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180 MARCH 2021
Kristy KOSTA LA S
Enjoy the versatile GLB 200 Sport Edition. Meet the first-ever GLB. With 7 seats as standard and flexible seating configurations, this outstanding vehicle makes it easy to be open for what’s next. For a limited time, the GLB 200 Sport Edition offers even more comfort and value with impressive features like AMG styling, panoramic sunroof and 360-degree camera, plus an unlimited kilometre five-year warranty^ on your new vehicle. Only until March 31.
Visit Andrew Miedecke Motors today to take advantage of this exclusive offer. www.mbportmacquarie.com.au ^Applicable to new vehicles for 5 years from the date of first registration. Commercial application of vehicle is subject to 5 years from first registration date or 200,000km (whichever occurs first). Battery warranty periods vary. Excludes customers with specific warranty arrangements with Mercedes-Benz. For full terms, conditions and exclusions please refer to the website at www.mercedes-benz.com.au/passengercars/being-an-owner/looking-after-your-car/warranty. *Price is manufacturer’s maximum drive away price (incl. GST) including on road costs available on new GLB 200 with sports edition package, ordered and delivered between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021 unless extended. Offer excludes rental, government and national fleet customers. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Available at participating Mercedes-Benz retailers. While stocks last.
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GLB 200 Sport Edition
From
$71,900
* drive away
100 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie 6583 8855 DL8071 www.mbportmacquarie.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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AZARA APARTMENTS GORE STREET
6B LINCOLN ROAD 40% UNDER CONTRACT
30% UNDER CONTRACT
WATERBREEZE KANANGRA COVE 30% SOLD
ARISE APARTMENTS DREW CLOSE 50% UNDER CONTRACT
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BUY BRAND NEW. HAPPY EVER MORE. Our town is booming right now! The level of construction and the number of new developments popping up, is a powerful sign of the high confidence in our local property market and town as a whole. At HEM, we are at the cutting edge of new developments in Port Macquarie. Our exciting projects include a combination of luxury CBD apartments, stylish beachside townhouses and affordable new townhouse/villa complexes, providing something for everyone. So, if you are looking to get into the market, invest or planning the next downsize, buying “off-the-plan” could be the way to buy for tomorrow, at today’s prices. Contact Team HEM for full details. But be quick, they are selling FAST!
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Cheers to more Happy Days How will you spend your 2021? Take a tour, have a chat and see for yourself why Plantations by Ingenia Lifestyle is the most sought after over 55s community on the Coffs Coast. A friendly and secure oasis where you will feel instantly at ease and completely at home, living life on your own terms.
Cheers
To celebrate the new year, we’re offering a $10,000* bonus on selected homes for a limited time.
ITH TO 2021 W * $
10,000
Platinum release now selling – 50% sold in first week!
NEW HOMES FROM $364,000* Call Piere today on 0448 714 021 and book your appointment or visit liveinwoolgoolga.com.au for a FREE information pack. DISPLAY VILLAGE OPEN DAILY 10am – 4pm 11 MCINTOSH CR, WOOLGOOLGA
*Terms and conditions apply visit liveinwoolgoolga.com.au for details. Eligible buyers must deposit before 19/03/21 and settle by 28/05/21. + Price is based on owning your home and leasing the land and is correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice.
focus_team note
t Welcome to the March issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.
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his month we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. This year's theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’ and will be celebrated locally by the Hastings Business Womens Network and MP Leslie Williams with their annual event. The morning breakfast features an exciting line up of guest speakers, including Samantha Wills, and will be emceed by Stacey Morgan. Guests will enjoy a panel session facilitated by Stacey with three local businesswomen discussing the theme #choosetochallenge, and how they have faced and tackled challenges in their careers and lives. On the Panel is Shelley Watts, Olympian; Heather McGregor, Director, Indigenous Student Success, CSU; and the newly appointed CEO of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Dr Clare Allen. Guests will also hear from Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb and Prevention Specialist Brooke Maggs on COVID’s impact on local families experiencing domestic violence, and how we can choose to challenge violence-supporting stereotypes and
inequality. The morning is a fundraiser for Liberty Services, our local service for Domestic and Family Violence, and is SOLD OUT. Our Women in Business feature is a beautiful showcase of local businesswomen. We’ve asked them to reflect on the last 12 months and how their business changed, and where they see it going in the next 12 months. It is an exceptional insight into these women’s businesses – we are so thrilled to have so many included this year. Inside this vibrant edition you can read about Ma & Pa Permaculture and their amazing farm at Herons Creek; Alessandra Papazzo Flowers whose passion for sustainable floristry has opened her creativity to a new business venture; Julie and David of Port Sailing tell us about the launch of chartered cruises in their luxury catamaran; and Erika Gleeson, whose new Dippers program is helping disabled people get familiar with the ocean! And that is just a few of the great stories you will find. On the Cover is Dr Kristy Kostalas! Dr Kristy is a passionate medical professional who truly
focus GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie PHONE 02 6584 7433 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au
contacts. MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR Claire Dunkley claire@focusmag.com.au SENIOR DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au
embodies the her beliefs of making a difference in her patients’ lives. When she is not in her practice you can find her elbow deep in potting mix, or watching her award winning chooks peck around her yard – you can read her full story on page 16. Thank you Karina Deichler for doing Kristy’s Hair and Makeup. Dr Kristy wears her own outfit by Ted Baker and is featured in front of her greenhouse on her family property, photography by Gavin Moroney. Clarence Place – the place to eat! If you take a walk down the river end of Clarence Street you’ll find ‘CLARENCE PLACE’. The newly installed stone marker at the intersection of Short and Clarence Streets recognises the cul-de-sac end with many restaurants, cafes and takeaways. Our ‘EAT STREET’ is full of options with Indian, Turkish, Thai, Steak, Seafood, Gelato, Australian Cafes, and Fish n Chips just to name a few. Over time, the new moniker will become part of a broader marketing strategy for the area so local and tourists alike will know where to EAT.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Dable joey@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au PROOF READING Sue Chamberlain info@focusmag.com.au
Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. 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 material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as ‘Interview or Contributor’ are non-sponsored content. Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2021 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Australian Community Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation.
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contents Issue 180 - March 2021 INTERVIEWS
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PORT SAILING
MA & PA PERMACULTURE
ALESSANDRA PAPAZZO
A lifelong love of the ocean led to a passion for the excitement and beauty of sailing. Now you can cruise with Port Sailing on their gorgeous catamaran. Let's sail away...
With adventurous spirits and a love of the natural world, Troy and Sophie Roberts immerse themselves in a life of permaculture at Herons Creek.
“Alessandra Papazzo Flowers” has been manifesting since she was a young girl in Napoli, who spread her wings to the world, embracing all she met along the way.
S P E C IA L F E AT U R E
OUR CONTRIBUTORS 21. Alex Cassegrain - Wine Time 41. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 45. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar 65. Shannon Lawrence - Healthful Wisdom 109. Michael Mowle - Business Voice CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH
ALAN PRIEST
Every month you'll find the latest news, reviews and interviews from these locals.
111. Meet our Members - HBWN 116. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate 124. Alan Priest - Legal Light 134. Jess and Ash - Design with Sess and Sass
t i ti t Follow us on
www.facebook.com/PortMacquarieFocus
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BEACHSIDE PRECINCTS ACHIEVING RECORD PRICES!
SO LD OV E R $1.1 M I LLI O N
SOLD OVER $1.4 MILLION
SOLD
PRIOR TO AUCTION
10 SUNNYSIDE CRESCENT
4
• 12 DAYS ON MARKET • 18 OFFERS • 139 ENQUIRIES • 90 INSPECTIONS
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0
16 PARTRIDGE STREET
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• 5 DAYS ON MARKET • 9 OFFERS • 39 ENQUIRIES • 41 INSPECTIONS
IF YOU HAVE CONSIDERED SELLING ACT NOW! WE HAVE BUYERS READY TO PURCHASE CONTACT MICHELLE PERCIVAL - PRINCIPAL PHONE 0404 466 500
SALES 106 William Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 8606 I percival.com.au
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JACK ATTACK BAREFOOT BOWLS. PORT CITY BOWLS
A fun evening for team building & networking with your colleagues and friends. All entry money raised will be donated Entry $75 per team Sausage sizzle and weekly prizes When Starts Friday 5th March (4 week competition) from 6pm
M A R C H
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8 FILLIES ON THE FAIRWAY CORPORATE CHARITY GOLF DAY
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NATIONAL ART PART ONE AT THE GLASSHOUSE
National Art (part one) presents a dynamic selection of artworks by 50 of Australia’s most significant artists who studied at Australia’s leading art school – Sydney’s National Art School. As the National Art School approaches 100 years on its Darlinghurst site (1922– 2022) and over 175 years in operation, this exhibition celebrates some of the extraordinary artists who trained at the institution over the past seven decades. When 06 Mar 2021 9:00am to 18 Apr 2021 at 2:00pm 14 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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This year the Westpac Rescue Helicopter will hold the inaugural MNC “Fillies on the Fairway” corporate charity golf day. This event will be the first of its kind in Port Macquarie combining the picturesque Emerald Downs Golf Course with the first ever female-only corporate charity golf day. Your support in sponsorship, team registrations & prizes will help raise much needed funds in what has been a difficult period for charities, so let’s combine to start 2021 with a great day on the beautiful Emerald Downs Golf Course in Port Macquarie followed by a presentation including some very special surprises, auction items & giveaways. Presented by Mid North Coast Westpac Rescue Helicopter Port Macquarie Where Emerald Downs Port Macquarie When 8 March 2021
REGGAE SUNDAY We’ve gone and done it!! We’ve booked some live music for the first time at Hello Sailor. Kool Vibration from Sydney will bring a mix of roots, reggae, soca and all-round general island vibes. When Sunday, March 14, 2021 Music starts at 3pm - Entry is FREE Where Hello Sailor Bookings are essential and a pre authorisation to hold your table.
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POTTERY & MACRAME DOUBLE WORKSHOP
Join us to sculpt a clay vessel then design your own modern macrame plant hanger in this fun and relaxing double workshop over two evenings. On Wednesday 24 March at 6.30pm learn to sculpt a bowl or vessel using smooth earthenware clay. You will glaze this on week 2. On Wednesday 31 March at 6.30pm we return to glaze our vessels and create a macrame plant hanger learning up to 6 basic macrame knots. BYO food and drinks. Bookings are essential! Price includes your double workshop, and all materials supplied for $120 (price includes GST). When 24 & 31st March 6:30pm Hosted by The Seed Creative Workshops
SOCIAL SUPPORT
with SARAH MCGARRIT Y FROM OMNICARE ALLIANCE
Hi, I’m Sarah McGarrity, the Head of Social Support Groups at Omnicare Alliance. My role involves facilitating social engagement and community connection through programmes made up of meaningful and purposeful activities for people living with dementia.
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or many members of our community who are living with dementia, opportunities to interact with other people are limited. Our Social Support Groups provide the opportunity for individuals to participate in meaningful activities while making friends with others. We host Social Support Groups
at five centres across the Mid North Coast: Port Macquarie – Morton Street centre and Greenmeadows Kempsey – Parklands Cottage Wauchope – Bain Park Lake Cathie – Lake Cathie Neighbourhood Centre Our Social Support Groups provide much needed respite for carers while assisting individuals
to form social connection through enjoying the company of others while engaging in meaningful activities and opportunities to maintain their independence and build on existing skills through supportive environments, routine, and repetition. The activities are creative and practical, enabling our clients to express themselves and enjoy a sense of achievement. They can also involve physical elements such as dancing, tai chi, chair exercise, golf, bowls, and gardening to keep the clients moving at their own pace and ability. The programmes we offer at our centres are specially designed to align with Omnicare’s unique WISER approach to care, which is based on the principles of Montessori in a community setting. It revolves around us
understanding every individual client’s background, abilities, interests, and giving them choice around their care. This allows us to enhance their confidence and self-esteem while ensuring they maintain a sense of achievement and control. We maintain a COVIDsafe environment, with strict cleaning processes in place that are overseen by staff that are specially trained in infection control. All precautions are taken, according to the Department of Health guidelines to keep everyone safe. If you would like to know more about Omnicare Social Support Groups, contact our friendly Access Team on 1300 336 488 or email mylife@ omnicare.com.au. The team is there to guide, advise and support callers through the process of accessing our services.
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Kristy Dr
KO STALAS
Doctor, Botanist, Chook Breeder, Wife, Mum of three and Philanthropist, Dr Kristy Kostalas packs a punch when it comes to talents. AFTER PURSUING A CAREER IN MEDICINE SPANNING 17 YEARS, 38 YEAR OLD DR KRISTY IS STILL CONTINUING HER EDUCATION IN MEDICINE; ALL WHILE PURSING HER HOBBIES. Her thriving businesses and roles provide her with an enviable balance of work and life pursuits. We sat down with Dr Kristy to find out more about her as a local Woman in Business.
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Stuart, Lexie, Nate and Ethan
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i Kristy, growing up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, tell us a little bit about your early education. After leaving school I completed a Bachelor of Medical Science at Sydney Good cosmetic University; at the time work should be I had a passion for undetectable, subtle medical research. This and in keeping with turned into a Bachelor the patient’s own of Medicine, Bachelor natural face. You of Surgery with probably wouldn’t Honours (also at Sydney children. Stu is a be able to pick my University). As a junior Gastroenterologist. patients when they doctor I developed an We had our third walk down the interest in women‘s child in 2015. I changed street! medicine and completed training programmes a Masters of Women‘s into General Practice, Reproductive Medicine and fellowed with the Royal Australian at UNSW while training in Obstetrics and College of General Practitioners in 2016. I‘ve Gynaecology. Turns out I like to develop a lot worked for the past 5 years at Port Macquarie of interests! GPs; where I‘ve been the Clinical Director for During my internship I met my husband the past 2 years. Stuart, who used to work on the same In 2018 you opened your own cosmetic ward as me. We met one evening shift and clinic Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic the rest is pretty much history. We moved (PMAC), tell us about that. to Port Macquarie in 2013 with two small PMAC was the culmination of another of
my passions: aesthetics. I truly believe that every person deserves the reflection in their mirror to represent how they feel on the inside. Too often in my GP job I came across women who were so giving to all other aspects of their lives; their children, their jobs, their husbands and partners, that they left no room for themselves. PMAC allows me to give those women back themselves. Although of course, I have plenty of male patients too! Good cosmetic work should be undetectable, subtle and in keeping with the patient‘s own natural face. You probably wouldn‘t be able to pick my patients when they walk down the street! Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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BE PASSIONATE AND BE INVOLVED IN WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN, AND DO IT AS THOROUGHLY AND AS HONESTLY, AND FEARLESSLY AS YOU CAN.
You’re also the Clinical Director of the Port Macquarie GPs (formerly GP Super Clinic)! What does that involve? Well, to be honest, during COVID it involved supporting my fellow GPs and trying to ensure our clinic provided the best medicine we could under very trying circumstances with limited medical equipment! I think the clinic did a great job supporting our community. And now you’ve opened another business: Bungalow & Co at Sovereign Hills! Do you ever rest?! Well, not really! My side hobby at home is indoor plants; I collect rare and unusual plants, and I have a few greenhouses. They started to overflow and well... Bungalow was born! My business partner Katie has a passion for flowers and design, and it seemed like a match made in heaven. Plus, now I have somewhere to send all my excess plants. Another interesting hobby is breeding Mille Fleur Pekins! Enlighten us... 18 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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So not only am I known as the crazy plant lady, but I‘m also known as the crazy chicken lady! I‘ve been breeding chickens for around 9 years now, and when it‘s not COVID, I show them up and down the North Coast. Random fact about me; I‘m the four times national champion for the colour I breed (millefleur). I also have my favourites which aren‘t for showing, like Rex, my large Orpington rooster. There‘s so much mindfulness in raising chickens; just watching them peck around the garden is calming. It‘s not a coincidence that my hobbies involve busy hands and a quiet mind. My work doesn‘t allow for a lot of mental space, so I find it in my garden and with my chooks! And so when you’re not tending your plants or chooks, or working, what do you get up to? Well, I‘m currently studying for a Masters of Forensic Medicine. A few years ago I
was involved with our local sexual assault service, and this is an extension of that type of medicine. I‘m a passionate supporter of education, and I live that passion by constantly extending my own knowledge. For me practising medicine allows me to create great, long-term relationships with my patients, and hopefully, help them in whatever capacity I can. Sometimes it‘s from an aesthetic perspective, and sometimes it‘s from my GP work. It‘s such a fulfilling and rewarding job, and I feel blessed to be involved in my patients‘ lives. You are also in the lineup for the 2021 ‘Stars of Hastings Dance for Cancer’. What style are you performing, and how is training going? Yes... I‘m very excited to be involved with such an amazing charity event. My partner Mackenzie and I are doing a pop/modern style of dance. Training is off to a slow start, so if nothing else I‘ll provide the entertainment section of the event! It‘s not a joke when I say my skills are plants and medicine, and definitely not dancing!! But I‘ll happily put my pride on the line to raise money for such a great cause. Your underlying passions are in staying positive and being a positive influence on those around you. What are your tips for staying focused, and helping others feel upbeat. Anyone who knows me will tell you I have a high energy personality. I believe every interaction with another person is a transaction that‘s either negative, positive or neutral. My aim is for people to leave and take a small piece of my energy, and walk away feeling better. If I‘ve even made one patient smile or laugh after seeing me, then I know I‘ve made a difference for the better. I value honesty, and integrity and competency, and I hope I embody all these things. I truly believe our community is better when we are all trying to be better. So, I encourage others to follow their passions the way I‘ve followed mine, and most of all, work hard and never give up! Finally your quote to live by? “Be passionate and be involved in what you believe in, and do it as thoroughly and as honestly, and fearlessly as you can.“ Thanks Kristy.
My aim is for people to leave and TAKE
A SMALL PIECE OF MY ENERGY, AND WALK AWAY FEELING BETTER. IF I’VE EVEN MADE ONE PATIENT SMILE OR LAUGH
a er seeing me, then I know I’ve made a difference for the be er.
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WHAT’S ON @GLASSHOUSE
Follow Glasshouse:
FOR BOOKINGS: 02 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au
GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY
Aboriginal Art Award and Contemporary Cultural Objects
PORT MACQUARIE 200 ON VIEW 27 Feb - 18 April Lionel Lindsay, 1916 Port Macquarie
PORT MACQUARIE 200 Exhibition Opening Morning Tea
SALTWATER FRESHWATER NATIONAL ART PART ONE ARTS 2021 ON VIEW 6 March - 18 April ON VIEW 27 Feb - 18 April Sophie Cape, Self Portrait, 2008, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 cm. © the artist
Saturday 6 March, 11am
GLASSHOUSE THEATRE
Live-streamed to Players Theatre
IAN MOSS MATCHBOOK 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
DR HOOK AND THE VICTORIAN STATE BALLET MEDICINE SHOW TRIBUTE – THE LITTLE MERMAID
SYDNEY WRITERS FESTIVAL – LIVE & LOCAL
Saturday 6 March, 8pm
Saturday 27 March, 8pm
Friday 30 April, Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 May
GLASSHOUSE SELECT 2O21
Theatre Program
LAUNCH TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM 9AM, MARCH 1
GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE Corner Clarence & Hay Streets, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
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Thursday 22 April, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
SPECIAL OFFER 50% OFF 2O21 GLASSHOUSE MEMBERSHIPS* *Memberships valid until 31 December 2021
Glasshouse Opening Hours Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Sat, Sun & Public Hol’s 9am - 2pm Closed Christmas Day
Regional Gallery Opening Hours Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat, Sun 10am - 2pm Closed Mondays
focus_contributor.
wine TIME
with ALEX CASSEGRAIN From Cassegrain Wines
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WET YEARS!
rom years of drought benefit from being picked early to the opposite side are the varieties designated for of the spectrum with sparkling wines, for example the NSW coast seeing Chardonnay. We picked our more rain in the last 2 Chardonnay grapes for the months than the total rainfall for Cassegrain Sparkling Blanc de 2019. Blanc from Orange and despite This brings a lot of challenges picking earlier then we would for both vineyards and wineries typically, the juice is looking alike due to the fantastic and with disease pressure high natural acid The NSW in the vineyard, this wine will lend coast has but also running itself to being seen more rain in the risk of a great year for the last 2 months losing the crop this product. We than the total altogether due like the Blanc de for 2019. to rain. Blanc to have To add to the vibrant aromatics complexity of the year, which in but a touch of complexity from some regards has been a saving the bottle maturation stage which grace for growers and wineries, derives from spending time on is that we have had a relatively the yeast cells which is common cool summer which slows down for Method traditional (as seen sugar development in the grapes in wines from Champagne). This but flavour and natural acids of wine will be put into bottles in the grapes are still very much in the next few weeks to complete abundance meaning picking early its process in the very bottle you still results in wine having a good will in the end drink from and flavour profile. this wine will be great for any Some grapes in particular that occasion. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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PHOTO SCOTT EHLER
Of
Gold
Dust and
SAMANTHA WILLS
A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, REVEALING MEMOIR FROM ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S MOST POPULAR AND SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSWOMEN, SAMANTHA WILLS.
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amantha Wills started her self-titled jewellery company on the kitchen table of her share house in the eastern suburbs of Sydney when she was just 21 years old. While her rise to the global stage looked meteoric to many, Samantha has said ”It took me twelve years to become an overnight success.” Following Samantha’s journey, from being named a breakout star by The New York Times to barely being able to breathe on a hotel room floor, ’Of Gold and Dust’ is so much more than a business memoir. In her unique, confessional tone, Samantha tells the intimate details of her life and business, sharing her truths with a rare rawness and vulnerability. Funny, down-to-earth, revealing and heartfelt, ’Of Gold and Dust’ is a must-read for anyone who has a desire to start their own business, or a passion to live a creative life and follow their dreams. Her story is an inspiring 22 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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In the lead up to the launch of the campaign I WROTE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MY JOURNEY AS AN INSTAGRAM POST A DAY and from that a few publishing houses contacted me about writing a business memoir.
blueprint for getting out there and finding the magic that awaits you. Samantha, we are excited to have you returning to your home town Port Macquarie as part of your book tour. You began writing ’Of Gold and Dust’ just over 3 years ago. What compelled you to start putting your story together for the memoir? In 2016 I worked on a campaign for Optus which profiled my journey from Port Macquarie to New York City – the other person profiled for the campaign was Mark Wahlberg(!!). In the lead up to the launch of the campaign I wrote a little bit about my journey as an Instagram post a day and from
that a few publishing houses contacted me about writing a business memoir. At the time I did not think I could write a book, so I turned all of the offers down. Fast forward to 2018 when I made the decision to close the Samantha Wills Jewellery brand, and I was again approached to see if I was interested in telling the brand’s story. This time it felt right. I have long admired the art of storytelling, be that through creating jewellery, writing about business experience and now through memoir. There is such power in vulnerable story telling, that is how we connect, how we see a bit of ourselves in others and vice versa.
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PHOTO SCOTT EHLER
dated timeline, here to here to here. Where memoir can be written about one place one moment one time, it’s the emotion that I think it is particularly the writer felt, the The depths of important for female experience from each THE entrepreneurs, because moment. And that’s DARKNESS AND we live in an age of what really drew me THE BROKEN perceived perfection and to memoir, to share HEARTEDNESS and it’s such a façade. the depths of the the on the floor The book shows experience. The depths trying to breathe the parallel of a public of the darkness and the moments. I think brand and a private broken heartedness and that is important. life. I wanted to show the on the floor trying the co-existence of the to breathe moments. I two, what people may think that is important. have seen in the media or on Instagram of a When you read the finished script – what brand milestone, as well as what was going on emotions and thoughts did you have? personally. Exhaustion! Ha! As every author says, it’s not You’ve always been a great storyteller, actually the writing process that is the most was it a different process to write a whole arduous, it is the editing! And thank the lord book? baby Jesus for editors!! My first manuscript (Thank you! x) Yes and no. It was a different submission was 148,000 words!! A general creative process than designing jewellery. book needs to be around 70,000 words, so When I was offered the first book deals I my editors truly had to work their magic and actually did a semester at Gotham Writers their white-out pens to cut my tome down to in New York City and studied the process of a readable length! memoir. It was a really interesting process. I When I re-ordered the audio book it was used to think that memoir and autobiography actually the same week I was doing hormone were the same type of genre, but one of the injections for egg freezing – so that was a trip! first lessons we learnt at Gotham Writers was Dose up on hormones in the morning and delivered in the way that autobiography is a then head straight to the studio to read the
most darkest and emotional moments of your life!! If nothing else it added more emotion to the audio read! Holding the book in my hands felt very surreal. It’s definitely my most vulnerable body of work to date and I am really excited for her to be out in the world. I see the book having a path of her own and I will follow where that leads. You will be celebrating International Women’s Day with us on March 8th. What does this special day mean to you? I treat every day like it’s International Women’s Day! I think it’s a really interesting time in history; we are here in the midst of long needed conversations, but we still have such a long way to go. I hope the conversations we have on IWD continue in workplaces, schools and most importantly, in the home. Thank you Sam, we look forward to welcoming you back home soon, and congratulations on the book release. Samantha Wills has been in the spotlight as one of Australia's most dynamic speakers and creative personalities since launching her self-titled jewellery brand at Australian Fashion Week in 2004, at just 21 years of age. Samantha has spent the last decade in New York City. Having just returned home to Australia, she now resides in NSW as a creative director and keynote speaker. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Todd Sampson Unleash the power of your brain.
The Charles Sturt University Innovation Hub Resilience Series is about regional businesses in NSW taking their power back after the havoc wreaked by COVID-19 and the bushfires. Regional founders don't take adversity lying down! Give your business the serious edge and book now for this powerful keynote from Todd Sampson who shares the secrets of hacking your business brain for more creativity and greater mind power. Todd is an award-winning documentary-maker, television presenter, businessman, co-creator of the Earth Hour initiative, writer, producer, host of Redesign My Brain, The Gruen Transfer and BodyHack.
Tuesday 23rd March 2021 5.30pm - 8.45pm 1-hour of Todd Sampson + brain hacks + Q&A + refreshments on arrival. Cost: $55 Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie Theatre And Innovation Hub Charles Sturt University Ellis Parade (Off 7 Major Innes Road), Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Proudly brought to you by Charles Sturt University Innovation Hubs in Partnership with Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
Book now innovate@csu.edu.au
This Event is supported by the NSW Bushfire Community Resillience and Economic Recovery Fund Charles Sturt University CRICOS provider code: 00005F 24 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus
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TODD
SAMPSON When Todd Sampson isn’t si ing at the bo om of a deep pool, in a Voodoo trance, co-founding a global movement with millions of followers (Earth Hour), or writing, presenting and hosting TV shows Redesign My Brain, BodyHack and Life on the Line, Todd can be found sharing his brain-defying experiences with audiences across Australia.
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n between any one of those extraordinary experiences, Todd will be travelling to open the brand new Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie Innovation Hub on Tuesday 23rd March with his event to inspire and invigorate local startup founders and business owners with ways to unleash the untapped power of the brain. Unleash the Power of your Brain will see Todd Sampson sharing practical techniques he used to overcome fear and his own selfperceived limitations – critical skills needed for any startup founder or business owner to thrive in a post-COVID world. The pandemic was a black swan event no-one saw coming as it barrelled its way through lives across the world. It left, and continues to leave, a trail of destruction for families, individuals and businesses that will be felt for months, if not years, to come. Anyone with a business experiencing the effects of COVID-19 last year would be forgiven for breaking out into a full-body sweat when reminiscing on the almost biblical levels of fallout to their business. No doubt, business owners can well relate to the idea of sitting on the swimming pool floor, tied up in locked, heavy-duty chains and, somehow, having to figure out a way of getting the hell out of there. In spite of the cold, hard, sharp-edged wreckage left by COVID-19, many regional business owners discovered within them
their own invincible summer. What got those people through? And how do regional businesses still reeling from it all salvage what they can, emerge fresh and with renewed vigour? Practically, the same techniques helped Todd to not only conquer his fear, but to go way beyond that and do something quite extraordinary by anyone’s standards. How? By hacking his brain: getting a hold of his thoughts, his breathing (before the jump into the pool), calming himself right down and having an unbreakable belief that this is entirely within his realm to achieve (no matter what his brain was telling him “What the hell are you thinking?” “Are you trying to kill us?” “Fall apart!” “GET OUT NOW!”). Much like Todd, regional business owners who paused, got a hold of themselves, took a good hard look at their business against the bleak and disastrous backdrop of all the extreme unknowns of a global pandemic, scanned the landscape for opportunities and probably find themselves still standing today. To step up in the face of something as serious as COVID-19, that took down the world at a mere glance, is not easy. Particularly when all you see is fallout all around and on every level in your life: your friends, family, colleagues. The fact is that the brain will do anything it can to avoid change, discomfort, pain and displeasure. To completely bypass the brain’s signals to avoid any kind of change at all
costs, is the ultimate brain hack and one that Todd Sampson will be sharing with regional professionals in Port Macquarie in March 2021. Join Todd for an evening of How to Hack Your Brain and overcome fear, self-imposed limits and unleash the creativity that exists within you so that your business can break free to the surface again. (See opposite page for more info) Todd Sampson’s Unleashing the Power of Your Brain is proudly presented by the Charles Sturt University Innovation Hub in partnership with the Port Macquarie Hastings Council to celebrate the inaugural opening of the Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie Innovations Hub. The Charles Sturt Innovation Hub is committed to supporting innovators, founders and business owners across regional NSW to thrive in their startups and businesses. Todd is an adventurer, award-winning documentary maker, television presenter and businessman. The Financial Review and News Limited ranked him as one of the most influential executives in Australia. He is the former national CEO of Leo Burnett and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Qantas. He is also the co-creator of the Earth Hour initiative, one of the largest environmental movements in history reaching over 1 billion people in 5500 cities worldwide. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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10-18 april 2021
Port Macquarie’s Bicentenary Event
We respectfully acknowledge the Birpai people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live.
WALKING OUR PLACE, TOGETHER 2021 marks 200 years since Port Macquarie was established as one of Australia’s earliest penal colonies. Join us for a program of events which reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and look to an inclusive and positive future.
The Coral Trekker Tall Ship
10-18 APRIL , 6-9PM At the heart of this event is the launch of ‘Wakulda’ an immersive nightly digital projection onto the town’s Historic Court House. The ten-minute production tells important heritage and cultural stories from both a European settlement perspective and those of our First Nations People, the Birpai. Drop by to view one of the nightly screenings which will be on a continuous loop between 6pm & 9pm, and an art exhibition will also be held inside the Courthouse. Nearby you can experience both the Port Macquarie Museum and Pilot Boathouse open every evening. Pop into the Glasshouse Port Macquarie to
ON THE FORESHORE You won’t be able to miss the ‘Coral Trekker’, a 23-metre, square rigged, wooden tall ship to be moored at Lady Nelson Wharf, with public access times and sailings from 10-18 April. And
view themed exhibitions and bring a blanket and picnic dinner
on Sunday 18 April, head down to the foreshore
onto Town Green, watch visiting boats on the river and enjoy
for displays of local and visiting vessels and
some live & local musical talent playing from Little Shack. Visit
aquatic activities. Visit portmacquarieinfo.
portmacquarieinfo.com.au/wakulda for more info.
com.au/bicentenary for info.
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SATELLITE EVENTS 10-18 APRIL
Guir Wakul Gagil ‘Together As One’ Sculpture
In addition to Wakulda’s nightly program and foreshore activities, there are no less than 40 satellite events! There are too many to list here, but we can give you a sample of what’s in store:
Wakulda - Projected onto our Historic Courthouse
• HERITAGE: bus and walking tours with local historians, museum events, heritage church, garden and building open days. • CULTURE: Saltwater Freshwater Alliance exhibition, Bush Tucker and Mulaman Tours at Sea Acres, Dance Mid North Coast Association performances. • ARTS: Exhibitions and creative workshops, live performances, Open Studios (see below). • FAMILY: Hello Koalas special events, Live Action Escape Walks, Star Stories Dreaming at the Observatory. FOR THE FULL PROGRAM go to: portmacquarieinfo.com.au/bicentenary OR pick up a printed program from the Visitor Information Centre, Council Offices & Libraries, and participating venues across our region from mid-March.
EXPLORE OUR PLACE Walk our place and discover the stories that weave together to make Port Macquarie-Hastings the region it was, it is, and will be.
LAUNCHING APRIL 2021! Introducing our new TASTE TRAILS. Taste Trails are a series of curated self-drive Bonnyview Studio
ARTISTS’ OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND 10-11 APRIL FROM 10AM TO 4PM This event weekend will see over 20 of the region’s talented creatives opening their studios & workshops to the public (some for the first time). Meet the artists and gain unique insight into their creative process. Purchase works direct from the artist or enjoy browsing. This trail takes you to many special hidden gems around our region, so take the weekend and plan plenty of local café stops along the way! For all the info go to portmaquarieinfo.com.au/openstudio
itineraries providing maps, travel times and local insights into some of the region’s best experiences, including: • WINE + WONDER: These are not your average wineries! • BREWS + BURGERS: Awesome breweries and best burgers = great day out. • PRODUCERS + PROVIDORES: Explore our hinterland + meet the farmers and producers of the freshest food and finest delicacies. • CREATIVES + CURIOS: Discover galleries with a twist + artist-made treasures. Create your own adventure! For all the info go to portmacquarieinfo.com.au/tastetrails
Proudly presented by Port Macquarie Hastings Council. Funded by the Australian Government’s COVID-19 & Bushfire Recovery initiatives, and Port Macquarie Hastings Council
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Port S A I L I N G A lifelong love of the ocean led to a passion for the excitement and beauty of sailing. Now you can cruise with Port Sailing on their gorgeous catamaran. Let's sail away...
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i David, can you tell us a bit about yourself? I first lived in Port in the 70’s as a youngster – mostly glued to a surfboard. Dad was with the NSW Police transferred here from Adaminaby in the Snowy Mountains. Mum was a RN and worked for GP’s at their practice. Mum and Dad are still in the house we built in the 70’s in the Nobbys Beach area. So many fond memories of that time – the population of Port was less than 10,000 and Lighthouse Beach was seen as a long way out of town. We would walk there and back for a surf and then – famished – eat all the food at home – much to Mum’s dismay to come home to an empty fridge. She still talks about it... Julie and I have been in Port for about 20 years now – most of that time I was working for Boral from the Herons Creek office. Julie initially worked for Bob Todd and has been working for a local medical specialist for almost 10 years now. We have a blended family of 6 kids, 28 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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scattered between Brisbane, Armidale and love of sailing was born. I even came close to Kendall, with our youngest still at home building a cruising catamaran, but in speaking finishing Year 12 at Newman. with 3 blokes in town who were building When did your boats I concluded that passion for sailing there were people who begin? built boats and people A sparky mate of It’s kind of funny now who sailed boats. They mine (Trev) had but as a youngster I are not necessarily the wasn’t drawn to sailing. same people. I elected to a 30ft Crowther Dad wanted me to join crew boats until it was racing catamaran and the Sea Scouts and my time. I was regular crew, buy a skiff but I wasn’t Back here in Port we blasting across the interested in anything had a Hobie 16 that we Arafura sea but riding waves and sailed on the Hastings sometimes at 20 knots pulling the occasional and Queen’s Lake – - very exciting stuff ! ‘lobby’ out of a hole always at full throttle around my favourite – with the odd pitch pole dive spots at Nobbys. In here and there… sorry my early 20’s I was venturing around Australia about that family! and ended up at Nhulunbuy (Gove) working And our recent acquisition is our yacht – at the Nabalco bauxite mine and alumina Seawindow. refinery. A sparky mate of mine (Trev) had a What are the highlights of your ‘boating’ 30ft Crowther racing catamaran and I was time? regular crew, blasting across the Arafura Sea The highlights are probably all just one. It sometimes at 20 knots – very exciting stuff! My would be all the combined boating experiences
They will have seafood platters/ grazing boxes/ canapes and anything that our passengers request will be available to order.
I had in my 12 years in East Arnhem Land. Either sailing or fishing, it was just sheer magic. Every trip was an adventure in some of the most remote waters of Australia – it all seemed like one long ‘Malcolm Douglas’ expedition. The water and country were pristine, and every journey had that risky edge to it. From 4WDing with ‘tinnys’ to remote Yolngu homelands to get to those big Barra and Mangrove Jack – to sailing around the island paradises just off the Gove Peninsula – just fantastic stuff. You leave a little bit of yourself behind in these places. Both yourself and Julie are members of PMQ Marine Rescue – what are your roles there? Let me say this first about the PMQ Marine Rescue – what a great bunch of folks dedicated to saving lives on the water in all sorts of weather conditions! Julie and I have been members for over a year now – and we are qualified as ‘Crew’. I start my ‘Leading Crew’ training in midMarch. Due to the unique nature of the Marine Rescue work I need to be trained and accredited to do that work even though I have ‘Coxswains’ and ‘RYA Day Skipper’ accreditation. You have recently launched Port Sailing – can you tell us a bit about the boat? ‘Seawindow’ is an Aussie built 12.5M blue water cruising catamaran. She has 2 Queen
and 2 Double cabins with 2 heads and showers. She has a fully equipped galley and an enormous bridge deck lounge and cockpit area. Passengers can either sit back and enjoy the lounge and cockpit, or spread out on the foredeck and trampolines to spot a dolphin. Seawindow is 6.8M wide, so is a very stable ocean platform. Two helms, two motors, 32 life jackets, Carly float, life raft, 8 person RHIB tender plus a full suite of instrumentation and other safety equipment to meet survey – she is one very safe and stable boat. She is in survey for 30 (+ 2 crew) on the river and 6 (+ 2 crew) to sea. For a more intimate experience on the river, we would suggest around 20 passengers or less as optimum. And if I can – another shout out to all the local council, marine traders and tourism folks who have been so great in their help, advice and products in getting Seawindow into shape. Port Sailing is committed to spend locally wherever possible and do our bit for the PMQ economy. You are offering a skippered service, what does that include? Seawindow is in a number of AMSA survey classes. All our packages will include a qualified skipper (Coxswain/Master 5) and at least one crew to help manage the boat and provide on board service. We have a number
of highly experienced skippers we can call on in providing a safe and enjoyable sailing charter. Julie, you are excited about the different functions and charters that will be on offer, can you give us some insight into those? We will be offering 3 hour Midday and Sunset Sailing packages, this will include a complimentary grazing plate and cold drink. Romantic package including overnight stay on board; Dinner on the River (opposite Town Green – pretty nice this one!); Ocean Sailing; Ocean overnight Sail to Laurieton and Special Events, Corporate Functions on request. All our packages will be BYO Alcohol. Want something different – we are happy to tailor to your needs. You will be teaming up with local caterers too. Who are you using and what is on offer? We will be using our local team Peter and Darren of “Billsfishhouse” and “TwoTripleFour” restaurants, they have recently been awarded a “Hat” for their restaurant. They will have seafood platters/grazing boxes/canapes and anything that our passengers request will be available to order. We also offer cooking on board the vessel if requested. How can we find out more? You can call David or myself on mobile 0447 734 727, or have a squiz at our website for detailed information on our packages and current prices www.portsailing.com.au Thanks David and Julie. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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W H AT W E K N OW SO FAR ABOUT
SWIFF'21
Coffs Harbour’s Screenwave International Film Festival, presented by Ashton Designs, will present its sixth festival from April 14 to 29. Starting from grassroots in 2016, SWIFF is now the most highly a ended film festival in regional Australia – and this year it sets a new record, having over 120 experiences on offer. Here is what we know already about SWIFF’21!
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t is selling out quickly The rapid growth of the festival combined with 75% theatre capacity COVID restrictions means sessions are selling out faster than previous years. If there is a film or event you don’t want to miss, book early. Full line-up announced March 5th SWIFF has been teasing special events for the past two months, however the lion’s share of the SWIFF’21 program will be released online and via iPhone and Android mobile apps on March 5th – or if you like the analogue version, pick up a printed program from your local café.
Last chance for earlybirds Film Passes are currently in their second release, changing to full price Film Passes from March 7th. If you’re new to SWIFF, you can buy your pass now and book your films later. You can also use up to two admissions from your pass for any one session if you want to bring a friend. SWIFF is coming to CHEC In addition to the Jetty Theatre, SWIFF will be hosted for nine days on the Coffs Harbour Education Campus with screenings at the 350seat CHEC Theatre projected on a massive new cinema screen. The CHEC Gathering Space also hosts performances, parties, events, a café and a beer garden.
Grigoryan Brothers headlining SWIFF Live Australia’s most acclaimed classical guitarists will perform their soundtrack live on stage to a screening of new film A Boy Called Sailboat. Tickets are selling quickly. Second show at CHEC added by popular demand. Suitable for all ages. Something for the foodies SWIFF is getting a little fancy this year, teaming up with ex-Aria Sydney (now Hilltop Store) chefs Richie Dolan and Carla Jones, to host a five-stage degustation experience with paired wines. Hosted at CHEC’s Osprey Restaurant on Wednesday 20 April. For all bookings and information visit www.swiff.com.au
SWIFF.COM.AU
30SWIFF GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 21_Half Page Horizontal_Focus_140221.indd 1
14/2/21 2:12 pm
ST AGNES’ PARISH KIDS CARE
Kindergarten Enrolments 2022
Information Night: 30 March 2021 I School Tours: 20 March & 22 April 2021
enrolinexcellence.org.au
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BEAUTY As alluring as it may be to invest in an historic building WITH THE PROMISE OF CONVERTING IT INTO A FAMILY RESIDENCE, THE REWARDING SUCCESS OF DOING SO ALSO COMES WITH THE RISKS of unexpected restoration costs and heritage restrictions, as Ineka and Simon Martin found out...
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i Ineka. 2016 saw you and your husband Simon start a renovation journey that tops most! You bought a church! A gothic, 100 year old heritagelisted church in Gladstone. What were you thinking? I guess we were not really thinking, rather dreaming. I tend to do that a lot, seeing the potential in things, while Simon is more cautious out of the two of us, some might say responsible. After returning from our trip around Australia in our converted school bus, we rented a suburban house while looking for a rural property. Almost daily I would comb the real estate sites of the entire Mid North Coast, but nothing seemed right. When I stumbled across the advertisement for Expressions of Interest for the church I actually didn't think it would be an option. Although we had always loved Gladstone, it was still 45 mins away from where we currently lived and worked. I organised to see it with the real estate agent. A few days later I convinced Simon to take a look hoping he would catch a little glimpse of what I could see. Thankfully he did and we put in an offer. Next thing we knew, we bought a church! At settlement the pews had already been sold off but everything else remained the same. That first night we decided to camp there on the floor; looking up at the roof, me still dreaming and Simon thinking “what have
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we done?” You moved your lives to the quaint village of Gladstone to complete the conversion. How did you find adapting to and immersing in a new way of living? When we told the kids we were leaving Port Macquarie to live in a caravan while we renovated a church, they were less than thrilled. Having said that, they are used to us making less traditional choices. It was actually really lovely to move to such a quaint village. It felt as though we were removed from the hustle of Port life. Now with the freeway connection the commute only takes 45 mins and we still travel down most days to work and school. Gladstone village has a number of heritage buildings and seems to come alive on weekends. Tell us about the Church’s early beginnings and history. The foundation stone of St Barnabas Church of England was laid in 1919 in a different
The foundation stone of St Barnabas Church of England was laid in 1919 in a different location, however the war meant that construction stopped and another stone was laid in October 1921, making it 100 years old this year.
location, however the war meant that construction stopped and another stone was laid in October 1921, making it 100 years old this year. It remained a church up until May 2016 when they held their last service. We purchased it in September 2016 as an empty building. It underwent a renovation sometime in the 80’s when all but one of the original stained glass windows were replaced. The remaining one is in the bell tower entry. It depicts a soldier – Lance Corporal Wheeldon. We have been visited by an authority on the fallen soldiers in the area. Heritage buildings are heavily bound by rules and regulations and I take it the conversion was no easy feat. Tell us of the process to get the build underway, and the
toughest aspect of this part of the build. I am a home renovation TV show tragic and would often think to myself, why does it take these people years to renovate heritage buildings and why do they always spend so much more money than expected? I now know why! Firstly to purchase a “place of worship” you cannot get a home loan because the banks don’t consider it a home. This took time and money. After purchase we had to change its use from a “place of worship” to a dwelling through council. This took time and more money. We then had to consult a heritage architect and civil engineer to see whether the plans we had drawn up were allowed. This took time and yep – more money. A flood plan had to be developed as the church sits in a flood zone. All part of the journey which makes this home. Continued over. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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BEAUTY
So to answer your question, the toughest part was probably not knowing after all this time if we were ever going to be able to turn this beautiful building into our forever home. The idea for design came from our years of research – watching Grand Designs, but really we wanted the building inside to still feel like a church and not just fill it with small rooms. The high ceilings are definitely a feature inside and we still lay in bed and look at them and marvel how well they built it 100 years ago. The next challenge was to find a willing builder. We were well aware the church was 34 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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wanted was to move the front doors on the bell tower to the internal arch as this would allow for an entryway where the rope still The idea for hangs from the bell above. design came On the northern side from our years of we were allowed to put research – watching in a servery window and Grand Designs, but double french doors. really we wanted the Many a weekend was building inside to still spent cleaning the feel like a church and solid but there is not a original bricks which not just fill it with straight wall anywhere, a were removed and builder’s nightmare. small rooms. recycled to build a little A successful laundry room extension. conversion comes The original timber floorboards were lifted, down to being respectful of the history all new bearers and joists laid as previous flood and the purpose of the original building. damage had left these rotten. The boards were What were the main design and aesthetic then laid back down but we were left a few changes made to the building and what short as some were unusable. have you produced as an end product? Thankfully we kept all the offcuts the Externally we were confined by the heritage builders left and got these cut to size by Bago regulations and couldn’t make too many Woodworks and T Brothers flooring laid them changes. This suited us as the only change we in our entry in a lovely herringbone pattern.
Internally due to flood zoning restrictions we were only allowed habitable spaces upstairs, so we added two smaller bedrooms, a main bathroom and master with ensuite. Walking over the joining bridge you get to appreciate the ceiling. Now the job is complete, what are the plans for the beautiful old girl? We have been able to really enjoy living in the space. We often get knocks on the door from people passing through and are quite obviously interested in what we have done inside. We’ve even had people wander through the open front doors thinking it is still a church. The majority of people we show through comment how amazing it is, while
We’ve even had people wander through the open front doors thinking it is still a church. The majority of people we show through comment how amazing it is.
only a couple have said “they couldn’t live in a church”. For those who do find it fascinating we want to share this unique space. We have had quite a few enquiries for wedding photo opportunities. There are a number of photo opportunities inside and outside which could be taken advantage of. We would also be looking into the possibility for actual weddings to take place there. We would love to provide this unique place to bridal parties and their families to stay and get ready. There is a shortage of
accommodation options in the area which would accommodate a larger group of people. Barney Church House is listed on Airbnb and have had a few stays already over the Christmas break. Would you do it all again? On the whole, yes. We have spent more money and it has taken so much longer than we anticipated, but Barney Church House is all the more special to us and has been worth taking the journey. Thanks Ineka. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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DINING GUIDE
COVER DISH WHALEBONE WHARF
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eat Open 7 Days Lunch & Dinner
1 Bay Street, Port Macquaire (02) 6580 2300 portmacquarie.panthers.com.au
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RAY S W I F T
Y
ou are the Chef at The Brew Box, can you please introduce yourself to our readers? Hi, my name is Ray. I’m a proud dad of three boys and I’ve been cooking for 24 years. I first started at a resort in the Daintree before stepping into an apprenticeship at 15 at Port Douglas. I’ve travelled and worked all along the east coast of Australia, learning from great chefs and honing my skills. I wanted to continue to grow as a chef, so I went overseas for five years, picking up new skills, exploring new flavours and seeing how other people work with food in different climates and regions. I then headed back in Sydney and worked, before moving to Port. One thing people don’t know about me is that, in my early 20’s, I took up baking and learning how to really use the ovens. This isn’t common among young chefs, but it really re-ignited my passion for food and meant I could produce a complete range of products to tantalise the palate. The Brew Box is quickly becoming a well known business among our locals with an awesome following, what excites you most about working with The Brew Box crew? It is really exciting to be part of something that is growing so strongly and really connecting with the community. It is great how rapidly all the cafes in the Brew train have built so strongly in such a short time. All the new venues we are opening are hitting the ground running, with excited customers joining us as we grow. I love that we are such a strong part of the local scenes and we are connecting with our friends and neighbours. The Brew Box is really laid back. I work in the food truck, which means I get to talk to customers and I’m not locked in a kitchen out the back. I love to get feedback on dishes and
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talk through ideas. It’s a really open and relaxed atmosphere, even though we are pumping out lots of food. And there is more growth to come. When it comes to planning the menu, what is the inspiration behind the dishes? I love to work with the owner, Kym, on the menu. We are really passionate about making great food for our friends and customers that come in. We see so many regulars and we think about what kind of things they will like. We are committed to sourcing fresh local produce and working with other small businesses, to keep things local where we can. I also like to put a twist on every plate. Slipping something in that makes the flavour a surprise or just keeps food interesting. I try to make every dish a talking point, drawing ideas from all the different places I have worked and the different products and seasons. It sounds simple, but I really like making good yummy food that people enjoy. Tell us about your favourite dishes on the menu? The Maqui berry bowl is a new and different dish we have added. It’s actually the only vegan dish that is full of flavour and fun to make. It’s
really healthy and mixes new ingredients with old ones, that aren’t seen very often anymore. The Maqui berry itself is incredibly healthy and recommended by health experts for its benefits, including being high in antioxidants. I mix it with old school ingredients like sago, which some younger people haven’t heard of and for some of our older customers, it takes them down memory lane. It’s great fun to bring some of these old school ingredients back and to talk about with customers and to see people enjoy the food. So try the Maqui berry bowl and tell me what you think. What is something about The Brew Box that is different to all other cafes in our area? I’ve worked in some of the bigger and busier cafés in town, before I joined the Brew Crew. This place feels like I’m working with my family. It has times of stress when we are under the pump smashing out orders, but we share the load together. We all put bits of ourselves into the café and support each other. Including customers, who visit to chat and see me. Find Ray at the Brew Box, 30a Morton Street, Port Macquarie
POACHED ESCHALOT
risotto
with G R I L L E D P E A C H , P R O S C I U T TO, C A N DY WA L N U T, S P I N A C H , F E TA , R E D W I N E R E D U C T I O N
STEP 1 - RED WINE REDUCTION 1 litre red wine 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup water 1 cinnamon quill 2 star anise 2 bay leaf 10 peppercorns Method - Bring all ingredients to boil and simmer for 1 hour or until half reduced STEP 2 - POACHED ESCHALOT 5 pink eschalots
1 cup red wine 3 cups water 100 grams sugar 2 bay leaves 1 star anise Method - Peel eschalot whole. Bring ingredients to boil and simmer until cooked through – approximately 30 mins STEP 3 - RISOTTO BASE 2 cups aborio rice 50 grams butter 1 litre vegetable stock
Method - Slowly cook rice adding stock gradually until fully absorbed. STEP 4 - BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER Bring pan to heat. Add risotto base and ½ cup poaching liquid. Bring to heat, add 2 eschalot, fetta, spinach and 2 table spoons of poaching stock. Cook through. Plate and finish with grilled peach, candy walnut, prosciutto, red wine reduction.
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r e t s a ERAFFLE 2 Y A D I R F
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APRIL
H T R O W 0 0 0 , $2 S G G E R E T S A OF E ! N O W TO BE 3.30PM M O R F E L O N SA TICKETS T 5.30PM A N W A R D
AY D I R F D O GO
SEAFOAOLD S I C E SP LU N C H 1
1.30P
DINNER M - 2PM |
FROM 5.3
0PM
4 OWEN ST PORT MACQUARIE | P 6583 1133 P O R T C I T Y. C O M . A U 40 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Palate PLEASURES with LOU PERRI
FROM THE STUNNED MULLET
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CARE FACTOR
hey’re with you through thick and thin. They share the thrills and spills, triumphs and frustrations inherent in the working day. They’re there to share a joke with, to lighten the mood, to alleviate the stress or humdrum, the shared moments of relief of having made it through another intense service. They create the culture of the workplace – the unique personalities that contribute their own brand of innovation, sometimes pure genius, sometimes humour and often most excellent banter. Who are these people you may need to ask? Of course they’re none other than our fabulous team. The many and varied human individuals that rock up each day in order to get those plates and delicious beverages on your table. Over the years, here at The Stunned Mullet, we’ve been extremely fortunate in being able to maintain such a wonderful team. It’s a blessing that has undoubtedly enabled us to not only still be here today, but to have more than merely survived – to have gone from strength to strength. For it is through their raw talent, skill, tenacity, and good old fashioned hard work that we are where we are. Their passion for what they do is evident to our customers
throughout their entire dining experience. genuinely cares about what’s happening, to a Through each and every interaction from our place where they don’t. fabulous Front of House team, through to the You can feel it right away, it is literally powerful communication of food on the plate the difference between being able to relax that says it all… and enjoy yourself, and feeling slightly, to Those of us recruiting in Regional Australia moderately, to very on edge. are only too aware of the challenges inherent And it’s certainly not about everything in finding and retaining the right people. being 100% perfect either. Humans make Somehow over the mistakes, and there’s years we’ve been so always a necessity for onAny place is very fortunate to have the-job training in our gig. only as good as achieved all this and more. But let’s face it – at the Any place is only as end of the day, it is much, its people… it’s good as its people… much easier to forgive difficult to think of it’s difficult to think of a multitude of errors an industry where an industry where this when you can see that this is more apparent is more apparent than the person that may have than hospitality. hospitality. There’s not made them is genuinely a minute of the entire trying to do their best, that dining experience that doesn’t involve some they really appear to care about what they are level of interaction, some communications doing, that they are warm and engaging, that that comes from the dining room floor team, they may even possess that ever so elusive or else back of house in the kitchen. quality of charm... And if any one of these interactions isn’t Very, very happy to report that our team has a positive one, the whole house of cards is bucketloads of that. A charming bunch. Also liable to come tumbling down, the whole pretty darn great at what they do. experience is tainted, often beyond repair. This is the highest blessing any business can The secret ingredient here is undoubtedly have bestowed upon them… the level of care factor involved. There’s an A big thank you from the bottom of my enormous, palpable difference that can be heart to each and every one of you – The felt right away between the experiences of Stunned Mullet Team - you know who you walking into an establishment where everyone are. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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COUNTRY CLUB With a new bistro and awesome renovations underway, General Manager Claudia Buckby tells us what we can expect at Wauchope Country Club in 2021.
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i Claudia. You are the General Manager at Wauchope Country Club. Tell us a little bit about yourself and the role here. I live in Port Macquarie with my partner Tony and between us we have 5 kids! I am originally from the Snowy Mountains, previously the CFO for Charlotte Pass Ski Resort. In 2014 I moved to the Hastings with my 3 kids where I was employed by Port City Bowling Club for 5 years before being offered a position with this incredible club – Wauchope Country Club. In July 2020 the Club’s Board of Directors asked me to step up as Secretary Manager after both the GM and Operations Manager resigned, and in October 2020 the Board offered me the role permanently. We have been moving ahead ever since. Due to the size of Wauchope Country Club my role is best described as diverse. It can range from processing payroll, pouring beer, monthly accounts to helping in the kitchen with the dishes. I am happy this way – I have always said “how can I make a positive change if I don’t know what needs the change?“ And being on the floor with my team is sometimes the best way to achieve and see what is really going on around us. With the help from my incredible Assistant Manager Teresa Carney and our great team, we have worked through COVID restrictions, floods, storms but more excitedly renovations to 42 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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gradually update the Club and in January 2021 the Club opened Bowl ‘n Slice. The Club is undergoing some exciting renovations; what were the reasons behind the revamp for the Club and what can members and their guests expect to see change? Our Club has so much potential! Becoming Manager here has given me an opportunity to bring to fruition the vision my predecessors, my team and I see for this amazing venue. Our Club’s current renovations are all about giving back to our loyal members. At the same time we want to share what we have to offer with new members and guests. We started by re-locating the gaming area and moving the kids’ play area to the veranda. We are currently moving our reception area centre with the front door so that everyone can be greeted (as they should) as they arrive. Stage 2 will see the TAB Sports Lounge re-located to where the administration offices currently are – hey who needs an office anyway!?! This stage of the refurb will give the main lounge area back to the Club’s Bowls and Golf Sub-Clubs who are all such important patrons to the Club’s success. The next step will be to create better café service and access in Bowl ‘n Slice and then we are moving our focus to our Auditorium where I hope to create an inclusive member and community space that will also become a hub for when our community is in crisis or need disaster assistance. You have a brand new bistro at the Club,
Bowl 'n Slice. Firstly who came up with the name, it’s very clever, and can you tell us about the bistro and the menu? We are so excited to have control over the food again here at the Club! We needed a name very quickly (a 12 hour race) and it was actually our kids that came up with the name during a dinner brainstorming session. There may have been icecream used as bribery and brain fuel! We had so many great options but Bowl ‘n Slice was the only name that encompassed who we are by incorporating both Golf and Bowls! The kids were so proud to see our new Bowl ‘n Slice sign go up! The Team is led by Head Chef Anthony Jenkins and Sous Chef Nathan Ferrett. Their directive from myself, the Board and our patrons included: Fresh pub/club grub, exciting rolling and rotating specials, seasonal menu changes and another serve of FRESH. So far we have been very happy with what our team have served up and it seems our patrons are too. We are buzzing with excitement and opportunity. What is your ultimate vision for the club? Ultimately I see Wauchope Country Club as a favourite destination not just for Wauchopians but for all the Hastings and further. Be it for a day, a weekend or for Tuesday Trivia and dinner. We haven’t lost the charm of a small club but we are also updating at the right pace to be able to tick so many boxes for everyone. I can’t wait to share what’s next with you all soon!
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with ALISTAIR F L O W E R MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS
Alistair Flower, Managing Director of Flower Hotels chats to wonderful humans within our community. This month he has coffee at Li le Shack with Morgans’ Craig Watson.
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alk us through your early memories of Port Mac. My parents moved here in 1976. Dad was in real estate and they were keen for a “simpler” life of sun and surf. I was only 4 and my brother Mark was 2 so I really only remember growing up in Port. My parents built the 4th house on the canal part of Hibbard Dr well before it was “fancy“. Back then locals used to call the canals “the drains“. We grew up watching houses be built, then the indoor stadium and Settlers Inn. Later on my parents bought a block on River Park Rd backing onto McInherney Park. They built a house there in 1982… half the kids in Port grew up at that place. It was great living next to the river surrounded by what was then cow paddocks and felt a million miles from town. Tell us how the early canals looked. There were only 3 canals: Hibbard Dr, Scarborough Cl and Francis St. Back then, Newport Island Rd started at Sett’s and ran to the river (through what are now canals), past Jordans Caravan Park and to the ferry. Settlers Inn was built on Settlement Point Rd so that might have something to do with its name. Originally facing the Scarborough Cl canal with the car park at back, years later they built the fence and flipped the pub around. Do you remember when Settlers was built? Yes, one my mates lived across the road. We weren’t allowed on Hastings River Dr so we’d
throw our bikes in a tinny and row up the canal to visit. We rode bikes and skateboards over the concrete slab when they built Sett’s. My Dad was in real estate and did a lot of work with local builders. Settlers became his “afternoon office“ and he would meet tradies there and help them with projects. Dad had a Suzuki Sierra and after the pub, instead of driving all the way around he would head off-road like a rally driver. One night they had opened the Commodore Cres canal and let the water in – he nearly drove straight into the canal. That was the end of his shortcut. Tell us about your road to Finance. I went to Westport High which was brand new, then to Lismore Uni to study Business Finance. It was close to the beach and far from the city. After uni I went to the bright lights of Sydney and learnt the ropes in finance, superannuation and funds management. I met my partner Debbie on a trip back to Port and moved back when I was 28. It was about this time you got quite sick? Yes, late 90’s and a thousand medical tests couldn’t figure it out. It was a real worry. I was sleeping 16-18 hours a day, losing weight and waiting for doctors to say I had cancer. Eventually I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue but they didn’t know how to treat it. It took me 10 years to learn how to manage it; diet, rest, exercise and being as healthy as I could. I still have it but I manage it. Never take your health for granted.
You‘re now managing director at Morgans Financial Planning and Stockbroking? I became a Partner in 2001 and over the years the guys that started the firm all retired so I’m the “old guy with the grey hair“. With 10 Advisers and 4 Associates we’ve become one of the largest financial planning and stockbroking firms in regional Australia by recruiting great people, investing in their professional growth and looking after clients like family. Community involvement is important, how does Morgans get involved? We like to partner with community groups that our team members are passionate about or actively involved in. We sponsor the Port Pirates Rugby Club, Port Macquarie and Kew Golf Clubs, heaps of junior groups plus we work with local charities like Solider On, Bling for the Girls and we are behind the Him in Heels event. It’s a great day with the boys in the office walking the Town Green in high heels supporting Liberty Services that provide support to women and families exposed to domestic violence. We were very proud to be the largest financial supporters of this event last year and hope to do the same this year. Finally mate, what is it you love about Port Mac? Port offers a vibrant business community in an idyllic country setting. I love the outdoors; surfing, fishing, camping and the water generally. I also love the Maqui bowls here at the Little Shack. I can’t get enough on them! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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BON JOVI TRIBUTE SHOW
Live music is back baby and what be er way to bring it in with the Ultimate Bon Jovi Show. WITH PREPARATION WELL UNDER WAY, THE BAND IS READY TO GIVE THE AUDIENCE A SHOW THEY'LL NEVER FORGET. We caught up with the men behind the band to chat about the tour.
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ey guys. You‘re back on the road and bringing your Always Bon Jovi Show to Port Macquarie Panthers. How‘s the prep going? The preparation for our upcoming shows is going extremely well. We’ve been busy rehearsing and working on our choreography for the show to give the audience the best Bon Jovi live experience possible. We’ll pull out all the big guns for this tour including Bon Jovi’s arsenal of epic hits, Richie Sambora’s signature guitars and production to astound all Bon Jovi fans and lovers of classic rock. How does it feel to be back doing what you do best and what can the audience expect from this Ultimate live performance? It feels great to be back on the road and to be playing in some of NSW most reputable venues. We have lifted our expectations for these shows extremely high. The audience can expect to relive the nostalgia that they would expect at an actual Bon Jovi concert. This tour is a celebration of the music that Bon Jovi has blessed us with over the years, we are delivering all the energy, music and stage production that will grab the audience attention from the very first song. Tell us about your backgrounds and how you came together, creating the band? The tribute was created by Romeo Jancevski (Vocalist). Being a huge Bon Jovi fan myself, I wanted to create a Bon Jovi tribute show like no other and give the fans the optimal Bon Jovi experience. The process involved auditioning 46 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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many talented musicians to find the right fit on drums has performed in a wide variety for the band in terms of skill, look and most of original, cover and tribute bands such as importantly an admiration for the music of Bon The Australian Madonna Show, Homegrown, Jovi. The audition process was lengthy but it Millennium Bug, The Blues Brothers Show and was definitely worth all Zeppelin Live. Luke is the time and energy we privileged to play the invested. The band are part of Tico Torres, one THIS TOUR IS A very skilled musicians and of his true inspirations CELEBRATION have the dedication and to play drums. Zed our OF THE MUSIC THAT drive that has contributed lead guitarist loves music to the success of Always with a passion and has BON JOVI HAS Bon Jovi. My musical delved into many styles BLESSED US WITH background stems from from heavy rock, funk to OVER THE YEARS... fronting hard rock original contemporary, playing bands in Sydney. I have with bands like Mr Scary had worked as a session and other original acts. vocalist for rock cover bands and auditioned for Zed also played Ace Frehley in The Australian INXS Rockstar when the band had world wide KISS show. Zed was the natural fit for the role of auditions to find a replacement for the late Richie Sambora, from the emotional investment and great Michael Hutchence. I am extremely in ballads to hard hitting Bon Jovi rock songs. passionate about music and Always Bon Jovi What‘s next for you all in 2021? The Tribute Show. It’s an honour and a real We have big plans to continue to tour in pleasure to play the part of Jon Bon Jovi on 2021 and our show statewide nationally or stage, it’s not everyday you get to step in the even internationally (COVID permitting). We shoes of a true rock legend. Rick’s bass playing are constantly rehearsing and working on new is second to none, with 50 years experience Bon Jovi songs and new ideas for our show. including support gigs for AC/DC, Sherbet and We plan to continue to release promotional Cold Chisel. If anyone is up for the challenge material including videos, and interact with of replicating Bon Jovi’s Hugh McDonald, it our fans and followers through socials. Learn is definitely Rick. Dylan on keys is a prolific more about us and where you can see us Sydney based keyboardist who has made next by checking out our Facebook page @ a name featuring in some of Sydney’s best alwaysbonjovithetributeshow support us with tribute shows. He takes great pride in faithfully a “LIKE” or “FOLLOW” and we can’t wait to replicating David Bryan’s keyboard parts. Luke entertain you!
WH AT ’ S O N AT PA NTH E R S
MEGA $2,000 WORTH EGGS Easter OFTOEASTER BE WON! Raffle SUN 28 M A R
TICKETS ON SALE FROM 10.30AM | DRAWN FROM 12PM
BUDDY HOLLY MEMBERS SHOW
SUN 21 MAR
ALWAYS BON JOVI SAT 17 APR
TICKETS FROM $5
TICKETS $42.50
FRANKIE VALLI AND THE BEACH BOYS
MOVING PICTURES
SAT 15 MAY TICKETS $25
FRI 11 JUN
TICKETS $36.88
tickets avail able at portmacquarie.panthers.com. au or at club reception 1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 | 1300 PANTHERS
panthersportmacquarie@panthers.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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ENTERTAINING & PICNIC PACKS Tailored to your needs and budget
*Wine not included
Ph: 6588 8960 Sovereign Place Opposite St Josephs Regional College
Ken Li les - Pick of the month New Season William Pears have hit our store. These are extremely popular due to their great flavour and are very inexpensive. Remember to buy as you need as they ripen extremely quickly. So once they ripen store them in your fridge. We are extremely excited to welcome the Smith family, our newest grower ”SOHIP ORGANICS”.
James and Emily’s Certified farm is located in the stunning Lorne Valley on our Mid North Coast. Growing the most beautiful and highest quality produce including Radish, Shallots, Spinach, Pak Choy and many varieties of lettuce. We welcome you to our ”Little” Family. Thank you to our many customers that help us support our local growers. Ken
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Ma&Pa P E R M A C U LT U R E
TROY AND SOPHIE ROBERTS
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With adventurous spirits and a combined love of the natural world, Troy and Sophie Roberts chose to immerse themselves into a life of permaculture and its principles here at Herons Creek. Fueled by nostalgic feelings of long gone moments in time, they are living a simple but deeply meaningful life creating new memories for the next generation.
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i Troy & Soph. You have fully immersed yourselves in life here on the Mid North Coast and created Ma & Pa Permaculture on your property. Firstly, please introduce yourselves to our readers. We are a young family raising 2 young boys (aged 1 and 4 years old). Troy is a passionate arborist and Sophie was an author and clinical nutritionist before becoming a full time mum. We both spent our earlier years travelling the world with Troy living in Barcelona for many years, and Soph coming from WA and also travelling extensively before finally meeting and falling in love in Sydney while Soph was at university. Troy was living in the beautiful Bonny Hills with his parents before we made our base here and bought our farm together. We wouldn’t want to raise our babies anywhere else and in our family time we love to explore the national parks, waterfalls and beautiful beaches of our local area. We have the most wonderful community here. Take us back to when this all began and
how this way of living became such an knowledge about food systems and nutrient essential part of your life. density and how this can vary depending on Both of us found our passion for gardening a food’s provenance. Troy has always had an long before we met, both being inspired adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for separately by working with our grandparents the natural world. It became a real obsession in their gardens as when he stumbled children. As a child, across a film by an old wandering the garden American by the name It became a real with our grandfathers of Dick Proenneke who obsession when harvesting and eating left his life behind to live he stumbled across a right there in the in the deep wilderness garden, watching of Alaska. He built his film by an old American things grow from own cabin with hand by the name of Dick seed, learning about tools, hunted for his food Proenneke who left his seasonality had a and lived a simplistic but life behind to live in the lasting effect on our deeply meaningful and deep wilderness of psyches and we are harmonious life. This Alaska. thankful that we both inspired us to make our shared this common own off-grid cabin on background and love for the farm using nothing gardening and growing food. Soph grew up in but recycled or salvaged materials. It too has the country and has always had many animals become a bit of an obsession and we will be of every description, so living on a farm was renting it out on Airbnb type platforms to raise always going to be in the picture. Studying for some farm income to put back into the farm a Nutrition degree gave Soph a lot of further from April. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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With your vision slowly becoming reality, the property now not only boasts a thriving food forest, but also a homestead. Take us through the journey so far? Our 20 acre farm is nestled in a little valley out the back of Herons Creek (in the Camden Haven between Wauchope and Kew). We are currently investing our money and time into developing an intensive homestead. Our food forest has countless varieties of fruits, nuts and vegetables encompassing each of the different forest layers of roots, vines, shrubs, trees, flowers etc, and we also have large pollinator gardens of flowers specifically chosen to attract pollinating insects that border our 11 raised kitchen garden beds where we plant our annual food crops on a rotating basis. Our latest project has been a swale and trial syntropic system of bananas, papaya, turmeric, nasturtium, marigolds, zinnias and eucalypts as a timber crop. We also grow an abundance of fodder crops which serve a few purposes such as shade and windbreak for our emerging plants, plus they supplement the feed for our farm animals. For the rest of our farm we employ holistic management principles, rotating the grazing of our large animals (horse and cattle) to build topsoil, draw down carbon, reduce parasites and 52 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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We are passionate and certain that Permaculture is the answer to a lot of the world’s current problems and such a gift to anyone who can practise it...
manage and improve our pasture. We’re really enjoying sharing our farm experiences with friends and followers on Instagram and hopefully inspiring some other Ma’s, Pa’s – or anyone for that matter – along the way. Our ‘Permaculture Plan’ was developed while completing a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) at Limestone Permaculture in Stroud with Brett Cooper who farms one of the most productive and functional 1 acre plots in the world no doubt. We are passionate and certain that Permaculture is the answer to a lot of the world’s current problems and such a gift to anyone who can practise it and share it with their children, family, community or anyone willing to learn for that matter. We both work together raising our beautiful boys, working on the farm and on our newly acquired Arborist business, ‘Sky’s The Limit Tree Services’ which we also run applying permaculture principles. We are implementing an agroforestry tree planting program, which promotes the integration of timber trees in amongst farm animals systems and soil building initiatives with our recycled timber
‘waste products’, as well as taking care of our customers and staff. It feels great to run a business that traditionally is notoriously destructive from an ecological perspective and turning it on its head to be a regenerative business that honours the environment first and foremost and makes the best possible use of by-products. It is becoming more common practice now to retain tree trunks rather than completely removing them and through utilising specialised cutting techniques we can create a plethora of artificial habitat hollows for a range of endangered animal species. These type of hollows typically take anywhere from 120-150+ years to naturally occur in mature Eucalyptus species. This mimickry of nature, like the food forest, is just speeding up the process to achieve an outcome which is beneficial not only to us and our customers but the ecological soundness of local fauna. Can you explain how permaculture methodology differs to standard farming and the benefits it presents?
While most modern farming enterprises will focus on a monoculture of only growing corn or cotton or soybeans, permaculture takes a more holistic approach to not only food production and gardening, but relationships, our work lives and our communities. It is a ground up approach that encompasses every aspect from the individual to society as a whole and the world at large. It considers people, animals, the environment as well as the crop or yield, and rather than simply taking water and nutrients etc to produce a product, it ensures there is water stored and nutrients returned and enriched; basically leaving the land better than you found it. But it would be highly hypocritical for us to get on our high horse, we are ultra-privileged to have the opportunity to put some of our farming philosophy into practice. We are hobby farmers at best and do not depend
the implementation of 3 large dams with water harvesting ‘swales’ to increase the catchment. We are trying to drought-proof our farm as best we can to deal with erratic weather patterns. Over time you really do come to realise that every challenge is the greatest lesson and we welcome the challenges as they instil resilience and creativity. What are the future goals of the farm? Our aim is to grow, raise and process as much of our own nutritionally dense food for our own consumption and to continue sharing At present at least surplus with friends, family and use it for barter and 70% of our daily potentially sell. food comes from the on our farm for an At present at least 70% farm. I was surprised to income. We have of our daily food comes see how easily this can a deep respect and from the farm. I was gratitude for the be achieved and how it surprised to see how easily farmers out there who could be done using this can be achieved and feed our population, such a small parcel of how it could be done using even though we may land. such a small parcel of land. not agree with some For example, we just got 2 of their practices, we steers butchered and have would love to see a chest freezer absolutely jam packed with the large-scale farming evolve to more ethical most beautiful organic beef, a year‘s supply practices like we have seen with amazing local of garlic braided in the kitchen and a constant farms like Sohip Organics in Lorne and Oxhill flow of vegetables and our young food forest Organics in Redbank. We are spoilt for choice trees are already bearing us many a treat from with incredible farms doing great things in the well known stuff like oranges, grapes, apples, Hastings. nectarines, peaches and bananas to guavas, What have been the biggest challenges panama berry, sapote, paw paw etc. and lessons learnt over your time here? Beyond that we want to build up a little Having children, the drought and beef herd, integrate more animals like pigs the complexities of nature. One of the and sheep when the time is right, and Permaculture principles ‘the problem is the continue to plant timber/nut/fruit trees in our solution’ has always been a bit of a reminder forever growing agroforestry systems. It would that no matter how hard you plan things, be nice to use the farm as a demonstration especially when dealing with nature, things site in the future and run a range of courses will go wrong. When they do, we observe, from Permaculture introductions, sustainable discuss together and re-plan as best we can. home food growing to nutritional cooking An example of this was at the peak of the classes. drought; we only had 23,000 litres of water But for the meantime we are a Ma and Pa for watering all our fruit trees, kitchen garden, who love our children, on- and off-farm work drinking, showering, washing etc. We have and play. now ramped that up to around 80,000 litres Thanks Troy and Sophie. with the installation of 3 new large tanks and GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Papazzo
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With a rich sense of self, and a heart full of worldly adventures, Alessandra Papazzo’s creative spirit is unleashed. We spoke with her about her business “Alessandra Papazzo Flowers”, which has been manifesting since she was a young girl in Napoli, eventually spreading her wings to the world, and embracing all she met along the way.
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i Ale, growing up in Napoli, Italy you wanted to pursue a career in Art and Architecture and also had a fondness for playing piano. But your parents, traditional Italians, had other ideas. So tell us where your formal education took place as a young woman. Both my grandparents on my father’s side were amazing painters and pianists, so I pretty much breathed art and music from when I was born, visiting exhibitions, painting and playing piano as a child. I studied classical piano for 10 years and when the time arrived for high school I had two options, either studying at the Conservatorium of Music in Naples or going to Liceo Scientifico which was a type of high school where Science, Philosophy and Maths are the main subjects. I would have loved to study at an art school but my mum thought art school would not have been as good a preparation for University. Ultimately, I ended up in the Liceo Scientifico. While I didn’t like it at all, I loved the fact we had short hours and it allowed me to continue my other favourite pursuit outside of music and the arts – volleyball. Finishing school and following my passion for travel and foreign languages, I studied and graduated from the University of Foreign Languages and Literatures in Naples. After that I attended a Journalism course at
I loved the multicultural environment I worked in, I loved to work with like-minded people, I met so many amazing artists, so many brilliant and inspiring minds and overall I loved the relationship I built with my clients.
the University of Art in London and a Radio Production course in Rome. Living in Europe gave you great access to move around and work in a number of places once you finished university, and you soon found yourself in Public Relations and Events. What was it that you enjoyed most about those roles and what did you learn? I was living and working in the UK while finishing Uni in Naples. Once I completed my studies I freelanced for almost 10 years in different countries and in different fields, from tourism to film, music production, fashion, technology and a lot in art and design. I loved the multicultural environment I worked in, I loved to work with like-minded people, I met so many amazing artists, so many brilliant and inspiring minds and overall I loved the relationship I built with my clients. I adored travelling. I enjoyed the freedom in using my creativity with regards to the events and I learned that nothing is really impossible to accomplish if you are curious, enthusiastic, passionate, resilient and humble. One of your biggest career moments was
working with YOOX, TOD’S and Google which also involved creative roles with their events. You did a lot with nature in design, and loved scouting locations and gifts for guests. Where did your travels take you while working with them? I travelled extensively throughout Italy, Europe, the United States and Brazil. The corporate work experience was formative in many ways, for more than 10 years. Working directly with the CEOs, founders and VIP clients of these companies allowed me to acquire project management skills in complex areas. I particularly loved the opportunity to work in the events production, to get in closer touch with the artists and creatives. Actively participating in the scouting for locations, the creation of media materials, the shooting etc, and all the processes that went into large scale productions I understood and deeply connected to the collaborative elements that make them successful and satisfying. It was an important moment for me to realise the meeting with the others’ is where my work finds its full expression. Continued over >>> GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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It was a demanding role and you wanted to move on to something else, and you soon found yourself in India. What were you studying and tell us about your love for the Indian culture. I started practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga at the end of 2008 in Milan and had been in India a few times but my dream was to just spend lots of time in Mysore to simply practice at the source and to have time for deep healing from some big traumas I had in my life. So when I quit my career in Google in 56 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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than ever, very connected to the Universe. I love the kindness of the people which you find in most Asian countries. I miss that very much. You’ve always wanted to live by the sea, and with your now husband Christian and son Marley, you call Port Macquarie home. Since being here you’ve run a few businesses – can you Everytime I land in tell us about your first India or Sri Lanka venture? where I also spend a lot Whilst living in Byron of time, I feel at home. It's Bay I started doing private something I can't explain, catering and supporting Christian at our Ashtanga the sky feels so close to 2013, I sold my Yoga Studio. you, that I feel more than apartment in Milan, We then decided to ever, very connected to donated all I had, move to Port and we the Universe. including my art started to structure my collection and flew to catering activity into India. I was in Mysore a beautiful boutique for a long time practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa catering business, Osteria Papazzo. The idea yoga and studying Sanskrit and Chanting, was to share traditional Italian flavors by an while I was working as an holistic therapist to innovative formula of mobile catering and support my travels. Everytime I land in India temporary pop-up. or Sri Lanka where I also spend a lot of time, We were covering Byron to Sydney and I feel at home. It‘s something I can‘t explain, beyond, where we could create an authentic the sky feels so close to you, that I feel more Italian dining experience with music and
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beautifully styled long tables. I was loving the ability to express my creativity in the styling of the tables and creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy the experience. Then, as we all know COVID hit and all the bookings for the year disappeared overnight. We started doing takeaway packages and I would gift a little floral arrangement to each order and then eventually this increased into food and flower packages and eventually this translated into a new entrepreneurship project which, as it turned out, was a more authentic manifestation of a desire that I have long kept in my heart. Now, with Alessandra Papazzo Flowers (this is the name of my new venture) I’ve turned this dream into a reality. With your creativity shifting into floristry, your focus is on Australian and sustainable native flowers. Tell us more about this business. Alessandra Papazzo Flowers was my dream since a child, a combination of my previous works and of all my passions: art and design, my unconditional love for flowers and nature and my love for architecture and interior design. My business is a celebration of Australian Flora, it is a wish to bring more elegance, grace, kindness to you, to your soul and to your spaces. My work is more like an art work and my
ultimate wish is to tell you a beautiful love poem through it. Alessandra Papazzo Flowers is about sustainable floral design and styling. We do offer flower services for homes, editorial, commercial, film, fashion and intimate weddings, sourcing only what is fresh and seasonal, supporting Australian flower farmers and local gardeners. We do not use floral foam for our installations or plastic for our creations and we do not use imported flowers. It is all very organic and incredibly beautiful, because you have so much beauty growing in your country. Being an Artist and working with what is available pushes my creativity more and I love that so much. One of your passions is ‘styling to the space’ as opposed to just making a bunch of pre made displays. How does this creative process work? It’s my biggest passion and the favourite part of my work. Milton Glaser (a very famous American graphic designer) said once: “Solving any problem is more important than being right.” That’s the work of a designer at its essence and that’s the challenge I love to embrace when creating. I am a floral designer and I love to be involved in collaborative projects. When designing for commercial spaces like Hotels, Restaurants, Boutiques, Spas etc,
I take into consideration many factors, from the room temperature, the architecture, the interior design, the colour and the overall energy of the space. I breathe in all of these and after a few days I will start to visualise designs and, only then, on site I create. After a few days I revisit the space and check if it needs something to be completed. My mission is to create a floral jewel, a piece of Art that will make your space shine more. Whether it’s a big or small place this is the only approach I use and I source the best and most authentic Australian grown flowers. Where can we find you regularly? We offer all our floral styling and design services from Byron Bay to Sydney and beyond. Our Mobile Boutique of Flowers is every Monday at CHARLIZE ROSE under the Rydges Hotel, Friday and Saturday at COAST cafe Lighthouse beach and every day you can purchase our unique blooms by calling us or visiting our online shop on www. alessandrapapazzo.com then you can pick up or we can deliver to you. How can we contact you? @alessandrapapazzo alessandra.papazzo@gmail.com 0401841401 alessandrapapazzo.com Interview by Louise Beaumont. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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We’re paving the way at Forster... Situated on nearly 90 acres right by the magnificent Wallis Lake, our over-50s lifestyle resort will include both single-level and two-storey homes featuring lifts. A covered bowls green, tennis courts, swimming pools, cinema, Tenpin bowling alley, a marina precinct and two stunning country clubs are just a few of the premium facilities you’ll enjoy as a Palm Lake Resort Forster Lakes resident. If you’d like to find out more about this exciting project, or to secure your future home for only a $1,000 deposit, then simply get in touch.
Get in touch to learn more. Freecall 1800 577 542 Email salesforster@palmlake.com.au | Visit forsterlakes.com.au 58 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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SUPER RADIO
RADIO 531
Super Radio FM93.5 Radio 531 is Your Voice on the Mid North Coast featuring an all-star lineup to keep you entertained and informed 24/7.
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oin Marcus Paul for Breakfast weekdays between 5 and 9am followed by the iconic John Laws through until Midday. John O'Callaghan plays the Greatest Songs Ever Made each weekday afternoon and then from 3 it's the boys from Talkin' Sport! Stay up to date with Local News and Interviews, Community Announcements and even a full hour of Local Sport each Friday. There's even a Weekend Fishing Show plus Live Coverage of the NRL and AFL! Super Radio Mid North Coast has been serving the Region for 21 Years and they're multiBusiness Award Winners. For more details on your Local Super Radio Station and the Team of John, Erin and Niko and how you can get in touch, just go to the website - www.radio531.
com.au Super Radio Mid North Coast was proud to get behind the #play4jake fundraising weekend with a Golf Day, Charity Dinner and Wheelchair Rugby Challenge on January 29 & 30 and as a South Sydney tragic Niko was honoured to be asked to MC the Events. A Big Thank You to Bron & Paul Watson for organising the whole thing in just 7 weeks, to the local community, businesses and individuals, for their time, support and incredibly generous donations. More than a dozen Rabbitohs Legends attended and current Captain Adam Reynolds made a surprise visit to Jake's home! All money raised will assist Jake who has osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) and he'll undergo nanotechnology treatment at the John Hunter Hospital.
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Health focushealth
and
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Tai Chi and Qigong The origins of Tai Chi are clouded at best. So many theories have been promulgated over the years, that it seems the true origins of the art are, at the very least, confusing. The most popular belief is that Tai Chi had its beginnings somewhere between 300 and 500 years ago in the countryside of China. Tai Chi is an ancient exercise system which, for many years, has been widely used in Chinese hospitals and sanatoriums for patients recovering from illness and treatment for chronic disease. Here in Port Macquarie, Tai Chi is offered to people looking for a series of exercises to promote good
health, wellbeing and relaxation. It is widely regarded as a moving form of meditation and has spread rapidly throughout the Western world. Qigong energises you. It brings clean, fresh external energy into your body and builds balance throughout your three major energy centres - Essence (Jing), Energy (Chi) and Spirit (Shen). It also cleans out stale, negative energy from your system. Classes in Tai Chi and Qigong, as well as advanced techniques, are available at Port Macquarie Academy of Tai Chi beginning Tuesay, March 9. For details, contact the Academy on 6583 3886.
Maven Dental Healthy Mouth & Healthy Body Go Hand In Hand! Visit Maven Dental Feldbusch & Forster Keeping you smiling through 2021, the experienced Maven Dental Feldbusch & Forster team are here to help you maintain a good oral health routine for life. Offering a range of comprehensive services including family & cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery. Maven Dental Feldbusch have been faithfully serving the Taree & Forster community for over 30 years and are focused on providing you and your family with comprehensive dental care, in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Our dentists are passionate about providing positive dental experiences and promoting good oral health. Whether you are looking for a caring dentist or affordable dental treatments, our Taree and Forster dental practices will make sure that you leave with a smile every time you visit us. A healthy mouth and a healthy body go hand in hand. There’s no better time to make your oral health a priority, new patients of Maven Dental Feldbusch & Forster can receive $199* dental check-up, x-rays, and clean! *Terms & conditions apply, to learn more or to book online visit mavendental.com.au/199-offer
NEW PAT IENT OF FER
CHECK-UP+X-RAYS+CLEAN
BOOK ONLINE MAVENDENTAL.COM.AU TA REE 6 552 1 766 FORST E R 6 555 8 7 32
*Terms & Conditions apply. For full T&C’s visit Mavendental.com.au/$199-offer. Offer ends 31 May 2021.
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with SUNDIAL DENTAL
Whiten up
Tooth whitening is a popular dental technique to rejuvenate the colour of your teeth and your smile. If you feel your teeth have become dull and yellow after years of accumulated staining, why not consider tooth whitening with your dental professionals?
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aving an attractive smile - whether God-given or courtesy of a highly skilled dental professional - is important for self confidence. On the other hand, the embarrassment of revealing grey, yellow, or discoloured teeth could be enough to make someone too embarrassed to smile ... and what a pity that would be. Moreover, stained teeth can affect a person’s overall self image, their self confidence and their sense of self worth. So why not aim for a brilliant smile and whiten up! Unlike simple scaling or polishing, which is a purely mechanical process that removes superficial stains caused by coffee, tea, and red wine, tooth whitening removes internal stains through a process called oxidation. The most common ingredient used for whitening teeth is peroxide gel. Home or Away? The take home whitening system usually involves a custom tray filled with a
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It’s usually possible
whitening solution patients the confidence to achieve a shade from 10 to 20 per cent that their treatment is that is six to eight concentration. The being supervised, but shades lighter, taking patient wears the trays this tends to cost years off your smile and as prescribed by their more if they ever making you look and dental professional for want to repeat the feel younger. 20 minutes to hours process, as they have over the course of a to completely repeat week, until they get the treatment. the desired result. The Take Home System What Can You Expect? requires an initial consultation, impressions It’s usually possible to achieve a shade and then a follow up appointment to fit the that is six to eight shades lighter, taking trays and begin treatment. The benefit of the years off your smile and making you look take home system is YOU are in control of and feel younger. Your teeth can become your whitening, and can choose the shade sensitive during the treatment, but the effect you like. Also, you can top up your whitening is transient, and with care causes minimal at any time, and down the track additional discomfort. tubes of the whitening solution can be Don’t forget to take advantage of our purchased for $20 to $30. March Take Home Whitening Special for only The in-office whitening system is a one-off $199. treatment that uses a higher concentration of For more information, contact the caring peroxide gel and takes from 30-60 minutes team at Sundial Dental Port Macquarie 6583 in the dental chair, under the supervision of a 3533 or Wauchope 6585 2015 or visit dental professional. The in-office system gives www.sundialdental.com.au
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focus_contributor.
Healthful WISDOM
with SHANNON LAWRENCE COVID -19 VACCINATION Most of us are aware that there are now vaccines available for COVID-19, and these have been given in other countries already, but what does this mean for the average person?
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o far the Pfizer vaccine has approval and the AstraZeneca vaccine has provisional approval by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Others may be approved in future. Vaccination reduces the chance of developing serious symptoms of COVID-19. Most people with COVID-19 have breathing difficulties that can be severe. There are also possible long term effects on the lungs, heart and brain in all ages after COVID-19. It will be many years before we see the full extent. Concerns about COVID-19 vaccines are largely about safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials have different phases to show the vaccine is safe and effective, and benefits of receiving it outweigh the risks. First test phases assess effects on healthy volunteers, and then on those with health conditions. The next phase determines if the vaccine prevents you catching COVID-19. Thousands of people are given the vaccine and the same number get an injection with no vaccine, comparing how many in each group catch COVID-19 and its effects on them. Trials for COVID-19 vaccines have been quicker as some phases have occurred at the same time to
speed the process up. The vaccines‘ safety and effectiveness will be monitored even after vaccinations have been given. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still possible to catch COVID-19. If you are vaccinated you will be better able to deal with COVID-19 if you get it, as your body has antibodies to fight it. It is impossible to catch COVID-19 from vaccination as vaccines do not contain any live virus. Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are needed to give the best benefit. Immunity occurs about 2 weeks after the first dose and will increase after the second dose. You still need a flu shot as well as COVID-19 vaccine as they are different viruses. It is advised to get them at least 2 weeks apart. Flu shots are needed each year as the influenza virus mutates, so last year‘s vaccine may not be effective. This may also occur with COVID-19; it may require further vaccinations in future to give better protection. Vaccination won’t be available to everyone at once, due to vaccine availability. The first vaccinations will for be quarantine and border workers, frontline health workers and aged care workers. Next will be residents in aged care and adults with certain medical conditions.
INTEREST FREE PAY M E N T S F R O M
$39/WEEK
Designed for little smiles, Invisalign First clear aligners provide a predictable comfortable way to straighten your growing child’s teeth. Even with baby teeth, treatment aligns teeth while expanding arches making room for existing teeth and incoming permanent teeth. Visit the experienced team at Port Macquarie Orthodontics for your child’s free orthodontic assessment.
SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIST CHILDREN | TEENS | ADULTS
143A Horton Street, Port Macquarie Phone 6583 8425 info@portmacquarieorthodontics.com.au www.portmacquarieorthodontics.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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AUTISM SWIM’S
Autism Swim’s Dippers program is an award-winning modified nippers and surf education program, for those of all ages and all abilities. Focus sat down with trailblazer Erika Gleeson, Autism Swim’s Founder and CEO (and Port Macquarie local) to learn more…
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i Erika. We caught up with you late last year to chat about Autism Swim. Now you‘re launching the Dippers Program here in Port Macquarie. Tell us about this. Autism Swim offers many different services, however Dippers is undoubtedly one that I’m most proud of. It is a program that encapsulates inclusion, safety and fun, in my favourite environment, the beach! Dippers has run for five years, across multiple beaches in Sydney, and it was only a matter of time before it made its way to the Mid North Coast. Thanks to a wonderful partnership with the team at Early Connections, and due to Rob Oakeshott and the committee at Flynn’s Beach SLSC having an inclusive and visionary mindset, Dippers is here! Dippers takes place on a Sunday morning, and teaches water safety and surf survival skills in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Trying to explain it in words will never do the program justice, we encourage everyone to come and watch from afar, and experience the elation. The success of Dippers has been huge over the last 5 years. What has contributed to its success?
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A few key factors have culminated in the program’s huge success: 1.There are other inclusive nippers programs, however many have prerequisites (e.g. the participant needs to be able to do x in order to participate). To us, this goes against the philosophy of inclusion. Our program is ALL abilities, and is run by Clinicians who understand the varying needs of our participants, and how to tailor programs to ensure everyone is thriving and surviving. 2.The volunteers. We partner with Surf Life Saving Clubs to run the program, and the volunteers from the club, who give their time every weekend, contribute in making the program the huge success that it is. We also have volunteer photographers (such as Cherie from Available Light Images), sand-based helpers and pro bono support coming at us from all angles; reminding us that the world is full of very great humans. 3. Dippers is not an easy feat to pull off, however I’m incredibly fortunate to have a team of legends who are the driving force behind its continual growth and success. Our Events/ Partnerships Manager Kat and Admin Manager Chloe are superhuman. 4.Our sponsors. The program is free for
participants and is funded through our amazing sponsors. This year we’d love to thank the local sponsors who didn’t even think twice about supporting the initiative: Elders Lifestyle Group, Men at Work, and Prekaro. What does the program provide for its participants and families? The program gives every participant either 2:1 or 3:1 support, depending on their needs. We don’t deliver a set program per se, as no such program exists that is going to be conducive to everyone’s needs; rather, we work toward individual goals. For some, this is socialisation. For others, it might be becoming more confident in the water, perceiving risk and dangers, riding a board or working through sensory challenges of the beach – to name just a few. Ultimately, the program provides inclusion, fun and a sense of belonging. The joy is palpable and every week, we have parents crying with pride, and the volunteers undoubtedly taking just as much from the experience as the participants. The program already has an extensive waitlist for next season, so we would encourage any parents to join this as soon as they can in order to be considered for future seasons.
We are one of the largest Disability Services organisations in NSW and are driven by our Values of: Trust, Respect, Courage, Inclusion and Leadership. Our work is also underpinned by our Vision to create opportunity and services for people to participate fully in society. We offer Short, medium, or long-term Respite Services that are available under NDIS Funding for people with disability. These services are available in the Northern Beaches, Hunter Region and Mid-North Coast.
Our houses allow you to • • • •
Relax in a comfortable and safe environment Explore somewhere new Meet and socialise with people of similar interests Participate in new activities or fun opportunities
We are looking for people who want to make a difference If you enjoy making a difference in people’s lives, advocate for inclusion and seek rewarding experiences, you are the perfect applicant to work for Ability Options. Our respite units are re-opening, and we are looking for people like you to help us support people with disability.
Why work with us? • • • •
Skills and Training Career Development Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing and Fitness
• Salary Packaging
We are
Hiring
For more information phone 1300 422 454 or visit our website employment.abilityoptions.org.au/respite GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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PRIMER
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Mac Prep & Prime $68
4 LESS
Max Factor Miracle Second Tint $31.95
LUXE
We've taken the best of LUXE and sourced beauty products for LESS from Settlement City, making your beauty staples affordable without compromising on product quality.
Elf Hydrating Face Primer $16
TINTED MOISTURISER
LESS
Vanessa Jane from The Style Vibe shows us how to get your favourite beauty staples for less from our retailers at Settlement City Shopping Centre
LESS
LUXE
LUXE
4 LESS
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturisere $75
LESS
4 LESS
Rimmel Highlighting Pallet $16.95
LUXE
CHEEKS
4 LESS
LIPS
Nars Cheek Pallet $94
LUXE
Too Faced Lip Gloss $37
LUXE
LESS
Revlon HD Vinyl Lip Polish $24.95
4 LESS
Nars Foundation $78
Too Faced Eye Pallet $72
EYES LESS
Loreal True Match Foundation $29.95
LUXE
LESS
FOUNDATION
4 LESS
Australis Neutralize Pallet $25.95
All "4 Less" products featured have been sourced from Amcal, Big W and Woolworths. Only at
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LESS
LUXE
HIGHLIGHTER DROPS
4 LESS
Mecca Max $25
Loreal Glow Mon Amour $14.95
BRONZER
Rimmel Natural Bronzer $15.95
LUXE
LESS
4 LESS Nars Bronzer $60
All "4 Less" products featured have been sourced from Amcal, Big W and Woolworths. Only at
STEP SYSTEM Luna Bronze Tan $42
Bondi Sands Pure Tan Drops $22.95
LUXE
LESS
TAN DROPS
LeTan Violette $25.50
LUXE
4 LESS
LESS
SELF TAN
4 LESS
Isle of Paradise $47
Amcal’s on site cosmetician Amanda Elford tells us about the 3-Step Skin Care Kit from Clinique. It’s the signature program for healthy, glowing skin.
Step 1 Cleanse Step 2 Exfoliate Step 3 Moisturise Ask anyone if they know Clinique, and they’ll probably smile and talk about Clinique's first ever skin care regimen, “3-Step.” It was the first 100% fragrance free, dermatologist-developed and customizable skin care system that was designed to create great skin safely, effectively and without irritation. It revolutionized the beauty industry, and it continues to be passed down through generations as the family secret to having great skin. These days, each step comes in different formula strengths specifically created to treat different skin types, from very dry to oily. In order to customize your regimen, it is important to accurately determine your skin type first which we can do instore at Amcal. Just 3 minutes, morning and night, to see clear, smooth, radiant skin in about two weeks.
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Caravan A IRB N B
Australia is truly an amazing place to explore and with travel currently limited to our own backyard, John and Kelly Bolton enjoy offering people a glamping experience in style. For those seeking a luxe outdoor experience without the fuss, you just turn up and enjoy.
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i John and Kelly. As residents of Port Macquarie, you know all too well that our region is one of the best in Australia. You’re now offering Airbnb by way of caravaning to those seeking a luxury camping experience. Tell us the drive/idea behind starting the business. Our love of surfing, fishing and being 72 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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people would love this type of holiday, but did not want to buy a caravan or have the hassle of towing it either. We saw the potential in this type of travel for those who wish to get out into the great outdoors but liked to do it in comfort and style. Glamping as it is often called. With everyone discovering their own backyard in Australia these days, we saw the need for this luxury With everyone glamping experience so discovering their we purchased another own backyard in luxe high end caravan. We Australia these days, we provide a service where saw the need for this our guests can arrive at luxury glamping their destination of choice outdoors on our experience so we on the Mid North Coast beautiful Mid North purchased another luxe with the van completely Coast, with our own high end caravan. set up with absolutely caravan completely set everything you could wish up with everything we for. We love what we need, was the reason do, we love sharing our knowledge of all the why we started the business. It was a natural beautiful spots on the Mid North Coast and unfolding process for us. A friend suggested we feel extremely lucky that something we we hire our own luxe van out when we were love has turned into our new business and the not using it. So we gave it a go and it was timing couldn‘t be more right. such a success we quickly realised that many
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What caravans are available to hire and how many people do they accommodate? We have two top of the range deluxe Crusader Caravans to hire: The Palace: Which definitely stands up to its name, the Palace is equipped with everything. Queen size bed, full ensuite, leather lounge, fully self-contained kitchen, large size fridge, TV, super luxurious in all the fittings, outdoor seating and the We do all the list goes on. hard work with The Excalibur: Is towing and setting also beautifully fitted out up with clear very similar to the Palace. instructions for our It is a very spacious and enjoyable. In the guests so they are layout with all the same short time we have been well informed on how inclusions as the Palace. operating it has been so everything works in You definitely won‘t be rewarding to see how our luxe caravans. disappointed. happy our guests are We aim to target when they arrive ready couples who wish to to check in to their have the luxe outdoor experience. They can glamping experience, and many are rebooking choose anywhere on the Mid North Coast and returning guests booking in advance. where we deliver the van and set it all up for What destinations are included in the drop them. Getting back to nature is what we are off and set up service? all about. Imagine you‘re set up with some of We deliver and set up our top of the range the best views right in front whether it is the caravans within a 150km radius of Port beach or the bush. Kangaroos or dolphins, Macquarie. We do all the hard work with take your pick. towing and setting up with clear instructions Creating a relaxing holiday experience for for our guests so they are well informed on others is your aim. How do you make that how everything works in our luxe caravans. happen? We are very lucky to be based in such a Creating a relaxing holiday where everything beautiful location with destinations north is provided for our guests is our highest and south of Port Macquarie that provide priority. We make sure each van is kitted out spectacular rainforest walks and some of the with everything our guests need to the highest most stunning beaches and national parks. Not of standards. All linen and towels are supplied to mention our multi award winning caravan as well as lots of other extra essentials. parks based here in Port Macquarie. For Basically our guests just turn up with their those wishing to book our vans locally in Port packed bag and they can check in to a deluxe Macquarie it is a free set up with no towing 5-star caravan. We communicate with our fee. How has the business been received and guests so that the check-in process is seamless
what plans do you have for the future? The response we have received since starting our Glamping business has been incredible. We have met so many fantastic people. It is so rewarding when we are consistently receiving 5-star reviews from all our guests. As I mentioned earlier we now have guests booking a year in advance and many return to book with us when they want that special outdoor getaway vacay. Our plans for the future is to continue to provide a high quality glamping experience for all our guests new and returning. We are passionate about this type of holiday and love what we do and we love encouraging people to get out and explore our beautiful region. We will continue to build the business with a work/life balance approach and we feel super excited for this year. Where can people go to make a booking? Go to @camplify and type in Port Macquarie. Search for our deluxe vans. The Palace and the Excalibur owned by John and Kelly. Here you will see all the photos of each luxe van and the finer details of what is included and how to book. Thanks! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Elders INSURANCE
RACHELE SANDERSON SALES SUPPORT OFFICER
Provides office-based services to Elders Insurance clients and provides the administrative support to process new business, renewals and endorsements. Rachele is also the claims manager in our local office.
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SHELLEY SPRAGUE INSURANCE SPECIALIST
Professional Insurance Adviser who assists commercial and general insurance clients manage their risk exposures.
ell us about your suppliers and tradespeople; support for business. local communities and sporting groups; Elders Insurance was and local, friendly staff offering qualified established in the late advice on all your insurance needs. 1800’s What motivates and is one of Australia’s you in your role Success is leading regional and and business? measured rural insurers, well Helping our by the education known for delivering local community and transparency exceptional personal and businesses by we provide to our service and competitive offering a wide clients to ensure premiums. range of insurance they understand the What you can options and insurance cover they expect from Elders services. have with us. Insurance Port What have you Macquarie? A wide learnt over the range of insurances, with payment past 12 months and how has your options, including monthly payment of business changed? premiums, on most policies, at no extra During 2020 Elders Insurance Port cost; claims managed locally (efficiently Macquarie still effectively ran the local and without delay) and support for local office, servicing our clients’ needs and
TAY L A H R YA N SALES SUPPORT OFFICER
Provides office-based services to Elders Insurance clients and provides the administrative support to process new business, renewals, endorsements and claims. The SSO role undertakes all other general office duties. requirements with only having to make small changes to the way in which we generally operate. Describe for us your definition of ‘success‘ relevant to your industry/ role. Success is measured by the education and transparency we provide to our clients to ensure they understand the insurance cover they have with us. The retention of our existing client base and subsequently the referral process is our ethos for measuring success also.
www.eldersinsurance.com.au /elders-insurance-port-macquarie 106 William St, Port Macquarie 6589 7700
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JUSTINE SANDRY FOUR CORE SOLUTIONS
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ell us about your business. Four Core Solutions is a solution provider for business owners. Our expertise lies in our bookkeeping services, but we can also provide other administrative services such as document management and formatting, and virtual assistance. Our goal is to work as a trusted partner with our clients, working towards what is important for them. That’s sometimes something as simple as meeting on a regular basis to discuss their financial position. Because we find not all our clients are the same, we tailor our solutions to our clients individually. What motivates you in your role and business? Motivation is a funny thing. You can find motivation in little things, or much bigger challenges. For many years when I worked for others, I would watch business owners wear themselves out because there was just too much to do and not enough time. And to grow the business meant you had to find a reliable person to support you. So, I started the business in 2015 knowing that I have the skills and experience in various industries to support other business owners and see them succeed. Today, this continues to be our motivation in business – support others through honest and trustworthy relationships. This extends to connecting with the local community, including networking with other business owners, supporting local and, of course, community events. It’s important, both personally and professionally, to be active
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participants in our local community. Whilst all always moving. Even if you have to take a that is great in the professional space, the truth step backwards, at least you are still moving. is that my family is my greatest motivation – I It can give you the opportunity to learn, to work hard to have the freedom and the ability be grateful, to reset your focus. If you are to support them in the best possible way. stagnant, then do something to make a What have you learnt over the past change so new opportunities can be seen. 12 months and how has your business Maybe stepping outside your comfort zone is changed? what you need to do... If there was ever a and yes, it can be scary, Success to me is year to learn from, it but the rewards can be always moving. has definitely been the amazing too. Even if you have to last 12 months. We What’s the best way for have learnt to take businesses or readers to take a step backwards, nothing for granted. connect with you? at least you are still Life can change quickly, We have an office moving. It can give but your mindset and within the local community you the opportunity determination can lead of Port Macquarie, and we to learn, to be grateful, you to new experiences also provide virtual support to reset your focus. and opportunities. And to clients further afield. We If you are stagnant, that’s exactly where are happy to offer a free then do something to we found ourselves 30-minute consultation to make a change so new recently – an opportunity new clients interested in opportunities can be for a lifestyle of beauty seeing how we can help. seen. in Port Macquarie. We Please feel free to contact relocated our head office us and arrange a visit. from Gold Coast to Port We can be contacted on Macquarie and took a leap of faith to set 1300 077 034 or email us at the course of our own future. Personally, no admin@fourcore.com.au to get started. regrets! What a lovely part of the world, and I get to share it with my family. Business-wise, we haven’t skipped a beat; in fact, we are still growing, still reaching for the stars, and 1300 077 034 adding more to our team to achieve our goals. admin@fourcore.com.au Describe for us your definition of ’success’ www.fourcore.com.au relevant to your industry/role. fourcoresolutions I love this question – success to me is
DR KRISTY KOSTALAS
B.Med.Sci. M.B.B.S (hons). M. Repro.Med. DCH. FRACGP.
PORT MEDICAL AESTHETICS CLINIC.
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ell us about your business. Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic is a medical cosmetic clinic that specialises in antiageing skin treatments, injectables, laser and skin care. My team and I are really passionate about providing high grade medical treatments that really work, and rejuvenate in a subtle way that really delivers results. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Looking back, 2020 certainly was a steep learning curve, not just for my business but for all the types of medicine I practice. I’m grateful for the community support, as business has boomed since the lockdown ended. If anything, I’ve learned to set my hours and try to stick to them as it’s very easy to work very long days trying to fit everyone in! Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry. When I think about describing success, I think it has a different definition for everyone. I would define success as being able to put your passions into your everyday life, and being a good human being while you do it. I’m grateful I can combine my passions with my work! @portmedicalaestheticsclinic portmedicalaesthetics.com.au
LANTERN LEGAL D R A L L I S O N S TA N F I E L D A N D Z I TA A L L E N
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llison, can you please introduce yourself and your role at Lantern Legal. I am the Managing Director and Founder of Lantern Legal. Along with corporate and business-related transactions I have a niche expertise in electronic evidence, software agreements and licensing. I can talk tech with the best of them! I have a PhD in electronic evidence. I have over 28 years’ experience as a lawyer and in business. I advise clients on buying, selling, re-structuring and running a business, including drafting shareholders’ agreements, buy/sell deeds, advising on intellectual property matters and assisting with dispute resolution. Zita, can you please introduce yourself and your role at Lantern Legal.
I am Special Counsel at Lantern Legal with expertise in Business, Commercial and Employment Law. My experience includes mergers and acquisitions, property transactions, Fair Work disputes and employment law, trademark registration and general legal advice to business owners on legal risk management, compliance and corporate structuring. I like to think of it as virtual in-house counsel. I currently hold a Masters in Applied Law Commercial and Business Transactions. What areas of professional service do ‘Business and Commercial Lawyers' at Lantern Legal provide? There’s lots! Employment matters, leasing, property transactions, contract review and drafting, corporate structuring, licensing, software and security agreements, Intellectual
Property, the list goes on really. Anything to do with the running of a business or buying and selling a business, we can assist with. What is the most common service that you provide? Commercial legal advice to business owners. This varies from owner to owner, so our legal support is always tailored. Our goal is to provide commercial legal advice in a way that adds value to our client’s business. What makes Lantern Legal different to other firms? Lantern Legal embraces technology and offers virtual services utilising the latest communication tools. When you call, you speak directly to one of our lawyers. This allows us to deliver timely, cost-effective legal solutions.
Suite 17, the Galleria, 128 William St, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 Zita 0479 119 688 Allison 0413 434 777 lanternlegal.com.au
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WILLOW RISSEL
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BROWS BY WILLOW
rows by Willow is an inviting and inspiring place where owner Willow can help empower women to look and feel beautiful. Her passion for beauty and particular semi-permanent makeup inspired her to bring to life Brows by Willow, Beauty and Cosmetic Studio. “I absolutely love what I do so I keep up to date with evolving new ideas and regular training in the newest techniques. Constantly updating my knowledge and improving on my skills keeps me motivated and focussed. A priority in my business is not to keep up with market but to be a leader in it.” Over the past 12 months Willow has learnt that success is achieved by working hard and not being afraid to take a risk and set goals. Since school wasn’t for her, leaving in year 11 and now being only 20, Willow really wanted to prove that as long as you work hard and learn your passion, you can succeed in anything
you put your mind to, no matter your age. She has amazing friends and family that are her biggest supporters and they have helped her manage her time. They remind her that sometimes she needs to slow down and breathe. Willow’s definition of success is “I love to come to work each day. I walk into my salon and I realise that this is mine and I did this.” Willow’s clients are happy and excited to walk in and leave with a confidence in how they look and feel. “I love being a part of making people feel better about themselves, knowing that I have helped them in their journey. I love my clients and at the moment I’m loving my journey too.” Watch this space because there are some exciting new services coming to Brows by Willow soon.
3/40 William Street Port Macquarie Brows by Willow brows.by.willow
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SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOU
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ell us about your business. Support Services For You Mid North Coast was founded by business partners Jodie Candia and Alison Williams in May of 2019. “We established our business as we identified that there was a need for more experienced carers on the Mid North Coast. We are an NDIS provider of compassionate, nurturing and experienced carers, specialising in Disability and Mental Health Supports”. What motivates you in your role and business? Our major motivation is ensuring our dear clients achieve their goals, enhance their daily living and to create fun, fulfilment and broad smiles. We are also focused on ensuring we provide consistent support persons to clients, which gains trust and builds relationships, which then in turn assists clients to achieve their highest potential.
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C A N D I A
A N D
A L I S O N
W I L L I A M S
What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Over the last 12 months, we have learnt how important it is to have a strong team that feels valued. Our field staff in particular are the face of our service, our backbone and our clients are blessed to have their support. With COVID, we obviously had to initiate new processes and procedures, for staff and clients to ensure everyone was kept safe, healthy and continue to enhance clients’ wellbeing. From this, our business grew, and clients flourished. We have learnt that by being a personable caring service, who actions our client requests immediately and keeps our staff informed and updated, we retain our superior staff and increase the quality of our clients’ lives with ease. We have grown over the last 12 months and now offer in addition to our home and community supports “Art Splash” which is
a monthly Art, Craft and Body Movement program, which is open to not only our clients but anyone who wants to have fun, laugh and create some wonderful things to take home. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. Success in this industry shall only occur, if you have the personal passion and drive to do what is best for the clients, then the rest will follow. Focusing on being the best support service we can for our clients means business will thrive. Focusing on business alone in our industry takes away from what matters, The People! What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? We have a great website that you can go to for all information, www.supportservicesforyou. com.au We are also on Facebook and Instagram. But most importantly there is always a friendly face at our office in Port Macquarie.
STACEY MORGAN S I M P LY S TA C E Y MORGAN
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have been coaching small business owners under the banner of Simply Stacey Morgan since 2017. With 18 years in business myself and currently owning three businesses (including Port Macquarie Performing Arts), I have a real passion for sharing my learnings with others. As a Mum of three, I’m also acutely aware of the juggling act that is parenthood and entrepreneurship and I want to support ambitious women to help them realise that it IS possible to run a successful business and still have a life! What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? The work I do with Simply Stacey Morgan is primarily in the online space with clients in Australia, New Zealand and the US, so when COVID first hit I was fortunate we were not impacted too significantly. While we had to limit our live events, our group and one-on-one coaching services continued which meant I was able to still work with my clients to make sure their businesses could pivot and survive during a really disconcerting time. Personally, I stepped up my qualifications becoming one of only three certified Business Made Simple coaches in Australia. Describe for us your definition of ‘success‘ relevant to your industry/role. I love this question as it’s something I talk about a lot with the women I work with; finding your own version of success. The way I see it, we all only have a finite amount of time, money and energy and I believe success is about determining how to spend those resources in a way that brings joy to you, your lifestyle and your family. For me, success means I have time to take my kids to and from school and tuck them into bed at night, time to ride my gorgeous blue bike, and time to share my passion with others – whether that be my passion for dance at my studio or my passion for entrepreneurship with other business owners. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? You can join me on Instagram @simplystaceymorgan and find me online at simplystaceymorgan.com where I share weekly resources for women in business. On my website you’ll also find details for all of my coaching opportunities, including an upcoming free webinar on April 8 to help you remove the overwhelm and build a business that supports your lifestyle. I hope you can join me!
simplystaceymorgan.com simplystaceymorgan GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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wiseberry R E A L E S TAT E
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D I A N N E F LY N N , L O U I S E F L E M I N G & C H R I S T I N E D I C K I N S O N
ell us about your business. We are a family owned business that has been operating in Port Macquarie for over 20 years. ”Wiseberry Port Macquarie handle all aspects of real estate including sales, rentals, holiday rentals & accommodation, auctions & property management. Service at Wiseberry is second to none and backed by our dedicated team you can guarantee your experience with our office will be a rewarding & pleasurable experience. We work in Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, Wauchope, King Creek & Telegraph Point. Wiseberry - Port Macquarie's Premier Agents.” We also own Wiseberry Forster ”Two Offices working for You.” We are the only Agency in Forster and Port Macquarie to offer our clients marketing in both offices. What motivates you in your role and business? Dianne - As the Senior Property Manager/ Holiday Specialist I’d definitely say getting the best results for my clients. Both my landlords and tenants are the most important aspect of my job to me and having their best interest at heart is what truly motivates me in my role. Louise - People, whether that’s my team or the people I help when it comes to buying, selling or leasing. I want the best for all of them so they motivate me to be the best version of myself. Christine - It is all about the care of our clients. We endeavour to go the extra mile to help out wherever possible in selling, buying or renting. It 82 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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is this focus on people, rather than transactions. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and has your business changed? Dianne - I think everyone can agree the past 12 months have presented challenges for everyone. Being in holiday letting, it was a worrisome time since travel has been indefinitely suspended at times and rather unpredictable for the most part. I have learnt to adapt and make changes quickly. I can certainly say that the occupancy rates have picked up tremendously and I foresee that this will continue whilst international borders remain closed, which is great for the local community as well as my landlords. Louise - Lots! But to be honest, I learnt that I have an amazing team with incredible culture and great systems in place that allowed us to adapt and innovate overnight like many businesses had to with COVID-19. My plan is to continue to build on that foundation along the way achieving fantastic results for our clients and ourselves. Christine - Our business has learnt how to adapt over the past 12 months due to COVID and that we are all here to help each other out. We have a great team spirit and bond. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. Dianne - My definition of success is having happy clients. I believe strong communication skills, a can-do attitude, a proactive approach to problems and genuine interactions with clients is
what leads us to true success. Louise - If you can communicate and connect with people and really make a difference in their world by understanding their needs, wants and or goals and really help them achieve them then you are a success, this goes for my family, my team, my clients and really everyone in general I think. Christine - To support my team members in every way possible and to help them achieve the best results for them and our business. Also seeing happy clients come to our office to collect keys after the process of the buying process has been completed. Do you have any new projects coming up? We took part in the Red Cross Life Blood Challenge where agents rolled up their sleeves and donated blood from October 1st to December 31st 2020. Just four of us represented our office and to our delight not only did we win, we made 25 donations in total that helped save 75 lives in the process. Wiseberry Real Estate Port Macquarie & Forster 128 William St, Port Macquarie 6583 1699 Stockland Forster Shopping Centre 6555 0101 www.wiseberry.com.au/portmacquarie www.wiseberry.com.au/forster @wiseberry.portmacquarie @wiseberry.forster @wiseberryportmacquarie @wiseberryforster
ASHLEY SARGESON TOUCHWOOD FLOWERS
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fter 16 years of owning Touchwood Flowers, Ashley Sargeson is proud of what the business has been able, and continues, to achieve. From winning awards, building up a respectable reputation and continually donating to and supporting local schools and community groups – this is what makes Touchwood unique and such a successful business. Touchwood Flowers has a team of passionate, experienced and professional florists. Their retail premises on Gordon St offers a range of products including indoor plants, preserved/dried arrangements, Gourmet Hampers, candles and of course an
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abundance of beautiful fresh flowers. They deliver daily with a friendly, local courier and have an online website for added convenience. Ashley's biggest motivation is her love of floristry. "I love flowers, being creative, my shop and most of all I love working with like-minded staff members who share my passion and commitment for all things floral." The team strive to be the best, supply premium quality flowers and provide a service that goes above and beyond every time. In a year surrounded with negativity, isolation and cancelled plans, sending flowers to loved ones became one of the few ways to reach out as a positive gesture, celebrate a special occasion and brighten someone’s day.
In a year our staff went from 3 members to 5 and our deliveries nearly doubled to an average of 160 deliveries a week in Port Macquarie! Touchwood Flowers have a free automated flower reminder system – all you have to do is fill in your important dates and you will be sent reminder emails for those special occasions.
www.touchwoodflowers.com.au 4/124 Gordon St, Port Macquarie 6583 2657
mbc
RECRUITMENT
S U S A N R U P E R T ( D I R E C TO R ) , K I M A R I E M E Y E R S ( S E N I O R R E C R U I T E R ) , C H E L S E A L I V E R M O R E ( N D I S C A S E M A N A G E R ) ,
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S U N E T T E O P P E R M A N ( W H S M A N A G E R ) & K I M S C H N E I D E R ( W T TC M A N A G E R )
ell us about your their supplier of choice is also a big business. motivator. Through the use of a flexible MBC has been locally workforce, we are able to help businesses based in Port Macquarie grow and meet their goals. for 33 years. Under What have you learnt over the past the MBC umbrella are 12 months and how has your business 4 divisions; MBC Recruitment, MBC changed? Nursing, Macquarie Labour Hire, and 2020 was a challenging year, through Watchout Training and Traffic Control the bushfires and global pandemics, (WTTC) which all work we have learnt to together as one business. adjust and adapt, to We measure Our head office is still be compassionate and success in Port Macquarie, but support locally more so we offer services across in how many than ever before. NSW and have recently We were fortunate people we can ventured into the QLD that we have always had help, their safety, market. very strong policies and and our business What motivates procedures to protect improvements. you in your role and our staff and prepare business? our business for major Being able to help people secure events. By using technology to our positions that are often life changing. We advantage, we were able to continue are in this business to help people and business and stay connected. We are empower those in our communities. By proud of the success we achieved despite expanding into new communities and the adversity faced. expanding our service range, we are able Describe for us your definition of to help more people. ‘success‘ relevant to your industry/ Our service delivery, providing an role. exceptional service to our clients to be We measure success in how many
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people we can help, their safety, and our business improvements. Also, by successfully helping clients find people for jobs / services that may be hard to fill, and in turn by helping people find jobs they are suited for. In our industry it is paramount that workers can do their job safely. We have high safety standards, and ensure our workers perform their duties in a way that keeps them and the public safe every day. To be successful you must also consistently seek to improve. We track suggestions, updates, and we carefully review policies, procedures, and always look for ways to improve our business services for our clients and our candidates. Our ISO-certified system tracks our changes and improvements so that we can always see development and improvement suggestions and progress.
www.mbcrecruitment.com.au MBCPM mbcrecruitment/
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ort Pools by Design are a team of earthmovers and pool builders who provide a prompt and qualified service to the Mid North Coast. With more machines and trucks than your standard pool business, they can get the job done faster and clients enjoying their pool sooner. The one thing they know best is how to play in the dirt! Having licenced female pool builder Meredith at the helm provides greater articulation, attention to detail, and also consultation with clients on their style choices and design – and with 25 years experience, you know you are in good hands. Meredith‘s portfolio of project
management and renovation qualifications (including Certificate IV in Building and Construction) gives her great breadth of knowledge in styles, colour and landscaping; she’s a perfectionist and proud of it! Pools are a luxury that most families save hard to achieve and, for Meredith, seeing the joy they get from giving their children a pool or rewarding themselves with one brings her great satisfaction. In the last few short years the business has grown from a husband and wife team, to a family business employing eight diverse qualified tradesmen and two support staff. The business has expanded and they now have carpenters, electrical and plumbing
trades all in-house, complementing the traditional earthmoving business. Meredith and her team know your pool from the ground up and are able to create the perfect environment to meet your vision of a beautiful yet practical pool design. They strive to be faster than ever, consistently installing two pools a week. Dreaming of a pool? Then give Meredith a call.
0406 484 484 www.portpoolsbydesign.com.au portpoolsbydesign
MEREDITH HOWARD PORT POOLS BY DESIGN
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BERNIE GINNANE THE WILLOW ROOM I am the woman behind my business and my life’s calling, ‘The Willow Room: Sound, Shamanic & Reiki Healing, Meditation & Counselling.’
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ell us about your business. I am a Certified Sound Energy Healer, Shamanic Practitioner, Quantum Reiki Master, Meditation Facilitator, Intuitive Mentor and Counsellor, Numerologist and an empowering Workshop Facilitator. I specialise in assisting clients to shift energetic blockages, old thought patterns and limiting conditioning. Through a range of healing modalities, I help to release the energetic imprint of past trauma, as well as anxiety, selfdoubt, overwhelm, grief and fear, so that clients can step into a more peaceful, confident and empowered path moving forward. Sound Healing is a gentle but powerful process to assist in bringing change to one’s physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual well-being. Every atom of our body carries a natural frequency, and every thought and feeling we have resonates a frequency that affects our whole being. Sound Healing can assist in re-balancing and re-attuning these energies. I use a variety of sound tools, including Therapeutic Bowls, and often guided meditation and Quantum Reiki. Shamanic Healing is also energetic healing that helps to facilitate a profound transformation and return one to wholeness. Until you heal the wounds of the past, they will continue to be carried within you and affect all areas of your life. Shamanic Healing helps to mend the root causes of emotional wounds, shift energetic blockages and connect one to the spirit realm for insight and guidance. I offer: • One-on-one private appointments, and
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couples’ sessions in a healing room in Port Macquarie and Kempsey, and house visits. • Regular ‘Group Meditation, Sound and Reiki Healing’ sessions on many Sunday afternoons and some mid-week, in Port Macquarie. • Regular nurturing, insightful, healing and empowering workshops, including Women’s Healing Circles focusing on a variety of themes. • Sessions are also available via Skype, Zoom and over the phone. • Free 15-minute Clarity Calls. Some of the workshops I offer are: • ‘Release the Old & Call in the New’, also offered as a private session • ‘Cleansing & Re-Aligning the 7 Chakras’ • ‘Embracing and Integrating Your Shadow Side’ • ‘Full Day Nurturing, Cleansing, Healing & Empowering Women’s Workshop’ • ‘Full Day Warrior Goddess Women’s Workshop’ • ‘Full Day Shamanic Heart & Soul Retreat’ • ‘Manifestation Workshop - Co-Creating & Aligning with Your Soul’s Purpose’ • ‘Full Moon & New Moon Women’s Circles’ What motivates you in your role and business? Helping others to find more peace, purpose, power and passion within themselves. This inner transformation can then ripple outwards into their families and relationships, their work and community, and impacts their general wellbeing. I am motivated to help others to release the overwhelm, anxiety, pain and attachments to the past, allowing them to live a life leading with their heart and soul, rather than the mind, which often comes from fear and ego.
What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? I have learnt that there is definitely a need for more accessible mental health services in our community. My business has changed by offering more Group sessions to help others return to inner peace, as well as an increase in my phone and online counselling. Describe for us your definition of ‘success‘ relevant to your role. Success to me means that I have assisted to initiate a positive change in people’s lives. Success means to me that I have helped others to find inner peace, clarity and direction to move forward in a more empowered way, embracing self-acceptance, self-love and aligning with their authentic truth. Reviews: “Bernie is a gifted leader, facilitator, teacher and healer. You will be amazed at how you feel after her sessions.“ Adrienne Smith, Mid North Coast “Life Changing, Soul Affirming, A Homecoming.“ Justine, Blue Mountains. “Bernie is able to hold space for emotional processing, storytelling and healing. It’s been a few weeks since our session and there’s been quite a lot of positive movement for me. She is really an extraordinary healer.“ Jane Galvin, Port Macquarie. Get in touch with me to receive my Monthly Newsletter.
bernie224@gmail.com 0491 015 566 www.bernieginnane -thewillowroom.com.au
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ell us about your business. Bennetts Steel this year celebrates 30 years in the Steel business. We are happy to ship our products all over the country as well as supplying everybody from the home handyman through to industry. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Bushfires and drought knocked us in 2019 but we were astounded by 2020 and the local support that transpired. The great Aussie spirit came out in force with so many boycotting overseas products and supporting local business with all their DIY home improvements. We were making wood racks, firepits and garden edging on a daily basis and this went on all year. The demand for our products spread so fast, with thanks to social media and TV advertising, that we had to put on more staff to cater for this. 2020 taught us to adapt quickly and that it was possible to take on the imports in more ways than one. Australian made and Australian quality trumped imports during 2020 in our business. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry. Success during these times is a tough one and at Bennetts Steel we pride ourselves in being able to provide quality products at a competitive price for all of our loyal, local and new customers. To have a great team of staff that can safely come to work on a daily basis, enjoy what they do and have fun doing it is vital to our culture and our success.
BENNETT GIRLS BENNETTS STEEL
What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Our website, Facebook and Instagram are a great way to see what is happening and to look at our products but we still love to talk to people by phone and show them around our displays on-site here at Wauchope. So much of what we do is custom design and this is something that we take great pride in and enjoy sharing.
bennettsteel.com.au /BennettsSteel
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SANDRA MAGANN SEACHANGE ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS
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ell us about your business SeaChange Accounting Solutions is a specialised accounting practice that draws on our own business experience to provide smart solutions that make your life easier. I started SeaChange 9 years ago, after moving from Sydney with my young family. As my children grew, so did my business, and we now have a team of 6 working with small to medium local businesses. What have you learnt over the past 12 months? We were at the pointy end during COVID, helping local businesses make the most of opportunities, staying up to date with fast-changing rules, and supporting clients as they pivoted their businesses to survive. Our key learnings include:
a remote workforce, a web developer to set up online sales, or an accountant to get an accurate snapshot of your financials and assist with forecasting. Staying in touch. We communicated early and often and were generous with our knowledge, so people came to rely on us as credible, trusted experts. For SeaChange Accounting, the past 12 months have been flat out. We’ve grown our team to include a client services role as we help businesses recover from the past 12 months and prepare for the next.
Technology is your friend. Those who had cloud-based systems and processes, like Xero, were able to adapt easily to working from home and make major changes quickly. Have experts at your fingertips. Knowing who to call on is critical. Whether it’s an HR consultant to guide you through establishing
Preparing for the unknown is the new normal. Borders can close and lockdowns put in place in an instant. Our tools and technology, like
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The bare basics are no longer enough. Accounting can unlock key insights that guide our clients’ business decisions. We’ll be engaging more deeply with our clients so they’re ready for whatever’s next.
Success is more than just balancing the books. We’re also passionate about our relationships with our clients and in our community.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? Within our own business we’ll be fine tuning our systems and processes, finding more efficiencies and developing our great team. For our clients, the focus will be on building business resilience. We’ll be helping with budgets, cashflow and forecasting to build strong foundations.
Contingency planning. Those businesses with extra funds set aside to buffer against periods of low or no income fared much better.
Xero and Spotlight, can help clients map out best-case, worst-case and business-as-usual scenarios.
Describe for us your definition of ’success’. Success is more than just balancing the books. We’re also passionate about our relationships with our clients and in our community.
It’s about building a business and a lifestyle. I’ve developed a good team and good systems, which gives me space to give back to the community through volunteering roles such as the International Women’s Day Committee and the Liberty Board of Management. I’m also on the Luminosity Youth Summit Committee, so being able to employ local young people is another measure of success. I enjoy speaking at schools and university, providing job opportunities and developing local talent.
PENNY WHITE
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ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
lements of Design is an emporium and lifestyle store that is situated in two buildings side by side in the country town of Wauchope, and was created 10 years ago by Penny White. The emporium showcases an inspiring collection of fashion and accessories, and the lifestyle store has all the styling aspects for making your house a home. There is a constant and ever growing selection of furniture and homewares which create a laid back coastal eclectic vibe. Penny has a background in fashion and interior design which is emphasised throughout her stores - complementing each other with visual impact that will make your shopping experience a unique and pleasurable one. Hand-picked stock from suppliers arrives daily and Penny is always sourcing new brands and designs. Small businesses are challenging in any environment and over the last 12 months in retail it has definitely been
one to remember and learn from. Penny and her team regularly work behind the scenes to adapt to the constantly changing market. “This year saw a dramatic increase in online sales. We already had an online presence and we have further developed our platform in house to maximise our exposure.” said Penny. “Our vision for the future is both positive and exciting for our new plans ahead... stay connected and follow our journey via our social media pages and online store to engage our lifestyle collective for yourself and the home.”
elementsofdesignwauchope elementsofdesignwauchope elementsofdesignwauchope.com.au
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The Seed C R E AT I V E W O R K S H O P S
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ell us about your business. the challenges COVID-19 presented. The Seed Creative Workshops Knowing kids would be isolating and is the place to create! From parents looking for anything to amuse beginner to advanced, The them, I developed art supply kits that Seed welcomes all ages and abilities come complete with supplies and to join in classes and workshops in a tutorials that can safe and supported be purchased using environment. We thrive the creative kids We are under the philosophy of voucher. I could never transforming Kurt Vonnegut’s “The have predicted how our new studio into practice of art isn’t to successful the kits a vibrant space for make a living. It’s to make would become, and private parties, art your soul grow.” as a result we have classes, creative been able to move to What have you workshops and our a much larger studio learnt over the past memorable school and hire an amazing 12 months and how holiday program team including has your business like no other in a packing team, changed? Port Macquarie. admin team, graphic 2020 was a year of designer and most challenge for all of us. No recently a pottery teacher. one could have predicted a worldwide pandemic and like many I had to learn to be flexible, empathetic and to embrace
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What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
The next twelve months and beyond is going to be an exciting time of growth and expansion as we bring the joy of art and creating to the wider community with new teachers running a diverse range of new classes. We are transforming our new studio into a vibrant space for private parties, art classes, creative workshops and our memorable school holiday program like no other in Port Macquarie. Add to that our new pottery wheel workshops, life drawing, resin pouring, paint and sip classes and lots more and we have the recipe for fun and excitement! To find our upcoming workshops and book a party, visit theseedcw.com.
0447114796 theseedcw.com.au info@theseedcreativeworkshops.com
JULES HENDER
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WAVE BOWL
ell us about your business Wave Bowl is family-owned 12 lane bowling alley affectionately known by our friends and family as ‘The Bowl’. Our four kids, our niece and nephews, all work in the business. Sam and I have owned The Bowl for 18 years; I was pregnant with James our first born when we bought it which makes me feel kind of old! If I had to describe The Bowl in four words, I’d say: modern, clean, friendly and fun! What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? I have learnt that we live in a lucky country, an amazing town and our locals sure know how to throw support behind us when it is needed most. During early COVID, we had relief and other initiatives from the Government, but that only went so far and for so long, ultimately it was them that got us through. Port is a pretty special place and a great community. What goals do you have for yourself or your business over the next 12 months? Our new project is underway namely “The Terrace”, an outdoor entertaining area with a nice flow from indoors to outdoors. Bowlers and non-bowlers are welcome to come and enjoy our hospitality. It will have its own bar, coffee outlet, eating/drinking areas and we are looking forward to some local live music as well. So my main goal in 2021 is to get this new venture up and running and create another great atmosphere for our locals to love! What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? We are open 7 days, via our website www.wavebowl.com.au facebook, instagram. 159 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (02) 6583 2238 www.wavebowl.com.au
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GRAYCE GERKE
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SHENADE BENJAMIN
P H Y S I O P I L AT E S C O L L E C T I V E
ell us about your business. I am a Physiotherapist and Clinical Pilates Instructor who has a special interest in Women’s Health, treating pelvic conditions as they present throughout a woman’s life stage – pregnancy, postnatal and beyond. I was interested in and studied Women’s Health Physiotherapy, however, when I was pregnant it became a passion. I believe that women need and deserve a safe, nurturing and positive space to have their concerns and needs addressed. We provide the following services: women’s health consultations, pessary fittings, pregnancy musculoskeletal consultations, postnatal checks, pre and postnatal Pilates, pregnancy aqua natal hydrotherapy, pregnancy massage and LaborTens Hire for childbirth.
to bridge the gap. Too often,
What motivates you in your role and business? My biggest motivation is helping women of all life stages put their health first – educating, empowering and improving their quality of life. Despite advances in health and ease of access to information, women do not receive enough education or support regarding changes to their bodies and I want
their health concerns addressed,
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women put our health issues aside due to our busy lives and we do not seek advice. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Twelve months ago, I was juggling life with a newborn, starting a business, planning a wedding and relocating back to my hometown of Port Macquarie. People thought I was taking on too much, but I believe that if you work hard, create a work life balance and are passionate about what you believe in there are rewards. My business started small, renting a room on a casual basis and after 6 months, I have been able to move into my own clinic. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. When a client leaves a consultation having feeling confident with my advice and treatment I feel I have been successful. Sometimes it is as simple as a client leaving with a smile on their face after anxiously starting a consultation.
Physio Pilates Collective physiocollective.com.au
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HAIR SHENANIGANS
ell us about your business. Hair Shenanigans is my hair salon. I started solo in 2014 where I worked in a little loft space on my own for 6 months until my clientele grew dramatically and I outgrew the space. I then moved into a bigger premises where I employed my first apprentice, and continued to grow for the next 6 years. We have recently moved into our new and freshly renovated salon in January 2021 where we now have 3 full time staff, 7 stations and plenty more room for growth in the future. Hair Shenanigans is a thriving local salon where we are professional, artistic and innovative. We pride ourselves on working together as a team in a family friendly environment. Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. It’s what defines my salon and has enabled us to grow. What motivates you in your role or business? To motivate my staff to always love what they are producing for clients to always feel their absolute best. Over the past 7 years I’ve had my own personal business goals that I’ve slowly achieved one at a time and that has definitely kept
me motivated. My new goal is to focus on training some of the younger generation to keep our industry young and strong. What you have learnt over the past 12 months and how was your business changed? Resilience! I have learnt that despite challenges and stressful situations you can always overcome them and continue to grow and be better. Not everything comes easy owning a small business, but when I took that first big plunge to grow and expand, everything else just seemed to fall into place. I’ve definitely learnt some extremely valuable lessons over the past 7 years since the start of Hair Shenanigans and the last year has been the best yet. I’ve expanded my business into a brand new location and doubled in size and this has been a dream of mine for a very long time. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. Success to me is to always continue to educate and strive to provide a consistent service to a diverse range of clientele.
65851957 Hair Shenanigans hairshenanigans1 64 Cameron Street, Wauchope
N E R O L I R E I D , N A T A S H A C O S T I G A N , K I R S T I E S H A W, L I S A W A N N E L L , K I R S T Y B I R D , K I R S T Y A I T K E N
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WAUCHOPE REAL ESTATE
ell us about your business. Wauchope Real Estate is one of the longest established agencies in the area, servicing Yarrowitch to the West, Port Macquarie to the East and everywhere in between. Our point of difference and the reason we are so successful at achieving great outcomes is that all 9 of our agents work together as a team to get your property sold. This business model ensures that our massive collective database of qualified buyers will be introduced to your property, heightening your property’s exposure and generate more interest and offers, resulting in a premium sale price. What motivates you in your role and business? Kirstie Shaw: After the past 20 years in real estate, I know there is no day that is the same, there is always a new client to help, whether it is selling their home to find a bigger family home or helping clients through the transaction process of buying their first home. Natasha Costigan: It really is a role in helping people move forward. I enjoy helping find that connection of people to property. Some of the people I have met in my 15 years
of real estate have become lifetime friends. Lisa Wannell: The client always has, always will be, my motivation! It is the number one thing that I enjoy the most in my job. Kirsty Bird: Working with clients to help them realise their dreams by utilising the network of contacts I have built up over the last 9 years, from finance to removalists, to tradespeople and conveyancers, I am there for the whole process. Kirsty Aitken: I enjoy helping people and getting the opportunity to share in the joy and excitement others have in sharing their homes. Neroli Reid: To see exciting, happy and pleasing outcomes for my vendors and purchasers. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? The most obvious changes were bought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic which led to new policies when it comes to how we now conduct open homes, along with the way we interact face to face with customers. We have also experienced an increase in Port Macquarie vendors reaching out to our agency to engage our services because they had heard about our professional yet stress-
free approach to finding the right buyers for their property. Wauchope and Port Macquarie are the flavour of the month for people looking to escape the cities. This mass exodus to our area has seen the local market become very dynamic indeed, so much so, if you had an appraisal done 6 months ago you should really consider getting an updated appraisal done now as things have changed dramatically since then. Describe for us your definition of success. There are no other better indicators of success than return business. We have many clients who we have developed a long-term working relationship with over many years who have bought and sold several properties with us and are happy to recommend our services to friends and colleagues. For us, happy clients are definitely the definition of success.
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awkes Conveyancing LAUREN Conveyancing comes Our new look team would love to assist you
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KATIE WALKERSMITH
HAWKES
arie’s newest with your next property transaction. Our new look team love to assist you Pleasewould give us a call or pop into the office your next anytime. property transaction. cal with law firms give us aHawkes call or pop into the office ow Please completed Conveyancing is also a sponsor at anytime. conveyancing the upcoming Camp Quality Giggle Ball Hawkes is also a2019 sponsor at nd Ivy with Conveyancing on 12HOctober at Panthers. Contact AW K E S C O N V E YA N C I N G the upcoming Camp Quality Giggle Ball usiasm for all Panthers to book your tickets today and ellcome us about your the past cause. 12 months and how on 12 October 2019 at Panthers. Contact along and support a great business. We’ve just has your business changed? Panthers to book your tickets today and ticked over the 5 year The last 12 months have been a come along and support a great cause. mark now of offering wild ride for everyone. We have conveyancing services to our clients noticed a real change in face-towho are buying or selling property face meetings with clients – there all over NSW. Conveyancing is the seems to be far more confidence in legal process of transferring the title people to carry out business over to a property so if you are looking the phone and email. As you have at buying or selling then you’ll need probably also heard, regional real us! We help you negotiate through estate is booming at the moment the Contracts and we have lots and securing the of clients relocating We actually property all the here from big also have way through to cities to enjoy the the opportunity settlement. We wonderful lifestyle for a licensed want to make Port Macquarie conveyancer to the process of offers. join our team – if buying or selling Describe for us you’re interested a property as easy your definition of please reach out and stress free as ‘success‘ relevant to us. it can be. to your industry/
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What motivates you in your role and business? We are motived by the excitement of our clients. Buying and selling property isn’t something that people do many times in their life so we strive to make it an enjoyable experience. It is so rewarding to be a part of that journey and make it all come together. What have you learnt over
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role. Success for us is achieving our clients’ settlements efficiently, on time and negotiating a good outcome on any issues that may arise. We are also so humbled that our business runs almost solely on repeat clients and word of mouth – there really is no greater success for us than seeing our clients coming back again and also telling their friends and family.
lauren@hawkesconveyancing.com.au
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BUNGALOW & CO
ell us about your business. A boutique flower and plant market, specialising in gorgeous seasonal florals, along with rare and sought after plants.
life can be. It was the prompt I needed to get out there and make my dream of opening my own flower and plant shop a reality!
Describe for us your definition What motivates you in of ‘success‘ relevant to your your role and business? My industry/role. Success for me is motivation is the joy in cultivating inspiring those around me and to a creative and passionate feel creatively fulfilled. spirit in those around me, the I think success is also defined beautiful people who work for by the company you keep. I me, the amazing created Bungalow customers & Co with my I think who enter our good friend Dr success is space, and the Kristy, who’s also defined by community at been successfully the company large. running her own
you keep. What have you businesses for a learnt over long time. Being the past 12 able to fulfill months and how has your my dream of owning my own business changed? The past business with the support of 12 months living through and another like minded business with COVID has shown me the woman has really shown me resilience, adaptability and sense that it’s who you surround of community that can develop yourself with, that determines during these times. People have your success. Find good people really reconnected to nature, who are passionate about your plants and creative pursuits, and passions, and you can’t fail. it’s the silver lining of what has been a devastating time for so many. If anything it’s what I’ve learned about myself and our community in the past 12 months that inspired me to open Bungalow & Co. I think we all have a new appreciation of just how fragile
bungalowandco.com.au hello@bungalowandco.com.au 0434 718 094 Shop 15 15 Chancellors Drive, Thrumster
SESS & SASS DESIGN CO. JESSICA HODGE & ASHLEY HAWTHORNE
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ell us about your business. We are a sister duo, passionate about all aspects of Interior/ Exterior Design & Property Styling. We started our business in 2017 with the dream that we can make a positive impact on how people feel when they are in their homes or at their workplace. We offer our expertise in interior/exterior design, renovation concepts, paint colour consults, property styling, advice on architectural plans, property staging for the sales market & commercial design concepts. We believe Interior design isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity, as our thoughts and feelings are easily influenced by our surroundings. What motivates you in your role and business? We are very goal orientated and love writing down what our goals are each week. These goals vary from small changes we would like to implement within our business structure, to ensuring we meet our project deadlines, gaining knowledge of new products in the market, designing spaces that exceed our client’s expectation and also trying to create balance with home and work life. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Wow the last 12 months, what a whirlwind. We had to home school our children in March 2020, which meant working from home. Once the children went back to school, we continued to work from home and didn’t realise how productive it would be for us. Home and work life aligned for the first time ever, this meant the washing was done, the house was organised and our workdays were way more productive. We recently made the decision to vacate our office space and work from home indefinitely. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. Success to us is always doing our best, working hard and achieving life changing results for our clients. Being in the creative industry we also need to harness balance, passion and self-care, in doing so it rejuvenates us to be able to create our best work. @sessandsassdesignco sessandsassdesignco sessandsassdesignco.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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OCEAN SOLAR
MELISSA PARSONS
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MY LIFE COACHING BUSINESS!
ell us about your business. After many years working in a career that didn’t inspire me, two and a half years ago I started my self-discovery journey to find my purpose in life. This journey led me to Life Coaching, and it was as though the stars aligned. I support women through 1:1 coaching to reconnect to their true self and to start listening to their intuition so they too can start living the life they know they’re destined for Currently I am working with clients 1:1 online, but I have some exciting plans for 2021 including workshops, Yoga and online group coaching programs. What motivates you in your role and business? We live in a world where we are often striving to achieve goals that were never ours to chase in the first place. I love to support my clients to move away from the norm, get clear about what their true desires are in life, and to create a plan to make it happen. I am passionate about supporting my clients to reclaim their power, to rewrite their story and to start living a life that inspires and empowers them. What have you learnt over the
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past 12 months and how has your business changed? The last 12 months have really pushed me to get clear about what it is I want to create, and to go all in on my business. I’m only in the early stages of launching my business, however the last 12 months have taught me the importance of investing in myself, my business and the importance of my CEO mindset. Mindset is everything, and when you learn to master your thoughts anything is possible. Describe for us your definition of ‘success’ relevant to your industry/role. Success to me means being of service and working in a way where I am empowering my clients to be the best version of themselves and to live a life that feels aligned to their values. I don’t base success on ‘shiny things’, or an amount of money. Being successful to me means I am in control of my time, my energy and I am supporting my clients to create their dream lives.
www.melissaparsons.com.au _melissajaneparsons melissajaneparsons
M I K H I L E A G E R S B AC H A N D B E R N I E O L D F I E L D - SA L E S T E A M
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ell us about your business and your role. We are part of the Ocean Solar and Electrical team – a locally owned, family company providing affordable solar systems to our community. We pride ourselves on striving to be ”locals helping locals” both in business, and helping people avoid electricity bill shock! When you contact us for a quote, we will be the people helping you save the most money on your electricity bills as possible. We work alongside the customer to ensure you have the required information to make a cost-effective purchase based on our recommendations. We are passionate advocates for solar energy and the environment so don‘t be shy with your questions! What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? As everyone spent more and more time at home during the last year, and the economy became less stable, we saw people take a really good look at where they could economise in terms of their household expenses. Clearly electricity is a large expense for many people
and we have really enjoyed being able to show people how much they can save with solar. We have become the foremost local experts on packaging solar systems for complex structures and dwellings. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our advice and product knowledge is completely up to date with the advances in solar technology to make sure that our clients get the most for their money – always. What goals do you have for yourself or your business over the next 12 months? We really look forward to watching Ocean Solar and Electrical continue to grow and thrive and we are delighted to be a part of Alex‘s team. It‘s a young and dynamic company with a real drive to make a difference from both the environmental aspect of solar energy, and a true want to create local jobs and opportunities.
0459 562 149 www.oceansolar.com.au contact@oceansolar.com.au
LEAH KELLY
JUST BETTER CARE
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ust Better Care Mid North Coast is a boutique in-home and community support provider for those with Ageing or Disability needs here in the Port Macquarie/Hastings region. They specialise in providing a local experience in regards to care and support, which really focuses on the person and finding the right mix of staff skills, personality and experience to support them. Leah’s motivation each day is the people, both clients and staff. She has a fantastic team of Community Support Professionals who are truly dedicated to offering a high standard of care and support. They are always working in the best interests of clients to ensure their wellbeing and holistic health. Just Better Care were lucky that COVID-19 didn’t adversely affect their business, however they did need to adapt to ensure that their staff and clients were protected as much as possible. Their experience over the past 12 months has demonstrated that as a business Just Better Care can adapt quickly and provide quality services even during difficult times. The staff and clients demonstrated their resilience and ability to be flexible in a changing and unsure environment. Success for Just Better Care comes in knowing what they do is providing the best experience for both clients and staff. For clients the support they receive is a positive experience that improves their wellbeing and daily life changes for the better. For the staff it is that they feel valued and connected to JBCMNC as an employer and are proud to work for us, which reflects in the high standard of service delivery.
Level 1, Suite 4, 17 Short Street Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 02 6590 1060 www.justbettercare.com/mid-north-coast/home mailmnc@justbettercare.com
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bcu PORT MACQUARIE
MIKAILA STEVENSON - HOME LOAN SPECIALIST
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ell us about your business. I am a Mobile Lender at bcu, a member owned bank with a strong community focus. bcu are committed to providing ongoing value and benefit for all our members, every day.
fortunate to work with so many amazing people over my career so far. I was lucky enough to attend a leadership conference where I heard Billy Williams speak. Billy is incredibly passionate about indigenous rights and teaching indigenous culture and history to They might children from Describe for us be saving all walks of life your definition for their first to ensure that of ’success’ house deposit the indigenous relevant to with a savings culture lives on your industry/ plan we have through the role. Success for next generation. put together, or me is seeing my He champions upsizing their members succeed. awareness of current home They might be cultural diversity saving for their so the kids have and identity first house deposit more space in training. He with a savings the backyard. was such a big plan we have influence on me put together, or in ensuring cultural awareness upsizing their current home so and inclusion is an integral part of the kids have more space in the everything I do. backyard. Whatever it might be, my success is determined by my members. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? I have been incredibly 98 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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You can find me on bcu.com.au/lenders 0436 938 721 Mikaila.stevenson@bcu.com.au Mikaila Stevenson
PA I G E G O O D S E L L - A S S O C I AT E L E N D E R
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hat have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed?
knowing if you need to change course part way through. It is not just hitting some arbitrary net worth number; it’s about changing and developing good habits to improve your financial future.
If this year has taught us anything, it’s that financial setbacks or stress can happen What would you say is very quickly, your greatest even with the It’s about professional best laid plans se ing goals accomplishment and intentions. and understanding to date? As a We can’t always how to achieve young woman predict certain with two small them, then life events, such children, I am knowing if you as a pandemic or proud of achieving need to change personal crisis. the balance course part way It’s important required to be a through. that as a business good mum to my we understand children and 100% this, and that we are ready to dedication to my career. It can be walk alongside our members with challenging sometimes to work support until they are back on in a demanding job, as well as track. university study and care for my Describe for us your definition two beautiful little girls. I get a of ’success’ relevant to your great sense of achievement from industry/role. To me personally, what I do. financial success means you are better off each day. It’s about setting goals and understanding how to achieve them, then
You can find me on bcu.com.au/lenders Paige Goodsell
MONIQUE COTTERILL
NATALIE WELSH
STUDIO OWNER
STUDIO MANAGER
F45: Functional Fitness in a rapid 45 minute timeframe. A BOUTIQUE STUDIO THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS STRONG WELCOMING COMMUNITY, AND THE MOTIVATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF GROUP TRAINING to help create an upbeat environment where goals are met and exceeded.
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ell us about your business: F45 stands for functional fitness in a rapid 45 minute timeframe. Our workouts consist of thousands of new and innovative exercises that ensure a completely fresh workout every single day keeping you on your toes and getting you the best results possible. Our workouts are a combination of weight and cardio high intensity interval style training that are specifically designed to burn fat and build lean muscle. Functional training involves the use of your whole body for movements you would see in your day to day life leaving you feeling, looking and performing at your best. We are a boutique studio that prides itself on its strong welcoming community, and the motivation and encouragement of group training helps to create an upbeat environment where goals are met and exceeded.
What motivates you in your role and business? The best part about our business is changing people's lives by helping them to reach their goals on a day to day basis. We have members of all ages and ability levels and we tailor our sessions to suit any individual's goals and circumstances. It's pretty cool to be able to wake up each day and love what you do. Coming into a fun environment where the music is pumping, endorphins are high and everyone's laughing and joking around whilst working on bettering themself is amazing. What have you learnt over the last 12 months and how has your business changed? The last 12 months has been a rollercoaster of emotions for us, with a 3 month shutdown which greatly affected so many in our community. We quickly adapted to the changing times providing an online service but realised that our studio is so much more
than just a 45 minute workout to so many. Our studio provides not only exercise sessions but a support network for mental health through our strong community and we've been lucky enough to come out the other side stronger than ever. Describe for us your definition of 'success' relevant to your industry/role Our success is defined through the results of our members through not only our regular training program but our 45 Day Challenges, where we instill healthy practices and lifestyle changes. Our members are developing healthier relationships with food and exercise, increasing fitness and strength and shedding unwanted kilos in the process, and there's nothing better than us as coaches being able to facilitate this. F45portmacquarie f45_training_portmacquarie 0477 778 537 portmacquarie@f45training.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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PERCIVAL PROPERTY
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AY L A B A I L E Y
hat is your role at Percival Property? The title is Real Estate Sales Agent, but it’s more complex! Trusted advisor, counsellor, strategic planner, marketer, negotiator and data analyst are roles I play when selling real estate. Knowing how to overcome a challenge or solve a problem is key. Legislation, networking and communication are powerful tools. I make sure my clients understand decisions or what direction to take. “Being the gate keeper on a new chapter of my clients’ lives is the most rewarding responsibility.” What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your industry changed? The way we do business has changed. Technology is being used to its full potential; finance rates are at an all-time low. The regional property market is in rapid growth, due to COVID. People have had time to reflect on their goals and what’s really important in the long term. After joining Percival Property in August 2020, I too would say my family goals and business strategy have changed. Results really matter; if I can walk away from every transaction knowing I achieved the best
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outcome for my clients. The sense of fulfilment outweighs any financial benefit. Seeing my clients achieve, reduce debt, sell a deceased estate or family home. Every bit of money helps, they achieve the impossible. The faith my clients put in me to negotiate and advise is humbling. So many obstacles can arise, it’s my mission to overcome and predict any challenges. Industry standards are rising, and the number of consumers we work with. Process is valuable to achieve the best possible outcome when buying or selling your most expensive asset. What goals do you have over the next 12 months? A satisfied client is your best advocate, my results wouldn’t be possible if my clients didn’t trust me. My business goals aren’t about me, they are about helping others. My business focus wouldn’t be possible without my family. I’ll soon marry the love of my life, we share 3 incredible children; this fuels me so I can give my clients the level of standard they deserve.
ayla@percival.com.au 0431 194 876
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Property enables experiences and hat is your role at Percival expertise to be shared, providing Property? I am knowledge, skills and service a licensed real levels that we believe set the bar estate agent working as a team for standards in Port Macquarie. with Percival Property Principal, What goals do you have for Michelle Percival. I support yourself or your business Michelle on all of her property over the next 12 months? listings, working My personal with vendors goal would be The and prospective to maintain that subsequent purchasers, whilst also delivering growth to regional sometimes elusive work-life balance. our award towns, low Real estate is an winning standard interest rates and of service to my incentives to build energised, fastown clients and moving industry (grants) - we have focusing on new never experienced requiring flexibility, opportunities. and having two a market like it! boys, who are What have you learnt over growing up quickly, the past 12 months and how I have developed some great time has your business/industry management skills. My goal in changed? The last 12 months 2021 is to continue maintaining has brought many changes and healthy habits, be transparent challenges to our local market. in all communications and learn With COVID-19, the subsequent from experiences, as in life there growth to regional towns, low is always something new to learn interest rates and incentives to and grow from. build (grants) we have never experienced a market like it! There is nothing like stepping up to a challenge to enable you to hone your skills and we have done that by being adaptive and ally@percival.com.au even more responsive to the 02 6583 8606 heightened increase in enquiry. Working as a team at Percival 0417 929 726
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leisa Byfield creates honest, authentic and individual hand-crafted ceramic tableware, homewares, jewellery and ceramic art that are natural and earthy, have a contemporary aesthetic and are also beautiful and stylish pieces to suit a variety of tastes and interior design styles. Over the last 12 months Aleisa‘s business has experienced the many unexpected challenges and hardships that others have also experienced, for Aleisa personally though she‘s been busier than ever. Like many creative businesses, she also has other supplemental income streams to be more financially sustainable, which include a beekeeping business and guest studio accommodation, all of which were being managed at home. Aleisa now has a larger studio space to work from and also a shopfront where she is selling her ceramics and honey. “I’m still learning how to maintain an effective balance but hopefully I will have stronger and clearer boundaries for all businesses – well at least that’s the eventual plan!“ Challenging and pushing herself to say yes to opportunities and experiences that are good for her soul and business is what motivates Aleisa. Together with also saying no to things that are not right or meant for her. Aleisa has a strong desire to continually evolve and be innovative and she loves collaborating with other creatives or business owners which helps to continually inspire and drive her to seek out further opportunities.
ALEISA BYFIELD ARTISAN
Aleisa’s definition of ’success’ - “It’s so personal but fulfillment, happiness or at least some kind of knowing that I’m where I’m meant to be for now and am continually able to grow, learn and express myself – and if that brings joy or moves someone then my job is done!“
Unit 13 Bellbowrie Park, 10 Bellbowrie St, Port Macquarie 0423 072 663 aleisabyfield.artisan@gmail.com aleisabyfieldartisan.com
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here are so many things that motivate me and so I thought I would share some of them with you. There is so much I love about my Kyokushin Karate School environment. The way our karate parents and students come together to learn, play, practise, party, run, going for tournaments, camps, seminars, surfing or horse riding on our team building weekends. I love my Karate dojo and it is one of my favourite places to be. I have so many memories teaching these beautiful children and adults, and I look forward to making more memories. Every student has their character and I love working teaching everyone. I like the challenge that they offer to me and I love the fun and enjoyment. It is great to work with so many students who are all striving to learn. If you stop and think about it, everyone fundamentally wants the same thing. I love that aspect of teaching and I love it that I have great support from the parents. I love teaching because there is always something to work towards, an end goal. Fundamentally, I love working with young people. I think they are brilliant. They are all different, with diverse personalities and possibilities. Of course some are more challenging than others, but they are there and need us karate teachers. There is of course only so much we can do in the short time while we teach them as children and they change their mind often regarding their activities, but I am motivated every day by the thought that I will make a difference in their lives. The last 12 months turned out quite challenging. All Kyokushin Karate competitions, camps were postponed or cancelled. I have lost many students regarding our group classes, however my autism program thrived and I worked long hours to teach children with special needs. Definition of success: My students are my strength. I am only successful when my students are successful.
www.portkarate.com 0404 527 973 Kyokushinkai Karate Port Macquarie Dojo PortKarate
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MELINDA BAKSI K Y O K U S H I N K A R AT E PORT MACQUARIE DOJO
The Contented Life Photography
PORT MACQUARIE PRIVATE HOSPITAL MOIRA FINCH AND THE TEAM
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ell us about your business. We provide multidisciplinary allied health services encompassing physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, and social work. Our outpatients and hydrotherapy clinic, Ramsay Health Plus, is open to the wider Port Macquarie community, with no referral required. Our services include one on one physiotherapy and exercise physiology, hydrotherapy and balance and strength programs. I lead our fantastic Allied Health team at Port Macquarie Private Hospital. We work together with our two Rehabilitation Physicians to offer comprehensive rehabilitation care. Our services include inpatient and day program rehabilitation, as well as Ramsay Health Plus our outpatient clinic. We utilise local providers for speech, dietetics and psychology services enabling us to provide our community with easy to access complementing services. It’s something I feel lucky to be a part of.
What motivates you in your role and business? My best resource is my wonderful team of allied health professionals and assistants. I strive to engage the team by harnessing their interests and aspirations, empowering them with ongoing education. I believe this is how we achieve the best care for our patients. Our goal is to help improve the quality of life for our clients by making everyday activities easier; it’s something we are all incredibly passionate about as we know that our work is integral to successful rehabilitation following injury or illness. It’s also the relationships with our patients that continue to motivate us. We create long standing and trusting relationships with our patients enabling us to achieve better patient adherence and outcome. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? COVID-19 provided us and our clients with some challenges. However, the team acted proactively and efficiently to ensure
our therapy delivery was compliant with the precautions whilst maintaining exceptional person-centred care. Describe for us your definition of ‘success‘ relevant to your industry/role. My definition of success is helping an individual achieve life changing goals, for example if we improve a patient’s ability to stand from a chair without assistance, this could then allow them to go out and have a coffee with friends without having to worry as much. Another recent client’s goal was to have enough arm movement to hug her partner, small things we can take for granted until it’s taken away. Helping those regain these functions and getting these moments back is a really special part of the job.
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With life changing before her eyes, Jill Lindfield made the decision to put herself out there and try something new. What she found was more than hoped for. The modern world of cra ers & makers opened new doors for Jill, and now, that nostalgic dream of a coage industry career has become reality.
Gumleaf CROCHET JILL LINDFIELD
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i Jill. The past few years have consisted of huge changes for you, and resulted in a booming textile business. Firstly, take us back to where it
all began. I have crafted since childhood and always had some crafty project on the go. My real life dream was to have a “cottage industry career” however at that time, it was not going to pay the bills, so off to Nursing I went with my other love being science. I did all the knit, sewing and home decor when the kids were little, however, once they grew older and life got too hectic I had dropped crafting off to the wayside. I had a decade of ill health with a chronic illness which was very debilitating. I was once a very active, busy person and one who loved to exercise so it was hard to suddenly find myself absolutely exhausted, isolated, bored, sad, depressed and lacking any purpose in life. When you live with chronic pain and illness, accepting the new version of yourself takes some time and I had to understand that I had two options. 1. Sit around and do nothing OR 2. Begin the process of finding my way, no matter how much pain that causes. Being one who loved to be “doing” I began looking for something I was able to manage. From the desire to find purpose in your
When you live with chronic pain & illness, accepting the new version of yourself takes some time & I had to understand that I had two options.
days, you started out by joining a crochet group. Ultimately, this changed your path. What was it about the maker industry that you fell in love with? Pinterest and Facebook were my fun distractions and I quickly discovered that crochet was now a whole new thing and lucky enough, I found that in small amounts I was able to do it. I joined an online CAL (crochet-a-long) group on Facebook, where you make a blanket over 12 weeks along with other people. Suddenly my world had opened up. We would post photos of our progress, chat to each other, teach and support each other through the pattern and that had me hooked, literally. The online world of crochet is so friendly and helpful, supportive and encouraging,
with like-minded people that appreciate our craft, encourage our growth through either inspiration or shared expertise, and then you find as you become more experienced you then pass your own support onto others. The positive effect it had on my well-being was immeasurable. I had purpose again. Crochet also replaced my exercise and I liken stitching to repetitively swimming laps up and down the black line of a pool; it has the same meditative effect. Opportunities have arisen that I never knew even existed. I have been humbled and honoured to be asked to be part of world book tours. The crochet designer sends you a copy of their soon-to-be-released crochet book, you choose an item to make and then present it on Instagram on your allocated day, helping to promote the book and show your friends and followers what they can expect from a book they may want to purchase. Continued over... GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Continued from over Earlier on I did some “pattern testing”, where you crochet the designer’s pattern prior to it being released, which was a great way to learn even more and also a privilege to be chosen and entrusted with a designer’s pattern. I no longer have the time for this but I highly recommend it for your own personal growth. Last year I was chosen to be one of the Ambassadors for @crochetzine, which is a monthly online magazine for Crocheters. Along with others, we helped the Crochetzine Team by doing research, writing articles, creating Instagram stories and sharing patterns according to the set theme of each monthly issue. I co-designed two granny square patterns as part of a game called “what were you thinking” organised by Tess @sistersinstitch, where you design every alternate round with a friend, not having any idea what will come next and not being allowed to change what your friend had given you to work from. That was a brilliant idea which really helps you learn more about the designing aspect of crochet and I'm really proud of both granny squares we made. I have also been featured in a podcast hosted by Lindsay called @making_stitches_ podcast, that celebrates crafts and the stories of the makers behind them. Here I talk about my crochet journey, the joys and the wonders of a world I had never expected to find. From here, you began experimenting and perfecting the art of yarn dyeing, and your business ‘Gumleaf Crochet‘ exploded in popularity, now with 15k followers. Did you ever believe from humble beginnings, you would be where you are today? I often use this phrase; “never say never.” Still to this day I am shocked, often pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by what I have found here. My creative and personal growth, 106 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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I was overwhelmed by what I had created, I’d finally found a way to express all the nostalgic memories and pictures in my mind.
the opportunities that have arisen, the friendships and connections I‘ve made. Never did I think, know or contemplate that I would be creating beautiful hand dyed yarn that I used to see and wonder at its colours, shades and magical representation of so much that I see & love in the natural world. I had no idea, nor would I have known where to begin to learn how to dye yarn like that. To me, that was only done by other people who had special skills. Until a series of events occurred that led me to where I am now. From injury, illness, pain, internet, crochet, encouragement, confidence, information, research, videos, Instagram friends, yarn festival, playing with botanic yarn dyeing, then the urge I couldn’t resist. I just had to have a go at using commercial dyes on beautiful merino yarn bases. I had no idea how it would work out, I just did it; it felt so right and the yarn I had made was really, really lovely. I would think of a scene from nature as inspiration and just do what I felt would recreate the colours and visual texture to represent what I could see in my mind. I was overwhelmed by what I had created, I’d finally found a way to express all the nostalgic memories and pictures in my mind. It’s so much more than just colouring the yarn, it’s an extension of my life and the inner workings
of my passion for our natural world. I’d found a way to express myself, but most importantly, something I can achieve within my physical boundaries. I take it slow, do it in small increments and do have to get my husband to help me twist the skeins. Slowly but surely, I found ways around my limitations. Another aspect that I did not expect is the happiness I see and feel from my customers because it’a purchase filled with so much connection, anticipation and potential. I am doing colour consultations with customers and working together to create yarn colours they would love for a project. The sheer excitement and appreciation has just been amazing, I’ve been inundated with feelings of great satisfaction. Talk to us about the process you use and materials you are currently working with and what‘s on offer at Gumleaf Crochet. The process used for hand dyeing yarn using commercial grade dyes requires: the pigmented dye powder, protein-based yarn, water, a heat source and acid such as citric acid or vinegar that, when combined at the right temperature, binds the dye molecules to the yarn fibres. I am self taught by researching online and, combining the principles with certain ways that I manage the process, I have been able to produce really really desirable
effects. I have only scratched the surface with my techniques and am super excited to play and experiment even more in time. Currently I dye up sock/4ply yarn, sport weight/5-6 ply, dk/8ply and 3dk/10ply yarn and am soon to begin dyeing sock weight mini sets. At the moment all my skeins are OOAK (one of a kind) because I have mostly been “dyeing from my heart”, so any skein you purchase will be 100% unique. At the moment I am selling my yarn at intervals on my Instagram page, with the next shop update to be the 10ply yarn for your winter woollies. Next will be more pretty sport weight sets for shawls and scarves, mini skein sets and more sock yarn combinations. The maker industry has a big heart and you, along with women all over Australia, joined forces to give back to the community. Tell us about this In 2019, I had an idea for a charity project for my New Years resolution, one that could combine helping someone in need, and our collective crochet skills as a community. Our farmers were struggling with the drought and I was so impressed by Bumpa and The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners that I thought they would be the perfect charity to assist. I contacted them and they were keen on the idea of using the blankets to raffle or auction and help fund their Hay Running Activities. I put the word out on Instagram and Facebook and was so overwhelmed by the generosity and care shown by people, they
Knowing that many hands made lighter work that was going to make someone’s life feel that li le bit be er by being wrapped in one of our blankets because crochet blankets “wrap you in love”.
totally renewed my faith in humanity. I had over 850 contributions of Granny squares and yarn from 100 people, some from every state in Australia, the UK and the USA. I was given a number of already made blankets too. In total I joined and bordered 27 blankets. Some of the donations were given to the CWA who also raised funds to help our farmers in need and we were also really happy to donate the remainder of them to our local Women’s Refuge. That was a humbling experience, knowing just how much a handmade blanket would mean to women and children going through such a hard time in their life. Knowing that many hands made lighter work that was going to make someone’s life feel that little bit better by being wrapped in one of our blankets because crochet blankets “wrap you in love”. What‘s next for you and your crafty business? I’ve really embraced and enjoyed the ride that the past year amongst the yarn industry has taken me on. With many lessons under my belt it’s time to streamline my processes
and create order amongst all the yarn, which I have at various stages of the process strewn throughout our home. I now appreciate the need for a dedicated yarn studio space. Next is to create my own unique repeatable colourways and set up an online sales account with one of the Australian Handmade online platforms, to make the shopping experience easier for my customers and more efficient for me, so I can spend more time dyeing more yarn. I have plans to create kits, for example yarn kits in certain colour stories that go together to create a blanket. And ultimately to have patterns designed specifically for my yarn is a dream that just could come true. I’m keen and excited about what’s to come, to spend lots more time in peace and quiet, in the space that allows my creativity to blossom and evolve, because that’s when the magic happens. Thanks Jill. Gumleaf Crochet Crochet: @gumleaf_crochet Yarn: @gumleaf_yarn @gumleafcrochetandyarn GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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BACK TO BUSINESS
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BUSINESS
VOICE with MICHAEL MOWLE
PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Gordon Street commercial precinct which extends from Ocean Drive to Horton Street is currently in need of revitalisation in terms of streetscape, pedestrian access and parking.
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ouncil is planning stormwater and resurfacing upgrades with works to commence in April this year. However, significant revitalisation and upgrades involving landscaping, tree planting, pedestrian links and implementation of a parking strategy would encourage customer visitation and greatly benefit business operators in the area. As one of the main approaches to the CBD, Gordon Street also provides an important first impression for visitors to Port Macquarie. In its present state it offers little aesthetic appeal and is not an inviting gateway or approach to the CBD, beaches, Town Green and waterfront areas. The Chamber vision is for it to be revitalised into a welcoming contemporary streetscape with high quality landscaping and tree planting where appropriate. Providing direct pedestrian linkages to public parking areas accessed via rear lanes on both the Northern and Southern sides is also needed to enhance the area and make it a more attractive destination for retail and service
industry customers. works would potentially result in reduced The Gordon Street precinct is an emerging kerbside parking hence it is critical that business precinct with an important role in these additional parking areas and access be the hierarchy of retail, professional services, planned for and constructed in conjunction hospitality and accommodation supporting with the revitalisation. the growth of Port Chamber is actively Macquarie. The area promoting this as Your support is is a located outside the a future project vital in ge ing main CBD and as such with council to be is not part of the Town included in upcoming the necessary Centre Masterplan area operational plans. To momentum to have which has streetscape assist in this process the project upgrades funded in Chamber is actively recognised and part by a special rate seeking feedback included in council’s levy. Development of a from property owners operational plans. Masterplan for Gordon and businesses in the Street including the key Gordon Street precinct. elements of landscaping and street trees, Your support is vital in getting the necessary pedestrian links as well as off-street parking momentum to have the project recognised is a logical first step. and included in council’s operational Council has an existing parking strategy plans. There is also the possibility of future developed in the early 2000’s that includes funding for revitalisation works through parallel laneways linking with public grant applications to State and Federal parking areas to the rear of the commercial Government sources. buildings with potential access links to To provide feedback and support go our Ackroyd Street in the South and Bridge/ website at: www.portchamber.com.au or Gore Streets to the North. Streetscape call our office direct on 6583 4412. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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IWD 2021
CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE
with KELLY KING
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i Kelly, you have been an active Committee member since joining HBWN in 2013. What roles have you held over the last 8 years? HBWN’s ethos of women supporting women in business truly inspired me to be part of a movement that encourages, empowers, and educates women in our community. The roles I have held include Events Coordinator, Communications Coordinator and President for the past 4 years. I’m also honoured to be part of the network’s International Women’s Day Committee; an incredible group of volunteers who bring this event to fruition each year, celebrating local women’s achievements. International Women’s Day (IWD) is a key HBWN calendar event. Held annually on 8 March, how is this global day celebrated in our community? IWD is a day to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality and fundraise for female-focused charities. Locally, HBWN has partnered with Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams for the past 11 years to honour women in our community and fundraise for Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services.
PRESIDENT HASTINGS BUSINESS WOMENS NETWORK (HBWN)
The annual event has showcased guest speakers such as Rosie Batty and Hon. Bronwyn Bishop to raise over $111,000. These funds have helped to renovate indoor, outdoor and play areas at Galbaan House to improve living spaces for women and children leaving domestic violence situations and at risk of homelessness. The IWD theme for 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. What beliefs underpin this theme and how does HBWN choose to challenge? With tangible action we can all choose to challenge gender bias and inequality to create an inclusive world. Equity, diversity, and inclusion is now an expectation of the world we live in. I am proud to say that HBWN continues to challenge these expectations within our business networks and community. This year HBWN will challenge social norms and push for parity with our annual Him in Heels and International Women’s Day events. Tell us about the two events HBWN are hosting to forge positive change for women. Founded in 2018, the annual Him in Heels event raises awareness and funds for Liberty. A fun morning for all, businessmen in our community will once again “walk the talk” by striding it out in high heel shoes along Port Macquarie Breakwall, to demonstrate their
support for gender equality, discuss issues women face in the workplace, and how local businesses are addressing these challenges. And for this year’s IWD event, we’re thrilled to have international jewellery superstar Samantha Wills leading an incredible line up of inspiring speakers. Held at Panthers, the breakfast event features a panel discussion on this year’s theme #ChooseToChallenge with Port MacquarieHastings Council CEO Dr Clare Allen, boxing legend Shelley Watts, and leader in Aboriginal education Heather McGregor, emceed by local entrepreneur Stacey Morgan. We will also hear from Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb and Prevention Specialist Brooke Maggs about the impact of COVID on local families experiencing domestic violence, and how we can choose to challenge violence-supporting stereotypes and inequality. Sounds amazing Kelly, how can we get involved? We’re so grateful for the community spirit and the generosity of our local business community who attend the IWD events each year and dig deep with sponsorship, donations, prizes, and in-kind support. From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge. Register to walk in Him in Heels on Wednesday 3 March at www.himinheels.org.au TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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L A K E C AT H I E
PUBLIC SCHOOL J O C K
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From humble beginnings, and 81 students, Lake Cathie Public School has transformed into a state of the art, future-focussed education community. Principal Jock Garven invites us in to explore their innovative new space...
i Jock. There’s very exciting things happening here at Lake Cathie Public School. At the start of Term 1, you were handed the keys to the new school facilities that have been busily constructed over the past year. Tell us about the new education spaces and facilities. What a start to 2021! Lake Cathie Public School staff and our Project Reference Group, including parents, have worked tirelessly for our students and the local community. After three years of planning, our constant goal to create a welcoming and innovative learning environment has been successfully enhanced with the completion of Stage 1 of the school upgrade. Students are encouraged and taught to become leaders of their learning, coupled with the continued use of explicit teaching and meaningful and directed feedback, leading to increased personal effort and exhibitions of quality learning where students own and share their learning. Our “Mindsets for Learning” philosophy will continue to drive our positive 112 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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connections as we learn, play and grow together. Our new learning spaces have been designed with this in mind. Neighbourhoods of learning include classroom, focus, communal and outside spaces to make up our innovative learning environment. This allows us to morph highly valued explicit Through teaching practice adversity we have home with future-focussed witnessed a constant to 365 collaboration and students, it feels growth in resilience engagement to great to have permanent and a refreshed maximise student learning spaces. realisation that public learning, enjoyment How has it been and ownership. services provide for watching on each Students, staff and everyone, including the day and seeing the families at Lake Cathie most vulnerable. excitement grow for Public School are so all involved? very excited in their Excitement is huge! new innovative learning What has been wonderful to see is that our spaces. Fifteen future-focussed classrooms local builder, A W Edwards, has engaged so have been carefully designed and constructed many of the local suppliers and tradespeople. replacing existing demountable classrooms Many of our students look through the provided when the school first opened to 81 construction fences and see members of their students in 2015. As a growing school, now
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own community building the super learning spaces for them and for the many students and families that will follow. I’m not sure if it’s the students or staff who are more excited to get better acquainted with our new learning spaces in 2021. It is also exciting to consider the many public schools across the state being newly built or with major upgrades, building communities for the future with schools to cater for all students and their families. Our staff have been preparing for these innovative learning environments for a long time. We’ve had a sustained focus in professional learning that is further strengthening our collaborative practices, explicit literacy and numeracy teaching as well as project-based learning that places a real-world context around our curriculum for our students. 2020 was a big year for the staff and students here at Lake Cathie Public School, and all showed amazing resilience. What were you most proud of? An amazing staff here at our local community school, as with our colleagues in local public schools in the Hastings and Camden Haven region, continue to support all students and their families. Through adversity we have witnessed a constant growth in resilience and a refreshed realisation that public services provide for
everyone, including the most vulnerable. A huge shout out to our education, health and emergency services; nurses, police, social and disability support workers and of course our teachers just to mention a few. I am so proud of our Lake Cathie staff, every single one. They continue to weather the effects and pressures of COVID-19 on our students and the wider community. They are successfully meeting the needs of increasing numbers of students and continue to work closely with families to ensure learning is differentiated to meet the needs of every individual student. The school and local community sincerely thank them. I am equally proud of our students. With extra curricular activities in sport and the creative arts cancelled or significantly modified as were excursions and camps, our students have stood tall and taken on the new challenges of on-line learning, sport at Laurieton Oval and Bonny Hills for tennis and beach-related activities. They have had confined play space, split rostered breaks, Zoom special assemblies; however I am so proud that many have come through this change and adversity with greater resilience and courage, being more accepting of others, inclusive and understanding, proud and persistent and with a desire to strive to succeed. The growth of the school since its inception back in 2015 is phenomenal, starting off with just 81 children enrolled to 365 children ready for 2021. How does the school’s opportunities and culture contribute to its success?
Togetherness and connectedness are key reasons for the success of the school so far. Our goals for students when they arrive are certainly related to learning, but more importantly the simple desire to make friends and keep them is such an important aspiration for both students and parents/ carers. This works right from an individual level to the friendships and connections between our local public schools. The Hastings Valley and Camden Haven Communities of Schools work so hard and effectively together to meet the needs of the whole community, for any and all students who walk through our front gates. Teachers and principals from all of our public schools work together, without competition, and towards collective efficacy for the benefit of the wider community. Character and gratitude learning is so important for our students daily and at a larger level, surround what our great public schools hold dear, as we work hard to meet the expectations of the community we serve. And finally, what can we expect to see as the school’s construction is completed at the end of the year? 2021 will see the building of a new large sporting and creative arts centre, an upgraded library, specialist support classrooms and some bright and engaging landscaping and outdoor learning areas. Our hope is that these spaces and facilities stimulate a further interest and love of learning and a connection with friends, family and the local community. Thanks Jock. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Sarah and Bryan’s career confidence grows with Wesley Mission
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hile Sarah and her partner Bryan now agree they’re feeling confident about their future, they wouldn’t have said this 18 months ago. “They’ve worked through some tough personal challenges which has built their confidence. They now believe in themselves and know they can make changes to their circumstances, so life can be better,” Leanne explains, Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways Employment Coach. Since starting Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways program, through Leanne’s support, Sarah and Bryan have participated in life skills training including Wesley Financial Literacy Education Program’s ‘In Charge of My Money’
and work readiness education. “Leanne’s got us through struggles and it’s just good to have someone to talk to. She’s always been supportive. She goes above and beyond,” Sarah shares. Sarah says her new-found confidence also grew while taking part in a week-long adventure therapy program in Coffs Harbour run by Wesley Operation Hope. Sarah, Bryan and their son participated in outdoor activities including archery, hiking and water activities, which focused on building important life skills including time management, communication, emotional wellbeing, team building and goal-setting. “It really gave people the opportunity to believe in themselves and their future, learn about others’ experiences and know that they’re
not alone. It also gave people the basic skills to handle future situations in a positive way,” explains Maddison, Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways Employment Coach. Leanne continues, “It pushed Sarah and Bryan to do things that they would never really do both physically and mentally. They were very shy when they went in but the confidence that they had by the end of it was amazing.” Sarah and Bryan’s futures are looking bright. Sarah is now working at Woolworths and Bryan is volunteering for The Salvation Army driving a truck while he works towards securing permanent work as a welder. We can help start your career today. Call us on 1800 931 108 or email opportunitypathways@wesleymission.org.au
Your future. Your way. Take your next step towards a rewarding career with Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways. EMT39955_2102
1800 931 108 opportunitypathways@wesleymission.org.au The Opportunity Pathways program is funded by the NSW Government. Eligibilitywesleymission.org.au/opportunitypathways criteria apply.
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focus_contributor. Lloyd Godson is not in big business, well not in the traditional sense. He is knee deep in the business of inspiration and impact, living well outside the box in the pursuit of adventure and appreciation for the natural world. He generously shares that passion via osmosis with young and old, as an acclaimed educator/ edutainer and avid social entrepreneur.
Illuminate THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL E N T R E P R E N E U R S , I N N O V AT O R S , LEADERS AND GAME CHANGERS.
with KATEWOOD-FOYE
LLOYD GODSON
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s the boy from inland Albury who dreamed of being a scuba diver and adventurer, Lloyd qualified as a marine scientist and took his passion for innovation and exploration on a world tour. His expeditions include being the first man to live in an underwater self-sustaining habitat, completing the first human powered submarine expedition in Greece, to collaborative achievements back home co-founding the much loved Nature School. Australian Geographic are also clearly huge fans, naming Lloyd “Adventurer of the Year” giving him a longstanding platform and support to share his passion with his lucky high school students and the community. Lloyd gives us the lowdown on how a healthy mix of adventure, risk and passion allows him to bring energy to his many projects with purpose proving that if you do what you love, everything else will flow. Congrats Lloyd on securing yet another Australian Geographic partnership to support your latest adventure to unicycle 480km through the interior of Tasmania with a band of merry men, women and children. What inspires you to come up with these missions and ideas and what is this adventure all about? I decided in the 2020 summer school holidays that I wanted to learn a new skill, and chose unicycling as a way of improving both my mental and physical health. I really enjoyed the process of learning to ride and decided to share it with people of all ages and walks of 116 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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life. We’re now known collectively as the OneWheeled Wackadoos! I then learnt about the sport of mountain unicycling (MUni) and saw a documentary about a Taiwanese school for at-risk students who rode 1000km around the country with amazing outcomes for the young people involved. I decided to put together an expedition on the Tasmanian Trail with whoever is crazy enough to come along for an epic one-wheeled odyssey. You are a man of many talents… nature lover, explorer, marine scientist, adventurer, creative, and now high school teacher. You are also the visionary behind the creation of The Nature School that has changed the face of education in our region. What was your motivation behind providing an alternative to traditional schooling? My wife and I wanted our children growing up with an understanding and appreciation of the natural world. When we arrived here from Greece back in 2013 we realised that there was a real demand for earth-centric education in our region.
I didn’t have my teacher credentials back then, but I did my research and had the passion and determination to commit to helping start a new type of school. Our son is now in Year 5 and our daughter is in the Early Years program and they both absolutely love it. Adventure seems to run through the core of all that you do and seems to have carried with you in all of your expeditions from your backyard in Albury to deep sea underwater environments in Greece. How did a boy from Albury end up a scuba enthusiast and Marine Scientist who then went onto become the first man to live underwater in a self-sustaining environment for 12 days? My next door neighbour in Albury, Des Walters, was the first commercial dive instructor in Australia and operated one of three Commercial Dive schools in the country. Des had worked on some amazing projects and as soon as I could I learnt to dive with my father. Most of our dives were completed in Lake Hume or the Murray
G O D S O N L L O Y D River, but occasionally we got away to coastal places like Jervis Bay. I knew from a very young age I wanted to work in the marine environment, so I completed my commercial diving licence when I graduated from high school and then went off to the University of Queensland to study Marine Science. I never really wanted to work as an academic though. I was keen to find creative pursuits that would allow me to use my technical diving skills. Independent adventure projects allowed me to fulfill that desire. You studied your education degree at Charles Sturt, what drives you today as high school teacher inspiring the next generation? How do you keep that sense of wonder and passion alive and how important is that to share that with your students? I love exposing students to real world experiences that they might not have the opportunity to participate in otherwise. I try my best to seek funding so that no student misses out due to financial reasons. What drives me though is the impact you can have on a student’s
life on a daily basis. For some, school is their safe place and I try to make it as happy, fun and supportive for them as I can. There is no better feeling than helping to turn a student’s life around, but it’s a massive team effort. How instrumental were mentors in your journey and trajectory for passion and adventure? What is the most valuable lesson they taught you? My dad was probably my biggest mentor and inspiration as a youngster. He really nurtured my creative side and encouraged me to dare to be different. He also taught me that there was so much more to life than money and to focus on what I loved doing as a priority. As a boy, he would listen to my ideas and dreams and tell me, “If you dream it, you can do it.” I grew up believing that. When I first proposed my BioSUB underwater habitat, most people thought I was a dreamer and a little bit crazy. Dad was behind me from the start right up to when he was terminally ill. He passed away just two weeks after I was awarded the Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year but he fought hard and made it to the award ceremony in Sydney. He was as proud as could be, and I was so grateful that he was there to share that moment with me.
How important has risk been to the success of your journey? Another thing my dad used to tell me was, “success is just the average person who takes a risk.” So again, I grew up believing that risk was critical to success. I have definitely had projects that have failed or not worked out the way I would had liked, but they have all made me a little bit wiser. There is something to learn in every failure. I don’t handle stress overly well however, so it’s a bit of a balancing act sometimes. As a passionate high school teacher and social entrepreneur with current and future projects on the horizon – what advice would you give to your students wanting to get out into the world and have an impact? I always encourage my students to do what makes them happy, and to try as many new things as you can when they are offered at school. I often share and encourage students to apply for exciting extracurricular opportunities and tell them about my unorthodox journey from adventurer to secondary school teacher. Now I get to combine them both; I’ve taken students on adventures to Antarctica, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and hopefully many more to come! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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LITTLE
PEACH
+
PIP
My name is Jess and I am the owner and creator of Little Peach + Pip.
Little Peach + Pip is an online based store specializing in beautiful, bright, playful art prints, lush cushions and more. My brand is mainly targeted for kids but definitely not limited to that. I like to think that a piece from Little Peach + Pip would be the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful space or a great starting point for room inspiration. I do all of the drawing, art work and designs myself, I also style, photograph, print, package and
post every order that comes in (beyond grateful for my amazing customers!) What’s next?! - I am so excited to be broadening our range of products and will be releasing a gorgeous collection of baby swaddle wraps lauching in March! You can follow my journey on @littlepeachandpip Little Peach and Pip And SHOP here littlepeachandpip.com
Inside you'll find some new exciting businesses and some old favourites. Conveniently located close to Settlement City and with plenty of easy parking, Bellbowrie Park is definitely worth a look.
Nearly 30 exciting businesses call Bellbowrie Park home.
Mid North Coast Life Solutions
Business owners, Brett and Renee Cone draw upon their 20+ years experience in the electronic security and gas industries to offer superior knowledge, products and customer service from Bellingen to Bulahdelah. We facilitate Medicare funded In-Home Sleep Apnea Testing and have the largest range of CPAP machines, masks and spare parts on the Mid North Coast. As the Air Liquide Healthcare Agent, we supply medical oxygen cylinders, stationary and portable
PC PITSTOP, CASSERA'S CAFE, BOTANIC MERCHANT, HELLO KOALAS Come in to Bellbowrie Park to discover these and many other businesses and services
oxygen concentrators, oxygen accessories and other respiratory health equipment. Additionally, we can supply and install AED Defibrillators, medical alarms, independent living technologies and audio / visual alerting systems.
02 6583 6728 team@mncls.com.au 5/10 Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie Bellbowrie Park Business Centre
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hapemaster Port Macquarie is an alternative to the high impact and joint stressing routines that are found in the traditional gym environment. We are a studio for all ages and abilities with the use of motorised exercise beds combined with yoga and pilates principles to aid in improving mobility, flexibility, overall fitness, well-being, and healthy aging. Shapemaster Port Macquarie exercise beds: • Involve gentle, slow and controlled movements • Are low Impact • Ideal for those with injury history or rehabilitation post-surgery • Relaxes the body and the mind • Provides a form of stress relief • Improves overall health, such as, core strength, flexibility, mobility, posture, muscle strength, and balance 02 6583 9892 or 0437 793 243 shapemasterportmacquarie@gmail.com Unit 29 Bellbowrie Park, 10 Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444
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A studio for all ages and abilities.
Mid North Coast Life Solutions is a local owned and operated family business that offers a range of solutions for your health and wellbeing.
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GEE WHIZ
D O G TREATS GRAESON SINCLAIR
Graeson Sinclair is a mini entrepreneur with big dreams, and at just 13 years old this kid is going places. Gee Whiz Dog Treats is the business he has built from scratch, along the way picking up life lessons in values, self responsibility and hard work.
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i Graeson. Gee Whiz Dog Treats is your newest business venture, making you one of Port’s Young Entrepreneurs… Before we get into that, please introduce yourself. Hello Port Macquarie. My name is Graeson Sinclair, I’m 13 years old and I go to St Columba Anglican School in Port Macquarie. I live with my mum, dad, brother and sister in Port Macquarie and I have 3 pets, a dog called Sailor who is a border collie cross kelpie, a cat Phoenix and a longneck turtle called Crush. What was the motivation behind starting Gee Whiz Dog Treats? For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to have my own business. When I was younger, I used to plan businesses teaching people how to ride scooters, washing people’s cars and then my aunty Emma and I wanted to open a Doggy Day Care. That is still a dream of ours together but we need to work up to that so that’s why I started Gee Whiz Dog 120 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Funnily enough, my 5 year old sister actually had the guts to taste test my biscuits when I first started, all except the liver treats. All of the ingredients are human safe as well as dog safe so Mum wasn’t too worried.
Treats instead, to earn enough money to start the Doggy Day Care one day. Experimenting and taste testing dog biscuits must have proven tricky, but a must to create the best possible product. Who did you sign up to the hard task? Funnily enough, my 5 year old sister actually had the guts to taste test my biscuits when I first started, all except the liver treats. All of the ingredients are human safe as well as dog safe so Mum wasn’t too worried. As well as her, my lucky dog Sailor is my main taste tester, as well as my grandma’s dogs, Bella and Lucy who are cavoodles, so we know that our treats are loved by all sorts of dogs! In the early days, I gave away free samples to family and friends to get their feedback, until we decided on our
final products. With your dad being a chef, you’ve certainly had a great mentor along the way to give you flavour inspiration. What is now on offer as a final treat? My dad being a chef has certainly helped, he’s been able to help me find ingredients we needed from local butchers and we grew some herbs too. At the moment, we have four main flavours, as well as a mixed pack. The single flavours are $7 for a bag of 10 biscuits or the mixed bags are slightly smaller for $5. We are open to bulk orders also and recently donated some treats to Port Macquarie Animal Shelter to help them train dogs. Our current flavours are Peanut Butter Pumpkin Eater, which is a clear favourite; Fresh as a Daisy which has lots of mint and parsley
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to help with doggy breath; Liver’n the Dream which are small treats perfect for training dogs; and I Really Carob’out you, which are our special treat biscuits to show your dog you really care. We also make customisable dog treat jars with your dog’s name on them for $15 which come filled with your choice of flavour. We were hoping to start a market at the end of 2020 but COVID-19 got in the way of that. I have some great ideas for marketonly treats which include a Doggy Donut and Puppucino! Learning life skills at an early age can sometimes be tricky, and being told is never as good as being shown and getting amongst the action. What valuable skills have you learnt along the way? Some valuable skills I have learnt are that things that you really want take time to happen, but they’re always worth the wait. Stay focused and never give up. That goes for everyone While my mum who wants to follow their and dad dreams! Keep your head up definitely help me and stay strong. You can make friends along the way out with cooking, that have other businesses they make me do and are entrepreneurs. So most of it myself, and can work on. If this stay focused and don’t give I pay for all of my business works out, up on your dreams and own ingredients so it could set me up for achievements. Sometimes I I’ve had to learn how life and I won’t have really don’t want to have to to budget so I can to get a part time roll the biscuits, but hearing still make a profit. job as a teenager! I how much my customers wouldn’t be able to loved their treats always do it without the help makes it worthwhile. While and support from my family and friends. My my mum and dad definitely help me out with Pop sent me an email addressed to the “CEO cooking, they make me do most of it myself, of Gee Whiz Dog Treats” and I really loved the and I pay for all of my own ingredients so I’ve way that sounded. I always have that dream of had to learn how to budget so I can still make having a doggy day care in the back of mind a profit. I’ve had a few recipe fails too so that's so one day I really want to be able to make helped me to figure out what my mistakes that happen with my aunt. were and try to fix them for next time. Your biscuits are currently found in a few Amongst your responsibilities of school, cafes around town, and of course we can sport and, most importantly, just being order directly from you on Instagram. How a kid, what is it that keeps you driven to do you hope to expand your business in succeed? the local area? I’m really into cars at the moment and I I hope to expand my business by possibly would love to save up to buy myself a car for having them in service stations, corner stores my 17th or 18th birthday. Something that I
and pet stores. This would make a humongous difference to my business, marketing and sales. Then Mum reminds me that I am still at school and I have to make my business fit around school, so I’m happy to grow my business slowly rather than overnight. But being in the Focus Magazine will definitely help a lot. It’s been a real opportunity to start this business and the new, amazing, kind people I’ve met along the way. Like I said, I’m really into cars and if all this goes to plan, I can build my dream car. Thank you for letting me have this opportunity to be in Port Macquarie Focus Magazine. Graeson Sinclair, CEO and Founder of Gee Whiz Dog Treats. Find Graeson’s business @geewhizdogtreats on Instagram. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Youngster.Co
We speak with Tony, cofounder of the brilliant entrepreneurial business Youngster.Co, which aims to educate the elderly in regards to modern technology.
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i Tony. You are cofounder of the brilliant entrepreneurial business Youngster.Co, which aims to educate the elderly in regards
to modern technology. Firstly, please introduce yourself to our readers. I was born in Czechoslovakia and went to
school in Germany. About 25 years ago, while on exchange in
Sydney, I fell in love with a girl from Emerald Beach. We now have 4 beautiful children and love living on the Coffs Coast. Tell us about the concept and why you chose to focus on this particular field. I love technology and noticed how easy it is for the youngsters to use technology. I also became increasingly aware that many mature people were really struggling to keep up with the digital demands of our modern world. They seemed to be missing someone to ask basic questions to, to do with mobile phones and computers. At the same time, the young generation spend so much time on devices that they can miss out on human interactions. So putting the two together is a great solution: Digitally savvy young people gain communication skills from elders and elders get their questions abut mobile phones and tablets answered. The need for technical and digital knowledge amongst the elders and the potential to utilise an untapped resource, the
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digitally savvy youngsters, is what sparked me to start Youngster.co More than just education, in your opinion, what exchange takes place between the young and old when working together? By helping seniors to master simple things like the QR THIS TYPE OF code or help with the INTERACTION learning from each other. Service NSW app, our REALLY HELPS BRING How has the business youngsters experience THE GENERATIONS been received the appreciation of throughout the TOGETHER AND I FEEL our elders, a sense of BOTH SIDES COME AWAY community since achievement and feel beginning? FEELING LIKE THEY valued for skills they The feedback from HAVE CONTRIBUTED often take for granted. the community has AND GAINED. Many seniors do been amazing. Not only not realise the value from the seniors who they bring to the table, really think this service their “life skills.“ Skills like empathy, patience, is so needed, but also from the Youngsters’ communication skills and especially listening parents who see their teenagers taking on skills that the youngsters need for their future, responsibilities and engaging in meaningful at home and in their working lives. work where they are making a really positive The elders are so often delighted by the impact on society. help from the youngsters and it is such a The libraries have been especially supportive lovely connection. and embrace the help that Youngsters bring This type of interaction really helps bring to this space. the generations together and I feel both sides What plans are you working towards for come away feeling like they have contributed 2021 and what dreams do you have for and gained. the future of the business? It is lovely to see the different generations We hope to extend our services to all
libraries in Australia with the central operation based in the Coffs Coast. Libraries are the perfect safe, public space that embraces learning for our youngsters and elders to meet and solve problems together. We also work with Home Care and aged care providers and would like to extend this service to all those in need of some help using their devices. We are actively looking for more youngsters around the Mid North Coast including Dorrigo, Grafton, Iluka, Maclean and Yamba, Port Macquarie and Nambucca Heads. For anyone interested, where can they find out more? Seniors needing help with technology can register at their local library and come along to one of our free library sessions or alternatively can request our service directly via our website https://youngster.co Youngsters interested to working can also register on the website.
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LEGAL LIGHT with ALAN PRIEST FROM PRIEST LEGAL
BOOMERS BEWARE – Potential Property transaction pitfalls ”Boomers” or ”Baby Boomers”are people born between 1946 and 1964. They are part of the cohort of people aged 56 years or over that is projected to increase from 13% of the population in 2010 to 23% of the population by June 2050. The Boomers cohort may be you or a member of your family. As most of us age, we consider downsizing. Downsizing necessitates the sale of the family home and can result in social security and financial consequences as the family home is an exempt asset for social security or pension purposes. If, for example, you sell your home for $900,000 and purchase a new home for $450,000, you release $450,000 cash. The additional cash funds are assessable for Centrelink purposes. There are a number of ”downsizing” options which range from units and villas to retirement villages, residential parks, leaseholds and granny flats. If an older person moves into a retirement village, residential park or granny flat, special consideration needs to be given to their situation. The amount that a person pays for the right to live in a retirement village or granny flat is called an ”entry contribution” under social security legislation. If the value of your entry contribution (presently) is less than $214,500, you will be considered a non-home owner for pension purposes and the entry contribution will form part of your assets test for assessment of the pension. If the value of the entry contribution is more than $214,500, the entry contribution will be exempted from the assets test. 124 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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Backyard granny flat arrangements appeal to many families as they seem to be a simple and informal way for children to help their parents. The Services Australia website defines a “granny flat interest or right” as a ”right to live in a specific home for life.” This interest or right must be purchased for consideration and relate to all or part of a private residence, the person’s principal home and not be owned by the person acquiring the granny flat interest. Some of the ways in which a person may acquire a granny flat interest include: a. Transfer of a person’s home to another person in exchange for a granny flat interest, or b. Providing funds to another person to construct granny flat accommodation on property owned by the other person, or c. By providing funds for the purchase of a house in the name of another person in exchange for that person granting you a granny flat interest, or d. By giving a reasonable amount of money to a relative. There are many cases involving granny flat arrangements which have ended disastrously. Therefore it is very important to have the arrangements set out in writing and should include the following: • clear description of money to be paid, when it is to be paid and what it is to be paid for • clear description of the property in which the granny flat is to exist • clarify who is going to pay for rates, insurances repairs, maintenance, capital improvements and outgoings and in what proportions
• what personal care and support is going to be provided, if any - usually from adult child to parent but also from parent to adult child, especially where caring for grandchildren is part of the agreement • whether any party expects to receive Carer’s Payment or Carer’s Allowance from Centrelink as a consequence of care and support to be provided • how living spaces are going to be provided within the home • how you will deal with the early termination of granny flat interest due to: relationship breakdowns, ill health, death of property owner, bankruptcy, need for residential aged care or mutual agreement • who has the benefit of any capital gain • whether the granny flat interest transfers to another home • an acknowledgement of or obtaining independent legal and financial advice • an obligation on the property owner to consent to a caveat being registered against the title of the property to secure the granny flat interest. There are many different opportunities available for downsizing in our region from home units to granny flats, making the best choice for you depends on your particular circumstances. Making sure that you have considered all the legal and financial aspects of the choice you wish to make will ensure that your choice of future accommodation suits your needs in the longer term. If you need assistance, come and see me and the team at Priest Legal.
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BUILDER OF THE MONTH
BETTER HOMES & DEVELOPMENTS 125 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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BETTER HOMES & DEVELOPMENTS
D AY N E MOLONY
Better Homes and Developments are pleased to present to you their new Display Home at Sovereign Hills with their new homes consultant Dayne Molony here to tell us about its unique features.
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etter Homes and Developments have been building locally for almost 40 years, and You joined the Better Homes and being a family owned Developments team in 2020, what are business and not a franchise you enjoying most about working for provides us with total flexibility when it comes this locally owned to designing the home company? and inclusions to suit the Open and honest Open and individual needs of the communication backing home owner. honest a strong moral fibre Hi Dayne, it's great to communication has been an extremely see you at the new backing a strong refreshing experience display home. For moral fibre has been for me since joining the those who haven’t an extremely team. It is a great work met you before can refreshing experience environment, with a you tell us a bit about for me since joining team that cares and has yourself and your the team. a willingness to help career in Property. each and every person I am a born and achieve their goals. bred local and 33 years The new display home is another beautiful young. I have 7 years experience as a local Real showcase of what BH&D can offer, what Estate Agent. are some of your favourite features? For the past 1.5 years I have worked in the Our new display home, Oakley 300, has an new home sales, building and construction abundance of natural light which is further industry. enhanced by the high ceilings throughout I really enjoy helping people achieve their the home. The seclusion and elegance of the goals.
main bedroom suite is The seclusion a popular feature while and elegance of the main living zone and the main bedroom beautifully appointed kitchen and outdoor suite is a popular entertaining space are feature while the the focal point in the main living zone and home. beautifully appointed The new Platinum kitchen and outdoor inclusions along with tailor your new home, entertaining space a range of upgrade whether it be your first are the focal point in options are showcased home, forever home or the home. throughout the home. investment property. One of the key selling In terms of inclusions, points for BH&D is that can you talk us you “design to suit” the client’s needs; through the three levels BH&D offer? what does that mean exactly? Our three standard inclusion levels being If you are considering building, then you Silver, Gold and Platinum provide clients with deserve to receive the keys to your new a range of products and finishes from a quality home feeling “my expectations have been entry level through to high end. The inclusions exceeded.” Although we have an extensive are merely a starting point as most clients will portfolio of designs, facade ideas and inclusion mix and match between the various levels options, we welcome the opportunity to work or have needs outside these options, which with clients and our team of specialists to we are always happy to source. The selection
process is totally flexible. What is the best way to start the conversation with BH&D about building a home? Please give me a call to arrange a time to meet or visit our new display home “Oakley 300” at 15 York St, Sovereign Hills. Whether you are in the very early stages of considering the option of building, or ready to go with completed plans, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your new home goals. Open and honest communication is always the key to a successful outcome for home buyers. Thanks Dayne! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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For almost 40 years, Better Homes has had the privilege of working with clients throughout our region with the ultimate goal always being to exceed home owner expectations. The Better Homes brand is owned and operated by three local families who are actively involved in all aspects of the business. Being a family owned business and not a franchise provides us with total flexibility when it comes to designing the home and inclusions to suite the individual needs of the home owner.
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Taking the time required during the design and quoting phase is essential to ensure all aspects of the new home build are covered and included. This transparent approach does eliminate uncertainty and avoids those unexpected overruns. Every client we work with has specific design and inclusion needs and as an independent local building company we have the ability to offer complete flexibility in this area. Once we reach the stage of a fixed price detailed quotation the client will have the comfort of knowing that everything they have asked to be included or excluded is detailed in our quotation documentation.
located in the Sovereign Hills Display Village is Now Open and we welcome your inspection KEY FEATURES • Single level 299.8m2 executive family home. • Even before you walk through the front door of our Oakley 300 the “Hamptons” façade fills you with warmth and a natural charm. • The 2700mm high ceilings and extensive glazing saturate the living areas with natural light and further emphasize the proportions of the home. • While the home offers 4 bedrooms the privacy of the main suite, the large walk in robe and beautifully finished ensuite will impress. • The open plan living space and gourmet galley kitchen will exceed expectations of even the most passionate of entertainers. • The living area flows seamlessly to the alfresco dining and is complimented with a custom outdoor kitchen and built in BBQ. • The Oakley series also offers our 3 bedroom Oakley 221 and our alternative 4 bedroom Oakley 249.
Scan to view Better Homes and Developments' Oakley 300 Sovereign Hills Display Home.
15 York St, Sovereign Hills Display Village, Port Macquarie NSW Opening Hours Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm (Closed Mondays) or by appointment Please call Dayne our New Homes Consultant on 0400 702 866 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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R EA L
ESTATE T A L K with G E O F F W O O D H A M
FROM THE ELDERS LIFESTYLE GROUP
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urrent Market Conditions There are many owners trying to lock in the value of their properties, many of whom have resided in Port Macquarie for over 20-30 years. They can see that there is unprecedented activity in the current market and buyers are racing to secure suitable investments. With such high demand many buyers now have the tech-smarts and tools to do all or part of their purchase online, sometimes even before seeing the property in person. Professional Guidance Now More Than Ever- Owners are considering that due to the high level of current interest in the Port Macquarie property market that this may be the ideal opportunity to plan a next step in their lives. What does that look like? Do they explore home care options and hope that their health and circumstances do not change, or do they explore other options available to them now? Obtaining a property appraisal is a great way to strategically begin that process. I am available to do that free of charge and without obligation. I understand that with such a major decision
that homeowners do not want to be rushed or annoyed. They want to have in hand a trusted advisor and confidante by their side. Knowing the value of your biggest asset is an important step towards the future. Disposable Income and The Property Market - There is a great deal of liquidity in the housing market at present. People that would normally be travelling overseas on holidays, now have retained savings. Where are they investing that money? Combined with very low interest rates, property has been the destination of choice. One option is to buy an investment property or alternatively, trade up and capitalise on the equity in their home. With recent border closures and saved funds from what people would normally use to go overseas ($30-50k), many are looking at investing for long term gain with good rental yield. At Elders we currently have over 3,000 investment properties that we manage. The vacancy rate is less than 0.5% and as we roll out the vaccines and borders continue to open; it is going to be an interesting and exciting journey to see how this will impact on our local property market.
Contact Geoff on 0421 038 633 or email him at geoff.woodham@eldersrealestate.com.au 130 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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WHY RENT YOUR PROPERTY WITH US? “When you choose Percival Property, you are choosing a standard of service and professionalism that is second to none, an exceptional team who will secure the best tenants for your property, and proactive property management services to protect your asset and ensure the best possible returns. We look forward to working with you…”
OUR PROMISE TO YOU Our local, experienced property managers know the local rental market and will ensure your rental property in Port Macquarie or surrounding areas achieves the best returns. A property can represent one of your single greatest assets, which is why we are committed to secure the best tenants for your property, who will care for, respect the rental agreement and your investment. Our exceptional communication means we work closely with you, keeping you
VACANCY RATE 0.021%
PROPERTIES
LEASED 25
informed throughout the leasing and property
future happiness and security. That’s why
management journey.
we take the business of looking after it so
We are committed to building long-term,
seriously.
respectful and approachable relationships
We have an experienced and motivated team,
with our landlords and tenants. We work hard to ensure your asset is cared for, maintains its value and is protected. The high calibre of our property management
a specialist property management office, incredibly detailed inspections and a genuine passion for taking the very best care of your
services has been developed for over 35
valuable investment. This is an industry where
years.
experience matters.
We completely understand that your
The Percival Property team stores over
investment property is a critical part of your
100 years of combined experience.
TENANT ENQUIRIES 1060
INSPECTIONS
BOOKED 469
AVERAGE
RENT $525
Our team in Port Macquarie works with you to ensure your property is presented in the most effective and engaging way.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 34 Buller Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 7499 I percival.com.au
AVERAGE
VACANCY 7 DAYS
January 2021 Statistics
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MARK DUNKLEY
ont
C U S TO M M E TA L ROOFING
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i Mark. You're the owner of Custom Metal Roofing and have over 23 years of experience in the Metal Roofing industry. Take us through a typical day on the job. At the moment, I’m starting early and finishing late. The building industry has gone absolutely crazy, which is a good thing for all us tradies in the local area. No day is typically the same which keeps it interesting. It can range anywhere from meeting with builders on site, working together to come up with solutions to tricky situations, re-roofs, fascia & gutters or simply quoting jobs. Working at heights, walking on an open roof, laying insulation, roof sheets and then finishing off is not an easy job. It requires skill, patience and agility and you need to be fit and well prepared, including being on top of all safety requirements. Tell us about the business and what services you provide. Me and my wife took the leap and started the business back in 2015, after working with the same employer for over 17 years, and we have never looked back. With a young family, we really had to get clear on what was important to us and what we wanted out of life. Ultimately that included some freedom from the standard 40hour-plus working week. In reality, I’m putting in more than that now but it’s my decision to do so and it’s rewarding
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to see your own hard work pay off. For both residential and commercial properties we complete high quality roof installations, re-roofs, fascia and gutter, wall cladding (including all the modern profiles), downpipes, gutter guard and VELUX skylight installs with custom flashing work. Tell us about some of the jobs you have recently completed and are currently working on. Last year, we supplied and installed the roof works to the first stage of townhouses at Catarina Estate Lake Cathie, some of which are now fully complete and have new owners, and work is about to begin again shortly. We completed commercial work for many of our local schools and TAFEs in Port Macquarie, Kempsey, and Camden Haven and we also completed the install of the new units over at Flynns Beach. In between all this, we installed new roofs for residential builders, completed wall cladding, fascia and gutter and repairs from Forster to South West Rocks. Most recently, we have been working on a sleek modern new home built by Stroud, using Enseam on both roof and walls. This project has been a great one to test the patience and skillset as there has been a lot of custom work going into the project but it’s looking good. Can you explain the difference between a Metal Roofer/Roof Plumber and a Plumber? As a qualified Metal Roofer/Roof Plumber
our trade is a specialised one and is set solely around industry-specific installation and is completed covering more in-depth rigorous training, fabrication and management. For the past 24 years, all day every day, my job has been 100% focused on all aspects of Metal Roofing and Wall Cladding, giving me a diverse in-depth experience in the field and that certainly shows in the work we complete for our clients. Something I am very proud of. What advice would you give to anyone starting out on their building or renovation journey? The exterior of your home makes a very important first impression, and having a new roof installed can change the entire look of your property, so your material and colour choices are vital. Colorbond not only looks beautiful, it’s versatile, easy to maintain, sustainable and has great thermal efficiency making it a great choice for where we live. Play around with your Colorbond samples with your exterior samples in different lights – shade, full sun, morning and afternoon light – as this gives you a better grasp on what its true colour will be. It’s a big commitment, not one to take lightly. And of course, make sure you find a reputable tradesman to carry out your work. Thanks Mark. Mob 0420 846 316 www.custommetalroofing.com.au
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happy ever more. Buying “Off-the-plan” is well and truly back in Port Macquarie
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ew-developments and buying off-the-plan has had its share of horror stories in the past, but it is well and truly back in Port Macquarie. The level of construction and new developments popping up around town has grown significantly in recent times and we feel it is another powerful sign of confidence in our property market and town. HEM have been involved with more projects in recent years than anyone, so we catch up to find out what’s going on. Tell us about the projects you are currently working on. Right now, we are involved with four exciting projects including; luxury apartments in the CBD (AZARA & ARISE), beachside townhouses (Kanangra Cove) and affordable townhouse/ villa complexes (Lincoln Road). Since launching
AZARA APARTMENTS GORE STREET 30% UNDER CONTRACT
in January, the interest has been off-the-scale compared to previous years. The developments are already between 30-60% SOLD, and buyers include a mix of local owner occupiers, relocators, retirees and investors, who see Port Macquarie as good value. The appetite for “new” is like nothing we have seen before and some developments could be sold out before construction started! Why is “off-the-plan” back in fashion? Recent successes in buildings such as “ALLURE” and “AMARI” has had a major influence in boosting consumer confidence. Not only did they look great, but they were finished on schedule, meaning people are now happy to take the step, without fear of being burnt. Supply and demand is a big factor. As more people flock to Port, the shortage of homes has made developers react to meet demand.
6B LINCOLN ROAD 40% UNDER CONTRACT
WATERBREEZE KANANGRA COVE ARISE APARTMENTS DREW CLOSE
30% SOLD
50% UNDER CONTRACT
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There has been a huge rise in investors looking for bank beating returns and finally, the fact that we are in a rising market is pushing people to buy a property for tomorrow, but at today’s prices. What effect will this have on the town? This is great for our town. With millions of dollars being invested in our town and vacant sites being transformed with striking new buildings, it really is a massive win. It is bringing jobs and prosperity to town, and above all it is an absolute necessity, as our growing population need somewhere to live! If you are interested to find out more about these off-plan developments, the impact on our town or even if you are looking to buy into one of these new buildings and want to know the steps you need to take, then contact our team at HEM for the full run down.
HEM PROPERTY IS: THE HOME OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN PORT MACQUARIE
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STYLING
TIPS
FOR YOUR HOME
with SESS AND SASS
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LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW YOU CAN ELEVATE THE LOOK AND FEEL OF YOUR HOME with some Sess & Sass styling tips.
ushions: We highly recommend saving up and buying quality feather filled cushions. Two quality cushions will always look better than 5 average inexpensive ones. To create more depth and drama buy oversized 60cm cushions. We are obsessing over the Eadie lifestyle range at the moment. Tip: when you want to refresh your colour scheme just purchase the cushion covers and keep your luxe feather filled inserts. Artwork: It‘s the most personal purchase in a home. The scale of an artwork in a space is so important. Again, oversized will create more impact and the overall feel you want to create in the space. If you have a large wall, consider pairing artwork so the proportions are aligned. Rule of thumb is artwork should be hung at average eye level in entries, hallways and bedrooms, and slightly lower in areas of the home you sit – like lounge rooms and dining rooms. Our go-to suppliers are OZ Design locally and The Art and Framing Company online. For that one-of-a-kind type of artwork consider reaching out to local artists to commission you a piece; we are also obsessed with artists Jai Vasicek, Kerry Armstrong and Freestone Art.
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Rugs: Let’s not underestimate the power of a beautiful rug. This is the number one recommended item we advise our clients of purchasing, as many people are under the impression that if a room is carpeted it doesn’t require a rug – wrong! A rug grounds a space, creates softness and style. Our go-to suppliers are Tribe Home, Miss Amara and The Rug Collection. Furniture: Buy pieces you love. You may choose to keep your sofa (big ticket item) neutral and practical which is understandable, however invest in a unique armchair in the space to compliment or completely contrast your sofa; this will create personality and attract the eye. We love the quality and unique pieces at Globewest and Uniqwa. Décor: Rule of thumb with décor pieces is to cluster in threes or fives. Collect pieces that have meaning or that you are drawn to. Keeping with similar tones and various textures will showcase effortless styling. Scent: Burning candles or oils in your diffuser in a scent that you love can make your home cosy, relaxing, uplifting and personal. You may burn grapefruit in the morning to feel energised
and lavender in the evenings to wind down and relax. Research shows that there is 40% improvement in mood after being exposed to pleasant scents – wow!! Plants: Indoor plants are a must for so many reasons. Some species that are super easy to keep alive indoors are devils ivy, snake plant, monstera and the ZZ plant. Plants can reside in so many places around your home, from bookshelves, side tables, vanities, dining tables, consoles, coffee tables, hanging from the ceiling, in that empty corner and on a little stool beside your bath. EVERYWHERE!! Other tips & tricks: Paint is the cheapest way to change a room and update it instantly. When creating a photo wall or eclectically laid out art wall, consider cutting out the size and shape of each piece out of paper and sticking them to the wall to play with the layout – measure then hang. Pendant lights hung over your dining table should be 70-80cm above your dining tabletop. If you’re finding it hard to find the perfect bedside lamp, consider investing in beautiful wall sconces. The Lighting Collective have stunning pieces. Our next article will be all about personalising and styling if you’re renting.
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Corner Clarence & Murray Streets, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie 121 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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136 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE
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