Greater Port Macquarie Issue 113

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

April 2015 // issue 113

Vo lu ar e nte Y er of the

A W A R D S

Feature Story Drumstruck

editor's note.

WHAT’S ON G LASS HOUS E

editor.

FROM THE

SWAMP jay beaumont.

Bunk Puppets

Welcome to the April issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

I

t’s that time of the year to dust off your steamer if you plan on getting in the surf; things are about to get cold. It’s also about that time of the year that we start to realise ... wow, the year is going so quickly!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE This month on our cover we pay homage to the heroes of our community. The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie recently hosted the 2nd Annual Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Awards. The result was joint winners - two men equally deserving of the title - Michael Ward from the State Emergency Service (SES) and John Davison from the Rural Fire Service (RFS). We take some time to get to know both these men and find out more about their vital roles in the community.

This month also features one of the most important events on the calendar each year: ANZAC Day. FOCUS caught up with local girl Kendell Bentley, who is working as a Topdeck Trip leader and travelling to Gallipoli to commemorate our fallen soldiers on April 25.

contractors who built such a beautiful home.

CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE There are two things that put a smile on my face last month. The first was the Street Food Festival, which transformed the wharf end of Clarence Street into a busting street party, complete with bands, local beer and some great street food.

The second was the piano that appeared on the Glasshouse Forecourt, painted by local artist Adam Murray. Both of these projects reflect the hard work of the placemaking team at the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Projects like this help to give a town a soul. To all involved, well done.

FINAL SAY “I remember as a little boy I ate one meal a day and sometimes slept in the street. I will never forget that, and it inspires me to fight hard, stay strong and remember all the people of my country, trying to achieve better for themselves.” - Manny Pacquiao.

Every month in FOCUS we profile a Home of the Month, but I think the home from Brandon Calder this month might just be the best one we’ve done yet. A stunning home, in every way. Congratulations to all the team and

contacts.

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

ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors.

While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 86005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2014 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

J U ICE

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

dy, about one A shadow puppet come swamp. man’s romp through a ely, but “Bring the kids, absolut s won’t be unaccompanied adult rigued int t ashamed to be firs s vivid and then thrilled by thi creations shadowplay. Achtem’s to the travel from the stage the ceiling to stalls, to the walls, ad. and right into your he fun.”

Innovative, memorable, The Times, London

SATU RDAY 11 AP RI L, 7.30P M

JONATHON

WELCH

assics

sings Silver Screen Cl

stunning voice of Be enchanted by the h the homage to Jonathon Welch AM, wit from the movies. the best loved songs zard of Oz, From Casablanca to Wi Pacific, Oklahoma, Student Prince, South King & I. My Fair Lady and The

SU NDAY 12 AP RI L, 2P M

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

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

jeff@focusmag.com.au

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

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT/WRITER: Chrissy Jones

BEYOND HARD KNOCKS Film Screening

out rs on? Come and find Hard Knocks seven yea d an A Where is the Choir of Q& s de AM (inclu g with Jonathon Welch at this intimate screenin complimentary drink)

SATU RDAY 11 AP RI L, 2P M

chrissy@focusmag.com.au

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

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

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

COPY EDITOR/JOURNALIST: Jo Atkins

GLASSH OUSE M FO R DI SC OU NT TI CKETS BE CO M E A

EM BE R TO DAY!

jo@focusmag.com.au

TRAVEL EDITOR: Susie Boswell sunconsulting@ozemail.com.au

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

PUBLIC WALKWAY 2-9pm Directional Signage

Temporary Fencing Closed at 2pm

Food Food

d

Small Marquee

Stage

Band Marquee

12mx24m Marquee

ancing Dwith hastings Stars

Temporary Structures

pathway 2-9pm Alternative

Small Marquee

3 phase from Sundowner

(or use power if available on town green)

Sun downer

Trees

P R E S E N T E D

2-9pm Alternative pathway

B Y

02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

focus

greater port macquarie focus.

3

focusinterview.

N LIEBERMAN WA R R E

INTERVIEW WITH DRUM CAFÉ FOUNDER AND DRUMSTRUCK CO-CREATOR, WARREN LIEBERMAN.

H

i Warren. What’s your background?

The story goes like this …

I’m an electrical engineer; I studied physics, applied maths and business. I ran a hardware company and I had quite a boring lifestyle. Then I met the drum! Basically, I started learning on a Tuesday night at my house with a friend, who was one of the best drummers in South Africa … the next Tuesday night more people came, and within 6 months there were 200 people in my house learning drumming.

So I realised that apart from the fact that we couldn’t keep practising in suburbia, that drums brought people together, so I started Drum Café in 1996.

What’s Drum Café … what are the business’ aims?

In 1994, South Africa went through a change … Mandela had been released, Apartheid came to an end, but the whites and the blacks mistrusted each other terribly; there was much anger, boiling over of emotion and frustration.

In 1997 when we started doing corporate drumming, we realised that music broke down racial boundaries. We sat down with some white guys and black guys, who were looking at each other angrily, and we gave them all a drum … and an hour later, they were mixing the beats, having a conversation, and they realised they weren’t going to kill each other.

So from 1997 until today, the Drum Café’s main agenda has been to unite people, bring them together and break down barriers - whether that’s male and female, old and young, black and white, and to create affinity between peo-

4

greater port macquarie focus.

We also do some more eces , contemporary pi some Rock and es Roll pieces , piec e th to ar more famili ey’ll th d an audience most see some of the ing m incredible drum ...” en se they’ve ever

“

ple. That’s our job! And it’s very effective …

Why do you feel drums are so good at creating unity? Do they promote a kind of non-verbal communication?

In South Africa, we use singing, clapping, dancing...but the drums are so easy, and so universal.

Anyone can bang away on a drum. Give anyone a drum, and within three seconds they are releasing their aggression and playing. It’s a very, very easy way of getting people into a celebration phase … Singing is a lot harder, because people are often worried about their voice …

And of course, this is where the show Drumstruck, which you co-created with Kathy-Jo Wein, comes in, because it’s a way for people from all different walks of life to come together to celebrate. Tell us a bit about the show, which contains singing, dancing and drumming …

When the show starts, the audience walks in and there’s a drum on every seat. People will walk up to the drums, and they start tapping away, and they’re smiling and learning...

Then a woman, Tiny Modise, who’s a most exceptional drummer, shows everyone how to use the drum in a very traditional sense ... the show starts in a very traditional sense, with African costumes, and it feels like you’re around the fireside in an African village, drumming together, learning the basics of drumming ...

What follows is a lovely scene with a member of the audience - which is a lot of fun ...There’s

a scene with gumboot dancing - gumboots is a traditional style of dance which developed in the mines, where it was dark,and it was necessary to be quiet, so the miners learned to communicate with their footsteps or by slapping the sides of their wellington boots.

As the show progresses, various parts of the audience learn to play different rhythms, so their simple rhythms together create a more complicated rhythm. Our singers come in to sing melodies over the top, and suddenly the audience realise they’ve created beautiful music.

We also do some more contemporary pieces, some Rock and Roll pieces, pieces more familiar to the audience - and they’ll see some of the most incredible drumming they’ve ever seen …

We experience some incredibly beautiful African singing and harmonies and playing of the African instrument called the hang, and the show ends by taking different instruments from around the world, which come together to make one sound - to show that music really does unite and bring people together, with a beautiful mix of song, dance and percussion instruments. The show usually ends with people getting up and dancing in the aisles and having a lot of fun!

Drumstruck’s been around for quite a while now - since 2002. Has the show changed much since its inception?

We tour in Japan every year, and they do like us to change the show each year over there.

We’ve actually had some years where we’ve just done pure Rock and Roll!

This year, we have travelled back to our roots and some of the more traditional ways, although we have added a contemporary feel.

We have two of the cast members who have been in the show since the beginning. There are two new members, but most of the people have been in the show for eight or 10 years … We’ve had some wonderful experiences performing around the world, in front of celebrities ... but the cast are very down to earth, loving people ...

Our show is about the audience; it’s about making people feel good about themselves. It’s not about us, or about showing off - it’s really about empowering the audience.

You’ve mentioned how widely travelled most of the cast are … How much is everyone looking forward to coming to Australia?

The show has 11 people, and we had to cut it down to 7 - everyone was fighting over positions! They are so excited about going to Australia. They loved it last time they were there, and they’re really looking forward to it again.

Thanks Warren. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

See Drumstruck at the Glasshouse on April 10, at 7pm.

Tickets: Adult $67.50; Glasshouse Member/Concession/ Group 10+ $60.75. Youth (under 16) $37.50.

Visit: glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office on 6581 8888.

inside this

Issue 113- April 2015

8.

Jody & Brett Cassin.

Jody and Brett Cassin, love birds and passionate photography duo, share their story with us ...

Adam Murray.

22.

Adam Murray is a renowned local artist, whose works take shape through layers and utilising a range of different mediums ‌

76.

New Horizons Await.

Whilst many dream of learning to fly, only a handful ever go on to realise their passion.

12. Samantha Brennan 20. Douglas Vale Vineyard 37. The One Day of the Year 38. Camp Rock 54. Relay For Life

usual suspects.

the

15. what’s on for April 24. eat featuring local restaurants 31. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 33. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 63. starguide with Terri 70. tourism with Janette Hyde 75. travel with Susie Boswell 77. landcare with Estelle Gough 81. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti

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

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

www.focusmag.com.au/eat

www.focusmag.com.au/eat

greater port macquarie focus.

5

LocAl RecIpe

Image of the month.

About: “Just after moving here, I was really keen to see the sunrise down on Flynns Beach.

I walked down and found only a few people about. I think the two guys in the photo are from the surf lifesaving club. They were going for a morning swim and although cold, I was jealous. The sunrise was stunning!

Photo by: Rachael O’Donnell. Camera: Fuji X10 Camera - dynamic setting (unedited).

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

Grilled Snapper

, d el d s e s This dish demands freshness; be sure to buy only the freshest seafood possible.

At the restaurant, seafood is delivered 5 days a week to keep our seafood the freshest it can be.

I n g R e D i e Nt s with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

WH

AT ’ S I N

EGGS Easter and eggs go hand-in-hand, so what better time of year to feature these little nutritional power-houses.

Eggs are full of high quality protein, 11 different vitamins and minerals, healthy fats (including omega-3) and recent research shows eating eggs has very little effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Incorporate them into your diet with lovely poached eggs for breakfast, easy frittatas for lunch or dinner, and of course, in all those wonderful home-baked cakes!

The best way to store eggs is in their carton, in the fridge. An egg at room temperate ages seven times quicker than a refrigerated one, and the carton reduces water loss and protects the eggs from absorbing flavours from other foods.

If the kids want to decorate hardboiled eggs and then enjoy them for Easter lunch - it is best to use eggs which are a few days old. The fresher the egg, the more likely the white will stick to the shell!

Near River Produce and Oxhill Organics are two local suppliers of pasture-raised eggs. Keep an eye out for them at local and regional markets or at Gourmand Ingredients in Short St. Grab them while you can though - the hens tend to go off the lay coming into winter, as their laying cycle is affected by the decrease in the daily hours of sunshine.

WHERE

6

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

greater port macquarie focus.

4 x 200 g Snapper fillets

4 tomatoes, diced

8 large prawns, keep shells

30 g tomato paste

12 scallops, roe off

50 g butter

2 large fennel bulbs, cut into 1/8

1 L fish stock

1 brown onion, diced

150 ml olive oil

1 medium carrot, diced

200 ml white wine

3 cloves garlic, diced

salt + pepper, for seasoning

12 cherry tomatoes

MetHod

Chef Brendon Lynch

OĐ° by e R er

S E RV E S 4

In 2x30 saucepans, add the fennel and cover with the fish stock. Cook for 10 - 12 minutes, until the fennel is soft to touch at the core. Pull the fennel out and set to the side.

In a separate pot on a high heat, add half the olive oil. Then add the prawns shells and cook for 2 minutes. Add the onion, carrot and garlic and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and fry for another minute. Deglaze with white wine and reduce by ž. Add the fish stock and cook for 40 minutes on a high heat. Add the diced tomatoes and pull off the heat. Using a stick blender, blend until there are no chunks. Strain through a fine strainer and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Heat one pan on a medium heat and add the other half of the olive oil. Season the skins of the Snapper. Place Snapper skin down in the pan. Cook for 4 minutes skin side down, and then place in the oven for 8 - 10 minutes.

While the Snapper is cooking, add the bisque to the other pan on high heat. Once simmering, add the prawns, fennel and cherry tomatoes. Once the prawns are just about cooked, add the scallops and butter to the same pan as the fish in the oven, and leave in the oven for another minute.

Pull the pan out of the oven, turn scallops and fish and set aside.

Ladle bisque into the the bowl and place the fennel and prawns on the bottom to create a base for the fish.

Place 3 cherry tomatoes around the base. Place the Snapper on top of the prawns and fennel and scallops on top of the fish.

S E To R Vpurchase E S 4 the cook book featuring 100 local recipes, visit Oasis by the River

greater port macquarie focus.

7

focusinterview.

j o d y

&

b r e t t

CASSIN JODY & BRETT CASSIN, LOVE BIRDS AND PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHY DUO, SHARE THEIR STORY WITH US ... hy do you and Brett love photography?

As Ansel Adams quoted: “Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art”.

Brett and I share the same vision of photography; we both love the creative side and the ability to capture moments forever. Brett loves photography because he likes to capture something that he sees with his own eyes, to share that moment in time with other people. He also loves the technical side of photography. The images that we have both taken over the years are now the ones that everyone treasures - a truly historical timeline of our lives ... And that is what I love about photography: the creative ability to capture an image that really won’t be repeated again; it’s unique.

Basically from the beginning, I started photography because I enjoy being creative whether it’s creating an abstract piece of art from an original photograph, to making a creative mood board placing ideas, inspiration, images, makeup, hair, clothing and lighting ideas on it for an up and coming fashion shoot. I do have a great love for fashion, and this is really where my passion now lies.

Where did you and Brett grow up, and when did your passion for photography begin?

I was born at Footscray Hospital, and I grew up in Newport, West Melbourne.

My passion for photography was fostered from my early teens in Year 11 at Paisley High School, when I took a course in Photography with Mr. White, an amazing teacher. My husband, Brett, was born in Port Macquarie and grew up on the Central Coast; he also discovered his love 8

greater port macquarie focus.

of photography in Year 11 at high school too. and constantly annoy my mother by capturing her Brett was telling me that his darkroom was very with her mouth full of food. My youngest brother small and was converted from girls’ toilets - and I wasn’t too thrilled about me pointing the camera couldn’t believe it, as our school had much in his direction either; however, the same setup. sometimes he would love being I recall the excitement of the subject. I would also making my own camera set my sister up on the y at high school out of steps of the caravan Starting from m ays alw teenage days , I a cardboard box and in the backyard and in people exposing photographic pose her in all sorts had an interest dest and being the ol paper to light and of fashion poses. w ould of six children, I developing it. This At family events family photograph my fascinated me so I always had the ly nt nsta members and co by much, the whole camera in my hand, r annoy my mothe her process of light. Brett’s hence there is a lack ith w capturing her .” od special memory from his fo of photographs of of mouth full photography course was me as a young teen, as travelling by train from the I always preferred to be Central Coast to Sydney to capture on the other side of the lens Darling Harbour’s Convention Centre capturing special moments in time. for an Architectural Assignment, which he adds In terms of subjects, what does Brett like to helped him attain first place grades - it was a photograph? memorable moment for him.

Brett likes to photograph macro landscapes, What was the first camera you and Brett wildlife, nature and abstracts. Brett loves shooting owned? everything from abstracts to animals to boats, The first camera I owned was a Pentax Camera, cars, landscapes, seascapes - much like myself. which I purchased from a discount store in the A highlight for Brett was when Cyclone Yasi city of Melbourne. It had no light meter, so I had descended on his home unit in Port Hinchinbrook, to purchase a separate hand held light meter for Cardwell. Brett managed to capture the yachts in the camera. Brett’s mum supported Brett’s love front of his unit by using a special photographic of photography by buying him his first camera, robotic mount called a gigapan and made a which was an unknown brand to me - a seagull beautiful panorama of the yachts and jetty and camera for his course in Year 11 at Henry Kendall how it looked before Cyclone Yasi hit. This is a High School, Central Coast NSW. special image, as the landscape will never look In terms of subjects, what do you like to exactly the same way; after the cyclone, the yachts photograph? were all pulled out of their rigging and washed Starting from my teenage days, I always had ashore. an interest in people and being the oldest of six Tell us about the collaboration with your children, I would photograph my family members husband. How can readers find out more

“

about you?

Brett is a surveyor, so he has to move from place to place. We met in Noosa five years ago. He took me on a romantic date, and we courted for a year and a half and recently got married on the 20th September 2014, and we are so in love. Not only is he a dream husband, but we both have a mutual love of photography. To have a man that can talk pixels, Photoshop and take photos of random objects like myself is even more special in our bonding as man and wife.

I have come from slr photography days, and Brett continues to bring me up to speed with digital cameras. He thinks outside the square and constantly amazes me with his prowess. I did do a Diploma of Photography in the late ‘90s, which has held me in good stead, as I learnt how to use a computer and taught myself Photoshop.

Being out of the field for some time, I have to reestablish myself in the industry and update my portfolio and skills. To do this I established an Australia wide fashion network group called Jodys Aussie Models Photographer Hmuas Designers Stylists Group, which encourages, inspires and helps many industry members to collude. The group that we started began with only 50 people in it, but with concerted effort and hard work we built it up to almost 5,000 members, and there are a few offshoot groups from our main one.

We have made so many great contacts and friends through networking and helping and mentoring our members, and we have a wonderful loyal following and good reputation in the industry, which took a couple of years to build. So many beautiful fashion industry people in Australia and also Internationally. https://www. facebook.com/groups/469581266477559/ Thanks Jody.

focusinterview.

Local lass Kendell Bentley caught the travel bug from an early age, skipping countries, chasing the sun and not living through a winter since 2007. Now working as a Topdeck Trip Leader and

travelling to Gallipoli to commemorate our fallen soldiers on ANZAC Day, Kendell shares her journey…

ANZAC DAY GALLIPOLI • KENDELL BENTLEY

ell us about your childhood and growing up here in Port Macquarie.

I moved to Port Macquarie from Coffs Harbour with my parents and brothers when I was four. My dad and his family used to holiday here in the 1960s, and he had always loved it here. I had your typical Aussie upbringing - camping, fishing, playing in the street until the lights came on and living in the water for as much of the year as possible. We have such a great outdoor lifestyle here. It’s such a great little corner of the world.

At what age did you begin travelling, and what was it that first inspired you?

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to New Caledonia with my high school’s French class when I was 15. I was blown away that just a few hours’ flight from Sydney, there was this small island in the Pacific, inhabited by indigenous Polynesians, who were speaking French. Here we were, buying croissants for breakfast from a little French-style patisserie and then eating freshly caught Swordfish cooked in coals on the beach for dinner under the stars. I was so inspired to see more of the world, that I signed up to become an exchange student as soon as I got back to school, and the next year I was off to the USA. Now I’m 31, and I’ve been travelling for half of my life. I’m finding it very hard to stop!

How have you managed to not endure a winter since 2007?

Ha ha - by moving around A LOT! I did the “rite of passage” thing and headed over to the UK in 2006 to spend a few years travelling

Europe, to live the London life and to see us take in the sights of Istanbul, as well as where my family are from. My dad was born travel to Gallipoli. I will meet a group of 50 in England and moved out to Australia with passengers in Istanbul, where we will take in my grandparents at the end of WWII. After the city’s historical sights and try some of the my first UK winter, I decided winter is delicious Turkish cuisine the city has to not really for me! Don’t get me offer. My diet usually consists of wrong, I love the change Baklava, real Turkish delight in seasons that you and kebabs for the entire experience in cooler time I’m there! Then we You visit the cemeteries and climates - the array of have an early start the ds on colours in the trees in following day, as we you read the wor e os the plaques of th , and autumn, the novelty make our way down es who lost their liv g of a white Christmas, towards the Gallipoli un you see how yo and the first daffodils Peninsula.

I explain e as they were – som and tulips that bloom in detail the history t n’ ca u young as 14; yo in spring - but hey, of WWI, what life was help but cry.” if you can try for that like for our troops and endless summer, why how they came to land at wouldn’t you? I travelled to Gallipoli. We might visit some warmer places in the depths of of the cemeteries and trenches there winter and finally left London in 2010. I before making our way to the site of the then moved to Broome in the Kimberley commemorations at ANZAC Cove. We camp region of WA for a few years. Broome out on the grass overnight in our sleeping sits at the edge of the Great Sandy Desert bags, whilst documentaries of the ANZAC but also has this beautiful tropical climate. campaign play throughout the night. Everyone The minimum daytime temperature in winter will try and get in a couple of hours’ sleep, is rarely below 25 degrees - it is paradise! before we awake to experience the moving However, in 2012 Europe called me back, and dawn service. After the service and the playing now I move between Europe and Australia and of the beautifully haunting Last Post, we will chase the sun. climb the hills the ANZACs climbed to then The tour company you work for is take in the Australian service at Lone Pine, and fortunate enough to be bringing 250 lucky the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair (the Australians to Gallipoli for the 100 years main objective of the ANZACs’ offensive) for of ANZAC celebration. What does the tour our Kiwi counterparts. involve?

As an Australian yourself, do you have We have a few different styles of tours any family connections to ANZAC? that take in the ANZAC commemorations.

My paternal great grandfather fought in I am leading a four day trip which will see the Dardanelles and Gallipoli; however, he

“

was Scottish, so he fought with the British alongside our Australian soldiers and was fortunate enough to survive the hardships of WWI. My grandmother says he always spoke very highly of the Aussie troops - he was a fan of their friendly nature and fighting spirit, and I’m sure this helped my grandmother’s cause when she said she was moving to Australia in 1946. Both of my grandfathers and one of my grandmothers also fought in the Army and Navy in WWII, so I definitely feel a connection to Australia’s Defence Force and all that they have achieved for us in the last 100 years.

As you have experienced Gallipoli many times before, what kind of emotions are you experiencing pending this special celebration?

The first time I visited Gallipoli, I was incredibly emotional. When you see how small that beach really is, how high the cliffs are, how very harsh that landscape is, you just feel incredibly sad. You visit the cemeteries and you read the words on the plaques of those who lost their lives, and you see how young they were - some as young as 14; you can’t help but cry. However, the next time I was at Gallpoli, I was really happy to be back there.

I definitely felt more a sense of pride than anything else.

This will be the first time I’ve been in Gallipoli for ANZAC Day itself, and I absolutely cannot wait; I expect it is going to be a very moving and proud day. I am so excited and most of all, incredibly privileged to be asked by Topdeck to be a part of the commemorations.

April 25th really is the greatest day to be an Australian.

Thanks Kendell. greater port macquarie focus.

9

focusinterview.

McGUIGAN

BMW

Photography - Matthew Attard Fairfax Media Photographer/Sports Journalist

NATIONAL DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP ON THE MID NORTH COAST - McGUIGAN BMW. DEALER PRINCIPAL SHANE McGUIGAN TELLS US ABOUT THE PRESTIGIOUS WIN.

C

ongratulations on your 3rd our BMW Sales Manager, is almost up to 10 years year in a row as BMW Rural now and is the driver of our success: 7 trophies from Dealer of the Year. Tell us a 8 years speaks volumes and if you don’t sell the little about the night ... cars, this wouldn’t happen. To complement this we BMW consider the Trophy have our Service Department experts, Carl Evans and Dinner the most important event Michael Murray; both have been in our McGuigan of the year; it was a black tie affair, so I had to dust team for over 10 years and have the highest customoff the dinner suit and find my bow tie. We were er satisfaction in the county. Countless customers in Melbourne at the top of the Myer Centre in the have purchased cars simply due to their service expeMural Hall, a room that dates back decades rience with us. Rounding off our small in history, so the setting was very team, Ros McDonald is always BMW-esque. smiling out front and willing to I sat next to my good friend assist, whilst Owen Boyd has from Tamworth, whom I knew learnt the BMW way over Sales are around was my prime competition. the past few years in our t half the score ou When they called his name first, Workshop.

Cusof 100; however in I realised we had won three Overall you were ion tomer Satisfact in a row - an achievement we crowned the National a e gets Sales and Serv ic started work on 12 months Dealer of the Year for all ” large weighting. earlier.

BMW Dealerships from Three years in a row certainly four categories - how do is a credit to your dealership they score and award this and shows a great amount of prestigious title? consistency. To what do you credit this BMW have a formula that enables ongoing success? them to measure all size dealers in the In running a business you can have all the right same way, called a balanced scorecard. intentions and work long hours; this helps, but Sales are around half the score out of 100; unless you have the right people, you will always be however, Customer Satisfaction in Sales and Service average. gets a large weighting. The balance is made up of We are lucky to have a long standing team at Parts Targets, Used Car Performance and Workshop McGuigan BMW who have passion and care for our Efficiencies. customers and for our Dealership. Shaun Ferguson, This was the award that personally I always aspire

“

10

greater port macquarie focus.

to; being recognised amongst your peers as the Best Dealer for the previous 12 months is very satisfying.

In almost 40 years as a BMW Dealer, this is only the second time we have been awarded number 1.

So what's new for BMW this year?

There is always something new to talk about when it comes to BMW. Recently we have launched the All New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, a small car with lots of space.

We expect to see very soon the revised 1 series hatch - a car I’m excited about, as it appeals to many of our local customers. Our Flagship 7 series will be all new later this year; this is significant, as many of the innovations and technologies that we see in our smaller cars come direct from this new model.

Do you plan to celebrate your achievement on a local level?

Yes, we are trying to get the word out and have our Annual McGuigan BMW Raceday coming up at the end of the month, where we will highlight almost all of BMW’s current model cars; but we won’t get too carried away, as we know that selling cars and service to happy customers is what brings us continued success.

Thanks Shane.

MCGUIGAN BMW. 2014 BMW DEALER OF THE YEAR.

McGuigan BMW

Sales Finance Service Parts

lensDPS

As BMW 2014 Dealer of the year, our commitment to excellence in professionalism, presentation and performance is second to none. With over 30 years of local community knowledge and our dedication to detail, we continue to deliver the experience the Ultimate Driving Machine is known for. Visit our team at McGuigan BMW today.

McGuigan BMW 140 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Ph 6588 8500. www.mcguiganbmw.com.au DL7571

2014

focusinterview.

Photo courtesy of Fab Photos

SAMANTHA BRENNAN J U S T 1 4 Y E A R S O L D, M U S I C A L TA L E N T S A M A N T H A B R E N N A N H A S A L R E A DY R E L E A S E D T WO S I NG L E S – B OT H O F W H I C H S H E W R O T E A N D R E C O R D E D, A N D B O T H W I T H P OW E R F U L S O C I A L M E S S AG E S .

S A M A N T H A’ S A L S O I N T E R E S T E D I N M U S I C A L T H E AT R E , A N D S H E ’ S C U R R E N T LY R E H E A R S I N G F O R P L AY E R S T H E AT R E ’ S PRODUC T ION OF CA M P RO C K …

Barbie Doll is a story explaining how someone doesn't need to look like a model from a magazine - how anyone can be beautiful without having a barbie doll-like figure.

My inspiration came Honestly, my from everyone around biggest dream is Being me - including myself, to be in a band . ic and about being insecure able to write mus st be travel with your of your appearance. the iends has been fr Commonly I hear people d iPod or MP3 player ante only thing I’ve w I can complaining about their as these days? to do for as long weight or other things, I find it funny that remember.” and my song is a message the style of music I saying that this kind of stuff produce, can sound so isn't important. diverse from my favourite Fill us in about One Level bands. I like to believe I have a another of your songs. What’s it wide range in musical tastes: from One about?

Direction to Sleeping With Sirens, Blink I feel Barbie Doll and One Level are very 182 to 5 Seconds Of Summer, the 1975 similar: both display powerful messages of to All Time Low. My music taste is mostly in not caring what others think of you, and to the style of “pop punk”. I also love listening to embrace yourself.

One Level, however, is more some musical theatre soundtracks. based on thoughts and judgement, rather How do your current musical loves than appearance.

This song is more about influence your own music? being able to express your opinions freely Every time I write a song, I try to base it off which is something that the whole human my favourite band's styles. The summary of race needs to work on. my music taste is pop punk/alternative rock.

What other projects are you working on From now on every song I come out with, I'll at the moment ... any new works in the attempt to take that style and incorporate it pipeline, EPs, or singles to be released with my originals. soon?

You’ve written and recorded a couple of I'm hoping to write more soon; a personal songs with powerful messages recently goal of mine is to release an EP by the end of the first is called Barbie Doll. What story the year. I don't know how that will turn out does this song tell, and what inspired you to write it? at this rate, but I'm hoping it's attainable.

“

H

i Samantha. Tell us a bit about yourself ... how old are you, where do you go to school, and what’s your family background?

Hello, thanks for having me. My name is Samantha Brennan, and I'm 14 years old. I'm a Year 8 student at St Joseph's Regional College.

I live at home with my mum, dad and two brothers.

When did you first become interested in singing and songwriting - and which of these two interests came first?

I have been singing my whole life. My mum is probably my biggest influence in getting into music. When I was 10, my mum took me to audition for The Little Shop Of Horrors production at Players Theatre in 2011 - my first experience singing on stage.

As for songwriting, I had written some songs in primary school, but I never took it seriously until I wrote Barbie Doll when I was 12 in late 2013.

Which musical artists would we be most likely to find you listening to on your

12

greater port macquarie focus.

I'm really busy at the moment, as I'm currently rehearsing for the Camp Rock production at the Players Theatre, but who knows what's waiting for me.

What are your dreams/goals ... what would you like to do when you finish school?

Honestly, my biggest dream is to be in a band. Being able to write music and travel with your best friends has been the only thing I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I don't know how that would work so far, but it's something I dream of doing.

Anyone interested, hit me up!

When you’re not working on something musical, what are your other hobbies/ interests?

If I'm going to be completely honest, everything I do is somehow related to music.

Clichéd or not, music is my biggest passion.

I'm a self-taught guitarist: I've been playing for two years. I like to do theatre: I will have officially completed three productions by the end of May. So to sum it up, I'm a very musical person.

Where can people go to listen to and purchase your music?

Well, both Barbie Doll and One Level are available to purchase on iTunes, and I have recently created an account on Triple J Unearthed. It would mean the world to me if you checked them out! Thank you so much for having me.

Thanks Samantha.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

ON SHOW

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

ON VIEW 27 MARCH - 26 APRIL, 2015 Sciberras is well known for his evocative abstract landscape paintings that capture an emotional response to place. Sciberras spends extended periods of time in the landscape, deeply absorbing all aspects of the environment.

He spends time with local communities and traditional owners to gain an understanding of the history of a specific place. Through this immersion Sciberras connects with the landscape on an intimate level, responding to the cultural memory of the site and providing a uniquely human response to the landscape. “... to Luke Sciberras the landscape is not a visual memory it is a palimpsest of memories, histories, myths, past lives and past journeys...”

Rex Irwin, Director, Olsen Irwin Gallery Strange Devotion, Gallipoli, 2014, oil on board, 160 x 240cm (detail)

WORKS FROM THE PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL COLLECTION

WAUCHOPE RAILWAY CENTENARY OF RAIL 27 MARCH - 26 APRIL This photographic exhibition explores the economic prosperity brought to the Hastings Valley and the transformation of Wauchope from a bush village to a “railway town”.

Glasshouse Regional Gallery supporting arts within our community.

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

02 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au

INSPIRE

WORKS ON PAPER

8 APRIL - 26 APRIL

27 MARCH - 26 APRIL

Water and mountain glimpses, the sound of crashing waves and running rivers, and a magnificent hinterland are part of our everyday lives. The raw beauty of where the water meets the land is treasured by our residents and visitors.

The spirit of landscape and water connect many of the subjects, with styles ranging from representational to abstraction. Several local and national artists are highlighted in this exhibition.

A Glasshouse Regional Gallery exhibition.

A Glasshouse Regional Gallery exhibition.

Neil Frazer, Drum, 2012 acrylic on canvas 137 x 137 cm (detail).

Courtesy of the artist and Martin Browne Contemporary, Sydney.

Dennis Nona, Bia, 2003, hand-coloured linocut print, edition 33/85, 105 x 75cm (detail). Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Collection, purchased 2006.

Government Sponsors A facility of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Founding Sponsors The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

THE ROSS FAMILY

greater port macquarie focus.

13

focusinterview.

•WAU C H O P E •

Erica Taig and Margaret Love from the Wauchope Patchwork Quilters fill us in on the finer details of a wonderful quilting show that will be held in Wauchope from Aprli 17 - 19 …

W

hat are your positions with the Wauchope Patchwork Quilters, and how long have you been a member of

the group?

Erica Taig - President; member for 19 years.

Margaret Love - Vice President; member for 15 years.

When and where does your group normally meet, and how many members do you currently have?

Wauchope Patchwork Quilters meet twice a week, on Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm to 9pm and Thursday mornings from 9am to 1pm at the Rotary Youth Hall, Bain Park, Wauchope.

The group currently has sixty six members.

What are the aims of your group?

The aims of the group are threefold. Firstly, to provide a friendly and supportive environment where members can develop and extend their skills. Secondly, to provide a social environment which fosters supportive friendships, and thirdly, to make a charitable contribution to the local community through the provision of quilts and fundraising for worthy causes.

Examples of our charity work include the donation of quilts to Bundaleer Nursing Home and Wauchope Palliative Care Unit, providing raffle quilts to various community organisations, making Christmas placemats for Meals on Wheels recipients and donating over 200 crib quilts to Bourke Hospital. In addition, quilts have also been donated to Victorian and

14

greater port macquarie focus.

Tasmanian bushfire appeals. ing, where items were created for a practical Patchwork and quilting probably look purpose and no pieces of fabric were ever quite difficult to someone who hasn’t discarded but put to a good use. tried them before. What skill level is You’re hosting a quilt show from April 17 required of people who wish to join your 19. What is the venue for this show, what group - do you help rank begintime will it be open to the public ners start their new hobby? each day, and will there be There is no requirement to an entry fee? have any skills in patchOur quilt show is being t Whilst this is no work and quilting, just a held in the Showground our first quilt desire to learn. BeginPavilion, High St, Waun the show, I’m certai ners are always welchope from 10am to ns ai inspiration rem come to come along 4pm on Friday 17 April se ca ow the same: to sh and join the more and Saturday 18 April, of s nt le ta the creative to experienced members, plus 10am to 2pm on d an rs be our mem l ca lo who are happy to share a Sunday 19 April 2015. r fo s nd fu raise their knowledge and The entry fee is $5, ” e. us ca skills. with children under 13 The group conducts both years free. The Wauchope internal and external workCentenary of Rail will also be shops utilising members and more staging a display in a neighbouring renowned tutors, which are aimed at all pavilion. levels of skill.

What was the inspiration behind decidWhy do you quilt - what do you most ing to host a show of this kind? enjoy about the process?

Whilst this is not our first quilt show, I’m Personally, I love the creativity of combining certain the inspiration remains the same: to beautiful fabrics and producing an even more showcase the creative talents of our members beautiful quilt. I also experience a sense of and to raise funds for a local cause. relaxation as I sew, which is a pleasant respite This year the group will be raffling two lovely from the everyday pace of life. I enjoy the quilts, with the funds going to the Palliative entire process of creating a quilt, particularly if Care Unit at Wauchope Hospital. it resembles the pattern when completed!

Describe the activities/exhibition that will I have always had an interest in the crafts be on offer … which women from previous generations have Over one hundred quilts, both traditional pursued, particularly domestic crafts like sewand contemporary, pieces of textile art and

“

smaller items including cushions, bags and table runners will be exhibited. A Members Challenge competition involving the creation of a crib quilt is also being conducted. The crib quilts will later be donated to a remote hospital, possibly in outback QLD. There will be four main prizes, to be judged by both our members and visitors to the quilt show. In addition, a “Keeping The Tradition Alive” award will be judged, which is given in memory of our late member, Dorothy Kaltenbach, whose quilting skills were exceptional.

There will be demonstrations of various patchwork and quilting activities, plus local patchwork businesses will also have merchandise tables selling fabrics, cottons and related items.

In respect of refreshments, Wauchope Patchwork Quilters members will also be catering with tea/coffee and homemade cooking available at a cost of $6 per head.

Where can readers find out more info about both your group and the quilt show?

Readers can contact Erica Taig, President, on 0402 568 596 regarding our pending quilt show and our Thursday morning group, or Jo Stennett on 0458 529 175 in relation to the Tuesday evening group. New members are always welcome.

The group’s details can also be found on the internet under Wauchope Patchwork Quilters.

Photographs of members’ beautiful creations are proudly displayed on this blog.

Thanks ladies. Interview by Jo Atkins.

A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N / / A PU RG UI LS T2 02 1051 4

5

Easter Sunday Buffet Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt When Sunday 5th April.

Where Sails Resort by Rydges.

Time Buffet available from 6:30am - 10:30am; egg hunt at 8am and 10am.

Cost $25 per adult / $12.50 per child under 12.

Bookings essential. Phone 6589 5100.

Rydges High Tea on the Hastings

30

27

In honour of "The Racing for Rach"- Camp Quality Fund.

Live entertainment and fashion parade on Level 1 overlooking the water, World ParTea, Cassegrain Sparkling Wine and an array of sweet and savoury delicacies.

Better Homes PRO AM

When Saturday 30th May - 2pm - 6pm.

Tickets $39pp.

Bookings Phone Kate Wood-Foye on 6589 2888 or email kate_woodfoye@rydges.com Tickets also available at reception.

When Monday 27th April - Wednesday 29th April.

Tickets $60pp, 2 courses, guest speaker Damien

more moreinformation information

At Port Macquarie Golf Club - PRO AM Dinner, Monday 27th April at 6pm; Tuesday and Wednesday PRO AM.

Fleming, MC Mike Rabbitt.

Cost Golf $30 per person; $50 or for both days.

Contact reception on 6582 0409.

Line & Brush Exhibition Artists Kim Staples, Colleen Palmer and Roberta Sandeman-Allen present an exciting exhibition of paintings and drawings which are a mix of the ocean and its connections, Zentangled inspired art and the beauty of earth and nature.

Where Long Point Vineyard.

When 2nd April - 2nd June 2015 6 Cooinda Place, Lake Cathie. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Garden Village Op Shop Garden Village Op Shop has had an enormously successful first year, reaching unexpected sales that have assisted in purchasing many items for the Village residents. The Op Shop is open Wednesday and Thursday each week from 9am - 12:30pm and on 2nd Saturday (11 April and 9 May next month), so all are welcome to browse the store, located on the Western side, access via Findlay Avenue.

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000

greater port macquarie focus.

15

focusinterview.

MICHAEL WARD. SES

Vo lu ar e nte Y er of the

A W A R D S

ON MARCH 4, THE ROTARY CLUB OF PORT MACQUARIE HOSTED THE 2ND ANNUAL EMERGENCY SERVICE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS. THE RESULT WAS JOINT WINNERS – TWO MEN EQUALLY DESERVING OF THE TITLE – MICHAEL WARD FROM THE STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE (SES) AND JOHN DAVISON FROM THE RURAL FIRE SERVICE (RFS).

W

hat first inspired you to join the SES, and how long have you now been a member?

I had been working in Sydney for a couple of years and was looking for a role that would allow me to give something back to the community. I investigated a number of options and was attracted to the NSW State Emergency Service. SES undertakes a range of tasks providing the opportunity to assist your local community and delivers nationally recognised training and qualifications.

I commenced with SES in 2003 and transferred to Port Macquarie SES in 2005 and have now been a member for 12 years.

Your current role with the Port Macquarie SES is Deputy Unit Controller Rescue and Training. What does this role entail?

NSW SES is the combat agency for floods, storm and tsunamis. In addition, Port Macquarie SES is the primary response agency for General Land Rescue (including Motor Vehicle Rescue), Vertical Rescue and Flood Rescue; we also provide assistance to other emergency services as the need arises.

My role involves ensuring that Port Macquarie SES is ready to go operational at any time. This involves ensuring that our members have the training, qualifications and experience that is required and that we have the appropriate equipment and means of deploying this equipment into the field where and when it is required.

Additionally, I am a General Land Rescue, Vertical Rescue Operator and Flood Rescue Technician. I have been the Incident Controller during storm and floods and as a qualified trainer and assessor, I am responsible for delivering a number of SES training courses.

You’re also involved with the Power of Choice programme, which targets our local youth. What are the aims of this programme, and how does it help our

16 greater port macquarie focus.

young people?

Power of Choice has the simple aim of zero fatalities for P-Plate Drivers that have undertaken the Power of Choice Programme.

The ongoing success of Power of Choice is that all of the presenters are passionate about achieving this aim and are willing to continually volunteer their time with the goal of empowering our youth to make informed decisions on the road, either as a driver or a passenger.

Power of Choice has proven to be a very successful programme and is presented to all Year 11 Students each year.

How many hours a week/year do you estimate you volunteer with the Port Macquarie SES unit?

All of the members at Port Macquarie SES Unit volunteer their time, with the majority of members working full-time. I am a Civil Engineer and Registered Land Surveyor with King Campbell, a multi-disciplinary planning and design consultancy located in Port Macquarie.

New members spend an average of three to five hours a week between training and operations. I estimate that I spend between ten and fifteen hours per week.

We aim to deliver training outside business hours; however, as you can appreciate, we are unable to plan when our services will be required. I am fortunate that I work for a very understanding employer and am able to leave work to respond to our rescue tasks as they arise.

What inspires you to keep volunteering, and what is the most rewarding thing for you personally about being involved with the SES? I have a strong Christian faith and always return to the passage in James: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them Go in peace; keep warm and well fed but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

I have been able to assist with events such

as the Hunter Storms in the Best in Us” is true. It is a I have been the r 2007, the response very rewarding experience lle Incident Contro to Cyclone Yasi and to know that you can s d flood during storm an the floods that assist your community in ed and as a qualifi Port Macquarie times of need, and the , or ss trainer and asse r experienced in 2013, comradery and sense of fo e bl I am responsi which were the worst achievement make the of r be m nu a delivering s.” since 1978. long hours worthwhile. se ur co ng ni SES trai Often it is simple You were recently the things that I find the joint winner of Rotary’s most rewarding. I recently Second Annual Emergency assisted an elderly lady with a Services Volunteer of the Year tree branch on her house and once Awards. What are your thoughts on the task was completed, she wouldn’t let me winning this award? leave until she produced a box of chocolates as I was humbled by the nomination and thanks. award. My thanks go to Rotary for taking the SES crews need to deal with a range of time to acknowledge the contribution that all tasks. What’s an experience that you’ve had Emergency Service Volunteers undertake in the as a member of SES that will always stick in community. your mind?

I am but one of many members of Port It is difficult to identify any single event; the Macquarie SES, and all contribute to the devastation after Cyclone Yasi was unlike I had ongoing success of the unit. The recognition ever experienced, and I still remember the first is appreciated, especially as it was unexpected fatality that I attended. and never one of the reasons why I joined and Winning the State and National Disaster continue with SES. Rescue Competitions in 2013 was a rewarding What are your plans/goals for the rest of experience and demonstrates the high level of 2015? training and commitment of Port Macquarie 2015 is shaping up to be a busy year. In SES. addition to our operational roles, we are In December last year I was reading the Port currently preparing to attend the State Disaster News article on the top ten most viewed stories Rescue Competition in May at Wollongong and from 2014 and realised that I had been involved the Australasian Road Rescue Championships with nine of these. in July at Alice Springs. Personally, I am looking Why would you encourage people to forward to competing in a number of team become involved with their local SES Unit? outdoor obstacle/mud runs.

SES provides the opportunity to help your Where can readers find out more info local community in times of need. We assure about their local SES - especially if they’re all new members that they will be called out interested in joining? at 2am when it is cold and raining to tarp a We run an intake for new members resident’s roof or clear a tree that has fallen. If approximately every nine months. We have members decide to become involved with our just completed an intake; however, interested rescue roles, they will be exposed to motor readers can contact Port Macquarie SES on vehicle accidents, extended searches and (02) 6581 0150 for further information or visit fatalities. www.ses.nsw.gov.au However, SES’s motto: “The Worst in Nature Thanks Michael.

“

focusinterview.

“ Vo r lu ea nte Y er of the

I help to manage various brigades across the two districts, Hastings and Manning.

This includes 52 brigades of volunteers, 10 group officers and salaried staff. ”

A W A R D S

JOHN DAVISON. RFS

H

i John. What first inspired you to join the RFS, and how long have you been a member?

I started in ’83. I moved up from Canberra onto a rural property, and encountered fires that first year. All the farmers got together - it really wasn’t organised or well planned when we fought the fires, and I thought there had to be a better way. So, that’s what got me interested in joining the RFS. Your current role is Group Captain in the Mid North Coast Rural Fire Service. What does this role entail?

I help to manage various brigades across the two districts, Hastings and Manning. This includes 52 brigades of volunteers, 10 group officers and salaried staff. The hierarchy is: management level at the top, then group officers in middle management, who act as a conduit between the staff and the volunteers - we basically manage the volunteers in their everyday work, their training, and when there are fires, we go out to manage them on the field to ensure they’re in a safe working environment.

We have the tactics to control the fires, whereas the volunteers often may not have the skills or experience when it comes to seeing the bigger picture. If there are more than three or four trucks in action, we’ll definitely be out in the field managing them.

What are some of the various qualifications you’ve obtained since being a member of the RFS? Everyone starts with the basics, which allows you to go out on a truck and work under other officers’ supervision. After this there are a number of different graduations you can go through, to AF (Advanced Firefighter), Crew Leader, to Group Leader, which is managing numbers of brigades and could involve taking these brigades away on deployment interstate, for example.

Some of my other roles include being There’s a great camaraderie, and you meet lots Chairman of the Bushfire Management of people from all different fields.

Committee, which liaises with other In the last few years we’ve had a very departments such as National Parks, Councils rewarding relationship with local Councils and the Forestry within the Mid North Coast; especially with their infrastructure staff. We we manage the fires and plan what needs to liaise regularly with local Councils through be done for the next year, including hazard meetings, and this process works very well. reduction. I also sit on various sub committees, You’ve travelled to many part of Australia such as the Operations sub committee and fighting fires. What’s an experience you’ve I’m also the Chairman and member of the had since you’ve been involved with the Disciplinary Committee …

RFS that will always stick in your mind I’m a training assessor and coordinator and something that had a profound impact on can train people in specialist areas such as you? chainsaw operations and prescribed burning.

The Victorian fires of February 2009 … the How many hours a week/year do you Black Saturday Fires. We were the first shift estimate you volunteer with the RFS? in after the fires had run through; we were This can vary from a few hours a week, to deployed to Marysville, and they suffered the all week, depending on the fire activity and loss of a lot of lives there. The utter devastation training processes at the time. Every five to particularly stuck in our mind … six weeks we do a weekend or one full day Also, on a personal note, there was an ACT in at Fire Control; we run the fire centre, firefighter in our division who was struck organising the despatch for any by a tree and killed while he was Triple 0 calls and ensuring the fighting the fires, so this has appropriate resources are certainly stuck in my mind. available.

He was in the wrong It was an honour We can also be sent place at the wrong time. to win , but really away on deployment There were lots of trees any I’m just one of m - we’ve just returned coming down around e people out ther from Perth, which us - it’s one of the been who could have . involved a five day gambles we take out in on w nominated and g in commitment, and the fi eld …

I’ll just keep do ” there was a 14 day Why would you what I’m doing. commitment as well. This encourage community very much varies according members to become to fire activity at the time. involved with their local What inspires you to keep RFS? volunteering ... what is the most The RFS is for everyone who has the rewarding thing for you personally time to put in. Don’t think that just because about being involved with the RFS? you come from an urban area, you won’t be Working with the other firefighters. There’s useful. a whole cross section of firefighters - from We have positions in areas such as Prime Ministers down to people who’ve just communications, where people can come in left school at 16. and man the control rooms - we need several It’s good to have a challenge and to work of these people every day and when we get out how to “stop the beast from running”. into some of the bigger situations, the more

“

hands on deck the better!

There’s a job for everyone, be it from First Aiders, radio operators, in the field fighting fires, logistics, support brigades who take gear out to the guys. We have people from 16 up into their 80s who come into the control rooms, operate efficiently, and do their bit.

You never know - one day you might be the one who needs the help.

The training you get these days is also nationally accredited, so you can take it with you wherever you go in life.

You were recently the joint winner of Rotary’s Second Annual Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year Awards Congratulations! What are your thoughts on winning this award?

It was an honour to win, but really I’m just one of many people out there who could have been nominated and won. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing.

What are your plans/goals for the rest of 2015?

To prepare for the next fire season, making sure hazard reduction takes place around the urban interface areas when the weather’s right.

I need to make sure people keep up with their training, and I’d like to recruit as many people as I can for the oncoming fire season. It’s no good recruiting when the smoke’s already in the air - we need to do this beforehand, so people can have training in place before the fires come …

Where can readers find out more info about the RFS - especially if they’re interested in joining?

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or call into the Fire Control Centre in Cameron Street, Wauchope.

Thanks John.

Interviews by Jo Atkins. greater port macquarie focus.

17

Curiouser & Curiouser, opens its doors April 19th

long point Vineyard & Gallery Long Point Vineyard and Gallery presents an exciting exhibition of paintings and drawings by three talented local artists. Line & Brush is a mix of the ocean and its connections, Zentangled inspired art and the beauty of earth and nature.

Kim Staples is an Australian artist who takes inspiration from the colours and beauty of her natural surroundings.

Splashes of colour, shapes and lines depict her diverse style of work. Qualifications in the field of visual arts and art therapy have led to Kim’s professionalism as an artist, tutor and art therapist. Recognition has come from a number of awards, exhibitions and sales both local and international.

Artist Roberta Sandman-Allen spends much of her free time creating works in various mediums, including acrylics, pastels, polychrome and intense crayons, pencil, inks and various mixed textures. Roberta’s art is intuitive, creative and thought provoking, including her newest ink and colour pencil drawings (now at Long Point Vineyard). Her family has recently arrived from the UK on holiday and are looking forward to visiting the exhibition.

Colleen Palmer is a local artist based in Port Macquarie.

Multi-award winning, Colleen’s work has become a part of public and private collections around the state.

Using pen and ink, pencil, mixed media, acrylics and watercolour, her love of line, light and texture shine through in her works.

This must-see exhibition is running at Long Point Vineyard and Gallery from 2nd April to 2nd June. Open 6 days, 10am to 5pm. Closed Monday.

18 greater port macquarie focus.

Curiouser & Curiouser

THE Market Scene The Market scene in Port Macquarie is certainly alive and offers you the opportunity to come and enjoy a beautiful range of stalls twice a month.

The Foreshore Market is overflowing with the freshest of local produce and a great range of stalls selling everything from local handicrafts, artwork and clothing. A real meeting point for locals, it is one of the most loved markets in the region. Live music, great food to go; bring along your baskets and enjoy a stroll along the foreshore of the Hastings River. It is held on the second Saturday of every month.

Cassegrain Winery is the picture perfect home to The Artist Market in The Vines. This is a market not be missed; if you have an appreciation for beautiful local handmade crafts and artworks, it is the best way to spend your Sunday. With over 50 stalls, always a huge lineup on the stage and one of the most gorgeous venues, you will be sure to fall in love with this market as much as we do.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our markets in April.

About a year ago, Diane (from Haven Fine Arts Gallery at North Haven) opened her own ceramics studio and workshop next to the gallery, which she called ‘The Protean Shed’. Being new to the area, Diane began searching for local ceramic or sculptural artists working in clay. The artists she found are an eclectic group. Some began their relationship with the gallery through other art forms, for example John Hyde first appeared at the gallery in the gallery’s first Portrait exhibition in July 2014. Another artist who was hung in the Portrait competition was Deb King, who exhibited her marvellous self-portraits in the Portrait exhibition, but the real focus of her art is the beautiful ceramic pots, towers and other forms she produces in her home studio.

When Diane started offering customers kiln firing services at the Protean Shed, another ceramic artist joined the group. Jo Timmins makes beautifully distinctive ceramic jewellery and wall art, which attract attention immediately. Jo introduced Diane to Deb Farrell, from the Mud Shack at Kempsey. Deb makes wonderfully constructed vessels, ships and amazing dolls.

So the four artists have joined Diane for this wonderfully stimulating group exhibition, Curiouser & Curiouser, which opens its doors April 19th. Diane’s works for this exhibition are based on Alice in Wonderland, and include sculptures and wall art inspired by both Lewis Carroll and Johnny Depp! Be sure to come and have a look during the month (Thursday to Sunday) and join us at the opening at Noon on Sunday 19th (after the Laurieton markets) and meet these wonderful local artists.

Photos courtesy of Nicholas Kocis.

focusinterview.

DOUG LAS VALE

VINEYARD FESTIVAL DAY

DEE WATKINSON IS ONE OF THE TEAM OF TIRELESS VOLUNTEERS WHO GIVE UP THEIR TIME TO MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE ONE OF PORT MACQUARIE’S MOST ICONIC LANDMARKS – DOUGLAS VALE VINEYARD AND HOMESTEAD.

J

ust in time for Heritage Week, the vineyard will host a festival on April 18 … so if you’ve never had the chance to visit this beautiful site before (or even if you have!) why not take the opportunity to find out more about an important piece of our local history!

Hi Dee. What’s your role at Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard and how did you become involved?

After 39 years living and working in the Adelaide Hills, hubby Steve and I wanted a sea change for retirement. Port Macquarie was always our number one choice, having holidayed here previously. Making the big move just a year ago, it was clear that volunteering would be a positive way to enjoy the community and meet people.

We had passed Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard on the Oxley Highway close to town several times and were delighted to find that they required new volunteers. We were warmly greeted and made to feel part of “the family” immediately. With an AGM a few months after this, I was accepted as the Publicity and Promotions Officer, a brilliant way to throw yourself in at the deep end and discover your new town!

Please give us a brief potted history of the property ...

Douglas Vale dates back to 1859, when vigneron George Francis purchased 8.1ha of land and built the cottage for his family. He established the vineyard with Black Isabella cuttings believed to have come from Major Innes property at Lake Innes and had significant success at international wine shows in the late 1800s. Margaret Wilson, his daughter, continued with the vineyard until the last vintage in 1918. Further descendants lived in the homestead until 1993.

After this time, the State Government progressively resumed the land and vandalism occurred in the now empty home. As a response, the Douglas Vale Conservation Group Inc was formed in 1995 with the 3.08 ha of remaining land, and their 20th anniversary will be celebrated

20

greater port macquarie focus.

later this year. This dedicated group of volunteers festival ... set about restoring and preserving the property Volunteers will be dressed in Colonial costume as a working museum and vineyard for future and indeed, visitors can come with their Colonial generations. attire and compete for a prize - Olives Restaurant The Homestead is the oldest timber building has kindly offered a meal for two for the best in the Hastings region and with the interesting dressed vistor in Colonial costume! outbuildings, is classified by the National Trust of Take a tour of the Heritage buildings containing Australia and the Councils list of Heritage sites. authentic family artefacts, including a 400 Douglas Vale is owned by the local community year old Bible and a small shell collection of through the Lands Department. international significance.

What products are currently sold Local identity Ian Goulding has built through your cellar door? model replica sea vessels, which The vineyard now produces bring to life the Douglas three grape varieties, Black Vale connection with the Isabella from the original maritime history of Port The whole property is cuttings plus Villard Macquarie. Stories of d Blanc and Chambourcin. formidable characters looked after an ely maintained entir y Available for tasting are showcased an by volunteers , m and purchase exclusively - pioneers who rt of whom are pa at the cellar door are contributed so much to 95 of the original 19 two white wines, a rose, the area for more than group.” two reds and the famous 130 years, and over 2,000 Isabella Port. Also available members are identified in are local preserves and Douglas the family tree.

Vale souvenir items.

Enjoy tasting our wines, have a Douglas Vale is a not for profit Devonshire Tea and sausage sizzle. Take organisation. Who looks after and a stroll to the vineyard, orchard and gardens, maintains the property, and where are where a number of trees and shrubs are 150 funds sourced from to do so? years old, including the bamboo, which provides a As a working vineyard, Douglas Vale is unique spectacular entrance from the driveway. in Australia. The whole property is looked after There will be Heritage games to play, a and maintained entirely by volunteers, many of colouring in competition especially for children, whom are part of the original 1995 group. Being craft displays, market stalls and heritage vehicles a not-for-profit organisation, funding comes on display. Sing along with the entertainers, who from wine sales, special event open days, visitor include Roy Sweeney, Sing Australia, Blokes Notes donations, catering and weddings. We aim to and Adam and the Antiques. promote this amazing venue through as many What time will festivities commence on the channels as possible, given that there is no budget day - and is there an entry cost to the event? to do so!

Festivities commence at 9:30 and conclude at Douglas Vale will host a Heritage Festival 2:30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation please, Day on April 18. What is the aim of the day? and there are some great prizes in the raffles.

The Heritage Day on Saturday, April 18th is part 1st prize a Bottle of Portobella with etched port of the Heritage Festival. It will give visitors the glasses, 2nd prize two bottles of Douglas Vale opportunity to step back in time and experience a White Wine, and 3rd Prize a large serving tray. unique taste of history.

What are the normal opening hours at Describe the activities planned for the Douglas Vale, for those interested in visiting?

“

Our guided Tours and Tastings are extremely popular for visitors to call in at any time between 10am - 3pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Groups over 15 can pre-book our very famous Devonshire Teas, whilst larger bus groups can pre-book a sausage sizzle lunch or cheese platter on any of those days too. We are a popular destination for weddings and photos because of the magnificent grounds and surroundings.

It’s obvious from speaking to volunteers at Douglas Vale just how much they love the homestead and vineyard. What do you personally love most about the property - and why do you feel it’s so important to preserve it for future generations?

The volunteers are passionate about their contribution to this property and attend for amounts of time to suit personal needs. There are a wide range of activities to get involved in.

Mechanical skills, woodworking, restoration, painting, gardening which includes a community established orchard, cottage, rose and vegetable gardens, composting, ground and building maintenance, collecting treasures for the biannual garage sales, tour guiding, wine tasting, promotion at markets, food and wine events.

Then importantly, there is the seasonal work surrounding the vineyard. I believe everyone involved would say how glad they were to walk through the bamboo, a Chinese symbol of “welcome” and discover a yesteryear so worthy of preservation for future generations. It is an absolute treasure that comes with a great sense of camaraderie and friendship, enhancing the experience.

Where can readers find out more info?

Douglas Vale is situated at 235 on the Oxley Highway, in between the Westport Primary and Secondary schools. The phone is operated during the opening times 6584 3792 or 6583 3904.

Contact can be made through the email address: douglasvale1@bigpond.com and the website is www.douglasvale.com.au We also have a Facebook page: Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard.

Thanks Dee. Interview by Jo Atkins.

focusholidays.

APRIL EVENTS

WILDERQUEST INNES RUINS

IN THE HASTINGS

Kids heritage detectives

An interesting activity for kids exploring the extensive ruins of a huge country estate. Follow clues to reveal a picture of life in early Port Macquarie, where convicts worked very hard, discipline was harsh, food was not plentiful and education was a priviledge mostly reserved for the well-to-do. Discover how the Innes family prospered and how they assisted their trusted servants and convicts to start a new life here in the local area. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Tuesday 14 April, 9:45am - 12:15pm.

Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years.

Capacity: 20 children and their accompanying adults.

Lake Innes Nature Reserve.

Meeting place: Locked gate, south end of Ruins Way, Port Macquarie.

Meeting time: 9:45am.

Getting there: Ruins Way is off John Oxley Drive (the former Oxley Hwy) approx 5 km west of Port Macquarie. Obtain a local map or further directions when booking. Please note: the access gates across private property will remain locked for the duration of the tour, so tour patrons need to plan to be onsite for just over two hours.

Information about tour: susan.phillips@ environment.nsw.gov.au or Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre at the Glasshouse.

Bookings phone: 6581 8888.

Bookings email: boxoffice@glasshouse.org.au Price: $10 child; $5 accompanying adult.

Bookings and pre-payment essential.

Comments: Please wear enclosed shoes; thongs or slip ons are not acceptable. Bring a hat, insect repellent, a water bottle and morning tea snack.

Celebrating 100 years

THE RED POPPY PROJECT

This year Australians celebrate 100 years of ANZAC. To many, this will mean honouring the dedication and life of a loved one and to all others, this means remembering and appreciating the fact that Australia is a free and beautiful country that may not be so if it wasn’t for our soldiers’ sacrifices.

To help mark this event, Council is supporting communities throughout the LGA to craft red poppies to be installed in public displays in the lead up to this year’s ANZAC Centenary.

The community project will seek to bring together people of all walks and backgrounds by creating the poppies for an artistic installation that will appear all around the Local Government Area, including in Port Macquaire, Laurieton and Wauchope.

The red poppy has long held a symbolic message dating back to early wars. In both the 19th Century and the 1914 wars, red poppies poked through barren battlefields with scattered fallen soldiers - the only vegetation able to grow in the rough conditions. Today, the red poppy is a symbol of sacrifice and

commitment and all schools, preschools, community groups, sports clubs and even individuals are being asked to get behind the project by creating poppies.

Once the poppies are all made, they will each contribute to creating a truly spectacular display throughout our local townships and will give both children and adults alike the opportunity to personally contribute to the memory of our fallen soldiers.

To make the poppies, use the poppy template provided and get creative! How about red silk poppies? Or, maybe paper plates, tissue or cellophane? Feel free to get as creative as you like - there are no rules!

Once your poppies are finished, simply bring them to your local ANZAC Day march, or drop off to Council offices and libraries across the region. We encourage all locals and community groups to help create this truly spectacular artistic display for all to enjoy.

For information on how you can get involved, please contact Beau Spry at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on 6581 8111 or beau.spry@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

1 April - 2 May This year’s Heritage Festival has something for everyone across the whole region!

School holiday programs, archaeology tours, kids activities, museum workshops and more!

To discover what’s happening, head to:

www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/heritage

greater port macquarie focus.

21

focusinterview.

L

O

C

A

L

A

R

T

I

S

T

A DA M M U R R AY I S A R E N O W N E D L O C A L A R T I S T, W H O S E W O R K S TA K E S H A P E T H R O U G H L AY E R S A N D U T I L I S I N G A RANGE OF DIFFERENT MEDIUMS…

ow and when did you become interested in art?

I've drawn since I can remember and was always doodling at school. I remember being home, sick, from school, and my aunty bought me a “how to draw cartoon characters” book, so early it was known that I liked to draw.

I used to draw Snoopy all the time around this age, and attempts at Mickey Mouse, Speedy Gonzales, and the Road Runner, but Snoopy and the Peanuts characters were simpler drawings and easier for me to copy.

I was crazy about cartoons. All Walt Disney and Looney tunes, Sylvester and Tweety Bird, Foghorn Leghorn, Bugs Bunny, and then later on, Inspector Gadget, Danger Mouse, and early manga like Battle of the Planets and Astro Boy. ABC cartoons in the afternoon, 22

greater port macquarie focus.

“

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE HAND MADE; IT’S LIKE THE BASIS OF WHAT HAS BECOME GRAFFITI FLOW WITHIN THE MOMENT. LIKE FAMILY OWNED FRUIT AND VEG STORES, WITH TICKET WRITING PRICE TAGS.”

and comic strips, like Ginger Meggs, Footrot Flats, and Modesty Blaise.

I also remember on family drives, staring out the car window at the shopfront signage. This was around late ‘70s early ‘80s, when sign writing was hand painted. The spacing and fluid flow naturally from the hand amazed me. That was the first job I wanted, a sign writer, but by the time I left school, signs had become stickers and I didn't see the point in doing that - the end of another tradition. There's nothing like hand made; it’s like the basis of what has become graffiti - flow within the moment. Like family owned fruit and veg stores, with ticket writing price tags. Navel oranges 69c/kg. I like seeing that. Keeping a bit of old school tradition.

What do you recall as being your earliest creative memories?

I think I went through a long copying stage something I now realise was important.

And I still copy as a practice, banking pictures in the mind, a way of digesting something you find appealing for later reference. But I've copied cartoons and skateboard art, tattoo art.

I remember when the Red Hot Chili Peppers got huge and their tattoos were cool and I used to copy their tattoos from the album sleeve, and from there, I got right into perfect tribal and Polynesian tattoo design. And setting my own rules as to what I thought

had flow and movement, because there was a lot of terrible tribal design around. It felt natural, because I was obsessed with being neat. Clean, hard edge and symmetry. And even though that was 20 years ago, I think a bit of this early creativeness still appears in my art today. Fine, organic, linear shapes and directions.

Tell me about the concept behind your art; where do you draw your inspiration from?

Lately I've been experimenting with mark making as content for the head and figure, sketching colourful marks with a range of materials and constantly playing with contrast and trying a balance between fine and abstract.

Sometimes it will appear in my head, a colour or group of colours will appear, or a blurry vision of a composition. Like now I can see a mass of pale pink, with small sharp green markings, so if I was about to start a painting, I

would try that, as a start, or a background. My process runs from finding a photo of a face or body, usually from Instagram or Internet. The photos I save for future drawings have certain angles or contrasts that I find interesting and look fun to draw and experiment with. The first pass or drawing will be closer to real, then from there I'll stretch and/or exaggerate certain areas. And by the time I'm ready to paint, I'll have a selection of different drawings and subjects to combine - like a collage, in a way. Some parts abstract, some parts real.

Contrasting styles to build one image. An exploration of portraiture and the figure.

What medium do you most like to work with?

I think my practice is drawing. Even my paintings are drawings. So anything from graphite to acrylic, anything I can draw and make marks with, quickly. Lately, watercolour pencils, felt pens, paint pens. I love paint pens that are running out, ‘cause you can get a faint, hopeless mark. Like scumbling with paint ... Just touching the surface and letting the under-process come through and be seen, creating layers. I love contrast of application and approach. So materials that help me show between blurred colour transparencies and fine detailed drawings. More layers.

Where is your space, and what feelings do you get when you enter your studio?

My studio is luckily at home - and just got bigger; it's exciting. I have plans for bigger pieces and plans for a continuous painting on

Your work has a profound ply wood panels, inspired by effect on people. Describe Alchemy by Brett Whiteley, the techniques you use one of my favourite MY ART IS A and how you have paintings. A lot of late CONTRAST nights this coming winter. I developed as an BETWEEN am lucky. I get to do this artist from your CONTROLLED every day; I'm living my earlier days with MESS AND BROKEN dream. I have the space, the brush?

DESIGN. I THINK IT’S MORE ABOUT WHAT time, and freedom to dive Thank you.

THE PAINTING into what I love doing: When I first NEEDS AS OPPOSED practicing art. started painting, I TO WHAT YOU A lot of your work hated the look of brush WANT. ” strokes and would use revolves around the female figure. What are your bits of chopped up plastic rulers and wood to scrape inspirations? the paint onto the canvas and The female figure is amazing, rub with my fingers to blend the wonderful. Curves like landscapes. And colours. I still do this, but have grown open being heterosexual, it's a constant wonder, a to any material and application - less personal fun and interesting study/subject. One of my rules and corners and more endless options drawing teachers said, “Look at the female figure like a Lloyd Rees landscape”. I love that. and possibilities.

Laid out rolling hills with depth. For the past I use a lot of water through the process, 4-5 years I had moved away from the figure mixing materials as washes of acrylic, ink and and focused on the head, combinations of water colour. Transparencies, layering and portrait and profile, stretching and distorting, building, rubbing wet into wet, for unknown multiplying and trying to show movement. results. You can put a colour down and it can But in the last year, I've been combining the be less dominant and just touch on the overall head and figure. Trying collage as a drawing painting. Also constant sketching, testing and process, of different parts of different girls, searching. From the drawing to the painting, within the one drawing, to combine and line is dominant. Broken, weighted, guided, design a concocted person - like a female loose, controlled, suggestive lines, that can version of a good looking Frankenstein. act as vibrations. And always attempting Another layering, multiplying process, that contrast - contrast of colour, light and shade, opts to show movement. and a contrast of application. Parts being brief

“

and lazy to other parts being closer to real, and informative. My art is a contrast between controlled mess and broken design. I think it's more about what the painting needs, as opposed to what you want.

What are your ambitions?

To maintain this drive to practice. I hope this is just the start. I want the next 20 - 30 years to be my most progressive and productive years.

I’d like to live and work overseas. Germany, USA, and I really want to see Spain, an art capital of the world, and Germany has become a street art capital of the world, that interests me. I want to paint big walls and make videos and T-shirts and prints and put out books. And just keep having fun, like a kid ... surf, art and music. Simple.

Where can people see examples of your work, or contact you if they'd like more information?

I post everything on Instagram under AdamMurrayArt. And I have some paintings around town, at Sunset gallery. Blackfish coffee, Blue Water restaurant, the bistro at Port Panthers, a joint mural with Simon Luxton at Port Macquarie High School, and a painting of Ahab and Moby Dick at the Pier.

And my home studio is full of art if anyone would like to have a look; you can contact me admuzart@gmail.com or Adam Murray on Facebook.

Thanks Adam. greater port macquarie focus.

23

pan seared atlantic almon fillet served with roast pumpkin & sweetcorn risotto, asparagus & truffle oil. from QUAYLIME

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

24

greater port macquarie focus.

Housemade milk chocolate mousse, white chocolate ice cream and chocolate shards

salty's bar and grill

quaylime restaurant+Bar

Happy Easter to all our customers and their families.

We will be open all Easter long weekend.

Book now to secure your table for our Good Friday lunch and dinner.

We will have a lovely array of Fresh Seafood to tantalise those tastebuds along with our regular menu options.

Satly’s Bar and Grill is Licensed Venue over looking the Hastings River and these school holiday it will be ther perfect place to enjoy some family time or catching up with long lost friends.

Come and celebrate Easter with us.

Open: Good Friday • Easter Saturday • Easter Sunday • Easter Monday We will be open 7 days over the holiday period, April 4th - 19th.

Live music 5:30 - 8:30pm Fridays and 4pm - 7pm Sundays.

Head Chef Tim Grieves.

Owner Andrea & Head Chef Sam.

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841

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

Wednesday - Saturday, dinner from 6pm.

Wednesday - Sunday, lunch from 12pm.

Pistachio and herb crusted lamb cutlets.

the point Restaurant & Café Local. Fresh. Delicious.

With water views and floor to ceiling windows, The Point’s unique alfresco dining is the perfect spot for spring and summer.

mi casa cafÉ & restaurant

beantree garden café COFFEE & FOOD APPRECIATION DAY | FRIDAY 24TH APRIL, 7:30AM TO 7:30PM A Coffee Appreciation Morning will begin the day at 7:30am.

Botero’s head barista Ed will be able to make you a sample of coffee using Beantree’s exclusive blend, garden or try their organic Fairbeantree Trade coffee or one of their newcafé single origin blends. Ed will also be talking Serving delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch, Beantree Café is the about their roasting techniques, home coffee preparation methods and variables, and a pour over perfect place for a shopping break or a catch up with friends, located in a coffee demonstration relaxing with Rwandan Gihombo single origin. garden setting right in the centre of town.

Enjoy a coffee of your choice forMenu! onlyThe a gold coin donation, withabout all proceeds going to the Fresh Summer chefs at Beantree are passionate using local, seasonal produce to create aDay. delicious menu with a wide choice to local Legacy group to coincide with ANZAC choose from.

Refined lunch menu available from 12pm. Try a delicious main meal from our new refined lunch The weekly specials board will keep you coming back to see what’s Chef Jason. menu and enjoy a FREE ...Try one of our fresh summer salads such as the quinoa and ondessert the menu! chicken salad with3:30pm. mixed greens, packed shredded basil into the weekend, Beer & Wine in the Garden from Wind down afterchicken work breast, and ease oil and topped with a poached egg (pictured above). Fresh cakes relaxing in our garden.pesto Enjoy a share plate of nibbles with friends, accompanied by a wine or beer made in-house by our pastry chef are the perfect addition to a freshly from our selection. roasted Botero coffee.

124 Horton St, Port 124 Macquarie Horton St, Port Macquarie 6583 3055 6583 3055

Jamon, sousvide egg, asparagus,

Town Green, the wide menu range boasts an array of tapas, seafood Be sure to save space for dessert! Or pop in to dishes and traditional Spanish favourites. sample one of the many delicious hand crafted cakes on offer for morning or afternoon tea.

Try the Spanish style Arancini (pictured above) along with a nice cold BYO Alcohol.

Estrella beer. Full of flavour and a great starter! The Chorizo con Gambas and the Carne De Res Marinada are also popular on the Mi Casa menu.

Premium selection wine menu is available, including Marlborough 3 Tales SB, Penfolds and Spanish favourites.

• Lunch and Tapas Wed - Sat from 11:30am - 2pm • Live music Saturday nights Owners Gabriel & Boyne.

• Bookings preferred 168 Settlement Point Rd, Port Macquarie

3/2 Horton Street (Located on Town Green), Port Macquarie.

6584 2020 www.thepointportmacquarie.com 6584 4559

Mon - Fri 8am - 3:30pm.7:30am (Lunch served until 2:30pm). Sat 8:30am - 1pm.

Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 3:30pm.

Saturday, - 2pm.

(Breakfast and light lunch served until 1pm). Closed Sun and public holidays.

Closed Sun and public holidays.

seeded mustard & croquettes. focus.

25 greater port macquarie

Open for breakfast and lunch every day, The Point offers exciting flavour combinations and beautifully brewed barista coffee. Dinner is also a true delight, with your hosts, Boyne and Gabe, serving up nightly specials including fresh, local seafood options and the new “Game of the Month”, Enjoy the rustic atmosphere and Spanish vibe at Mimeats, Casaoffering Spanish which features various game guests the opportunity to try everything from Café, Restaurant and Tapas Bar. With great views overlooking the ostrich to crocodile.

zebu bar+grill Head to the waterfront this festive season and enjoy summer Zebu style with loads of yummy dishes on our casual dining and bar menu.

7 days from 8am-3:30pm for breakfast & Lunch / Tapas: Wed - Sat from 11:30am lunch. Dinner: Wed - Sat from 5:30pm - 2pm. Dinner: Tues - Sun from 6pm.

Mixed tapas plate.

Owners Brendan & Jennis Field.

Strawberry textures, vanilla bean ice cream, champagne jelly foam.

zebu bar+grill

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar Get Marina side this Easter break with family and friends to enjoy a fabulous view, delicious menus and genuine service. The resort restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving up sunshine and fresh sea air with every dish. A great spot over the long weekend - seafood lovers will love the array of fresh seafood and delicious desserts at the Good Friday Seafood Buffet, or bring along the whole family for the Easter Sunday Buffet Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt, which includes a delicious Cadbury chocolate fountain and Easter treats hidden in the restaurant and resort grounds.

Head Chef Michael Schubert.

DIARY DATES: Good Friday Seafood Buffet - Friday 03 April from 6pm. $89 per adult/$49 per child or Kids Eat Free from Spinnakers Kids’ Menu (13 & under).

Easter Sunday Buffet Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt - 6:30am - 10:30am. Two Hunts starting at 8am and 10am! $25 per adult/$12.50 per child under 12.

Located inside Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges.

Park St, Port Macquarie at the roundabout, opp Settlement City 6589 5100

Squeeze out the last drop of sunshine with some live tunes, a relaxing drink and bite to eat on the foreshore at Zebu! Pop into the bar and enjoy a cocktail or two, or reserve your waterfront table in the grill to experience contemporary coastal dining at its best this Easter.

If doing breakfast is more your thing - chillax on the water with our RISE BUFFET BREAKFAST - a huge gourmet selection including fresh juices, wheat grass, scrummy smoothies, extra yummy buffet goodies and made-to-order treats! 6:30am - 10am every day!

DIARY DATE: “High Tea on the Hastings”, Saturday 30 May, 2pm6pm. Enjoy a High Tea of sweet and savoury treats including a glass of Cassegrain bubbles for a good cause. Live entertainment, best dressed, best hat and fascinator.

Executive Chef Adam Tait.

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

7 days, from 6:30am - late. Bar open noon daily. Bookings recommended.

Chicken sous vide with pickled heirloom beetroot, broadbeans, wild mushrooms, radish sprouts and master stock reduction.

restaurant synergy

off the hook

Where food and service work in harmony.

Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Narelle Walsh.

Synergy Restaurant & Bar located at the Mercure Centro Hotel in the heart of town.

We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old style hamburgers, snacks, salads and of course, fish and chips. We have added a larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets.

For an intimate dining experience, offering modern Australian cuisine at its best.

Intimate private dining rooms available on request, for bookings of 10 or more guests. Also consider our unique rooftop banquet room, with amazing ocean views, for that spectacular event.

Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie 6583 0830 www.centrohotel.com.au 7 days, 6:30am - 10am for breakfast; 5pm - late for dinner. Bookings essential.

26 greater port macquarie focus.

Open all Easter Long Weekend.

Executive Chef Nathaniel.

The friendly staff.

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green.

6584 1146 7 days, from 11am - late.

EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome.

focusinterview.

rydges port macquarie

ENJOY A RELAXED AFTERNOON ON THE WATER AT HIGH TEA ON THE HASTINGS AT RYDGES PORT MACQUARIE ... A GRAND AFTERNOON TEA PARTY OVERLOOKING THE RIVER.

ON THE

HASTINGS

G

uests will enjoy live entertainment, higher, with fabulous prizes for best dressed lady, best a scrumptious high tea of warm fascinator and the best hat. savouries and naughty cup cakes, with Event coordinators Natalie Junge and Irene freshly brewed World ParMifsud from Camp Quality have added an Tea served in vintage extra element this year, with a fashion tea sets. Not forgetting the most parade from the Hastings Co-Op at important ingredient of all - a Wauchope and Port Macquarie. glass of award winning Tickets will be strictly limited, y This is one of m Cassegrain sparkling wine. as only 200 guests can favourite events The day is co-sponsored enjoy the afternoon of live d this for the ladies , an akes

by Cassegrain WInes, entertainment and lovely r st year the glamou , Hastings Co-Op, Angel fashions. Tickets will be er will be even high es Cakes, Port News, available for sale at Rydges iz with fabulous pr dy, la d Advanced Aussie Fencing se reception for $39 each. for best dres st be d an or at in and World Par- Tea to The bar will also stay open best fasc complement the fundraising for extra Cassegrain bubbly and hat.”

Race for Rach, with a portion Pimms and Lemonade cocktails of the funds raised going throughout the afternoon. This is a towards Camp Quality. once a year opportunity and a special Kate Wood-Foye, Sales and charity event to support Camp Quality in Marketing Manager of Rydges Port our regional calendar. Grab your tickets - one Macquarie, is delighted to supply the venue and be a for your mum, your girlfriend, your sister and your key sponsor: “This is one of my favourite events for the boss! Hurry to avoid disappointment! Tickets will sell ladies, and this year the glamour stakes will be even out!

“

greater port macquarie focus.

27

EASTER RAFFLES + BETTER HOMES PRO AM Easter is the perfect time to enjoy some great food and catch up with family and friends, and the Port Macquarie Golf Club has a HUGE EASTER RAFFLE on Friday 3rd April. WIN some exciting Easter prizes including seafood vouchers, vouchers to various local businesses, and of course, Easter Eggs! Tickets are on sale from 6.30pm; raffle to be drawn at 7pm.

The Better Homes PRO AM Tournament will be held from Monday 27th April to Wednesday 29th April. This exciting event showcases professional golfers from around Australia and the world, and visitors are welcome on to the course to follow the Pros and enjoy the atmosphere on Tuesday 28 and Wed 29 April.

Don’t miss out on the PRO AM Dinner event on Monday 27th April at 6pm!

28

greater port macquarie focus.

For $60pp, the two course menu includes a mezze plate entree with arancini balls, mediterranean mix, satay chicken skewers, fresh prawns, crostini and house made dip. Mains include a choice of Pork Belly or Scotch Fillet.

Special guest Damien Fleming will be at the PRO AM dinner along with MC Mike Rabbitt from NBN television.

Golf is $30 per person, and includes BBQ lunch and one titleist ball. $50 for both days - enter your team to play with a golf professional or book as an individual and we will place you in a team.

Tickets are on sale NOW! So be sure to phone or call into reception to book your spot!

Great Golf, Great Food, Great Fun!

YES YUM CHINESE RESTAURANT

Easter arrives This month!

Yes Yum Chinese restaurant offers a large selection of traditional Chinese meals and gives you a truly unique and tasty experience. Located upstairs in the Coles complex, access is available through the downstairs entrance, or lift access through the Coles building.

We are open every public holiday, i.e. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, only from 9am to 2pm.

Some popular dishes include the House-made Peking Roast Duck, BBQ Pork and Roasted Pork, which are also very popular in China. The Yes Yum menu is full of traditional favourites, including the spicy chicken and peanuts, mapo tofu and the crispy fried pork chops with a selection of six different sauces to choose from to suit all tastes.

April is a good month for William pears. They have a great flavour, but remember they do ripen quickly. There has been a slight downturn in the growing cycle of bananas; over the next couple of months they may be in short supply.

If you prefer something a little more rich, try the lamb tenderloin with black pepper. For seafood lovers, the seafood combination with XO sauce is a must-try from the Yes Yum menu, along with the fragrant coconut milk King Prawns.

Peaches and nectarines will be finished this month; however, plums will still be available.

Lunch Specials are offered Wed - Sun from 11:30am 2:30pm. For only $10, you can choose from a large array of delicacies including honey chicken or sweet and sour pork, or noodle dishes such as duck meat with rice noodles in samba sauce. Try something different for lunch; whether you are on your break or with a group of friends, the Yes Yum Lunch Specials are great value for money.

Easter will be celebrated together with ANZAC Day, which will make this month very busy. Our trading times during Easter are:

Vegetables, local corn and beans are good value, and the flavour is superb. These two vegies are grown on Red Hill at Telegraph Point by Matt and Tammy Davis, who are 4th generation farmers. Some other locally grown vegetables are fancy lettuce and salad mixes, shallots, Asian greens, snake beans, Ricardo tomatoes and Lebanese cucumbers.

Avocados are slowly coming into season; a better supply means the prices will improve.

A reminder ... we are closed Saturday - ANZAC Day, 25th April we are open Monday, the public holiday, 9am to 2pm “Lest We Forget�.

Look forward to seeing you in our shop in the near future. Ken.

Yum Cha is also available at lunch only, and includes a wide variety of small dishes such as prawn gow gee, pork dim sim, BBQ pork bun and chive and prawn spring roll, to name a few.

Special Offer starting 8th April! Lunch - spend $100 or more to receive a $20 restaurant voucher. Dinner - spend $100 or more to receive a $10 restaurant voucher.

Takeaway and delivery available.

Seniors Discount 5%: dine-in only - lunch and dinner.

greater port macquarie focus.

29

JANE CITIZEN

000000

Proudly sponsored by John Patrick Prestige Cars, “getting you where you want to go”

30

greater port macquarie focus.

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

Below. Donna Charlwood, Peter Casey, Greg Charlwood, Brenda Fernandez and Rebecca Casey at Lisa and Natt’s wedding

Below. Lisa Petersen and Natt Mackenzie on their wedding day

Below. Mix, Tegan and Emily at Wildwood

Above. Crowd faves Chuprosa at Wildwood Left. Belinda Gibson and Gemma Clifton

I

Surely it’s wrong to eat 23 chocolate freckles in one sitting? This is really not a question of life or death, but one I found myself asking only moments ago after a rather hectic day and the desperate need to stay awake.

normally don’t have this naughty paraphernalia within reach due to my self confessed inability to decline, but due to three birthday parties for little people in the last two weeks, the house is full of toxic and delicious contraband! Out I say - out! Sadly, resistance is futile.

It was due to the celebration of little people’s birthdays that I missed one of my favourite local events, the Wildwood Festival at Cassegrain.

Whilst friends were chillaxing with a locally brewed beer, a glass of crisp sparkling, some cheesy nibble goodness and reclining amongst the trees to the sounds of Tijuana Cartel - I was sweating it out in Old Bar at a swing set with a gaggle of little people - screaming, “I want a face paint!” “I want to be a bee, not a pirate” and dodging chewed up sticky black cat lollies being spat onto my sandals. Seriously ... Which venue was actually the Wildwood, is still to be debated! Congrats again to Simon Lee for putting on another stellar line up of performers, including Benjalu, Bootleg Rascal, Betty & Oswald and crowd favourite Chuparosa, with their funky fusion of reggae and ska. An awesome atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy relaxed food and wine and great times. I will not be missing the next one, scheduled for Sunday 4th October.

Congratulations to the stunning Lisa Petersen and Natt Mackenzie, who were married on a gorgeous March day at St Thomas Anglican

Church in Port Macquarie. This handsome pair said “I Do” in front of 100 family and friends, with the signing of the register accompanied by Mary Ann Parer singing From this Moment from Shania Twain; the beautiful ceremony was followed by a reception at Cassegrain vineyard. Natt and Lisa entered the reception to Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk, busting plenty of groovy moves to include shimmies, moon walking, and finger pistols getting the crowd into the party mood. Guests, including Lisa’s parents Norma and John Petersen enjoyed canapés on arrival followed by entree, main and dessert and a four tier mud cake. Lisa looked absolutely stunning in a vintage style wedding gown and was accompanied by Penny Howell, Kim Butt, Nicole Payne and Teisha Butt.

Natt was attended by Elie Issa, Nathan Rutherford, Don Mackenzie and Josh Thorburn, with the pair having their beautiful boy, William, as page boy. Natt and Lisa danced their bridal waltz to Everyone by Michael Bublé, with the bride and groom being showered in dried rose petals saved by the groom’s mother, Trish Mackenzie, given to her over the years by husband David Relf. The couple will settle in beautiful Port Macquarie.

Makeup was by Evelina Kemp, hair artistry by Casey of Seiki Hair, and stunning imagery by Jade at Little Glimpses and flowers by Touchwood.

Congrats,Lisa and Natt! Wishing you happiness and love always.

Farewell to the lovely Belinda Gibson of the Glasshouse, who heads to the Gold Coast to work

on an exciting entertainment precinct project after seven years as Program Manager Performing Arts - her parting gift to Port Macquarie was the Macy Gray’s The Way Tour and the divinely talented Australian performer Lior, who played to a full house in late March. We are seriously spoilt for choice locally with fabulous musical artists, dance and theatre companies visiting us at this top notch venue. Thank you, B, for being part of a team that have brought some amazing talent and memories to the stage - you will be missed!

It’s time to get high, ladies! High Tea for a fabulous cause is on the cards for May, with Natalie Junge heading up the “High Tea on the Hastings” at Rydges in honour of her late friend Rachel, who passed away suddenly from cancer.

Rachel was a beautiful, vibrant young woman who was renowned for her delicious cupcakes created and sold at local markets, a tradition now carried on by her mum, Pam. Natalie together with Irene Mifsud of Camp Quality and Rydges, will be hosting a delicious High Tea at Rydges for 200 ladies to raise funds for cancer in Rachel’s name. There will be fashion, fun, bubbles, sweet and savoury treats, as well as prizes for best dressed, hat and fascinator. This event is always a fave for the ladies on a sunny autumn afternoon and will definitely sell out.

It was a tale of two cities recently when I took a dash to Sydney and the Gold Coast for a little retail therapy, some fine food and some live shows. I shopped up a storm in the afternoon,

purchasing an obscene array of footwear followed by a fabulous dinner and cocktails at a funky little Cuban restaurant in Church St. There was a serious lack of clothing to choose from, with Port Macquarie’s’ gorgeous boutiques like Shanti Butterfly and Elements of Design giving the big smoke a run for their money in quality and style.

The blitzkrieg session in Sydney was followed by a Gold Coast stint enjoying a night of magnificent Mexican at Stingrays at the QT Gold Coast and Billy Connolly live. The buffet breakfast at QT was off the charts for choice and quality, with every kind of breakfast delight on offer. A super trip of sun and fun, but always fab to be home to enjoy brekky by the sea with smoked salmon eggs benny at the one and only Bittersweet Café. You know it’s good when it’s pouring down outside, and the place is so packed you can’t make your way to the cake cabinet! Sunday paper, sleep in and smoked salmon life is good!

I finish this month wondering where four years went, with a birthday party for my the little man of the house. The fear of the dreaded birthday cake baking debacle of 2012, ‘13 and ‘14 still haunts me, leaving me with bodily wounds, visible oven burns and serious mental scars. Torrential rain added a fraction more stress to the day, with a last minute venue change from the beach to our home ensuring the house was like peak hour in Pitt St on a sugar rush! Heaps of fun ... with lots of naughty leftovers. Thank God it’s a year ‘til the next one? Smartie or cupcake anyone? Kate.

greater port macquarie focus.

31

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

MICHAEL REID N E X T M O N T H ’ S I R O N M A N , O N S U N DAY M AY 3 , M A R K S T H E 10T H Y E A R OF T H E PORT M ACQUA R I E R AC E . I T ’ S A N A M A Z I N G S P E C TAC L E A N D A F O R M I DA B L E L O G I S T I C S EXERCISE. SUSIE LUNCHES WITH THE LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN.

O

f all the attributes of our special part of the world, Ironman Australia is Port Macquarie’s unique icon. An impressive number of the community, some 2222 in fact, are intimately involved in mounting this biannual event, now celebrating 10 years in the running. Not just the running, of course, but Ironman’s startling near-4km swim in bracing 6.30am water temperatures followed unbroken by a mighty 180km-plus bike ride (on the toughest terrain), topped off with the exhausting 42km-plus run: one of the most difficult sporting events ever devised. What’s more, there’s a strict time limit: if you haven’t completed it in 17 hours, before midnight, well ..! Naturally, there’s the triumph and fun of the awards presentation and after-parties, but none of that takes away from what local organising committee (LOC) chairman Mike Reid sums up, in understatement, is “a hard thing to do”. Most observers consider it, literally, “breathtaking”, awed by the athletes’ stamina, and thrill to the sight of them tackling the challenges that take participants from the formidable swirl at the mouth of the Hastings River along the road south to Diamond Beach Road at Dunbogan, and back - twice - and onto the streets, and hills, around the waterfront.

Remarkably, the leading contenders do it within half the allowed time, near enough to eight and a half hours: say, a 44 to 50-minute swim, some well under five hours on the bike, and the best in the run leg home in as little as a swift 2 hours 48. Moreover, Ironman’s website puts the standard race entry fee for May at $775 - for the privilege of competing in what many of us would regard as torture. On top of that there’s elite equipment costs and, for the majority, travel and accommodation expenses. Of some 1700 starters last year, just a hearty 68 were local competitors.

They, and serious contenders from out of town, can be seen training on the course, some with coaches, in the weeks leading to the race. But

32

greater port macquarie focus.

there’s another bigger band of hardy participants involved: H E PE O PL E “ LO O K AT T the vast 22-member LOC T O EV ERY DAY U IN G, ID (some of whom will be R , G IN M SW IM K ANY setting up the course, RU N N IN G. LO O H E T T A G IN supervising fences, MORN BO OT EX ERC IS E A N D , T H EY ’R E barricades and so on from PS U O R CAMP G 3am) and 2200 volunteers.

IT ’S A EV ERY W H ER E!” “I can’t talk about the ..

G IN GOOD TH local triathlon club volunteers enough,” Reid championships and towards says. “Without them, it doesn’t qualifying for their ultimate happen. The volunteers are the goal, “the pinnacle”: the World important part of the whole thing. We Ironman Championships held in October can have an LOC, race directors, anyone you every year in Kona, Hawaii. Hawaii’s considered like, but if we haven’t got 2000-plus volunteers the birthplace of ironman racing; since an initial we’re in big trouble.” Directors from Ironman’s event there in 1978 the better part of four hours, Melbourne HQ visit to help stage the event, in layman’s terms, has been shaved off the too; but there’s no doubting the value of the winning time. The current world record holders volunteers. “The community’s embraced the both are Australians and both have competed race so well. The volunteers are motivated, and qualified in Port Macquarie: Craig Alexander loyal: some have been there 13 years” [since (8:03:56) and Mirinda Carfrae (8:52:14). The Port began running its own long-course race, LOC and volunteers back up every October prior to Ironman]. “And quite a few for the 10 for the “half” Ironman, or Ironman 70.3, over years; same corner, every year! Without them, 70.3 miles (113km). The LOC members are Port Macquarie doesn’t have an Ironman.” And women and men all well-known for individual without them and the LOC, Port itself wouldn’t community endeavour, apparently a harmonious have been placed first in the world among all band. “The directors all have their own [discrete] Ironman competitions for running the best race. jobs looking after the swim, the bike, the run, In the most recent competitor satisfaction survey, transition [points], volunteers, aid stations, carried out after every race internationally, Port medical, food, treasurer, secretary and so on. was rated 97 per cent - the best! [Reminiscent of They’re a great group of people; we’ve lost Sydney 2000: “the best Olympics everrrr!”] only a few over the years, only because they’ve Of the many official Ironman events held moved away or for family or other reasons they annually in countries around the world, Australia couldn’t control.” With pivotal roles hosting the hosts them in four locations: Port Macquarie, local race, LOC members can’t compete here where the important Australian championship on the day. Yet Reid, for one, is an Ironman is decided; Melbourne for the Asia-Pacific five times over – but only from competing at title; Busselton in WA; and Cairns. The top Busselton (at least once after a broken hip from professionals win prize money from the event coming off his bike, and post-radiation treatment owners, World Triathlon Corporation, and for a cancer condition!) At 61, he looks a decade major sponsor Toyota, but the real motivation younger and, typical of his LOC colleagues, has and payoff for competitors overall and in their a substantial background in sport and physical age groups is gaining points for their own

fitness. He and wife Sue, also an LOC director, moved here with two young daughters from Queanbeyan 28 years ago, for our equable climate. As well as running a motel, martial arts school, gym and health centre over the years, Reid’s long operated his own property valuing partnership and Sue manages a retirement village. Both voluntarily lead weekly running groups from 6am around Oxley Oval-Town Green. For Reid, the thrill of Ironman’s all about the ordinary person. Quite apart from its $10m injection to our economy, he salutes its social benefits: boosting community involvement in physical well-being: Port, he believes, has one of the highest per capita bicycle ownership rates in the nation. “Look at the number of people on any day out swimming, riding, running. Look any morning at the exercise and boot camp groups, they’re everywhere. It’s a good thing for the town, for people’s lifestyle; with our climate you can still train outdoors through winter.”

The Ironman entrants Reid admires are “the Joe Bloggs who’ve seen it, said ‘I’m going to do that’ and stepped up to it; who work five days a week, probably have a family and kids, but still get in the training to compete.”

So, soon, for competitors and the crowd alike the excitement will surge, endorphin levels elevate, the banners wave ... and the barrackers will urge on the “bibs” with their traditional quirky catchcry: “May The Course Be With You”.

focuseditorial.

louperri.

E

from The Stunned Mullet

Party time!

Such decisions are not easy to make; they veryone loves a good party. There’s are limited by the constraints of budget and the nothing like an occasion worth celebrating to bring people together capacity of the venue and even if you think you - whether it’s a birthday, Christmas, are on the right track, you will never really know anniversary, promotion or leaving do. until after the event.

For the guest, there’s the excitement, the People are a fickle bunch. Event organisation anticipation, the present and outfit choosing, and brings the everyday trials and tribulations of occasionally there’s the dread (more about that running a restaurant into the mind of the party later). planner.

But oftentimes for the organiser of the party, Last minute cancellations (the joy!), bad whether that is a friend, relative or colleague - or weather (more joy!), over/under catering, perhaps it’s the person the party is in honour of creating the right atmosphere - and drumroll ... themselves - the approaching event can leave a trying to please everyone! - which is certainly trail of anxiety, stress and frustration. the never-to-be won challenge in the restaurant Logisitics and financial realities are game. In party organisation land, this rings the makers and breakers when resoundingly true too. Whether it be organising an event - it all the bringing together people of comes down to who, different ages, social circles, where, when and how people that only socialise Along the lines much! a little - or a lot; it can of the continui ng rants Along the lines be so tricky to get it trend for restau r for of the continuing right. Throwing in some opening to cate ri st mas events such as Ch ngly trend for restaurants alcohol can make it si day lunch, increa hold opening to cater better, or sometimes g to people are optin home for events such worse! e events outside th and as Christmas day So it would seem that rs ba s, nt ra au st in re lunch, increasingly with so much that can clubs. ” people are opting to go wrong and seemingly hold events outside the so little control that one can home in restaurants, bars and actually have over how things will clubs. And events held in homes pan out, that all you can do is grit your are looking more and more towards teeth and hope for the best when planning outsourcing catering and service staff. a party.

So, all this means of course, that finding This is true to an extent - but prudent prior the perfect venue or catering to your at home preparation and planning and securing bookings, event at the right price on the given night often as well as sending out invitations as far in means the stars and planets need to align with advance as possible go a long way in helping utmost precision - as in, you really just need a things to run as smoothly as they can. whole heap of luck for things to work out!

As does having a clear idea about expectations Unfortunately, securing a location though, is based on the bottom line of budget. Big shindigs just the start of the avalanche of variables that and small budgets don’t go hand in hand. Often, can potentially cause extra grief… keeping the scale of the event down and being a There are the decisions regarding food and bit ruthless with the guest list can help. Or if you beverage choices that need to be made. And that want it big, to keep things much more simple means taking into consideration the requirements more relaxed locations are often better for huge groups. of each and every guest - allergies, vegetarians, But if I had one piece of advice in this area it vegans, pregnancies, kids … you name it. Bit like would be - hang on to your sense of humour! running a restaurant, really…

You will need it. But luckily, most of your guests And then there is quantity - how much food will have a sense of humour too and if things go and how is it to be delivered - table service, pear shaped - there will always be a legendary finger food, family style or buffet. How much will people eat? How much will they drink - and what and hilarious story to chuckle over for years to come! will they drink?

“

greater port macquarie focus.

33

greater port macquarie focus.

34

focusinterview.

ALL STARS

360 ALL STARS ARE HITTING THE STAGE AT THE MANNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE WITH THEIR DYNAMIC PERFORMERS, COLLABORATING TO CREATE A CIRCUS EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER. GENE PETERSON, DRUMMER AND DIRECTOR OF THE GROUP, CHATS TO FOCUS...

B

eing a group of so many different talents and from all corners of the globe, how was this collaboration born?

Well, the concept of the show is to reinvent the circus by replacing stereotype circus art forms with contemporary urban performance styles. So, instead of acrobats we have breakdancers, instead of a juggler we have a basketball freestyler, and instead of a unicyclist we have a BMX rider! Throughout the whole creation process we tried to apply as few limitations as possible and allow ourselves to dream big, and casting the artists for the show was no exception. We decided to put together an international all-star cast, and the selection process was literally researching and hand picking each of the guys, regardless of where they came from! We’ve ended up with artists from UK, Europe, America, Australia and NZ, and they’ve all been flown in specifically for the tour.

How does the name ‘360 Allstars’ represent you?

All of the art forms in the show feature rotation, hence 360, and all the artists are quite literally the best in the world at their given art forms, hence ALLSTARS! Introduce us to the performers and their

roles…

There’s a spectacular lighting design, a stunning Peter Sore is our BMX Flatlander and is the AV design projected across three large video two-time World Champion from Hungary! screens, and the whole show is backed by a Bboy Kareem is a World killer live sound track, so it’s definitely Champion breakdancer from as aurally exciting as it is visually San Francisco. astounding. At the end of the Bboy Leerok is another day though, I think the key s rm fo All of the art World Champion word is fun! We have a e ur at fe in the show breakdancer from New fantastic time on stage 0, 36 e nc rotation, he e Zealand. performing each night, ar ts tis ar e and all th st be e Rashaun Daniels, and the audiences have a th ly al er lit quite eir th AKA Basketballman, great time with us. at ld or w e th in hence is one of the world’s biggest highlight for given art forms, greatest basketball 360 Allstars to date?

ALLSTARS! ” freestylers, and he comes We’re lucky to have from New York. performed right around the Rhys Miller is a phenomenally world over the past few years, talented roue cyr artist from but I’d have to say a highlight was Brisbane. a 3 week season on Broadway in New Sam Perry is an incredible live looping York, which was at the end of our North vocalist and beatboxer, hailing from the UK. American tour late last year. We played 24 shows And I’m the drummer! at the New Victory Theater, which is right on What kind of experience can we expect Times Square, and that was a really fantastic from the performances? experience.

It’s definitely an exciting show, and a feast What advice would you give to young for the senses. We have an unbelievable cast people inspired by 360 Allstars wanting to of world champion and world renowned follow in your paths? performers collaborating on stage and building It’s pretty cliche, but it’s definitely true: the relationships between their unique art forms. more you put in the more you get out. Each of

“

the artists in the show are absolutely incredible at what they do, and it all comes down to the fact that they’ve all spent thousands of hours perfecting their skills and always seeking to push themselves to the next level. If you want to take anything seriously then you have to be prepared to put in the hard yards, and eventually opportunities will just start to roll in! looking to the future, what’s on the horizon?

Australia is actually the first leg of our World Tour and we’re on tour around Oz until the end of June. After that we head over to Europe for the second half of the year, and then over to North America and Asia in 2016. Plenty of shows ahead of us!

Thanks Gene.

the plug!

See the 360 Allstars on Saturday, April 18th at the Manning Entertainment Centre.

Adult $40 Pensioner/ Concession $36 Student/ Under 21 $25 Group 8+/ VIP $32 hemec.com.au/w

greater port macquarie focus.

35

36

greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

THE ONE DAY OF THE YEAR

DON BRIDGES

Just in time to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZACs landing at Gallipoli, the Glasshouse will host two performances of the production The One Day of the Year. Well known actor Don Bridges stars in the play as Wacka, a veteran of both WWI and WWII, in a production that highlights the intergenerational differences between old and young, and their individual views of war …

H

i Don. Your CV would be the envy of many aspiring actors, with roles in TV programmes such as Blue Heelers and Neighbours, movies like Charlotte’s Web and Troll Bridge, and stage performances in productions covering practically everything from Shakespeare to Fiddler on the Roof.

Given this amazing variety in your career, what are you most grateful for when you look back at what you’ve achieved?

I am very grateful for the chances I have been given. The diversity of the work I have been able to do is thrilling. I was mentored, when I was a young actor, by some very generous older actors and teachers, and I try now to pass on that gift whenever I can.

What led to your involvement with The One Day of the Year ... How did you find out about it, and what made you decide to accept the role within the production?

I first saw the play in the early ‘80s at Melbourne Theatre Company, and I remember loving it then. When Denis Moore asked if I was interested in playing Wacka, I leapt at the opportunity. The play is even better than I remember, and the role of Wacka is an actor’s dream.

How would you sum up the storyline of The One Day of the Year?

The play is timeless in its investigation of the intergenerational changes. No, not politics, but families, and the age old issues that arise when any generation reaches the age when they start to question the way their parents do things.

A young couple falling in love rebel against their parents. They feel the acute

embarrassment of having to introduce a special friend to their home, and sometimes “embarrassing” parents (Alf and Dot). Class has a big part to play in this relationship. Young Hughie is the first of his family to go to university, and his mind is blown open by the thinking and challenges of his new life - not to mention, the delightful Jan. Introduce us to your character, Wacka Dawson. What’s he like - what’s his motivation, and how would you describe his personality?

Wacka put his age up to get into the First World War, and found himself in Cairo, where he met Alf’s father, and subsequently at the original Gallipoli landing. Wacka was there for the whole of its occupation and then fought in France for the rest of WWI. He also joined up for WWII and fought in North Africa, with Alf, the patriarch of the Cook family. They have been mates ever since.

Wacka is the peacemaker, quiet and on the surface appearing not very bright, but underneath he has deep feelings and a delightfully simple philosophy on life. I would describe him as a peacemaker.

How much have you enjoyed being involved with this production? What have been some of your favourite moments with cast/crew?

I am thoroughly enjoying the play and working with the rest of the cast, Peter Hardy, Christine Keogh, Olivia Solomons and Luke Clayson and the director, Denis Moore - we all get on very well.

The chance to visit so many fabulous parts of the country is a wonderful bonus that comes with this job. We will play in 70 odd theatres in Victoria, NSW, Qld and WA over a four month period. On our days

off, we get to enjoy the delights of each town, and as a cast and crew we do like to find a good restaurant and partake of fine food.

Port Macquarie is a favourite of mine, and I have performed twice previously in the Glasshouse. We performed A Bright and Crimson Flower there, and also HIT Productions’ Cosi. I consider it to be one of the finest theatres in the country.

It’s such a special time to perform in this production, given we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ANZACs landing at Gallipoli this year. What are your personal thoughts/reflections as we approach this milestone?

Both my parents served in WWII, and as a child I attended a few ANZAC marches.

I remember the solemnity and the respect paid to the service men and women. I remember the marching bands and the cacophony of noise as pipe band met brass. My dad was in the Navy, and he saw a great deal of action in Darwin during the 90 odd air attacks there. I am thankful that he was such a well-adjusted and loving man, who was able to live a long and relatively "normal" life afterwards.

Thanks Don. Interview by Jo Atkins.

Saturday 18 April, 8pm Tuesday 21 April, 11am A play that incites as much passion now as ever, The One Day of the Year looks at our national legend through the eyes of generation, class and character.

On the 100 year anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, HIT Productions brings a thoroughly fresh take on this truly Australian classic. “... the play is about loyalty to ideals, mates, spouses, offspring, parents – displayed with humanity and humility, producing a panorama in a drop of water, be it a tear or a beer.” The West Australian “... a compelling piece of theatre and one which no young Australian should miss” The Australian

the plug!

See The One Day of the Year at the Glasshouse on 18 April at 8pm and 21 April at 11am.

Tickets cost $59 general I $49 member | $40 under 21.

Visit: glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office on 6581 8888

02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au greater port macquarie focus.

37

focusinterview.

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE HARRIS FAB PHPTOS

THE PLAYERS THEATRE WILL BE ROCKIN’ THE STAGE WITH THE DISNEY BASED MUSICAL CAMP ROCK! WE SPEAK TO DIRECTOR HAMISH KEDDIE ABOUT THE TALENTED YOUNG CAST AND THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHOW.

C

amp Rock will be an energetic and upbeat musical performance.

Why is it exciting to bring the original Disney Channel movie to life on the Players Theatre stage?

To be able to have at my disposal a great team of fantastic people such as talented Simone Berry, my musical director, my wife Kirsten as assistant director, Sam Wylie the production designer and scenographer and the ever bubbly choreographer Claire Michell, not to mention Bert Parlevliet as stage manager, makes this exciting.

Also, working with talented performers who all come from different backgrounds, different schools, both public, private and independent is what I love about my job. It is also great to have three students on their gap year, which is bonus! The musical itself is a great excuse for standing up and just rocking out. To have the Players Theatre allow me to put on this great Disney show is a privilege, and I thank them for that. I hope all the audiences will get a great shot of energy when they finally get to see this musical. So come along, people - this is worth it and continuing in the fine tradition of excellent theatre for the local community.

Tell us about the huge local cast of young dancers and singers.

The young cast of 30 are fantastic and we are hard at it, working on the music, the choreography, the directing/blocking. We also have young people working backstage. We are ready for preview night, 6th May and opening night, 8th May. The Principal roles are: Megan Collar is Mitchie Torres, Billy Axford is Shane Gray, Chris Phillips is Nate Gray, Jaxon Pollard is Jason Gray (who make up the Boy Band “Connect 3”) Jazlyn Alchin is Tess Tyler (the diva), Abbie Wilson Is Caitlyn Geller, Hannah Middlebrook is Dana Turner (the daughter of Axel Turner) Shannon Beck as Rosie, Emily Holley as Ella 38

greater port macquarie focus.

Pador, Hannah Brown as Peggy Dupree, Maddie Beukers as Sandi, Riley of The young cast Parry as Bree, Matt tic 30 are fantas Symons as Andy - old e are hard at it, w d an time rocker and owner music, working on the , the hy of CAMP ROCK, Steve ap gr eo the chor ng .”

Harris as Brown Cesario directing/ blocki and his nemesis owner of Camp Star, Daniel Parlevliet as Axel Turner, lovely Dana Turner; in the who were former bandmates end he sings to her and finally in the “Wet Crows”. lets her know how much he does, What are some of the popular songs in fact, like her. The rivalry between featured throughout the performance?

Cesario Brown and Axel Turner is also the Big numbers are CAN’T BACK DOWN undercurrent conflict in the musical. with Mitchie stirring up passion in Camp Rock, What will audiences enjoy most about Luke Williams and his dancers flashing around Camp Rock? in FIRE, the Connect 3 boys playing PLAY MY The energy. The great songs. The talent!

MUSIC and HEART AND SOUL. The two big The way the set is a minimalistic yet effective numbers at the end, TEAR IT DOWN and WHAT modern interpretation of this popular musical.

WE CAME HERE FOR are amazing. The cute and There are moments the audience will be funny song sung by Nate Gray to woo Dana clapping along and singing loudly to the great Turner, INTRODUCING ME, is a great crowd songs. Hopefully people who enjoyed High favourite. The duet that Mitchie and Shane School Musical will come along and see how sing, WOULDN’T CHANGE A THIHG is sure to we have set the bar even higher. tug on the heartstrings, and THIS IS OUR SONG What are the challenges of directing the will have everyone humming the tune! musical with such a large cast and an iconic The lead roles are played by Megan Collar show to live up to? as Mitchie Torres and Billy Axford as Shane Keeping everyone happy! Seriously, I like Gray. What is the story of their characters to have a nice even ship of creative people in this rendition of Camp Rock? around me, all sailing in the same direction.

Mitchie and Shane hit it off in the first movie, Egos should be thrown out the door, as I work Camp Rock; they got to know each other, hard to make sure the young people in the only to part ways. Shane is the lead singer of cast are enjoying themselves and learning the Connect 3, so hits the road to tour. Mitchie craft of theatre as well. If the cast can learn a has been aching to get back to Camp Rock to certain level of professionalism, they can take hopefully meet up with Shane again and start a that far in life. It takes many people to put on proper relationship, but organising Camp Rock a musical (or a play) and you have to be good and challenging Camp Star to “Camp Wars” at understanding your own vision, but be smart gets in the way of love. Eventually things work enough to be flexible if something does not out, but you need to come to the show to see work. I like all my actors to make decisions on if the two lovebirds actually make things work their characters’ traits, costume and attitudes; or break up in a river of tears. You will also see we then work towards a common goal, which shy Nate Gray trying his hardest to speak to the matches my overall creative template. I am a

“

visual person so if I cannot see it in my mind’s eye, I struggle with the concept, yet I am adaptable to listen to others.

Directors like myself, I feel, are best being called artistic directors. We are painting a landscape and merging acting, singing, dancing, set and costume design, lighting and sound design on a large canvas. I hope I have created something special at the Players Theatre that will make people want to see this three or four times because they enjoy the whole package called Camp Rock the Musical.

How can people get involved with the Players Theatre on or off stage?

Go to the website www.playerstheatre.org.au and simply download the application form from the download section of our website, or simply find out when auditions are on and come on down and give theatre a go. It is the best fun you could possibly have. I have been privileged to be a member since 1994.

The Players Theatre is a non-profit organisation and run by volunteers. They are indeed special people and wonderful to be around, so why not find the actor inside you and come along! You don’t have to love acting; you can help out in the canteen, the front of house, the sound desk, the lighting box or work backstage. The costumes are also made by a wonderful bunch of very creative, dedicated women headed by Sandra Miller. If helping out with makeup and hair is your thing, then you can do that too - not to mention help build sets.

The theatre has all sorts of jobs you can do!

Thanks Hamish.

camp rock the musical Players next production is the hot musical, Camp Rock, which opens on May 8 and runs until May 31st. Performances are each Friday and Saturday night at 8pm and Sunday afternoon at

gold the ultimate abba show Gold returns in 2015 with a brand new concert production… celebrating the 40th anniversary of ABBA (the album), all the hits, the anthems and more … Live in concert.

In 2014, GOLD The Ultimate ABBA Show landed in Australia for their “New Arrival Tour”, performing to sold-out houses and playing to over 10,000 people across the country. Now Happy Days Records are thrilled to present them once again in 2015 for their new show celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of the 1975 album ABBA - featuring all the hits, the anthems and more, including Mamma Mia, SOS, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do and many more.

GOLD The Ultimate ABBA Show is all about giving audiences a true ABBA experience and this will prove no different, once again featuring internationally recognised ABBA performers who have taken to the stage globally with both Kathleen Maloney (Agnetha) and Kirsten Elliott (Anna-Frid) commanding attention and respect in their performances on the most recent 2014 New Arrival Tour.

Don’t miss your chance to unleash your inner dancing queen to all of ABBA’s hits in this special two-hour concert production …

It’s time to bring out the flares and platform shoes and prepare yourselves for GOLD The Ultimate ABBA Show 40th Anniversary of ABBA Tour!

Saturday, 25 April 2015.

Glasshouse, Port Macqaurie, NSW. www.glasshouse.org.au / (02) 6581 8888

2pm. Camp Rock will feature a huge local cast of some of the finest young singers and dancers under the direction of Hamish Keddie and

THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW

is based on the hit Disney Channel Movie. Bookings are now open at

After four years and over 1,300 shows headlining on the Las Vegas strip, The Australian Bee Gees Show will return to Australia for the “The Past and Present” Tour, a brand new show for 2015. This show is a retrospective look at the amazing career of The Brothers Gibb and will be presented in two parts, with costume changes defining the eras.

The show will feature all of the greatest hits throughout the decades but will also tell the Bee Gees story in a multi-media show that captures the mood and memories of the time.

can read more about the Players Theatre. Camp Rock takes us all back

The Australian Bee Gees Show is currently performing at The Excalibur Hotel and Casino. After 18 years on the world stage and over 5,000 performances in over 45 countries, The Australian Bee Gees Show has evolved to become the definitive live celebration of the wonderful music written by the Brothers Gibb.

Opening on July 10 the play will be Directed by Lance Thompson who

From their first shows in 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show has conquered Las Vegas and has played to capacity houses around the world, cementing their reputation as an exceptional live concert act and the world's leading Bee Gees Show.

music and witty dialogue will have you humming the tunes long after

For one night only be a part of the magic that is, The Australian Bee Gees Show. www.abgshow.com Wednesday May 13: Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, NSW. www.glasshouse.org.au / (02) 6581 8888

the Glasshouse box office, or online at playerstheatre.org where you to the Summer Camp; however, there’s a flash new Camp Star across the lake which threatens Camp Rock’s very existence. To keep the doors open, Mitchie steps up, rallies her fellow camp rockers and gets them into top shape for the ultimate showdown. The final Jam will fire up the Players Theatre stage with over a dozen great songs, including This is Me, Can’t Back Down, It’s On and We Rock.

After the Camp Rock production clears the stage, Players makes way for the wonderful comedy, “The Government Inspector”. has been responsible for a series of entertaining and thought provoking productions at Players Theatre. This comedy will be no exception and Lance has assembled a fine cast to deliver a great show.

Opening on September 25, it’s the fabulous musical “Anything Goes”, directed by Tim Ronan. This show is a classic and Cole Porter’s the curtain has come down. We will end the 2015 season with the production of the play Quartet which runs from November 13 to 29.

You’ve seen the film now enjoy the stage play.

And don’t forget Players Fancy Dress Hire has a huge range of costumes available for all ages and occasions. The Theatre also welcomes new members, so if you would like to learn more about volunteering in one of the many roles, such as backstage, front of house or in the technical side then get in touch via our website.

PRESENTS

GLASSHOUSE SATURDAY

PORT MACQUARIE APR 25

WWW.GLASSHOUSE.ORG.AU / 02 6581 8888 greater port macquarie focus.

39

A

Y

focusinterview.

•GABRIEL EAGLESON•

T

he opening of Gum Tree Café has been an exciting time for everyone involved with Roto House. Who have you found to be your typical visitors to the café? We are very honored and excited to be a part of this historic venture with National Parks and Roto House. The community had been asking for a café in this wonderful spot and we have always loved the Roto House and beautiful surroundings. I’m actually reminded of a quote from the 1980’s film, “Field of Dreams” which says, “If you build it, they will come.”

And that is truly our hope and dream, that the local community and visitors will continue to come out and enjoy the Roto House and new cafe, surrounded by lush gum trees, chirping birds, and all the delights nature has to offer.

We’ve noticed it’s really the perfect spot for families with young kids, as parents can relax while the kids run around the large grass area.

We’ve had everyone in from backpackers and business people to couples and friends enjoying a relaxing day out.

Set within an idyllic setting for guests, what are some of the menu favourites?

We are actually launching a brand new menu this month, which has been very exciting, still focused around casual light meals to suit the limited kitchen space. The fresh Roast Pumpkin and Classic Caesar salads have been very popular, and we’ve just added some new items like our Mexican Breakfast Burrito or BBQ Pulled Pork Slider for lunch. Of course, we always have plenty of homemade treats on offer, like Crème Brulee or NY Baked Cheesecake to satisfy any potential sweet tooths out there as well.

How will the café help to bring more visitors to historic Roto House? We have noticed a large increase in the amount of locals to visit Roto House since we opened in late January, and we are working together with Roto House and the nearby Koala Hospital to make the entire site an enjoyable visit for both locals and tourists alike.

40 greater port macquarie focus.

H O U S E

• C A R O L Y N

H

N E O

+ R O T O

P

CAFE

D

GUM TREE

B I T T A R •

P O RT M AC Q UA R I E

KOALA

ow long have you been involved with Roto House?

I have been volunteering at Roto House for about three years now.

Why is it such a special place in

our community?

• H O S P I T A L •

It is such an important part of Port Macquarie’s history, as it is one of the oldest houses in Port Macquarie and truly a beautiful landmark. I am so happy it has been so thoughtfully restored and well preserved.

What are some of your duties as a volunteer?

One of my favourite parts of being a volunteer is greeting the many overseas visitors we get from all over the world, hearing their story and getting to tell them about the Flynn family story. Originally set on 75 acres, the land led all the way down to Flynns Beach - and people often appreciate knowing how the popular beach got its name.

Why is the Gum Tree Café such a great addition to Roto House, and what is one of your favourites from the menu?

The opening of Gum Tree Café has been long anticipated and truly exciting, and not just because I love their coffee! It has brought so many more locals to the house who either haven’t ever been before or haven’t visited in many years. The house has been given a breath of new life, which has really added to the overall atmosphere and buzz. I just love hearing people talk and laugh on the verandahs, and I know the Flynn family would be so proud to see how the house was being used today! We often see many of the same people returning on a regular basis now; it’s nice to see the locals support and appreciate both the café and National Park.

Picking a favourite menu item is like picking a favourite child - how would I begin! Margaret loves the Belgian waffle with ice cream, and I love the avocado toast with feta. On a hot day though, nothing can beat their fresh fruit smoothie or a good old fashioned ice cream milkshake. Open Tuesday - Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm.

T H E P O RT M AC Q UA R I E KOA L A H O S P I TA L O N C E AGA I N C E L E B R AT E S I T S A N N UA L O P E N DAY, T H E H O S P I TA L’ S M A J O R F U N D R A I S E R F O R T H E Y E A R . . .

T

ell us about the mission behind Roto House. the annual Koala Hospital Open Will there be tours available on the day Day? for visitors?

The mission behind our Open Because of the expected response of the Day is to raise funds towards the running community, the usual 3 o'clock tour will not costs of rescuing, rehabilitating and be held, BUT informal tours will happen all releasing between 250 to 300 day, with tour volunteers available koalas we treat every year. Our for groups big and small. hospital has the distinction How can readers get of being the first such involved in the place in the world and conservation and The Open Day d has been rescuing fundraising of the involves a myria and treating koalas Koala Hospital? of activities and l ages , attractions for al and for 42 years. From its Readers can g from face paintin r humble beginnings, contribute to the ic fo games and mag under Jean and Max conservation of ...” the kids to stalls Starr's inspiration it koalas in many ways has become one of the ... chief amongst them world's leading research by heeding road signs in facilities in investigating and known koala habitat and treatment of sick and injured by contacting the hospital when koalas. they see koalas that for some reason What are some of the activities don't look good. (We have a dedicated available on the day? band of rescuers who are on standby 24 The Open Day involves a myriad of hours every day to answer concerned activities and attractions for all ages, from people's calls ... no call is ever wasted). face-painting and games and magic for the And lastly, plant koala friendly trees in kids to stalls (book and “white elephant”) your garden by contacting the hospital and for people looking for interesting bric-a-brac getting advice on what their “food trees” and bargains. There will also be a sausage are. Of the 900 species of eucalypt trees sizzle or for those who wish, casual light that grow in Australia, only 60 are “food meals are available at Gum Tree Cafe at trees”.

“

in Greater Port Macquarie

visit

Get out there! www.52things2do.com.au + Family Fun

Bago Maze Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park Hydro Golf & Putt Putt Jumbos Playland Majestic Cinemas Port Macquarie Panthers Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Timbertown Heritage Theme Park Wave Bowl

+ Tours

Mid North Coast Maritime Museum Port Macquarie Hastings Heritage Port Macquarie Historical Museum Port Macquarie Sea Plane Roto House

+ Arts and Cultural

The Glasshouse - Arts, Conference and Performance Centre, Port Macquarie

+ Action and Adventure

Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding Centre of Gravity Indoor Adventure Centre High Adventure Paragliding Coastal Skydivers Mid North Coast Paintball Jetfighter Ocean Star Deep Sea Fishing Port Macquarie Camel Safaris

+ Water Activities

Dunbogan Boatshed & Marina Camden Haven Cruises Jordans Boating Centre and Holiday Park Junk cruises & Port Venture Port Macquarie Cruise Adventures Port Macquarie Kayak Adventures PortJetWave Rider & Jet Ski Hire Castaway Estuary Fishing Charters Port Macquarie Surf School Stand Up Paddle Port Macquarie Stoney Park Water Ski and Wakeboard School Soul Surfing

+ Food, Wine & Beer

Abundance Lifestyle and Garden Bago Vineyards Black Duck Brewery Cassegrain Winery Laurieton United Services Club Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery Rose’s Vineyard The Little Brewing Company World Par Tea

+ Sporting

Camden Haven Golf Club Port Macquarie Golf Club Emerald Downs Golf Course Port Macquarie Golf Driving Range Wauchope Country Club Port Macquarie Tennis Club

View the 52+ Video now!

Scan this with your QR Reader (Free App)

+ Lifestyle

Aqua Vitae Day Spa Port Macquarie Day Spa Sundowner Holidays greater port macquarie focus.

41

in Greater Port Macquarie

52 group

Milestones for Bago Vineyards in 2015 Having attended and participated in the annual Grape Stomp at Bago Vineyards during the February Jazz in the Vineyards, I thought it a good opportunity to spend a few minutes with the man behind the Jazz and Stomping, Ian Adams, at the picturesque Wauchope based vineyard.

I

understand Bago Vineyards celBoot” and “Red Boot” labelled wines, the ebrates a number of milestones Sparkling Rosé and Sparkling Chardonnay. throughout 2015. Ian, tell us Both these wines continue to be very successmore ... ful at wine shows throughout the state.

Yes indeed, as well as celebrating It is a wonderful achievement for any the 30th anniversary of the planting event to be held monthly for so long. Why of the first grapevines, we also celebrated do you think the Jazz in the Vineyards has the 17th annual grape stomp in February. stood the test of time?

Coming up in May we will be holding our 19th The longevity of the Jazz in the Vineyards consecutive year of “Mother’s Day” Jazz in the could be attributed to many things, including Vineyards. The May Jazz has really become a it being family friendly - a big attraction for tradition, with families coming back year the kids was (and still is) the hill with plenty after year to celebrate with Mum of cardboard pieces left beside the and Gran. I find it very interestbins after the Jazz. The mix of ing to see younger parents bands that play throughout attending with their little the year and the easy The Jazz range ones, particularly when going popular style of t an became an inst it seems only yesterday music played also is a e th success for us on l as they came along as contributing factor. el w local scene, as r te young teens with their un These days the lure of H e th wineries in go parents.

Ba the Bago Maze has ng lli Valley se d’ lle be ‘la The Mother’s Day added another facet to ds ar Viney .” es Jazz will also see what the vineyards has in w zz Ja another milestone or to offer patrons on Jazz tradition, with the “Reds” Days.

Jazz Quintet also playing for When we started the Jazz in the 19th consecutive year. The the Vineyards on a monthly basis, band members basically haven’t changed many people didn’t give it much hope in all that time, unlike the three oldies in of surviving twelve months and yes, whilst the Cellar Door, who appear to be ageing we’ve had our ups and downs, we’re pretty ungraciously - maybe not enough red wine. confident of continuing for some time yet. On Interestingly, the Jazz in the Vineyards is that note, we’ve only ever had to cancel the responsible for having started the “Jazz” monthly Jazz on three occasions, that being range of wines. How did this come about? for safety reasons during a bad bushfire period Feedback from a number of early Jazz and a flood. goers led us to producing this range back in If you’ve never experienced the Jazz in the 1998/99. The Jazz range became an instant Vineyards - then come along to the Jazz in the success for us on the local scene, as well as Vineyards on Sunday, April 12th or Mother’s wineries in the Hunter Valley selling Bago VineDay on Sunday 10th May - the 19th Annual at yards “labelled” Jazz wines. The Jazz wines are Bago Vineyards. still a top selling wine for us and, consequently Thanks Ian. led us to the next step in producing the “Silver Interview by Chrissy Jones.

“

42

greater port macquarie focus.

Bago Vineyards & Bago Maze Take time out to visit Bago Vineyards, a unique and pleasant experience offering a diverse range of activities for all ■ Enjoy wine tasting in the Cellar Door, enjoy a local cheese platter on the pergola overlooking the vineyards & surrounds ■ Join us for Jazz in the Vineyards – Sunday 12th April and Sunday 10th May ■ Explore and lose yourself within the Bago Maze, the largest hedge maze in NSW Phone: 6585 7099 Open: daily until 5pm Address: Bago Vineyards, Bago Rd, Wauchope Web: www.bagovineyards.com.au

Sea Acres

Rainforest Centre ■ Rainforest boardwalk.

■ Discovery tours ■ Spirit of the Land Exhibition ■ Gift Shop ■ Rainforest Cafe ■ Entry fee applies for boardwalk

Address 159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie Phone 6582 3355 Web: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Open 7 Days 9am-4:30pm Cafe Open 9am-4pm

Majestic Cinemas Movies Come Alive in Port Macquarie ■ New Screens ■ New Foyer ■ New Candy Bar Join the Movie Club for great discounts!

Majestic Cinema's Select Series showcases a range of high quality content to engage the discerning audience. Hand picked for excellence.

Join us on Facebook!

Phone: 6583 8400 Web: majesticcinemas.com.au

TO SYDNEY

pot unlike any other in the region . . . an airy, informal afé, Café Red, serving healthy brekkie, lunch and snack t sensible prices, in relaxing air-conditioned comfort.

TO BRISBANE

holidays

LT H Y , wholes ome Count ry Cuis ine

Port Macquarie:

RICARDOES TOMATOES

HASTINGS RIVER

TO PORT MACQUARIE

At the junction of Hastings River Drive and the Pacific Highway, head north for approximately 3.5km from the Dennis Bridge over the Hastings River and turn right at the brown & white signs for Ricardoes Tomatoes.

You’ll find us easily just 2km down the sealed road on the left hand side, a relaxing 10-minute country drive from town.

HASTINGS RIVER DRIVE

Cruise Cruise Terminal Terminal From the South:

Visiting the renowned Cassegrain Winery or best ofof contemporary and river just passing byThe on the Pacific Highway?

From the winery on your right, The best contemporary andvintage vintage river travel a few kilometres the Dennis Bridge over the Hastings cruises. cruises.north Ourtolarge catamaran cruiser has River, then a further 3.5km north along the highway, turning right at Our large catamaran cruiser has two decks and plenty of space tofind move the easy-to-spotthree browndecks & white signs for Ricardoes.

You’ll us a plenty ofthis space moveroad. around. moment away,and just 2km down sealedto country around.

Plenty of hardstand caravan/RV parking.

Choose Choosefrom fromone oneofofour ourpopular popularriver river

our ir-Cond É RED

é

Come in, start early with ‘small change’ and budget-priced yummy brekkies – e.g., kids’ pancakes with strawberries & cream, bacon & eggs, cinnamon/raisin toast, pumpkin scones and more; barista coffee, tea, Devonshire Tea, delicious cakes, ry milkshakes, fruit juices; hearty and healthy lunches, lads, vegetarian options, snacks. Highchairs, free BYO, comfort. Swift, super-friendly service in clean, me, spacious Cafe Red. Explore the welcoming ings table of our winning preserves. Unique gifts, s, novelties, sweets and amazing farm-fresh produce.

WE’RE THE BEST!

ARDOES TOMATOES WERE JUDGED THE ST TOMATOES IN NEW SOUTH WALES nd SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND at the ey Royal Easter Show 2009, 2010, 2011 d 2012 District Exhibit Competitions.

hree varieties of our tomatoes were ubmitted for judging and awarded the highest accolade!

ome and experience them for yourself: Tomatoes the way they used to taste!”

TRAIL RIDES AND TREKS

Choose from one of our popular river cruises: BBQ Cruise, From the North: from Eco Coffs Harbour Kempsey cruises:Travelling BBQcruise, cruise, EcoHistory Historyand Cruise, approaching Port Macquarie, keep anCruise(includes eye out 8-10km free south of Family Fun Twilight Family Fun Twilight Cruise (including Telegraph Point for the Ricardoes sign on the left hand side offree the boom net rides). highway (about 3.5km out from the northern turnoff to Port). boom net rides).

Prepare to turn leftbeautiful at the junction signpost,Chinese then follow the sealed Our authentic Junk has Our beautiful authentic Chinese Junk has road on down river for 2km where you’llday easilyon find ourHastings farm gate, River. ready to trips every the welcome you. river trips every day on the Hastings River.

Be on two hour Belulled lulled onone oneof ofour our two hourtrips trips– – Ricardoes tomatoes, strawberries and awardwinning preserves: either a tasty fish & chip lunch or aon also at Farmers’ Markets at Westport Park, next cruise tocruise the CBD either a tasty fish & chip lunch or a yummy morning tea. the banks of the Hastings River, on 2nd Saturdays of the month; yummy morning tea. at WauchopeSunset Showground Farmers’ Market on 4th Saturdays; cruises also available.

Sunset cruises also at Laurieton Riverwalk Market on 3rdavailable, Sundays. and some Dolphin spotting on all cruises! dolphin spotting on all cruises!

ORDER ONLINE TODAYBEST AT www.ricardoes.com!

BEST BOATS, CRUISES, BEST PRICES. BEST BOATS, BEST CRUISES, BEST PRICES. Phone: 6583 3058 or 0409 744 270 Phone: 6583 3058 or 0409 744 270 Web: www.cruiseterminal.com.au Web: www.cruiseterminal.com.au Address: River end Clarence St, Port Macquarie Address: River end Clarence St, Port Macquarie

221 Blackmans Pt Rd, Blackmans Point Port Macquarie Tel: 6585 0663

Bellrowan Valley Strawberry picking starts early 7 days.

Horse Riding ENTRY FREE. Café open 7 days from 9am. www.ricardoes.com

ricardoes@bigpond.com

We’re open 7 DAYS; bookings essential.

Brochure design by Susie Boswell, PORT P.R., 0411 040 888.

Phone 6587 5227 web: www.bellrowanvalley.com.au ■ Take to the hills and explore the hinterland, a great Aussie bush experience ■ Daily 1hr & 2hr Trail Rides, 2 Day Pub Ride, Overnight Packages, 3 Day Trek ■ Beginners to experienced riders from 5yrs+ ■ Small groups with experienced & friendly guides ■ Shady, picturesque forest trails, abundant wildlife ■ Easy scenic 30 min drive from Port Macquarie ■ Happy, quiet, healthy horses; the best!

Black Duck Brewery

Come down and relax at the brewery.

Enjoy some cool tunes, some craft beer on tap and local produce and nibbles.

Why would you be anywhere else?

Our cellar door hours are: ■ Wednesday to Friday 11 'til 6, ■ Saturday and Sunday 11 'til 4.

■ Other times you are welcome by appointment.

Call Al on: 0407 874 474 Address: 6b Acacia Ave, Port Macquarie.

Black Duck BREWERY

& BAR

P I CK YOUR OWN S T R AWB E R R I E S

in Greater Port Macquarie FUN for kids, couples, families, s eniors TRY F R EE EN

Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries FREE ENTRY 364 days a year, farm from 7am weekdays, 8am weekends. All activities under cover protected from any wind/rain.

4x D TE VO

Port Macquarie’s

‘BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION’

A wholesome farmgate day out in all weathers * Country Café (Air Cond) * Top Award-Winning Preserves

■ FREE farm tours, every weekday at 11am, no booking needed, just turn up!

■ Pick your own fresh strawberries, fun for all ages; pay only for what you pick.

■ Port’s most awarded tourist attraction: the only attraction awarded Hall of Fame.

■ AIR-COND Cafe “Red” open 9 - 3, 7 days.

Brekkie, lunch, morning/afternoon tea, snacks. Local produce, gifts, souvenirs.

■ 10 mins from CBD, north on Pacific Hwy: see our brown/white highway signposts GPS: Lat -31.39 Long 152.82 T: 6585 0663 Address: 221 Blackmans Point Road, Blackmans Point, Pt Macquarie Web: ricardoes.com

at RI CARDO ES TO M ATO ES

& STRAW B ERRI ES

greater port macquarie focus 55

Recommended by S y d n e y W e e k e n d e r ’s Mike Whitney, W h a t ’s U p D o w n u n d e r , D i s co v e r D o w n U n d e r & G E T A W A Y !

FEEL THE NEED THE NEED FOR SPEED Just 10 minutes drive from town Become a Top Gun Pilot for a day.

See map on back cover

Jetfighter

GPS: Lat -31.39 Long 152.82

Our Pilots are standing by to escort you on the adventure of a lifetime in the Albatros L-39C. This is the ultimate adrenaline experience.

Fly in an ex-military fighter jet with manoeuvres tailored to your needs from mild to wild.

We can make your dreams come true.

Prices start from $1400.00 Choose your Mission: Web: www.jetfighter.com.au Phone: 1300 727 700 Email: broni@jetfighter.com.au

Hydro Golf & Putt-Putt web: www.hydrogolf.com.au phone: 02 6583 3200 Boundary St, Port Macquarie Open 7 Days

✁

Address (Shelly Beach) Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie Phone 6582 3355 Web: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au OpenPOINT 7 Days BLACKMANS ROAD 9am-4:30pm VISIT US TODAY! Cafe 2km Open 9am-4pm From

Page 1

PACIFIC HIGHWAY

10:14 AM

DENNIS BRIDGE

18/10/2013

3.5km

DL Brochure

■ Discovery tours ■ Spirit of the Land Exhibition ■ Gift Shop ■ Rainforest Cafe ■ Entry fee applies for boardwalk

Cut me out Buy 2 buckets of balls (value $17) and receive your 3RD BUCKET FREE. not to be used with any other offers

greater port macquarie focus.

43

focusinterview.

BELLROWAN

VALLEY HORSE RIDING

EASTER AT BELLROWAN VALLEY HORSE RIDING IS BIRTHDAY TIME! CHRISSY JONES CAUGHT UP WITH YOUR HOSTS, MARK AND JULIE, TO FIND OUT MORE... ellrowan Valley’s first trail ride walked out the gate in the Easter holidays, 12 years ago. A lot has happened since then ...

It sure has. Firstly we would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and hope you all are enjoying your holidays.

Over 40,000 riders have enjoyed the Bellrowan Experience. In this time many children have had their very first ride on a horse at Bellrowan; now we see them driving themselves here with their friends, as uni students, working and soon to have their own kids!

We’ve also seen some of our great staff come and go, horses grow old and retire and us add more experiences to the Bellrowan repertoire; our love for what we do only gets stronger, and we get more excited to bring you more of what we do best.

The Easter holidays are a great time to visit Bellrowan; what have you got on?

Easter is one of the busiest holiday periods of the year. The weather cools off and people start looking for things to do away from the beaches.

Easter is a time to spend with family and friends, and horse riding is the perfect activity to do as a group.

Did I mention the Easter chocolate! Yes, we all know it’s Easter because of the chocolate!

If you’re booked in for a ride with us on Easter Sunday, you can join in our Easter egg hunt at the homestead!

Tell us about the horses ...

Over the years our family of horses has grown somewhat, now 21 out of our 32 horses are related (from the same bloodline). These horses are bred, handled and trained by us. The bloodline we have stuck with are proven and trusted. They 44 greater port macquarie focus.

are Aust. Draft/Stockhorse/Arabian - Cross. Perfectly suited to the work we do here, they have a quiet, gentle, brave temperament, solid bone structure, top work ethic and endurance.

These horses, plus the others in our working mob, are like family to us; we know them inside and out, and they know we love them back. This is part of the reason why we can take large rides out knowing we can trust our horses to teach beginners how to ride (not just walk along) and the more experienced riders can come on the same ride (with their own guide) and have a faster paced ride.

What’s new and coming up at Bellrowan Valley?

Our Trail Rides, Overnight Packages and Pub Ride have been running for years now. Over the past year we have been developing our Bellrowan - Bago 3 Day Trek (for Intermediate - Experienced Riders).

This amazing experience is the only one of its kind on the East Coast. This trek covers 90 km from Bellrowan Valley all the way to Bago Vineyards, via Bago Bluff Mountain, stopping at the Beechwood Hotel and Woodridge Park Country retreat along the way. The scenery is second to none, the horses are willing and fit, and Julie keeps your bellies full along the way. Check our website for info and pricing.

COMING SOON to Bellrowan Valley - Overnight Kids’ Camps - due to many requests over the years, we have decided to offer Overnight Holiday Camps for children. These camps involve horse husbandry, equine knowledge, riding and fun farm games.

In a real farm environment, your child can learn and experience what it’s like to look after their own horse, learn riding skills and have good old fashioned fun finishing off with

ned Our staff are trai y ad professionals re eding a to help those ne ence . id little extra conf the at s ay Safety is alw ness . si bu r ou of t forefron u yo r fo Our objective is and fe sa to have a fu n, rience !” memorable expe

“

marshmallows around the campfire at night, all supervised by our great staff. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook Page for the announcement of dates; book early, as these camps will be super popular!

You have won many awards over the years; what's the latest one?

Our staff, horses, location, experience and love for what we do has seen us win numerous awards for tourism, including winning the most recent 2014 North Coast Tourism Award for Business Excellence for Adventure Tourism, then on to Finalist at the NSW Tourism Awards.

No matter what level your experience is as a rider, you have the perfect package for anyone. Tell us what you offer riders?

At Bellrowan Valley, we offer a range of rides catering to all levels of riding - from the “never been on a horse befores” to the experienced, seasoned rider.

Our staff are trained professionals ready to help those needing a little extra confidence.

Safety is always at the forefront of our business.

Our objective is for you to have a fun, safe and memorable experience!

For those more experienced riders, we offer fantastic treks across vast, challenging terrain.

Our packages include daily trail rides, overnight packages, pub rides, 3 and 4 day treks and overnight kids’ camps.

The natural beauty of Bellrowan’s surrounds

is a big part of why your experience is like no other...

Our rides cross through a variety of natural environments, from rainforest to hinterland, creeks and bushland to sprawling fields and mountaintops. It is breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful, being the perfect escape from the bustle of towns and the constant sounds of traffic.

We’re dedicated to creating the ultimate horse riding experience and devoted to our horses, providing them the best care and living environment at all times.

With a love for animals, you've also accrued some extra non-equine residents on your farm over the years that visitors can enjoy...

Visitors are encouraged to meet all of our friendly crew and really take in the atmosphere that is The Bellrowan Experience!

Final words ...

Whether it’s just you and your partner, friends, kids, family or tour group, we look forward to taking you on a relaxed and unforgettable ride on one of Bellrowan’s much loved and trusted horses.

Follow us on Facebook “Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding” Instagram “bellrowanvalleyhorseriding” Website: www.bellrowanvalley.com.au email: ride@bellrowanvalley.com.au Ph: 6587 5227 Thank you Mark and Julie.

Shrek the monster croc has made himself quite

learn more about our amazing wildlife during

at home and has been thrilling crowds with his

our keeper presentations, which start at 10am

feeding shows at 12:30 daily.

and conclude at 4:15pm – with something

Our gorgeous “Happy Feet” Little Penguins star

happening every half hour, you’re sure to keep

in their own daily feeding routine at

the kids on their toes! If watching the animals

10am, and not to be missed are our beautiful

eat is making you feel hungry, why not grab

red panda sisters, Rato and Tito, who enjoy

a bite yourself from the zoo café; our new

their dinner at 2:30pm daily.

chefs are sure to have something to tempt the

The latest arrivals are our two mischievous

tastebuds, with fresh ground coffee, home-

meerkats, Bido and Pongo, who are on the

made scones and biscuits,

go nearly all day, digging, taking turns to act

burgers, wraps and sandwiches made to order.

as the sentry and of course, munching down

Take home a special memento from our huge

on as many bugs and worms as possible. Our

gift shop and remember – Billabong Zoo is the

special animal encounters are a great way to

place for you!

get even closer than you think and feature

Enquire about our catering for group functions

our pythons, koalas, snow eopards, penguins,

and children’s birthday parties.

meerkats and red pandas. Prices, times and

Visit our website www.billabongkoala.com.

experiences vary, and bookings are essential.

au and like us on Facebook for the up to the

Throughout the day you can get up close and

moments goings on around the zoo.

greater port macquarie focus.

45

focusinterview.

BIGGEST BUTT BEST.

• FOREST •

trees

NSW State Forest’s visitor attraction, Old Bottlebutt, a grand and ancient Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) tree located in Burrawan State Forest, is officially the best new tourism destination in NSW. Old Bottlebutt won the Gold Award for New Tourism Development at the NSW Tourism Awards held in December 2014 at Darling Harbour, Sydney. Old Bottlebutt is an AusOld Bottlebutt is e tralian Tourism Award the main featur 0m finalist, with winners on a beautiful 60 k, announced mid-April loop walking trac ng di en d an beginning 2015. ic

A N D

T O U R I S M

“

at the Burrawan

Old Bottlebutt is area” the main feature on a beautiful 600m loop walking track, beginning and ending at the Burrawan picnic area (shelter, tables, car park, toilets). The walk is an easy grade track, featuring remnant rainforest studded with Bangalay palms, small creek crossings and a viewing deck with seating – allowing you to appreciate this grand old tree. Old Bottlebutt is unique in its shape, its large flared “butt” having a massive girth of over 16m, the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.

46

greater port macquarie focus.

picn

To visit Old Bottlebutt: From Wauchope travel south on the Bago Road 10km, turn left onto Internal Break Road and follow the signs.

From Port Macquarie, follow the Pacific Highway south and take the Bago Road exit. It is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and is free.

Find out more: www.forestrycorporation.com.au www.facebook.com/forestplayground Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests

As Forestry Corporation’s of NSW’s (FCNSW) Manager of Tourism & Partnerships, Louise Faulkner thinks she has the best job in the NSW. Louise manages NSW State Forest tourism development and destination marketing, and discusses forests, trees and tourism.

L

ouise, what’s new in tourism in NSW State Forests?

We’ve been focused on developing unique tourism experiences and improving our visitor destinations. I think it’s fair to say we’ve been embracing our uniqueness!

In the last 1-2 years we’ve created some new destinations, such as Old Bottlebutt on the Mid North Coast, and Korora Lookout in State Forests of the Coffs Coast. Old Bottlebutt is the biggest Red Bloodwood in the Southern Hemisphere, with a massive “butt” approx. 16 m in diameter. The new viewing platform and walking track showcases it beautifully. Korora Lookout has an amazing north-easterly aspect, with views far up the coastline. I love the church pew seating installed at this site.

We’re also continuing our Visitor Survey programme, with feedback influencing our ongoing management of State Forests. We use the surveys to determine annual visitation numbers and economic data, which assists local councils and tourism organisations in reporting against their Destination Management Plans.

These Plans are the access point for tourism funding for regional communities, so they’re quite important.

We’ve stepped up our social media activities too. We love engaging with visitors, hearing their stories, seeing their Instagram shots.

There’ll be more of that in the next 12 months.

You mentioned the “uniqueness of State Forests”. What did you mean?

NSW State Forests offer truly unique opportunities for visitors. Our native forests are the only NSW public lands where you can do it all: trail-biking, mountain-biking, 4WDing, horse-riding, hiking, picnic, camping - I could go on. And our visitor sites are absolutely free.

You can even bring the family dog with you.

We’re all-inclusive, multi-use, sustainablymanaged native forests. There’s so much opportunity around our forests, that it’s been

hard to prioritise our projects.

We support many clubs and events that would otherwise struggle for a location. For example, we are hosting the World Rally Championship again this year. We provide permits for car and motorbike rallies, adventure and endurance races, mountain-biking events, archery clubs and even dog-sled training! If you add commercial tourism partners to the mix, like the Treetop Adventure Park in Ourimbah State Forest, you begin to understand the variety of things happening in State Forest.

We’re multi-use and hence very unique.

What’s your favourite State Forest destination and why?

It’s hard to choose just one, so I’m going with two!

The first is the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest near Coffs Harbour. It’s a magnificent structure. The designer, Bellingen architect Steve Gorrell, has elevated Sealy Lookout from a “great view” to an “unmissable experience”. The Forest Sky Pier attracts over 100,000 people annually and in 2014, a significant proportion were first-time visitors. That’s great news in terms of bringing new tourists into an area, building the visitor economy and giving more people an authentic forest experience.

My second choice is Strickland State Forest on the Central Coast. This little forest has an extensive network of walking tracks looked after by volunteers, “The Friends of Strickland”.

The tracks showcase palm forests, waterfalls, creeks, hanging swamps and a 100+ year old arboretum. It’s lush, peaceful and relaxing.

Strickland State Forest has won so many gold awards for ecotourism, that it’s in the regional Tourism Hall of Fame. A great achievement and worthy recognition of this special forest.

Both of these destinations are absolutely free to visit. We want everyone to have a forest experience. You know, perhaps that’s what truly makes us unique.

focusinterview.

INTENT ON EXTENDING THE SUMMER FESTIVAL SEASON INTO THE AUTUMN MONTHS FOLLOWING THE PANG OF SEASONAL REALISATION … THAT SUMMER IS DONE, PORT MACQUARIE’S BRAND NEW MAGIC CASTLE FESTIVAL IS SET TO EXPLODE AT THE BLACK DUCK BREWERY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11.

MAGIC F E S T I V A L

P

ort’s Magic Castle Festival will show you how to live large, as the Black Duck Brewery is transformed into one tasty, musical adventure when it comes alive this April with eight bands, two DJs and tasty nosh offerings from XS and Fish Face Taco.

Host Phil Jamieson of legendary Australian band Grinspoon announced today that the event will kick off at 1pm and will offer a “powerful mix of musical genres, a potent dynamic brew (excuse the pun) of folk, blues, rock, indie and hiphop throughout the afternoon”.

Magic Castle is a philanthropic project for Jamieson, who aims to raise funds for a good friend who was injured in a motorcycle accident in January this year. Port Macquarie legend Lucas “Fruge” Farrugia sustained serious head injuries in an accident on the Oxley Highway. Air lifted to John Hunter Hospital, the subsequent road to recovery has been a marathon which requires ongoing treatment into the unforeseeable future.

“To know Fruge is to love him,” said Jamieson, “a generous soul with a raucous sense of humour, complete with many unforgivable tattoos. This accident put his loved ones in deep shock, and we just want to alleviate the financial burden of recovery so he can concentrate on the physical challenges, making Magic Castle a not-for-profit event, with all proceeds being directed to Fruge’s medical fund.”

Headlining Magic Castle will be three piece garage band Royal Chant. The band are currently working on a new album, The War

Cry of Failure, following a string of successful tour dates along the East Coast. Self described as fast and fuzzed, slanted and slurred, the festival will be the band’s first show in Port Macquarie this year.

Magic Castle will also feature live performances from Pelican Itch, Roy Rose, Korzdahavoc, Whores 4 Pinot, Lords of Pinball, Aubergine and Quantum Soul. and special guest DJ’s.

Tickets for the boutique music festival are strictly limited, so pre-purchase is essential.

MAGIC CASTLE SATURDAY 11TH APRIL 2015 - 1PM Featuring Royal Chant, Pelican Itch, Roy Rose, Korzdahavoc, Whores 4 Pinot, Lords Of Pinball, Aubergine, Quantum Soul And Special Guest Dj’s Healey And Starky Black Duck Brewery, 6 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie Tickets $25 + Booking Fee. On sale now tickets.oztix.com.au/?eventId=50577 and from Oztix Outlets.

For more info head to www.facebook.com/magiccastleevent greater port macquarie focus.

47

the

camden H A V E N

Immerse yourself in nature while visiting this unique “valley of villages”.

The Camden Haven - immerse yourself in nature while visiting this unique “valley of villages”.

The Camden Haven has long been a favourite holiday destination for countless numbers of families over generations. Not just a sleepy back water, the district offers amazing natural wonders, entertainment, dining and attractions for all to enjoy. Here are some “must dos” while visiting The Camden Haven: Grab a feed - North Haven is rapidly gaining a reputation as a dining hot spot, with Oasis

by The River and Sandbar Cafés both offering diners wonderful culinary creations. The district’s two largest Clubs, Laurieton United Services Club and North Haven Bowling Club, offer quality, value meals seven days a week for both lunch and dinner.

Take in the view - at 490 metres, North Brother Mountain offers some of the best coastal views in NSW. Lookout platforms provide stunning panoramas, with views extending to Crowdy Head in the south and as far as Mount Yarrahappini in the north. Picnic shelters and tables, barbecue

48

greater port macquarie focus.

facilities and parking make for a comfortable, relaxed outing. The mountain is a mecca for paragliders, whose colourful sails regularly adorn the sky. Local paragliding school High Adventure Paragliding can help you take off if you’re looking for some serious adventure.

Hit the water - the Camden Haven is a water lover’s paradise: fishing, kayaking, surfing, swimming and boating - there is something on the vast waterways for everyone. Swim in the calm waters of Pilot Beach at Camden Head or at family friendly Lake Cathie. Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills offers one of the best breaks in the region and also features a seasonal patrolled area. Hire a tinny or kayak from the Dunbogan Boatshed. If you feel like something a bit more relaxing, then why not try a cruise aboard Camden Haven Cruises “Far Lap”. This new venture is rapidly gaining popularity with its eco and sunset cruises. The whole district lends itself to fishing, with opportunities for freshwater, beach, rock, estuary and deep sea fishing. A multitude of quality boat ramps ensure easy access to the river, lakes and ocean.

Visit Kendall, the “Poets Village” - named

after one time resident and poet, Henry Kendall, this quaint village is situated on the banks of the Camden Haven River. Grab breakfast or lunch at the popular Miss Nellies Café. Kendall’s unique past is on display via the Heritage and Poets Walks. There are good picnic facilities by the river, while a cuppa and a chat can always be had at the weekly Meeting Place Café and Bazaar, each Thursday. Kendall Cellars and Providore can set you up with a picnic lunch from selections of local cheeses and other produce. If you have the time, you could maybe get in a round of golf or bowls at the Kew Country Club.

Take a hike - the Camden Haven offers a wide range of diverse walks for all levels of fitness and mobility. A walk along the Wall at North Haven is a must; dolphins, turtles, seabirds, fish and the occasional shark can be

observed. The Queens Lake and Grants’ Beach Coastal walks are both relatively easy oneway walks. The Diamond Head Loop Walk in Crowdy Bay National Park is one of the best short coastal walks in the state and offers a diverse range of vegetation types, as well some great coastal views. The Flower Bowl Circuit and Perpendicular Point walks in the Kattang Nature Reserve boast beautiful wildflowers and whale watching spots in season. For the fitter, more adventurous walkers, the Laurieton Track awaits; eight hundred and eighty steps climbing 400 metres over 2.7 kilometres to the summit of North Brother Mountain. Finish your walk off with a BBQ at one of the picnic areas. The team at Wiggly Tail Butchery can help with all of your BBQ requirements. Maybe some pampering at Bonny Hills Body & Beauty would be in store after an active day of walking.

Photo credit: Andrew Wuttke

focusinterview.

Camden Haven Marine The Camden Haven is changing, evolving and along with it, so are Camden Haven Marine.

In the early days, the business stocked only a few small alloy boats with motors to match and was geared primarily toward repairs and servicing the local area of Camden Haven, and was pretty much a one man show.

have the diversity of product and service to

Today the business has three employees, a stock inventory of around 20 boats at any one time ranging from small tinnies to larger off shore STACER and FORMOSA alloy boats and has a fully equipped workshop to service and repair the most technical of modern outboard and sterndrive boats and engines, with computer diagnostics and special tools.

radios and GPS, along with genuine parts

With a client base reaching from Coffs to Sydney along the coast, inland through the Hunter Valley and up to Tamworth and Armidale, it is clear Camden Haven Marine

fastest growing outboard brand in Australia,

meet the demands of their varied range of customers. The ever developing chandlery and spares section stock a wide range of competitively priced product, from rope and anchors through to Minn Kota electric trolling motors and a range of fish finders, and oils for Evinrude and Suzuki.

Undoubtedly the jewel in their crown according to Rob, however, are the SUZUKI Outboard motors, which they took on in 2002. “The quality and performance of the SUZUKI product has catapulted them to the and they are now the choice of many commercial and government operations throughout Australia,” said Rob.

Puppeteer Jeff Achtem creates magical mayhem at the Glasshouse once again with his unique brand of shadow puppetry, in a show that adults will love just as much as children! Be enthralled by this simple but entertaining story that’s told without words …and as for the finale, well … be prepared for some DIY 3D wizardry!

H

i Jeff. You’ve visited us before with your show, Stick, Stones and Broken Bones. This time around you’ll be presenting Swamp Juice … How does this show differ from your previous performance? I’m a clown by background and training, and I got into puppetry because a clown needs to do something on stage … The puppetry worked well, and I did a first series of experiments and explorations of some of the different ways of making shadows, and I stumbled on this idea of using really simple household items that I could bend and twist to make the shapes.

Sticks, Stones and Broken Bones was very much a playful exploration of those techniques and finding ways to make it really fun, silly and simple. Now, this show tours around and travels a lot, and I started thinking about what the next thing to do would be … I thought I’d keep going in the direction of making shadow puppets out of bits of rubbish, and I really tried to tighten it all up and make a single story.

In Sticks and Stones, the stories are kind of all a mish-mash of different ideas and characters - and with Swamp Juice, there’s one storyline that runs the whole way through. It’s not very complicated - it’s about as deep as a Bugs Bunny cartoon - but that’s the idea! I didn’t want a complicated story, but I did want characters we could follow along all the way …

The interesting thing that happens at the end of Swamp Juice is that I’ve developed a way to make 3D shadow puppets, which gives the

show a big whizz-bang finale! Everybody gets 3D glasses and the shadow puppets all pop right out of the screen!

Who are some of your favourite characters?

There’s a snake I find quite funny, because he’s a bit neurotic. Then there’s kind of a bikie punk snail - he’s got a big mohawk and all kinds of attitude. They’re probably two of my favourites …

Are there any ideas for a new show germinating? I won’t give away too much just yet, but I have some ideas for a new show with some other performers. Right now I’m only making solo shows, and I’m kind of limited by only having two legs and two arms! There’s a certain amount of joy that comes from this limitation, because I have to bend and contort in different ways …

But I’m very interested in working on shows with other performers, so there may be four arms and four legs on stage …

Final words … A lot of adults think that puppet shows aren’t for them … but this is a great show for adults too ... Take a chance, see something new, and support a crazy, wacky show!

Thanks Jeff. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

See Swamp Juice at the Glasshouse on April 11, at 7:30pm.

Tickets: $45 general I $35 member $30 under 21 Visit: glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office: 6581 8888.

greater port macquarie focus.

49

HEALTH Endota Spa

Judy Plunkett, Plunketts Chemmart Pharmacy

CERTIFIED

ORGANIC S K I N C A R E ORGANIC SKINCARE PRODUCTS ARE MADE WITH GLORIOUS, HEALTHY RAW INGREDIENTS UNTOUCHED

BY PESTICIDES, ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS OR SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS

THE FLU (INFLUENZA) IS A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS VIRUS THAT AFFECTS THE RESPIRATORY TRACT AND IS SPREAD FROM PERSON TO PERSON THROUGH COUGHS AND SNEEZES.

M

any people confuse the symptoms with the common cold; however, the flu is much worse. Older people and those with an underlying medical condition could also develop complications as a result of the flu.

What are the symptoms? The onset of the flu develops one to three days after contracting the virus and begins as a dry sensation in the nose and throat. Symptoms also include: • High fever, chills and sweating • Headache and sore throat • Weakness • Muscle and joint pains

• A dry cough that can become more severe Why the vaccination helps fight the flu • The flu is more than just a bad cold, and can occasionally lead to serious complications.

• Flu vaccination can help stop the spread of the virus in the community.

• Annual flu vaccinations are recommended, particularly for older people, and those with an underlying medical condition.

• Protection develops about two weeks after receiving the flu vaccination, and lasts for up to one year.

BOOK NOW by phoning Plunketts Chemmart Pharmacy in Port Macquarie on 6584 0044 or Wauchope on 6585 1188.

W

hat is certified organic skincare?

Organic skincare products are made with glorious, healthy raw ingredients untouched by pesticides, artificial fertilisers or synthetic chemicals Why is organic skincare important?

By simply using a regular array of everyday cosmetics, the average woman applies more than 500 chemicals to her skin a day.* Since skin soaks up as much as 60% of the ingredients applied to it, switching to organic greatly reduces your chemical exposure.

Organic skincare also: • Reduces side effects to those who regularly experience allergic reactions to normal skincare.

• Offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical skincare.

What makes a product certified organic?

Unlike food, there are currently no regulations governing the words “organic” and “natural” on cosmetic labels. Many products containing non-organic ingredients still claim to be organic. Only certified organic products carrying a recognisable certified organic logo, like the organic food chain’s ofc logo - which have met strict organic criteria including: • no artificial toxins used at any stage of the production process • no animal testing.

• 100% natural, non chemical, non man-made and non genetically modified ingredients. *biosen survey 2010

OPHTHALMOLOGY AT P O R T M A C Q U A R I E E Y E C E N T R E A N D P O R T M A C Q U A R I E O P H T H A L M I C S U R G E R Y…

O

ur five ophthalmologists provide specialist eye care to the Mid North Coast by screening for and treating diseases of the eye and eye emergencies.

Port Macquarie Ophthalmic Surgery is a newly built,

50

greater port macquarie focus.

custom designed eye surgery facility, and we are proud that our operating theatre is equipped with the most up-to-date operating microscope and phacoemulsification cataract machine available anywhere in the country. Our day surgery is fully accredited with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, fully licensed by New South Wales Health and has agreements in place with over 30 health funds.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and Optometrist?

Optometrists: An optometrist examines eyes, gives advice for visual problems, fits and prescribes glasses or contact lenses and performs investigative testing for common eye diseases. If eye disease is detected, they may refer a patient to an ophthalmologist for further management.

Ophthalmologists: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor with additional specialist training in the diagnosis,

monitoring and management of disorders of the eye and visual systems, including medical and surgical treatment where necessary.

Cataracts: A cataract is a cloudiness of the lens inside the eye, behind the iris and pupil. If the lens becomes cloudy, it scatters the light and blurs the vision.

• Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulties reading, glare, halos around lights, and ghosting of images.

• Cataracts do not cause pain or discomfort and usually develop slowly, at a different rate within each eye.

• Cataracts commonly develop as a normal part of ageing and may go some time before symptoms are noticed.

• Diabetes, various eye diseases, eye injury or excessive exposure to UV light may also cause cataracts.

Port Macquarie Eye Centre’s five ophthalmologists can surgically treat cataracts at Port Macquarie Ophthalmic Surgery within two months of your consultation. Please contact us on (02) 6584 5554.

EYECARE PLUS Are you sure your child has good vision? Research shows that 1 in 5 school aged children have a vision problem. This could result in poor vision later in life and impact on learning and behaviour as they struggle to focus.

ENDOTA SPA PORT MACQUARIE During April, save face with all our “detox” (clay wrap) and “smooth” (body scrub) treatments; when you book either of these services, you receive a FREE facial valued at $75 at the time of treatment.

Gift Vouchers from endota spa are a great way to give someone time to relax, which we all need. Until Mother’s Day, we are adding a FREE 30 minute upgrade to all one hour or more gift vouchers.

Surprisingly, many of these children see satisfactorily and will pass a simple eye chart test.

Children are spending far more time doing visually demanding near tasks compared to their parents. We are all aware of the widespread use of hand held devices and computers at home and school.

Many children have never had a complete eye examination. All young children should have a full eye health and age appropriate vision examination before starting school, and at least every three years as they progress through school. Although rare, children can also get serious eye disease, such as optic nerve head swelling, glaucoma and even cataracts.

Why purchase a series? The many great reasons to buy a series: regular “you” time over the cooler months, results based skin care in spa and at home, and you save up to $350 combined on treatments and take home skin care - WOW!

If your child has never had an eye examination, it should be a priority, as early detection and intervention is essential for best results. All our optometrists at Eyecare Plus have experience in testing children with age appropriate tests and are able to recommend vision therapy and specialised peadiatric lens options when appropriate. We also have two members of the Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists who have a particular interest in children’s vision and development. We also offer Corneal Reshaping Technology, which has been proved to reduce the development and onset of shortsightedness in children.

Save the date next month, Saturday 2nd May, for our VIP event, 20% off storewide, prizes, free goodie bags, free skin analysis and light refreshments. RSVP by calling 6584 7888.

So don’t be complacent when it comes to your child’s vision and have it checked thoroughly. No referral is necessary, and consultations receive a rebate with Medicare.

During April we are highlighting our endota facial series with a FREE full size skin kit when you purchase any series from our endota range, including organic, glycolic, ceuticals, which includes hydromicrodermabrasion facial series.

Dr. Bobby Kumar COSMETIC SURGEON Why Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Women choose Breast Augmentation to enhance breast size, shape & volume for different reasons, including: • Dissatisfaction with small or uneven breasts; • To restore volume & shape lost through breast feeding or weight loss; • To achieve confidence in a curvaceous & feminine figure.

Women considering breast implants should be fully informed as to the range of choices available, with surgery tailored to meet each individual’s needs & goals. With an emphasis on pre operative planning & post operative follow up, caring for the individual over the short & long term is given top priority.

You need to know about: • Differences in Breast Implant Size/Volume, Shape, Projection & Profile & how they relate to your individual anatomy • Smooth vs Textured Implants (eg “furry brazilian”) • Placement of Implants (eg above or below pec muscle) Can Breast Implants look natural?

Absolutely! By far the majority of women who seek Breast Augmentation Surgery with Dr. Bobby Kumar, Cosmetic Surgeon, are looking for natural results, with full, shapely breasts in proportion to their body shape & figure.

Consultations by Appointment – call Wendy today on 1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009 or email: bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au

EYE CARED FOR 1 in 5 kids has an eye condition they are not aware of.

Many learning difficulties and behavioural problems could be avoided with early detection.

Make an appointment today Port Macquarie

1/29 Horton Street

Ph: 6584 3948 95 William Street

Ph: 6583 7333 Wauchope 6 Bransdon Street

Ph: 6585 2393

greater port macquarie focus. 51

chinese medicine & acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely accepted in Australia due to the fact that it has fewer side effects.

A deep understanding of Chinese culture will greatly help us understand the various amounts of TCM treatments available. Basic diagnosis methods in TCM include: inspection, auscultation, olfaction, inquiry and pulse-taking. Corresponding prescription and treatments are based on these methods. The human body is closely connected to nature. When your immune system goes down, many diseases can be caused by influences in climate change, stress and improper diet. These conditions can lead to the discomfort of the body, mentally and physically.

Sleep quality is related to intestines and stomach, liver and spleen.

It is also connected to imbalance between the heart-(Yang) and the kidney-(Yin). Skin problems can cause irritations, and most skin problems are related to the lungs, allergies and diet. Eating right can help prevent recurrence effectively. Energy loss is linked to obesity and swelling, dampness, stagnancy or side effects of multiple medications. Menopause symptoms, such as hot flash and perspiration are the results of imbalance between Yin and Yang.

Lumbago and sciatica are linked to kidney deficiency. Depression is related to liver and heart problems. Chronic fatigue syndrome and infertility are both linked to deficiency of Qi and blood. Asthma is not only connected to the lungs but also to the kidneys.

Understanding your own health condition can help you avoid and relieve pain and disease. Choose a better life by living a heathier lifestyle.

52

greater port macquarie focus.

STUDIO SHAY What are some of your favourite products to work with?

I love Keune Thermal Spray, which is a must-use tool before drying or styling hair with heated appliances. Its Wheat Protein, Quats and Provitamin B5 protect the cuticle from heat influences, prevent hair from dehydration and control the moisture balance. Keune Defrizz Serum is another top product, instantly eliminating frizz and enhancing shine, without leaving the hair oily.

How have you gained experience with colour and styling?

I have been a hairdresser for over 10 years. To keep up with the latest styles and trends, I research a lot online and do online training.

How do you make your clients feel special?

I treat my clients more like friends, which gives me an insight to what they want and helps to interpret the best outcome.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I enjoy spending the time with my clients and also enjoy colouring and styling.

Do you suffer from neck pain?

Neck pain is a debilitating problem that can interfere with daily activities and lower quality of life. Not only do injuries and trauma cause neck pain, but our occupation and lifestyle can contribute too. A tech savvy way of life means you are often sitting at a computer or spending time on your smart phone or iPad, which leads to poor posture. Stress and emotional aspects of our lives also produce significant muscle tension, resulting in pain and dysfunction.

Acupuncture is a safer alternative to long term usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly prescribed to relieve neck pain. Acupuncture treatment uses the body’s intelligence to repair and rehabilitate the area. By doing this we avoid medication side effects such as stomach ulcers and headaches.

Acupuncture works to correct the body’s internal communication and the underlying cause of the problem, as opposed to masking symptoms. This is the key to long term success of acupuncture treatments. When acupuncture is performed, there is often an immediate relief caused by a release of endorphins and other pain relieving chemicals. Tension is relieved by an increase in blood circulation and oxygen to the targeted site, which allows the structures in the neck to function properly.

Call Chris to make an appointment today and see how you can benefit from reduction in pain and better quality of life.

Ling: Massage @ Port Macquarie He Ling Ying (Ling) recently returned from her visit to China.

The highly respected and hugely popular proprietor of “Massage at Port Macquarie” took the well-earned (and overdue) break to visit family and to review her techniques in Chinese massage. Delighted to be back home in “Port”, she is already busy, happily reuniting with local clients and friends.

As a masseur, Ling is highly qualified in Australia as well as in her native China. Her skills are therefore quite unique, as she successfully combines today’s recognised contemporary techniques with time-honoured Chinese modalities, to provide real assistance to those with physical discomfort, sport, health or occupational mobility issues, insomnia or simply common fatigue. In fact, Ling’s loyal long-term clients are an ongoing testimony to her outstanding level of care.

Approved treatments are recognised by most major health funds, with HICAPS providing instant rebates in the majority of cases.

Ling is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Massage Therapists and practices from her air-conditioned home clinic in the Lighthouse Beach/Shelly Beach area, where parking is just a few paces from the door. Warm, considerate and surprisingly strong, she cares for her clients - male, female, young and not-so-young, with compassion, respect and always with traditional Chinese courtesy and values.

greater port macquarie focus.

53

focusinterview.

2015 HASTINGS

RELAY

LIFE FOR

HASTINGS RELAY FOR LIFE RETURNS ONCE AGAIN IN 2015, BUT THIS YEAR THE DEDICATED GROUP OF LOCALS WHO FORM THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE ARE PLANNING FOR A FRESH APPROACH TO INVIGORATE THE EVENT. CANCER COUNCIL NSW’S SARAH ROGERS TALKS TO THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIR, DIONE EDWARDS, TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THEIR PLANS FOR THIS YEAR.

H

ow did you become involved in Relay?

When I was in Year 12, my mum lost her little brother to cancer. Since then, I have been a huge supporter of the Cancer Council.

Unfortunately, since then my husband and I have both lost more loved ones to cancer.

This is one of the reasons that as soon as we opened our business, PETstock, we came straight onboard as sponsors of the relay.

Initially my involvement in the Hastings Relay was being a part of the Holiday Coast Credit Union team. I then became the team captain of the HCCU team, and in 2009 we raised over $12,000. The Holiday Coast Credit Union have been long term supporters of the Relay and encourage staff members to be involved in the community. I joined the committee in 2011 as Fundraising Coordinator, and last year I took on a co-chair role. In 2015 I am proud to be the Chair of the Hastings Relay For Life. I am so excited about the activities planned for this year’s new look event.

What is going to be different about this year’s Relay For Life?

Feedback from last year was that people wanted more things to do at Relay other than walking around the track, and we have listened! This year we have incorporated a healthy living expo with complementary treatments, zumba, yoga and laughing workshops. There will be more entertainment for all age groups and lots of fun night-time activities that will keep participants energised throughout the night.

One third of cancers can be prevented

54

greater port macquarie focus.

through healthy lifestyle choices, so we will be conducting healthy eating information sessions and a juicing workshop to help inspire people in the Hastings region to fight back against cancer.

Why is it so important for locals to be involved in Relay For Life?

Cancer Council NSW is 97% community funded and relies on communities to help raise funds to support our vision, that “together we will beat cancer”.

Relay For Life has been operating in this region since 2001, and locals have continued to support the event. Approximately 373 people in the Hasting’s region are diagnosed with cancer each year, and unfortunately this number is only increasing.

Relay For Life enables people to celebrate lives lost to cancer and to fight back against cancer by raising vital funds that go towards programmes that support patients within the Hastings community such as Transport to Treatment, pro bono legal and financial advice and also fund preventative programmes to protect the next generation.

Of course, Cancer Council NSW also funds world-class research to reduce the impact of cancer, and this is where everyone truly benefits. I think there has been a misconception in Hastings that some of the money raised isn’t spent locally, but when statistically speaking, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes, it’s actually every Australian’s responsibility to help fund treatments that are less invasive and gain better results.

As Cancer Council work across all cancers,

and all stages of the cancer journey, they allocate fundraising money to research programmes of the highest scientific merit across the globe. These research programmes might not be located in Hastings, but people within the region will certainly reap the long term benefits.

The future of cancer treatments could see drugs that only attack the proteins that cause cancers cells to divide and spread, not the healthy cells. This would mean that patients don’t get sick when undergoing treatment. I think everyone wants to see this happen in the future, and this is exactly what some of the fundraising money from events like Relay For Life goes towards.

What’s the best way for teams to fundraise?

Teams can fundraise any way they like!

Some teams like “Clowns 2” have already raised thousands of dollars by running a cake stall, a river cruise and a garage sale. Other successful fundraisers are through sausage sizzles, movie nights, morning teas, or sporting events. You are only limited by your imagination!

One of the most powerful methods seems to be “peer to peer” fundraising, where participants set a fundraising goal, and simply ask family, friends and work colleagues to sponsor them.

If each participant raises $100, we will come close to reaching our fundraising goal of $125,000.

What local businesses are supporting the event?

We are so pleased to have PETstock, Percival

Property and Holiday Coast Credit Union on board. We also have lots of support from 2MC, Star FM, The Port News and of course, FOCUS. Along with in-kind and cash sponsors, many businesses in town help to coordinate teams, donate raffle prizes, and organise catering on the day.

We have some great incentives for sponsors, so if any businesses would like to offer their support, they can contact the Cancer Council Lower Mid North Coast office for more information.

What do you love most about Relay For Life?

That anyone can be involved and we can make a difference. It is really important that we can make a difference in our local community.

I love the energy and the vibe on the day of Relay. The committee can only do so much; the teams help create such a fantastic atmosphere at the event, and I love it. I love that I have shared Relay with friends, family, work mates, strangers and acquaintances. It really is a whole community event, and together we will beat cancer.

the plug!

To register for Hastings Relay For Life or make a donation, please visit www.relayforlife.org.au and search for “Hastings”.

If you would like further information, please contact Sarah Rogers from Cancer Council NSW on (02) 6659 8403 or sarahrog@nswcc.org.au

greater port macquarie focus. 55

robyn’s

spot The Colonial Cobbler Since 1874, Rieker has just wanted to help you relax in style. That’s probably why it has been able to become the world’s leading anti-stress shoe brand. Rieker’s philosophy is ingrained in every shoe it creates. When you wear a Rieker shoe, it is guaranteed to have all the attributes you need to feel a sense of “wellbeing” in your everyday life.

Rieker is also dedicated to handcrafting the latest European fashion and offering it at an affordable price. With Rieker, you get the best of both worlds - ultracomfort and chic styles that give you certain a peace of mind. Take a step up into the world of Rieker shoes.

Durability - Extremely durable, Rieker shoes handle all manner of misuse and changes in

56

greater port macquarie focus.

environment, without their stitching fraying and colour fading.

Comfort - Another added benefit of wearing Rieker shoes is comfort. These shoes are designed with the wearer’s foot in mind.

Material expands and contracts, and the soles are made of shock absorbing rubber that prevents you from feeling bumps when walking on uneven surfaces.

Fashion style - The range of sandals is very stylish and are bound to get you noticed every time you wear them.

These shoes are designed to keep your feet happy all day long! Let us help you choose the perfect style and fit at Colonial Cobbler today.

Robyn Butler.

Hello Easter! One quarter of the year is passing us by with the blink of an eye. Hope the weather is pleasant for locals and the many tourists who come to our fair shores over Easter.

I

always feel ANZAC Day is the turning point in the weather ... you can feel the nip in the air at the Dawn Service. Being the 100th Anniversary of ANZAC Day, it will be so special for the whole nation. Great to see our younger generation embrace this important and momentous day. At my father’s funeral, we presented Dad’s great grandson with his medals. It is with pride he will be wearing them on ANZAC Day, when the whole school marches with the veterans.

It was very interesting when my daughter tried to find someone in Newcastle to mount the medals for Zac to wear on ANZAC Day. The only person doing this was an ex serviceman, who saw the opening for medal mounting and making replicas for those lost or damaged, plus numerous other tasks involving medals. They also help you trace the military background of your family tree. He has closed his books until after ANZAC Day because of the volume of work, but next month I will describe in detail what he does ... fascinating and interesting.

SNIPPETS: HERITAGE DAY AT DOUGLAS VALE HOMESTEAD AND WINERY… Come along and enjoy a wonderful day at Port’s Oasis on Saturday 18th April 2015 between 9:30am and 2:30pm. Stalls, BBQ, demonstrations and entertainment by Adam and the Antiques and others. Cost is $2.

Enjoy wine tasting and tours of the vineyard …

Everyone welcome!

Situated on the Oxley Highway near Westport High School.

WORLD TAI CHI DAY will be celebrated at Pier One Panthers Club on the 26th April 2015 at 10am. Local groups will present demonstrations of Quigong and Tai Chi, and the public is more than welcome to attend and enjoy the calming and relaxing benefits of Tai Chi ... with life’s pressures, this will be so beneficial to many who find it hard to relax and unwind.

POWER OUTAGE … My friend had a power outage at his home last week, when his PC, laptop, TV, DVD, iPad and new surround sound music system were all shut down.

Then, he discovered that his iPhone battery was flat. To top it off, it was raining, so he

couldn’t go for a walk, bike, or run. The garage door opener needs electricity, so he couldn’t go anywhere in the car.

He went into the kitchen to make coffee, and then he remembered that this also needed power, so he sat and talked with his wife for a few hours … He said she seems like a nice person ... sound familar?

Belated birthday greetings to Thelma Chandler of the Hastings, who celebrated her 104th birthday last month. What a woman, with the best sense of humour and wonderful laugh … enjoys life to the fullest and looking forward to her 105th birthday!

Though last month’s news ... thank you to those involved in organising the Forum at Panthers for Dying with Dignity. I could not make it, but heard it was very well received. Listening to people’s stories of their loved ones passing in such horrific circumstances should not happen in this day and age and we, the Baby Boomers, have to rectify it before we go to the top of the queue.

Well done to Amanda Gordon, Ian Castle, Natasha Marshall, Abigal French, Sing Australia and Three’s Company for donating their time entertaining at the Seniors Concert last month.

Over 640 people attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Lesley Williams, Hastings Combined Pensioners, Douglas Vale Winery volunteers and Panthers ... look forward to next year.

A special thanks and best wishes to our surviving diggers ... may your day be memorable and special like you on ANZAC Day. No doubt your thoughts, and ours, will be thinking of our fallen.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE ... don’t forget when eating chocolate ... break it and it burns up a few calories ... Ho hum!

HASTINGS JUNIOR AND SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOIRS - where I am thanking people for entertaining at the Senior’s Concert. I would hate them to be left out, as they did such a fanastic job.

Robbie x

BREAST REDUCTION S U R G E R Y

Breast hypertrophy (enlargement) can be an early problem for a woman or a gradual increase in size over the years, causing neck, shoulder and back pain , restriction in mobility and exercise and significant difficulty in getting well fitting clothes including brassieres.

P

rinciples of surgery Surgery involves reduction of skin and breast tissue (which is made up of glandular tissue and fat ) and also the elevation of the

nipple-aerola complex.

The method of choice While there are many methods to reduce the breast,

of shape takes up to 6 months.

However, the initial three weeks is a key period in the healing process , during which there are many restrictions on the activities permitted.

A specially designed compression garment is also used for the first three months.

Time off work, including at home and looking after

the vertical mammaplasty, initially described by the

young children, for at least the first three weeks after

French surgeon Dr. Daniel Marchack, later popularised

surgery helps in the recovery from surgery.

by Prof Madeline LeJour of the University of Brussels in Belgium and now fine tuned by Dr. Elisabeth Hall-Findlay of Banff in Canada, is a very sound technique. It gives an excellent reduction of breast size, good nipple-aereola

Breast droop ( Ptosis ) is also well-corrected, with a very similar technique, the vertical masto-pexy.

There are a number of operations, for correction of ptosis, which use skin-tightening techniques.

complex elevation, minimal scarring and excellent long-

While technically simpler and less time-consuming,

term results, with maintenance of shape and position.

the improvement is short lived, due to the restretching

Postoperatively restrictions

of the tightened skin.

The surgery is done under general anaesthesia, usually as an inpatient in hospital.

While surface healing takes place rapidly, internal healing , the regaining of strength, and the restoration

The vertical masto-pexy, is quite similar to the vertical mammaplasty, but with a very small reduction of breast tissue, and with an excellent lift of the breasts and nipple-aerola complex, and with long-lasting results.

greater port macquarie focus.

57

greater port macquarie focus.

58

the NOURISH WELL The Nourish Well is a new, multi-disciplinary health and wellbeing clinic based in Port Macquarie. Having recently relocated from Melbourne, Jean Robinson has 15 years’ experience in the natural health industry and has successfully treated hundreds of conditions, ranging from minor to chronic conditions. Health Fund Rebates Applicable.

Vibrosaun will help you to: Relax Lose Weight Relieve Pain Sleep better Reduce blood pressure Increase circulation Recover from sports injuries Couples room available Vibrosaun April Special Offer: BUY 1 GET 1 FREE! April only.

Shapemaster Easytone: Power assisted toning tables, easy exercise, safe for all ages regardless of fitness level. Shapemaster Easytone is excellent for anyone wanting to improve posture, flexibility, muscle tone and inch loss. Ring now for a free trial.

Located on Munster St. Phone 6583 5967 or email nourishwellclinic@gmail.com

now at beachside medi spa Meet Frank James Lagudi, experienced relaxation and sports massage therapist. With the recent expansion of Beachside Medi Spa, now located in a spacious premises on Horton St, Frank is happy to be offering his services in the centre of town.

Frank will be available for appointments every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from March 31st.

Experienced and accredited with the ACNT (Australasian College of Natural Therapies), Frank will look after your individual needs and adjust treatments around any injuries or sore areas.

Services available include: Full Body $69 1 hour Neck & Shoulders $35 30 min Back & Shoulders $45 40 min Concessions available.

First 100 clients receive 15% OFF any service Third VISIT 50% OFF For appointments, phone 0448 446 360.

greater port macquarie focus.

59

focusinterview.

CAN’T WAIT PROGRAMME CLYTE MAY, A LOCAL IBD NURSE, EXPLAINS A NEW PROGRAMME THAT WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR MANY INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE SUFFERERS LOCALLY. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP …

H

i Clyte. It’s been a little while since FOCUS spoke to you. Please remind us about your role as an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Nurse - where do you work, and what does your job entail?

I work with Dr Kostalas, in his consultation rooms situated on the corner of Parker and Savoy Streets.

My role is one of education and support. I educate the patients about the nature of their disease, the aim of treatments, assist in monitoring the response to treatments, through test results and the patients’ clinical response. I also co-ordinate the patients’ treatment and review schedules.

One very important aspect to my role is listening to the patients, in regards to the impact that their disease has on everyday life and discussing coping strategies.

Early last year, you and Dr Stuart Kostalas were instrumental in getting a Crohn’s and Colitis Support Service off the ground locally. How has this new service been received by the public?

The Crohns and Colitis Support Service is going extremely well. The patients have responded well to the level of education and support they are given. As a result, the patients are more informed and involved in the management of their disease, and this is reflected in the positive outcomes we are seeing.

You’ve since identified a need for additional support for Crohn’s and Colitis patients, which you’re hoping you’ll be able to address with a new service called the “Can’t Wait Programme”. Please explain what this programme is about and why it’s so important ...

The symptoms of IBD include bleeding, bloating, fever, fatigue and pain. Most socially debilitating is frequent (non-contagious) diarrhoea, which means that the need for access to a toilet is sometimes extremely urgent - not being able to access one can result in physical pain, social anxiety and embarrassment.

People suffering an IBD can become extremely isolated, unable to go about the most basic

60 greater port macquarie focus.

of tasks such the grocery shopping, and any sort of social interaction outside their home is impossible.

With no financial outlay, the programme involves businesses displaying a participation sticker, so people suffering with Crohn's or Colitis can use their bathroom facilities, after showing their “Can't Wait” card.

How will businesses who support the programme be recognised?

Businesses that support the programme will be recognised in the following ways: • On the Can't Wait website as a participating supporter with a location finder • Business details communicated via CCA's social media sites • Business logo and details published in the Inside magazine, a quarterly publication distributed to CCA's 6,000 plus member base • The opportunity to become involved in CCA events • A dedicated CCA contact to respond to questions All registered organisations will be offered a window sticker to display at their place of business and a communication guide for staff.

What do you need to make this programme happen - what are the next steps?

We need business to put their hands up, come on board, and support this programme.

If we can get enough businesses on board, this is going to have a great positive impact on the quality of life for Crohn's and Colitis suffers in our community.

Where can people find out more info?

Interested businesses can contact me, by emailing clytemay@yahoo.com.au I have registration forms, so registration to support the programme is very straightforward.

Businesses can also register their interest by visiting the website: www.cantwait.net.au and filling out the registration form found on the “become an affiliate” page.

Alternatively, contact CCA on 1800 138 029 or by emailing info@crohnsandcolitis.com.au Thanks Clyte.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

greater port macquarie focus.

61

Photography by Angie Branch

focusinterview.

Wedding of the Month

NIKKI & PAUL COCHRANE

H

i Nikki. How did you first meet your husband, Paul?

My husband, Paul, and I met four years ago when he was over holidaying from the UK. We met at Cassegrain Winery, in the mosh pit, during the Jimmy Barnes, Noiseworks and Thirsty Merc concert. I literary fell into his arms, after my heels sunk into the ground and I fell backwards. There was an instant connection between us. We were inseparable for the final week of Paul’s holiday in Australia. We both knew then we had found our one!

He was in the British Royal Navy, so we have spent the last four years travelling back and forth between here and the UK whenever one of us was on leave. After over 20 trips between us, hundreds of emails, hours of Skype time and lots of teary farewells, Paul retired from the Navy and moved over permanently in November 2014.

What was special about Paul’s proposal?

We were holidaying in Thailand with my three daughters, Maddie, Piper and Indiana, my mum, dad, my brother, sister and their families for my 40th birthday. During a family day trip to the beautiful Phi Phi Island, Paul very romantically dropped down to one knee and proposed.

Tell us about the location of your ceremony - why is this place special to you both?

We were married at Watonga Rocks, Light House Beach. This location is extremely special to us, as we had spent hours walking together along the beach when Paul was over on leave.

We could also see the Light House, a place we frequent for romantic picnics and just to relax.

Why did you decide to have your reception at the Surf Club?

62

greater port macquarie focus.

View, view, view! We had a lot of guests travelling from overseas and interstate, so we wanted a reception venue to showcase our beautiful beaches. It was also perfect, as our ceremony only a short beach walk away.

Tell us about your decorations and the overall theme of your wedding.

We had a relaxed, romantic beach theme.

Designs by Bec featured throughout the day, with her chalkboard designs and photo booth backdrop.

Describe a timeline of your wedding day.

5:30am - I woke up early (way too excited to sleep!) with my mum and sister, Bek. We met my girlfriend, Kimmy, around at the Surf Club to set up the lolly bar and a few extra decorations.

8:45 - My daughters, Mum and I had our hair and makeup done in a room at The Mantra (Paul had beautifully decorated it for us). It was extremely relaxed. I loved that I got to spend this time with my three girls, my mum and my girlfriend Toni (hair stylist) and Shandelle (makeup artist). While we were being pampered, Paul, as all good husbands should, was running around with my dad, our brothers in law, nephews and friend Tony finishing with the set up.

12:00 - The beautiful Sarah Hudson dropped off our amazing flowers to the Mantra.

1:30 - The gorgeous duo of Angie and Nik (Angie Branch Photographers) arrived. Let the fun begin! She had the girls jumping on the bed for photos. Dad finally arrived to join in the celebrations.

3:30 - Ceremony What was on the menu for guests to enjoy?

Coast to Coast The Golden Roast catered for our wedding. They provided a delicious menu of succulent roast meats, fresh salads and vegetables and delicious desserts. We also

Maddie (age 14) Piper (age

had a lolly bar with over 30 kg of assorted sweets.

Who were some of your local suppliers?

Celebrant - the highly entertaining Margo Smith.

d at We were marrie ght Li s, ck Watonga Ro tion ca lo is Th House Beach. , as us to ial is extremely spec s walking ur we had spent ho be ach e together along th er on ov as w ul Pa when leave.”

“

Clarke.

playing a big part in our day. They looked absolutely stunning.

I loved that our families and friends were there to share it with from the UK, his sister Jill and

talented Sarah Hudson. and talented hairdresser, Toni

attendants and enjoyed

us. Paul’s mum flew out

Flowers - the extremely Hair - my gorgeous friend

12) Indie (age 8) were my

her family flew over from New Zealand, my brother and his family drove up for the day from Melbourne, my

Makeup and beauty - the beautiful

sister and her family from Orange. I loved that

Shandelle Louise and Khym and Amber

I got to spend the morning getting ready with

from Serenity Beauty.

my mum, dad and three daughters.

Photographer - The amazing Angie Branch.

Video - The rocking Nathan Branch.

I loved that our ceremony was extremely personal and looked amazing!

DJ - Liam from All Occasions DJs.

I loved our photo shoot with Angie and Nik.

Cake - the very talented Kathlene from Smooch

I loved our choreographed dance to Ed

Cakes.

Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud that incorporated

Hire Goods - Wedding Perfection and Wedding

my three daughters - thank you to Karen and

Inspirations.

Danika Toms!

What was the favourite part of your wedding day?

There are so many favourite parts to the day.

I loved that I was finally marrying the man of my dreams. I loved that my three daughters

I loved it all; it was perfect!

The jury is still out though on the best lolly in the lolly bar - I say chicos, Paul says red frogs!

P.S. I loved even more that we got to honeymoon in The Maldives.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

APRIL 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Relationships are likely to be on the main agenda this month. Be open with your communication to avoid any misunderstanding and know which insecurities belong to you and which ones don’t.

Kyanite helps build inner bridges, so we can literally get over things.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20

You are about to embark on a journey.

For some this will be literal, for others, an inward journey of self-discovery. During this time, you will make new friends and acquaintances who will mirror your lessons in life perfectly. To gain the most out of this, remove all judgement and look for the outcome.

Seraphinite allows us to heal passed hurts from a subconscious plane.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20

Lighten up your energy by taking life less seriously. You are capable of exuding much joy and happiness, yet at present you are often mopey. Re-evaluate the person you are showing the world and give yourself the gift of positive change.

Azurite is wonderful for insight.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

You so desperately want a change in direction, but this is challenging your rules and boundaries in life. At present, your personal strength is being tested, which also may make it harder to pursue your desires. Ask yourself how badly do you want change? Let this motivate you. Set your sights and then give yourself permission to receive. Phenacite helps us to release other people’s worries from our energies.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Time for change is at hand, perhaps a change in career or a new position at work.

You have exhausted the cycle you have been in and your itchy feet are a result of still sitting idle and perhaps waiting for change to come to you. Make a choice and take action.

Garnet is wonderful for prosperity in thought as well as outcome.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Soon you will have the opportunity to feel ownership of your life, rather than surviving your circumstance. Set some immediate goals and keep your mind positively busy.

Be aware of your fears so you can take control of them and change them. Speak openly and honestly to free yourself from binding situations and enjoy your personal power. Lapis lazuli connects us to our purpose and destiny.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23

July brings endings of frustrating repetitive influences, as well as discovery of new talents, and new friends to satisfy your social needs. You can anticipate a busy agenda with an uplifting feeling.

Carnelian helps us to embrace new experiences joyfully.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23

Patience is required just for a few weeks, as you are fast approaching change to your circumstances. Your biggest vulnerability is your fear. This can potentially change your outcome, so be aware of this.

Selenite connects us to our higher self and our divine purpose.

LIBRA.

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

Carnelian can evoke creative energy quicker than many other crystals.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22

Fears and insecurities will surface but if you claim them and heal them, nothing will hinder your progress. If you treat them light heartedly, they will be transformed into new strengths.

Calcite Brings spontaneity into the picture.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

You may be feeling a little “up-rooted” lately, but don’t forget how badly you wished for change to come into the picture. The reason you may be feeling this way is because your outcome is not quite here yet. Try a little new goal setting, as this will assist in a happier outlook.

Ruby or Garnet will help you feel grounded, taking away some of the dilemma.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Some direction is needed now so you will be ready for the perfect opportunity. Deep inside you have your own answers; trust in your sensitivity and psychic ability, as this is never wrong.

Labradorite brings magical energy into the picture for manifestation.

greater port macquarie focus. 63

focuseditorial.

focuseditorial.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS IS A CONCEPT CREATED BY THE 2014 COMBINED HASTINGS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL, CONSISTING OF ALL OF THE SCHOOLS IN THE HASTINGS AREA.

BATTLE OF THE

• MEET THE EVERMORE LIVING TEAM •

BANDS

T

he event is to be held on the 7th May and will involve two bands from each school performing in front of an audience of students from all over the area. The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity where all schools can come together, while in friendly competition, and hold a youth event for students, run by students; therefore, breaking the barriers and creating open dialogue between the schools.

The event also aims at making a difference in the wider community, as all profits made on the night will be donated to a nominated charity of the winning school.

Last year the event was held at St Joseph’s Regional College and was a great success, with an amazing young rock band taking out first place. This year it will be held at St Columba Anglican School, and around 400 people are expected to be there to watch, listen and dance together on the night. The competition will take place annually, and each year the role of hosting the event will rotate through the schools. Overall, the event allows for cooperation and unity within the youth of the Hastings area to create a fun and musical event.

C

oyne Graham CEO/Director, Colleen Moat Care Manager R.N, Gillian Evans Sales and Marketing Manager and Mal Kukas Director, are ready and waiting to answer any questions you may have and take you through what is Evermore Living. More Care - More Freedom - More Choice - More Independence.

Evermore truly caters for all your day-to-day needs, while respecting your independence and privacy. Your own home in the heart of town, easy access to the Forster CBD and local attractions, without the hassle of maintenance, repairs, lawns and gardens.

Add to all this the countless enjoyable lifestyle choices that await you here: new

focuseditorial.

• A NN

friendships, easy shopping, beautiful beaches, cafés, the RSL and bowling club, restaurants and more - and you’re engaging in countless activities you can enjoy to whatever extent you prefer.

You will be living in your very own spacious 1 or 2 bedroom luxury apartment, knowing that with supported living at Evermore, qualified help is close by if you need it and that you are close to Medical Specialists and the neighbouring Forster Private Hospital.

The best way to evaluate everything Evermore Retirement Living offers is to call in for a closer look, so you can see just how Evermore delivers more than you ever expected. Visit us today at 40 Short St, Forster.

focuseditorial.

UAL LIONS •

DUCK

WE’RE CREATING A FRESH, NEW CLUB!

E AS TER SUN D AY

THE ANNUAL LIONS DUCK RACES WILL BE HELD ON EASTER SUNDAY AT ABOUT 10:30AM.

T

he first race will be the fiercely contested Business Houses race, where entrants will compete for five nights’ accommodation at Opal Cove. Next will be the Public Race, where significant cash prizes will be available.

Early Intervention. The programme’s primary aim is to “provide support and services to the families of young children with either a diagnosed disability or those who have a significant delay in their development, for children aged 1 - 6 years”.

The races make quite a sight, as the ducks are carried bobbing and ducking with the tide down Kooloonbung Creek adjacent to Coles in Port Macquarie.

The programme was started in 1981 and has helped hundreds of children progress to the point where they can be absorbed successfully into mainstream school.

The actual race itself is not the main feature, however, as the contribution of many small and large businesses and members of the public contribute a small amount to allow Lions to make a major difference to local charities.

The event is very popular and widely attended. This year, members of Hastings Early Intervention will be attending to answer questions.

This year the major beneficiary will be Hastings 64 greater port macquarie focus.

For further information or ticket, please ring 0412 607 701.

THE WESTPORT CLUB IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE FIRST STAGE OF REFURBISHMENT WORKS AT THE CLUB.

T

his stage of the project will see upgrades to both the Club’s external bowls facilities and Aqua restaurant.

To complement the Club’s three first-class grass bowling greens, refurbishment of the ladies and men’s bowls amenities will be completed. This work includes a dedicated outdoor paved barbecue area and social space where members can relax alfresco-style after their time on the green. The area will feature comfortable seating, tables and shade, along with an internal bar area and a new bowls administration office.

The bathroom amenities within the outdoor bowls area will also be refurbished, providing comfortable new modern amenities on both sides of the bowling greens. The external

façade of the bowls amenities building will also receive a new rendered look, and the internal refurbishment of both the men’s and ladies locker rooms completes the upgraded works.

During this work, all three bowling greens will remain in operation with no disruption to bowls operations. “This upgrade reaffirms our commitment to the heritage founders of this Club,” Anthony said.

Work has also commenced on an upgrade to Aqua restaurant. Our team is in the process of creating a fresh, new Aqua. Upgrades to the kitchen area, the inclusion of new bar facilities and a new look and feel for the interior of the restaurant will see Aqua become a fresh, new dining choice in Port Macquarie.

focusinterview.

THE

INSPIRATION OF ANZAC

There’s a day in April that’s sacred To the memory of heroes who died That we might forever have ANZAC As a symbol of national pride.

They lie in the hills of Gallipoli They sleep by the Aegean Sea But their souls march on to glory Of an immortality.

No tombs of chiselled masonry Distringuish them from Foe But a simple wooden cross With AIF below.

They displayed the highest courage For which they paid the highest price And a grateful country speaks with pride Of their deeds and sacrifice.

They were the flower of our nation And chosen by standards so high That only the physically perfect Were good enough to die.

They sauntered through the city streets With independence and pride Because they were volunteer soldiers And it made them feel different, inside.

Thru’ the dust and grime of desert camps A comradeship was born That levelled all distinctions Where the RISING SUNS were worn.

They spurned all routine orders Were undisciplined and raw, With a flair for sport and games of chance And few ideas of war.

They scorned the heat and glare Of Egypt burning sands, While they cursed the blinding sandstorms And the filth of Pharaoh’s lands.

They were cobbers, united through thick and thin And proud of manhood that blossomed within A breed of men perfect, and destined to be The bravest things God always meant them to be.

And as they proved it with reckless abandon As the story of ANZAC will tell With the men of New Zealand beside them And a British division as well.

And you’ve not forgotten Lone Pine Ridge Or Quinn’s, or Sari Bair And you’ll never cease to wonder How they got a footing there.

With their ranks all shot to pieces And their lines thinly held Those ANZAC”S went down fighting With courage unexcelled.

And those who were left behind gazed around them With eyes strangely softened and wet Searching for cobbers still missing To find them with eyes fixed and set.

Oh God of Battles, sound that trumpet, That summons men from fray, And outlaw this senseless destruction That crushes out life this way.

They went there in their thousands And they didn’t all come back For some went on a different road On a one way beaten track.

With a smile upon their faces, They’re gone beyond the clay, Bequeathing the glorious heritage of ANZAC DAY. Written by Jack Black who was a WWI veteran and fought at Gallipoli. greater port macquarie focus.

65

Luminosity Youth Summit is now in its third year, with the three day event happening over July 15, 16 & 17 here in Port Macquarie. For an insight into the success stories from previous years, we spoke to three young guns and a previous sponsor about why the event is so successful for those who attend.

P

articipant Name: Christa-Dale Morrow Year 12 Student.

Year attended Luminosity Youth Summit?

I attended the first Summit in 2013. I was in Year 10, then I again attended the 2014 Summit in Year 11.

How did the Luminosity experience inspire you? What has changed in your world since you attended the summit?

It’s hard to describe how much of in impact the summit has had on my life. Through both events I have been able to network with a huge range of like-minded locals and inspirational individuals. These connections have empowered me, and as a result I am so determined to change the world in my own special way.

Being half Filipino, I was raised to appreciate all I had, as all of my cousins live in a developing country with low quality education, an increasing amount of undernourished children and diabetic parents. I know poverty like the back of my hand, and I want to make a difference.

I have started this journey by purchasing a block of land with my parents in the Philippines.

My mum has begun to build boarding houses on the land for students’ accommodation. A small section of the land is mine, and I plan on building a small chapel and classroom. Eventually I would love to have a larger area and start a solid group of non-denominational Christian churches and schools.

My big dream is to create an alternate schoolies program; this would enable Australian participants to experience what I grew up watching from hundreds of kilometres away. Through the connections I made through Luminosity, I have joined the Hastings Youth Advisory Council, Vinnies Homework hub and a number of other community groups, resulting in an Hastings Youth of the Year Nomination this year.

Who were the key speakers that stood out and made an impression on you?

The highlight of my first summit was a master class spent with Sue Lennox, an environmentalist.

66

greater port macquarie focus.

This class focused on strategic thinking and started the foundations of my dreams. I set the goal of finishing my HSC and saving money to work on an agriculture project in the Philippines.

This has since changed around...

What can other potential young guns expect from the summit? Why should they attend?

When asked the question, “Why should others attend?”, all I can think is, “WHY NOT!” The summit provides an amazing opportunity for individuals to express and share their passions with others who have the same goals and interests. The speakers motivate you to do so much more than what we’re used to. There is more to the summit than being inspired though; there are friendships, memories and excitement for what the future holds. It enables youth to plant their seeds in the world and take control of their future. Our future!

Participant Name: Dave O’Hara, 28, Founder of Techknow, Entrepreneur.

Year attended Luminosity Youth Summit: 2013.

How has this made an impact on your life?

Prior to attending Luminosity, I always had drive and was very successful at what I was doing, but there was one thing that was wrong and that was I wasn’t happy.

My success didn’t feel true to me, as it was not my dream. By me being successful at what I was doing, it was making somebody else’s dream become a reality.

I could always come up with great business ideas and could sell them to others with great conviction. But I would never follow it through, and the idea would just fizzle away.

Luminosity gave me the tools, the mindset and the courage to follow through with the idea to create “Techknow”.

Luminosity showed me how to make my big dream become a reality.

What specifically have you done as a result of being a part of the summit?

Luminosity created the visibility I needed to move forward with my idea of “Techknow”.

With this visibility, I have successfully started my business. I have developed and created

What would your words to other business processes and systems to suit our customers’ needs, in the always changing environment that owners and potential sponsors be about the is technology. benefits of being involved?

Techknow has now been opened for over Luminosity is a real legacy to the up-andsix months, and has well and truly exceeded all coming youth of our region. Business can be expectations. part of creating a future here that includes the What can other potential young guns expect ideas and the visions of our bright young people. from the summit? Why should they attend?

Jayden, the young man I sponsored to attend My advice to other young guns out last year, has repaid me completely by there would be that there is letting me know he challenged never a perfect moment to himself throughout the do a great thing. experience, took risks and If they are waiting for a Luminosity grew as a person as a result perfect moment and the gave me the et ds of that. perfect timing, it’s never tools, the min e to going to happen. and the courag with Jayden Payne, who was follow through te They need to create sponsored

by Wendy ea cr to the idea the perfect time and the ”.” w no Stowe, tells us about his hk ec “T perfect opportunity, and experience. this is what Luminosity can How has it made an impact show you. on your life?

Be open to going out of your Luminosity has changed my way comfort zone and let Luminosity show of thinking completely; it has opened up my you that you have talents and abilities you didn’t mind to so many more possibilities in life. I am know you had.

“

Wendy Stowe tells us about what it meant for her to sponsor a young gun to attend Luminosity.

What prompted you to become involved with Luminosity Youth Summit?

I simply love the idea of the community providing an opportunity for young people to be inspired and motivated to make the most of their unique potential. If my small contribution could help one young person to be part of the experience, then that seemed to me to be very worthwhile.

What makes the summit unique and interesting in your opinion?

Firstly, the very professional organisation of the summit by very dedicated local people and the high quality speakers sourced locally and from far and wide. Equally important is the call to action to the young people involved; they are urged to step up and out of their comfort zone, discover more about themselves and commit to being who they really want to be.

very grateful for the skills and knowledge the speakers shared with me, and I would encourage everyone to attend the summit.

You were sponsored to come to the summit by a local business; how did this help you, and what did it mean?

Being sponsored by Wendy was a privilege, and I will forever be grateful. Someone spending their own money to sponsor me made me feel like I needed to get the most out of the summit, to thank them for their generosity.

What is your advice to other young guns who are looking for sponsors, and how can they approach them?

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The worst that can happen is they might say no, but there is no harm in asking. Just get out there and give it a go!

For more information about becoming a sponsor or to register a young gun for this years event, visit www.luminosityyouthsummit.com.au

greater port macquarie focus. 67

focusinterview.

RODNEY NUGent Rodney Nugent has an inspiring background, having competed at the Paralympics in both Seoul and Barcelona. More recently, Rodney has been helping athletes to train and compete in the Special Olympics – games for athletes with an intellectual disability. He’s currently in the process of organising some fundraisers locally, to help get our Australian team to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles later this year …

H

ow did you first became involved with the Paralympics?

I grew up in Grafton and from a very early age was a keen sportsperson. I played junior soccer and represented the Mid North Coast for many years and later played 1st division soccer with the Grafton Gunners. I played local cricket, as well as doing Little Athletics.

I took up Motocross riding at 12 years and won many local awards. I became involved in sports for people with a disability in 1984, after losing the lower part of my right arm in a work accident in Grafton.

In 1988 I was selected to represent Australia at the Seoul Paralympics. I was entered in seven events at Seoul and returned home as Australia’s highest medal winner, with a total of seven Paralympic medals. I won gold in the long jump, setting a new world record, gold in the triple jump, gold in the 4 x 100 m relay, setting a new world record, gold in the 4 x 400 m relay, setting a new world record, and three bronze medals in the 100 m, 200 m and high jump.

I continued to represent Australia for the next eight years at many international competitions, such as the World Games for athletes with a disability and two FESPIC games (Far East South Pacific International Conference; these games were the equal to the Commonwealth Games for able body athletes).

In 1991 I was one of three athletes with a disability to be given a full-time scholarship at the AIS in Canberra; this was the first time athletes with a disability were given scholarships to the AIS. In 1992 I again gained selection in the Australian Paralympic team to compete at the Barcelona Paralympic Games, bringing home one gold in the 4 x 100m relay, setting a new world record. At the end of the Barcelona Paralympics I announced my retirement, due to injury and family commitments.

What do you regard as being the pinnacle of

68

greater port macquarie focus.

your sporting career?

I have been lucky to compete at the highest level, and I have so many sporting highlights, but if I have to choose a few I would certainly say winning my first Paralympic gold medal and setting a new world record in the long jump would be one. Being chosen to carry the Australian flag into the closing ceremony of the Seoul Paralympics as the highest medal winner would be another, then in 1992 being named in the Queen’s Honour list and being awarded an O.A.M for services to sport would be another.

I would also put up there being involved with Special Olympics Mid North Coast - being selected as the Head Athletics Coach for the NSW team for the Special Olympics National Games last year and my two selections as the Special Olympics Australia Head Athletics Coach are moments that will be with me forever.

Why did you decide to make the switch to coaching?

In 2008 I made a career change from working in the hospitality industry for more than 14 years. I went to TAFE to get my Certificate 3 in Disability Services. One of my teachers was Karen Southgate, who was also the chairperson for the local Mid North Coast Special Olympics.

Karen asked if I would be interested in coaching athletes with an intellectual disability.

I had not heard of Special Olympics before and thought it would be great to help these athletes reach their sporting dreams …

What is your current role with the Australian Special Olympics?

I am the Head Athletics Coach for Special Olympics Australia World Games team that will be heading to LA to compete in the Special Olympics World Games from July 25 - August 2, where there will be 7,000 Special Olympic athletes competing from 177 countries.

My role as the Head Coach is to oversee the Australian Athletics team training and working with their personal coaches.

Locally I train up to five athletes on a weekly

will Team Australia es et hl at be taking 76 ho w , es to the World Gam different 12 in will compete for all sports . My hope at they th these athletes is and come st be r ei th do will games e es away from th ories an d em m g on with lifel s.” many new friend

“

basis. Unfortunately, we have no local athletes in team Australia for the World Games, but I have no doubt that if they continue to train we will get some of these athletes to wear the green and gold in the coming years.

Within the Australia athletics team for the World Games we have eight athletes from right across Australia who will have the honour of wearing the green and gold for Australia.

What are your thoughts in the lead up to the Special Olympics World Games?

Team Australia will be taking 76 athletes to the World Games, who will compete in 12 different sports. My hope for all these athletes is that they will do their best and come away from these games with lifelong memories and many new friends.

Travelling to LA is an expensive exercise - especially for athletes, who are often self-funded. What fundraisers do you have in place to support your crew?

The total cost of getting team Australia to the Special Olympics World Games is $627,000, WHICH MEANS EACH ATHLETE HAS TO RAISE $8,250 to be able to compete at these games.

I want my athletes to be training hard and not having to worry about the dollars they need to pay. So apart from doing the Head Coaching role, I am also trying to raise as much money as I can to help these athletes get to the games.

I have to say a huge thank you to Port Venture Cruises, as they have donated the use of the Port Venture for me to hold a Special Olympics three hour World Games cruise, with all ticket sales going towards supporting these athletes.

Gerry Bryon has donated his time free of charge to entertain all the guests on the cruise; this is the third time Gerry has donated his time to Special Olympics, and I cannot thank him enough.

The cruise will take place on 24th April, leaving at 6pm.

Tickets are $35pp, which includes finger food, entertainment and plenty of prizes.

The other fundraiser will be an Auction Night at the Bonny Hills Beach Hotel, and I have to thank Dan Jones for allowing me to have his venue free of charge. The Auction Night will be held on 6th June from 6:30pm, but to make this a successful night I need businesses to donate items I can auction off; if you can help with auction items, please contact me. I also need a good auctioneer to help on the night, so if you can help out I would love to hear from you.

More info?

Go to the NSW Special Olympics website and click on Mid North Coast. If people want to know more about Special Olympics World Games, go to Special Olympics Australia and click on the World Games.

Final words ...

Special Olympics are for athletes with an intellectual disability, and we provide sporting opportunities for these athletes on a weekly basis.

Special Olympics is a totally different sporting organisation than Paralympics. Paralympics are only for elite athletes with a physical disability and hold a major sporting event every four years - the Paralympics. Special Olympics is for athletes with all abilities, and not just for elite athletes.

Thanks Rodney.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

celebrating YOU in YOUTH week www.stagnesparish.org.au AS LIBERABI T VERIT

St Joseph’s Regional College

Parish Administration Centre | 49 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444| P: (02) 6588 7444 | E: pac@stagnesparish.org.au

greater port macquarie focus. 69

focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

Tou ris m

janette hyde.

Hope that everyone had a chance to catch the Blues and BBQ Festival which was held in March - great event! Well done Jay Beaumont and Simon Luke for organising such a unique event.

T

he 2015 Brooks Port Macquarie Running Festival was also held in March. 653 people finished the event, which was another example of our area’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

In April, Wauchope will be celebrating the Centenary of Rail from the 10th - 19th. Of special interest will be the “Tin Hare” Rail Motor Shuttles between Kendall, Telegraph Point and Kempsey. If you are a train buff, this is not to be missed.

There is a special Centenary Dinner at Wauchope RSL Club on the 13th April and a Don Bradman Tribute Cricket Match at Andrews Park on the 18th April.

If you want to be part of the celebrations, check out their website: www.wauchoperailcentenary.com.au.

Talking of keeping fit, here is another walking trail we have not talked about previously. It starts at Rocks Ferry Reserve, which is situated on the banks of the Hastings River near the township of Wauchope. The reserve offers scenic rural views, picnic and barbecue facilities. There is a walking path to Jack Dwyer Reserve; this peaceful area overlooks the beautiful Hastings River: www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/explore/ featured.aspx?id=16 Large fig trees feature along River Street, providing a shady spot to rest, picnic, or just admire the view.

The weekly markets in the Glasshouse Forecourt are being appreciated by all people interested in organic food. This week, the markets welcomed Damon from Kindling Bakery for his Organic Sourdough breads; he joins Near River Produce, Its Wild Seafood, Organic Café/Mattrs (local business from Bellbowrie Hub) Doraville Organics, Ewetopia Cheese, Naked Farmer, Honeycomb Farm, Bellingen Smokehouse, Croft Farms and World Par-Tea. Markets continue every Tuesday night from 3pm to 7pm until Daylight Saving ends at Easter, then until 6pm.

ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR APRIL/MAY 2015 Port Macquarie Heritage Festival, 10 April - 3 May. Various venues.

This year’s festival will have kids’ school

70

greater port macquarie focus.

holiday activities, heritage tours, museum open days, historic talks, family fun days, archaeological tours and more.

The Official Opening Family Day at Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope on Sunday, April 12.

Discover the amazing stories that connect our past to our present. Over 25 exciting activities, exhibitions and lectures that celebrate the people, stories, landmarks and collections of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

Look for the free “2014 Heritage Festival Guide” at local museums, the Glasshouse or other tourist information points or check out the website. http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Culture-SportLeisure/Heritage/Heritage-Festival 40th Anniversary Port Macquarie Easter Art Exhibition, 2 - 8 April, Historic Courthouse. Once again the venue will be Port Macquarie’s Historic Court House on the corner of Clarence and Hay Streets. The exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday 2 April until Wednesday 8 April 2015. http://www.pmas.org.au/events.html 105th Wauchope Show, 25 - 26 April, Wauchope Showground.

Don’t miss this fun event.

Check out the full programme at www.wauchopeshowsociety.com.au Toyota IRONMAN Australia, Port Macquarie, Sunday 3 May. One of the longest running IRONMAN events, competitors will endure a 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike course and 42.2 kilometre run, taking in the best of the Greater Port Macquarie region. www.IRONMANAustralia.com Slice of Haven, Sunday 24th May, 10am - 4pm.

The Food delight is on the foreshore of the Camden Haven River, Seymour Street, Laurieton, behind the Laurieton United Services Club.

Big Band Blast Music Festival 2015, Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May. Pack your trumpet or just your dancing shoes and groove to the sounds of New Orleans at the Big Band Blast Festival. www.bigbandblast.com.au

St Columba Anglican School BEGIN BRIGHT

Sport at SCAS

Begin Bright Port Macquarie is owned by Belinda Lord.

Belinda is an experienced Primary School Teacher with over 15 years’ teaching experience in international, independent, Catholic and NSW state schools. She prides herself on keeping abreast of her Belinda is a mot current curriculum ve iti is qu in to three d developments and is an n re ild ch and active al nt re pa dedicated to helping e th s nd understa d an t or children achieve me when starting concern to supp ’s educational ild ch a their personal best e nc ha en Begin Bright. ng hi ac for te through targeted journey. ‘My love ren was I saw from my child and my love of goal setting, e m r fo own children’s ce en the biggest influ n Br ight’.” perseverance, gi experiences how Be when starting collaboration and a excited they were whole lot of positive to attend school encouragement! readiness classes and

Mr Dane Dickson Head of PDHPE/Sport

Sport at SCAS aims to achieve excellence through pursuing sports performance, whilst fostering participation and involvement.

“

Belinda is a mother to three inquisitive and active children and understands the parental concern to support and enhance a child’s educational journey. “My love for teaching and my love of children was the biggest influence for

how confident they were when starting big school. This prompted my transition into business and I am so excited to bring this fun, creative and quality educational programme to Port Macquarie!”

A diversified co-curricular sporting program offers students the opportunity to participate in a range of individual and team sports and provides pathways to representative selection. Sporting excellence is underpinned by structuring involvement and exposure to a variety of selected sports for all students and developing and enhancing sports performance through participation in strategic initiatives for selected students. SCAS is recognised for sporting success at a local, regional, state and national level.

At SCAS we recognise that regular participation in sport and physical activity is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits both in childhood and adulthood. SCAS sport provides a foundation for a number of social, physical, emotional and moral learnings and is recognised as an important expression of our culture. Active children generally become healthy adults and SCAS seeks to contribute to that outcome by providing or facilitating the opportunity for all students to participate in a range of challenging and enjoyable sporting experiences.

All students participate in School Sport on a weekly basis. The School Sport program encompasses a wide variety of sports and physical activities including non-traditional sport options such as surfing, martial arts, skateboard riding, mountain biking and yoga.

Sport is conducted on campus, utilising SCAS facilities, and off site in the local area with external providers. SCAS enjoys the use of a wide range of sporting facilities including: • • • • • • •

Double court indoor sports centre (for basketball, netball, volleyball and more) 400m athletics track Tennis courts Rugby field Soccer field Cardio & Weights Gymnasium General purpose oval

St Columba representative teams compete in Hunter Region Independent Schools (HRIS) Gala Days and Hastings Inter-School competitions in Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Tennis, Hockey, Rugby, Rugby League, Soccer, Basketball, Netball, Touch Football, Futsal, Cricket, Mountain Biking, Equestrian and Golf. SCAS also competes in local community competitions in Basketball, Hockey, Touch Football and Rugby.

Talented athletes are provided with the opportunity to represent at the HRIS, the Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools (AICES) and NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) levels progressing to representation at the highest standard in NSW All Schools teams at a national level.

A World of Opportunities......

02 6581 4188 • w w w.scas.nsw.edu.au • PO B ox 5358 • 3 Iona Avenue • Por t M acquar ie NSW 2444 greater port macquarie focus. 71

focusinterview.

DRUMMING FOR HEALTH Travel Talk With Jenny & Cathy Always wanted to visit the United Kingdom?

Why not join our wonderful fully escorted 31day tour of the British Isles departing Wednesday, August 12. Escort Jenny Peters.

Home pick up and drop off is a feature, flights with Singapore Airlines to and from Port Macquarie, services of a tour escort and driver/ guide for our customised itinerary on our small 25 seat coach.

Doing family history? We may be able to divert to a location of interest, this is the beauty of travelling in a small group, not a large coach, visiting small villages on byways not highways!!

Highlight is Edinburgh Tattoo with fireworks spectacular.

Breakfasts throughout, 16 x 3 course dinners with water on the table, meals whilst flying.

3 course Welcome and Farewell dinners in London with beverage.

London sightseeing. Admission to Stonehenge, Aquae Sulis Roman baths Bath, William Shakespeare’s house in Stratford (Britain’s greatest author), Arlington Court, Head of Steam

Railway Museum, walking tour Chester with medieval walls and Tudor Rows, Raby Castle, cruise Lake Windemere, engineering masterpiece the Falkirk Wheel, Lake District Steam train ride, Blair Castle, Clan Donald Centre, Museum of the Isles, Skye, Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Belleek Pottery, Kylemore Abbey, Blarney Castle, Waterford Crystal, Guinness Storehouse, tunnel graves Newgrange and Knowth.

Singapore Stopover includes accommodation Peninsula Excelsior, return transfers, Hop On/ Hop Off bus, Cable Car, Sentosa Island plus 2 attractions (Fort Siloso, Wings of Time, Images of Singapore + Madame Tussauds, Tiger Sky Tower, Butterfly Park, Merlion, Universal Studios, Pub Crawl, Alive Museum, admission to 2 conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, National Orchid Garden, Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park (and more)!

All this for $12,200.00, single supplement available on request.

See us now to secure your place on this exceptional tour.

L E A R N I N G T O P L AY T H E D RU M S C A N B R I N G S I G N I F I C A N T I M P R OV E M E N T S I N YO U R B R A I N

W

e all appreciate drumming is proving to be great for those a good drummer with social challenges or self-esteem issues joke. They’re particularly in younger generations; and apart clever and easy to from the obvious physical benefits and fitness drop. You know gains, I’ve been particularly interested in the the ones: areas of dealing with stress, depression and What's the best way to confuse a also its ability to alleviate serious neurological drummer? Put a sheet of music in front of him. conditions. or, How do you know the stage is level? The One study had shown to have increased drummer has drool coming from both concentration and sped up sides of his mouth. brainwaves in subjects with To be honest, I usually Attention Deficit Disorder laugh when I hear them. in ways similar to ADD Music itself Most drummers probably medications - also is a universal do. They’re funny showing significant e of language capabl and in a generalised improvements in both e, transcending ag context even, perhaps behavioural problems lity, race , and nationa sometimes valid. and academic y regardless of an at Studies are showing, performance. th rs language barrie em .” however, that learning Other areas of th n ee tw be t is ex to play the drums research include chronic can bring significant pain relief, boosting the improvements in your brain. immune system, alleviating As a performing drummer and anxiety and tension, emotional drum tutor, I’ve become quite intrigued stress and Post-Traumatic-Stress by the notion and have found myself on a disorders. The list goes on. curious search for information and stories We all learn to deal with certain flaws or that support it. conditions in life. Even whilst writing this, I’d Music itself is a universal language capable catch myself drooling all over the keyboard. of transcending age, race, and nationality, It’s good to know now that - although I knew regardless of any language barriers that exist drumming has helped me through my life - it between them. is also being recognised to have the ability to What's unique about drumming is that help pretty much anyone and everyone. it requires a wide array of brain regions It’s true - Drumming for Health. and cognitive functions to work together simultaneously, in both right and left the plug! hemispheres of the brain. This co-ordination Ash can be found on Facebook at Port across both sides of the brain can allow for Drum Tuition, or by phone 0422 947 679. greater insight and creativity.

Taking students age 7 and up.

Although a lot of research suggests that

“

72 greater port macquarie focus.

T H E R E ’ S

M O R E

T O

NORFOLK ISLAND A H O L I DAY D E S T I N AT I O N W H I C H O F F E R S E X C I T E M E N T, F U N , R E L A X AT I O N , A D V E N T U R E , I N D U L G E N C E A N D S U R P R I S E F O R E V E RY O N E T O E X P E R I E N C E A N D E N J O Y – T H E R E ’ S M O R E T O N O R F O L K I S L A N D. his popular short-haul travel destination for Australians is the place where a rich history, fascinating culture and a warm, friendly community are very much in evidence in this relaxed and safe environment.

Voted in 2014 by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 10 South Pacific Islands and less than three hours’ flying time from Sydney or Brisbane, a short-break or extended holiday beckon on Norfolk Island.Australians continue to take advantage of accommodation and airline specials, as well as all of the benefits available through the duty-free options, plus enhancements and additions to the variety of accommodation, dining and activity offerings.

They flock to the island each year to visit the numerous historical sites and enjoy the array of family, romantic and special interest experiences, as well as participate in annual events including Bounty Day at Kingston, First Fleet Celebrations, Taste Norfolk Island Food Festival and Jazz in the Pines.

Captain James Cook was the first to officially discover and record Norfolk Island, describing it as “paradise”. From 1788 to 1854, this paradise became Australia’s harshest penal colony and home to hapless convicts. Today, it is home to the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers, whose barefoot manners, warmth and hospitality have been woven into the island’s unique and timeless rhythm - a special charm that draws visitors back time and time again.

The islanders speak Norf’k, a mix of Tahitian and 18th Century English, which has been officially

recognised for its distinctiveness by the United coastline, head out on a deep sea fishing trip Nations. or wander along the many coastal bushwalks.

Stunning swimming beaches and majestic There is horse-riding, bike riding, snorkelling and coastlines contrast lush rainforests and bushland swimming in coral filled lagoons and golf on the set against the backdrop of dramatic history and World Heritage seaside course. unique culture.

There are more than 35 restaurants and Norfolk Island offers beautifully-appointed eateries on the Island. Most use locally grown hotels, cottages and self-catering villas fruit, vegetables and fish. When these are for guests situated in stunning used - they are fresh and in season. surrounds and presenting In 2008, two locals founded breathtaking island and “Sustainable Norfolk”, an ocean views. In 2014, organisation committed d Warmth an ve The Tin Sheds, located to creating a 100% ha y lit hospita e th close to the Burnt Pine to sustainable environment. in en been wov d an ue Shopping district, Under this initiative and iq un ’s island -a hm yt rh received the accolade supported by the Norfolk s es el tim at of Best Luxury Serviced Island Government, special charm th time ck Apartments for farmers were trained in draws visitors ba ” n. ai ag e and tim Australasia & Oceania sustainable agricultural at the World Luxury Hotel techniques by world leader Awards. in agricultural sustainability, There is so much for everyone Graeme Sait of Nutritech Solutions. to do and see, including a visit to This means many local farmers have Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama mural depicting embraced nutrient-dense, chemical free the story of the Mutiny on the Bounty and growing as a result. The “paddock to plate” the World of Norfolk Exhibit, mini golf and giant approach to Norfolk Island dining means food chess, golf at a seaside course, bushwalking, tastes just as it should, full of flavour, grown glass bottom boat tours and ocean trips to in its natural season and rich with all the Phillip Island, horse riding, snorkelling, surfing, right nutrients. There is also a winery on the fishing, fun at the Baunti Kids Club, arts and island which welcomes visitors for informative crafts and produce markets plus spa treatments wine tastings accompanied by a food platter and an encounter with an amazing past at the showcasing more local produce. cemetery by the sea.

Traditional dishes are influenced by the For the active, one can take an ocean trip local mix of British and Tahitian cultures. This to Phillip Island - a National Park sea bird includes Pilhai (baked kumera), mudda (banana sanctuary - or a kayaking tour of the rugged dumplings) and hihipie (made with periwinkles).

“

The abundance of fish in the commercially untouched waters makes for an ideal fishing experience. Fish is a regular on menus and the focus of cliff-top fish fries. It offers a banquet of traditional meals, with the fried fish as the focal culinary piece. The event is hosted atop a cliff, where visitors can enjoy the dramatic and breathtaking sunsets as they enjoy the freshest food. Norfolk Blue is a unique heritage herd, produced on a 100 acre farm which has evolved on the island over many years. Norfolk Blue Restaurant is the only place in the world where you can enjoy this beef. Great for a fix of island culture and food are the progressive dinners, where visitors meet islanders in their lovely homes for a fantastic home cooked meal. One can try a different course at a different home, and get a real insight into life on Norfolk Island.

In August 2010, Norfolk Island’s history became universally renowned through the World Heritage listing of Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. Norfolk Island joined 850 of the world’s most special places given this prestigious international recognition. Today Norfolk Island’s many museums include treasures from every period in our island’s settlement, as well as HMS Bounty, HMS Sirius and Pitcairn Island.

The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) Public Research Centre (Salans Riiserch Sentain Norf’k language) at No 9 Quality Row opened in 2011. Its focus is on historical records about the heritage buildings in Kingston, the decades of conservation work since 1962, and personal histories and genealogies of the several thousand convicts sent to Norfolk Island. www.norfolkisland.com.au

greater port macquarie focus.

73

focusinterview.

fiji oz YOU MAY REMEMBER LITTLE MADDISON FROM WHEN SHE ENTERED THE WORLD, MAKING HEADLINES, PULLING ON HEARTSTRINGS, BEING BORN IN THE BACK OF A TAXI IN FIJI. JAY, HER BELOVED LATE HUSBAND ASHLEY AND MADDISON CALLED NADI HOSPITAL HOME, UNTIL MADDISON WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO FLY HOME TO AUSTRALIA.

O

nce arriving back in Australia, the unfortunate news struck our community - it was hard to hear of the loss of Jay’s husband and Maddi’s dad, Ashley. Jay and Ashley had planned on returning to Fiji to the hospital Maddi was born in, with Fiji Oz to assist with much needed funds and supplies on Maddi’s first birthday. This is their story ...

Can you please tell us briefly about how you ended up giving birth to your beautiful daughter, Maddison, in the back of a taxi in Fiji before bringing her home to Australia?

Whilst holidaying in Fiji for four days, where my husband was groomsman in a wedding, I went into unexpected premature labour at just 32 weeks pregnant. It all happened so fast, and by the time we got into a taxi en-route to Nadi Hospital, her head was already out in the back seat. She was born in the car park on a stretcher outside the hospital in just one hour and 45 mins, and was so tiny, weighing only 1.7 kg.

She spent the next three weeks in Nadi Hospital in a humidicrib, until she was big enough to be given clearance to fly home with us, accompanied by our medic.

Since leaving Fiji, you have become involved with a charity called Fiji-Oz. Why do you want to help them, and what do they do?

The day we left Fiji, Ashley and I talked about

74

greater port macquarie focus.

She spent the next three weeks l in in Nadi Hospita til un b, ri ic id m a hu gh ou she was big en nce ra ea cl n to be give , us ith w e m to fly ho r ou accompanied by medic.”

“

a dream we had to one day return and somehow be able to give something back to the hospital that saved our daughter's life.

Fijians are the most kind and generous people I have ever met, and it was heart breaking for my husband and I to see that they have so little. Fiji-Oz is a not-for-profit organisation that takes much needed medical equipment and supplies over to Fiji to donate to the hospitals, along with helping schools and orphanages in remote villages.

What are your plans to fulfil your husband's legacy of wanting to give back?

Maddison and I are returning to Nadi hospital in May, around her first birthday, to visit and thank the staff at maternity for everything they have done, and to show them how much she has grown and thrived. With the help of the FijiOz Foundation, during this trip we have been given permission to renovate the maternity ward's bathroom. When I gave birth to Maddi, I was so saddened by the simple lack of facilities they have for their expectant mothers, such as no toilet paper in the toilets, and no soap to wash your hands.

What has been the inspiration behind channelling your grief of losing your husband into the Fiji-Oz project?

The Port Macquarie community have been an

INCREDIBLE SUPPORT to me during this extremely difficult time in my life. St Columba Anglican School, where Ashley was a Year 1 teacher, has been instrumental in helping me achieve the goal of giving back to Nadi Hospital. They held a donation drive last September, and another one last weekend, where the children gave the Fiji-Oz Foundation clothes, books and toys to take over to the hospital as part of my husband's legacy.

S.C.A.S have also just donated 30 desks for us to take over in the next shipment when we go in May. I have also been incredibly inspired by two students, Charlotte and Sophie Brunyee.

These two sisters have taken it upon themselves to raise funds in their spare time. The girls have just been over to Fiji with Karen Abbott, the founder of Fiji-Oz, to hand deliver school supplies to a school in a very remote village.

How can our readers get involved and help out with this amazing cause?

Fiji-Oz is doing a fundraising campaign at the moment called “Save Lives With A dollar”.

We are asking people to donate one dollar in the hope that fifty thousand people will help us to raise $50,000 to help keep Fiji-Oz afloat for the next five years. One single dollar is not much to us, but it is literally life changing for them …

Thanks Jay.

YOU CAN DONATE YOUR $1.00 DIRECTLY TO THE

FIJI-OZ FOUNDATION BSB 083 417 ACC 949 342 111

You can also donate your gold coin in person at the following collection points in Port Macquarie: The Hope Shop, at 3 Milton Circuit St Columba Anglican School, front office.

Classic Café at The Glasshouse East Port Bowling Club Zebu Bar & Grill Kendall Bottle’O Helloworld Travel at Settlement City I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the continuous love and support that the people of Port Macquarie have shown my daughter and I after losing our beloved Ashley.

Maddison and I feel very much at home here in our new community.

So far the community has raised $1,023 and 39 kg of stationery for the children of Fiji, donated by the people of Port Macquarie.

Special thank you to the following businesses for providing assistance to Fiji-Oz: Wauchope Transport John L Fisher Plumbing Tiles With Style A&R Removals Linden Removals Safe n Sound Storage Sunrise Rotary Club Port Macquarie

with Susie Boswell.

focus_Travel

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

B AT T L E F I E L D S T O U R S

L

est we forget. The centenary this month of the Gallipoli landings sees thousands travelling to the Dardanelles to pay homage to the fallen, and all who served at Anzac Cove. Many more will go on to pay their respects at significant sites of the Western Front. Remembered and honoured too: those who served the war effort at home and families who suffered as a result of the Great War. Many pilgrims are now on their way to Anzac Cove: commemorative events began in earnest last November with memorial services at Albany, WA, to mark 100 years since the first Australian and New Zealand troops departed to training in Egypt, thence on to Turkey’s shores.

It’s notable many young Australians have a keen awareness of the sacrifices made by the equally young men who stormed the beaches on April 25 1915, and have visited Gallipoli in past decades. Yet others, including older Australians, whether because of age, work commitment or cost will mark the centenary at home. The Australian War Memorial, Canberra, is the main focus of a nationwide program of commemorations. The memorial’s new First World War exhibition, Australia in the Great War, opened just before Christmas in tribute to the more than 350,000 who served of a population, including children, of fewer than five million. Nightly, until November 11 2018, the names of the horrifying toll of over 60,000 Australians who gave their lives in WW1 are projected on the building’s exterior, just one of an unprecedented series of events and displays the authority has planned. See www.awm.gov. au Not least is a travelling exhibition employing digital technologies that soon begins a threeyear odyssey across Australia, taking the Anzac story to the people. But if you can make the journey to Canberra, now’s the time to go. The usual ceremonies and march on Anzac Day morning will be a matchless event concluding at lunchtime, then a big screen in the memorial grounds will carry the live broadcast of the Gallipoli Dawn Service. Elsewhere around the country, on Fraser Island, for example, one of the more unusual commemorations will take place at the resting site of the wreck (in a

1935 storm) of a New Zealand hospital ship, the SS Maheno. Over three months anchored off Gallipoli doctors, nurses and orderlies on the 335-bed vessel attended to 2350 injured soldiers, more than 2000 of them Australians.

The following year its mercy missions served casualties of Fromelles and the Somme. It’s just one of thousands of WW1 tribute events worth journeying to take part in.

The Gallipoli centenary legacy, though, is far greater. Heightened awareness of the scourge of war has led to vastly increased interest in escorted and private tours to the locations of subsequent conflicts such as WW11, Vietnam and the many others involving Australians.

Current geopolitical unrest serves to underline the trend. The number and variety of official and commercial battlefields tours is immense and doesn’t include countless individual pilgrimages being made by Australians at their own initiative. Our family visited Pearl Harbour because of our involvement in WW11. Our uncle died in the air over France and my father died some years after the war, the result of malaria contracted in New Guinea. We considered Kokoda too acute for us but nevertheless felt an emotional bond on a Discover Hawaii Tours trip to the Arizona Memorial, still now the tomb of 948 men, most incinerated in the Japanese bombing and explosion of fuel and a million pounds of gunpowder. The heartfelt commentary of our guide, a Vietnam veteran, helped make the experience as profound as any to be had in this era of remembrance.

For armchair travellers an incredible array of WW1 books including history and biography has been published this past year, as well as TV documentaries. Sobering statistics: those who served represented more than 38% of the male population aged 18 to 44. On average every day of the 1560-day war, 38 died. Two in every three enlisted were casualties. What they endured can’t be fully comprehended but our appreciation’s at least enhanced by the travel so many are undertaking. I admired the convention of Americans who, on encountering a veteran, invariably respond: “Thank you for your service”.

Experience European Cruising on the “Best New River Ships” 2014

Editors’ Picks

Best New River Ships

15 Day Splendours of Europe river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest from $6,595pp* t/share Plus receive > 2016 at 2015 prices*

Fly Free offers*

Free cabin upgrade*

No single supplement*

“ Robyn from Wauchope Travel has personally experienced the Emerald Sky on the inaugural sailing – call Robyn to find out more” WAUCHOPE TRAVEL

Shop 1/31 High Street WAUCHOPE NSW 2446

Ph 02 6585 2288 | Fax 02 6585 2454 Email – info@wauchopetravel.com.au

*Conditions apply. For full terms and conditions refer to Evergreen Tours brochures & website. All prices based on per person twin share. Valid on new bookings only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Price based EWCR.1 30/4/16 departure in E category cabin & includes early payment discount with full payment made 12 months prior to departure date. 2016 at 2015 prices, Fly Free offers, Free cabin upgrade & No single supplement cabin is based on specific cabins on specific departures, enquire at time of booking. Must be booked and deposited prior to 1/5/15 or upon the release of the full Evergreen Tours Europe River Cruise and Tours 2016 Brochure, whichever comes first. Fly Free offers: Valid ex Australia based on economy class to specific ports and must be booked by Evergreen Tours. Must be taken in conjunction with tours listed. Airfare subject to variation & based on specific class on specific airline, enquire at the time of booking, if class not available a surcharge will apply. Evergreen Tours reserves the right to ticket the airfare upon receipt of deposit. Once issued, air tickets are non-refundable & subject to Amendment & Cancellation Fees as established by the applicable airline. Includes Airport & Airline taxes up to $950pp. Port Taxes are included and based on departure city & subject to change. A non-refundable booking deposit of $1,000 per person per cruise/tour must be paid within 5 days of making a booking. A second non-refundable deposit of $2,000pp is due by 16 October 2015 or the date specified in Your booking advice, whichever date occurs first. If the itinerary duration is amended and additional nights are included in a tour the additional cost will be surcharged. If the offer is amended at release of full Europe River Cruise and Tours 2016 Brochure, the offer with the higher value will be honoured for Preview bookings that have paid their required deposit. If an additional night(s) at the hotel is required due to availability of flight schedules, this will be held at guests own expense. All offers are subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out, and there are strictly limited cabins available on set departures. Surcharges may apply on credit card transactions. Prices, Dates, Taxes & availability correct at 2/2/15 & subject to change. Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd) ABN 85 002 715 602. BOOKING CODE EVMA132

greater port macquarie focus. 75

focusinterview.

HDFC President Rod Davison (left), and Senior Flying Instructor Ray Lind (right), showing off the club’s aircraft.

HDFC President Rod Davison sitting inside the club’s newest acquisition.

Pilot Ed Godschalk (left), and Senior Flying Instructor Ray Lind (right), review the finer details of an upcoming flight.

NEW HORIZONS AWAIT Whilst many dream of learning to fly, only a handful ever go on to realise their passion. As the Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) celebrates 56 years of aviation, Scott Henderson spoke with Club President Rod Davison and Senior Flying Instructor Ray Lind, to hear how recreational aviation has become more accessible and affordable than ever.

H

ow many active members does HDFC currently have?

Rod: Our club currently has around 160 members, with 40 - 50 people flying regularly. As we are a flight training facility, most of the flying our members do is in training for recreational aviation.

What does a member-snapshot of the HDFC look like?

Ray: Our membership is very diverse with respect to age, occupation, and gender; this is something we promote. Our members vary from 15 - 92 years of age, so we have school students, professionals from different vocations, and retirees learning to fly.

Rod: We find that because of this diversity, an elitist culture does not exist at the club. By sharing a core, common passion for flying, our pilots feel included and welcomed, irrespective of their age, gender, background, or level of experience.

What is the first step in seeking recreational flight certification in Australia?

Ray: The first step is known as a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF). A TIF involves a 40 minute flight, where you actually get to operate the aircraft under the watchful eye of an instructor, and get a feel for what it is like to fly.

Rod: As a taster, we provide the TIF at a reduced rate, so our instructors provide their time and expertise voluntarily. We feel as though this is a great tool in assisting prospective pilots in making a decision about whether recreational aviation is or isn’t suitable for them, before investing in continued training.

What philosophy does HDFC take in relation to safety and managing risk?

Rod: For recreational flight training, our local

76

greater port macquarie focus.

area is one of the more complex areas to fly in, and we have a very enviable safety record that we are very proud of. Our instructors bring a tremendous level of expertise to the club, with a background in general aviation and tens of thousands of hours of experience under their belts. This has contributed to a distinct culture of safety at the club. In addition, we regularly invite governing bodies, such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), to deliver seminars, with a vision of maintaining currency in pilot safety.

Ray: Safety is of paramount concern in all club operations. Pilots are required to demonstrate aptitude in emergency procedures in the event that an unforeseeable scenario unfolds.

This ensures all members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to safely negotiate adverse weather situations, air traffic flow, and the very remote possibility of mechanical failure.

How is being involved in a flying club beneficial to its members?

Rod: In one word - sharing. Being part of a collective group enables members to share the costs involved in flying and maintaining an aircraft. Members can also share amazing experiences. We have flown to Longreach, Hervey Bay, and Evans Head, to name a few. We have also succeeded in a number of competitions and air rallies. There is a real sense of camaraderie you get from flying with other people that makes being part of a club unique.

What is usually involved in club competitions?

Ray: We hold events known as Pilot Proficiency Days, where pilots practise emergency procedures, sharpen their skills to the standard set during initial training, and have a lot of fun.

Being part of a collective group rs enables membe s st co e th e to shar g and in fly in ed lv invo rcraft . ai an maintaining share so al n ca Members ce en s.” amazing experi

“

We also hold an annual navigation trial, where pilots plan and follow a set course, using traditional maps. Often, the pilot is presented with a simulated diversion, such as bad weather, and must adjust their plan mid-flight to reach a new set point.

How does the club engage with the local community?

Rod: Since 2005, the club has offered a scholarship scheme to invest into training the younger generation of pilots. The HDFC gives away 2 - 3 scholarships per year, with around 20 given away by the club to date.

Ray: Scholarships are incentive-based, and awarded in partnership with the recipient. The financial commitment contributed through the scholarship is also matched by the recipient; this ensures that all applicants are serious about fulfilling their aspirations to fly. Some have gone on to a career in aviation – one of our former students is now flying for Cathay Pacific as a commercial pilot.

What plans are on the horizon for the club in the future?

Rod: We recently received a grant from the state government to repaint and install a new roof on the clubhouse, so we are aiming to run an Open Day later this year to officially invite the community to inspect our revamped facilities.

The club has moved into 2015 in a heathy state; we currently own two aircraft, our membership base is solid, and there is a good feel about the place, so this year is about consolidating on that.

Ray: We’re looking into extending the amount of training we are able to offer. Our aircraft is constantly booked out with the intense amount of training we do, and with six highly experienced and professional flying instructors, we want to help more and more people achieve their dream of learning to fly.

In your opinion, what improvements could be made to Port Macquarie Airport in the future?

Rod: Recently, we have seen a dramatic increase in air traffic in Port Macquarie. In response to this, high on our wish-list would be a parallel taxiway to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of general aviation aircraft with QantasLink and Virgin services during take-offs and landings.

Any advice for someone who may be considering taking up aviation as a pastime?

Rod: Go for it! The only regret many club members have is that they didn’t get into flying sooner. Many put it off because of a fear of the unknown, however the club supports and mentors new pilots through every step of their training. Recreational flying differs quite significantly from general aviation, in that it tends to be much more affordable. The reality of fulfilling your lifelong dream to fly really is attainable, so the best advice I can give is to come out, meet the club, and just do it!

Thanks Rod and Ray. For more information, visit the HDFC website at: http://www.hdfc.com.au/

estellegough.

UPDATE Speak of the devil Landcare is unique in the way it connects people and solves problems.

It helps farmers to achieve sustainable production while conserving Australian species and habitats.

T

hese complementary aims are two infected with DFTD, and taking them to safe aspects of caring for the land and places. keeping it healthy.

The aim is to grow healthy populations of We recognise that there are Devils to be reintroduced into Tasmania once fundamental links between the epidemic is over. domestic animals and wild animals. They are Only when all the sick Devils have gone, can part of ecosystems, and people are too. their place be taken by a new population of Let’s look at an example. In Tasmania, healthy Devils. These will be animals that have Landcare is helping to prevent sheep losing had no contact with the disease, because they their lambs because of a disease spread were raised in isolation. by feral cats.

This is a grand plan that has to Cats spread the disease succeed. The good news is toxoplasmosis. ABC’s that you and I can help this Landline reported happen - we can help to that farmers had save the Devils!

The D evils are realised their sheep Not far from Port dying from Facial were having more Macquarie is the contagious D evil d an abortions because “Devil Ark”, where Tumour Disease ed en at re th a w cat numbers have Devils are living are no le , species. Meanwhi eep increased. in isolation, near r sh farmers and thei There are more Barrington National too.” at re th r are unde cats because the Park. The alpine Tasmanian Devils, that conditions suit them, used to control them, they are having proper are in decline. care, and they are breeding The Devils are dying from successfully; there will soon be contagious Devil Facial Tumour hundreds of them.

Disease and are now a threatened I was fortunate to visit the “Devil Ark” species. Meanwhile, farmers and their recently, and you can too! (Look for the sheep are under threat too. website.)

Landcare has united farmers and I saw the Devils enjoying wild conditions, conservationists to try to solve this problem. free from DFTD. I was privileged to hold a They both want to restore the balance. hand-raised baby Devil - and she won my heart, Together they are trapping the cats and though she did smell a bit! destroying them, thus reducing the spread of Getting in touch with the natural world like disease. this is something you never forget.

But in the long term, the best solution is to When you understand how these creatures return the Devils to their role as the largest live and how their world interacts with ours, native predator. you realise you have a responsibility to help As it has in the past, a healthy population of them survive.

Devils will reduce the numbers of cats. This will The Devils will surely repay us, by contributing not only help sheep and farmers, it will help to to sustainable land use and reducing pests. And protect other native animals. part of our natural heritage will be conserved So how do we save the Devils? for future generations.

Before the species dies out in the wild, That’s the Landcare spirit. conservationists are collecting Devils not Contributed by Julie Ho.

“

greater port macquarie focus.

77

focusinterview.

Teale BRYAN T E L S T R A

S H O P

Business

T

eale, you have a strong background in retail, having spent many years at Harvey Norman and are now the Licensee at the Telstra Shop in Port Central and the Telstra Business Centre. What is it about running retail businesses that excites you the most?

The people. As a retailer, you have the pleasure of dealing with many different aspects of the community. You have to constantly look at yourself and the business to adapt to market needs and customer sentiment. When it comes to communication and technology, it never stops. You really have to be on your toes with what’s coming in and what’s going out. You also learn a lot about people, emotions and behaviours. It’s challenging, to say the least.

What was it that inspired you to buy and manage a local business?

It’s simple, really. Having a local business lets you contribute to the community while providing security for your family in the place you want to live. Business has always been my passion, and I am proud to say a lot of hard work goes into the job.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in the running of your business, and how have you managed to overcome them?

Starting or buying a business is always challenging. You have to learn your craft.

What I mean by that, is you have to learn the idiosyncrasies of that business to gain maximum efficiencies. You have to have efficiencies in the business, or it just will not work. So naturally, you make a few mistakes along the way, but hopefully not too many. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes 78

greater port macquarie focus.

and use them as building platform for the You really have to move fast. Education future. I think it is super important to have a and communication is key. We are also a few mentors to bounce thoughts off. I suggest very compliance based industry and heavily consulting mentors both from within the regulated, so you really need to make sure you industry you are operating and some outside of dot the i’s and cross the t’s. I would say that the it. Regularly do heath checks on your business most successful people in business are those from insiders’ and an outsider’s perspective, who accept and adapt to change the fastest. and take any criticisms as a building block for You have previously noted that the the future.

Telstra Retail store has experienced days What have been some of the where the traffic counter has most rewarding aspects of clicked over 600 customers your role as the Licensee entering your store. of the Telstra shop?

How do you lead Our customers To be honest, I Iove to your team to are regularly ta da see the staff develop r successfully service ou surveyed , and y el em personally and this abundance of tr points are ex lly ta vi is is professionally. I love customers in your strong . Th ring su ea m in t an to see their families busy times? rt impo ction. fa tis sa er om st prosper because of Yes, it can be cu We believe our the hard work we very challenging at st r be customer are ou put in as a team. You times. We are a little ” s. te ca advo know you are successful unique. We are a retail when you and your staff are store where some complex happy. transactions can take in Naturally, happiness includes excess of an hour to complete, financial stability, but also includes being and those customers can turn up at proud of what you have achieved. Staff any time and require our services. culture ultimately drives quality outcomes.

Where the fun begins is if three or four Over my time I have seen many staff members of those customers take three or four staff go on to great things, and I consider them still members to service them at once, leaving the part of my bigger family. other staff to deal with the influx of customers.

The telecommunications industry is a Time management is key. We have an effective pretty exciting industry to be in at the floor manager roll or (EFM). This is a senior moment. What are some of the more person who greets you at the door with an significant changes you have seen within iPad. This person, for want of a better word, your industry over the past decade, and is basically triage for retail. They quickly assess how have you adapted your business the customers’ need and try to set time and model to adjust accordingly to these process expectations. They then coordinate changes? staff based on time and skills etc. to service

“

that customer. It’s not an exact science, but it works extremely well.

What is your personal customer service philosophy?

Customer service is everything. We talk about and measure it every day. Our customers are regularly surveyed, and our data points are extremely strong. This is vitally important in measuring customer satisfaction. We believe our customers are our best advocates.

What do you think are some of the important factors that employers need to consider when they are hiring and training staff?

I think you need to hire on intelligence, ethic and culture. Everything else can be easily taught.

What do you wish someone would have told you before embarking on your journey as a business owner?

It is a journey and you really just have to embark to find your destiny. Back yourself, seek best practice and don’t be afraid to make mistakes (just don’t make them twice).

My only advice is: listen to criticism, find some mentors and don’t reinvent the wheel just do it better.

And finally, if you could invite any three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them?

I have had lunch with many extraordinary business people, but I would have to say it would be my last three business customers that I sold to. I would thank them for the business and ask how our service was. You learn more from your customers.

Thanks for your time, Teale!

focusbiztips. with David Ross - Supercoach

TIME FOR

SUPER business Meet the BOQ Port Macquarie team BOQ has a proud history. We’re a 140-yearold full service financial institution with more than 250 branches across every state and territory in Australia.

We’re one of Australia’s leading regional banks and among the few still not owned by one of the big banks. This means we’re completely independent, making us a genuine alternative. We offer banking, finance and insurance services to individuals, families and small-to-medium business and are ranked among the top 100 companies on the ASX. My name is Linda Dewbery, and I started at the Port Macquarie branch in 2008. I work with a great group of women who all share my passion for customer service. We work hard every day to embody our branding of “it’s possible to love a bank”. We’re proud of our service record and continue to put our customers first in everything we do.

As an established part of the community that

we live and work in, we believe in giving back to the community. We do this not just through exceptional banking services, but we also support local community groups and sporting associations such as Port Macquarie Junior Rugby Union, Camden Haven Hockey Club and The Smith Family.

So why not bank with established local banking experts that are passionate about helping their local community grow!

BOQ Port Macquarie can help you with: • retail and business accounts • savings, investment and transaction accounts • home loans • Self Managed Super Funds • business lending, debtor finance and equipment finance • credit cards • insurance.

We’re open 9:30am - 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9:30am - 5pm on Friday.

Come in and say hello to me or one of my friendly staff members and experience the difference for yourself. We believe that it’s possible to love a bank!

David Ross

In business, you never really stop learning. And let’s face it, that’s what makes us do it. Why else would we take the risk, be it financial, personally or our at times our own sanity ...

T

he modern day entrepreneur thrives same time, freshen up the look and feel. on each day bringing with it a new Welcome to the world ... SuperBusiness challenge, a new experience and a Is Your Business Working for You? new learning experience.

SuperBusiness has been redesigned from the But (and it’s a big but), as business owners, ground up for business owners who are not are our own real world experiences enough satisfied with the status quo, but are looking training on how to really succeed in business. for ways to help their business really achieve.

Do we need to go outside of our own circle Over a tight series of 6 two hour workshops and invest in ourselves, get ideas from outside (yes, you need to commit for six months), our of our own industry and go back to “business experienced coaches will guide you through school” for a minute? the following: Fifteen years ago, I commenced How to create a business plan designing what was then that works; known as the Business Getting your marketing Success Program. The AND pricing to make you urse We limit each co program was successmoney, not lose it! es to five business fully run with gradControlling your e ould lik only, so if you w out uates gaining great Cashflow and getting ab to find out more ntact insights into areas such funding for your co SuperBusiness, as Sales and Marketbusiness; d@ vi da me directly at ing, Business Planning Getting the best out of com .au” thesuperco ach. and Strategy as well as technology; Cashflow and Financing Planning for sale or sucwithin their business. cession - the end game.

The biggest plus for those The biggest impact though, is who have been through the course the implementation. Many of you though, was the interaction between will have experienced learning the How businesses. You see, it doesn’t matter if ... but often falling over when it comes time you are putting a startup next to a well to DO. With SuperBusiness, we coach you established business. At the end of the day, we once a month to help you implement the ideas are all facing similar issues. Sure, the degree at the coalface, onsite, in your business. of complexity may vary, but the lessons learnt It’s hard work, but it gets results. It’s an and experience that can be shared is huge. extremely powerful way to work with our In fact, there have been times where as a coaches, and other business owners to not presenter, I have just had to stand aside and only learn, but also implement and get stuff let the conversation between attendees flow. done. Previous graduates have said that this is The knowledge that exists in those moments the most valuable part of the process. is priceless.

We limit each course to five businesses only, Now to 2015, and as SuperCoach commences so if you would like to find out more about a broader roll out of the course, I thought it SuperBusiness, contact me directly at was time to refresh the content and at the david@thesupercoach.com.au.

“

greater port macquarie focus. 79

focusinterview.

by Michelle Newman from Newman Communications

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

Meredy Bates-Lacey GLASSHOUSE FLOWERS BY DESIGN

S

urrounded by a sea of beautiful blooms and done properly,” Meredy said. shrouded in heady floral fragrance, Meredy BatesMeredy and her team spend most days taking phone, Lacey is hard at work stripping stems, designing email and internet orders, unpacking flowers, making bouquets and creating artful arrangements. arrangements, cleaning up, and consulting with clients. As The 1st April marks five years since Meredy the business owner, Meredy also looks after quality became the owner of Glasshouse Flowers by control, coordinating with suppliers and freight Design and forged a flourishing floristry companies, rostering staff, and accounting. business well known for its earthy, “It’s important that I stay on top of the textural and organic style. a florist is g in Be trends and customers’ preferences Meredy trained as a florist following a surprisingly a career in Interior Design in - that’s why we’ve moved out of ng orki tough job. But, w sies Canberra. She honed her eye for the old shopfront and built up our po with petals and e design while studying a Bachelor tiv website based business. At the all day, the crea le and of Interior Design, a Diploma in moment I’m heavily involved in the outlet, the lifesty ht on Interior Decoration and Certificates seeing the delig expansion of our Local Hampers s makes in Floristry. “It was a very natural step customers’ face range. .” le for me,” Meredy said. it all worthwhi “Being a florist is a surprisingly tough Working from a new studio space in job. But, working with petals and posies Lake Cathie, Meredy takes great delight all day, the creative outlet, the lifestyle and in unpacking the flowers each morning, and seeing the delight on customers’ faces makes it all being able to see, smell and touch the new blooms,

“

berries, bark and seed pods.

The days are long and can be monotonous and stressful.

Meredy said florists are by necessity creative, enterprising and resourceful. “When those exact flowers for the most important event of the year aren’t available because they’ve been smashed by heavy rains, you need to think of a solution fast.”

Managing such a seasonal business has its challenges. “I’ve learnt that if you want to make lots of money, you don’t become a florist. The days that we have several weddings or big celebrations like Mother’s Day, it’s not uncommon for me to work all through the night to make sure everything gets 80 greater port macquarie focus.

worthwhile,” Meredy said.

Meredy recalls the smiles on the street one Valentine’s Day

My Day 8:00am

Drop my daughter to daycare and get ready to start work.

8:30am

Complete any early deliveries and pick up any sundries that are needed for the day.

9:00am

Start the day in the studio, unpack flower deliveries and answer the many phone calls.

11:00am

Some days I’ll collect flowers from the airport and do a mid-morning delivery run. Back to clean up all the mess.

1:30pm

Lunch (if I’m lucky).

2:30pm

Time for admin - bridal quotes, invoicing and ordering.

3:30pm

Make afternoon orders, a last run into town for deliveries and a meeting with a bride or corporate client.

5:00pm

Close the studio. When we had the shopfront, it would have been 7 or 8pm.

Now that we’ve streamlined our business, I can finish on time and get back to my family.

as she helped a customer pack a huge bouquet into the top of his backpack, so he could drive off on his motorbike to surprise his sweetheart.

Flowers may well be the antidote for our stressed modern lives. They enable us to convey messages in a truly meaningful way that social media can’t; they bring the beauty of nature inside our air-conditioned spaces; and, when we’re rushing from one appointment to the next, they remind us to slow down and smell the roses.

focus_business.

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

focusinterview.

ALL TIME

Hadyn Oriti.

GLASS &

A L U M I N I U M

MINDING YOUR

business I WAS VERY SURPRISED TO READ THAT APPARENTLY PORT MACQUARIE IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW AUSTRALIA WILL BE IN 2055.

T

he Government’s intergenerational report recently released has set out some interesting projections, assuming Australia continues on its current

trajectory.

Australia’s population for example, is projected to grow to nearly 40 million people.

Current projections are that it will grow at a rate of 1.3% per year.

Port Macquarie’s growth rate, however, I expect will be around 1.7 - 2%. That could mean around 160,000 in the LGA. The drivers for that growth, I expect, will continue to be our climate, beaches and environment generally.

The challenge for Australia will be the support for people in retirement as that cohort grows relative to those in the workforce.

With an ageing population, there will be fewer people supporting those in retirement and in order to achieve that without an undue taxation burden, those working will need to maintain productivity and for those aged over 65, there will be increasing opportunities for their participation in the workforce. It seems that 60 will become the new 40.

In my work on various boards, I am exposed to the valuable insights, wisdom and experience that people aged over 65 bring and the assistance they can offer in solving many of the issues affecting society today. They are productive and not nearly anywhere near as susceptible to illness or the need to take time off as the younger cohort entering the workforce. They provide stability and consistency to a business. They seek to contribute and help, rather than simply focusing on themselves.

Participation rates among those aged over 65 will increase from 12.9% at present to 17.3% in 2054-55. I encourage all businesses when looking for workers to not discount any potential employee simply because they are

aged over 50.

The intergenerational report notes also that whilst it may be difficult for individual governments to control the collective and cumulative impact of human activity globally, economic growth complements strong environmental outcomes. Without economic growth, those outcomes are less affordable.

The media has focused on the government’s forecast of budgets and the consequences for Australia’s debt over the next 40 years.

Whilst some may argue that the assumptions feeding into the projections are unrealistic, the simple message I think is that if one is on a course that will hit the iceberg, the sooner action is taken to avoid the iceberg the better.

Our politicians should realise that they have the support of the community in achieving strong fiscal outcomes. Sometimes business and the community need to speak up so the government (and our politicians generally) know that there is support for a strong, prudent approach to government finances.

We, as a nation, simply cannot continue to make claims on government if we are not prepared to look after ourselves first.

I recall a sign after Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin. A service station proprietor had put up a warning to looters: “God helps those who help themselves.

And God help those who help themselves.”

It was a clear reference to those seeking to take from others during a common hardship, rather than contribute to the common good.

Now this brings me back though to my opening. Apparently Port Macquarie has already met the 2055 projected ratio of having only 2.7 people in the workforce for each person over 65. Things are pretty good here.

So, if what we have here is an indication of the future of Australia, then I endorse the treasurer’s comments and say that things up looking up.

H

i Anthony. All time glass The newest member of our staff is Danny, is a local business that has who is a qualified tradesman and is learning been around for a while. all aspects of the glass business. He is Tell our readers how long proving to be a great support to both James you have been there and a and myself. bit about yourself?

Tell us about all the different aspects of All Time Glass was first established in your business ...

1998, and Alison and I have owned and We manufacture a number of our security operated the business for nearly two products and shower screens onsite. We also years now. We have previously cut glass and mirrors to size and owned and operated have a glass polishing machine, businesses here on the which enables us to polish Mid North Coast since glass and mirror edges on All Time 1997. We live locally site for a quick turnaround Glass was in in Port Macquarie for our customers. We d he first establis on and have been install all our products lis A 1998 , and d ne ow here now for 14 and provide free quotes. ve ha and I e th ed at er years; we have three We also repair windows, op d an arly young children, two doors and screens and business for ne two years now.” attend primary school offer a 24 hour glass and our youngest is replacement service. We starting school next year. also specialise in commercial Introduce us to your team shopfronts and installation of and each role they have within commercial automatic doors. the business.

What are some of the other product James is our fully qualified glazier, lines All Time Glass offers? with over 17 years’ experience in the glass We offer a large range of products, industry. He has a wealth of knowledge and including fully framed shower screens, semi is experienced in all aspects of the industry, frameless shower screens and fully frameless including glass, screen doors, shower screens shower screens. Security products including and all repairs to glass doors and windows. full stainless steel Prowler Proof security Alison, my wife, manages the doors, perforated aluminium security doors administration side of the business and and diamond grille security doors, security works on site in the office. She has had window grilles and standard fly screens and twenty years’ experience in Administration doors. Glass and mirrors cut to size, coloured and Customer Service and keeps us glass kitchen splashbacks, supply and organised. installation of pet doors, wardrobe doors, I concentrate on the day to day operations shopfronts and all commercial work. of the business, which includes organising Where can our readers find you and the jobs to go out on time and providing your team Anthony? free quotes for all our customers, liaising We are located at 1 / 23 Merrigal Road with suppliers and ordering materials. I also Port Macquarie. support James with onsite work, installing Contact us on 02 6581 2877 or visit our glass and screens etc. website at www.alltimeglass.com.au.

“

greater port macquarie focus.

81

property guide

82

greater port macquarie focus.

Photos courtesy of Matt van Dijk - www.ironclayphotos.com.au

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

focusabode.

H O M E S

ts This home bo as s ew vi d unimpede ie ar qu of the Port Mac skyline and the ay of adjacent waterw It is r. the Hastings Rive e pl am an excellent ex lan -p en op , of spacious ” g. in liv n moder

“ A N O T H E R M AG N I F I C E N T WAT E R F R O N T P R O P E R T Y B U I LT TO PR EC I SION BY B R A N D ON C A L D E R H O M E S I S A P R I L’ S G R E AT E R P O R T M A C Q U A R I E FOCUS HOME OF THE MONTH. CHRISSY JONES HAD THE PLEASURE OF VIEWING THE EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE, WHICH S TA N D S P R O U D LY O N T H E BANKS OF THE HASTINGS RIVER A L O N G N O RT H S H O R E D R I V E .

ustomed designed

by James and Derek Collins of Collins W Collins Building Designers, interior design by Michelle Burton of Designing Divas and custom built

by Brandon Calder Home, this home boasts unimpeded views of the Port Macquarie skyline and the adjacent waterway of the Hastings River. It is an excellent example of spacious, open-plan modern living.

A skillion roofline adds interest to the exterior and extra height internally. The facade is a blend of surfaces with eye-catching textures and colours, including white Alucobond metal cladding (installed by Ben Sprague of Coastal Commercial Linings), James Hardie wall cladding, Wallaby Colorbond roofing (from Steeline), aluminium framed windows and door framework (from Mid Coast Windows) in

varied styles, plus glass and aluminium balustrade on the front balcony (from Muras Steel).

Cotswold dry wall cladding (from Tiles With Style / Your Color Tile Store) encases the stairway to the 2nd level and replicates a traditional dry stack stone wall, creating an organic textural eye-catching feature. An exposed aggregate drive (laid by Luke Seears Concreting) leads into the property from the roadside through an automated gate and security system.

Flourish Garden Management have excelled themselves, creating a tropical low-maintenance oasis for the owner. The fully landscaped gardens are water hardy, perfect for the local environment. The driveway ends at a double garage which also has a personal access door for private access. This superb residence, over three levels, takes full advantage of its foot print and is a standout in its surrounds.

greater port macquarie focus.

83

focusabode.

H O M E S

GROUND LEVEL outdoor entertaining area and front balcony Comprising a double garage, laundry, WC and combines brilliantly to create a spacious, relaxing rear outdoor entertaining area, the ground level living area. Blackbutt hardwood timber flooring will potentially be one of the most frequented (installed by Clinton Jordan Timber Floors) is parts of the home. Providing the first point underfoot throughout the living areas and the of entry for the owners via the garage, it has hallway that leads you through the home. The convenient internal access for quick storage of ingeniously designed modern kitchen has been the shopping via a rich timber staircase positioned alongside the living and that leads directly to the living and outdoor entertaining areas. The kitchen areas of the first level. kitchen is its own special part y ax The garage has an automatic of the home, but is very Black Gal d an panel lift door at either end, much a central hub and te Grani z rt ua Q allowing for easy through meeting point - a place Quantum st te la e th , ps to access to the rear of the to not only cook and eat benchlo ads us pl , es nc ia pl property. An outdoor good food, but a place ap ns of storage optio entertaining area by the to relax with family and r’s including a Butle e riverside includes a fire pit friends and take in the mak pantry, help to with porcelain tile surround relaxed atmosphere that .” cooking a breeze and seating, private beach and has been created by the boat ramp. There is plenty of surrounds. under house storage, including space THE KITCHEN for the eco-friendly rainwater tanks, Meticulously designed by awardgarden equipment and “boys toys”. winning interior designer Michelle Burton LEVEL ONE of Designing Divas and purpose built by Encased on one side by Cotswold dry wall Designer Living Kitchens, the kitchen ticks all the cladding, a Blackbutt timber stairway ascends to boxes. Black Galaxy Granite and Quantum Quartz the front tiled, glass balustraded balcony. A onebench-tops, the latest appliances, plus loads of of-a-kind 2.4 m high timber patterned entrance storage options including a Butler’s pantry, help to door, with stainless steel handrail and curved glass make cooking a breeze. The kitchen also has an panels, sets the scene for something truly special. ideally placed corner computer station.

Upon entry, the visitor is greeted with a feeling Dividing the kitchen from the dining/living area, of total opulence. The high raked ceiling line an island bench doubles as a food preparation of the open plan lounge, dining and adjoining station and can also be used as a breakfast bar or

“

84

greater port macquarie focus.

This tile has been used not n only in the kitche e th ut ho ug but thro eas, ar et w e th in e hom of e em setting the th xed the home - a rela .� pe ca es de si water

“

H O M E S servery when guests arrive. The Black Galaxy granite bench-top of the island has a double stainless steel sink with a Reece Teknobili sink mixer and an integrated stainless steel dishwasher with drawers on one side and cabinets on the other. A petrified timberlook raised tiled surround (Babylon Hazelnut colour) conceals the island on one end and adds both colour and textural points of difference. This tile has been used not only in the kitchen but throughout the home in the wet areas, setting the theme of the home - a relaxed waterside escape.

Top of the range SMEG appliances are incorporated into the granite bench-tops on

the back wall of the kitchen cabinetry. A gas oven and cook-top with wok burner and a range-hood have been installed. The rangehood is concealed above the cook-top in an overhead lift-up cabinet which runs the entire length of the bench-top. This easy lift cabinet is a superb addition to the kitchen having all cooking condiments conveniently placed and readily at hand when preparing meals.

Deep under-bench soft close drawers either side of the oven gives plenty of storage for cooking utensils and crockery. A strip of LED lighting accentuates the petrified timber-look tiling that has been used as the splash-back. for the cooking area.

greater port macquarie focus.

85

focusabode.

H O M E S

The tiled alfresco entertaining n ca area n be its ow n ca or private space with the easily combine e ideal interior to be th party locale .”

“ A shutter door appliance cupboard neatly tucks away the breakfast appliances and has a wine rack underneath one end of the cabinetry. The purpose built corner computer station, with a Quantum Quartz Alpine white top, has been placed perfectly the other end to take in the relaxing waterway views through a corner window - food prep and computer browsing combined in a stressless fashion.

To complete the kitchen space, a true Butler’s pantry is present alongside the main kitchen area. It has all the mod cons incorporated, including both overhead and under-bench laminate cabinetry providing

86

greater port macquarie focus.

plenty of storage nooks for cooking needs and also houses a deep stainless steel sink, dishwasher and a fridge. A white tiled splash-back adds to the clean, crisp feel.

Custom-built corner cabinetry blends the kitchen with the dining area.

Quantum Quartz Alpine White reconstituted stone has been used to create a cleverly designed cabinet that has shelving on one side for cookbooks and drawers for storage on the other. Purpose built as a coffee station, the corner cabinet has glass wall

panelling with a white shelf incorporated for coffee cups. The inclusion of downlighting is a stylish touch.

THE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING AREA Simply put, this space is perfect!

Opening out from the interior living areas through a set of four glass sliding stacker doors, the tiled alfresco entertaining area can be its own private space or can easily combine with the interior to be the ideal party locale.

The outdoor ceiling lines continue from the living areas high rake with port hole lighting

(installed by DP Electrical) and a ceiling fan, all adding to the comfort and relaxed ambiance.

Entertaining has never been easier and more comfortable, the alfresco is protected by the elements but captures the Hastings riverside breezes.

Cotswold dry wall cladding (expertly installed by Darren Roach Tiling) features prominently in the outdoor entertaining area.

Surrounding a wood fireplace, it is centrally placed on the western wall between James Hardie wall panelling with timber rail tops on either side. Glass and aluminium balustrade (by Muras Steel) encase the rear deck and Blackbutt timber stairs that lead to the ground

focusabode. focusabode.

NN oo .. 33 99 HH aa rr bb oo uu rr ss ii dd ee custom built by Designer Living Kitchens)

level outdoor entertaining area. Having its very own private beach and boat ramp, plus a houses theAward: home cinema’s audio and visual Housing Industry Association (HIA) – Northern Award: Housing Industry Association (HIA) Northern fire pit with porcelain tile surround - this is a equipment.NSW The walls and ceiling are painting (partnerned by Coffs Harbour Focus) to –interior designer NSW (partnerned by Harbour Focus) to interior top spot to sit and chill out waterside. in a dark colour to complement theCoffs carpet.

Michelle Burton of Designing Divas: Kitchen Design of thedesigner Year Michelle Burton Designing BEDROOMS Movie nights at home have of never been Divas: Kitchen Design of the Year 2013.

Left of the main living area you will find better!

2013.

“Ann (homeowner) had a vision of her dream kitchen, so my three luxurious bedrooms all with plush MAIN BATHROOM “Ann (homeowner) had visionSo, of her so my most important role was toalisten. afterdream a fewkitchen, modifications carpeting (from Cullens / Carpet One).

Centrallymost located, the main bathroom important role was to listen.

So, after a few modifi cations to the space planning, the design of the dream kitchen evolved,” Bedroom one has its own private balcony, services all to bedrooms onplanning, level one.the Having a of the dream kitchen evolved,” the space design says interior designer, Michelle Burton of Designing Divas. “Right en-suite and walk-in robe, soft downlighting, hinged glass shower screen on the shower/Burton of Designing Divas. “Right says interior designer, Michelle from the start, working on this project with Brandon and his team ceiling fan and stylish curtain furnishings (by bath combination (from City Glass) and from start,Port working onCollectively, this project the withclients, Brandon his team was athe positive experience. theand trades and Topstitch Curtains & Blinds). Bedroom 2 has a pivot spout, the bathroom is a safe layout was a positive Collectively, trades and consultants all experience. came together to detail the andclients, developthe a beautiful opaque glass fronted sliding doors on its for children.

The bathalliscame encased in timberconsultants together to detail and develop a beautiful award-winning, functional kitchen.” built-in wardrobe, port hole windows look tiling, which continues up the wall award-winning, functional kitchen.”

A striking front facade,height featuring a stack-stone textured wall, placed above a built-in study behind the bath to ceiling A striking frontfully facade, featuring a stack-stone textured wall, angled roof line, landscaped desk that allow in natural and extends across to one side gardens and a tiled pathway, angled roof line, fully landscaped gardens a tiledaluminium pathway, and entrance is through an eye-catching timberand framed, light, louvre windows for of the bath adding a handy entrance is through an eye-catching timber framed, aluminium glass door.

An angled entrytiling foyer steps up to a tiled hallway thatand ventilation, ceiling fan seating spot; white The bath is glass door.

An angled entry foyer steps up to a tiled hallway that leads youfloor through the home. and downlighting. to ceiling on the encased in leads you through the home.

The ground floor walls, comprises g, Bedroom 3 is a mirror remaining add apowder room adjacent to a guest timber-look tilin flen-suite oor comprises powder room adjacent to a outdoor guest e The ground up thbedroom s with and access to the centrally located ue image of bedroom 2, crisp contrast. in nt co ch whi bedroom with en-suite and access to the centrally located outdoor th ba e th but is fitted with an courtyard with relaxing water feature, home office, open plan A wall mounted wall behind with with relaxing water home office, the open plan and courtyard ingenious twin set of vanity withcustom-built a set of 2feature, formal lounge cabinetry housing homes to ceiling height eformal lounge with custom-built cabinetry housing the homes on to ss ro ac s windows with multihas an oval extend integrateddrawers entertainment system, informal lounge area, and the ” integrated entertainment system, informal lounge area, and the side of the bath opening variations and Caromakitchen/dining pearl inset hand award winning room all divided externally by the award winning kitchen/dining room all divided externally by the its own en-suite. vertical vanity home'sbasin, swimming pool thatmirror features a splashless waterfall. home's swimming pool that features a splashless waterfall.

MEDIA ROOM above a further wall The HIA and award-winning kitchen is absolutely stunning. A The placed HIA kitchen is absolutely Your own cinema at home. shelf alongside adding to many magnifi centaward-winning design incorporating fantasticstunning. concepts.A From the magnifi cent design incorporating many fantastic concepts. the The media room has been fitted the bench space and storage in the L-shaped island bench with feature lighted recesses that hasFrom a drop island bench with feature lighted recesses that has a drop with block out blinds as well as curtains, is bathroom. L-shaped Curved, stainless steel towel rail, down bench level, to the ingenious and stylish feature wall push fully carpeted, has ducted air conditioning 600 x 600mm floor tiles level, and WC complete down bench to the ingenious and stylish featurespace, wall push to open cabinetry that conceals glassware in a handy no and Superchek gyprock in the ceiling and this delighful bathroom (bathroom fixtures glassware in a handy space, no to open cabinetry that conceals wonder this kitchen is an award winner. walls for sound insulation. Custom-built and fittingswonder from Reece, all plumbing by this kitchen is an award winner. cabinetry (designed by Designing Divas, Aquajack).

“

greater port macquarie focus 105 greater port macquarie focus 105

greater port macquarie focus.

87

focusabode.

The cabinetry in the robe is ly designed superb ry ve d, se ni to be orga to functional and walk sy ea an le enab aste r m e through to th te .” ui -s en ’s bedroom

“

LEVEL 2 At the end of a crafted timber staircase you will find the exquisite Master Bedroom - a private, luxurious oasis. A short wall placed behind the bed setting divides the room and defines the separate areas that include lounge area, bedroom, custom shelving, adjoining walk-through robe room and en-suite.

The black polyurethane custom-shelving has a multitude of configurations to store items away neatly. A tribute to the innovative mind of interior designer Michelle Burton (Designing Divas and custom built by Designer Living Kitchens) is the cabinetry provided in the walkthrough robe.

88

greater port macquarie focus.

Seductive Limba laminate by Laminex has been utilised on all cabinet fronts, the wall mounted dressing table which has its own wall mirror, chest of drawers with a small shelf above, a wall cabinet with shelving and wine rack incorporated, are placed on one side of the robe. On the other side further custom cabinetry has been designed in 3 sections; one section with a double hanging space that has extra height and two sections both with a top shelf, short hanging space and a set of drawers each. The cabinetry in the robe is designed superbly to be organised, very functional and to enable an easy walk through to the master bedroom’s en-suite.

H O M E S THE MASTER EN-SUITE x 600mm Loft Gent semi polished porcelain Exquisite in layout, fittings and fixtures – the which add a soothing contrast to the crisp en-suite may be sectioned off for privacy via white of the ceiling and architraves. A separate a wooden, cavity sliding door. To the right is WC tucked away behind a sliding cavity door an elevated bath alcove, having a Clearwater has a louvre window for ventilation, white Formosa freestanding oval bath perched on shutters for privacy and floor-to-ceiling tiling. a Babylon Hazelnut tiled platform, the alcove PRIVATE MASTER BEDROOM LOUNGE is further enhanced by a floor recess, Step down from the bedroom setting two sides decorated with white to the master bedroom’s own pebbles. White vinyl water private lounge seating. Modern resistant plantation technology abounds in the shutters are a wonderful home and this room is C A separate W addition, adding no exception having an ay tucked aw modern elegance in-roof ceiling recessed ty vi ca g in behind a slid w do but also allowing for remote controlled Ultra in w re uv lo door has a te adjustment to give the Lift TV unit installed. hi w n, tio ila for vent y and ac occupant total privacy Stunning water views iv pr r fo rs te shut tiling.” or to enable delightful are readily available floor-to-ceiling river views when taking through a bank of windows a bath. on the eastern side of the A wall mounted vanity master suite, with block out with above bench oval DADDO roller blinds installed for privacy, and quartz Peru hand basin manufactured a set of bi-fold glass doors fronting the from resin and quartz, is complemented river. The bi-fold doors stack back to a panel beautifully by a single bronze metallic of louvre windows and open onto a private texture 3m high x 1m wide tile behind the glass and aluminium balustraded tiled balcony. tall vanity mirror. Alongside, a mirror fronted A top spot to sit and take in the gentle shaving cabinet and a low shelf for toweling riverside breezes in total comfort. have been added.

Overall the home is an exceptional example The “his and hers” shower recess has of the eye for detail and excellence in overhead twin shower roses and separate construction always presented by Brandon hand held spouts, is glass screened and has Calder and his team of highly qualified Babylon Hazelnut floor tiling with a smart tile tradesmen. drain. The en-suite floor and wall tiling are 600

“

greater port macquarie focus.

89

focusabode.

H O M E S

FROM THE OWNER “It was great to be able to do the entire build with local people. From designers to suppliers, all delivered first class service, brought together by a local builder who I believe is as top quality as you can get anywhere. The living on the river aspect was designed by Collins W Collins and brought to life by Brandon Calder.

Without Designing Divas I would just have a bland box - Michelle Burton was the glue that brought it all together. The colour scheme and the flow from room to room makes the house sit comfortable in its environment.”

THE BUILDING DESIGNERS Derek and James Collins, Collins W Collins Pty Ltd award-winning building designers.

Collins W Collins specialise in custom designs

90

greater port macquarie focus.

Our designs g centre on meetin al vidu our clients’ indi le , ty es lif d an s need te’s si a ng whilst utilisi best its to s ic st ri characte advantage.”

“

with a guiding philosophy in “individual designs for individual people”. Our designs centre on meeting our clients’ individual needs and lifestyle, whilst utilising a site’s characteristics to its best advantage.

THE BRIEF • Private and relaxing house.

• Make the most of the south eastern views overlooking the Hastings River and the Port Macquarie skyline.

• All year round entertaining with indoor / outdoor flow of spaces.

• Designed to be reflective of the owner’s profession and lifestyle.

The client came to Collins W Collins with the idea that he wanted a home designed for entertaining, and one that would allow for extended family and friends to stay (whilst maintaining his own private space!).

THE DESIGN • The home is visually interesting and wellproportioned, and uses strong, bold lines to accentuate the skillion roofline and integrates varying external materials and finishes.

• The use of natural stone on the entrance area and balcony areas is reflective of the owner’s work.

• The generous open plan living areas are perfect for entertaining with covered balconies to the north and south. The use of large stacker-sliding door units visually connects the indoor and outdoor living areas whilst maximising natural light and ventilation throughout the home.

• The design and placement of the living areas creates an atmosphere that is ideal for a coastal lifestyle, incorporating indoor/outdoor spaces.

• The large rear balcony has been designed for entertaining and features an in-built wood fireplace, outdoor kitchen/BBQ, a mobile bar and television. The area is covered and well protected from the elements creating an all year round spot perfect for entertaining.

• The master bedroom is pure luxury with

focusabode.

ide Working alongs s al on si two profes om fr lle such as Miche and D esigning Divas andon Br om fr n Brando e knew w Calder Homes , ld be ou w e that this hom ilt to bu d an r la spectacu rd da .” the highest stan

“ a spacious en-suite and walk-in-robe and a retreat that opens on to a covered deck overlooking the Hastings River and Port Macquarie skyline.

• The guest bedrooms each have their own en-suite with two of the rooms having access to views of the Hastings River.

• The home has C-bus wiring throughout enabling security monitoring and access to the property from across the country.

COMMENTS FROM THE BUILDING DESIGNER “It has been an absolute pleasure designing this home on the Hastings river,” says James Collins. “The owner is such a down to earth guy, who is open to ideas. He wanted to bring a little of what he does for a living into the design, and I am confident that

he is really happy with the end result we achieved,”comments Derek Collins.

“Working alongside two professionals such as Michelle from Designing Divas and Brandon from Brandon Calder Homes, we knew that this home would be spectacular and built to the highest standard. We are really proud that Collins W Collins could deliver on the owner’s dream home.”

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER Michelle Burton - award winning designer, Designing Divas All rooms - all areas - all designed with style - for your lifestyle.

THE BRIEF In short, the client wanted this superbly designed building to be a “home” reflective of his likes and to be in harmony with the

surroundings.

During our meetings he emphasised that the building shouldn’t be a series of different functional areas, but an overall space that flowed from one area to another - with a relaxed feel.

COMMENTS FROM THE INTERIOR DESIGNER Award winning interior designer Michelle Burton of Designing Divas said, “I had worked with Brandon Calder Homes and Collins W Collins on previous projects and when the owner appointed Designing Divas, I was thrilled. Having a client who was able to articulate his ideas and give me the freedom

to make colour and material selection and some say in the space planning to ensure the entire space harmonised was a great project - and quite a challenge.

I knew that any individual customisation required during the interior design process would be accommodated by Derek or James Collins, who would be able to modify the building design and then liaise with Brandon Calder Homes, so no sacrifices would have to be made in regard to quality of build. I am proud to have worked on this great home in such a great location. The client tells me it works really well, and he is happy to call it home.”

greater port macquarie focus.

91

focusabode.

H O M E S B R A N D O N C A L D E R H O M E S I S T H E P R E M I E R N AT I O N A L AWA R D -W I N N I N G C U S T O M B U I L D I N G C O N S T R U C T I O N F I R M I N T H E P O RT M AC Q UA R I E / H A S T I N G S A R E A . hether the company is building large architectural designed family homes, residential developments or commercial projects – the same attention to a quality finish and high level of detail on every building project is the hallmark of a Brandon Calder home. Brandon Calder is a highly respected master builder with amazing organisational skills. He is locally known as “quick quality Calder”. He and his team are renowned for building quickly without sacrificing quality.

Custom builders Clients are often astounded that the Brandon Calder Homes building process is so quick at such a high quality. Brandon Calder has a simple philosophy when it comes to custom building. “Take the time to really understand what the client wants and expects, be detailed in the quoting process, then only employ the best trades and contractors available. Look after your team and you can be confident they will look after all the small detail – which, in the end, produces quality building. Working with talented building designers like James and Derek from Collins W Collins means the quoting process is so much simpler as the plans arrive with great detail and clear specifications.”

92

greater port macquarie focus.

Client is number one “It’s very important to get to know each new client’s lifestyle to ensure that the home they have in mind is actually going to meet their requirements.” says master builder, Brandon Calder. “There are many lifestyle options to take into consideration, that’s why we (and Collins W Collins) recommend utilising the skills of our interior designer, Michelle Burton of Designing Divas, in the final design process to add the finishing touches to the plans. Then, when we review the final building plans with the client with all fixtures, colours and finishes selected we are certain that the end result is exactly what the client had in mind. The process also takes into account lighting, furniture planning, storage needs and any other aspects to make a home truly customised to the client’s style of living.”

TALK TO THE BUILDER Brandon Calder 0402 348 288 Office (by appointment): 41 Harbourside, Port Macquarie , 2444 Tel 6583 4637 info@brandoncalderhomes.com.au www.brandoncalderhomes.com.au

BEACONLIGHTING

T

HUGE LIGHTING SALE

he Easter long weekend is a great time to get cracking on those renovation projects you’ve been putting off for so long, and there’s never been a better time to head into the Beacon Lighting Port Macquarie store in the Spotlight Centre to shop for new lighting. Beacon is offering an impressive 25% off their entire range of lights during the Home Renovator’s Sale.

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or a mini makeover, you’d be amazed at the difference new lighting can make to your home.

As lighting specialists, the team at Beacon think of lighting as far more than just a functional product, but as a crucial design accessory that has a huge impact on how a room looks and feels.

Adding new lighting is one of the easiest, quickest and most affordable ways you can give a room an instant makeover.

Even something as simple as a new designer lamp or pendant can totally transform an existing dining or lounge room. Much like changing your cushions, adding a new coat of paint or buying a new rug, new lighting brings a room right up to date with the new season’s interior

design looks.

Of course, not everyone has that special “interior designer” touch. So if you need some expert advice, why not book an In Home Lighting Consultation with Sharon, As lighting the accredited lighting specialists , the think designer at the Port team at Beacon ore m Macquarie store. of lighting as far

“

tional than just a func a crucial as t product, bu y that design accessor on ct has a huge impa and s ok how a room lo feels.”

This inspiring and informative service is normally priced at $100, but if you show this ad in store, a team member will come to your home and design a lighting plan tailored to your needs and budget - FREE!

A professional In Home Lighting Consultation is a must-have if you’re planning an extensive renovation, with expert advice on the best places to install switches and power points and providing a detailed lighting plan for your electrician.

Meet the team The Beacon Port Macquarie team are passionate about giving you the best advice and

25

% OFF

Sharon Rathbone - Assistant Manager Sharon’s a passionate Port Macquarie local, having lived in the area for 23 years and before moving to Beacon Lighting, Sharon spent 10 years in real estate sales, where she honed her skills for identifying the latest trends and energy efficient lighting solutions.

HUSK

1 light small pendant in white with ash wood detailing.

WAS $129

NOW

96

$

75

Kylie Kelly - Lighting Consultant With 20 years in retail, Kylie knows how to make her customers happy. As a full-time lighting consultant, she’ll give you great advice on the best lighting solutions for your home and office.

So head into the Home Renovator’s Sale at Beacon Lighting Port Macquarie and pick up your favourite lamps and pendants (including the stunning Josh & Jenna designer range), exteriors and LED lights for 25% off.

Don’t forget to present this ad while you’re in store for a FREE In Home Lighting Consultation.

Beacon Lighting Port Macquarie is located in the Spotlight Centre, 180 Lake Road.

CREATE

1 light pendant in brushed chrome.

WAS $39.95

NOW

29 96

$

FREE

IN-HOME LIGHTING CONSULTATION^ when you present this ad in store

EDISON

1 light table lamp in teak.

Karbon pilot decorative filament globe sold separately $15.95 WAS $89.95 NOW

SOUTHAMPTON

HOME

service.

Ren Gundry - Manager Clocking up 12 years in retail, 8 years in management and over three years at Beacon Lighting, Ren’s loving the lifestyle Port Macquarie is famous for.

SALE

2 light large exterior wall sconce in antique black.

WAS $169

NOW

126

$

75

6746

$

LEDLUX INFINITY MINI

11 watt, 600 lumen white LED downlight in warm white.

WAS $44.95

NOW

3371

$

Port Macquarie Spotlight Centre, 180 Lake Rd Ph 6581 2062 shop online beaconlighting.com.au

socialise with us

* Discount is off RRP only. Excludes fans, globes and heaters. Sale ends 3.5.15. ^ Must be presented in store upon redemption. One voucher per household.

House must be at lock up stage. Only redeemable at Beacon Lighting Port Macquarie. Valid until 30th September 2015.

6011B Port Macquarie Home Reno Advert.indd 1

20/03/2015 4:29 pm

greater port macquarie focus.

93

ASCOT PARK

AGAINST A MAJESTIC BACKDROP OF STATELY TALLOWWOODS AND NATIVE EUCALYPTS, ASCOT PARK IS STEADILY EVOLVING INTO ONE OF PORT MACQUARIE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESSES.

B

eautifully set, behind its impressive stone wall entry, the estate is already showing strong indications of future promise as more and more quality homes near completion and the planner’s vision begins to take shape.

“Ascot Park” is unlike any other residential estate in our region. Land sizes are generous, some up to 1,100 sqm, and the development has been cleverly designed to integrate with its sublimely natural setting. Throughout the project, care has been taken to preserve and even to enhance the delightful aesthetics. A deeper setback requirement for residences has been determined to provide for a pleasantly open feel and to accommodate attractive street-side landscaping; features which are now becoming wonderfully obvious and which cannot fail to add value to the entire estate.

Sealed walking and cycling tracks meander through stands of trees and across open parklands, expansive recreational areas are currently under construction and many of the new homes will have no rear neighbours at all; they’ll simply back onto nature itself.

Peace and quiet, with the sounds of birds

94 greater port macquarie focus.

in the trees and with the occasional kangaroo or koala watching from the fringe; on three sides the development abuts native bushland reserves, whilst a proposed golf course site aligns with the other. “Ascot Park” is truly an idyllic environment: a world apart, yet so close to everything. Located mid-way between St Joseph’s College and St Columba School, it’s just an easy two-minute drive from supermarket shopping, the new university site and the Port Macquarie Base Hospital. In fact, as a new concept for prestige housing, it has no equal and it probably never will.

Closer to the CBD than Lighthouse Beach, “Ascot Park” is an outstanding place to call home.

In a setting which is becoming comparable with Sydney’s prestigious Hills District, building sites at “Ascot Park” are surprisingly affordable - a fact which has clearly added to their popularity. Stages 1A and 1B of the development originally provided for 67 blocks, and 47 of these have already been snapped up by discerning buyers. There is undoubted value at “Ascot Park”, and what can be saved on the cost of land can conceivably be invested into a better home and a far superior lifestyle.

With only 20 sites remaining in the initial release and buyer interest extremely high, perhaps now might be a good time to visit “Ascot Park”? Many of the blocks are predominately level and all embrace the beauty of the natural environment. Quality builder, “G. J. Gardner” has a display home open at the estate and similarly exclusive “George Vaughan Homes” has recently completed its display home. Many other notable residences are in various stages of completion so, with just a little imagination, it is already so easy to visualise the premium address that “Ascot Park” is destined to become.

It really is worthwhile to take the short drive. Who knows, it could be an experience which changes your life and one which sets the foundations for your family’s future? There is nothing quite like moving into a brand new home; a home which reflects your personality, your choices of decor, fixtures and materials and a home which will become the hub of family life, for years to come.

These days, most builders hand over a home which is ready to occupy and to enjoy. All floors are covered with your choice of finishes, gardens are professionally landscaped and

the essentials of life are brand new and fully installed. Consequently the proud owners can move in, secure in the knowledge that they will be protected, for many years, under the builder’s warranty and excited by their new residential environment.

As an option, several “house and land” packages are available and it’s also worth mentioning that government incentives remain in place for new home builders.

Blocks at “Ascot Park” are being marketed by local real estate identities Todd and Greg Bates of McGrath Port Macquarie. The brothers are delighted to be representing a land development of this calibre and their enthusiasm is contagious. Why not grasp this exciting opportunity and speak with Greg or Todd; contact details for each are shown below and they always welcome enquiries from interested parties? A simple telephone call or email is all it takes - possibly the first step in an exciting new transition for you and for your family.

“As a new concept for prestige housing, Ascot park has no equal, and it probably never will.”

Freelance copywriter: Roger Bates www.copywritingandcolumns.com.au

Laurieton Residential Resort

DISPLAY HOMES

NOW OPEN

LAURIETON RESIDENTIAL RESORT OFFERS A CONTEMPORARY AND ARCHITECTURAL APPEAL UNRIVALLED BY ITS COUNTERPARTS IN THE OVER 55s MARKET. OUR BRAND NEW FREESTANDING HOMES ARE QUALITY, SLAB ON GROUND, STEEL-FRAMED RESIDENCES THAT OFFER THE PERFECT FUSION BETWEEN STYLE, FUNCTION AND A LOW MAINTENANCE LIFESTYLE.

W

e are excited to announce the opening of our display homes, allowing you to experience first-hand our spacious homes that feature high-end finishes and stylish inclusions. The state-of-the-art amenities include a welcoming clubhouse reminiscent of an old world country club, plus luxury media room, heated indoor and outdoor pools, wellness centre and bowling green. The resort is set on 100 acres of natural outdoor space, by Queens Lake.

Choose from a range of seven unique home models that offer open concept living and well-designed layouts.

Bedrooms, living and dining rooms are all spacious, complemented by soaring raked ceilings and an abundance of natural light. There is a fabulous range of contemporary colour palettes to choose from, allowing you to create your dream home, be that elegant, stylish, warm, modern or anything in between.

The homes feature quality finishes and stylish inclusions, in addition to a selection of upgrades to truly personalise your space and complement your lifestyle. Stainless steel appliances are standard in the kitchen alongside a

generous pantry, ample bench space and from living in a safe and friendly gated plenty of overhead cupboard space. All estate with secure keypad entry. The homes have a private courtyard retreat Resort is the perfect solution for those and if you have a green thumb, look to who are looking to be with likea model that also has a backyard terrace minded people in an independent living for entertaining and green space for environment. Our whole philosophy gardening. is based on downsizing your The attached garages maintenance and upsizing have internal access and your lifestyle. are fully enclosed, We have a Choose from a with a remote resort bus that range of seven panel lift garage makes regular odels unique home m door. Choose trips to large co ncept that offer open d from a double shopping esigne living and well-d g in liv s, garage, or the centres and m layouts. Bedroo are all s ever popular is available and dining room ented em one-and-a-half so groups spacious , compl d ceili ng s garage that of friends by so aring rake nce of and an abunda allows for one can enjoy natural light .� car and additional day trips to space for a workbench attractions such as or storage. All bathrooms the local wineries and are well-appointed with luxury hinterland. The village also chrome mixer fittings paired with soft has barbecue and picnic areas close vanities that feature a china that are perfect for entertaining vitreous top and scooped bowls that when the grandkids visit. are modern yet functional. Every home All front yard landscaping and lawns has a dedicated laundry room and an are fully maintained by our gardening abundance of robe space (some models team, leaving you more time to enjoy the with walk in robes) and a built in linen very best the Camden Haven region has cupboard. to offer. All tours are BY APPOINTMENT Residents enjoy the peace of mind ONLY PLEASE. Call 1300 55 70 75 today!

“

greater port macquarie focus.

95

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FEATURE

Real Estate f e a t u r e

MVS National We often hear about how well the property market is performing in Sydney and Melbourne, but what about closer to home?

• Median House Price for Port Macquarie in 2014 was $435,250 which rose by 5.8% from 2013 and 5.1% from 2012. Since 2012, sale volumes rose by 11.5% p.a. and land sales rose by 17.1% p.a.

• Median House Price for Wauchope is $290,000 which rose 8.3% in 2014 after falling in 2012-13.

• Median House prices in Bonny Hills rose by 0.3% in 2013 and 9.3% in 2014.

• Median House prices in Lake Cathie rose by 8.3% in 2013 and 5.1% in 2014.

Source: CoreLogic RP Data.

There is no doubt we are in a strongly performing real estate market, and the latest RBA rate cut appears to be spurring activity on.

There are many factors which influence the value of real estate, so for buying or selling, an informed decision is important and for a relatively small cost, a formal valuation can mean thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in your favour.

MVS Valuers Mid Coast have more than 45 years’ combined experience in valuation and real estate advisory. Jeff Rogers and Wayne Grant are available by calling MVS Valuers on (02) 6585 1177 or visit www.valuersportmacquarie.com.au.

All About Conveyancing Conveyancing is the legal work involved in creating or transferring an interest in property. Where traditionally solicitors did Conveyancing, there is now an alternative, and that is Licensed Conveyancers who specialise in one area of legal work only - property.

All About Conveyancing Port Macquarie handle commercial leasing, business transfers, subdivision work and of course, the Transfer of Real Estate.

Lauren Hawkes manages All About Conveyancing, Port Macquarie and both her and her assistant, Ivy, have a passion for conveyancing and for Port Macquarie property.

Together they bring an enthusiastic, personal conveyancing service to the local area.

“We aim to make conveyancing easy for our client,” said Lauren. “We go the extra yards to make every conveyancing transaction as stress-free as possible. Communication is the key, and our clients will always know exactly what is happening.”

If All About Conveyancing can help with your next conveyancing transaction or you simply want to explore your options, give them a call or drop in for a visit. The door is always open, and there is never any charge for having a chat.

Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisor Suzy Spicer’s considerable experience in mortgage broking, financial planning and asset management gives her a unique insight into the needs of her clients and the ability to provide wholistic financial advice.

Suzy is able to assist all types of borrowers – first home buyers, those looking to refinance an existing property or purchase a new property, and those wanting to start or grow their investment property portfolio.

What Suzy’s clients say about her service “I couldn’t be happier with the service that I received from the Smartline team. They were extremely professional and knowledgeable, keeping me informed and updated through every step of the process. As a first-home buyer it was a great help to get me through the daunting process.” - Christopher “Suzy’s knowledge and work ethic, being proactive with solutions and always available to questions made this a smooth deal, her follow ups after the purchase ensured she always looks after her clients, she is truly a valuable asset to your organisation.” Ikuo You can contact Suzy on 02 6583 7222 or 0412 976 260 or email Suzy Spicer at sspicer@smartline.com.au

We are open for business Smartline’s Port Macquarie Office is now open at Suite 2/Level 1, 31-33 Horton St, Port Macquarie.

• We can assist you through the entire loan process • We compare loans from over 25 top lenders • We don’t charge you for our service

For all your finance needs, contact Suzy Spicer today.

p f m e

02 6583 7222 02 6528 6337 0412 976 260 sspicer@smartline.com.au

facebook.com/smartline.suzy.spicer Australian Credit Licence 385325

AdelaideBank 96

greater port macquarie focus.

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FEATURE

Real Estate f e a t u r e

Think outside the box Agents who can think outside the box are finding success for buyers and sellers alike.

In the past there have been many Agents that have tried different approaches to getting a positive result for their clients – one that sticks out was a female Agent in Queensland who dressed up in a Batman Super hero outfit to get attention for her clients property.

traditional stress and hype. Purchasing a property usually requires a fair amount of time for research, calculation, and consideration – which some buyers may not necessarily have. Buyer’s Advocates can represent a buyer in a real estate transaction, help negotiate for a better deal, and help a buyer achieve their investment goals by looking for the right properties.

Whilst it may not be appropriate for all Agents to run around in your favourite super hero outfit, it is clear that many people are seeking out Agents who can think outside the box and those who portray a property honestly, with passion, and show an insight into their audience.

In addition, an investor looking to invest somewhere away from home may not want to spend time and money for travel and could benefit from a buyer’s agent’s services.

One such group of emerging Agents, are Buyers Advocates who are helping many buyers get what they want without the

So next time you are thinking of selling or buyer a property perhaps “think outside the box” and talk to a Buyers Advocate or a Super Hero clad Agent. You may be pleasantly surprised with a “Super” result!

greater port macquarie focus. 97

BUYING, SELLING OR RENTING? 10 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO TALK TO LAING+SIMMONS.

Beyond the expectedTM 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie port 98 110 greater greater portmacquarie macquarie focus.

Expert Advice.

Proven Marketing Strategies.

Exemplary Service.

What makes Port Macquarie's #1 Real Estate Agency?

1

We are specialists in a world of generalists

We’ve got real estate in our blood. We live and breathe property.

We’re knowledgeable, innovative, strategic, meticulous, dedicated, driven, experienced, positive, tenacious, skilled, savvy... Basically, in a world of real estate agents, we’re certifiable real estate junkies - and we’re proud of it.

2

We really do deliver exceptional customer service

We believe our clients are more important than our profit margin, and our approach is to treat everyone like people, not just another transaction. We never forget that there is a person behind the property (a whole family in many cases), each with their own dreams, goals and life experiences.

7

We’ve been around the block

And we’ve got the gold to prove it. “Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie has won the Gold Award for Outstanding Customer Service for a number of years in a row, a clear demonstration of the office’s commitment and professionalism in putting their customers first”, says Laing+Simmons Corporation General Manager, Leanne Pilkington. Our mantra is ‘the client is king’, and everything else we do stems from that.

Laing+Simmons have been at the forefront of the real estate industry in Port Macquarie for nearly two decades. We’re proud of the role we play in the community. Our sales team alone have over 50 years’ combined experience in the local marketplace. We’ve appraised this home, valued that home, and sold the one next door.

We provide clients with stability and integrity, but we don’t rest on our laurels. ‘OK’ is not good enough for us – that’s our reassurance that you can deal with us with confidence.

3

8

We’re a one-stop real estate agency

We offer the ultimate one-stop shop for investors. Not only can we assist you to find the perfect investment property, we can expertly manage it for you too. “We take a proactive approach to property management on a personal and tailored level, and work diligently to maximise the performance of your investment” says Amy Hindes, Property Manager. “We also recognise that a happy tenant is crucial to the investment property’s success, and our ability to cultivate and foster successful relationships with both owners and tenants, ensures our property management service consistently exceeds expectations”.

4

We’re dynamic and energetic

We love what we do, and we have fun doing it. We have a laugh with our clients, swap stories over coffee, and then we put our game-face on, and get down to business. “Laing+Simmons agents know what it takes to sell property, and we’re good at it” says Damian King. We work with a zealous intent, and strive to achieve the optimum outcome for our clients.

5

We deliver results

More listings; equals more buyers; equals more sales. Because we list and sell more properties than any other agency in Port Macquarie, we have the most comprehensive knowledge base in the market, and first-hand involvement in the prices being achieved.

“More properties for sale, means more buyers coming through our Open Houses, and as a bi-product, a database brimming with active purchasers looking for property” says David Evans. So, what does this mean for Laing+Simmons’ clients? “Quite simply, it means the best chance of achieving a swift sale, and a good price”.

6

Our client’s love us

Seriously – they really do. We invite you to check out our testimonials page on our website. According to our clients, they love us for one fundamental reason: our remarkable customer service and our willingness to ‘go-beyond’. (Actually that’s two).

We know how to harness the power of our team

Babe Ruth said, “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together the club won’t be worth a dime”. Our people don’t just work together in the same office space, we indeed work together. We don’t just talk-theteamwork-talk, we walk-the-walk. “We actively foster a collaborative culture at Laing+Simmons” says Chris Koch, owner and Principal, “and I believe it’s this tangible synergy that truly sets us apart from our competition.” “When we collaborate, we take teamwork to the next level, we innovate and find solutions faster, and we are able to achieve great things for our clients”.

9

We stand-out from the crowd

In a buoyant market like todays, it’s even more important to get the best agents working for you – it can make the difference of tens of thousands of dollars to your sale price. “The dominant scope of our advertising campaigns are a key strength” says Naomi Hunter.

“Our clients benefit from targeted marketing strategies and materials, including strong representation in local media and exposure on multiple real estate websites, not just one or two”. The right selling campaign, executed by the best agents, backed by an effective brand and a united team, is a recipe for success for our clients. Add to that our ‘no sale, no fee’ policy* and we really stand-out from the crowd.

We like to listen Despite what the labels on our clothing try to tell us, we know one-size really doesn’t fit all. We listen to what you need and respond to that. Not to what we think you need. And we’re extremely responsive – clear and timely communication is a cornerstone to our business values. You’ll understand the ‘why and how’ of our selling strategies, and you’ll be involved every step of the way. Your needs really will be listened to and you’ll be able to rely on our competent advice – we won’t be satisfied until you are. * non-auction campaigns

Beyond the expectedTM 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie greater macquarie focus greater portport macquarie focus . 95

111

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FEATURE

Real Estate f e a t u r e

Laurie Prentice NAI Harcourts Commercial and Industrial Specialist.

Laurie Prentice and NAI Harcourts offers a spectrum of industrial and commercial real estate services throughout the Greater Port Macquarie - Hastings Region. NAI Harcourts is the dedicated commercial division of Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie, with an affiliation with NAI Global, the fourth largest commercial real estate service in the world.

Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie, with offices at Wauchope and Port Macquarie, is a family owned business with a 40 year history in local real estate.

Laurie is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer with over twenty five years in the property industry, including several years in a senior management role with Lend Lease, Australia’s foremost property development company. His vast experience in commercial and industrial real estate is reinforced with substantial formal qualifications.

“Our philosophy is to find unique solutions for our clients’ requirements and deliver a service in a personal and results oriented way,” claims Laurie.

“The local commercial and industrial landscape

Meet Millissa Shaw is going through significant changes at present.

The combination of the forecasted population growth of over 1,000 residents per year to the area, the residential and retail expansion within the Thrumster Development (including Sovereign Hills), located halfway between Port Macquarie and Wauchope and the limited supply of industrial land at Port Macquarie will pave the way for light industry to expand in the Wauchope industrial precincts,” Laurie advises.

He added that the timing for the release of small industrial lots and spaces within the Production Drive Industrial Estate at Wauchope is in tune with these current changes.

Potential purchasers for the vacant lots and those wishing to lease small industrial spaces can register their interest in the Production Drive Industrial Estate by contacting Laurie Prentice on 0418 727 817 or laurie.prentice@harcourts.com.au.

OUR PROPERTY MANAGER ACTS LIKE SHE OWNS THE PLACE! And that’s great news for landlords.

Meet Millissa Shaw of All Round Property Management. As All Round’s sole property manager, our clients always know exactly who is managing their investment. In Millissa’s experience, this allows a peace of mind for landlords that’s far superior to having a team of property managers passing properties between one another. And she should know, having previously managed property portfolios of up to 185 properties.

ownership of the job they’ve been tasked with. Simple courtesies, for instance, like confirming that a request has been made by a client and that it will be actioned. Taking ownership in this way and ensuring that matters progress, is a cornerstone of the All Round Property business model, and we’re very fortunate that such a simple thing allows our service to stand out.

At All Round, Millissa takes a proactive management style that can seem so elusive for landlords. She simply promises her clients an attentiveness and efficiency that can only come from clear communication channels between tenant, landlord and property manager.

Millissa is highly competent in managing all facets of her clients’ portfolios, from the initial inspection and appraisal, to the end of month procedures and invoicing.

So if you’re not satisfied with your current property manager, we warmly welcome you to experience the well-rounded service that begins with a prompt follow-up to your introduction to Millissa.

We’ve all noticed when dealing with someone in business and they fail to take

There is a better way. Welcome to the circle of trust.

Welcome to the circle of trust WE OFFER LANDLORDS: Tenant selection Leasing the property quickly & efficiently Transparent & honest communication Listing of their property Detailed reports (condition & routine) Maintenance management Ample correspondence & follow up Arrears management Tribunal attendance Insurance claims Very friendly & approachable service

Phone 6584 6064 Email: millissa@allroundproperty.com.au 100

greater port macquarie focus.

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FEATURE

Real Estate f e a t u r e

The Team Strata Professionals Port Macquarie

Meet Greg Laws Greg is a local real estate identity, having been in the real estate industry for over 14 years in the sales area. With a commitment to local community volunteer groups such as Rotary and Ironman, Greg has a strong local contact base.

Prior to taking on the challenging real estate industry, Greg was a long term career banker and was transferred to Port Macquarie in mid-1998 before an opportunity to move into real estate was presented to him, and he has achieved great success over the years.

Greg has also been invited to various focus

groups over time to look at future living requirements of our town and how the growth can be readily managed.

Greg’s strong knowledge around the local area comes from keeping in touch with local events and happenings, which allows him to cater for enquiry received from buyers or owners alike, particularly those people looking to relocate to Port Macquarie.

For all your real estate needs, call Greg, who with the strong team at LJ Hooker will work to achieve the best outcomes for both buyers and sellers.

What services do Strata Professionals provide?

Strata Professionals offer a broad range of services to all types of body corporates, be it residential, industrial or commercially based.

Essentially though, our primary role is to bring together a group of owners in order for them to make important and collective decisions concerning the wellbeing of what could be their home, investment property or business premise.

What makes Strata Professionals different?

We pride ourselves on finding workable and practical solutions to sometimes very difficult and complex situations. A group of people living together in a strata complex doesn’t automatically mean that they will share the same views and interests. In fact, quite the opposite is very common, and it is our role to assist that group in ensuring that whatever decisions they do make are in the interests of the complex as a whole. It’s all about doing everything possible to create a harmonious environment in which to live.

What challenges lie ahead?

The NSW State Government will, in the near future, replace the existing strata legislation

with a new and updated version. It is likely there will be an emphasis on encouraging strata complexes to become “greener”, as well as a focus on more stringent and ultimately costly OH & S requirements, to ensure that the common areas are a safe and hazard free environment for tradespeople, residents and their guests. Assisting owners to efficiently navigate their way through the ever increasing sea of “red tape” will always be an exciting challenge.

What does the future hold for Strata Professionals?

The industry itself is certainly evolving at a far greater pace than it did 10 years ago. Regular legislative changes, such as the recent window safety requirements for example, are becoming more commonplace and is a clear indication that the onus for safety is now at the forefront of the legislators’ minds. Given our depth of expertise, Strata Professionals is well placed to tackle these and the challenges that lie ahead for building owners, and we are excited to continue our dedicated work in assisting our clients to achieve consistent and positive outcomes.

greater port macquarie focus.

101

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FEATURE

Real Estate f e a t u r e

GETTING REAL WITH DAVID PLEWS!

McGrath Real Estate

R

ecords aren’t broken by accident and rarely do they fall as a result of individual effort.

Being a part of the McGrath network is important to us, and it’s a significant bonus for our clients.

Always at the forefront of technology, McGrath At McGrath, we’re celebrating has long been synonymous with record sales for the integrity and with innovative month of February, and I can marketing facilities which already see our March sales attract more buyers, ts, heading towards a similar From sales agen more swiftly, so I to support staff, target. It’s great to see t, en also commend our em ag an property m our Selling Agents t on fr d an g head office staff for tin accoun experiencing first class ery ev d an ch ea e, their unwavering offic results, but success is team has member of our professionalism. n tio really a team effort, dica

“

and it’s an absolute joy for me and for every one of our agents to be working with such a highly professional and positive group of people.

de an unwavering ice - each, rv se er om to cust her or an expert in his field. ”

From sales agents, to support staff, property management, accounting and front office, each and every member of our team has an unwavering dedication to customer service - each, an expert in his or her field. I sincerely thank them all.

102 greater port macquarie focus.

And finally, a thank you to the wonderful people of Port Macquarie; we

will continue to work hard for you, dedicating ourselves to achieving record price for your homes.

Who knows, this may lead to even more new records for McGrath?

Todd Bates Principal

Welcome to April and four months in to 2015 buyers were being told at inspections and and the local real estate market is still strong. advertised price guides. These two guides were Sellers are achieving excellent results in all different - the buyers were told a lower price price brackets and areas of Port Macquarie. to hook them in.

Values being achieved are surprising many Also highlighted in the press recently is that if and I believe this is still due to lack of property re-elected the NSW Premier Mike Baird will ban on the market in Port Macquarie. At the advertising with ‘offers over’. I would imagine time of writing this column there were just the reason he is thinking this is a good thing 408 properties listed. This lack is that agents have taken advantage of properties listed for sale of the current system and he is combined with the amount of right. I have no problems with buyers in the market place is ‘offers over’ if used with a David driving values up. fair and reasonable price Plews Recently you may have however some misleading 97% Appraisal noted real estate agents agents have created this Accuracy. ” have been highlighted in a situation and now there Sydney leading newspaper must be action to be fair to - unfortunately for the wrong all concerned. reasons.

In Port Macquarie I think most A Sydney real estate firm is being agents are pretty genuine however prosecuted for under quoting on two like any market or any industry there are properties and may have to deal with the some that are questionable. consequences.

At the end of the day if we have better This legal action has been taken by NSW Fair systems and prevent deception we will have Trading following an investigation in which it’s a better real estate industry and that’s a great staff attended open inspections and auctions thing! This article has been prepared in good faith with due care

by David Plews. No representation or warranty is made as to the acting as possible buyers. Later they obtained accuracy of information contained in this article and readers should ‘agency agreements’ and compared the make and rely on their own enquiries as to the correctness of such information.enquiries as to the correctness of such information. estimated selling price with what potential

“

focusinterview.

MICHAEL PERCIVAL A F T E R 32 Y E A R S I N T H E I N D U ST RY M I C H A E L P E RC I VA L H A S E A R N E D T H E R I G H T TO B E CA L L E D A N E X P E RT. C O M B I N E T H AT L O N G E X P E R I E N C E I N T E NA N C Y M A NAG E M E N T W I T H A G E N U I N E PA S S I O N TO P ROV I D E T H E B E ST P O S S I B L E S E RV I C E A N D YO U H AV E A R E C I P E T H AT B R I N G S FA N TA ST I C O U TC O M E S F O R B OT H OW N E R S A N D T E NA N T S.

M

ichael is backed up by a large, experienced and at Percival Property is a clear demonstration of our very dedicated team of property professionals. commitment to high quality service, ensuring your Percival Property’s commitment to investment receives the highest standards of providing outstanding property care. We’ve been together for a long time, management services means that they we function well together and we back each other up to ensure your needs have a separate specialist property We are very are always met. “I realised many management office in the heart of Port fortunate to be years ago that the key to good Macquarie. This ensures the needs of operty able to assist pr property management was to owners and tenants are met quickly imising owners with max employ more people per property and efficiently. eir the return on th than the industry standard.

“We absolutely love the neverd investments an e th d This is a very labour intensive a-dull-moment world of property fin helping tenants industry if done well and property management” says Michael. “We ” perfect home. managers need time to properly do are very fortunate to be able to assist their jobs. We have a commitment to property owners with maximising the return on their investments and helping a high ratio of people to properties and tenants find the perfect home. we employ great people.”

Other key elements to Percival Property’s Our job encompasses the many varied aspects reputation for quality service include tenancy of managing tenancies in residential properties from inspections every three months, regular rent reviews, very marketing for tenants to recommending regular rent quick response to repair requests, minimal vacancies and a reviews and a myriad of duties in between.”

The ratio of properties allocated to Property Managers 24 hour phone service for owners and tenants.

“

greater port macquarie focus. 103

greater port macquarie focus. 104

Our agency is the home of commission savings - it’s a fair, low cost alternative which passes on the savings.

Greg Trembath. REAL ESTATE Real Estate Expert Greg Trembath has more than two decades of real estate experience in Port Macquarie. His practical advice has featured in our well-regarded “Ask Greg” real estate column.

At the heart of his expertise is a thorough knowledge of the buying and selling process, and how this has evolved over the last decade.

Greg and his wife, Kim, have modelled their agency, Greg Trembath Real Estate, on oneon-one attention and effective cost efficient property marketing.

With over 260 property sales in recent years, this fresh, personalised approach is clearly working.

As pioneers of the set commission concept, Greg Trembath Real Estate has helped Port Macquarie home owners save thousands of dollars.

“Our agency is the home of commission savings - it’s a fair, low cost alternative which passes on the savings,” Greg explained.

While the dollar savings are important, Greg and Kim say sellers are also looking for an experience that is low-stress and professionally managed. Most of the feedback received from clients after the sale is about the agency’s individualised, one-of-a-kind service.

“People tell us we take the stress out of selling, which is something only a team of high-level real estate experts can achieve,” Greg said.

“Appointing our agency to manage the sale of your property guarantees you not only have the expertise of the agency principal on your side, but an expert team of support, with Kim, Michelle and Yvonne listening carefully and guiding you every step of the way.”

Property PAIN OR GAIN? The quarterly “Pain and Gain Report” by Core Logic may be a good read for those interested in property. Not many people will have the time to pour over the results, so we have summarised some of the findings below.

The P&G report simply shows how much profit or loss was made on residential property sales for the September Quarter 2014. What makes this even more interesting is that the results are shown in comparison to the duration of ownership.

As you can see on the table below, 12.1% of dwellings that were purchased and sold in the same year made a loss. Conversely, 95.2% of properties owned for more than 15 years doubled their money upon sale.

The report also has data that shows the losses

made in each capital city vs the rest of the state.

Although there are a number of exceptions, it does appear that buyers need to negotiate a little harder in regional areas and importantly the longer a property held appears to increase the chance of “Gain” and reduces the potential “Pain” It’s important to understand the holding costs so that you can hold a property for longer if you wish.

Hence the potential benefit to seek out a professional when selecting a location or property to purchase to avoid the “Pain and hopefully obtain more “Gain”.

Author: Paul Loughland is a member of Property Investment Association of Australia and the Senior Property Advisor and Buyers Agent for Smarter Property Group Pty Ltd.

greater port macquarie focus. 105

BuilderCert Consultants Innovative building certification service now available for local builds, renovations and developments

W

hen you’re building the home of your dreams, delays can take the shine off your development and turn an amazing experience into a frustrating one.

If you’ve ever built your own house, you understand the frustrations of delayed building approvals. A local company has come up with a fantastic option for sourcing building certification for homebuyers, builders, building designers and developers - engage your own private building certifier and bypass Council!

Bypassing the regular certification process is a great option for homebuyers, builders, building designers and developers looking to accelerate the building process - cutting the local government red tape and allowing a faster development process.

Individuals looking for faster approvals, personalised customer service and the latest technol-

ogy are offered a new alternative to traditional Council processes by engaging their own private building certifier to fast track building approvals.

Not only is the process speedy, by engaging a private certifier owners, builders, designers and developers are given unique access to information they would not normally be privy to, due to the innovative technology BuildCert have implemented, including live updates on all applications.

With offices in Forster, Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Sapphire Coast (and a new office to open in Port Macquarie soon) - BuildCert services customers throughout the Newcastle Hunter Region, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, the NSW Far South Coast including everywhere in between.

As a member of the Australian Institute of Building surveyors, BuildCert have the experience owners, builders, designers and developers are seeking for quality building certification services.

The company’s streamlined certifying system

allows customers to avoid consuming Council building certification services and utilise the services of a private building certifier - saving time and money.

If you’re looking to engage a building certifier, do

BuildCert offers a comprehensive range of services for homeowners, builders, developers and designers seeking superior building certification including:

Extensive experience in the local building industry.

• Construction Certificates • Complying Development Certificates • Occupation Certificates • Construction Inspections as the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) • Building consultancy services on the Building Code of Australia (BCA)

Ability to validate inspection reports onsite and

Whether you’re building or renovating, investing in a granny flat, installing a pool or spa, erecting that long-awaited deck, undertaking demolition works or starting a commercial or industrial development - a private building certifier is ideal for keeping projects on track and free from red tape.

tion processes and are committed to delivering a

Engaging a private company to provide building certification services is proving to be the new way forward for both private homebuyers, builders, designers and developers - enabling more transparency in the approval process and cutting back on costly delays.

yourself a favour and ensure your service provider is able to offer the following (all of which are included in all BuildCert services):

Transparency in reporting, including live updates on the status of approvals. send occupational certificates via email or SMS at the time of inspection.

With over 100 years of collective experience within the business, BuildCert understand the implications of costs and delays often associated with the Council building approval and certificasuperior service on time every time.

Starting a development shouldn’t be a nightmare.

When you’re next in need of building certification services, choose the latest option in building certification and arrange your own private building certifier from BuildCert.

For more information on BuildCert’s private building certification services - contact one of the team today (02) 6554 7648 or admin@buildcertconsultants.com.au

Save time and money with BuilderCert Consultants

Get into your new home or renovation sooner.

Fast, easy building approvals.

For all your building approval and certifiication needs, contact the experts.

Residential developments, new homes and alterations or additions to existing dwellings

Cut through the council red tape with personalised customer service

Granny flats, sheds, car ports, swimming pools, fences and more

Experienced certifiers with local government and building industry knowledge, using the latest technology for quick approvals

Commercial and Industrial developments

Mid North Coast Office / Shop 1 / The Marina, Wallis St, Forster / P: 02 6554 7648 / E: info@buildcertconsultants.com.au

FAST TRACKING BUILDING APPROVALS www.buildcertconsultants.com.au 106 greater port macquarie focus.

Forster / Shop 1 The Marina, Wallis St / Forster NSW 2428 / P: 02 6554 7648 Newcastle / 481 Pacific Hwy / Belmont NSW 2550 / P: 02 4947 7422 Hunter Valley / Unit 7A / 26, Balook Dr / Beresfield NSW 2322 / P: 02 4947 7422 Sapphire Coast / 53 Bega St / Tathra NSW 2550 / P: 02 6494 4494

greater port macquarie focus.

107

108greater port macquarie focus.