. I would urge all employers to jump on board and open themselves up to this program. Finding staff via a ‘Day in the Life’ course saves employers time as there is no need to filter through resumes, and it reduces guesswork as you get to know the job-seekers in a relaxed group environment compared to brief one-on-one interviews and is all run at no cost to employers. Thanks Kristian.

the plug! It’s not too late to register your interest for the 31 Jobs 31 Days program! Register interest/vacancies at www.futureambition.com.au/31jobs or call Emma on (02) 6584 6843 for more information.

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focusinterview. Arthur Boyd, Self Portrait, 1935, oil on canvas. Bundanon Trust Collection.

Image: William Yang

Arthur Boyd, Lysistrata Suite - Earth is Delighted now, 1970, etching and aquatint. Bundanon Trust Collection.

Arthur Boyd, Nebuchadnezzar in a fire, c1969, oil on canvas. Bundanon Trust Collection.

Yvonne Boyd, Children, Fitzroy, 1944, oil on linen on board. Bundanon Trust Collection.

Deborah Ely, Chief Executive Officer at Bundanon Trust, explains the connection between the trust and the iconic Australian artist Arthur Boyd. An exhibition of Arthur’s stunningly original works, Arthur Boyd – An Active Witness, will be on display at the Glasshouse until December.

i Deborah. What is your role with the Bundanon Trust? I'm the Chief Executive Officer at Bundanon Trust. I've been here for just over seven years. What is Bundanon Trust's connection with Arthur Boyd the artist? Arthur Boyd was an iconic Australian artist. He died in 1999. He acquired the Bundanon Trust series of properties in the 1970s, and he left all those properties and all the artworks and the historic buildings on properties to the Australian people in 1993. That's when the trust was established. Since that time the trust has been looking after the collection and sharing it with the public, both in the historic Bundanon homestead and in touring exhibitions. We've also run the largest artistic residence programme in the country, with around 400 artists per year; they stay here from all disciplines and from all over the world. We also have a large residential school programme where the children engage with the creative arts when they stay on the property. Where is Bundanon located? We're 2.5 hours’ south of Sydney on the NSW South Coast. The property - which is a series of properties - sits along 15 km of the Shoalhaven River. The Glasshouse gallery will be hosting the travelling exhibition: Arthur Boyd - An Active Witness. Tell us a bit about the various works that are in this exhibition … There's everything from drawings, prints, photographs, things from our archives, letters and notes, as well as major paintings, ceramic works, and paintings in a whole range of media. There are a few things that we've borrowed from other institutions, but nearly everything in the show is actually from Bundanon's collection. I think the earliest date is probably from 98 greater port macquarie focus.

1933. Arthur was born in 1920. I think the earliest work he did was when he was a teenager, all the way through to the very end of his life. What can you tell us about Arthur Boyd, the man and the artist? He did come from a very prolific artistic background … Both Arthur's parents and grandparents were artists, and his siblings were artists, and many of his cousins were artists, as well as all their children and subsequent generations. Nearly all of them were artists. It's a very unusual Australian dynasty. His sister, Mary, married the artist John Perceval, and subsequently she married the artist Sidney Nolan. So the family is also meshed in all the Australian modern art history. Many modern Australian artists are connected with the Boyd family, so in that way the Boyd's were quite unusual. They were very much at the centre of artistic life during Arthur's lifetime and particularly during the '40s, '50s, '60s and '70s. They're connected to a whole generation of Australian artists. And we have works by many of those artists in our collection, because Arthur not only left us his own artwork, but he left us works that he had collected by his peers. So, for example, we have nearly 100 Sidney Nolans in our collection. It's very important in that sense that he really believed in the role of the artist as a serious vocation. He obviously grew up with that notion from his family, his parents and grandparents, and passed that idea on … that being an artist was a serious endeavour, and I think he believed that artists could influence the world or have an important role and an important voice to play in contemporary life. He was known for being a very shy person, and very convivial, very generous and low-key as a personality, but actually in contrast his work is very powerful and very seriously engaged in contemporary life. And I think that's what this exhibition is about.

Arthur Boyd, Large skate on grey background, 1979, oil on canvas. Bundanon Trust Collection.

What are some of the most common and most of his paintings represent the Austhemes or elements that Arthur was prone tralian bush, but it's often in very mythological to comment on with his work? or other kinds of settings. His paintings of the I think one of the very common themes is bush are very much based on his love for the war. The thing that is very interesting about landscape … his love for the environment. Arthur is that all the works in the show share He was also very keen on giving Bundanon largely a very common language. That language to the Australian people. He was very keen that is not only a visual language - the way he drew the environment and the bush be protected. He and painted and so on - it's also a language was quite an active voice in and around that isdrawing on Biblical and Greek and other kind sue. There are many paintings and pieces within of cultural myths. the exhibition that talk about his passion And that, to some degree, for protecting the environment. lays across the other kinds If you had to describe the of themes that we might legacy that Arthur Boyd ng recognise, or you has left the Australian There's everythi from draw in gs , might even say that it people with, what phs, disguises some of the would you say that pr ints , photogra chives , ar thin gs from ou r intent in some of the would be? s, as letters and note tings, pictures. They're not Apart from the legacy in well as major pa d explicit or didactic or of his wonderful artan ceramic works , just political works in works, which continue le ho paintings in a w that way. They often to endure, continue to be .” ia range of med talk about an issue relevant today as they were through the language of when he made them, the his artistic practice. other legacy is Bundanon itself. Certainly the thematic of war I think it was a very audacious gift, is one Arthur returned to time and time in that he dared to say you could have again really, since his time serving in the this very large property and you could leave army. The exhibition has a section called it to artists and the Australian people to enjoy, The Madness of War, and some of those works and for them to continue to come here and really talk about war, but through the lens of explore creative life. That was a very challengGreek Mythology. Some of the work is more ing thing for him to suggest to the Australian recognisably contemporaneous with him; it fit Government - a far-sighted legacy and gift his time. In a series of works from Spare the and one of the greatest acts of philanthropy in Face Gentlemen, Please, he really is quite antiAustralia. war, but many of the things wouldn't strike you Thanks Deborah. Interview by Jo Atkins. as being anti-war; but they are really drawing attention to the follies of war. the plug! The other thing that is very strong is the environment. Arthur became very well known Arthur Boyd – An Active Witness – will for his landscape paintings. There are really be on display at the Glasshouse from very extraordinary landscape pictures within the October 18 to December 8. show. He was a remarkable landscape painter

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estellegough.

Ask Greg UPDATE

Landcare President’s annual report My main message is that we have become better and better at working together.

his year we set out to find a home for ourselves, and at the same time we took on the biggest project yet for our group. It’s good to report that we have succeeded with both, while increasing our membership to 160. The Wrights Creek and Yarranabee Creek Environmental Trust project, which will bring $250,000 of grant money into the local economy over six years, is our biggest so far. We are already ahead of its annual targets. We expected to do 2,000 hours of volunteer work on this project, but have achieved more than 6,000. The number of volunteer workers has increased to 67. We have achieved this through teamwork: integrating private bush regenerators, Council bush regeneration teams, mulch suppliers, the Over 55s, Blair and Nursery teams from Landcare, and NPWS. In addition we’ve hired machinery to assist our work, and we have had help from Council’s bush fire management officer, drainage engineer, road engineer and waste manager. Thanks to Council and Colorbond, we also have a new home base. We will soon have an official opening, and all Landcarers will be invited to attend. I appreciate Julie and Steve Ho, and the Minister for Sheds Brian Grant, for getting this very valuable and time saving asset up and running. While all this was being achieved, our group contributed 16,565 hours of volunteer work to Port Macquarie this year. This is equivalent to 8.5 full-time jobs. With a value of $37

an hour, this work is worth $612,905 to the community. In the past year there have been some challenges too. We have had some problems at the Community Nursery since a high wall was erected next door, shading a large part of the nursery. This saw plants and wooden benches rotting over winter, reducing the availability of plant stock as spring gets underway. It also brought home to us the need to find a new locality for the nursery, and Council is helping us with this. But fortunately we were also able to purchase two new trolleys for the nursery, using funds generated from plant sales. Usually this money is directed to buying tools and protective gear, but this year Council’s Community Grants program provided us with those necessities instead. The high quality of our work is reflected in the annual Health Assessments of our project sites by Council’s ecologist. What a great way to measure our successes and show where we need to go. The erection of our new education signs with the QR code is important. They can be seen at Blair, the Lilypond, Lighthouse Beach, Timber Ridge and Rushcutter and have attracted a lot of interest from the public. Remember to check our website for details about our projects; many have paths and boardwalks to welcome you. The latest Habitatler newsletter is there too at www.landcareportmac.com.au PS: Congratulations to our committee members, who were all re-elected for another year.

Greg Trembath answers wers your real estate questions. tions.

Some years ago I obtained an can sit back, enjoy the extra income and start interest only loan to buy an paying off some of the loan principal, or you investment property which I still could look at using the surplus income from own. It is no longer negatively geared, this asset to do some more borrowing for since the rent received is greater than investment. the monthly payments. What is the best In these favourable times of low interest rates thing to do with a previously and excellent rent yields, I would be negatively geared investment leaning towards the latter option, property when it is no but you need to check with your t people os M longer negatively geared? financial advisor. What is best prefer to have an A. First of all, for you really depends on your is at th t investmen , nd congratulations on age, the type of property you de vi di a paying e on creating such a successful invest in and the number of an th er rath g in st co investment. It is great news years until retirement. is at th that you no longer need to I have a number of clients them money. support the property with your holding positively geared own cash. investment properties and most Potential investors often ask me how plan to keep them for their future long I estimate it will be before they are in prosperity. your position; this depends on the individual’s Answers are general comment, and readers circumstances and investment objectives. should always seek their own independent Most people prefer to have an investment professional advice. that is paying a dividend, rather than one Send your real estate questions to that is costing them money. After working greg@gregtrembath.com.au towards this and once it is achieved, you have Greg Trembath is Principal/Licensee at investment bliss. Greg Trembath Real Estate. Licensed Real You have a few choices available to you. You Estate Agent – Licensed Auctioneer.

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

B R A N D O N

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H O M E S

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WINNER OF THE MASTER B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N ( M BA N E WC A S T L E ) E XC E L L E N C E I N B U I L D I N G AWA R D S 20 13 I N T H E ‘C U S T O M B U I LT H O M E S $ 7 50 K T O $ 1 M I L L I O N ’ C AT E G O RY,

Brandon Calder Homes is the October FOCUS featured builder.

hrissy Jones takes us for a walk through three of Brandon’s homes, two are award winners, the other is newly completed and one that would also be a deserving award winner in the future. We showcase the quality craftsmanship by Brandon Calder Homes, superior skills of his team of associated consultants, tradesmen and suppliers, plus the inclusion of up-to-the minute fittings and fixtures used throughout, via the three featured homes. All are an excellent example of contemporary, architectural canal living on the North Harbour waterway and testament to Brandon’s eye for detail and a quality finish. About Brandon Calder Homes Brandon Calder is a highly respected

master builder with amazing organisational skills. He is locally known as “quick quality Calder”. He and his team are renowned for building quickly without sacrificing quality. Clients are often astounded that the building process is so quick at such a high quality. Brandon Calder Homes is the leading custom builder in the Port Macquarie area, and each project is individual and personalised. Everyone involved in the planning and building is on the “same page” when it comes to meeting the expectations as a homeowner – whether it is a new home or major renovation. Throughout the process Brandon or his site foreman liaise with the client, architect/ building designer or interior designer who

may also be part of the process. Only by close supervision and detailed project management can the build move rapidly and keep to the agreed time and budget. The same principles apply to a specific home addition or renovation and, of course, they are just as important in any housing development or commercial project. Brandon Calder has a simple philosophy when it comes to custom building. “Take the time to really understand what the client wants and expects, be detailed in the quoting process, then only employ the best trades, contractors, and quality products. Look after your team and you can be confident they will look after all the small details – which, in the end, produces quality building.” Don’t substitute price for quality

With many projects currently underway in the North Harbour and with more in the Port Macquarie and surrounding areas, Brandon Calder is different from most builders in the region. Brandon’s role is definitely hands on in a project management role – he likes to be involved in a project from start to finish. Brandon said “We never substitute price for quality.” This gives him a good standing with his team of expert consultants, tradesmen and trusted local suppliers. Brandon has access to a network of fully qualified and licensed professionals - many of whom have been working with him and the company for over ten years.

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Brandon Calder Homes belong to the Master Builders Association - Australia’s largest building industry association - which gives everyone connected to the company, through regular industry updates, the assurance to stay ahead of the forever challenging changes in the residential building industry. Having lived in Port Macquarie for over 30 years, Brandon has formed strong trade and supplier associations and has an extensive knowledge of the building industry within this region. He has been responsible for up to 80% of all new construction within North Harbour, priding himself on superior build quality and a close working relationship with both owners

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and industry professionals – this he considers is the key to his success. While many of Brandon Calder Homes beautiful waterfront homes can be seen on the canals of the North Harbour in Port Macquarie the company is constantly renovating and adding additions to existing properties as well as building architectural designed sustainable homes - throughout the Mid North Coast. Brandon Calder Homes has also constructed a number of residential developments in the Hastings region, including single and two storey clusters of villas and townhouses. The client – number one

One of the main priorities at Brandon Calder Homes is the necessity to establish a good working relationship with clients from the very beginning of a project and to acknowledge that clients are the most important aspect of the business. “It’s very important to get to know each client’s lifestyle to ensure that the home they have in mind is actually going to meet their requirements,” said Brandon. “There are many lifestyle options to take into consideration, that’s why we recommend utilising the skills of our interior designer to add the finishing details to the building plans. It’s also just as important to make sure we stick to the

clients’ budget. And timing. I am proud of our company’s commitment to the quoting process - easy to understand and clients are left in no doubt as to what is included. Nothing hidden.” Whether the company is building large architecturally designed family homes, undertaking major renovations or additions, residential developments or commercial projects – the same attention to a quality finish and high level of detail on every building project is the hallmark of a Brandon Calder home. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your building project can be completed.

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No.41 Harbourside Award: Master Builders Association (Newcastle) Excellence in Building Awards 2013 to Brandon Calder Homes for Custom Built Homes $750,000 – $1 million category – this entry now goes to the National Finals. Brandon was thrilled to be a first-time winner, taking out the coveted category for the design and construction of his own home. The judges lauded the Calder’s entry saying the careful integration of modern materials and finishes accentuates the building’s contemporary waterfront style and location.

A N A RC H I T E C T U R A L M A S T E R P I E C E , S H OWC A S I N G T H E V I S I O NA RY TA L E N T S OF BRANDON CALDER H O M E S, T H E H O M E S I T S M A J E S T I C A L LY O N I T S N O RT H H A R B O U R S I T E O F F E R I N G A N E X PA N S I V E WAT E R F RO N T C O N N E C T I O N W H I L S T I T TA P E R S T O A NA R ROW E R S T R E E T A S P E C T TO THE SOUTH.

Award: Housing Industry Association (HIA) – Northern NSW (partnered by Coffs Coast FOCUS) – Bathroom Design of the Year 2013 awarded to Michelle Burton, interior designer with Designing Divas. Finalist and runner up for Kitchen Design of the Year awarded to Michelle Burton, interior designer with Designing Divas. An architectural masterpiece, showcasing the visionary talents of Brandon Calder Homes, the home sits majestically on its North Harbour site offering an expansive waterfront connection whilst it tapers to a narrower street aspect to the south. Magnificent views across the wide bay area are readily available from every possible vantage point. Imagination is the key to the design and construction, with a feel for space and tranquility paramount. From first look the property projects a modern, stylish image that has an interesting combination of angles, colours, textures and product finishes. The distinctive modern, textured exterior has a striking colour scheme, aluminium screening, auto-roller garage doors and a glass roof above the entrance gate, the home is captivating from the onset. Earthy textured porcelain tiles lead from the entrance gate, through the landscaped front courtyard to the entrance. On entering the home it evident that this is a very special trilevel residence with a light airy feeling. Walnut coloured hardwood flooring throughout the whole of the ground floor, complements aluminium commercial skirting, offset with crisp white walls.

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No.41 Harbourside

“The brief from Brandon and wife Karen was to create a family home which seamlessly blended all living areas and the indoors to the outdoors” said interior designer Michelle Burton of Designing Divas. ”And it had to have ‘wow’ factor at every turn. Quite a challenging brief.” The ground floor comprises: guest bedroom and en-suite, powder room, laundry, spacious lounge, ultra modern kitchen and dining room combining an indoor/outdoor BBQ kitchen adjacent to the family’s very own tropical oasis; the pool and spa outdoor entertainment area. Upstairs combines the magnificent master bedroom that comprises the award-winning en-suite and adjoining dressing room that boasts expansive harbour views making this bedroom something special. Also on this level are two children’s bedrooms and media room. Sustainability built-in Even on such a large family home the use of sustainable, environmentally friendly products was in the initial planning. The light coloured roof is a low solar absorption metal deck with a photovoltaic 3kw solar power system. All external walls have the correctly BASIX rated sarking and 2.0 rating insulation. Louvre windows and fans make full use of any cooling breezes and all window glass is low E rated for solar control, providing effective insulation. The home is an absolute showpiece, blending the indoor/ outdoor living areas seamlessly.

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T H E D I S T I N C T I V E M O D E R N, TEXTURED EXTERIOR HAS A STRIKING COLOUR S C H E M E , A LU M I N I U M S C R E E N I N G, AU T O -RO L L E R GA R AG E D O O R S A N D A G L A S S RO O F A B OV E T H E E N T R A N C E GAT E ; T H E H O M E I S C A P T I VAT I N G F RO M T H E O U T S E T.

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No.39 Harbourside Award: Housing Industry Association (HIA) – Northern NSW (partnerned by Coffs Harbour Focus) to interior designer Michelle Burton of Designing Divas: Kitchen Design of the Year 2013. “Ann (homeowner) had a vision of her dream kitchen, so my most important role was to listen. So, after a few modifications to the space planning, the design of the dream kitchen evolved,” says interior designer, Michelle Burton of Designing Divas. “Right from the start, working on this project with Brandon and his team was a positive experience. Collectively, the clients, the trades and consultants all came together to detail and develop a beautiful award-winning, functional kitchen.” A striking front facade, featuring a stack-stone textured wall, angled roof line, fully landscaped gardens and a tiled pathway, entrance is through an eye-catching timber framed, aluminium and glass door. An angled entry foyer steps up to a tiled hallway that leads you through the home. The ground floor comprises powder room adjacent to a guest bedroom with en-suite and access to the centrally located outdoor courtyard with relaxing water feature, home office, open plan formal lounge with custom-built cabinetry housing the homes integrated entertainment system, informal lounge area, and the award winning kitchen/dining room all divided externally by the home's swimming pool that features a splashless waterfall. The HIA award-winning kitchen is absolutely stunning. A magnificent design incorporating many fantastic concepts. From the L-shaped island bench with feature lighted recesses that has a drop down bench level, to the ingenious and stylish feature wall push to open cabinetry that conceals glassware in a handy space, no wonder this kitchen is an award winner.

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No.39 Harbourside

THE KITCHEN IS AN OPEN A N D C L O S E D S PAC E T H AT

With the integration of the latest Fisher & Paykel fridge/freezer which is raised above floor level, to the low level splashback that runs along the entirety of the back wall and incorporates the indoor BBQ, along with a Smeg Induction cooktop and double Smeg wall ovens, Franke sink, all the mod cons are in place. The kitchen is an open and closed space that emphasises the shape and form and helps to bring the inside out, seamlessly combining the kitchen/dining with the outdoor entertainment space that is poolside.

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Ducted air-conditioning with architectural grills and also ceiling mounted speakers, have been integrated throughout the entire home. Upstairs, via a tiled stairway with wooden handrail and recessed step lighting, are 2 bedrooms connected by a shared balcony on the exterior and a frameless glass balustrade bridge internally, offering unimpeded canal views. Both bedrooms take full advantage of the readily available water views via frameless corner windows divided by a set of louvre windows to allow for directional airflow of

waterway breezes. The master bedroom has a walk in wardrobe and adjoining en-suite with wall hung vanity that has his and hers oval above bench basins. Fully frosted doors conceal the WC and shower recess, whilst the other bedroom has its own bathroom comprising shower recess with built-in seat and wall recess. A wall hung vanity with cappuccino top, separate storage cabinet and towel rail give a luxurious feel. Overall, the home is a brilliant design suited expertly to its position on North Harbour and the owners lifestyle.

EMPHASISES THE SHAPE AND FORM AND HELPS TO B R I N G T H E I N S I D E O U T, S E A M L E S S LY C O M B I N I N G T H E K I T C H E N/ D I N I N G WITH THE OUTDOOR E N T E RTA I N M E N T S PAC E T H AT I S P O O L S I D E .

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No.45 Harbourside Style, class, elegance … conjuring up impressions of leisure, warmth and grandeur. A timeless style, this Brandon Calder Home is a little different to its neighbouring properties. A good example of custom building – listening to the wishes of the homeowner. An exposed aggregate drive, white exterior walls, white picket fence along with white columns framing the entry portico, and plantation shutters have the Hampton easy living feel. The entry foyer typifies the understated luxury, it’s light and airy, casual yet stylish. A rustic, seamless timber floor leads through the home, an elegant contrast to the crisp white interior walls that are traditionally finished off with both a curved cornice and skirting board. A spacious, ground floor comprises guest bedroom with ensuite and walk-in-robe, home theatre room painted grey with soft carpeting underfoot and a bulkhead ceiling recess incorporating downlighting and an entertainment system, laundry and along with an open plan formal lounge, dining, kitchen and sitting area. A rustic fireplace with stone hearth placed between floor to ceiling panel windows, is the focal point in the lounge, adding to the comfort of the space. Pendant lighting above the kitchen’s white caesar stone island bench, continues the Hampton feel into the interior. Doubling as a breakfast bar, the island houses a dishwasher concealed under bench in the cabinetry and a deep, double stainless steel sink along with a separate drinking water spout. The walk-in pantry is generous, giving plenty of shelving space for cooking condiments and appliances close at hand. Further kitchen cabinetry incorporates a triple burner, gas DeLonghi cooktop and under-bench oven the centrepiece in the storage cupboards and sets of soft close drawers. Three level glass fronted cabinets are placed either side of overhead cabinetry providing a place to store precious items and have them on show.

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No.45 Harbourside A quaint sitting room alongside, provides a comfy space to take in lovely North Harbour views whilst relaxing with a cup of tea or maybe a good book. Overlooking the rear patio BBQ area and pool, the sitting room opens out onto the alfresco through glass sliding doors. Rectangular in shape, the pool has a frameless glass balustrade and an earthy look non-slip tile surround. A set of glass sliding doors open from the lounge to the pool area to create a fantastic indoor/outdoor entertaining area that incorporates all of the living space. Flanked one side by a white guide post and timber slat handrail, a wide timber staircase leads to the 2nd level of the home, handy under-stair storage has also been builtin. Timber flooring continues on the 2nd level

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hallway into the TV room which is painted a relaxing pale green. 3 bedrooms, one doubling as a home office all have built-in robes, are fully carpeted and are serviced by a generous sized bathroom. Very well appointed, the bathroom has both a glass screened shower recess and free standing oval bath. A large vanity with single bowl above bench hand basin and mirror above complement the feature tile wall behind the bath. The master bedroom is spacious and has its own private balcony overlooking the pool area below that may be accessed from the bedroom via glass sliding doors. A well appointed walk through robe has his/hers custom built shelving and hanging space and leads you to a very well thought out en-suite.

The en-suite is sumptuously self-indulgent, having both a deep oval freestanding bath and separate shower room with floor to ceiling white rectangular tiling. Twin shower roses are installed diagonally opposite each other with separate flick mixer controls and a frameless glass divider wall separates the showers from the rest of the bathroom. Beehive patterned white floor tiles, rectangular white wall tiling to window height, built-in linen cupboard, large vanity with his and hers deep oval hand basins with tiled splash-back plus a set of 3 wooden shuttered windows provide an opulent ensuite. Modern and unique accents add to the design, resulting in the perfect balance of function and style to create a uniquely

liveable home for its owners, whilst maintaining a balance of traditional and modern elements. I hope you enjoyed the glimpses of these beautiful new homes, custom built by Brandon Calder Homes and his fantastic team of professionals.

Talk to the builder BRANDON CALDER: 0403 348 288. OFFICE (BY APPOINTMENT): 41 HARBOURSIDE, PORT MACQUARIE, TEL (02) 6583 4637 INFO@BRANDONCALDERHOMES.COM.AU WWW.BRANDONCALDERHOMES.COM.AU

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e gning

DIVAS Designing your new home or renovating your existing place to suit your lifestyle and making it functional and stylish can be a challenging undertaking; and making the wrong decisions can be a waste of money and time.

uckily, kil you now h have th the advantage d t of bringing in a team of local design professionals – DESiGNiNG Divas. Chrissy Jones chatted with Michelle Burton, the founding Diva ... Who are the Divas and what are their individual specialities? DESiGNiNG Divas is a collective of local experienced designers – me, Michelle Burton – interior designer; Eva Cassegrain – landscape and garden designer; Linda Perkins – building designer; Julie Borger – design consultant. We are all passionate about design and have enough practical experience to understand what a client wants. We look after our clients and won't be bullied by builders, trades or suppliers who want to take short cuts. When did you start the company and why? At the end of 2011, I moved into the area with the intention of dividing my time between Sydney clients (I have an interior design practice in Sydney) and new clients in the Port Macquarie area. I have recently restored my own beach ‘shack’ in Lake Cathie and during the process I met numerous builders, trades and suppliers. I soon realised there was a need in the area for a design consultancy that could in effect be a one-stop solution for homeowners. Having met Linda, Julie and Eva during the design process, I loved their enthusiasm as well as their talent. So, at the beginning of this year we decided to form DESiGNiNG Divas and opened a resource design studio inside Cullens Carpet One at 199 Lake Road in Port Macquarie. It’s a great place and ideal location for clients to meet and discuss their ideas and view all sorts of product samples. I believe you have just won two Housing Industry Awards (HIA). That was so rewarding

to be recognised for the work we are doing locally. We were awarded HIA – Northern NSW winners in two categories – Kitchen Design of the Year and Bathroom Design of the Year – they were two new homes located on the Canals in Port Macquarie, built by Brandon Calder Homes. The winning designs now go through to the state finals.

I soon realised

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So are you spending there was a more time in the Port for in need the area Macquarie area or ncy ta ul a design cons be ct Sydney these days? I fe ef in that could professional designer? I for n tio lu spend most of my time so op a one-st often quote Red Adair, an locally, but occasionally homeowners.” American oil well fire fighter I do travel to Sydney who said: “If you think it’s or Melbourne to meet expensive hiring a professional with clients. But what is wait until you hire an amateur”. great about the Hastings area, Quite literally we will save a client apart from its obvious beauty, is time, money and make the process more that we are meeting adventurous clients enjoyable. We all love what we do and that who appreciate good design – both in enthusiasm is infectious. their homes and gardens. There are some Thank you Michelle. fantastic homes being built in the area with talented architects, building designers and great builders. the plug! What do you feel your personal strengths are? Space planning (the flow and function must be right), kitchen and bathroom design, colour and finish selections. What do you feel are the most important attributes for a designer? To listen. Why should a homeowner call in a

Michelle Burton Phone: 0413 398 908. michelle@designingdivas.com.au www.designingdivas.com.au Design studio is located at 199 Lake Road, Port Macquarie – inside Cullens Carpet One – by appointment only.

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The HIA-Shriro Commercial Northern NSW Housing Awards HOME OF THE YEAR Winner, Creative Works Constructions Pty Ltd, Port Macquarie.

The Department Store For colour and style for your home, make The Department Store your first port of call. We have individual pieces that provide infinite possibilities for your particular décor. There are chairs that make a bold statement or chairs that make you want to curl up and get cosy with a good book. We have fabric, cane or leather in stock so you will be sure to find something to suit your interior or favourite outdoor spot.

ell us about your latest accolade? WOW – what an honour! Taking out four awards! We felt privileged to receive such an award and very proud of the recognition it gave to us for the years of dedication and enthusiasm we give to each and every one of the projects we take on. It enforces what we believe in and encourages us to keep striving for excellence in everything we do. Why in your opinion do you think the house took out the award? What were the standout features? I believe our home took out the award due to the passion and dedication it was built with. There is no denying the impressive street appeal it commands and resort style living on offer. As I say to our tradesmen: “Do it once and do it right, or don’t do it at all”. After building 60 houses in Port Macquarie, we finally started building our dream home. They say “good things take time”; when you have been in the building industry as long as I have and still love what you do, it becomes a passion – a desire for excellence to achieve perfection. Our home comprises of many standout features, from the drive through basement, 6 metre high curved entry foyer, theatre room with acoustic ceiling, LED bulkhead lighting, affinity pool with Spa lounge, curved staircase. Travertine throughout the living areas adds luxury and a resort like feeling for entertaining family and friends whilst taking advantage of the river views and northerly aspect. This home is energy and self-sufficient with passive solar design, solar panelling on the roof and underground water tanks in the basement. Timber lined eaves, front and back window towers, cross flow ventilation in every room. Cantilevered matrix office are all part of what makes this house a stand out. What is the process when a new client walks through the door? Our aim is to form a working relationship with the client based on trust – to make the client’s building experience an enjoyable one. In the initial consultation, the client’s requirements are discussed and prioritised 110

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We have fabric, cane or so leather in stock, to re su you will be to ng hi et find som or suit your interior r oo favourite outd spot”

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Recycled Elm has been used to great effect on a stunning dining table that can seat 10 – 12; X back chairs and carver chairs complete this unique setting. This range also has an impressive coffee table and cabinet. This truly is affordable luxury that would sit well with a neutral palette or a coastal chic interior.

accordingly. This covers the design – from the client’s brief, budget, their block of land and the aspect it presents and finishes, both exterior and interior. We then set a time frame once approved by Council. What are the top three things that people should consider when looking to build a new house? Top 3 things to consider when building a new home: Aspect of the Block – is a crucial part of the design. When done correctly, everything just falls into place and flows. If done incorrectly, you will end up with a hot/cold house with no cross flow ventilation, resulting in problems with mould and mildew. Design – is another element involved with the aspect. Make sure the house is designed to take advantage of the block, to take in any views. Living areas facing north, not south. The front of the house is the first point of contact, so street appeal is essential. The house should be built to suit the individual client’s requirements. Budget – also an important factor; your design will depend upon the budget. We have built plenty of well-designed homes with appeal on a budget. It is important not to over-capitalise. What is the importance of working with a locally operated business? Our motto is: “YOUR DREAM BY OUR TEAM”. Our team is made up of a selection of local craftsmen who excel in each of their own trades. We have been involved in the building industry for 30 years and know the difference between a quality local tradesman and a ‘fly by night contractor’. The money you spend will be injected back into the local economy to keep our small town alive and maintain employment in the town for the next generation of tradesmen. Contact Scott on 0414 854 479 or visit www.creativeworksconstructions.com.au

Soft furnishings provide an abundance of colours with abstract, geometric or floral choices. Tropical looks are sensational that feature palms, parrots and lots of fun pieces to

brighten an area and put a smile on your face.

We offer personalised styling for your home and have access to several furniture companies for you to choose your treasured piece. We carry a great range of prints and floor mats to complete the effect. So make the trip to The Department Store, where we are always surprising and delighting. See you in store. Judy.

Accredited Cleaning & Pest Solutions

ell us about your business, what at do you offer d ff customers? t ? Our business is a locally run family business and owner operated. Husband and wife team combined with over 25 year’s industry experience. Both Roland and Caroline have worked side by side for many years to bring both professionalism and service to their customers. This is exactly what the cleaning industry remembers them for. Our services assist our customers with the best solutions whether it’s their home or business. Having all our services under one roof helps our customers save more money because we can package our services together to meet requirements and budgets. Some of our services are carpet steam cleaning, grout colour sealing, pest control, tile and stone restoration, 24 hour flood emergency, specialised stain removal, tile and grout cleaning,

IICRC and more. How has technology and innovation impacted on how you conduct business and impa the products you offer? p It differentiates us from the rest. Even though we have already achieved the highest standard of qualifications, we keep at It differentiates the forefront of chemistry us from the nt and mechanical changes ou rest. It is param specialised rug cleaning within our industry. s that we alwayry st be and many more. We continually engage deliver the ve rvice se How long have you d ourselves in the most up results an s, er om st been in the industry? cu to date training available r to ou ve on ri th e w se We have over au in Australia and this is ec b 25 years combined referrals.” how we can offer the best experience and knowledge. cleaning services. In this time we have sold Why do your customers equipment, completed our select you over your training and supplied the cleaning competitors? industry with ongoing technical support. We come as a referral to many. They also What formal qualifications and training know that Roland is an accredited Woolsafe do you have? Are you continually operator which guarantees they are getting updating your training? the best in the industry. We have both the We complete continuous education programs cleaning and pest control services on offer. We to keep us up to date on the latest changes in are recommended for the Smart Strand Carpet the industry. We belong to Woolsafe Australia, exclusive to Harvey Norman.

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You are a wool safe certified operator, what does this mean? Roland has satisfied the requirements of the WoolSafe Organisation coupled with many years experience which offers our customers the services of one of the very best carpet cleaners within the industry. Roland is a Fibre Care Specialist and has undertaken in the licence agreement to use WoolSafe Approved Chemicals guaranteed safe to use on wool. So being Woolsafe Certified, means we offer the very best service, fully accredited and using the very best chemicals. For more information please visit, www.woolsafe.org/ australia. What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? What are you most excited or passionate about? When our customers turn around and say “wow” we know they have experienced the best and that we have delivered to another happy customer. This is the excitement that keeps us going. Our customers are everything to our business. Do you have a great offer to share with our readers? It’s our great Spring Special Offer for everyone listed below.

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Real Estate f e a t u r e

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REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FEATURE

Kathryn and e Mark encourag in ed anyone interest cing an fin re or ng yi bu em th to meet with for an individual ur discussion on yo lending needs.”

Real Estate

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Business what a great investment Start Hunting with your local area experts Start hunting with your local area experts, Mark Prosper and Kathryn McGuire.

and CEO ‘Employee of the Year.’

Mark and Kathryn are your local St.George Bank Home Lenders who are well-known to the local community and have extensive

interested in buying or refinancing to meet

knowledge of Port Macquarie, including surrounding areas Kempsey, Wauchope and Laurieton. Mark has a financial services career spanning over 30 years and has been a well-known local St.George banker since 1994, while Kathryn has a strong financial planning background including 20 years' banking experience and 14 years at the Port Macquarie branch. Kathryn’s exceptional customer service and outstanding performance was recently acknowledged when Kathryn was announced as the inaugural 2012 St.George ‘Banker of the Year

Kathryn and Mark encourage anyone with them for an individual discussion on your lending needs, where they can help you work out affordability, how much you can borrow, how much deposit you might need or even discuss detailed lending solutions, such as accessing equity in your home.

There are now very few guarantees when it comes to a secure investment. Gone are days of large capital gains in the residential and commercial markets, and most shares/super funds/term deposit investments offer very little return ... if any. A typical investment home valued at $400,000 will only return rent of around 5% (or $22,000) per annum, whilst a commercial premise of the same value may get you up to 10% ($40,000); that is if you can retain a tenant.

Mark Prosper 0478 333 035

For the same outlay you can buy an established business and expect around 45% (or $180,000) return on your investment. A typical business of this size will come with proven systems, a loyal client base, tangible assets and will have trained staff in place, ensuring you won’t be working 24/7.

Kathryn McGuire 0413 540 017.

Sure, most businesses in this price bracket

Mark and Kathryn are available at a time that suits you. They can be contacted at St.George’s Port Macquarie office on (02) 6583 0700 or directly on:

It’s a great time to move your home loan to St.George. Take out a new Advantage Package home loan of $250,000 or more, and we’ll give you a rebate of $1,250. Hurry, this offer is limited. Apply by 31 October and settle by Book an 31 December 2013.

appointment today.

Call your local Port Macquarie Home Lender today. Mark Prosper 0407 526 845 Kathryn McGuire 0413 540 017 Offer is not available for loan refinances of existing St.George, Bank of Melbourne or BankSA home loans. Annual Advantage Package fee, currently $395, applies. Credit criteria, fees and charges apply. Terms and conditions are available on request. The $1,250 switching offer is available on applications received from 10/09/2013 to 31/10/2013 and settled by 31/12/2013. You must hold a St.George transaction account and direct debit your repayments in order to receive rebate. The rebate will be paid into the St.George transaction account where the home loan repayments are being deducted. Offer only applies to new personal or investment home loan applications where the loan purpose is to refinance. This offer is limited to one home loan application (including single or multiple applicants) and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Advantage Package Conditions of Use apply and are available upon request. All applications for credit are subject to St.George’s prevailing credit criteria. © 2013 St.George – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714. STGW2292 10/13

require an owner operator at the helm; however, you may choose to employ a manger and enjoy a truly passive investment. Obviously there is always some risk involved, as with any investment you make. By employing good advisors and carefully researching the business/industry prior to making your decision, you will greatly reduce the risk. The rewards of business ownership really can be life changing. Rod Russell’s unrivalled professionalism and years of experience have earned him the reputation as one of Australia’s most successful business brokers. Known as the BIG business sales specialist, Rod has achieved enormous success, with numerous multimillion dollar sales throughout his 18 years in the industry. Rod continues to raise the standards in business sales and is totally committed to offering his clients exceptional service and results.

A LIFESTYLE INVESTMENT AND AN INVESTMENT OF A LIFETIME

A dream lifestyle opportunity to run your own business with competent key staff in place is just a phone call away. Enjoy the ﬂexibility of being your own boss in a high proﬁle lifestyle business. As a part of a nationally recognised company, grown to become a household name ... with success coming from goodwill on providing excellent service and a comprehensive range of high quality products. Contact Rod Russell

· · · · · · · · · ·

Established since 1985 Leading National buying group $22 9 5,000 Key long term staff in place PLLUS STO C K Beautiful working environment Only five and a half days per week High profile Port Macquarie location Income - $35,000 per week Net profit - $3,500 per week Huge return on investment Exceptional head office support and national marketing

M. 0409 931 600 E. rod@savvybusiness.com.au

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Real Estate Why should view your re u yo home lo an?”

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Advanced Solutions Group Home Loans Why should you review your home loan? Firstly, to save money. By refinancing you can take advantage of the current market and find a better deal. You could move to a lower interest rate, and keeping the same loan term gives you two ways to save. You save in the short-term by paying lower monthly repayments, and you can save in the longterm by paying less overall interest. Another good reason is that you pay off your home loan sooner. A lower interest rate means you can pay what you currently pay each month but you could reduce the term of the loan, and this means saving interest. The market has changed a lot in the last few years, and the home loan you currently have may not be the right one for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal; it could save you thousands! Why speak to Aussie about a home

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loan? Aussie offers a free, comprehensive mortgage broking service to compare hundreds of loans & find a great deal that's right for you. Easy - We do all the hard work for you. Quick - Compare hundreds of home loans in just minutes. Free - No charge for our service. Comprehensive – Compare up to 19 lenders including major banks. Detailed – Look at all the features of a loan, not just the rate. Personal – Get a service fully personalised to your needs. Professional - Fully trained and accredited expert brokers. Drop in to your local Aussie store today, at 5/111 William Street Port Macquarie to see how you could get a better deal.

Advanced Solutions Group is a solutions based company offering the full suite of technical rope access and height safety solutions. Industrial rope access has become increasingly popular in metropolitan areas receiving recognition as being a quick, easy and affordable alternative to traditional forms of access. The use of rope access often eliminates many of the issues associated with public safety, neighbouring facade access and provides a much less intrusive form of access compared to traditional scaffolding and the use of heavy plant. Advanced solutions group boasts experienced staff with real qualifications catering to a variety of industries and jobs including but not limited to concrete cancer and rendering work, painting, cleaning and washing, geotechnical, bush rehabilitation, weed control, engineering and construction

to name but a few. Our expansive services enables us to rejuvenate your building and business facades to look great again by removing many of the deposits and grime associated with coastal locations. Protective coatings can be applied to shed water and prolong the cleanliness of your façade and significantly increase the look and value of your property! Challenge us, we look forward to it

Real Estate f e a t u r e

T ay l o r B y r n e Taylor Byrne provides quality independent property advice, supported by thorough research and analysis of the property market.

aluations are provided for many purposes, including company reporting, purchase or sale, dissolution, stamp duty, capital gains and litigation. To ensure a consistent quality product that can withstand Court scrutiny, Taylor Byrne has an internal peer review process for all valuations. Client confidence is drawn from the qualified local team here in Port Macquarie, which is supported by over 50 years' experience within the Taylor Byrne Group, consisting of 19 offices throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Taylor Byrne Port Macquarie offers a wide range of services, providing valuations for residential, commercial, industrial and rural property. This energetic team is overseen by Damien Burley, who is experienced in all levels of valuation with particular emphasis on commercial, industrial and going concern properties. With the help of his friendly, approachable staff, Taylor Byrne Port Macquarie can handle any valuation enquiry. Now let's meet the local team.

Wayne Grant has worked in the building and valuation industries here locally for over 30 years, being born and bred in Port Macquarie and is a well respected member of the team. Wayne specialises in valuations for residential, rural lifestyle and rural properties here in the Hastings. When Wayne does get the chance for some down time, you might find him enjoying some fishing and camping at one of his favourite local spots. Amy Frankel grew up at Dondingalong, outside of Kempsey, and commenced her career in the valuation industry back in 2006. Having both building and farming influences in her life, a career in the valuation industry was the perfect match for this driven young lady. Amy is currently working as a Cadet Valuer whilst completing a Bachelor of Property degree and assists in carrying out the commercial valuations, including industrial and going concern properties within Port Macquarie and throughout Northern New South Wales. Jessica Debreceny grew up in Comboyne, west of Port Macquarie. After local schooling she

relocated to Brisbane to undertake a Bachelor attending valuations from Bulahdelah to South of App. Science in Property Economics at QUT West Rocks. and joined the Taylor Byrne group in 2009. Cameron Michell moved to Port Jessica specialises in valuations Macquarie in 2007 after growing for residential, rural lifestyle up and studying in rural and rural properties, NSW. Cameron enjoys the predominately in the diversity of properties Valuations Macleay Valley area. he provides valuation e provided ar In her downtime advice on, with no two any purposes m r fo Jessica enjoys properties ever being cluding company or in weekends on the hase reporting, purc the same. He specialises stamp farm, keeping fit sale, dissolution, and in Residential, Rural ins and sampling the duty, capital ga valuations and also local cuisine with litigation. â€? carries out insurance and friends. land objection valuations. Greg Jordan is a new In his downtime Cameron face at Taylor Byrne, having plays Rugby for the Port Macquarie joined the team as an assistant Pirates and is a surf boat rower for valuer 15 months ago. Greg was raised Tacking Point Surf Club. in Tamworth, worked in Sydney and For all your valuation and property enquiries, moved to Port Macquarie 14 years ago, having previously worked with the NSW Police. contact Taylor Byrne Port Macquarie. They will provide you with timely and professional Greg is enjoying the culture of this dynamic valuation and consultancy services of the team. He is currently studying part-time towards his Bachelor of Property degree whilst highest quality each and every time.

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Bago Real Estate At Bago Real Estate we are enjoying amazing sales results since spring has sprung. If you're looking for affordable residential & rural properties, look no further than www.bagorealestate.com.au Our residential vacant blocks are the most affordable on the Mid North Coast â€“ almost $70,000 to $100,000 cheaper than blocks in Port Macquarie. Our message is if you buy and build in Wauchope, you're a winner. We have many rural small allotments from 5 acre properties on the river, with building entitlement, to scenic 100 acre lots only 12 minutes to Wauchope; the choices are many and varied. Our rural land listings range from the beautiful Hannam Vale Valley, Wauchope area, to the rich volcanic soils of the Comboyne plateau, or the farmlands of Rollands Plains. Call into our office and have a chat with our friendly team at Shop 2, 33 High Street in Wauchope, in the heart of the main street, or give us a call on 6586 4900. You can always check out our website or send us an email enquiry to sales@bagorealestate.com.au

Hannam Vale - 5 acres

Riverbreeze Estate

671m2 Ready to build $134,000

$279,000

Create you new lifestyle

$339,000

Rich fertile Comboyne

$429,000

Shop 2/33 High Street Wauchope

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Port Macquarie

Proudly

local Laing+Simmons has been a fixture in the local marketplace for many years. Chris Koch talks about the office’s recent successes and the bright prospects for Port Macquarie’s property market.

n real estate, nothing substitutes for an intimate knowledge and genuine passion for the local area and this passion, combined with a determination to deliver the best possible customer service while enjoying what we do, has underpinned our success to date”, Chris explains. The office is the most awarded in the 50 year history of Laing+Simmons and at the most recent company awards night picked up 25 awards, setting a new record in the process. Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie’s status at the top of the network is cemented by the fact it has taken out the top spot of Number One for the last 13 years in a row. Chris himself was inducted into the Laing+Simmons Hall Of Fame in 2009 and over the past seven years has enjoyed enough highlights to span an entire career in real estate. Making a smooth transition to real estate with Laing+Simmons in 2006, after 13 years at local icon Bob Todd Motors, Chris and his wife Kelly purchased Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie in 2010. Since then Chris, Kelly and the team have strengthened their reputation as the leader in the local market and the ‘customer first’ approach that has shaped the past success of Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie will also lay the platform for the future. “The local property market is undergoing fundamental change and there is every reason for local residents and businesses alike to be confident in what lies ahead,” says Chris. “New developments, new infrastructure and education commitments and a growing recognition of the incomparable lifestyle on offer makes for a bright future for the area, and Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie is adapting to ensure we continue to meet our customers’ needs today and tomorrow.” An impending new look brand, with improved systems and processes designed

with the customer in mind, supports the growing team of nine sales agents, six support staff and an auctioneer to deliver the type of boutique, tailored service and strong results for customers that other agents in the area simply don’t have the capacity to match. Recently joining Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie is former multiple World Bodyboarding Champion Damian King, who brings the same level of discipline, commitment and enthusiasm that, took him to the top of the bodyboarding world. He’s also a passionate local, with the kind of contact network only a genuine local can boast. “The Port Macquarie property market may well be on the cusp of another growth spurt”, Chris Koch says. When you consider the low interest rate environment, the abundance of new development and the fact spring is traditionally the most active time of the year for real estate, the signs are overwhelmingly positive for the local market. “There is a shortage of available properties for sale in Port Macquarie, particularly freestanding houses, so new development is certainly welcome,” he explains. “We are seeing more and more buyers coming from Sydney, Canberra and other parts of the country, triggering greater activity at the upper end of the market.” “New projects in areas including Emerald Downs, Brierley Hill, Oxley Park, Sovereign Hills and even North Harbour will benefit from increasing demand for homes in the area. With interest rates remaining at historical lows and prices that have remained relatively flat for nearly a decade, now is an ideal time for a carefully considered investment.” “The fact that the election campaign is now behind us provides further certainty to both vendors and buyers and we encourage anyone weighing up their options to contact

and a strong team,” Chris says. us for experienced advice.” “It’s not enough to have been in the industry Chris points to infrastructure commitments for a long time. To be competitive, agents including the planned improvements to must be able to demonstrate a proven track Port Macquarie’s airport, the foreshore redevelopment, Charles Sturt University’s new record, they must have access to a large database of buyers, and they must have the campus on Major Innes Road and planned negotiation skills to work with buyers and hospital upgrades as evidence of the area’s vendors to close deals that benefit everyone.” bright future. “Ideally, real estate is a team sport with “The real estate market is closely linked dedicated, hardworking people with the level of infrastructure who enjoy what they do and spend and these projects who work together well, will support long term al re , lly to drive the optimum demand for housing and ea Id estate is a team outcome for the rental accommodation cated, di de ith w t customer.” or in Port Macquarie, sp ople hardworking pe ey “It requires strategic, underpinning t th who enjoy wha innovative, targeted property prices and k do and who wor marketing strategies encouraging new together well, to of broad scope money to town,” he um drive the optim that represent says. outcome for the value for money. It The new Charles Sturt customer.” also requires a cool University campus is head when dealing with expected to accommodate banks, solicitors and all other around 5,000 students over the stakeholders in a sale campaign. next 10 years, while the long term Strong ethics are a must and agents vision for Port Macquarie Airport not only simply looking to drive a quick buck will addresses airline and aviation operations, always be exposed.” it also encourages commercial property Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie recorded development opportunities and maximises a sales increase of 15% in the most recent the region's economic development and financial year and Chris is anticipating tourism potential. another busy year ahead. The flow-on effects to the residential market “Our prospects for the next 12 months will be compelling, Chris says. mirror those of the market generally and are Bright prospects for Port’s Property quite positive. We believe we have the right Market. platform for continued success and we look With the prospects for the local property forward to continuing to do what we do market looking healthy for the next best – delivering exceptional results for our 12 months and beyond, an increase in clients,” Chris says. competition among agents is inevitable. For further information and market “The current shortage of available properties comments please contact: means vendors can achieve good results, Chris Koch but this doesn’t happen without the right Principal campaign executed by the best agents; Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie those with the right blend of dedication and (02) 6583 7733 professionalism backed by an effective brand

“

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John Byrnes TJL Financial Services John Byrnes of TJL Financial Services has 20 years' experience in the industry, with a Business Degree majoring in Finance and Economics and a Diploma of Financial Services majoring in Financial Planning and has worked with clients from all walks John specialises of life with widely in working with and varying financial you to develop ancial circumstances. implement a fin future ur yo John moved to Port strategy for ur yo at g Macquarie a few by lookin your family’s needs, years ago to be and your current lifestyle closer to his parents re.” tu fu e plans for th and to improve his own lifestyle.

“

John’s passion is working with families to get their finances organised in order to pay off their mortgage faster, make their current financial situation more secure and help them retire with enough financial security to enjoy their twilight years doing the things they love. John specialises in working with you to develop and implement a financial strategy for your future by looking at your family’s needs, your current lifestyle and your plans for the future. Clients are constantly telling John that by

working with him to develop a personalised financial strategy they now feel more in control of their finances; they feel positive about the future and life for them has never looked better.

As one client told John recently, “The changes to my life have been amazing. I just wish I had made the decision to come and see you sooner.” For more information on how John and the team at TJL Financial services can help you pay off your mortgage faster, save on tax and retire happy while still maintaining your current lifestyle, call or email John on 6554 9511 or john.byrnes@tjlbiz.com.au or visit www.tjlbiz. com.au

LJ Hooker Laurieton & Wauchope LJ Hooker Laurieton and (the recently opened online office) LJ Hooker Wauchope offer a full range of quality property services, including residential and rural sales, property investment management, business broking and LJ Hooker Finance. “Our dedicated team has many years' experience in the local real estate industry. Our staff are highly trained and skilled in their areas of real estate. We use innovation and integrity to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. Our intention is to be always recognised by customers, associates and competitors as the most outstanding real estate agency in the area,” said Principal & Licensed Agent, Martin Newell. LJ Hooker Laurieton and Wauchope have the local knowledge and the international reach you need in today’s marketplace. With the strength of Australia’s strongest name in real estate and the number one real estate agent website ljhooker. com, LJ Hooker reaches buyers locally, nationally

and internationally through an extensive online presence (property advertising on over 22 real estate websites) and by utilising the LJ Hooker network. Now is the right time to be on the market, and everyone who lists exclusively with LJ Hooker Laurieton and Wauchope this spring will receive 20,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points when they sell, as well a free house clean of the property sold when vacated. “We have been inundated with buyer enquiry over the past four weeks, the highest level of enquiry that we have seen in years, and this is set to only increase as we enter the peak selling period of spring,” said Martin. LJ Hooker has been named the Major Real Estate Network of the Year in the inaugural national Australian Real Estate Awards, proving again ‘nobody does it better.’ For all aspects of real estate, talk to the team at LJ Hooker Laurieton & Wauchope on 6559 5411.

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focus_business.

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce mmerce

lea leaders, from GPM FOCUS, the Observatory, Ri Ricardoes Tomatoes, and Willing and Able, ga us valuable messages that many gave w would pay thousands of dollars to receive els elsewhere.

Hadyn Oriti.

MINDING YOUR

BUSINESS OUR RECENT BUSINESS AWARDS WERE A CELEBRATION OF BUSINESS IN THE HASTINGS. THEY ARE JUST ONE REASON ALL BUSINESSES SHOULD GET INVOLVED IN THE CHAMBER.

ith the help of sponsors, such as Fuel 4 Business, we had an enjoyable evening of fun and entertainment. Colleagues kicked up their heels and acknowledged the successes and achievements of the past 12 months. The

awards are significant; but, they are only part of what the Chamber does. At a member night earlier this year we asked our Business Awards Hall of Fame inductees to give their views on four subjects in the context of their businesses. The insights were memorable. These business

Th panellists were asked to consider The su subjects of innovation, sustainability, ethics an leadership in their business. and In Innovation: What struck me about innovation was that it was not some blinding revelation that came to the business. It is a process. Those that had done it well had worked hard at innovating. They asked: why do we do things this way? Let’s look at this process from our customers' perspective, stand in their shoes and see what we would want to do differently. By changing perspective, our panel members said they could see what needed to be changed – innovation happened. Sustainability: This term evokes green environmental images, but in business it means that and much more. To achieve success in the long term, every business must be sustainable. Our panel highlighted the imperative to focus on our customers’ needs. Commitment to values and service standards inculcated a certain culture within employees, that if done right will sustain the business. Bringing on young people and revitalising the workplace is important. The message is that if you focus on doing what you do well, the rewards will follow. Ethics: Perhaps the most telling comment about this topic was that running your business ethically means that you are able

to sleep at night. The panel suggested that there is a fundamental need to align our business values with our personal values and, perhaps, the golden rule: our staff must also buy in to those values. In this way, a culture develops that will reinforce doing business ethically. As one panel member said, at the end of the day, all we have in business is our reputation. Leadership: There have been many books written on leadership. I’ve read a few. But the panel was able to sum up the essence of leadership in a couple of sentences. Different circumstances require different leadership styles; however, by and large the panel members thought that their role as leaders in their business was to show the way, set the example, and let their team go. If needed, the leader builds the bridge between where the business is now and where it wants to get to. It is plain to see that if you have the right culture, leadership becomes easy. Every business struggles with these issues and more every day. In a chaotic world it is important to be able to rely on some strong foundations. The insights provided by our panel on that night are certainly worthwhile and have obviously stood the test of time. They reinforced the adage that we must focus on those things that we can control and let go of those we can’t. Getting the benefits of membership of the Chamber is something all businesses in the Hastings can control. Speak to Lisa McPherson, our executive officer, about joining – now!

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Unlikely Heroes: The AST Story The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) views sustainable forest management as a long-term major initiative to reduce global carbon emissions. But how can cutting down trees be good for the environment?

Getting Real with David Plews! Insuring Your Home size – the value to be insured should reflect We recently renewed our home insurance, this. A very typical home in Port Macquarie and it reminded me that I have seen many a generally ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per home under-insured in the market place. square metre. Some additional value may I have read various articles estimating that up need to be taken into account to cover extras to 80 per cent of homes are under-insured. like air conditioning, premium kitchen, etc. From my experience working as Professional Costs – should a both a real estate agent and new home be required, some property valuer, these statistics professional costs will need David was are pretty spot on. to be taken into account, al on si es prof n he w l The market value of a home like architects, surveyors, fu lp he d an . is quite different to the engineers, development apworking with us He provided goodd insured value. When you plication fees. advice.' David an take out a home building Lead Time/Escalation Deb Bordin” insurance policy, you are Costs – if you make an insurpurchasing cover to rebuild ance claim near the end of the your home. policy, building costs may have So where do home owners go increased, so ensure you allow for this wrong? or you may be under-insured. My advice is that it’s best to be over-insured Contingency – I suggest you allow for an exthan under-insured. When insuring a home, tra 10 per cent of the total figure to be safe. don’t forget to factor in to your calculations: As I mentioned, it’s best to be over-insured Demolition – should your home be damthan under-insured. aged, you need to allow for the home to So when an agent offers comparison sales for be demolished and cleared first before any insurance purposes, remember they provide building commences. If the home has asbesno relative information in regard to insuring tos, allow for extra demolition costs. a property. Reinstatement Costs (New House) – this I hope this gives you some useful points to is the total cost to rebuild the home from consider for when insurance time comes scratch. Each home will vary in quality and around. That’s my view.

“

LOCAL | QUALIFIED | PROVEN mobile 0448 836 000 email david@portmacquariefn.com.au 69 Horton St, Port Macquarie

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Let’s have a quick look here on the Mid North Coast with a company like Australian Solar Timbers (AST).

When trees are sustainably logged for

As a fourth generation family company, AST has been punching above its weight for some time on both a local and international scale.

forests, removing even more carbon from the

AST was the first mainland flooring processor to gain Chain of Custody certification under PEFC (the world’s largest forest certification body). Under this certification, AST sources the majority of its timber through Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW), recently recognised in an independent Finnish Study as boasting the most rigorous standards for forest sustainability in the world.

renewable building materials in the world (unlike

AST is the world’s largest user of solar kilns to dry its timber, a gentler and more environmentally friendly process pioneered by the company in Australia. It even uses its own residues (sawdust and shavings) as a renewable energy source to replace coal and gas for local companies.

flooring, the floor locks up carbon for the life of the product whilst new trees grow in atmosphere. Trees are one of the few ‘carbon negative’ and steel or concrete) and PEFC guarantees that the wood has been legally and sustainably harvested. Cutting down trees is bad for the environment when it is done unsustainably. Sourcing your flooring from unknown areas or overseas can run the risk of supporting industries less sustainably managed than local certified practices. Australia is leading the world in forest management. Next time you are looking for flooring or timber building materials, check where your timber is coming from and think global, by looking local.

“Modern living solutions for sloping sites”

New split level range just released “At McDonald Jones, they understand that the world isn’t flat and sloping home sites come with their own set of challenges. So they’ve put their talented architects to work and produced a brand new range of stylish Split Level home designs that look great, feel great and won’t break the budget. Each one of their Split Level designs offer an ideal solution that works with, rather than against, the natural lay of the land and they deliver functional, practical living spaces that enhances the way you live. Discover the new range today”.

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CAPITAL DRIVE, BARTON RIDGE, SOVEREIGN HILLS – PORT MACQUARIE BUILDING THROUGHOUT THE MID NORTH COAST – FORSTER, TAREE, HARRINGTON, PORT MACQUARIE, COFFS HARBOUR

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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, fireplaces, alfresco decking, fencing, swimming pools and furnishings. The photo may also depict optional variations to the standard home which incur additional charges. For detailed home pricing, please talk to one of our consultants. Newcastle Quality MJH 0628PMM Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232, Builders Licence Number 41628, T/A McDonald Jones Homes. Architect Reg No: 4234.

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