Port Macquarie Issue 115

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

June 2015 // issue 115

Feature Story Back to Bacharach

editor's note.

WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS! @ GLASSHOUSE

ERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo

by Erth – Visual & Physical Inc

Friday 3 July, 1pm & 3pm Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo™ features a cast of Australian dinosaur puppets brought to life.

editor.

From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, children can watch wide-eyed from a safe distance or dare to get right up close to the creatures.

jay beaumont.

A CDP production

Welcome to the June issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

W

elcome to winter. Time to pull out all those warm clothes you’ve had packed away at the top of the cupboard ...

Assuming you even had time to pack them away in the first place. It seems to have been a race through summer and autumn already this year.

It’s also hard to believe that June marks issue number 115 for Greater-Port Macquarie FOCUS - the countdown is truly on for our next major milestone - issue 200! It’ll be here seemingly before we can blink, but in the meantime, don’t let the winter blues keep you from getting out and about and enjoying everything the area has to offer.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE There’s no excuse to spend the entire chilly season cocooned under the doona, with plenty of entertainment and action on offer over the next couple of months. Shows at the Glasshouse include the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Back to Bacharach, Damien Leith and Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo. Port Panthers plays host to talented Hip Hop artist Seth Sentry, while Lisa Hunt and Karise Eden are appearing at the Laurieton United Services Club.

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.

“Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo delivers solid science as well as an extraordinary spectacle.” New York Times

We also have terrific Decades in the Trade and Health Professionals features this month - there’s something for everyone to read and enjoy.

HOPE CHALLENGE 2015 Boxing Australia NSW presents the Big Fight Against Domestic Violence on July 25, 7pm, at Port Panthers. See over 12 amateur boxing matches, plus local celebrity matches, on the night. Funds raised go to The Hope Shop.

See the ad on page 22 for details!

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED! On top of launching our all new Eat App for iPhone last month, we have also now launched a brand new mobile and tablet friendly website.

Check it out at www.focusmag.com.au FINAL SAY “Man is fond of counting his troubles but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up, as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it” - Fyodor Dostoevsky.

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

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan

Wednesday 22 July, 4.30pm

Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!

THEY’RE BACK! AND YOU’RE INVITED!

The 26-Storey Treehouse is brought to you by the same cracker team that delivered the smash-hit stage version of The 13-Storey Treehouse.

So what are you waiting for? You’ll laugh your head off!

STRIPEY the

BOOKING S E SS E NTIAL

eggscellent adventures

of an emu chick!

A Garry Ginivan Attractions production based on the books written and illustrated by Wendy Binks. Produced under license

by Stunned Emu Press.

Tuesday 11 August, 4.30pm Imagine having to keep track of 30 small emu chicks, who are running here, there and everywhere? Well that’s what Crikey, their emu dad must do and when one of them goes missing, that’s when all the fun begins.

CIRCUS OZ

but wait... there’s more

jay@focusmag.com.au

joey@focusmag.com.au

The 26-Storey Treehouse

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: Emily Scott emily@focusmag.com.au

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT/WRITER: Chrissy Jones JP chrissy@focusmag.com.au

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

Friday 23 October, 7pm Saturday 24 October, 1pm & 7pm With an astonishing mix of stunt-jumping acrobatics, cutting-edge juggling, virtuosic unicycling, elegant flying trapeze, cheeky impersonations, ridiculous knockabout and multi-skilled human physical exuberance. “a show for all ages, and with its mix of thrills and slapstick comedy... this is that rarest of beasts: a performance that everybody can enjoy” Brisbane Times, September 2014

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

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

COPY EDITOR/JOURNALIST: Jo Atkins 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

02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

2-9pm Alternative pathway

greater port macquarie focus.

3

focusinterview.

Back to

BACHARACH

H

i Hayley. You strike me as someone who’s known from an early age that you wanted to sing, and you’ve had some pretty amazing experiences in the music industry … Looking back over time, can you actually believe where you are today?

You’re absolutely right - I think my mum would say I came out of the womb singing! I think I was born singing, and I was harmonising long before I even understood the concept of what it was to songs on the radio … It’s always been a huge part of my life, and obviously as I’ve gone through life I’ve made conscious decisions to make it the focus of my life at various stages.

It’s my greatest passion, and music really is my lifeblood …

It’s funny, every day you don’t really take the time to think about what you have done, and it’s only when you take a look back, or someone reminds you about what you’ve done that you go, “Oh, wow! That was awesome!” I’m completely blown away by the amount of incredible opportunities I’ve had - certainly in the last 10 years since Australian Idol. I’ve performed for people from the Australian Prime Minister to the Australian troops, to things that are dear to my heart, like working with disadvantaged people or helping support communities through turbulent times with music, being a good role model to young people … Reflecting on these things, it really has been an incredible privilege and something I certainly don’t take for granted. I’m incredibly grateful.

And of course, your time on Australian idol back in 2004 wasn’t all smooth sailing for you; it was hard work, but you made it to number four. What do you feel is the biggest

4

greater port macquarie focus.

Former Australian Idol and The Voice contestant Hayley Jensen joins Casey Donovan, Doug Williams and Darren Mapes in a two hour concert showcasing the songs of the legendary Burt Bacharach. With slow ballads, to boppy beats there’s something for everyone in this performance. Haley tells us she’s very excited to be a part of the show … lesson you learned from your Idol experithat is top class and everything is provided for ence? you. It’s just so much fun!

I think we were all so young (laughs)! I think How did you become involved with the Back what I’ve learned since then is to really be true to Bacharach production, which of course to myself - it’s hard in a competitive environment you’ll be starring in, along with some other not to compare yourself to others, but as an artist top Australian talent?

I’ve learned just to be true to myself instead of To be honest, the promoter contacted me and worrying that she might have a higher said she remembered me from The Voice voice, or that he can do these and Idol and thought my voice incredible gymnastics with his would really suit the songs … vocals. Now I concentrate and then I found out that I don’ t want to on what my strengths are Casey Donovan, who’d give away too and focus on that, rather been on Idol with me all be s I’ll many of the song are a than getting too caught those years ago - and e singing - but ther like ds up in comparisons … lla won - was also a part ba lot of great ok Bo e Th u, How did you find Yo of the show, as well as to Close d then an , fie Al , ve your experience on Doug Williams …

Lo of fabulous there are some The Voice in 2014 Burt was obviously a on By, duets, like Walk compared to your origlittle before my time, but On my Own …” inal TV experience on I’d heard a lot of the songs Idol? Was it quite similar? over the years, so I did a little It was, but it was actually just bit of research and realised how so bizarre, to be honest, being back in many of the songs I knew and loved. I that environment. It’s so dissimilar to what remember Mum playing a lot of the songs the music industry is like in reality (laughs), and singing along to them as a child … but I but it’s what everyone who’s not in the music had no idea that he’d written such a huge collecindustry probably thinks it’s like - all glamorous tion of songs that were all timeless and released and fabulous. It was so much fun - being a part by legendary artists. It was such a great thrill! As of those massive productions, with all the lights, soon as I’d done my research, I thought , “I’ve and everything from all the gear to the musigot to be part of this!” cians were the absolute best in Australia and the I don’t want to give away too many of the coaches were world class artists - it was a little songs I’ll be singing - but there are a lot of great like walking into the Twilight Zone, as a lot of the ballads like Close to You, The Book of Love, Alfie, people behind the scenes were the same! It was and then there are some fabulous duets, like particularly bizarre when someone would come Walk on By, On my Own … That’s what Friends up to put a microphone on you and go, “Hi are for is a nice group song, and then of course Hayley - remember me?” there are the fun ones like Raindrops Keep Falling As an artist, it can be such a hard slog a lot of on My Head, What the World Needs Now, and the time - so it’s lovely to be part of something What’s New Pussycat …

“

It’s a great show to be a part of. They’re beautiful songs to sing - the melodies are just so lovely. As a songwriter, I’m constantly learning and inspired by Burt’s style of writing. There’s lots of modulation, interesting timing … he worked with Hal David on a lot of the lyrics, and I love that unlike a lot of the songs today, they tell great stories … One of the songs I’m really excited to be doing is 24 Hours from Tulsa, and it’s so cheeky … I’m doing the Dusty Springfield version of that song …

The opening performance of Back to Bacharach was at The Basement in Sydney. How did that go?

(Laughs). Yes, The Basement. No pressure!

One of the most renowned venues in Sydney! It went great - really, really well. The audience was fabulous. On opening night everyone’s normally a little terrified, but it went very smoothly … actually, it’s funny, because as lead performers, we can rehearse and rehearse as much as we want, but it’s not actually until we get on stage that we all seem to come to life … I admire the other performers so much, but as soon as the lights come on and the audience is there, it’s just like, “WOW!” There are just so many magical moments throughout the show and some really fun sing-along moments.

Thanks Hayley. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

See Back to Bacharach at the Glasshouse on June 20 at 8pm.

TICKETS: Adult $59.95, Concession $54.95, Group 6+ $54.95.

Call the Box Office on 6581 8888 or visit glasshouse.org.au for details.

inside this

Issue 115 - June 2015

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo.

16.

Scott Wright is an Artistic Director with Erth Visual and Physical Inc. - an amazing company that pushes the boundaries of imagination with their giant puppetry. Scott introduces us to Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo.

Phil Greed.

40.

Phil Greed is a Coffs Harbour based artist whose love of the coastline, tactile skill with clay and willingness to experiment with different types of kiln firing and glazing have led to the creation of some stunning ceramics ...

Travis Corken.

78.

Escaping the noise of the world and heading beneath the surface is a love of spearfisherman Travis Corken. Chasing the perfect conditions to catch the biggest fish, Travis shares his story with FOCUS ...

6. Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 12. Seth Sentry 14. Damien Leith 68. Dr Matt James

usual suspects.

the

13. what’s on for June 26. eat featuring local restaurants 29. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 35. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 39. tourism with Janette Hyde 53. starguide with Terri 67. travel with Susie Boswell 71. landcare with Estelle Gough 93. 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.

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focusinterview.

Melbourne International

Comedy Festival Roadshow 2015

CAUSING UPROARIOUS LAUGHTER, SPLIT SIDES AND ACHING BELLIES FROM HOBART TO HONG KONG, THE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW HAS HIT THE ROAD ONCE AGAIN. THIS YEAR, THE COMEDIANS GRACING THE GLASSHOUSE STAGE ARE DAVE CALLAN, BEAU HEARTBREAKER, LLOYD LANGFORD (UK), NICK CODY AND MATTHEW FORD. DAVE CALLAN, BEST KNOWN FOR HIS APPEARANCES ON ROVE AND TRIPLE J, AND MORE RECENTLY FOR HIS DANCE MOVES (!) WILL MC THE EVENT ...

H

i Dave. The Roadshow kicked off a little while ago. What’s the tour been like so far?

It’s been going great! I haven’t actually hit the road myself yet - the first dates I’m doing are next week, but I’m really looking forward to it.

I imagine it will be business as usual (laughs) - a Tarago full of comedians making each other laugh, getting up to shenanigans and making everyone stop for a toilet break and eating way too many snacks. That’s usually how it goes!

It looks like the lineup coming to Port Macquarie this year are all men too, so that’ll be interesting for you guys!

Is it all men? Oh no … that’s not very good for the matriarchy! Even Mad Max is more feminist than that (laughs).

You’ll have fun keeping the boys in line …

That’s true! The technicians can quite often bring a bit of oestrogen to the balance and I’m sure the Tour Manager will be female, so she’ll have her hands full with all the guys running around.

Most people would know you from your time on Rove and also on triple j, but a lot may not know that when you came to Australia from your native Ireland, you first lived in WA. Do you get much chance to go back there for visits these days?

Definitely - but not as much as I’d like. My mum and dad, brothers and a little Fox Terrier called Lenny live over there. Honestly, I’d love to spend time there, but I can only get back maybe four or five times a year and for quick flying visits - usually when I get a corporate gig over there or I’m travelling through. But definitely for Christmas - that’s such a good time for families, so I try to make it over there for at least a fortnight.

6

greater port macquarie focus.

ra I’m going to go fo rt Po h ug walk thro have Macquarie and d see an nd ou a look ar the t if I can talk abou hi ng yt an town and find talk interesting I can ider ’s ts ou an om about fr ” e. iv ct pe pers

“

You do a lot of travelling, of course, so where have you jetted off to recently?

I did a cruise ship, so I went to Vanuatu and New Caledonia - that was lovely. I’ve travelled up to Sydney recently too.

How do you find Aussie audiences stack up compared to their overseas counterparts?

Aussie audiences are great. I think Irish people and Aussie people are very similar, in that we like disrespect for authority, making fun of authority figures - the government especially!

Aussies love to have an outsider’s take on who they are, their cultural identity and have that made fun of.

Where do you find inspiration for your material?

Real life! Just observing people and how they act, and the motivations behind what drive people - these are really funny to look into. I find animals really funny as well - particularly dogs.

Drop a few hints about some of the material you may be presenting at the Glasshouse.

I’ll be talking about the differences between Irish and Aussie culture, because that’s my experience of coming here and living life. Recently I’ve started doing a little dancing, so I’ll be doing a dance. I did a show for the Fringe Festival in Adelaide a few years ago, and I did an All the Single Ladies (by Beyoncé) dance. It got a big reaction (laughs)!

Have you done any formal dance training to boost your dance skills?

It’s all off YouTube - I just watch YouTube clips. I watched the choreography, so I took a bit of time to break it down and learn it … so

DAVE

there’s no big mystery behind it! It’s just whether you’re willing to stand in front of YouTube for 37 hours! And painstakingly go through every move! It paid off …

So apart from dancing for us, what else can we expect?

I’m going to go for a walk through Port Macquarie and have a look around and see if I can talk about the town and find anything interesting I can talk about from an outsider’s perspective.

I always chat with people one on one in the crowd as well, so if anyone’s up for a chat, I’d love to hear from you and find out your perspective on things and have a bit of a banter.

I’ll also be introducing all the acts, so I’m kind of the bridge in between the people who are performing.

What makes the comedian laugh? I’m curious to know what caused the last big belly laugh you experienced?

Oh … You know how I said earlier I find dogs extremely funny? I was belly laughing last night at the internet, watching a video of a little Sausage Dog - you know how they have those tiny little legs? There was a machine with a funnel at the top, and you put a ping pong ball in and the machine shoots the ball out. The Sausage Dog was putting the ball in at the top, then he’d run around to the front of the machine and do an excited dance on those little legs, wobbling from side to side. Then the ball would fly out and he’d grab it!

Maybe you can adopt some of those dance moves for your show!

Yeah I should - that’d be great. Weiner moves (laughs)!

Now, you’re currently doing some shows

called A Little Less Conversation 1 - 3. Tell us a little about that …

It’s a trilogy of dance shows that go for about one hour each. The first on was a journey through time, so we went from caveman times all the way through to dubstep. The second one was a journey through the alphabet, so we started with Z and went all the way back through to A and did every dance style we could.

The new one’s going to be coming through Melbourne Fringe and the Melbourne Comedy Festival and next year, Edinburgh. So, that one’s in the pipeline. It’s really good to do a show that’s physical, as there’s a lot of standup at festivals, and I think audiences are looking for something a bit different.

Final words about the Comedy Festival Roadshow?

I think the nice thing about what the Comedy Festival people do is they curate shows with very vastly different comedians on the bill. This is great, because everyone’s different sense of humour is catered for - and people just love to laugh at comedy!

I love hosting the show, because I get to stand at the side of the stage and watch acts too!

Thanks Dave. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

See the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at the Glasshouse on June 27 at 6pm & 9pm.

Tickets cost $50 general; $40 member.

Visit www.glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office on 6581 8888 for details.

greater port macquarie focus.

7

LocAl RecIpe

Image of the month.

About: “I’m a bit of an early bird & was down at Lighthouse Beach taking some photos of the

sunrise & started heading back to my car, when I turned around and saw how the rising sun had lit up the lifeguard tower. I took a quick picture, and it was my favourite of the morning.�

Photo by: Michelle Black. Camera: Samsung Galaxy EK-GC100 Compact Digital Camera.

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

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

seared scallops

Ń? n m cr , r rÄ›e, er l, nfit n This dish is one of the best selling dishes on the Zebu menu and is all about balance and texture, with the sweetness of the sherry caramel, slight bitterness of the confit lemon, saltiness and crunch of the jamon crumbs and the earthiness of the cauliflower purĂŠe.

I n g R e D i e Nt s 6 x scallops - roe off 1 x head cauliflower, finely chopped, no core

WH

AT ’ S I N

200 g panko breadcrumbs 300 ml milk

250 ml sherry vinegar

300 ml cream

250 g sugar

3 lemons, rind peeled and thinly sliced

4 x eschallots, diced 200 g Jamon ham, diced

S E RV E S 2

TAHITIAN LIMES The name “Tahitian� was given to the lime when the fruit was introduced to California from Tahiti. The introduction of this variety into Australia in 1824 (possibly from Brazil) saw the fruit also become known as Persian Lime.

We are getting an abundance of beautiful locally-grown limes in our kitchen right now, thanks to local grower Clive West from Westview Limes near Kempsey. We use the fruit mainly to juice and go into various jams, relishes and sauces.

Search for recipes using limes, and you will find many dishes and desserts that are more suited to summer.

But what to do with all the wonderful limes available now?

There is always lime marmalade! Or one of the simplest ways to enjoy the fresh tang of limes over winter is to simply slice them in half and squeeze the juice generously over a Thai or Indian curry, just as it is served. The acidity in the lime cuts through the richness and heat of any curry and adds a fresh, citrusy flavour to the dish.

WHERE

8

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

greater port macquarie focus.

MetHod

Chef Adam Tait

Z u BÂ? + GÂ?ll

1 Hay St, Port Macquarie Phone (02) 6589 2822 Web zebu.com.au

PurĂŠe Sweat down half of the eschallots in butter, add cauliflower and cook down slowly with no colour until soft. Add milk and reduce by half. Add cream and reduce by half again. Season well and blitz in a blender until smooth. Pass through a fine sieve and cool.

Sherry Caramel Combine equal parts of sugar and sherry vinegar in a saucepan and slowly bring to the boil. Reduce to a caramel consistency, then cool.

Jamon Ham Crumbs Sweat down eschallots in olive oil until soft. Add Jamon and allow the fat to render out of the ham (before ham turns crispy) and small amounts of breadcrumbs at a time to soak up the fat. Cook out until you have a nice colour on the breadcrumbs, then season.

Confit Lemon Blanch and refresh prepared lemon rind three times to remove bitterness, and then cook out slowly in a sugar syrup until soft and almost translucent.

Scallops Place scallops into a hot pan, presentation side down. Caramelise well, then turn scallops over. Finish with a knob of butter and drain on paper towel.

C‍ה‏f’s N†es: If Jamon ham is not available or affordable, use a good quality prosciutto or chorizo the same way to add a little spice to the dish.

focusinterview.

Hastings M O Valley T O C Motorcycle R O S S J UClub NIO

HASTINGS VALLEY

R

MOTORCYCLE CLUB

P

lease introduce yourself to our readers …

I’m Daniel Hargy, President of the Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club.

Tell us a little bit about the Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club ... how and when was it started? What’s some of the history behind the club?

We’re a community based club, which was started by Ray Thurling and other like-minded people in the early 1970s.

Events were originally held on various properties throughout the Port MacquarieHastings area, before eventually moving to our current location in 2001.

Roughly how many members does the club have today?

We currently have in excess of 250 members.

Where does the club regularly hold its meets and events?

Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club is located on Cowarra Access Road (off Burrawan Forest Drive) approximately 10 minutes south of the Port Macquarie Service Centre (the donut).

Our address is 60 Cowarra Access Road (off Burrawan Forest Drive), Lake Innes, NSW 2446.

The club will be hosting Round Three of the 2015 NSW Motocross Junior State Titles this year. When and where will the event be held, and describe the action that will be taking place on the day?

10 greater port macquarie focus.

HASTINGS VALLEY MOTORCYCLE CLUB WILL HOST ROUND THREE OF THE 2015 NSW MOTOCROSS JUNIOR STATE TITLES ON JUNE 6TH AND 7TH. WHY NOT GET TRACKSIDE TO WITNESS RIDERS AGED FROM 4 - 16 BATTLING IT OUT, WITH SOME THRILLING MOTORCYCLE ACTION EXPECTED!

Round Three of the 2015 NSW Motocross We’d like to thank Rock Motorcycles, Junior State Titles will be held on the 6th and 7th Wauchope RSL, Star Hotel, Tele Point Machinery, June at our Cowarra Access Road track. We will Hargy’s Heavy Haulage, Mid Coast Equipment have the best of the state’s and interstate’s plus Hire, JR Richards, Port Macquarie-Hasting local riders competing over the course of Council, Port Macquarie Motorcycles, Mud the two day event. n Tar Motorcycles, Camden Haven The ages of the competitors Motorcycles and Transit Auto will range from four years Electrics for their support - it EN TRY IS FR EE through to 16 years old, is very much appreciated.

OV ER TH E and the competition How much are tickets to , D EN EN TI R E W EE K will consist of over nine the event, and where IS TH S IS SO D O N ’T M classes. can they be purchased?

ES IS M O PR IT EV EN T! D Will we be able to Entry is free over the EN K EE W T A G R EA IO N witness any champion entire weekend, so don’t CT A G N CI A R OF RE riders in action over miss this event! It promises FO R TH E EN TI the course of the two a great weekend of racing FA M ILY.” days? action for the entire family.

Yes, there will be past and If people are interested in current state title holders and finding out more about the club, national champions competing over the or the Motocross Junior State Titles, weekend. whom should they contact?

What facilities will be available on the Contact me, the Club President - Daniel Hargy race days ... Will there be entertainment Ph. 0429 858 065 or email: president@hvmcc. besides the motorcycle action, refreshment com.au stands etc.?

Visit our website www.hvmcc.com.au or find There will be full canteen facilities, toilets, us on Facebook - Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club spectacular viewing areas to see all the terrific Ltd, where you can find info about upcoming race action and a great, fun family atmosphere. events, race results, and all the latest news about Who are some of the local community the club. groups and/or individuals you'd like to thank Thanks Daniel. for supporting or sponsoring the Hastings Interview by Jo Atkins.

Valley Motorcycle Club?

Photos courtesy of Ballantyne Photography.

“

E

ntry is free weekend, so this event! It pro weekend of rac entire family.

focusarchives.with Debbie Sommers

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GALLIPOLI LANDINGS BY AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TROOPS ENGAGED IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR.

F

rom now until 2018 there will be many events to reflect on and commemorate the efforts of Australians in the Great War. The war impacted every Australian community in many ways, and that was also the case at Port Macquarie.

After hearing of the significant casualties from the Gallipoli campaign, the initial enthusiasm for the war waned and enlistments in the Australian Imperial Force dropped off. Recruitment marches were a feature of rural volunteer recruitment drives for the Australian Imperial Force, and between October 1915 and February 1916, nine recruitment marches were held, starting from various points throughout NSW. The North Coast Route March left Grafton in January 1916 with 27 recruits and passed through most towns along the way, walking over 320 miles to the Army recruitment centre at Maitland. Locally, the march travelled from Kempsey to Telegraph Point, then to Port Macquarie on Saturday 5 February, where the recruits were given a rest day. The recruits marched out to Wauchope on Monday 7 February then on to Kew, Coopernook and Taree.

The visit by the North Coasters was much anticipated by the people of Port Macquarie.

The programme for their two night stay included civic addresses and patriotic speeches, bathing parades, a church parade and concerts. Residents were requested to fly bunting and asked for donations of cash or kind that could be used to provide for the needs of the recruits: “Anything from an egg to a bullock will be gladly accepted”.

The group of 160 dusty and travel-stained

men were escorted into Port Macquarie by the visiting Metropolitan Cadets’ Band, police and civic leaders, and marched to the Town Hall for welcome addresses. The men were greeted with three hearty cheers on their arrival and after the welcome, were marched to the showgrounds to set up their camp for the weekend. At the showground they were provided with watermelons, and a large number took part in a bathing parade. Bathing parades were scheduled on several occasions during the visit, and men without bathing costumes were allowed to bathe in the nude at Oxley Beach, which was set apart for that purpose. Port Macquarie residents, and particularly the women of the town, worked hard to feed the large group during their stay here. At breakfast on both Sunday and Monday they were given an ample supply of fish and were “regaled with oysters for tea on Sunday evening”. A local newspaper report of the visit recognised the efforts of those involved: “The many willing workers who assisted to make their stay here enjoyable deserve every credit, and we feel sure that though they do not begrudge the march anything, they were nevertheless pleased once the men had left town”. Several local lads answered the calls for more recruits and marched out with the men.

World War 1 at Home is a new exhibition at the Port Macquarie Museum. It tells the stories of local enlistees and the impacts of the war on them, their families and the local community.

Open Monday - Saturday from 9:30am - 4:30pm.

Debbie Sommers - Port Macquarie Historical Society. greater port macquarie focus.

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SENTRY AU S S I E H I P-H O P L E G E N D S E T H S E N T RY I S H I T T I N G T H E ROA D W I T H A N E W A L B U M , H I S X B OX A N D H I S B U D DY, S I Z Z L E , W I T H W H AT I S SA I D TO B E “ T H E B I G G E ST TO U R E V E R BY A N AU ST R A L I A N H I P H O P A RT I ST ”…

T

ake us back to the of espresso and a whole lotta good times”. beginning of your musical Those are some big words to live up to; journey. Where did it all what kind of vibe can expect at the show? begin for you?

I love touring. Just me and Sizzle on the road I guess it’s just something smashing out show after show. Always so much that I’ve always fun hitting up regional towns that done. My friends and I used to maybe don’t get a whole lot of buy the instrumental versions live music, so they just get of our favourite albums and f***ing loose. Looking The biggest tour just sit around free styling forward to performing EVER by an and paying each other a whole bunch of new p artist.

Australian hip ho shows, out. I probably rapped stuff from Strange New 47 Three months, for about five years Past too. s, re lomet thousands of ki before I ever really heard That's a lot of of countless litres my voice recorded. fl ying and driving. le ho w a espresso and Soon you'll be What are you taking ...” es tim lotta good releasing your second with you that you album, Strange New Past. wouldn't be able to Tell us a bit about some of survive without? the themes you touched on.

I’m bringing my Xbox with me This album is a lot more personal than to help keep me sane, a whole lot of my last one. I really looked at my past a lot good books and my own personal hand more and how it helped make me into the held espresso machine. person I am. I didn’t really set out for it to be as You've had some amazing moments honest as it is, but it just kind of came out of me throughout your career; what has been a and I went with it. personal highlight so far?

This tour is set to be an adventure, quoted To be honest, the biggest highlight for me “the biggest tour EVER by an Australian was the moment I was able to quit my job hip hop artist. Three months, 47 shows, working as a waiter, which I had always hated thousands of kilometres, countless litres with an absolute passion. Felt so good to get

“

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greater port macquarie focus.

out of there.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

It’s funny, but when I get towards the end of the recording process of an album, I kind of stop listening to music altogether. I just can’t switch my mind off and stop analysing it, I guess. But now that it’s all wrapped up, I’m back! Been listening to a lot of J Cole, Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa.

What is some wisdom you could impart to young fans who are inspired to get into music?

Enjoy the process. If you’re in a rush to reach some preconceived goal, you’re never going to be happy.

Thanks Seth.

Seth Sentry will release Strange New Past on June 5 on High Score records, distributed through Inertia. More information at sethsentry.com

the plug!

See Seth at Port Macquarie Panthers Friday, 26 June 2015.

Pre-Sale $30* | Door $35* ON SALE FROM 9am Thursday 7th May 2015 *A per ticket booking fee applies to all tickets purchased.

A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N / / JA U NG EU S2T0 12 50 1 4

27

ROCKABILLY DINNER DANCE

WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE

Swing, Jive and Rock Around the Clock with the Jordan Jive Band! Includes breads, two course dinner (main and dessert), and a glass of De Bortoli sparkling wine on arrival. Tickets $55. When Saturday 27th June at 6:30pm for 7pm start. Where Sails Resort by Rydges.

Contact Rachelle Dufty on 6589 5100 or email rachelle_dufty@rydges.com

Industry professionals, canapés, sparkling wine, hair and makeup demonstrations, photo booth, DJ and live acoustic music.

20

Hastings Cancer Trust Fundraiser

Glamorous Glimmer Ball, where guests enjoy a show, a delicious 3 course seated dinner, a few drinks and a great time with a table of friends or work colleagues, while raising money for the Hastings Cancer Trust.

When 20th June 2015. Tickets To reserve your tickets to the Glimmer Ball, contact Caroline Hill on 0437 139 617 or NCCICRU@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au

more moreinformation information

GARDEN Village “The Craft Winter Sale” is being held on 10 & 11 June from 8am - 12:30pm in the Garden Village Craft Room.

Come and grab a bargain. The Op Shop is also open on these days and every Wed - Thurs from 9am - noon, and the second Saturday of each month- 13th June.

When 10th & 11th June 2015.

When Saturday 27th June,10am - 1:30pm. Where Rydges Port Macquarie. Contact Email amanda_perrin_sumner@rydges.com

ANOTHER PLACE An exhibition of paintings by Fred Bullen.

“When I prepare to paint, I think of myself as being in another place.

A place where realism and abstractism meet and influence each other, sometimes more real, sometimes more abstract.”

Where Masterpiece Gallery, 2/91 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie.

When Throughout May and June 2015. Contact Masterpiece Gallery: 6583 1344 or Fred Bullen: 0414 839 550.

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000

greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

DAMIEN LEITH IS HITTING THE ROAD WITH AN ALLURING IRISH EXPERIENCE, THE PARTING GLASS. FOCUS CATCHES UP WITH DAMIEN TO FIND OUT WHAT THE SHOW IS ALL ABOUT …

DAMIEN LEITH

M

ost people will know you from your amazing vocals and from taking out Australian Idol in 2006.

With many awards won and albums released since, tell us about your newest release.

Well, the new one is Songs from Ireland; it’s got 15 classic Irish songs - very much all the songs that I listened to and sang with my family over all the years growing up. It’s kind of like a trip down memory lane for me to do the whole album; it’s something very special and means a lot to my family as well.

What inspired you to do a purely “Irish” album?

You know, it actually came from this show I’m touring; The Parting Glass was what started the whole thing off. I wrote the play about four years ago and the setting for the play is in a pub in Ireland. Because it’s set there, I put a band in the pub and as part of the script I put in a whole bunch of Irish songs. We first performed it four years ago; it was just fantastic - especially with the Irish music. The Irish really got into it, and it kind of sent my feelings towards releasing an album like that. It’s been four years in the making really, from that script.

It’s great to see you coming back to Port Macquarie. What are you looking forward to the most this time round?

The last time was fantastic. We did a fantastic show and we got to hang about, which was pretty cool as well. We had an extra couple of hours the next day, so we roamed around the town and just took it in, which we don’t always get to do. This time around, because it’s

14 greater port macquarie focus.

a different show, I’m just excited to return with The whole idea of the show is to give an something different. Sometimes when you’re Irish experience ... It’s like an Irish night out still touring the same show and you return to a and it’s delivered through the music and also crowd you want to spice it up, but the script. The storyline is a father and you’re limited; at least with a son who are meeting in a pub this show I get to come in Ireland; they haven’t seen along with something each other for five years, I wrote the play s completely different. about four year ‘cause the son went over ing for The show is a little to Australia and vanago and the sett b in the play is a pu out of left field ished and he didn’t get e it’s Ireland. Becaus for you. I know in touch, and suddenly band set there, I put a you said that the he’s arrived back. So, part in the pu b and as a inspiration for the they’ve got a lot to catch t in of the script I pu h album came from up on!

It’s quite funny; is Ir whole bunch of the show, but where it’s very humorous for a lot song s ...” did the inspiration and of the play, because the dad, the concept behind The he has a lot of opinions about Parting Glass come from? everything - he’s like the grumpy It was actually Steven Campbell and guy that you like. He’s grumpy, but he’s his wife, Lisa ... They were looking after actually very funny ... He notices everything; the Adelaide Cabaret Festival a couple of he’ll comment on the audience, he’ll comment years ago and they were picking all the acts on the band, he’ll comment about everything. and putting the whole thing together, and So, as the audience is sitting there watching he got in touch with me and said, “Would it, they really become part of it - it’s almost you fancy doing an Irish open and putting like you’re sitting there and listening in on this something together for it?” And I just jumped conversation. It’s like you’re around a table at the opportunity of writing something, - they’re the ones talking, but you’re sitting rather than just doing music. I’ve always loved there listening. It’s a funny play, but it’s also drama; when I was a kid the only thing I ever emotional, ‘cause obviously there’s a five year did was act. I had no interest in music back gap, and there are things that have happened then at all. The only thing I ever did was act in the last five years. It’s like an Irish song - it and write; I used to write stories and plays and can start off light and breezy and then tragedy all sorts of things, so when he asked me that strikes somewhere else in the middle of the I just thought, “Yeah, you know, I’m going to song; the show is kind of like that. write a play - I’m going to do something totally Is the band you’re bringing along with you different. So that’s how it all came about.” your usual band, or have you carefully seWhat kind of vibe can we expect from the lected musicians to help reflect the story? show?

It’s five musicians who have arrived at a

“

bar in Ireland and just took out whatever instruments they had and started playing; this is the vibe we’re going with. So, we have the Irish drum, and the spoons, we’ve got the Irish whistle, which has got a sort of haunting sound, we’ve also got the fiddle, the mandolin, a lot of acoustic guitar and things like that - so it’s a very acoustic show ... You’ve got some ballads and then you’ve got some real up tempo jigs, which is a lot of fun.

What are your plans after the tour for The Parting Glass is completed?

At this stage, I’m not too sure. The tour started out quite small and it’s just kind of gotten bigger and bigger, which is really cool.

You never know - it might extend on beyond.

We’ve also had a really interesting contact from someone in America about the same show, which has kind of surprised as all, so the show could get on the road outside Australia as well. There’s that going on, obviously the album and I’ve got a lot of studio stuff that I’m doing. I do a lot of mentoring for younger acts who are recording their stuff at my little studio in Sydney, so I’ve got a lot of that coming up it’s been a busy year.

Thanks Damien.

the plug!

Catch The Parting Glass Starring Damien Leith and The Black Velvet Band at the Glasshouse, 26th June, 8pm. $47.50 (02) 6581 8888 www.glasshouse.org.au

greater port macquarie focus.

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SCOTT WRIGHT IS AN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR WITH ERTH VISUAL AND PHYSICAL INC. - AN AMAZING COMPANY THAT PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF IMAGINATION WITH THEIR GIANT PUPPETRY. SCOTT INTRODUCES US TO ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO - A CHANCE TO WITNESS LIFELIKE DINOSAURS AND INSECTS FROM AUSTRALIA’S PREHISTORIC PAST, ON STAGE, AT THE GLASSHOUSE!

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo

dino zoo

SCOTT WRIGHT

erth •DINOSAUR ZOO•

anatomically correct to when I was a child.

The whole show So really, the interest in dinosaur puppets that that’s touring is traliandinosaurs for Erth came people got inside and completely Aus hing brought to life. when we were invited centric, so everyt on The other aspect by a guest director of that we present ur or a stage is a dinosa of what makes us the Melbourne Museum d habite creature that in unique is that we to make dinosaurs for c ri isto Australia’s preh use science, but them, with our own take past . ” we’ve found a way of on them … being able to present it Introduce us to some of that’s both theatrical and the dinosaur specimens we’ll educational. “Edutainment” is a get to meet at the Glasshouse … word that’s bandied around quite a lot, The whole show that’s touring is and I don’t necessarily feel that this is completely Australian-centric, so everything what we are - I feel we are a show made that we present on stage is a dinosaur or a

by Australians that has a really beautiful appeal creature that inhabited Australia’s prehistoric to both Australians and people overseas. past.

Why dinosaurs in the first place, Scott?

From the last time we toured the Were they an interest for you as a child, or show nationally, there have been some did you see a need in the marketplace? developments in particular dinosaurs. Last Of course, as a kid I had my fair share of time we had an Australian Cerapod, which dinosaurs, but in the early ‘70s, dinosaurs was slightly indefinable, because not very weren’t as popular as they are now. I did much was known about it; however, now have my own Brontosaurus - but nowadays the star of our show is an Australovenator. dinosaurs seem to be kind of thrust upon Australovenator was a dinosaur that was kids as the “go to” fad, whether it’s because discovered in Queensland and was made of things like Jurassic Park and the ongoing known to the public in 2009. We’ve since questions in Palaeontology as they discover made three Australovenators, so one of them new dinosaurs and understand better the will be travelling on tour with his kids - we dinosaurs that did exist; the whole genre of have a couple of babies. dinosaurs has grown exponentially compared We also have some little Victorian

“

H

ow did the concept of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo develop?

It’s quite a long and detailed answer to that question, but the short version is that in 1999 we began making lifelike dinosaur puppets for museums around the world. We did that for a handful of years, before we realised that our dinosaurs were really quite good and very unique, so we took on the idea of making our own show, rather

16 greater port macquarie focus.

than just making stuff for other people.

It began at a very simplistic level, where we did our first Dinosaur Zoo on the steps of the Western Australian Museum for the Perth Festival in 2008. From this, the show snowballed and became more and more in demand, and now it’s an international touring success.

What is so unique about Erth’s dinosaurs?

We’re the first - so in a market where every good idea is replicated, we can be really proud of saying we were the first to make

Dinosaurs in our world are s and quite dangerou ey th y; ar sc can be ride t n’ do ly ite defin and ns around in trai w to ho n re teach child t!” count!

“

Hadrosaurs, which are travelling now as a breeding pair - they haven’t bred yet, which is good, because we’re a bit concerned about them leaving eggs laying around on people’s stages!

We have one of the biggest dinosaurs to be found in Australia, Titanosaur - I think it’s one of the ten largest Sauropods in the world.

And then there are a bunch of insects that existed in Australia prior to dinosaurs, so we actually go even further back.

We definitely encourage conversation around Palaeontology, because I think what’s important for adults to know when they’re talking to children about dinosaurs, is that Palaeontology is a science, but it’s also something that relies very, very heavily on imagination. We don’t have firsthand experience with dinosaurs - all we have are their fossils, so a lot of scientists who work around dinosaurs require such creative minds to try to imagine what those dinosaurs looked like.

It’s a really interesting thing when it comes to working with children, because even though

it’s science, there is so much theory and conjecture, and it’s always in flux - it can be the catalyst to so many wonderful conversations with children.

Will adults gain just as much benefit/ enjoyment from this show as children?

It’s definitely designed for adults, and it’s definitely designed for children. We put an age limit on the show more as a disclaimer, than anything else - we suggest it’s a show for five years and up. But then, we don’t know your children, so we’re not going to make any judgement on what your child can and can’t do! Sometimes a three year old will be more enthralled than a 15 year old, but who are we to say!

But I do think it’s important that people understand that what we present on stage is truth. Dinosaurs in our world are quite dangerous and can be scary; they definitely don’t ride around in trains and teach children how to count! There are plenty of other dinosaur themed shows which do that - but we don’t.

We are very much a live animal presentation;

if you go to Australia Zoo, you can expect to see Bindi Irwin talking about and interacting with crocodiles. That’s the same as us - but we have dinosaurs, not crocodiles!

How interactive is the show?

We invite some people onto the stage to assist us in our presentation, and at the end of the show we provide the audience with an opportunity to meet with some of the smaller and more accessible dinosaurs. We try as much as we can to bring the audience on to the stage, and we try as much as we can to take the show off the stage and into the audience.

At Erth, we try to make ourselves available to the audience as much as possible. At the end of the show we do send some of the performers with the baby dinosaurs out into the foyer. This is an opportunity for children to talk to and meet them; it’s usually a pretty free formed opportunity. We love to talk to and meet people.

I think it’s important to mention that particularly for families of children with special needs, it’s really vital that we provide a quality and valid experience for all children, and if a child has vision impairment, is wheelchair bound or has Autism - whatever may prevent them from having an engaging experience because of their challenges - we will go out of our way to ensure these children will take

away an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

Final words …

I think it’s really thrilling to be coming and doing the show at the Glasshouse. I think Dinosaurs is very much a flagship for our company, and if this show goes down well, it opens the door for us to bring other shows and to have a much richer engagement with the community than just as some strangers who blow in and out of town with some amazing dinosaurs!

We do like to push the boundaries with our shows … I think what’s important in this day and age is that we grow our audiences. Our responsibility is to really open up our audiences to new possibilities …

Thanks Scott.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

To find out more info about Erth Visual and Physical Inc. and their other shows, visit www.erth.com.au

the plug!

See Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo on July 3 at 1pm and 3pm.

Tickets: $35 general, $30 Member, $30 under 21.

Visit: www.glasshouse.org.au or call the Box office 6581 8888 for details.

greater port macquarie focus. 17

Arts&Culture

Having recently moved to Port Macquarie from the UK, our area has certainly gained a phenomenal artistic talent in Gwen Roberts. Gwen’s work is simply beautiful - amazingly detailed, but also unique and thought provoking …

H

i Gwen. Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Port Macquarie?

I was born and bred in Leicestershire, England. Six years ago I met my husband, who is a “Pozzie” (a little bit Pommie/a little bit Aussie). He was born in Adelaide and moved to the UK when he was young. He told me he wanted to return home and before he could finish the sentence, I had my bags packed. We moved to Australia early this year.

Living in Port Macquarie was my idea. I researched Australia and fell in love with Port Macquarie.

Where did your artistic streak begin - did you develop a love for drawing early in life, and how have you nurtured your talent over the years?

Artistic flair cannot be acquired; you’re born with it. Most artists will confess they were always drawing as a child, and the same is true in my case. However, I wasn’t interested in drawing cartoons like most other kids I knew. I naturally drew to a high standard, and my drawings had maturity at an early age. I have been using the same techniques ever since I can remember.

What formal art training/study have you done?

I am pretty much self-taught. I followed the norm. I studied art and music at college. After my studies, I took up a career in finance. However, throughout a successful career, I always felt unfulfilled. Two years ago I came to the end of a contractual role, and I followed my instincts to draw. It had been 20 years since I picked up a pencil. The passion was stronger than ever. I could never draw in my spare time; it had to be all or nothing. I give 100% in every piece I produce. For me, it’s all consuming. It was a natural

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greater port macquarie focus.

step and the right time in my life to undertake a as a tool and a springboard for my ideas. I take course of full-time study at degree level at Wina photograph a step further to translate what chester School of Art, England.

I have observed and then play around with it.

You describe your art as photorealistic.

I may add something, change something, What does this term mean, for or eliminate something to convey those of us who may not a story or the character of the have much knowledge of subject.

Unlike a various art forms?

Your work shows such photograph , Photorealism is a style attention to detail. my work is a of drawing or painting What are you hoping translation , not y where the work is so to achieve/convey to M a replication . accurately reproduced, it the viewer each time on d se work is ba resembles the photoyou start a new piece al su vi fact and g in aw graph on which it was of work? dr A . ce en evid cal ni ha based. It was a movement ec My work explores m a t no is that started in America in the concept of recognirecreation .” the ‘60s and ‘70s and is now tion and preconceptions, having a renaissance. identifying the key elements However, it is not my intention that enable us to instantly recognise to fool the viewer into thinking that they something or someone and taking closare looking at a photograph. This could be er inspection of other significant areas. viewed as contradictory; however, “PhotoreMy objective is to amplify the aspects that alism” helps me to project my ideas. might not instantly be observed.

Unlike a photograph, my work is a translation, What you see isn’t always what you get, and not a replication. My work is based on fact and my photorealistic style enables me to project this visual evidence. A drawing is not a mechanical concept. I focus on components: construction, recreation. I like the notion of it being handsurface, textures and light. made. It includes the originality of the artist.

In conjunction with this, my work asks quesWhat media do you most like to work with? tions of the viewer’s preconceived impressions I work with a 2b and a 9b pencil, a mechanical of the subject matter by changing, removing or eraser and I work on Bristol paper, which is very adding a component and redirecting the focus smooth and enables me to get fine detail. to other constitutional areas. For example, I have The level of accuracy takes weeks, if not recently completed a portrait of Marilyn Monroe months, to complete a piece of work. I have a with dark hair, and I have drawn Kate Middleton lot of ideas for my graphite work in the pipeline. with dreadlocks.

I’d like to turn my attention to painting at some My work is a representation of the subject in point. its natural form. I play around with our preconHow do you complete your portraits - do ceived notions and ask questions of how we you work from photos, or use live sitters? make judgments. Take for example a drawing In my opinion, photographs are works of art.

I've done of a baby with a tattoo: Cupid and I incorporate this concept and use photography Psyche. The child has the same tattoo as one on

“

David Beckham’s left arm, which is a painting by Francesco Francia.

What most inspires you? What fires your creativity?

I have many art crushes. Australia’s own Robin Eley is one of them.

For me, there is always an emotional connection to the subject of my art. It may relate to a memory, an experience, a notion, or a belief. Inspiration can come from anywhere; the challenge is to recognise it.

Art originates from the personal perspective of the artist. I get emotionally attached to my work. At conception I have intimate ownership; when the piece is finished I have to go through a process of “letting go”.

Since living in Australia, recent work has gained an antipodean influence. I’m fascinated with Australian history. The stories of Gwoya Jungarai (“One Pound Jimmy”), the first Aboriginal to be featured on a stamp, and Phar Lap, the famous racehorse, have both inspired recent pieces.

Where can we view samples of your artwork?

My work is available to view at the Sunset Gallery, where I will be doing a live demo on 7th July, and at Long Point Gallery throughout October and November 2015. To keep up to date on my exhibitions, demos and artist talks, read more information or just look at my work, visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gwenrobertsartist Alternatively, email me: GwenRobertsArtist@ yahoo.com.au to be kept up to date.

Are readers able to commission you for work?

Certainly. Please email me or contact me through my Facebook page. I am also looking for models of all ages. If readers are interested in sitting for me, please get in touch.

Thanks Gwen. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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greater port macquarie focus.

19

Arts&Culture

P l aye rs ’ Ne x t P ro d u c t i o n . . .

H ave n F i n e A r t s The big move in June means that business is firing at North Haven, in the only open working ceramics studio in the area. The Protean Shed is a studio workshop, in which Diane and other local artists produce and fire ceramic pottery and sculptures, and which also includes a retail outlet. Handmade pieces by local artists such as John Hyde, Jo Timmins and Deb King are displayed for sale, and classes are held regularly. Firings are undertaken in three different sized kilns on a regular basis.

The works produced in the shed are both functional and sculptural, and Diane’s funky pots, pot people and animals are a delight, such as Mr. W. Rabbit and Ch. Cat. She is a member of the Australian Ceramics Association (TACA), and her piece Nice Niche will be displayed in the association’s exhibition in Canberra in July. This is a work depicting the bilby and rabbit, symbols of the Australian environment and endangered and introduced species (see below).

The first of the open studio days is Sunday, June 21st at noon; everybody is welcome. Diane invites the public to come along and enjoy a glass of wine and meet the ceramicists who frequent the Protean Shed. This will be followed by monthly weekend open studios, when Diane and others will be working on their latest creations, and you can talk to the artists about their work, or learn how ceramics are made.

20 greater port macquarie focus.

Ky l i e ’ s A r t S t u d i o Kylie’s Art Studio is situated in Bold Street, Laurieton and offers a range of quality art supplies for beginners to advanced artists.

Our stock of brands include Winsor and Newton oil and watercolour paint, art spectrum oil and watercolour paints, as well as pastels.

Top quality Frederix canvas boards and stretch watercolour canvas, Daler-Rowney stretch canvas, Colourfix pastel paper and Arches watercolour pads are also readily available. We have a large range of quality brushes for all applications.

We also supply Prismacolor pencils, Derwent Inktense pencils and blocks and a large range of drawing equipment.

Kylie’s preferred painting medium is acrylic paints, as the drying time is much quicker. Come and master this style with our Acrylic Art Classes on offer Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings from 9:30am to 12:30pm, accommodating everyone from beginners to advanced.

Kylie says, “Teaching gives me a great pleasure, as I am able to share my knowledge and love of art with others, and it is also very satisfying seeing the great sense of achievement my students feel when completing a painting.”

As well as quality art supplies and classes, we also have a lovely selection of gifts and local artwork for sale.

Players’ next production is the wonderful comedy, The Government Inspector. Opening on July 10 and running until July 26, the play is directed by Lance Thompson, who has been responsible for a series of entertaining and thought provoking productions at Players Theatre. This comedy, written in 1836, will be no exception, and Lance has assembled a fine cast to deliver a great show. This is a new adaptation that takes the story back to its original setting. It’s an attempt to retain the comic brilliance of the original script, whilst updating the characters and dialogue into a modern, fast paced format. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sunday afternoons at 2pm. Bookings are now open at the Glasshouse box office, or online at playerstheatre.org where you can read more about the Players Theatre.

As we strike the set for Camp Rock, Players Theatre would like to thank audiences for their great support of this production, which wrapped up in May. Well done to Hamish Keddie, Simone Berry and all the cast and crew who worked so hard to create a brilliant show.

June is a month of preparation for the next twelve months, with our A.G.M held on June 16 at 8pm at Players Theatre.

We encourage all members to come along. Special thanks go to outgoing President Peter Dransfield, who has contributed 17 wonderful years in this role. He has overseen many changes to the theatre, which has resulted in the organisation being in a strong position to continue offering audiences exciting and quality productions.

Our final two productions at Players Theatre for 2015 are the classic Cole Porter musical, Anything Goes and the play Quartet.

Anything Goes runs from September 25 until October 18, 2015.

The play Quartet will open on November 13 and run to November 29. Players Theatre is a community organisation run by volunteers.

To find out more, just check out our website.

f e a t u r e

Arts&Culture

Arts&Culture

Out There De sign & Mosaic Francessca O’Donnell and Vick Compton from Out There Design and Mosaic are delighted with the support of the local community, which has contributed to the success and growth of their business since it opened in 2008.

2015 has had an exciting start, with not only the launch of their new website and online store, which feature the new range of “Out There Jewellery and Earth Books”, but the opening of their new complex, “Out There Creative space” in Wauchope.

This newly renovated, multi room “hire space” is suitable for visual art and performance activities. The large well lit rooms have high ceilings, sprung floors and there is a great outdoor relax space. Rooms can be rented for regular use or for one off events.

We are delighted to have Wauchope Performing Arts, Extravadance studio and Utopian Living as part of this new creative space, who offer all styles of dance and meditation classes.

Chess and Vick have a passion to create unique handcrafted artworks that reflect the vision of their clients and deliver an artistic focal point that transforms people’s homes, recreational space or workplace.

For further information, call Francessca on 0402 856 582 or email chessca@gmail.com or visit www.outtheredesignandmosaic.com - you can also find us on Facebook.

Hastings Fine Art Gallery- One Year On The Hastings Valley Fine Art Association’s Hastings Fine Art Gallery is almost one year old, and all those who are a part of its successful first year will soon be popping corks in celebration.

It was after an appeal through FOCUS for a new home for HVFAA that the new gallery in the grounds of the Maritime Museum was found. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship for both organisations.

The HVFAA is a group of people who are passionate about encouraging and supporting artists, by providing activities and tuition in all mediums which are available to everyone, regardless of age or level of ability.

We work cooperatively with community organisations and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to foster a better understanding and appreciation of art. All visitors to the gallery are impressed by the quality of the paintings on display and the ambience of the historic building, as well as the wonderful view of Oxley Beach from the main gallery space.

A new collection of paintings by an average of 47 artists is hung every three months to ensure an ongoing fresh, vibrant and varied experience for visitors to the gallery. Works are for sale in all media, in all styles from traditional to abstract, and there are always original cards for any occasion.

Go to our website at www.hastingsvalleyart.net.au for more information.

C re at ive O bs e s s ion Long Point Vineyard and Gallery presents Creative Obsession - an exciting exhibition by talented local artists Linda Lockyer and Muriel Gartland.

Linda Lockyer is an artist who lives on a farm east of Walcha, in the New England region of NSW. She also spends much of her time at Bonny Hills, where she finds a great deal of her inspiration to paint.

Her style is colourful, bold and textured and depicts much of the coastal environment around Bonny Hills, where she loves to spend time walking, surfing, swimming and of course, painting. Her works in this current exhibition, Creative Obsession, focus on the impact of the coastal environment on the artist and how it affects her life.

Muriel Gartland knew at an early age that she wanted to paint and draw, especially after winning a couple of art competitions at 12 years old. Muriel started art classes in the northern beaches of Sydney, later learning more from tutors at the Royal Art Society, Julian Ashton Art Studio and the Mitchell School of Art. “I like to paint things that make people feel good when they see it, that they appreciate the humour and hard work that’s gone into it, and would like to hang it in their home. The collection of work in this exhibition is a variety of styles and subjects that my obsession with art has led me through in the last 30 plus years! Come and enjoy viewing them!”

This must-see exhibition Creative Obsession is running at Long Point Vineyard and Gallery from 4th June to 31st July.

Open Tues - Sun, 10am to 5pm.

greater port macquarie focus.

21

BOXING AUSTRALIA NSW PRESENTS

T HE BIG FIGH T AGAINST DOME ST IC VIOLE NCE 25TH JULY 2015

PORT MACQUARIE PANTHERS - DOORS 7PM RAISING FUNDS FOR THE HOPE SHOP

REECE BOWER

PHILLIP BLEMITH

FIGHTING FOR CENTRAL NSW TITLE

N S W A- D I V I S I O N CHAMPION

JESSICA MESSINA N S W S TAT E C H A M P I O N

BEAU FARRELL FIGHTING FOR CENTRAL NSW TITLE

O V E R 1 2 A M AT E U R B O X I N G M AT C H E S

+

LOCAL CELEBRITY MATCHES SAMMY DALTON

TODD RICHARDSON

S PA R TA S O L U T I O N S

LV ' S O N C L A R E N C E

MITCHELL LENKIC

JIMBO

E V E RY D AY H E A LT H A N D FITNESS

JIMBOS BARBERSHOP

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT PANTHERS RECEPTION TABLES OF 10 INCLUING DINNER AND DRINKS $800 GENER AL ENTRY $25 - UNDER 12 $ 15

BLACKBUTT ENGINEERING AND HYDRAULINK

ALL ENQUIRIES AND SP ONS ORSHIP INFORMAT ION - RING DE AN 0 4 47 66 4 38 8 22

greater port macquarie focus.

AN IMPRESSIVE ANTHOLOGY

BEYOND THE THREE BROTHERS

GARDEN VILLAGE

Cruise WEEK The team of Garden Village welcomed aboard all their residents for the week long cruise theme “Italy”, from 11 - 15 May. It was a mix of Italian fine dining in a Tuscan atmosphere, listening to Dean Martin and others singing That’s Amore or Bella Notte. Games of Bocce, cooking demos, scrumptious morning teas and Italian Folk Dancing set the scene for a terrific week of fun and frivolity. Each department of

Garden Village joined the cruise theme. Staff went out of their way to make the week as enjoyable as possible for the residents living in residential care and the retirement village. The Folk Dancers from U3A put on a spectacular exhibition of dance in the Community Centre, to bring the week to a magical close. Next cruise? Mystery destination. Watch this space!

21st Century Music presents

usic Mfor

FRANK URBAN, THE SECRETARY OF PORT WRITERS, HAS BEEN WORKING TIRELESSLY ON A NEW BOOK ABOUT THE HASTINGS AND CAMDEN HAVEN DISTRICTS ... AND WE ASKED HIM ABOUT HIS VISION. Frank, how did the anthology come about?

Our district has a rich history, including outstanding people, fascinating events and amazing experiences, which we will record in the 200+ page book we are producing with the support of the Kendall Op Shop. We are running a literary competition with $150 prizes for articles, anecdotes and poems, as well as illustrations. We have already received twenty contributions and expect at least fifty more, which will be assembled by authors Michelle Lopert of Kendall and Gill Goater and me from Port Macquarie.

HONDA

E ND O F FINANCIAL YE AR

SALE

Benefit concert 21st Century Music hosts “Music For Life” Benefit concert to help local mum afford treatment for Lyme Disease.

“Music For Life” is a new biyearly benefit concert created by Ian Castle, local performer and Principal of 21st Century Music, aiming to help locals in need.

The first concert, to be held on the 13th of June at The Players Theatre, is raising money for local Lyme Disease sufferer and mother of three, Lauren Parker. Lauren has had Lyme Disease for most of her adult life, although only diagnosed officially two years ago.

The Mid North Coast is a hot spot for the tick-borne disease, which is a complicated condition consisting of varying bacterial and parasitic co-infections that attack and control the brain, central nervous system, vital organs, blood and tissue, making the symptoms extensive, chronic and particularly aggressive.

Lyme Disease can be fatal if left untreated, yet despite increasing media coverage, remains a hidden epidemic in Australia without

government recognition. This makes treatment scarce and costly.

Music For Life aims to raise over $5,000 to help Lauren pay for much needed treatment and respite.

The concert, at 2pm and 7pm, promises to be thoroughly entertaining, featuring amazingly talented local students, professional vocalists and guest performers.

Donations from local businesses will provide prizes on the day/night, and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $15 each and available to purchase online: www.playerstheatre.org.au/bookonline Business donations welcome!

Contact: Ian Castle - info@21stcenturymusic.com.au Info on Lyme disease: www.lymedisease.org.au Donate to Lauren’s cause directly: mycause.com.au/page/86153/helpforlauren Photo courtesy of Fab Photos.

Who would you like to be a part of this book?

Anyone who has a good local story to tell or illustration to show, including those who can gather stories from elderly folk.

When do you think the book will be available?

Early 2016. There will be a large-print version, plus an economy version. The competition closes on 25 July, noncompetition entries 25 August 2015. For details, phone 6584 6693, 6559 4544 or check out the website: www.portwriters.com.au

ROCK MOTORCYCLES

Rock Motorcycles have been selling Honda Motorcycles for over 30 years on the Mid North Coast.

Come and check out the great range of AG, ATV, Motocross and road bikes as well, and get a great deal before the end of the financial year. Cash back offers end 30th June.

• ATVs with huge cash backs (limited stock) • CRF250L $5,790 ride away (after cash back) • TRX250TM $5,950 (after cash back) • XR150L $2,990 (after cash back) • CTX200 $4,590 (after cash back) • CRF250R $7,990 (after cash back) • CRF450R $8,990 (after cash back) You can depend on the Honda brand to deliver reliability, with service and parts backup. Chattel mortgage finance available

to ABN holders (terms and conditions apply).

Newly Announced Tax Incentives The Government will provide small businesses with an immediate deduction for all individual assets costing less than $20,000.

All small businesses will get an immediate tax deduction for every asset they buy costing less than $20,000. Currently, the threshold sits at $1,000. This $20,000 limit applies to each individual item. This temporary jump in the threshold will support small businesses to invest in new assets, which will help them grow and prosper into the future.

Come and see Rory and the experienced team at Rock Motorcycles before June 30th to get a great deal. greater port macquarie focus.

23

focusinterview.

Head of Construction Stewart Tonkin and GM Rob Von Hartitzsch.

Rob Von Hartitzsch

i Rob. Are you excited about your new role as General Manager at Sails Resort by Rydges?

Very excited - it’s such a unique opportunity to get in at ground zero of the refurbishment and see it through to the completion and beyond. Sails is an iconic resort that everyone within the area has fond memories of. Almost everyone I have met during my time here has been at the resort at some stage for a special event, attended a wedding or brought in the New Year watching the fireworks with family and friends.

Tell us about your previous experience in the industry.

Hospitality was something I fell into as a young guy out of school - I loved the fast past nature of the industry, where no two days are the same. I cut my teeth back in NZ in the lobby bar of Wellington’s only five star hotel at the time, the Wellington Parkroyal - though initially quite daunting, the three years I spent there got me seriously hooked on hospitality, and I still draw on the experience from those years today.

From NZ I crossed the ditch to Melbourne where I spent a couple of years at the Melbourne Centra and then out at the Airport Travelodge.

A company transfer back home to Wellington’s James Cook Hotel saw me enter the management side of food and beverage and by the time I had left the James Cook, I was lucky enough to have overseen a full restaurant refurbishment, the build of a new lobby bar and restaurant and also oversaw the opening of a Club Lounge within the hotel.

I then stepped out of hotels for a brief stint to assist with the running of a number of pubs in the Wellington region - but the pull of the hotel game was always there and when I got the call to join the Rydges Wellington opening team, I 24

greater port macquarie focus.

After a flying visit down to was hooked on I , rt Po - the the destination and ty au be physical e th d an el fe l co asta for l ia obvious potent the resort .”

“

jumped at the chance.

This role as Food & Beverage Manager saw me oversee the design and development of the Portlander Bar & Grill, which has now firmly become one Wellington’s finest Steakhouses. The key to our success there was a great concept, great food and fun and engaging team behind it all - something I hope to be able to foster at the resort.

After a hugely busy and exciting few years with the team at Portlander, I accepted a role in Australia as GM of Cairns Plaza, where I have spent the past two years.

Why did you decide to make the move to Port Macquarie with your family?

The opportunity arose to be part of something very special here at Sails Resort, and that opportunity was too great to turn down. After a flying visit down to Port, I was hooked on the destination - the physical beauty and coastal feel and the obvious potential for the resort. Being a Kiwi, the weather in Cairns had started to wear thin ...

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Family is a big part of my spare time - my wife, Lisa, and daughter, Summer, have joined me here in Port Macquarie and are making an easy transition to Port Macquarie life. Our son, Sam, is finishing senior boarding school back home and is keen to join us in holiday time to “quality assure” the new pool and facilities. I imagine that netball will continue to take up our Saturdays and a little golf will be squeezed in when I get the chance ...

The beautiful beaches of Port Macquarie will also be seeing a lot of us over the coming

months.

With some major renovations happening at the resort, what can we look forward to in the upcoming months?

We are almost at the end of phase one of the room renovations, which by the end of October will see the resort with 83 newly refurbished rooms. These rooms have literally been brought back to bare floor and walls and totally rebuilt with custom fittings and furniture design inspired by the coastal resort location.

One of the most exciting sections to commence is refurbishment and extension of the full pool area, with new decking, private cabanas, pool bar and covered entertainment spaces for corporate and social events. This will be the entertainment and relaxation heart of the redesign.

Plans are now signed off for our multi denominational waterfront garden chapel and function venue, due for completion in November this year with stunning landscaped gardens and decking perfect for weddings, christenings, gallery showings, birthday celebrations and live music and events. The entire resort will benefit from a full landscape overhaul, which will further enhance its marina-side location, with the entrance to the resort being a key feature in the architect’s design.

Early next year the Food and Beverage areas will undergo a serious shake up, with a 350 seat conference centre being constructed, a new exciting restaurant and bar concept to be launched ... all to be revealed in time!

We are working with a skilled construction team led by Engineer and Head of Construction Stewart Tonkin and an array of local tradesmen, including All-Systems Scaffolds, Amber Tiles,

Jason Arday Painting Services, BBQs Galore Port Macquarie, BuildTech, Bunnings, Carpet Contractors, Carricks Plumbing and Gasfitting, Canvas Momentz, Clarke Plastering, CNW Electrical Wholesalers, Coastal Fire Protection, DigiWiz, Design 1, DMB Kitchens, DRJ Consulting Engineer, Energy Air Service, Fitzy's Images, Hastings Blue Bins, Heritage Wholesale Blinds, King and Campbell, Mitre 10, Native Tree Care and Landscaping, North Coast Telephone Company, North Eastern Door Frames, Paul Budnick Tiling, Paveys Glass, PJO Electrical, Reece, Rovert Lighting and Electrical, and TLE Port Macquarie.

Local partnerships are key to moving forward for us, with all our old furniture and fittings being donated to local charitable organisation The Hope Shop, headed up by Roger Munro.

An iconic venue in Port Macquarie, what is your vision for Sails Resort?

Sails is truly is an iconic venue deserving of a beautiful redesign and delivery of service; this has always been at the heart of the vision for the property by the owners and architects - trying to bring to life an area that is stunning and a drawcard for the region.

Ideally, I would like to see Sails regain the confidence of the Hastings locals to come together to celebrate, to do business or simply escape for a weekend.

I feel that once the renovations are complete, Sails will be one of, if not the premier resort, on the East Coast. I certainly look forward to the journey and challenge of doing service to the resort and creating an exciting and inviting venue for both locals and visitors.

the plug!

Check out some of the newly renovated rooms under the Sticky Beak Deal, $129 per night (featured on page 39).

greater port macquarie focus. 25

C h ic k e n M a ry l a n d ‘ p o l lo d e s i d r a’ from mi casa café & restaurant

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

26 greater port macquarie focus.

Tuna sashimi, honey lime vinaigrette, watercress, sourdough crumbs

zebu bar+grill

Spinnakers Restaurant + Bar

Relax at Zebu this Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Kick back with family and friends and enjoy relaxed, contemporary dining, offering everything from plump local oysters to wood fired pizzas, succulent seafood and of course, our speciality char grilled steaks.

Serving coastal cuisine from sun up to well after sunset - Zebu is the perfect place to grab a bite, day or night, with free WiFi and warm fires making it easy for catch-ups for business or pleasure.

Head to Sails Resort on the marina for the best water view in town.

The resort restaurant is open to the public 7 days a week for breakfast and dinner with lunch on Saturday and Sundays - serving up sunshine and fresh sea air with every dish - the perfect spot for a June long weekend get together with family and friends. New menu coming soon!

DIARY DATES: Rockabilly Dinner Dance, Saturday 27 June 2015 Executive Chef Adam Tait.

Diary Date: Wednesday 1st July - James Squires Beer Degustation with special guest Tim Knight. Five courses matched with 5 beers. $75pp - tickets available at Rydges reception or phone (02) 6589 2888.

Head Chef Michael Schubert.

at 6:30pm. Complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival, two courses + live Rock ‘n’ Roll from Jordan Jive. $55pp.

Seafood Degustation Dinner, Saturday 19 July 2015 at 6:30pm. Five courses matched with 5 De Bortoli Wines. $89pp BOOK NOW!

Located inside Sails Resort Port Macquarie by Rydges.

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

Hay Street Foreshore, Port Macquarie 6589 2822 www.zebu.com.au

Breakfast and Dinner 7 days. Lunch Sat and Sun. Bookings recommended.

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

$12 lunches!

Milly Hill Lamb Rump with crushed peas, mushroom, dukka, whipped fetta & mint pesto.

quaylime restaurant+Bar Quaylime would like to welcome their new Sous Chef, Benn Grieves.

Introducing: $12 lunches all through winter.

Featuring fresh golden crumbed chicken schnitzel with chips and salad.

Chargrilled Byron Bay Angus sirloin with chips and roast gravy.

Grilled Barramundi with chips, salad and homemade tartare.

restaurant synergy Where food and service work in harmony.

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

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.

Executive Chef Nathaniel.

Head Chef Tim Grieves & Sous Chef Benn Grieves

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.

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

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Australian Seafood Tasting Board: BBQ chilli, garlic Qld King Prawn, Brighton Oysters “Natural”, Salt & Pepper Bass Strait Squid, Panko crumbed Red Spot Whiting

mi casa cafÉ & restaurant

Bistro SeaSalt Harrington

Enjoy the rustic atmosphere and Spanish vibe at Mi Casa Spanish Café, Restaurant and Tapas Bar. With great views overlooking the Town Green, the wide menu range boasts an array of tapas, seafood dishes and traditional Spanish favourites.

NEW WINTER MENU. Choose from hearty winter dishes including the Chicken Maryland “Pollo de Sidra” with a glass of the Penfolds Cellar Reserve Pinot Gris. Or, the flavoursome Trio of Chorizo with spicy baked beans and buffalo mozzarella (pictured above).

Premium selection wine menu is available, including the popular Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva 2005, Penfolds and Spanish favourites.

• Lunch and Tapas Wed - Sat from 11:30am - 2pm • Bookings preferred

The weather may have cooled down, but the warm, friendly service, divine food and spectacular location remains the same.

With our wonderful wines and beers plus new and exciting dishes, Bistro SeaSalt has you covered.

Owners Brendan & Jennis Field.

Planning a special occasion or event? Call us to make it a truly memorable one.

Now fully licensed and open for breakfast on weekends.

Owner & Chef Ben Hansen

Dine with us on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights for the chance to win a $50 Bistro SeaSalt voucher. One drawn every week.

21 Beach St, Harrington 6556 1700

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

6584 4559 Lunch / Tapas: Wed - Sat from 11:30am - 2pm. Dinner: Tues - Sun from 6pm.

Open Wednesday - Saturday for dinner from 6pm. Breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

off the hook

salty's bar and grill

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

At Salty’s we strive to create an authentic and memorable dining experience.

Using a variety of local sourced products and produce, we offer a broad range of modern Australian dishes, as well as some good old fashioned favorites, catering for all ages.

With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, Andrea, Sam and Carly are always on hand to help with any bookings or any other enquiries you may have.

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.

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green.

6584 1146 7 days, from 11am - late.

EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome.

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The friendly staff.

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841 Wednesday - Saturday, dinner from 6pm.

Wednesday - Sunday, lunch from 12pm.

Owner Andrea & Head Chef Sam.

focuseditorial.

louperri.

Drama - It’s everywhere

of MasterChef recently, the judges waxing ay-time soap operas, Home and Away, now playing at the “it’s all about the theatre”, expounding the Glasshouse, in the ferocity and focus of a chocolate orange mousse served power of Mother Nature, in in a glass, where a warm chocolate caramel the multitude of comments sauce is poured over a chocolate disc to under every newsworthy online post - not melt through to the mousse underneath in a to mention in our daily lives - between our cascading, gooey river of deliciousness. nearest and dearest, and overheard from our Contestants were terrified of elimination neighbours and colleagues. based solely on their inability to replicate Human beings thrive on a bit of this cascade of sauce, regardless of the drama - along with humour, it is final result in terms of taste and one of the few things that all the other elements of the set us apart from our dish being present in their friends in the animal attempts to create it.

Human beings kingdom. A taste t In today’s restaurant thrive on a bi of the theatrical ith w g on al kitchens, chefs a am of dr gives us the ability r, it is one of the ou everywhere are m hu to transcend the t us w things that se fe working on dishes that nd s in ordinary hum-

“

B ac o n Seafood

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Christmas pudding - setting it alight with a nip of brandy tends to give a fairly ordinary fruit pudding a bit more wow factor.

Catching a snippet of the current season

then it’s all just a science experiment or ego trip gone wrong.

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apar inspire this kind of awe. dom . ” drum of our daily the animal king Magic tricks, sleight of lives - regardless hand, ideas and themes of whether we are for dishes, irony and watching the drama of humour - the ideas that food others or experiencing our can inspire know only the limits of own - we get a little or large imagination. kick from it.

Truly the essence of being human Particularly in the realm of the dessert, it unleashes the full spectrum of our there are boundless opportunities for theatre, feelings - good, or bad, beautiful, or ugly. reminiscence and glee.

It offers us perspective on our own lives Re-interpretation of the humble Gaytime gives the gift of empathy and helps us to feel icecream, anyone? grateful for what we have. It inspires awe and Explosions, sauce cascades, the use of fire disgust in equal measures. And it ultimately and culinary trips down memory lane aside helps us to make a bit of sense of this crazy - there is no reason for food not to offer a thing called life and assist us in feeling a tiny sense drama and excitement. bit less alone, a smidgen more connected But just as you can too easily be distracted with the rest of humanity, who have felt the by style and find that there isn’t much same things and learnt the same lessons as substance in other areas of life - umm cities we have. with great views and no culture, and ahem Having said all this, drama of course, must - certain people that are a little too good exist in the world of food too. And if you looking, perhaps ... The same is resoundingly ponder on the history of dining, you will find true of whizz bang trickery of the kitchen it always has. kind. Because if too much precious time is The Greeks have always liked a bit of plate being spent on caramel sauce volcanoes and throwing, Japanese businessmen have been not enough time is being spent on the other known to eat their sushi off a naked woman, stuff that matters - like, say, actual taste and then of course there’s the humble

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plate throwing? greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

PEAK C O F F E E

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B u s i n e s s i s n o t y o u s e e f r o m t h e

a l w a y s w h a t f r o n t d o o r .

It’s a nice way to start the week when you get a call from the local business chamber to tell you your business has made it to The Hall of Fame for the successful wins over the last four years as a category winner and the People’s Choice award for 2014. We talk to Kristine Edwards from Peak Coffee about how they were introduced into the Hall of Fame.

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traightaway called Café Culture Peak Coffee I thought International, that takes e th of is one about us all over the world es ss ne si many bu ed lv vo why and advising as consultants in e ar e that w the of e how we got to be to emerging new on is d an in life, in this position and coffee and café fun parts of our ffee reflecting back, it markets. creating great co cal lo was not a simple My husband, Sean, products for the market.” path to our success. and I already this Peak Coffee is one of year have completed the many businesses that consultancy work for an we are involved in and is international water company one of the fun parts of our life, called Pentair, speaking at their creating great coffee products for the conference in Thailand. Then we were local market. Our coffee/café journey off to New Zealand to put into place a Route started years ago, when we started the to Market plan for Almond milk company, Udder Cow in Comboyne, which introduced us followed by a speaking engagement in to coffee and a lifelong love affair of the café Singapore at the Asian Specialty Coffee industry. We now run a very successful café/ Association. Then the highlight of this year was coffee marketing and consulting company to travel to Seattle to be part of Sasa Sestic’s

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“

winning team and support him to win the World Barista Championship against 49 other competing countries.

Not a slow start to the year. But our year is getting busier, with the major event we run, Café Biz, taking place in May, and this is where we get 7,000 visitors to Brisbane for a large industry gathering. We then will be going back to the USA to run our Golden Bean Coffee Roasters event in September, which is now the largest coffee roasting competition in the world.

There are not too many coffee projects in Australia we have not been involved in. Our magazine, Café Culture, goes out to 15,000 cafés, we have educated the market now for over 13 years, and the trade shows we have created are now hitting international audiences as we expand.

People often say, “How do you do all this?” And I reply, “It is because we are super

passionate about what we believe in, and we shoot for the stars in everything we do”. We are not happy unless we try our best in all our business pursuits. Our major success in our business life is in developing passionate staff and encouraging them with their individual drive they have towards their personal working goals. Small business is still a lot of hard work, and you are constantly judged by everyone from your customers, the public and community and even the truck driver who makes your deliveries.

It’s so hard to make any judgment of anyone in small business today, as there is a lot going on behind the scenes that you will never know unless you ask.

So I suppose that’s why we line up in the Hall of Fame - luck, I guess?

Come and say hi at Peak Coffee Roastery, Jambali Rd, Monday to Saturday, or Bookface Café Port Central, open seven days.

48th annual SeasiDe Classic The Seaside Classic is an exciting week of golf culminating in the 48th Annual “Seaside Event” by RBS Morgans.

Wednesday night specials only $14.50 for

There are thousands of dollars worth of prizes to be won, with Port Macquarie Golf Club boasting one of the best presented golf courses on the North Coast of NSW. Register online at www.portmacquariegolf.com.au or at reception.

cake selection can also satisfy your appetite.

New lunch menu at Aspire Restaurant.

Offering award winning lunch and dinner dining with a contemporary mix of casual meals and à la carte dinner menus.

members and $15.50 for non members.

If you are after something lighter, the café and For free courtesy bus and restaurant bookings, please call 6582 0409.

Come and join us for BINGO every Monday from 10:30am and every Thursday from 6:30pm, Wednesday raffles from 5:30pm with FREE Trivia and Members Badge Draw, and Friday night raffles and Members Badge Draw.

Great Golf, Great Food, Great Fun!

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focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

JUDY STANDRING D E PA R T M E N T S T O R E S A R E R A R E I N C O U N T R Y T O W N S . D J S A N D M Y E R H AV E T R I E D O P E R AT I N G I N T H E R E G I O N S , A N D G E N E R A L LY FA I L E D . Y E T A N ENDURING HASTINGS ENTERPRISE HAS J U S T E X PA N D E D I N P O R T M AC Q UA R I E .

SUSI E LU NCH E S W ITH ITS M A NAGE R AND CHIEF BUYER.

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ere she is, impeccable in a little black dress, immaculately groomed, with tasteful jewellery. As I enter the Peachtree Arcade Port Macquarie “branch” of The Department Store - Wauchope’s main street icon of more than two decades - Judy Standring’s artfully draping a scarf around a mannequin’s neck, to perfect effect. She turns to greet my hello, thinking I’m a customer: hands clasped neatly at waist level and with a welcoming smile. She’s no Mrs Slocombe (of the satirical TV series “Are You Being Served?”), more a charming Harry Gordon Selfridge (of the eponymous current series based on London’s famous department store). But Standring fills multiple roles: she’s not only manager of the 12-member Wauchope store team including two staff at the newlyexpanded Port Macquarie outlet, but also its merchandiser and main buyer. A dream job, flying six times a year to Sydney and Melbourne to choose dresses, coats, accessories, shoes and so on, with a biiig budget? Just imagine: “I’ll have this, one of those, six of those, and a dozen of these! In every colour, thanks!” Ditto with kitchen and home wares: picture yourself surrounded by a treasure chest of the latest pans, coffee machines, china, silverware, laboursaving gadgets, and a big dresser to store them in - a cook’s delight.

In fact, it emerges as we lunch at The Mullet on lobster tail and toothfish, Standring is a keen cook and entertainer; it’s her main recreational pastime. (She also correctly picks the provenance of the NZ Sauvignon Blanc we’re drinking). Of course her job’s not all such fun

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Sometimes she sees furniture items and furnishing ured at fe en she’s chos k: ‘I oc Bl e Th ’s on TV right e think: I’m on th er om st track!’ One cu tter be ’s It d: te commen s.” than David Jo ne

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and games but a serious undertaking requiring she select items that suit trends, climate and customers’ needs, marketable at acceptable prices and, naturally, that support the bottom line.

Margins must be met, stock controlled. “Everyone says ‘Have fun!’ [when she leaves on buying trips]. But it’s hard work, a big responsibility, because I’m entrusted to buy for the store and we’ve got to sell the product after all.

You haven’t got a crystal ball! But it’s very satisfying when it all comes together; it’s very fortunate to be in a job you love.” She, with a colleague, naturally buys months in advance of stock appearing on the shelves: in midsummer, for instance, for mid-winter fashion.

She enjoys the creativity, setting the style of the store, although she pays tribute to “a good team”, scattering their names and role descriptions into our chat. Shoppers’ comments are flattering, remarking on friendly service and: “Better than David Jones!” said one. Planning for the festive season starts in February; Christmas is big on the store’s calendar: last year one Wauchope window alone featured an opulent Great Gatsby theme, all black and gold pizzazz. Sometimes she sees furniture and soft furnishing items she’s chosen featured on TV’s The Block: “I think: I’m on the right track! But everybody’s different; I can’t just fill the store with everything I like; I have to cater for a wide variety of tastes and homes: contemporary homes, country homes. I have hundreds of

designer magazines ... and recipe books too.”

The eldest of seven born and bred in Tamworth, she and husband Laurie, a butcher at Woolies Lakewood, followed her parents - caterers at LUSC here 35 years ago. Now the wider family’s entrenched; there’s her Mum, two sisters, brother-in-law, daughter Kim and son Ben, and six grandkids living in Port, Bonny Hills, North Haven and Lake Cathie: “I’m really lucky they’re all around.” With a background in pharmacy merchandising, Standring joined the store as a merchandiser and window dresser 20 years ago, then was lured back to pharmacy for nine years. Invited back to the store again, she ultimately became manager five years ago. The store’s staff, in 11 sections, are among hundreds employed

by Hastings Coop in 12 enterprises including two IGAs in Wauchope, IGA Gordon Street, fuel outlets, farm and hardware supplies and liquor, run from High Street corporate HQ. Standring’s poised to make The Department Store the face of the Coop’s looming centenary.

Now in its 99th year, it enters its 100th year of trading in December, triggering 12 months of celebrations.

Her deft touch and artful displays are notable in both stores. “I can’t draw a cat!” she protests, yet clearly has a sharp eye for colour and remarkable talent for attractive arrays. Guiding me around the Peachtree

extension into kitchenware, she’s excited to point out the store’s exclusive quality lines: Scanpan, Le Creuset, French porcelain and so on. The original Port outlet opened over two years ago, the impetus: “We felt there was a need. Some people here on holidays don’t know Wauchope exists; our job’s to educate them that this is just a small taste of what’s available at Wauchope. And a lot of people working full time [in the CBD] don’t make the trip to Wauchope. A lot do ... but we’ve captured that other section of the market who don’t go across to Wauchope. They come in regularly so I rotate stock from Wauchope to give them different choices. Someone might have been to Wauchope, couldn’t quite decide on the dress, then they want it. We bring it in for them.” When, recently, the Port outlet expanded to fit in more kitchen and homewares merchandise, offering greater variety, Strandring was delighted. “It’d be nice to take over the whole arcade,” she laughs, only half-joking I think. She’s busy preparing for this month’s big bi-annual shareholder shopping day: discounts, special merchandise, cooking demos, brand reps in-store “and because we’re a local company we’ve tastings of local products like Ricardoes’ and The Other Chef”. Her busy life leaves little spare time but she likes it like that. She does admit to sometimes waking at 2am thinking of work.

Right now, though, she’s thinking of getting home later this evening ... she’s promised to cook Laurie’s favourite, Italian meatballs, for dinner tonight.

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

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THE NEWS DIRECT FROM LAS VEGAS, THE RAT PACK ARE HEADING TO AUSTRALIA WITH A TRIBUTE SHOW FULL OF HITS AND LAUGHS. DIRECT FROM LAS VEGAS AND FOLLOWING A SOLD OUT TOUR OF THE US AND THE UK, "THE RAT PACK" WILL BE MAKING THEIR WAY TO AUSTRALIA IN JUNE 2015.

F

rank" (David deCosta), "Dean" David deCosta encapsulates the enigmatic (Johnny Edwards) and "SamFrank Sinatra. As the all-American iconic my" (Nicholas Brooks) are back performer, Frank Sinatra, David brings to life in town and will some of the biggest songs ever recorded be lighting and forever linked to the memory up stages of Frankie - including My Way, across the country New York New York, Come as they bring back Fly With Me and so many e th g in er iv D el the grand old more. timeless song s and days of those Nicholas Brooks is ve lo l al e w at th nny classic crooner the suave Sammy Davis sharing some fu is is , th hits that we all Jr. Fondly remembered stories and gags ould sh at th ow know and love. for his humour and one sh Johnny Edimpressions, Sammy Davis not be missed.” wards brings the Jr was first and foremost a magic and charm dancer and performer and of Dean Martin back had a long and envious career to the stage. With that in clubs and theatres in Vegas chiselled smile, charming ways and New York. Expect to hear some of and funny lines, Dean Martin is Sammy’s big hits including Mr Candy Man, remembered as the King of Cool and That Old Black Magic and Mr Bojangles.

America’s favourite leading man of Together they come together on stage as the '50s.

The Rat Pack. Delivering the timeless songs Expect to hear some of his great songs, that we all love and sharing some funny stoincluding Volare, Everybody Loves Somebody ries and gags, this is one show that should and That’s Amore. not be missed.

Don’t miss The Rat Pack, as they tour across Australia.

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34 greater port macquarie focus.

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

Below. The opening of Latin Loafer.

Below. L-R Elvis (Johnny Collins) and die hard Elvis fan Mayor Peter Besseling @ Beyond the Stars.

Below. Tahlia Hall, Matt Tacred, Roslyn Hall and birthday boy Greg Hall at Zebu.

Photo Credit: Joshua Lance Photography

Right. Brenda and José Fernandez at her 50th birthday.

Above. Newlyweds Anna-Lisa & Alistair Hutten.

S O I R E C E N T LY C H E C K E D I N T O H E AV E N, O R “ K E V I N ” , A S M Y R E S I D E N T F O U R Y E A R O L D M O R E C O M M O N LY R E F E R S T O I T. W E V E N T U R E D U P T H E M O U N TA I N F O R T H R E E G L O R I O U S DAY S O F C H I L L A X AT I O N I N C O M B OY N E .

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his now annual extended family pilgrimage welcomes in the winter season, involving stunning mountain and ocean views, warm fires and those comfy sink-into lounge chairs, a few bottles of McLaren Vale Shiraz, stinky cheese and seriously ridiculous amounts of homemade culinary goodness ... seeeeeriously ridiculous people. I’m talking traditional Indian curries with yummy sambals, roast pork with crackling, fresh baked chocolate brownies and plenty of chocolate and bubbly, of course ... don’t even get me started on Mum’s killer cheesecake. We all had to declare excess baggage on the way down ... fat tax indeed!

Treadmill, come hither!

It seems food and good times are set to roll on, with new restaurants and bars popping up all over Port Mac. The Latin Loafer recently swung open its doors, with an inviting retro vibe, live tunes and tapas experienced by many at its recent opening night celebrations. Owners Simon Leigh and Nicholas Diaz were chuffed with the turnout and with the crowd's response to the largely South American styled food and wine. The Loafer’s decor is an eclectic and colourful mix of old and new, including some gorgeous chesterfield lounges at the heart of the venue - looking forward to spending a night or two there this winter.

The gorgeous Brenda Fernandez celebrated her 50th birthday in swinging '60s style with a retro themed party at Rydges. Guests enjoyed cheese and antipasto platters and were the first to indulge in the new canapé list from Exec Chef Adam Tait. Hubby Jose Fernandez, Donna and Greg Charlwood, Karen and Brandon Caulder, Brenda Thompson, Rebecca and Peter Casey, Jane Howland and Sarah Behman all got their beehive and inner flower child on and danced the night away to the Bounty Hunters. Happy birthday, Brenda, who is now travelling through Europe! Enjoy!

Greg Hall of Better Homes was left shaken and not stirred when his lovely wife, Roslyn, and daughter Tahlia organised a surprise James Bond celebration for his 50th birthday in Zebu Room. Forty guests enjoyed canapés, pizzas and a delicious Bond inspired birthday cake from the talented Jacqui Bates. Special guests included Greg’s dad Col Hall, brothers Darren and wife Kelly Hall, Jamie Hall, Matt Tancred and Joan and Bob Field. The cricket boys got in on the action, including Nic James, Craig Grant and Paul Byrne, with Kevin Gridley travelling from Melbourne for the celebrations. The extended Hall clan also made the pilgrimage from Sydney - Rhonda and Sarah Reilly, Jane and Rocca, Curtis and Luiza Haine, Malcolm and Ramona Callaway enjoying all the casino antics, complete with gaming

tables and Dr Evil. Happy birthday, Greg!

A super congrats to gorgeous lovebirds Anna-Lisa and Alistair Hutten, who said I do recently in a beautiful ceremony at Obadiah, with a reception to follow for 120 guests.

Guests included parents of the groom, Kate and Sebastian Hutten, Al's brother Kurt, parents of the bride Kim and Phil Smith, and Anna- Lisa’s siblings, Nicholas, Joshua, Thomas and Courtney.

The pair first met though her brother, Johsua, one of Alistair’s closest school friends, who likes to think he played a crucial part of the match - reconnecting the pair after a seven year absence. Despite fancying himself as a bachelor, Alistair stopped kidding himself a month into their meeting and decided that Anna - Lisa was actually the one. After 10 months of dating followed by a romantic picnic, where a loaded Kinder Surprise was the dessert, in which a gorgeous engagement ring was found ( the answer was yes!) they are now both happily hitched - with Al confirming they have survived all four weeks of marriage thus far! Congrats, and wishing you all the very best for the future!

The King made an appearance in Port Macquarie on 23 May as the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise orchestrated a fantastic event at Rydges Port Macquarie in support of a new Observatory and Science centre in Rotary Park. Billed as a musical extravaganza, it certainly

delivered, as 180 guests were entertained, in three fabulous cabaret shows, by John Elvis Presley and the very talented Di Solomon and their band. The dance floor was heaving before the supper show finished, and it was full to overflowing for the rest of the evening, even spilling out to the rest of the venue. Elvis was definitely in the building! Strawny kept the event moving, whilst Mayor Peter Besseling, a self confessed Elvis groupie, was having the time of his life. Guests included Barry Searle, Jenny Sinclair, Peter and Sonia Grob, Mark Wilson and Jody Carty, John Joyce, Neville Ramm, Cheryl Robinson, to name but a few. President of the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association, Kevin Gallaher, Malcolm McNeil (architect), and George Mills presented a 3D history and future for the project - an exciting time for Port Macquarie and stargazers of the future! Congrats to all involved for a first class event and for raising some serious funds for this wonderful project.

From the King to the Queen - bring on the long weekend. Happy birthday, Lizzy! Hoping to continue the delicious theme of indulgence with plenty of catchups with friends, some lazy lunches around town, maybe some live tunes and an another good dollop of rancho relaxo! 'til next month, Kate.

greater port macquarie focus.

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YES YUM CHINESE RESTAURANT 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.

Winter Has arrived The winter month has arrived, with casseroles and soups coming into their own. So why don’t you purchase a lovely fresh soup pack and combine it with some local broccoli and create a beaut winter soup!

In the fruit section, the taste of Navel Oranges just becomes sweeter. The Imperial Mandarins also will be much tastier.

Josephine Pears have arrived on the scene and are very nice.

There are still plenty of good, crisp apples available. Pink Ladies and Galas are the pick.

Here is a recipe for you to try: Broccoli and Potato Soup In a large saucepan, sautĂŠ 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 diced potatoes, 1 diced onion for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 225 g broccoli florets, 125 g crumbled blue cheese, 1 litre vegetable stock. Simmer for 25 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Blend in food processor until smooth. Add 150 ml cream, pinch of paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Reheat and serve garnished with blanched broccoli florets and a sprinkle of paprika. Enjoy!

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.

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.

Lunch Specials are offered Wed - Sun from 11:30am 2:30pm. From only $10, you can choose from a large array of delicacies, including mongolian beef, honey prawns, or noodle dishes such as duck meat with rice noodles in samba sauce. Try something different for lunch with Yes Yum Lunch Specials, that are great value for money.

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 1st June! Lunch - spend $100 or more to receive a $20 restaurant voucher. Dinner - spend $100 or more to receive a $10 restaurant voucher.

Come in and have a browse. There is always good value in our weekly specials. Something for everyone!

Takeaway and delivery available. Takeaway Packs from $50.

Visit www.yesyumfood.com for the menu.

See you next month. Ken.

Seniors Discount 5%: dine-in, dinner only.

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ample the Ultimate luxury leather seat! It is a defining feature of our Ultimate tours: an innovation in small group touring with a maximum of only 20 travellers.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

B

e taken on a journey of Hobbiton Movie Set, from its beginnings where Director Sir Peter Jackson spotted the Alexander Farm through to the construction of the first set in 1999 for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the rebuild to a permanent attraction for The Hobbit feature films. An inspiring story!

EXCLUSIVE EXPO OFFER BOOK ON THE DAY & $AVE

Best Western Macquarie Barracks 103 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie Monday 6 July 2015 from 9am FREE SHOW BAG + LIGHT REFRESHMENTS $5 ENTRY BOOK NOW! STRICTLY LIMITED SEATS RSVP ESSENTIAL ONLINE www.grandpacifictours.com or 1800 622 768

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Soloists in their own right, “The Australian Tenors” combine in a dynamic display of true Australian talent. In the great tenor tradition, they bring romance and excitement along with warmth and humour to their performances.

“The Australian Tenors’” versatility spans all genres of the classical tenor repertoire. In this spectacular performance, audiences are thrilled by classical arias such as La Donna e Mobile, Nessun Dorma, The Pearl Fishers, traditional Neapolitan songs, O Sole Mio and Funiculi Funicular, popular tenor tunes from the golden age of song such as Granada and The Donkey Serenade and beautiful duets including Some Enchanted Evening, (South Pacific), The Prayer, (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli song), "Time to Say Goodbye" (Con te Partirò) made famous

by (Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman), Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life) from the Barcelona Olympic Games, All I Ask Of You from the worldwide smash hit Phantom Of The Opera.

An absolute stunning programme that encapsulates the spirit, the beauty and vocal demand of truly authentic tenor voices.

A performance from “The Australian Tenors” is never complete without the ever popular Waltzing Matilda, Australia My Country (Dorothea Mackellar poem), I am Australian, among other favourites.

“The Australian Tenors” are: Mr Stuart Neilson Kemp, Mr Murray Mayday, Mr David Hamilton, Mr Gavin Lockley, and Mr Thomas Douglas Strong.

The Tenors have performed extensively with Opera Australia, English National Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera de Monte Carlo and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Australian and International Symphonies and Philharmonic Orchestras.

focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

Tou ris m

janette hyde.

Ironman was a wonderful success again. Over 1,500 competitors took part, and their glowing praise for the event and its organisation was appreciated.

T

hank you to all the fantastic volunteers who gave their time to this event. The support of the volunteers has been one of the reasons this event continues to

grow.

Hope you did not miss Slice of Haven; it was a great event and showcased the delights of the Camden Haven. The African Children’s Choir featured as part of the diverse range of entertainment on offer, and they were fantastic. The diverse range of food was also a feature of this annual event.

The Big Band Blast is back and is happening this weekend. Get involved in the fun programme. Details at bigbandblast.com.au This month the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association at its quarterly Network Meeting were fortunate to have Kevin Gallagher and George Mills talk to us about the wonderful vision for the planned upgrade of the Observatory in Rotary Park. The creation of a new Science Education Centre and Observatory is exciting.

The upgraded Astronomical facility, with the addition of the Science Centre, will act as an institution of learning for our children, tourist attraction and civic partner, and will make a positive contribution financially and educationally to the local wider community.

The funding for this upgrade will come from far and wide, and the Association is very keen to support all the planned local fundraising events. Will keep you informed.

Looking for something to do? Then why not visit one of these attractions, which were featured at the last Tourism Network Meeting.

Mark Ennor from Bellrowan Horse riding told us about this adventure facility, which is just a short 30 minute drive from Port Macquarie and 15 minutes from Wauchope.

The horse riding is suitable for young and old.

Alistair Owen from Black Duck Brewery shared the delights of the many varieties

of beer for tasting, accompanied by some fantastic food options. Port Macquarie also has another Boutique Brewery in Port Macquarie Little Brewing Company.

Tony Smith from Port’s newest tourist attraction talked about the Putt Putt Golf Course that he has just built at Lindfield Park.

Golf is always a favourite, and Port is lucky to have two of these facilities, the other being Hydro Golf at Hibbard.

Another great place to visit is North Brother Mountain. To the people of the Camden Haven Valley, North Brother Mountain is much more than a mountain; it is a big part of what makes the Camden Haven Valley such a special place. The view is extra special and for those who are keen, there are great walking tracks.

If you have not visited Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, now is the time to start. Over 50 largescale koala sculptures dot the landscape from the mountains to the sea, creating the Hello Koalas Public Art Sculpture Trail in Greater Port Macquarie.

Also, don’t forget whale watching season is about to start!

ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR JUNE Farm Gate Tour 2015 is on 6 June to the 8 June 2015. Over three days you will have the opportunity to walk through the gates of ten farms.

Phone (02) 6586 4465 for a booking. e. hastingslandcare@midcoast.com.au The Symphony of Australia comes to the Cassegrain Winery in Port Macquarie on Sunday 7 June 2015, with gates opening from 2pm. Main performance 5pm. Phone (02) 6582 8324 to book for this event. www.cassegrainwines.com.au The 2015 NSW Motocross Junior State Titles will be held starting on Saturday 6 and 7 June 2015. All the action of Motocross returns to Port Macquarie-Hastings this year! www.motorcycling.com.au greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

PhiL GReEd CERAMICS AT THE GLASSHOUSE

PHIL GREED IS A COFFS HARBOUR BASED ARTIST WHOSE LOVE OF THE COASTLINE, TACTILE SKILL WITH CLAY AND WILLINGNESS TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF KILN FIRING AND GLAZING HAVE LED TO THE CREATION OF SOME STUNNING CERAMICS. YOU CAN SEE PHIL’S WORK AT THE GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY FROM MAY 15 TO JULY 5 …

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i Phil. I last spoke to you around a year ago, when you had some of your artwork appearing in the Northern Exposure exhibition at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery. What’s been happening since then - are you still based in Coffs Harbour and working for TAFE? Yes, I am still working at TAFE as Head Teacher of Information Technology and Creative Industries in the Coffs Valley. I work with an interesting and inspiring group of teachers and support staff, delivering a diverse range of Certificate through to Advanced Diploma level courses. We have managed to adapt to changes in the VET sector and have engaged students whose lives are often transformed through learning. It can be a dynamic environment and rewarding to be a part of.

I continue to have time in my own workshop, and last October exhibited at NERAM in Armidale with my good friend Ray Rixon, whose paintings display beautifully with my ceramics.

I have also participated in a couple of group exhibitions at 1st Avenue Gallery in Sawtell.

I was thrilled to be invited to exhibit at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie this year. It’s a spectacular space. I have enjoyed the process of mounting an exhibition, and working with Niomi, Bridget and the installation team at the Glasshouse.

You’re well known for experimenting with different types of kiln firing, including salt, raku and gas. Tell us about a few of your favourite techniques and how they cause the end ceramic product to differ ...

I have always been fascinated by the alchemy of glaze and the firing process; the possibilities seem endless. The current show at the Glass-

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house has work that is multi fired in order to work is textured and highlighted, providing an achieve the results I am searching for. I work interplay of light and shadow that lightly fill the with a few glazes “passed on” by teachers I had space. when I studied Ceramic Design in Melbourne How long (on average) would it take you many years ago. They are fired at different to create each individual piece of art, and temperatures and produce a rainbow of colour, what processes are involved in their credepending on the application and combinations ation? used. I am constantly testing the same glazes Simple to say, that the work is labour intenbut looking for subtle differences and variations sive. The current work is handbuilt with surface to highlight the textured surface. texture using techniques I have developed over Why have you focused on ceramics for your the years. Making, then multiple glazing and art practice? What most inspires you about firing, are a process that takes time. I might this medium? make a work in a day, “clean and finish” it the In the beginning, it felt like clay next day, before drying for the first found me. Clay has been a firing. Then out of the kiln for constant passion for over 35 glazing then firing again ... years now, and my ceramic and again, if necessary! d ye jo art practice is inspired by Firing a kiln could take I have en s es oc my environment. I love eight hours, then a day the pr an g in the natural purity and to cool. nt of mou d an n, tio tactility of clay. I get Who are some other bi exhi iomi, N ith w ng ki or lost in the fluidity of the artists whose work w Bridget and the material, whether I am you admire - and at installation team wheelforming or handwhat do you most ” e. us ho ss la G the building, together with respect about their the magic and fascination talent? of glazing and firing.

I was fortunate to have What final form does most some wonderful teachers who inof your work take? Are you able spired a love of clay that has sustained to create wall hangings, as well as free me for over 35 years. Bryan Trueman, Joe standing, sculptural pieces, for examZsirer, Paul Davis, Cole Sopov were all wonderple? ful craftsmen. I also admire and have been influArchitecturally, the mezzanine space at the enced by the work of Gwyn Hanssen-Pigott and Glasshouse is interesting and full of possibilPeter Travis. My collaboration with Ray Rixon ity for exhibiting two and three dimensional has taught me a lot about a painterly approach works. It was a factor that I considered for the to the decorative surface and the subtlety and body of work I produced for the exhibition. possibilities of application.

Describe your current exhibition at the Large and small “Pandanus” forms, “hanging” Glasshouse ... how many pieces will you pods, “framed” slabs, “floating” spheres and be showcasing, and what are some of your “wallpanels” are all part of the installation. The

“

favourites (and why)?

There are 32 works in the exhibition; some are single freestanding works, and others have multiple pieces. As a beachside dweller near Coffs Harbour, I am constantly captivated by the ever-changing shoreline where land meets sea and the fragile balance, natural beauty and ecological significance of the coastal edge throughout the Mid North Coast. In particular, the Pandanus Palm and the coastal fringe, on land and in the ocean, have inspired an array of textured shapes, handformed wall panels and vessel forms.

The work explores and celebrates the textures, forms, colours and rhythms influenced by the convergence of the elemental energies of Earth, Water, Fire and Wind. Whether marine or land based, the ceramic forms are similarly linked by the rhythmic cycles of activity.

The works on the walls are new concepts that seem to float in space and create interesting shadows. I was also pleased with one of the smallest forms in the show. The colour is luminous and the surface looks volcanic. It’s a “potter’s pot” and is displayed in the middle of the floor space.

What’s next on the agenda for you - any big plans for future works/exhibitions?

The ideas continue to flow, and I am looking forward to exhibiting at 1st Avenue Gallery in January 2016.

Where can readers see more examples of your work?

Sometimes I post images on Facebook … but there is nothing like seeing the actual work at the Glasshouse.

Thanks Phil.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

See Phil’s work at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery from May 15 to July 5.

Planning to decorate The family home, in most cases, is the largest purchase most of us will encounter in our lives … and of course we want to be proud of it and present it at its best.

To some, decorating is an absolute joy, as they apply their personal touch to every corner of each room … To others, it can be an absolute conundrum.

In an effort to assist, OPEN HOUSE is conducting a series of Design Workshops on a seasonal basis; presentation will be by Lisa Christie of Visual Edge Interior Design.

Styles and colours change frequently, and sometimes just a small reshuffle and the introduction of one or two items can give a fresh, new look.

Focus of the workshop will be “Most Common Decorating and Colour Mistakes Solved”. The first workshop will be on Saturday 27th June from 11:30 to approximately 2pm. A light lunch and refreshments will be served by “COFFEE CUP” café. Please book early, as the workshop will be comprised of a maximum of 25 people. Cost is $20 per head, which will be refunded off any purchase made on the day. Book on 6584 2555 or at info@ openhouseportmacquarie.com See you there …

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focusinterview.

JAMIE WILLIAMS

GM PORT MACQUARIE PANTHERS JAMIE WILLIAMS AND HIS FAMILY HAVE MADE PORT MACQUARIE THEIR NEW HOME. WITH JAMIE TAKING ON THE POSITION OF GM AT PORT MACQUARIE PANTHERS, FOCUS FINDS OUT ABOUT HIS NEW ROLE AND LIFE ON THE EAST COAST ...

H

i Jamie, and welcome to Port Macquarie. Where did you grow up, and what were your interests as a child?

I was born in Maryborough, Qld, which meant I grew up on the beautiful Fraser Coast. I have many great childhood memories living in a large neighbourhood of children, making many long, lasting friendships along the way. I grew up in the days where kids would play outside from morning to dark and the amount of fun had was only limited by your imagination. My alltime favourite childhood interest was catching Mud Crabs with my mum and dad; it was my weekend highlight to see how many crawled into our crab pots overnight. Mud Crab still remains a top favourite of mine, with fresh oysters being a close second!

Was becoming the GM of Port Macquarie Panthers a career change for you, or have you worked within this industry previously?

I started my career 15 years ago at a great little Club in Queensland, called The Maryborough and Wide Bay Club. The Maryborough and Wide Bay Club was my first taste of true club style hospitality, where I learnt

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the community. Knowing all that, together that there was more to the industry than just with being the home of the Port Macquarie serving food and drink. It was about listening R.S.L Club, gives me a great sense of pride by and understanding the needs and wants of association. All these factors combined and the Members and creating memorable hearing that Port Macquarie is a safe, future experiences. Over the family friendly town gave me past 10 years I have been reassurance to relocate my a part of the Northern family interstate.

Territory Casino Industry, These days I Having moved your holding positions enjoy taking whole family from within the Executive y the family on da Darwin, how are you Management Team at ess trips to the endl s all settling into your both Lasseters Casino site supply of local new life here on the in Alice Springs and and attractions East Coast?

SKYCITY Casino in rt surrounding Po My beautiful wife and Darwin. The Casinos Macquarie .” three children all love their in the Northern Territory new home town here in Port are considered to be big Macquarie. Although honestly, clubs, as they too play an it took the children a good month integral role in supporting the to realise we were not still on holidays, local community. as they would often tell me, “This is the best Tell us about the journey leading up holiday yet, Dad!” We are currently living at to you becoming a valued part of our Lighthouse Beach and truly enjoy being a part community. of the community and meeting all the friendly I very much enjoy being a part of an industry locals. My children all attend the Tacking Point that sells fun and entertainment, as I consider Primary School, where we have found the myself to be a people person and get such joy teachers and facilities to be absolutely brilliant. in seeing others happy. The Port Macquarie Can you tell us about some of the exciting Panthers Club is clearly a leader in the industry plans in the pipeline moving forward for and one that contributes significantly back to

“

Port Macquarie Panthers?

Yes, the team and I are constantly looking at ways how we can keep the club fresh through always introducing new food and beverage offerings and promotions. Most exciting for us over the coming months is the future prospects of proposed club renovations. There will be soon a sneak peek of artist sketch impressions displayed in the club’s foyer. I will be very keen to hear our Members’ thoughts and feedback!

How do you like to spend your time when you're not in the office?

These days I enjoy taking the family on day trips to the endless supply of local sites and attractions surrounding Port Macquarie. We also spend a lot of time at the beach, sometimes hours together hunting for unusual sea creatures in pools of water and under rocks.

What have been some highlights for you since your move here?

That’s an easy one! Without a doubt being a part of the recent ANZAC Day march and being able to wear my grandfather’s World War II metals. It was such a pride-filled, emotional day for me, as I didn’t get the privilege of meeting my grandfather, yet often I’m told we are so much alike.

Thanks Jamie.

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FORTY WINKS. PHONE. 6583 9277

HARVEY NORMAN. PHONE. 6580 0000 OPEN HOUSE. PHONE. 6584 2555

Open House 6584 2555 OPEN HOUSE. HOUSE PHONE. 6584 2555

OPEN HOUSE. PHONE. 6584 2555

COLONIAL COBBLER. PHONE. 6583 3525

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN. PHONE. 6586 0900

focus.

44 greater port macquarie focus

COLONIAL COBBLER Everyday comfort is the ultimate luxury with Ziera shoes. Statement looks for Winter ‘15 feature animal prints, a hint of sheen, or a mix of luxurious textures.

At Colonial Cobbler there are many winter Ziera styles to choose from, including the STANFORD ankle boot in black patent leather, GLORIA mary-jane in red or black, FOLLOW loafer in patent navy and the SAVVY lace-up ankle boot in black.

Five Ways You’ll Feel the ZIERA difference: A focus on fit. Crafted on unique lasts, Ziera shoes are shaped to fit and support your feet, with ample wriggle room for toes.

Anatomical Contouring. Ziera inlays are contoured to cup your heel and offer arch support, promoting a natural stride, good posture and helping protect your feet, legs

and back.

Premium Materials. Soft natural leather lets your feet breathe and moulds to fit. We put our leather through stringent stress tests to select only the best.

Orthotic Friendly. Most Ziera styles have a removable inlay that is carefully contoured for comfort and support. You can enjoy them just as they are, or swap them for your custom orthotic.

Cushioned Underfoot. Multiple layers of cushioning help prevent “step shock”, absorbing impact so your body doesn’t have to. Poron® performance cushioning retains 100% bounce back qualities for the life of the shoe - it never goes flat.

Check out the Ziera Winter range at Colonial Cobbler today - where comfort never goes out of style!

I N V I T A T I O N

WINTER WEDDING

Showcase

27 JUNE 2015 FROM 10.00am – 1.30pm Come along and experience a waterfront wedding set up and meet with Amanda our wedding coordinator to discuss options for your special day.

Industry professionals will be on hand to assist with all your wedding needs to include cake designers , photographers, hair dressers , make up artists, Bridal couture and more. Enjoy canapés and sparkling wine, hair and make up demonstrations, photo booth, DJ and live acoustic music.

WIN

All attendees have the chance to win a Hens High Tea or a Bucks party for 10 guests.

SHOES OF PREY

Any wedding taking place before 30 June 2016 valued at over $5000 is eligible to receive and design their own Wedding heels designed by YOU from “Shoes of Prey” up to the value of $1000*

VEUVE CLICQUOT

All weddings booked will also receive a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot French Champagne upon deposit.

1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie.

Contact: Amanda Perrin-Sumner: 02 6589 2816 Email: amanda_perrin-sumner@rydges.com Web: www.rydges.com

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HEALTH

By Bob Newton Beginners Tai Chi

Jo-Anne Forrester and Shannon Francis

TAI CHI

WELL KNOWN IN THE LOCAL BEAUTY INDUSTRY ARE JO-ANNE FORRESTER AND SHANNON FRANCIS, WHO HAVE JUST OPENED MIRROR MIRROR AND ARE OFFERING AN EXPANDED RANGE OF HAIR AND BEAUTY SERVICES.

H

THE ORIGINS OF TAI CHI ARE CLOUDED AT BEST. SO MANY THEORIES HAVE BEEN PROMULGATED OVER THE YEARS, IT SEEMS THE TRUE ORIGINS OF THE ART ARE, AT THE VERY LEAST, CONFUSING. THE MOST POPULAR BELIEF IS THAT TAI CHI HAD ITS BEGINNINGS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 300 AND 500 YEARS AGO.

U

p until 100 years ago, Tai Chi was practised mainly in the countryside of China. In that time, Tai Chi underwent major changes, with movements tending to be more relaxed, smooth and graceful, like floating clouds and flowing streams. As a result, Tai Chi became popular with the young and old alike and has spread rapidly throughout the Western world in recent years.

Tai Chi is an exercise system and for many years has been widely used in Chinese hospitals and sanatoriums for patients recovering from illnesses and

treatments for chronic diseases. Here in Port Macquarie, Tai Chi is offered mainly to people looking for a series of exercises to promote good health and relaxation.

It is widely regarded as a moving form of meditation. With practice, it will assist in the exercise of ligaments and bones, regulate blood circulation, and facilitate deep breathing; it refreshes the whole body and stimulates wellbeing.

Classes in simplified Tai Chi as well as advanced techniques are available in Port Macquarie. For details, contact Bob Newton on 6583 3886.

ow did you both get into the beauty industry?

Jo: I always had gift for hair styling; it was a natural progression. I was trained under a French European Champion in Mosman. Doing hair for the rich and famous and given opportunities to go on set and style for TV and magazine shoots, I fell in love with the industry. Twenty-two years later I still love what I do and how I can create a style or colour to make my clients feel great.

Shannon: I was offered a job doing nails when I was noticed for my artistic ability and my eye for detail. Within 10 months, I won my first competion at the International Nail Olympics in Las Vegas. As a result of my title, I became an educator for major companies, which enabled me to train with the top Nail Technicians in the world and share my love for teaching and creating beautiful nails.

Tell us a bit about Mirror Mirror; how did it all come about?

Mirror Mirror really just fell into our lap. Shannon recently completed a cosmetic tattooing course, which as said by the number one cosmetic tattooist in Australia, Val Glover-Hovan, she excelled at.

As a result of this, she needed space to operate. Jo had

also been in the same premises for a long time and welcomed the change of a new, bright, beautiful salon. The two of us have worked closely together for years often doing nails and hair styling at the same time, to save our clients valuable time. The time was right for a fresh and new beautiful location.

The new premises looks fantastic; what was your inspiration?

The inspiration behind Mirror Mirror is our professional belief that every client wants to be the fairest of them all.

We wanted a salon that not only looked beautiful, but made our clients feel beautiful from the moment they walked in, to the eye for detail for the little extra services that make their visit to us an experience, not a service.

What services do you now offer?

• Cosmetic Tattooing • Individual Colour Specialist • Acrylic Nail Enhancements • Personal Hairstyling • Superior Hair Extensions • Professional Spray Tanning Contact Jo-Anne Forrester 0412848045 Shannon Francis 0407836483 1/5 Murray Street Port Macquarie 2444 Salon Phone 65841121 Face book- Mirror Mirror Personal Styling

By Sundial Dental

IMMEDIATEDENTALIMPLANTS With dental implants now being the most popular and the most sucessful way of replacing lost teeth, the technology and the skill of the dentist has evolved to allow for immediate tooth replacement with use of dental implants. Dr Elfar answers some FAQs about immediate implant placement.

My dentist has informed me I need to have a front tooth extracted. I hate the thought of wearing a denture; what are my other options? The best way to replace a missing tooth is by dental implants. Implants have a 99% success rate and implant placement preserves bone and gum in the area, so it will look like a natural tooth.

Q. What is a provisional crown? Traditionally

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a crown could not be placed on an implant until the bone around the implant was fully integrated; this usually takes about 6 months. But now with careful planning and skill, a provisional crown can be placed.

A provisional crown will look like a natural tooth, but will initially be made so that it does not contact the opposing teeth. This is to ensure ideal integration of the implant in the bone. If you imagine a star picket in a bucket of setting cement, if you are moving the picket around, the cement will not set and the picket will continue to move.

Q. What is involved with the planning? A 3D X-ray is taken to assess the amount of bone.

Then the implant is planned using the software to the desired position. This data is collaborated with a CEREC scan of the patient’s mouth, so a crown can be designed and milled inhouse. Once this planning has been completed, a surgical guide is constructed which will allow for key hole placement of the implant to within 500 um.

Q. What can I expect from the procedure?

The procedure takes about 1-2 hours. With the use of the surgical guide, it is a mimimally invasive procedure with a short healing time. During the procedure the tooth will be extracted, the titanium implant placed through the surgical guide and if initial stability is achieved, the provisional crown placed.

cruise for the

l u o d s o o G

Dr. Bobby Kumar COSMETIC SURGEON Breast Surgery Q&A: Can Breast Implants look natural?

ENDOTA SPA PORT MACQUARIE Spring Skin and Summer Glows are created during winter at endota spa.

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PORT CENTRAL

Absolutely! – the majority of women seeking Breast Augmentation want naturally full and shapely breasts in proportion with their body.

Dr. Bobby Kumar achieves a natural look with careful selection of breast implant type, size, shape and volume, together with the placement of the breast implant, all dependent on an individual’s

During June we’re inviting you to book in for any advanced facial to prepare your skin for the warmer months. Winter is the best time to reboot your skin regime and look at new solutions for your skin needs.

anatomical characteristics and personal goals.

Our advanced facial include all our customised endota’s own ceuticals hydro-microdermabrasion, HydroPeptide® treatment ranges.

surgery can encompass one or a combination of:

We have two offers to introduce you to your best skin ever regardless of age or skin condition, all our advanced facials will be offered as three 75 minutes treatments for less than the price of two 75 treatments.

Call to book in your free skin analysis with our down to earth spa endota therapists on 02 6584 7888 or visit us in spa at the most stunning day spa location in Port Macquarie, Town Beach on the Ground level of The Observatory Hotel.

“I’ve had 2 kids and breastfed both – now my breasts feel empty and saggy…what can I do?”

Many women who seek breast surgery are in this position. Breast • Breast Augmentation: use of breast implants to enhance and/or restore breast size, shape and volume • Breast Lift surgery: restore shape and position of breasts • Breast Reduction: to address size, shape and position of breasts Dr. Bobby Kumar, Surgical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, performs: Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction Tummy Tuck Surgery Facial Surgery

DURING JUNE MENTION THIS EDITORIAL FOR 20% OFF GIFT VOUCHERS

Dr. Bobby Kumar performs all surgery in fully accredited private

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER FOR UPDATES AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

For an appointment with Dr. Bobby Kumar, call Wendy on

hospitals under general anaesthetic with a Specialist Anaesthetist.

1300 676 003 or 0430 491 009. Email bobby@bareaesthetics.com.au

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Photo courtesy of Steve Young Photography

LIFEBLOOD When 18 month-old Emelia Cook needed brain surgery, the generosity of anonymous blood donors saved her tiny life. Emelia’s mother, Naomi, shared what it means to receive the gift of blood.

critical blood donations are. I was raised in a household where blood donation was encouraged; however, you don’t often get to witness firsthand what an impact those donations can have.

Tell us how Emelia ended up needing a lifesaving blood transfusion.

In 2013, Emelia was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour. She had significant blood loss during surgery and, due to her age and being quite small, this was potentially life threatening.

I still have my beautiful daughter and get to witness her grow up, healthy and happy. I don’t think I could ever express how grateful I am for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and those who do donate blood.

Without the transfusions, Emelia would most likely not have survived. I attribute her survival to both the skill of the medical team and to the blood donors who provided those lifesaving transfusions.

How do you view blood donation now?

I think it has made us more aware of how

What would you say to anyone thinking about giving blood?

Give it a go. It takes little time, the staff are wonderful, and your donation can save lives.

To save lives like Emelia’s this winter, give blood at Port Macquarie Donor Centre at 14/6 Clarence St. Book now on 13 14 95 or at donateblood.com.au

SAVE LIVES THIS WINTER IN PORT MACQUARIE During flu season, many regular donors are unable to give blood.

Help boost blood stocks this winter and give blood in Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie Blood Donor Centre 14/6 Clarence Street

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au 48

greater port macquarie focus.

Expert Comprehensive Care of Skin Cancers

P

rimary skin cancers The initial step in the treatment of skin cancer is to confirm the diagnosis. Quite often, this is a clinical decision made after examining the affected area with magnification.

Sometimes, a biopsy is done, where a small selection of the cancer is sent to a Pathologist for examination under a microscope. Appropriate treatment is then planned and this may be with Carbon Dioxide Laser for superficial skin cancers, or excision with a knife for deeper cancers. Reconstruction of the treated area, to leave it looking as near normal as possible and to preserve function, is often necessary and is usually carried out at the same time as removal of the cancer.

Residual or recurrent skin cancers The treatment of residual skin cancers, where initial treatment was inadequate and where there is persistence of cancer, and recurrent cancers where the cancer recurs after previous treatment, is more difficult. In a significant percentage of patients, surgery is done in a staged fashion, where excision is done to confirm adequacy of cancer removal and followed up, after 24 or 48 hours, by reconstruction with skin grafts or flaps (skin and fat) and sometimes with additional material such as cartilage from the ear

or the nose.

Frozen Section Examination of cancer tissue, where the cancer removed is handed over to a Pathologist for examination while the patient is still on the operating table, is used where there is difficulty in outlining the extent of the cancer, and often in cancers involving the eyelids, to preserve as much tissue as possible for satisfactory reconstruction.

The need for comprehensive care in skin cancer treatment There is a lot more to skin cancer treatment then cancer removal: Accurate diagnosis, adequate removal, appropriate reconstruction and proper and long term follow up care is needed. Preservation of function and appearance takes a while to be established due to the way tissue heal and mould and hence scar management is an important part of the treatment.

There may also be instances where more treatment may be required, in the form of surgery or sometimes, with Radiotherapy or occasionally with Chemotherapy.

Expert Care and Management, including reconstruction to maintain function and aesthetics is available at the Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery Centre.

Please seek a second opinion at The Centre if you are being sent out of town for treatment.

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focusinterview.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH PAIN… Find your HOPE in the HEALING JOURNEY of Krystyna’s patients.

There is NOT any limitation to the body’s ability to heal … None other than the belief that you hold.

KRYSTYNA S O M AT H E R A P Y FIND YOUR FREEDOM FROM PAIN BY UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAIN PATTERNS ...

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very day thousands of Australians wake to debilitating chronic pain - month after month, year after year. Chronic pain affects lives. Anybody who has ever had to live with pain knows how insidious and soul destroying it can be.

There is hope in overcoming debilitating pain, with a new therapy utilising FSM (Frequency Specific Microcurrent) frequencies; these frequencies reduce inflammation, treat nerve, joint and muscle pain and dissolve or soften scar tissue. The frequencies used to reduce inflammation have helped thousands of patients. Patients who are treated within a few hours of new injuries such as a car accident, surgery and sporting injuries have reduced pain and greatly accelerated the healing process due to the effects of the FSM frequencies.

The following people are patients of Krystyna who wished to share their story of recovery through Somatherapy.

Valerie Wheeler, Sydney/Port Macquarie: In October 2014, I was introduced to Krystyna by my sister Carol, and had intensive therapy in Sydney throughout that month. I presented with chronic neurological weakness, stiffness and pain in knees, legs and lower back caused by a car accident in 1970. When I returned home, I was delighted with the increase in mobility and decrease in weakness and pain in my back, hips and legs.

More recently, I came to Port Macquarie to see Krystyna for some follow up treatment. On Monday, just prior to beginning treatment, I caught my foot on an uneven pavement and fell heavily on my already damaged knee, resulting in severe bruising, swelling and excruciating pain, that prevented even putting my foot to the floor. Luckily, an emergency X-ray showed no fractures. The treatment I have received from Krystyna for this acute trauma has been a revelation to me.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy have been used to treat injured tissues and now on Monday, just 7 days since I fell, the severe bruising is fading, the swelling is resolving 50

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and after needing a wheelchair Day 1, using lucky to be alive and said to buy a tattslotto crutches Day 2, a walking stick Day 3, I have ticket and that I would be probably off work now been walking freely and unassisted ever for at least a month. He prescribed rest, cold since. compresses to the swollen areas, put my left I cannot speak highly enough of Krystyna’s arm in a sling and told me to see him in a week. treatment and its impact on my health and He gave me a prescription for strong pain killers wellbeing and look forward to continuing to and said if my hand or forearm continued to work with her to maintain optimum health. swell or the pain increased, I was to go to Sandra Hipworth, Port Macquarie hospital, as there may be internal bleeding and I have suffered Migraine headaches for the the arm might need draining. I rang Krystyna last 3 years which were getting worse and that night to seek her thoughts, as I have a more frequent, depriving me of sleep, lot of confidence in her and she said to come energy and generally always feeling and see her in the morning and she would unwell and tired. work on me, as it was important I have tried all the to begin treatment straight traditional medicine away to promote the healing options, acupuncture, process. ’T N O D U massage, chiropractor, O I had a 3.5 hour Y HAVE TO LIVE physiotherapy, doctors, treatment in the morning nd your and in the end had and another that night.

WITH PAIN… Fi LING EA H e HOPE in th to resort to pain After the first treatment, JOURNEYS of killers, which gave the acute pain was gone nts…”

Krystyna’s patie only temporary relief and the swelling to my and which I do not like left forearm had reduced taking anyway. considerably. I did not take After the very first visit any of the pain killers and with Krystyna and treatment slept well that night. The next from her, I had a full night sleep day I could open and close my fingers without any headaches. on my left hand, which I could not do after After 4 weeks of treatment, I have only had the accident; the swelling that was very hard one minor headache and am sleeping well; I and obvious had softened and the pain was feel far more energetic and feel so much better reduced. Krystyna could touch and move my generally. hand - that was imposible after the accident. I All was going well until recently, when I had had another treatment that afternoon. an accident after I had parked my car on an On the third day I was well enough to incline on wet grass. I alighted from the car, actually drive my car and operate the gears forgetting to apply the handbrake, and slipped with my left arm; up until then my husband on the grass, falling on my back. The car started had been driving me into town for treatment. rolling backwards on me, and I became wedged The swelling was gone, there was no pain and under the open front door and the ground. only a yellow tinge to the skin and no obvious I put my left arm up to protect my face and bruising. chest, and the car’s motion kept turning me I am amazed how quickly I responded to the over and jammed my arm and body under the treatment, as I was really sore and in a lot of door and finally stopped. I was taken to the pain after the accident and thought it would doctor by a work colleague and was X-rayed; be a long time putting up with pain and lack there were no broken bones, but my left of mobility, taking pain killers to get through. forearm had been crushed and was suffering I thoroughly recommend this treatment shock, extensive bruising, agonising pain and provided by Krystyna and have a lot of faith severe swelling.The doctor said I was very in the process, given the improvement with

“

my headache problem initially and the rapid recovery from injuries received in my recent accident with the car.

I have provided Krystyna with my mobile phone number so that at her discretion she can pass it on to other patients considering her treatment, so I can further endorse the treatment and the genuine approach Krystyna has to helping others in pain. I have found Krystyna a most genuine and compassionate person of high integrity committed to the wellbeing of her patients.

I saw my GP today…26 May 2015 He was astonished with my full recovery: accident happened on 19 of May and I’m back to work on 27 of May! My initial medical prognosis was at least one month off work.

Tim Maxwell, Sydney: I made an appointment to see Krystyna after dropping a 120 kg stone slab on my foot, fracturing my big toe and joint in 4 places.

The bruising and swelling were comprehensive and very painful. I was treated the following morning. After 3 consultations over 4 days, the bruising was dramatically reduced, as was the pain and swelling. I was able to move around without crutches after 3 days, and after 7 days, whilst tender, I had resumed normal activity.

Considering my initial medical prognosis was crutches for 4 - 5 weeks and normal movement after 6 weeks, my recovery with Krystyna’s treatment was very fast, and the method itself was painless.

Shirley Holmes, Sydney: I’m finding it very difficult to put into words how grateful I am to you for treating my aches and pains, particularly the dreadful arm and shoulder pain. I wasn’t able to lift my right arm and it was almost impossible to get dressed without help. I arrived to you for your treatment, and the result was unbelievable. I have full mobility in arm and shoulder and no pain. I used a walker for many years, now no more! No more pain in my legs, and my posture has changed. My friends are commenting on my straight upper back and walking with ease.

It should be mentioned that I am 86 years old.

FURTHER EXPERIENCES AND RESULTS ON ENQUIRY.

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DCUP DJ

W E S P OK E W I T H AUST R A L I A N M US IC PRODUC E R , DJ A N D R E M I X E R , D C U P ( DU NC A N M AC L E N NA N ) A B OU T H I S M UC H A N T IC I PAT E D S HOW, R IG H T H E R E I N P ORT M ACQUA R I E .

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fter pumping out hits that have been blasted on club dance floors around the globe, for one night only DCUP rolls into the Beach House.

The man behind the music, Duncan MacLennan, catches up with FOCUS in the lead up to his Port Macquarie show…

When and how did you first discover your talent, and how did it become a career path for you?

I’d been told at school I had “an ear” for music. I never took it seriously then, despite being in the high school band and a few garage bands. At 20 I dropped out of uni after just one semester and decided to give electronic music a go. It took five years until I’d made a living out of it. And I’ve not looked back since.

What’s the process for laying down a track incorporating classic samples and turning it into a contemporary masterpiece?

The Yolanda Be Cool guys and I approach 52

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a track by starting with the sample Even a show about world class chefs and content. We search far and wide, looking how they create their dishes I watched for something with character. There’s the other night was inspiring. much debate, and we always try and When playing a set, do you like walk the line between sentimental and to mix things up when it comes to obscurity. Once decided, we work deciding what tracks you’re going on the sound, getting to play, or are you more the right aesthetic structured? for modern radio/ I mix things up. My style I’d been told club without going is musically flamboyant I had an ear too “banging”, and I organise my music r for music. I neve y then usually loop in that way. The more sl took it seriou e I’v round and start responsive the crowd, the then ... and arranging the further off in a direction I’ll not looked back since.” song, imagining take them. we’re hearing it for Describe the vibe we can the first time, making expect at the Port Macquarie sure every second is gig this month? engaging.

Exceptionally good vibes!

Biggest highlight of your Favourite track at the moment? career so far and why?

Because of my varied style, I give you Winning an Aria award. four: Where do you draw inspiration from? Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup - Soul Makossa All kinds of music - different forms of art.

(Money)

“

Dusty Springfield - Spooky (Quinten 909 Extended Remix) Alex Newell, Blonde - All Cried Out (feat.

Alex Newell) (NVOY Remix) Papa Marllin - Your Number Most outrageous thing to happen at a gig?

No one made out (*didn’t actually happen).

Where can our readers listen and follow your latest work?

Facebook: www.fb.com/dcupsounds Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/dcup Twitter: www.twitter.com/dcupmusic Thanks Duncan.

the plug!

Saturday 13 June 2015 (opening 8pm) at The Beach House Town Green, Port Macquarie **18+** www.oztix.com.au

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JUNE 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Esteem issues need to be recognised and disolved. Look at your reflection and smile; it’s that easy! The more you like yourself, the easier it will be to receive the best. It is time for you now.

Calcite brings out our spontaneity and confidence.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 A new friend or special love is likely to touch your heart soon. Enjoy the vast differences between you. Much laughter can be expected, as you learn to look at things differently together. Amazonite is wonderful for personal truth.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Celebrations are coming, so don’t give up your dream. You have needed to recognise your own strength and independence, so you can succeed. Don’t allow the frustration of feeling suspended to spoil your passion or focus. Ruby worn daily energises the aura with passion and persistence.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

Justice will prevail! Any unfinished business should be taken care of A.S.A.P. Recognise your fears, and shatter them with laughter.

Pay attention to your words; they can get you into or out of trouble. Rose Quartz is a powerful “loving” crystal.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Relationships will be a major influence on your thoughts for some time. Avoid expectations, as they only lead you to disapointment. Instead, look at the uniquness of your partner and stay happy for knowing them. Sugilite helps to build emotional bridges, in a loving way.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Love yourself enough to make the best choices in life. Your time is precious; spend it wisely to avoid feeling pulled in all directions at once. Be sure to prioritise fun in your schedule. Phenacite helps us recognise our own divinity.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Patience is the virtue Leos are learning about. Avoid self-destructive thoughts and remain positive, as this will connect you with your outcome. Changes begin with thoughts; set some fresh goals.

Aventurine is good for personal growth.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Time is approaching for you to have an uncomplicated emotional existance. There is likely to be a huge change in your thought processes, as you are changing quickly. Avoid being intolerant of people as they haven’t changed; you have. Lapis Lazuli amplifies our self-knowledge.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You are wise old souls. Listen to the wisdom of your own words, as you have all your answers. You avoid self confidence in making choice, only because change is a challenge. Feel your truth.

Ruby feeds our life force.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 You are about to tumble into the “unknown”, but it will be the best thing for your growth. You will learn a lot in a very short time, and you will be loving the experience. Be adventurous and enjoy.

Tourmaline strengthens inner peace.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

Play with your ability to manifest. You only need to think about what you want and fill yourself with the excitement of having it and think “thanks”, then forget about it.

Clear quartz amplifies our “magical” abilities.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Set some fresh goals quickly if you haven’t recently, as you are about to have some good luck. Positve energy is likely to affect your thoughts over the next few weeks, so capitalise on this. Rhodochrosite keeps our inner child active with joy.

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healthprofessionals

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healthprofessionals

PORT MACQUARIE PHYSIO & PILATES Port Macquarie Physio & Pilates has been established in its central Murray Street location for four years now and recently expanded to include a practice at the Lake Innes Shopping Village. Another new feature of our practice is offering Pilates on Saturday mornings at Murray Street.

The owners, Kathy Lawrence and Catherine McLean, are thrilled with the addition of Lake Innes and with the area expanding, it will only grow with the years to come.

“Physiotherapy is such a wonderful profession,” says Catherine. “It involves helping people in pain for all types of conditions, from acute to chronic. We treat neck, back, knees and shoulders, arthritic pain, post surgical, rehab, children, women’s health and more. We have a lovely team of physios and staff with their

own specialty areas. The existing team of Kathy Lawrence, Catherine McLean, Steve Ryan, Carly Groves and Natasha Hamblin have recently been joined by Sue Campbell, a very experienced physiotherapist, bringing her wealth of skill and knowledge to our Lake Innes practice. We are so excited to have her join us.”

Port Macquarie Physio & Pilates utilises the Clinical Pilates approach in the patients’ rehab which can be used for both acute injuries as treatment and exercise for injury management.

“All our patients go home with an exercise programme,” says Kathy Lawrence. “But utilising clinical pilates we can monitor the injury progress until 100% and then feel satisfied we have done our job thoroughly and the patient is less likely to re-injure.”

PORT MACQUARIE X-RAY Port Macquarie X-Ray was established in 2012 to develop a new and exciting independently owned and managed comprehensive Radiology practice based locally in the Port Macquarie area.

We have two premises. Our purpose built practice at 65 Lord St, Port Macquarie, and our newly opened rooms at 38 Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie.

At Lord St we offer comprehensive services including 3T MRI (with Medicare rebate), Digital OPG, Digital X-Ray, DEXA, Ultrasound, CT and Interventional Procedures.

We also provide digital X-ray services for your convenience at 38 Clifton Drive.

Our two radiologists, Dr. Bob Marshall and Dr. Kim Nolan, both live locally and are part of the Port Macquarie community.

We have appointments available every day, and bulk billing is available for many Medicare eligible examinations.

Our state of the art 3T MR is the only one in the region, and a large number of GP ordered MRI examinations are now eligible for a Medicare rebate. We have four Ultrasound rooms, with appointments available for most tests on the day.

DEXA Bone Densitometry appointments are also available most days.

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AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING EYE CARE RETAILERS, OPSM HAS MOVED INTO THE MID NORTH COAST COMMUNITY, TRANSFORMING FROM BAKER PAYNE WEBB OPTOMETRISTS TO FIVE OPSM STORES, OFFERING LOCAL RESIDENTS A GREAT RANGE OF AFFORDABLE EYEWEAR AND HIGH-QUALITY EYE CARE. WE SPEAK WITH FRANCHISEE PARTNER ANDREW SIMPSON ABOUT HIS DESIRE TO PROVIDE THE MID NORTH COAST COMMUNITY WITH WORLD CLASS SERVICE, PROFESSIONALISM AND LEADING EDGE TECHNOLOGY.

H

i Andrew. As the new franchisee partner of Mid North Coast OPSM stores, what is now on offer for local residents?

The stores will stock a variety of optical wear and sunglasses to suit most budgets, with popular brands including Ray-Ban, Vogue and Oakley. OPSM will also offer residents exclusive technology to help monitor eye health. The 5 stores may have a new look and feel however; most familiar faces of the Baker Payne Webb team remain for the Kempsey, Laurieton, Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Taree locations.

Why was it important to introduce a new look and feel, whilst maintaining the same experienced teams in each location?

By introducing the new look and feel along with the substantial investment in eye care technology, we wanted to send a message to the residents on the Mid North Coast that

Andrew Simpson FRANCHISEE PARTNER, OPSM MID NORTH COAST

their eye care is our highest priority. I also want to let everyone know that the passionate team from Baker Payne Webb are still here and, as an OPSM store, we can now offer locals even better value with the best technology and a wide range of optical glasses and sunglasses. We look forward to welcoming our loyal Baker Payne Webb customers to our new OPSM stores so we can continue to look after the Mid North Coast community sight for life.

How will the expansion of OPSM benefit regional communities?

We are passionate about eyecare, our customers trust us with their eyes because our stores are dedicated to providing worldclass service and technology, eye health advice, the very best eyewear solutions. A lot of people in our community are diligent with their eye health and eye care which is encouraging. However, it’s important for everyone to have their eyes tested regularly, not just those that require vision correction.

WE LOOK DEEPER

Regular eye tests are important to Scan. In a single scan we have a greater check health and general chance of detecting abnormalities, wellbeing, eye tests can which could indicate an eye detect conditions like condition affecting a glaucoma, plus person’s vision. indicators for The Optos Daytona ve ha ay You m r ou broader health at Ultra Wide scanners th ed tic no , but nt re ffe issues like diabetes. are exclusive to di s ok lo store munity m co e th t Bringing OPSM and allow an w we are still valuable Optometrists to see to know that we r their te af ok here to lo technology in eye a 200-degree view of eye health .” care to the region, the back of the eye in describe some a single scan in less than of the advanced five minutes, compared facilities and services with only 45 degrees using provided at OPSM stores. standard digital retinal scanning We take the care of our local machines. The images are stored residents’ eyes very seriously. OPSM securely for future comparisons and offers eye tests using the exclusive enable better management of patients’ Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Digital Retinal eye health. The Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Scanners. Residents will be able to get a Digital Retinal scanner is exclusively available scan of the back of their eye, which is four at OPSM. times wider than a regular Digital Retinal Thanks Andrew.

“

Visit OPSM Port Macquarie, Settlement City Port Macquarie, 64 Clarence Street Wauchope, 18 High Street (Ultra Wide Digital Retinal Scan available in October 2015)

Laurieton, 8/16 Laurie Street Kempsey, Belgrave Street Taree, City Centre

Our ultra-wide digital retinal scan* is four times wider than the standard scan.

*Standard scan refers to a 45 degree retinal scan using fundus photography.

The Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Digital Retinal Scanner is exclusive to OPSM. Ask if the scan is suitable for you. Fees apply.

opsm.com.au OPSM9276 0515 75x225 port macquarie focus.

56 greater

OPSM9276 0515 290692 DRS LSM Press 75x225 Create Focus.indd 17

21/05/15 8:56 AM

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SUFFERING HEADACHES? Poor posture, stress and our busy lifestyles seem to directly result in headache and migraine.

Headache is viewed as one of the most common ailments, affecting five million sufferers nationally.

There is strong evidence to suggest acupuncture is ideally suited for treatment of headaches. One such study concluded that: “Acupuncture leads to persisting, clinically relevant benefits for patients with chronic headache, particularly migraine”.

Similar research trials concluded that participants with acupuncture treatment experienced: 22 fewer days annually with headaches, used 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to their doctor and took 15% fewer days off sick per year.

Acupuncture can achieve this by naturally encouraging production of endorphins and opioids (natural painkillers) that are targeted by strategic needle placement. More importantly, however, we balance the head and neck meridians to ensure further reduction of headaches and their severity. Research has also discovered significant differences in physical functioning, energy, and change in health. This is the wonderful side effect of acupuncture treatment - holistic mental and physical wellbeing.

Get rid of those headaches that hold you back by booking a course of treatment today! For more information on how acupuncture can help you, check out the website: www.christophernesbitt.com.au

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JK HEALTHCARE JK Healthcare is owned by local Jodie Kennett, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE). Working in the industry for over 20 years, she now has over 11,500 clients! It includes Jessica (APD), Anne (Diabetes Educator) and Louise (Reception). We provide clear and realistic education regarding your dietary needs. Advice also includes heart disease, cancer, bowel disorders, food allergies, and weight management. A CDE can tailor advice for conditions such as Diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Insulin Resistance, as well as offering advice regarding glucose monitors. We also regularly conduct clinics at the Lake Cathie, as well as home visits. Why not drop in and check out our range of books? For a FREE newsletter, subscribe by emailing admin@jkhealthcare.com.au.

Look for JK Healthcare on Facebook to get recipes!

What is New for 2015?

Anne and Jodie will be conducting clinics for Insulin Pump Therapy to manage Type 1 Diabetes, or for those with Type 2 Diabetes having multiple insulin injections each day. It is the only private Pump Service between Newcastle and Coffs Harbour! We can facilitate the purchase of the pump, pump upgrades and provide education regarding its use.

For more information, please contact the office on 6583 7717.

CAPELLO HAIR DESIGN Geniene Melbourne of Capello Hair Design offers eight years’ experience at a diploma level. She is a multi award winner in bridal up styles, high fashion colours and high fashion cuts. Specialising in chemical and keratine straightening, Geniene also provides expert knowledge in colour correction.

About the salon: Capello Hair Design offers many beauty services, from facial waxing and tinting to ear piercing, and they have recliner basin chairs. Full internet access for all Capello clients is an added bonus, with unlimited download whilst receiving services. Also, tablets are provided for clients use.

ALL products and colours are naturally botanical plant based and contain NO paraben or sulphates.

Capello Hair Design can accommodate clients’ needs with extended opening hours and can travel to hotels and homes locally for wedding bookings.

Follow on Facebook ... Capello Hair Design for promotions, competitions and latest styles.

Call into the all new salon at Shop 2 / 123 William Street, Port Macquarie or phone 6583 6574 to make a booking.

healthprofessionals

QUALOT HAND THERAPY Port’s hand, wrist and elbow trauma and rehabilitation centre.

We often get asked what exactly it is that we do, and simply, we treat anything that goes wrong from the elbow to the fingertips! Here are a few examples of situations where people come and see us.

I have pins and needles in my fingers and hand; what do I do? Come and see us! We will assess and advise you on the best management approach for your condition.

I still can’t put any pressure through my wrist after a fall.

Can anything be done? Yes! We offer a comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation service to help with those niggling injuries that just won’t go away.

Can anything be done to minimise the pain from arthritis in my hands and fingers? Definitely! From simple “tricks of the trade”, to specialised orthotic fabrication.

My child is in Year 11 and is having pain with handwriting and difficulty finishing examinations.

Can you help? Yes! We assess both the bio mechanical components required for handwriting, as well as the style of handwriting being used. We develop individualised home programmes with measurable quick results!

We all need our hands! Whether it be through sporting injuries, trauma, overuse or arthritis (to name a few), we will work together with you to get you back doing the things that are important to you!

BODILINE PILATES Does your body need…

• Stronger core muscles and overall balance?

• Better posture and flexibilty?

• Muscles that are long, lean, feel relaxed and not tight?

• Relief from pain in knees, hips and back?

• Less tension in your neck and shoulders?

• A personalised experience teaching you about your body?

We offer everything for every ‘body’.

Private and small group (studio classes) using a range of Pilates equipment for rehabilitation and specialised programmes.

Group equipment classes: Reformer and Wunda Chair Classes, Mat Classes, Xtend Barre, Fletcher traditional Pilates, running classes, and our newest class Latin Pilates Fusion- a fun mix of dance and pilates for all levels.

We also offer Remedial Massage, Exercise Physiology and Certified Training Courses.

Pilates is for everyone.

From teenagers to older adults. Runners, dancers, golfers, equestrians, tennis players, cyclists, swimmers, surfers, office workers,pregnancy and post natal mothers, rehabilitation or injury presentation, for medical conditions, MS, osteoporosis, scoliosis, for illness physical or mental.

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® ®

EYECARE PLUS Adrian Cornale, Eyecare Plus Optometrist, has been working in the Hastings region for over 25 years.

PATHOLOGY PATHOLOGY UPDATE UPDATE

Early Macquarie Early in in 2015, 2015, Laverty Laverty Pathology Pathology Port Port Macquarie Early in 2015, Pathology Portteam, Macquarie welcomed theLaverty latest addition to our welcomed the latest addition addition to to our our team. team, Dr Niroshana Wijayaratne MBBS MD Dip Path FRCPA. Dr Niroshana Niroshana Wijayaratne MD Path FRCPA. Dr Wijayaratne MBBS MBBS MD DipDip Path FRCPA.

Dr is based at Laverty’s PMQ Base Hospital Dr Niroshana Niroshana is based at Laverty’s PMQ BaseLaboratory Hospital Dr Niroshana is based at Laverty’s PMQ Base Hospital Laboratory and works closely with Dr Michele Fulton from Laverty’s Laboratory and works closely with Dr Michele Fulton from and worksLaboratory closely with Dr Grange Michelefacility, Fulton adjacent from Laverty’s Histology at the to the Laverty’s Histology Laboratory at the Grange facility, adjacent Histology Laboratory at the Grange facility, adjacent to PMQ Private Hospital. Dr Niroshana completed her trainingthe in to the PMQPathology Private Hospital.

Dr Niroshana completed her PMQ Private Hospital.

Dr Niroshana her training in Anatomical in Australia atcompleted Monash Medical Centre, training in Anatomical Pathology in Australia at Monash Anatomical Pathology in Australia at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Healthscope Pathology, Sydney Healthscope Pathology, Medical Centre, Melbourne, Healthscope Pathology, Sydney and QML Pathology,Melbourne, Gold Coast.

She was admitted toSydney Fellowship of the Royal and QML QML Pathology, Gold Coast. She She was admitted admitted to to Fellowship Fellowship of of the the Royal Royal and Coast.

College of Pathology, PathologistsGold of Australasia in was 2012.

College of Pathologists of Australasia in 2012.

College of Pathologists of Australasiaspecialist in 2012. histopathologist in Sri Lanka from Dr Niroshana was a board-certified Dr Niroshana Niroshana wasworked board-certified specialist histopathologist in Sri Lanka Lanka from Dr was aa board-certified specialist histopathologist Sri from 2008 where she as a specialist pathologist in Ampara in General Hospital, 2008 where she worked as a specialist pathologist in Ampara General Hospital, and as a visiting lecturerasofa the University of Western Province beforeHospital, coming 2008 where she worked specialist pathologist in Ampara General andAustralia as a visiting lecturer of the University of Western training Provincefrom before coming to in 2009.

She of obtained her initial pathology the Cancer and as a visiting lecturer the University of Western Province before coming to to Australia in 2009.

She obtained her initial pathology training from the Cancer Institute, Maharagama the Faculty of Medicine, Colombom, Lanka.

Australia in 2009. She and obtained her initial pathology trainingSri from the Cancer Institute, Maharagama and the Faculty of Medicine, Colombom, Sri Lanka.

Dr Niroshana’s special and interests are inofthe fields of breast andSrigastrointestinal Institute, Maharagama the Faculty Medicine, Colombom, Lanka.

Dr Niroshana’s special interests are in the She fieldswas of the breast and gastrointestinal tract pathology,special gynaecology, and cytology. principal investigator on Dr Niroshana’s interests are in the fields of breast and gastrointestinal tract pathology, gynaecology, and cytology.

She was the principal investigator on researchinto breast carcinoma and in situ, published 2012. more details of the tract pathology, gynaecology, cytology.

She in was the (need principal investigator on researchinto breast carcinoma in situ, published in 2012. (need more details of the research please e.g. which journal?) research breast carcinoma in situ, published in 2012. research into please e.g. which journal?)

Dr Niroshana looks forward to working closely with Port Macquarie’s specialists Dr looks forward working closely Port specialists Dr Niroshana Niroshana forward to to working closely with withcontinue Port Macquarie’s Macquarie’s and GPs. With looks her assistance Laverty Pathology will to providespecialists the high and GPs. With her assistance, Laverty Pathology will continue to provide the high and GPs. With her assistance Laverty Pathology will continue to provide standard of pathology service to patients and doctors in the PMQ Region. the high standard of pathology service to patients patients and and doctors doctorsin inthe thePMQ PMQRegion.

Region.

ENQUIRIES PHONE 5524 2500 ENQUIRIES ENQUIRIES PHONE PHONE 5524 5524 2500

LOCAL LAVERTY COLLECTION CENTRE DETAILS LOCAL LAVERTY COLLECTION CENTRE DETAILS PORT MACQUARIE PORT MACQUARIE PMQ Base Hospital Main Entrance PMQ Base Hospital Main Entrance McLaren Clinic 8 Fowler Close McLaren Clinic 8 Fowler Close Hermitage 72 Lake Road Hermitage 72 Lake Road The Grange 80 Lake Road The Grange 80 Lake Road Highfields Circuit No. 10b Highfields Circuit No. 10b Lighthouse MC 40 Watonga Drive Lighthouse MC 40 Watonga Drive Med & Dental Hast River Drive Med & Dental Hast River Drive Greenmeadows 152 G/Mds Drive Greenmeadows 152 G/Mds Drive LAKE CATHIE LAKE CATHIE Lake Cathie MC 1459 Ocean Dr Lake Cathie MC 1459 Ocean Dr NORTH HAVEN NORTH HAVEN Ocean Drive MC 615 Ocean Drive Ocean Drive MC 615 Ocean Drive LAURIETON LAURIETON 60 Bold Street 60 Bold Street WAUCHOPE WAUCHOPE 63 High Street 63 High Street KEMPSEY KEMPSEY 44 Elbow Street 44 Elbow Street 35 Belgrave Street 35 Belgrave Street SOUTH WEST ROCKS SOUTH WEST ROCKS Rocks Fair Shopping Centre Rocks Fair Shopping Centre Bronte Court Bronte Court CRESCENT HEAD CRESCENT HEAD 23 Pacific Street 23 Pacific Street

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ph: 5524 2500 ph: 5524 2500 ph: 6584 9922 ph: 6584 9922 ph: 6583 3499 ph: 6583 3499 ph: 6583 7899 ph: 6583 7899 ph: 6581 4261 ph: 6581 4261 ph: 6582 0257 ph: 6582 0257 ph: 5526 9954 ph: 5526 9954 ph: 6584 7062 ph: 6584 7062

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ph: 6585 5842 ph: 6585 5842

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ph: 6559 9439 ph: 6559 9439

8am-4.30pm M-F, 8-11.30am Sat 8am-4.30pm M-F, 8-11.30am Sat

ph: 6559 6975 ph: 6559 6975

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ph: 6585 2106 ph: 6585 2106

8.30am – 5.00pm M-F 8.30am – 5.00pm M-F 7am-5pm M-F, 8-11am Sat 7am-5pm M-F, 8-11am Sat

ph: 6562 7836 ph: 6562 7836 ph: 6562 5313 ph: 6562 5313

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Leaders in Healthcare Leaders in Healthcare 60

greater port macquarie focus.

www.laverty.com.au www.laverty.com.au

New high resolution scans of the eye are now part of a routine assessment at Eyecare Plus.

These allow us to show people exactly what is going on with their vision and eye health.

The technology is pain free and allows early detection of Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma.

Today there are 1000s of different lenses and lens options available to treat vision problems.

Most are not the same. At Eyecare Plus we pride ourselves on keeping up to date, and our practices are often involved in trialling products from companies that develop new technology.

This allows us to offer the very latest in lenses and frames, so we can provide our patients with comfortable, fashionable eyewear and maximise their vision.

Contact lenses continue to evolve, with lenses today being more comfortable and able to correct more vision problems. We can also now use contact lenses to treat short sightedness developing in children. This treatment, called Corneal Reshaping or Ortho-K, helps to slow and minimise the deterioration of vision in short-sighted children.

Learning new techniques is what motivates me and keeps the work interesting and challenging.

The Eyecare Plus Team and I love to be able to provide help for people to continue to see well.

Vision is a precious gift that we use every day. It provides over 80% of our sensory information, and we dearly miss it when it fails.

At Eyecare Plus we find it an honour and a pleasure to be able to care for people’s eyes and vision. And as a locally owned and operated group, we look forward to continuing to help the people of the Hastings to see well in the future.

healthprofessionals

DR TOM MURPHY M.D. ABR. ABRCAQ

DR ANDREW BARLTOP MBBS, FRCS (ED), FRCR CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF RADIOLOGY PORT MACQUARIE BASE HOSPITAL

What is your area of expertise / speciality? I am a Diagnostic Radiologist with an interest in cross-sectional imaging.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? There are two aspects: 1. The diagnostic challenge - trying to get the best answer in finding out what is wrong with the patient.

MID NORTH COAST DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

DRMBBS JAMES BOWDEN (HONS) M.MED FRANZCR MEDICAL DIRECTOR MID NORTH COAST DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

What is your area of expertise / speciality?

I am a diagnostic radiologist with subspecialty in breast, neuro-

2. Therapeutic & Diagnostic intervention - directly treating the patient and performing biopsies using advanced techniques, allowing for minimal discomfort and maximum accuracy.

Interacting with my patients and achieving the best outcome for them, I find extremely rewarding. Patients put their trust in my hands, and for me, it is a privilege to help resolve their health issues and ease any discomfort or concern.

radiology, spinal imaging and interventional radiology.

What do you like most about living on the Mid North Coast?

Port Macquarie is a great place to live, with lots of activities for my family and myself. Lots to see and many places to discover.

What do you like most about living on the Mid North

What is the most exciting development in radiology? Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) has been a revolutionary development, allowing demonstration of strokes in the brain within 20 minutes of first onset symptoms. It is also very useful in tumour works.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Accurately diagnosing and treating a wide range of pathology.

I strive to provide my patients with the utmost care. It is important that patients feel comfortable and confident in our ability to achieve the best outcome for them.

Coast? The warm climate and fantastic coastline. There are some wonderful beaches and great activities for the kids.

What is the most exciting development in radiology?

Brain MRI, 3D Breast Tomosynthesis and Endovascular Interventional Techniques.

What is your area of expertise / speciality? In my 25 year career as a Diagnostic Radiologist, I have subspecialised in Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology with vast experience in all modalities, especially MRI and CT. What is the most rewarding thing about your job? The most rewarding aspect of my job is discussing difficult cases with colleagues, then planning the next steps in patient diagnosis. I particularly like when colleagues come to see me in my office so we can review cases together.

At the end of the day we are here for the patients, and my everyday goal is to continue providing my patients with the best healthcare solutions in our region.

What do you like most about living on the Mid North Coast? I am still very new to the Mid North Coast. So far, living here has been a dream, with the outstanding weather, the beaches, the local restaurants. Such a change from the frigid cold where I had been living.

What is the most exciting development in radiology? The most exciting new development in radiology is local cancer therapy, such as Hepatoma Chemoembolisation. We are just beginning this programme at PMBH. If it pans out, we could progress to renal cancer cryotherapy or thermoablation.

greater port macquarie focus.

61

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.

Rhoda Berne dentist

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hile her kindergarten classmates were Rhoda regularly hears people say, “I hate going to the dreaming of becoming ballerinas, dentist … no offence”. No offence is taken, and she actually astronauts or superheros, Rhoda enjoys helping dental-phobic patients overcome their fears Berne pictured herself as a dentist. to come through a procedure and say, “That wasn’t nearly as Even as a little kid she knew she bad as I expected”. wanted to help people and A dentist’s day involves a mix of routine treatments bring smiles to their faces. such as fillings, check-ups, tooth whitening That was Wauchope Public School, circa and treating dental emergencies. Rhoda 1995. After completing her schooling also carries out more complex work such at Wauchope High School followed by as crowns, root canal treatment and T H E WO R ST six years of diligent study at Charles orthodontics.

T H IN G YO U Sturt University in Orange and work At Sundial Dental, Rhoda works IT CA N D O IS WA placements across western NSW, with the latest dental technology such EA U N T IL YO U H AV E R Rhoda has come full circle to make as CEREC same day crowns, Invisalign FO TO OT H AC H E BE that vision a reality. teeth straightening, and LANAP laser YO U SE E YO U R Rhoda has worked as a Dentist at gum therapy.

“I’m fortunate enough D EN T IST.” Sundial Dental in Port Macquarie since to work under Dr Peter Elfar and be she graduated in 2013, and before that able to utilise his vast experience. He has as a dental assistant and receptionist while been a great mentor and has inspired and studying. supported me in broadening my knowledge Rhoda has always been interested in the human and skill set.” body and likes the fact that dental and gum care can She has also made friends for life with her colleagues make a difference to a person’s overall health and and enjoys catching up with them outside the workplace. wellbeing.

“The best part of my day is by far the patients. Having a Rhoda says that dentists need to be patient, comforting chat with them, getting to know their stories, learning about and warm. They need to work well in a team, problem-solve their lives. The worst part is seeing children in pain because and have a good eye for detail. most dental diseases are preventable and avoidable with the “Most importantly, you need to be empathetic. Anyone right education,” Rhoda said. who has ever had a toothache can tell you how debilitating It’s true that prevention is key. “Coming in for regular the pain can be,” Rhoda said. check-ups is the best thing you can do for your dental health.

Negative perceptions about dentistry abound, and it can be If we can pick up potential problems early, then you can avoid challenging when people have preconceived opinions because more serious issues. The worst thing you can do is wait until of bad experiences elsewhere. you have a toothache before you see your dentist.”

my day 6:30am

Wake up with a coffee and take my French Bulldog for a walk.

8:00am

Arrive at work; group huddle with my dental assistant and reception staff to prepare for the day.

8:30am

Treat my first patient with a routine filling.

The morning is spent seeing patients for general check-ups, routine appointments and emergency work.

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11:30am

CEREC appointment to provide a patient with a single-visit, same day crown.

1:00pm

Lunch at Sushiko and coffee from Social Grounds. I’ll often work through my usual lunch break so other patient’s appointments aren’t delayed.

2:00pm

More drilling and filling.

3:15pm

Turn the ceiling-mounted TV onto ABC Kids ready for my afternoon appointments, which are mainly school children.

5:00pm

Finished with last patient, write up my treatment notes, and debrief with my assistant.

greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

MY HOLIDAY PAPUA NEW GUINEA - KOKODA TREK

N ATA S H A S C H U R I N K

H

i Natasha. You are just back from an amazing overseas experience; where did you go and for how long?

I’ve just returned from 10 days in Papua New Guinea, eight days of which were spent trekking the famous Kokoda Track, 100+ kilometres from Kokoda Station to Owers Corner.

What were the reasons behind this trip; was it something you have always wanted to do?

Strangely enough, this trip was actually the result of a response to a friend’s Facebook post. About 18 months ago, my friend Naomi commented that she would love to do Kokoda one day, and I jumped in there offering to go with her! I had a keen interest in War History, so the more I researched the history of the Track, the War and the journey itself, the more excited I was to do it. I needed a goal, and we planned to do the ANZAC Day departure this year because of the significance of the 100 year commemorations, and also it coincided with my 40th birthday (a great reason to go and hide in the jungle to avoid celebrating that milestone!)

Can you take us through your itinerary?

We flew from Brisbane into Port Moresby on Friday 24th April and were escorted to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel. This was our meeting point for the rest of our Gecko’s Adventures tour group and our guides etc. and also the beginning of getting used to things happening in “New Guinea” time. Anyone who has ever travelled to any of the South Pacific Islands will understand that “it happens when it happens”. Our briefing was for a 4am start on the 25th April, so we all had a nice early night at the hotel and enjoyed the luxury/ comfort of beds, our last link with the outside

64 greater port macquarie focus.

world, news and technology, plus our last hot on with a great pace and our group of trekkers shower for over a week. (there were seven of us) were the greatest On Saturday 25th April (ANZAC Day) we group of people we ever could have hoped were picked up from the hotel at 4:30am for. On route to Deniki, we passed almost 400 and taken to the Bomana War Cemetery for trekkers on their last day. They had attended the Dawn Service. There is something special the Dawn Service at the Battlefields on the about how a dawn service envelops you Track earlier that day and were heading home. every year and being at Bomana, the largest It was exciting to see most of them, who were war cemetery in the Pacific, it was certainly a elated to be finishing, yet the state of others momentous occasion. Humbling. The service being almost carried out was a massive wake was a great tribute to our ANZACs and up call to the conditions we were potentially PNG Servicemen and as the sun rose going to face in the week ahead. over the cemetery, it revealed an Arriving at Deniki, soaked to the immaculately kept site of skin, exhausted from the last remembrance and a home 3.9 km climb up to camp e th as for honouring our fallen.

- we came face to face w la Myo Due to time constraints with the incredible airstrip the to drop ed us ns ia of getting to the Kurt Fearnley (OAM al tr us A ng the airport for our flight Three time Paralympic in supplies duri is area into Kokoda Station, Gold Medallist, who Kokoda Battle; th d by se (completely mis ed we left the cemetery also crawled the full ay the Japanese) pl immediately at the Kokoda Track in 2009). in the a significant role the end of the service.

Kurt was one of the r ultimate chain fo We boarded our biggest inspirations for .” ps Australian troo small twin engine aircraft me to do the track. He is a around 10am for our 25 phenomenal human being and minute flight into Kokoda so passionate about everything he Station. The cloud was low that sets his mind to. Seeing him there, at that day, so views were obstructed, but once we point in our journey - I was elated. had sight of the air strip, the excitement That night we had our first taste of jungle (and nerves) got very real! We landed and accommodation. Every night we shared a basic were greeted by dozens of local children. We open hut with the five men in our group. The made our way through to a clearing, where view in the morning was stunning; to wake up we met with our porters, guides, lead man looking back down the valley to the Kokoda and track historian - all of whom were to be Station airstrip many kilometres away, the fog our family, entertainment, pillars of strength, settled low and the brilliant colour of the sun cooks and sanity for the next eight days. After coming up over the mountains Brushing my a brief repack of equipment and lunch (pasta, teeth over the railing with this view in my eyes, Pringles, tuna and Spam!) we started our first it has changed the outlook of a daily routine part of the trek, approx. 9 km from Kokoda forever. We soon adapted to cold showers, Station to Deniki. Just as we set off, it began jungle toilets, mud, village animals and the to rain, but spirits were high and we charged locals. Huge days trekking meant early nights

“

after dinner and a few games of cards. Once settled in for the night, we always had a great many laughs about the day’s events, our camp toilets or the funny little quirks and sayings of our lead man and wonderful porters.

Over coming days we trekked anywhere between 10 - 17 km a day. One day we were given the option to add an extra 5 km and trek out to Myola, which I did, as I wanted to include every possible experience offered.

The lake bed of Myola is an old volcanic crater which is now a beautiful flat plain of grassland with little creeks flowing through. It made for a stunning additional excursion and a vast difference in the landscape and terrain. The days of tree roots, mud, waterfalls and dense foliage that we were becoming used to, was not missed for a few hours, and we rapidly bounced along leafy strewn, mossy tracks and arrived at sun drenched grassy Myola. Myola was the airstrip the Australians used to drop in supplies during the Kokoda Battle; this area (completely missed by the Japanese) played a significant role in the ultimate chain for the Australian troops.

Over the course of the week, our guides would brief us every evening after dinner about the distance, history and terrain of the following day. They described the difference in the days as either hard or long - we are yet to see any difference! Every morning we were on track by 6:30am and would generally reach camp by 2 - 2:30pm. Our group was certainly well prepared for the trip, and we always set a great pace together; the camaraderie was brilliant, and we always congratulated each other on a great walk or climb each day.

The villages where we camped were all very welcoming; the kids would often keep their distance until one of us came out with some gifts for them. I gave out Frisbees at a few places, which were really well received; the

focusinterview.

children had surprisingly great co-ordination - at times even giving the guys in our group a run for their money with their Frisbee skills!

We had such varying experiences, from grassy tracks, clay cliffs, flash floods on hillsides, scaling sheer rock faces up the side of a waterfall, tree roots that felt like they were becoming more entangled every minute of the day, swamps, ankle deep clay-muck, crossing over rivers on thin piled up branches, multiple crossings through rivers in the pitch black before dawn with nothing more than a head lamp for light, bone soaking afternoon rains and intense burning sun. There is no amount of training in Australian conditions that could prepare you for this terrain. Having strong legs and being of sound mind before attempting this journey is going to be your greatest asset.

Descending down mountains was eventually the downfall for a couple of trekkers in our group, who were hit with Patellofemoral pain syndrome in their knees. Days became painful for these two, but as a group and with the unwavering support of our porters, we all soldiered on together and made it to Owers Corner. The overwhelming emotion that came with ascending that last 45 minutes up to Owers Corner from Goldie River was like a flood of relief, achievement and release of emotions. We were greeted with cheers from onlookers, other trekking groups who had finished earlier and local children. Tears and beers were flowing freely.

After our final pictures of remembrance were taken, we jumped on the bus and headed back out to Port Moresby. Our guide took us back to Bomana War Cemetery, so we could take more time to see the memorials since we had rushed out the morning of the dawn service.

Coming back to Bomana after experiencing the track was very moving. To see firsthand the terrain these men had encountered, we

thought it was hard and yet we were not together under such trying conditions to attain heavily armed, cold, hungry, scared and being a common goal. 3) My porter, a constant shot at. To see ruins of the war lying, rotting helping hand; he caught me from slipping in the jungle, is disturbing - knowing that down hills on numerous occasions. 4) Our what these men did and seeing that it has collection of porters/guides etc. - every night made a difference and ensured these villages after dinner they serenaded us with the most have reverted back to quiet solitude along the remarkable A Cappella singing, including the length of the track and seeing it inhabited by theme song of the track, It’s not an Easy Road. peace-loving, hospitable locals. These are the 5) Lastly but most certainly not least was the people who became known during the War feeling of utter pride and accomplishment at as the “fuzzy wuzzy angels”, because completing this trek; it is a life-changing of their selflessness in helping experience - certainly not for the wounded Australian soldiers. faint hearted - but hands To this day, these locals are down the most rewarding, still angels. soul refreshing journey of ing The overwhelm e Our last night back at my life so far. m emotion that ca st la the hotel we had dinner How did this at th with ascending s er w O with our crew, where experience make you to 45 minutes up e di ol G we were all presented feel once you were Corner from of od flo a e lik with certificates for there?

River was d an t en em ev hi ac completing the track There is something relief, ions .” ot em of e as and also beautiful that Kokoda leaves le re personalised wooden in your heart that can carvings from each of our never be forgotten, and I porters. A long, hot shower am certain I will be referring and a luxurious sleep in a heavenly back to it for decades to come as bed was a great reward at the end of a grounding point for the things that a big week. The following morning we are most important in life. We claim to live transferred to the airport for the flight back in a better “first” world country, but I am to Brisbane and leaving behind the track and constantly questioning who really has the our amazing crew, but the memories will be better life. The simplicity of life on the track with us always. was uncomplicated and modest. Not only What were some of the highlights for does this experience make you appreciate all you? you have and how little you really need to be There are so many highlights. If I had to happy, but it also leaves you indebted to our name a few, they would be: 1) Myola and forefathers for the sacrifices they made in such making the extra effort to take the extended gruesome conditions which, inevitably, has trek in there. 2) Our fellow trekkers; we were enabled us to exist with the freedom we now such an ideal match to come together in terms have. of humour, fitness levels and encouragement.

Some holidays are once in a lifetime, Such a bond of comradeship that can only be would you say this was one of them? gained by a group of people who have worked Yes, for most it is. For me, I think it might

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be too, unless my kids want to do it with me when they are older, but only if my husband wants to come along for the adventure this time. When I finished, I vowed I would never do it again - it’s been a few weeks now since we returned, and maybe now I could be persuaded to do it again in a few years.

For those who would like to do this or a similar trip, what are your top three must dos or best tips?

I would recommend this trip to anyone who has their heart set on it, understands or has an interest in the history of the region and is committed to training for it. You must take every extra opportunity offered to you along the way i.e. Myola, Japanese Memorial site, swimming/bathing in rivers/creeks/waterfalls, playing with the local children in the village.

Most importantly, go with a company that is putting profits back into the villages along the track, as it is their resources we are using. It’s important to make sure the local community benefits from trekkers. Going with Geckos Adventures was a natural choice for me, because they are helping to fund additional school buildings in Menari and Efogi villages along the track. These children are our future, so they deserve the helping hand.

It has been hilarious, horrendous, stunning, gruelling and life-changing, to say the least - if you have a true appreciation and desire to experience a small portion of what these soldiers went through in the scene of violent close contact jungle warfare, then make the journey. We will always be grateful and appreciate what they did to ensure our freedom, but we will never fully understand what they went through. What we can work towards is that we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.

Lest We Forget.

Thanks Natasha. greater port macquarie focus. 65

Arts&Culture

SOMERS

H A P P I LY H A N D M A D E

Deanne Somers is an artist, creator and recycler who lives and works on the Mid North Coast. Born and raised in Victoria, Deanne’s family relocated to Maroochydore, before she finally settled down in New South Wales with her husband and two young sons in the small beachside town of Bonny Hills.

I

t is here where she founded Happily How did you come to call Bonny Hills home?

Handmade, her organic and reflective My husband and I took a two month holiday craftsmanship business, which is travelling the East Coast about 12 years ago and essentially formalised an extension of her thought this would be the perfect place to move existing lifestyle. Sitting down one day to if and when we decided to make the move from with a pile of leftover fabric, the business Victoria! It was a few years after that holiday emerged with the creation of simple fabric that we made the decision to move to bunting. Today, Deanne’s designs are the Mid North Coast. unique, personalised and indicative Tell us about your project, of her love of the beach. This is Happily Handmade. What ul rf Deanne’s story ... de are some of the goods on w It’s a Take us back to be you create? g in el fe y m at beginning ... When did you th Happily Handmade g in know ing be e ar ts first discover your creative is my creative outlet. I uc od pr e streak? make bunting, garlands, used in one of th ys most special da eir I can’t pinpoint when I cushions, wall hangings, th d an s le up co for realised my creative streak, wedding decorations and families .” but eight years ago while I was custom pieces. I receive studying Interior Design, I was custom orders from people inspired to rearrange and design that are after something personal rooms in the house, which then led to and unique. I create a lot of items for repainting furniture or bringing in new pieces and weddings using burlap, lace and doilies. then making things to fill a space, wall or bring The Vintage/Rustic theme for weddings and colour into a space in a room. Even as a child I was engagements is mainly what’s keeping me busy at always moving things in my room and changing the the moment. space, and I’m sure it drove my mum crazy. I have a Being a mum is a full-time job in itself; how do son who does the same thing now! The feeling of you balance work and life? being able to make something myself is great, and I have the support of my fantastic husband, to then go on and share my products with other family and a few great friends who are always people is also a wonderful feeling. willing to help out and lend a hand. Having a

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routine is really important, as it can be really easy to get distracted working from home. My boys are at school, so when they leave in the morning it’s straight into the studio and then once they are home, it’s after school sports, homework and family time.

What has been the most exciting project you’ve worked on with Happily Handmade?

I love undertaking weddings and working with brides to bring their ideas to life in my products.

It’s a feeling of great accomplishment seeing the outstanding results on their wedding day. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that my products are being used in one of the most special days for couples and their families.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Like a lot of people, magazines and social media come into it, along with the texture, colour and look of fabrics. Ideas come to me when I’m taking a walk on the beach and find something like driftwood. I experiment with a lot of different products and ideas before I come up with something that I really like.

Where can our readers find out more, follow your journey and purchase your beautiful products?

You can find Happily Handmade in a few places: Facebook, Instagram, Etsy and my Bigcartel online store.

Thanks Deanne.

with Susie Boswell.

focus_Travel

Destination NSW

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

B L U E M O U N TA I N S V I A S Y D N E Y S H O W S

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here’s just a week or so left to catch Australia’s amazing festival of lights, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney. From a humble start seven years ago this multi-faceted arts and entertainment event is now an appealing all-rounder. Works by 140 lighting artists from 16 countries make an awesome display stretching across The Rocks, Bridge, Circular Quay, Opera House, Darling Harbour, Walsh Bay, Martin Place, the casino, Central Park, out to Chatswood’s CBD and floating on the harbour. The aura’s complemented by cutting edge music: Grace Jones, Daniel Johns, Hoodoo Gurus, a nouveau “Leonard Cohen”, discos and rotating DJ dance parties, Daft Punk tribute, pop-up bars and restaurants, lit-up cocktails, roving characters and night markets. Meet creatives like Mad Men and Sopranos’ Matthew Weiner and a global architecture and design publishing guru, go gaming and play with advanced digital tech, get immersed in David Attenborough’s nature magic, enjoy pro instruction on taking super selfies, and “paint the town” yourself by taking control of the skyline illuminator or electronic fireworks or singing karaoke while your magnified image lights up the wall. Explore the full schedule at www.vividsydney.com With a longer run: Australia’s best-ever musical, Les Miserables, at Sydney’s remarkable Capitol Theatre, has tickets through to midAugust at least. (Opens Brisbane Nov 10).

Don’t miss it. And don’t underestimate the elan the Capitol adds to the performance.

The ornate historic theatre, restored in the ’70s for JC Superstar, welcomes patrons with classy hospitality. It more recently hosted the stupendous, showy The Lion King – but Les Mis is better; with stunning staging, vocals, terrific orchestra and lead performance by Simon Gleeson it’s a thrilling emotional experience.

Forget the West End or Broadway: “the world’s best producer”, Les Mis’ Cameron Mackintosh, was “blown away” on seeing the Aussie cast in April; the Sydney performance rivals any international version of the musical, he said.

What better critique! See www.lesmis.com. au. Partner Wotif seems to have some good flights-hotel packages. Use public transport to the theatre. If driving, arrive to park at Paddy’s Markets at least an hour pre-bells and ensure the Capitol validates your ticket for a reduced $8 fee.

Sydney was our stopover on a dual destination

trip to Central West NSW. It took us just one hour to reach the Blue Mountains by road from the city’s east. But more of that journey next time. For now, a timely caution in the collapse of a Victorian travel agency and with it, it seems, some clients’ paid-for holidays. Initial inquiries have given creditors scant hope of eventual recompense, let alone enjoying their holidays.

Little hope from liquidators, and no hope from their travel insurers: “You have no cover for insolvency”. From July 1 last year Australian travel agents (except N.T.) are no longer licensed by a regulator nor subject to its annual financial check. At the same time the Travel Compensation Fund safety net was abolished.

(The agents’ peak industry body subsequently launched a voluntary accreditation code of conduct scheme).

How many of us check our policies? Mine’s with a prominent group yet I hadn’t thought to look for inclusion of insolvency cover. It’s worth asking respected local privately-owned and franchise travel agencies about the full extent, and limitations, of your travel insurance coverage. In fact, according to a TCF executive, few policies offer insolvency cover and those that do are, surprise, “at the higher end” [of premiums]. Some of the Victorian travellers assumed that, because they’d paid in full, their trips were secure. With paper airline tickets phasing out, the agency-issued itinerary seemed final confirmation of their travel plans. Only later, some found their funds, apart from a deposit, allegedly haven’t been passed on. I’ve full confidence in our area’s travel agencies, not the subject of this caution. Rather, depend on your agent to explain any risks or shortfalls in your travel insurance covering all aspects: airlines, hotels, delays, illness, related illness, luggage, consequential loss and so on. Never travel without insurance. Recently invited to travel to Asia, I checked and found my air ticket ex Sydney, with its officially-issued record locator, hadn’t yet been paid for by my sponsors. I was making other, dependent, transit travel and accommodation plans and needed to ensure all was in order and my own expenditure not at risk. It was as simple as calling the airline with the record locator, the PNR, and inquiring, then prompting the payer. A fellow passenger hadn’t checked on his visa and was stranded at the airport. So, the golden rule of happy travels: Check, check, then check again. greater port macquarie focus. 67

focusinterview.

JAMES AS A YOUNGSTER WHEN ASKED THAT AGE-OLD QUESTION: “WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?” MATT JAMES ALWAYS REPLIED, “A PILOT.” THAT DREAM DIDN’T REALLY MAKE IT OFF THE RUNWAY, BUT SOMETHING ELSE DID – HIS PASSION FOR MUSIC. TEAMING UP WITH SOME MATES TO FORM A HIGH-SCHOOL COVER BAND WAS THE NEXT LOGICAL STEP ...

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ntil the realisation that tearing up the stage to the tunes of Silverchair, Grinspoon and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers probably wasn’t going to pay the post-HSC bills. So how does a young man with only a passing interest in school, no real love of science and a leaning towards the business world, make the transition from muso to medico? Dr Matt James’ story is one that many young people will instantly relate to. It’s a reminder that the path to your dreams is not always a direct one.

But there’s plenty of fun, friendship and learning along the way ...

Your working life started on an entirely different career path to your current role. What did you pursue prior to medicine, and how did you eventually make the change?

I did what most people do when they can’t make a decision - I followed the majority. I chose a degree initially to cover my bases, but that degree was just to satisfy the current moment’s demand that I be doing “something with my life”. I went

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No two days are

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Coast have to offer down that road for a the same and for young doctors? while and completely working in a team t is Everything. Career changed my mind en nm based enviro t bu wise and life wise. based on job l, ia uc not only cr t os m The hospital offers satisfaction and chose e th of e also on s.” ct pe as so much for junior a career I previously e bl ya enjo doctors by way of thought unattainable. exposure to all the However, I knew aspects of medicine and this new career would after hours if you love the challenge me and put me in outdoors, you’re going to get that the “helping people” category, and in abundance here on the Mid North I thought that was worthwhile chasing. I Coast. achieved that goal with encouragement Teamwork is crucial when you’re from family and friends and knowing that working at a busy health facility like the rest of my life is the rest of my life - why Port Macquarie Base Hospital. How does spend it doing something you don’t really working together make a difference to want to be doing? the care your patients receive?

What do you find most rewarding about That is probably the best part about Port your profession?

Macquarie Base Hospital - the teamwork.

Every day I press the reset button and The day wouldn’t work smoothly without something new pops up that I need to everyone putting in and communicating learn about. No two days are the same and what needs to be done. working in a team-based environment is Away from work, how do you enjoy not only crucial, but also one of the most spending your time? enjoyable aspects.

I live near the beach, so when I wake Medical students are always being up I’m pretty much either in the water or encouraged to work in rural and regional areas. What does the Mid North grabbing a coffee somewhere near the

ocean. Also, to keep up with team sports I joined the Port Magpies Aussie Rules team a great group of lads. I’m also involved in a touch footy comp with some fellow health workers from the hospital.

Without giving too much away, what will you be sharing with delegates at the Luminosity Youth Summit?

I really don’t want to give too much away - I’ll leave most of that to the day. However, I’ll reiterate that we are all free to choose what we want to do career wise. The title of my presentation is “From Muso to Medico … and everything in between”, so that may give a bit of an indication of the direction in which I’ll be heading.

Where to from here? Where would you like your medical career to take you?

Well, I’m here for two years minimum and I’d love to stay as long as I can, but that will largely be determined by the medical specialty I choose to pursue. As for long term - I still want to travel with this career and see some other countries that don’t have the privileged healthcare system we have. Realistically, this will require some further training before that day.

Thanks Dr James.

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Wauchope There’s no doubt the Hello Koalas sculpture project has been an enormous success, and it seems it’s a hit with the kids too! Students from Wauchope Preschool Kindergarten Inc. are enthralled with the koalas - so much so, they’ve run a competition, had lessons revolving around this cuddly marsupial, and they’ve even created their very own giant sculpture!

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i everyone. Please introduce yourselves …

We are Sonia Muras, Debbie Malcolm and Lesley Bramble just a few of the highly trained Early Childhood Teachers and Educators at the preschool. We are fortunate that all our Educators have been at the service for at least seven years, with some achieving more than 20 years’ service.

How many students are currently enrolled at the preschool/kindergarten, and what is their age range?

We currently have over 50 families enrolled, and are licensed for children from 3 - 5 years of age.

When did it first come to your attention that your students were fascinated with the Hello Koalas sculptures around the Hastings area?

Not long after the sculptures were displayed last year, one of our children commented during group time that they had seen some of the koalas around town. “Me too! Me too!” chorused the children, as we began identifying which koalas they had seen. “The one at the donut”… “The one at Maccas!”… “The superhero near the water”…

Our vision was born to try and document which ones we had found, so we went to the Hello Koalas website and printed off a copy of all the koalas, along with the map, and distributed it to all our families.

Describe the competition you had running, which was encouraging students to visit the sculptures …

We put this up on our display board, and the

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it with foam, and the children covered every part children decided they would have to get a photo with old newspapers. The children decided to with the koala before we could mark it off! We paint him grey, and we discussed together as a let the parents know of this project, and with group how he would be decorated. After many their help, photos started rolling in. Before long ideas, the children wanted to: our wall was adorned with many of the • put every child’s handprint on the koalas, and we established “Mission Koala Hunt” to find the koala (to fit in with our handprint “rock” out the front of remaining ones. On Monday Eventually the the preschool); morning one of our children were • give him rainbow children bounded in with e have asking , ‘Could w over ears (as rainbows had 50 photos of him with ’ So our own ko ala? th been a continuing theme each and every koala on the following m e ap sh a throughout the year) he had convinced his we made a ko al with it d le and supports our belief mum that he wanted to fil from wire , n re ild ch e th in unity for all; find them all, and they d fo am , an rt with • give him a mask using spent an entire weekend covered every pa s.” er ap sp w ne our Aboriginal flag colours dedicated to achieving his d ol (to symbolise our Indigenous goal! families and the children’s interHow have you been able to est in superhero masks). incorporate this fascination into We then surveyed our families, rundaily lessons at the preschool? ning a competition to name our koala! After We used the koala interest in many other many fantastic ideas, the children voted on a few areas of our programme, with children options and came up with “Super Tallow”, and drawing and decorating their own koala pictures, he has pride of place in our centre for everyone playing vets, and investigating what happens at to see! Families, staff and children thought it the Koala Hospital. We also found by using the was important that our own koala incorporated local map this increased the children’s awareness “Tallowood” in its name, as it reflects the centre’s and knowledge of local landmarks, areas, names identity and our location, which is in Tallowood and regions.

Avenue, Wauchope. The preschool is quite And the children have created their very often fondly referred to by locals as “Tallowood own koala at the preschool. Tell us more Preschool”. about “Super Tallow” and how he was Thank you to the Council’s Hello Koalas sculpmade… tures for helping to inspire this project!

Eventually the children were asking, “Could What are some of the best comments you’ve we have our own koala?” So over the following heard from the students, and are there any month we made a koala shape from wire, filled

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favourite koalas?

One of our favourite photos is one of our students in the library with “Lord Burrawan”, where he is “shhhh”ing him!

Many of our children had a giggle and loved “Retro Rita” in her bikini, and of course our very own “Princess Lasiandra” was popular, as our preschool is located next to Lasiandra Park in Wauchope.

What’s on the agenda for the rest of the term - what projects, excursions or activities do you have planned?

This year we have continued the children’s interest by encouraging them to pick their favourite koala to be used as their locker symbol.

Our centre is also investigating adopting a koala through the Koala Hospital. We hope this will further the children’s love for caring for animals and the environment around them.

As a way of giving back to the community, the children are embarking on a secret new art project where we hope to donate something special to Council for use in one of our public areas. We plan on it being just as colourful as “Super Tallow”. So keep a lookout, and hopefully it will be around town soon! You can keep up to date with the children’s progress on our Facebook page.

The centre is proudly community owned and operated as a not-for-profit service to the local community. If you would like to join our family, we currently have positions in both the three and four year old rooms. Please contact our Director, Kerry Houghton, on (02) 6585 3140 or feel free to call in with your child/ren to see “Super Tallow” himself.

Thanks everyone. Interview by Jo Atkins.

St Columba Anglican School Performing Arts Showcase

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UPDATE

Seven billion dreams.

One planet.

Consume with care.

by Julie Ho

THAT’S WHAT WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015 IS ALL ABOUT. SEVEN BILLION DREAMS OF COURSE, MEANS THE SEVEN BILLION PEOPLE OF OUR PLANET. THAT’S 7,000,000,000.

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here are a lot of us, and we all have dreams about the sort of life we would like to live. We expect our environment to support us and give us hope.

The United Nations initiated World Environment Day, on 5th June, to encourage awareness and action for the environment.

“Environment” means all our surroundings and the conditions we live in, so it includes many things both natural and “man-made” that can affect our survival.

The word itself is not new, appearing in the 15th Century with a meaning of “round about”.

Our “environment” takes in the planet itself, the atmosphere, plants and animals, even the oceans and other water bodies: it’s our home, in the widest sense.

Of course, we are totally dependent on these things, and there is no other planet we can inhabit. One planet is all we have.

The environment, our home, determines how well we live: our food and shelter. There are many things we can’t control, like droughts or floods, but we can control the way we use our environment.

It is in our own interests to Consume with Care when it comes to using natural resources (like soil and water). But overconsumption is already a problem.

According to the UN, World Environment Day is a time to pause and think about what our appetite-for-more is costing the planet, our health, our future, and the future of our children.

It says high population growth and economic development are causing depletion or

irreversible change in many of Earth’s ecosystems.

At the same time, the world is wasting 1.3 billion tons of food every year, prompting a UN campaign against food waste known as Think Eat Save.

So in 2015, the UN wants us to focus on sustainable consumption and production.

Food production (agriculture and processing) has big environmental impacts. It takes up 30% of the world’s energy consumption, and produces 22% of total Greenhouse gas emissions, as well as depleting the soil.

“By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our ways of living and consumption.” (http://www.unep.org/wed/wed2015/about. asp#sthash.U5hkjPDg.dpuf) How does Landcare activity fit in with this?

Hastings Landcare is showing the way to sustainable food production, with its innovative Farm Gate Tours on June 6, 7 and 8, where you can visit local primary producers and see how it’s done.

Their products range from avocadoes to oysters to sheep cheese and much more - all made sustainably, while conserving biodiversity and soil health. To find out how you can participate, go to hastingslandcare@midcoast.com.au Meanwhile, our Port Macquarie Landcare group will focus on the natural environment that underlies and supports the “man made” environment we live in, so that quality of life for everyone is improved.

he Caucasian Chalk Circle’ is a modern theatrical masterpiece.

A story within a story sees the Russian village Storyteller sing a reworking of a Chinese parable. The tale of a poor servant girl who saves a Governor’s child during wartime and told through song, puppetry and movement with a cast of drama students from Year 7-11. So bring your borscht, babushkas and beluga for a night of adventure and entertainment.

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hese performances will showcase the talented Performing Arts students at SCAS from our award winning Vocal and Instrumental ensembles including a ‘not to be missed’ massed item featuring our combined choirs, String Orchestra and Concert Band.

The matinee will be at 11.30am and evening performance at 7.00pm.

St Columba Anglican School presents a MUSIC SHOWCASE MUSIC SHOWCASE

Featuring the Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles of SCAS Thursday 11th June 2015 Matinee performance at 11.30am Evening performance at 7.00pm The Glasshouse Bookings at the Box office or at www.glasshouse.org.au Tickets $15.00 each

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ontempo’ in its third year; is an evening of school-based dance, showcasing diverse and dynamic performances created throughout 2015 from Kindergarten through to Senior HSC students and this event exhibits their current repertoire of inspiring contemporary, jazz, lyrical and musical theatre items. Amongst the items featured are large Eisteddfod groups, ensembles, duos, trios, solos and more.

Tickets for our Showcase events are $15.00 each and bookings are through the Glasshouse website or at the Box Office. Tickets are open to the general public to attend these Showcases. Don’t delay in purchasing your tickets for these exciting events!

A World of Opportunities......

0 2 6 5 8 1 4 1 8 8 • w w w. s c a s . n s w. e d u . a u • P O B o x 5 3 5 8 • 3 I o n a Av e n u e • P o r t M a c q u a r i e N S W 2 4 4 4 greater port macquarie focus.

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AWARDS NIGHT

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THIRTEEN HIGH ACHIEVING TAFE STUDENTS FROM THE NORTH COAST WERE CELEBRATED AT THE NORTH COAST TAFE-WIDE STUDENT RECOGNITION AWARDS HELD AT THE OSPREY RESTAURANT, AT COFFS HARBOUR EDUCATION CAMPUS IN MAY.

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he awards recognised the efforts in and Engineering, Julie Board, said that Mr Ryan 2014 of top-performing students was the “complete package”. studying either on-campus, on-the“This apprentice was remarkable in the way job, or online on the North Coast, he built a comprehensive career change piece by across NSW and Australia. piece, acknowledging the value of a high quality Institute Director Elizabeth McGregor said qualification each step of the way,” said Ms that the Awards night was an inspiring Board. celebration of the vocational Mr Ryan said that the experience he dreams and achievements of gained at work and achieving his many North Coast TAFE qualification through TAFE gave g tin en es students across the him the confidence to know pr n O region. he can meet any challenges the award to Mr or of ct ire D e th , “It’s a complete his career will bring in the an Ry es in privilege for us in future.

Industry Servic d an Manufacturing North Coast TAFE “That is the most lie Engineering, Ju r to have somehow valuable asset an M Bo ard, said that plete been a part of these apprenticeship has provided m Ryan was the ‘co achievements,” said me,” added Mr Ryan. package’.”

Ms McGregor.

Jessica Maher, from Taree, The top award for was awarded Aboriginal and Student of the Year went Torres Strait Islander Student of the to aged care student Catherine Year for both her studies in Certificate Slater, who completed her Certificate III in IV in Community Services Work and her Aged Care at Grafton Campus last year. achievements in community and the workplace.

Leigh Ryan, a high achieving Lei Bush, from Caffrey’s Flat, won the TAFE apprentice from Wingham studying Information Technology Student of the Year electrotechnology at Port Macquarie Campus Award for her achievements in attaining the received two major awards - the overall Certificate IV in Digital Media Technologies.

Apprentice of the Year Award, along with the Kaitlin Lefevre, from Rainbow Flat, received Manufacturing and Engineering Student of the the Tourism and Hospitality Student of the Year Award.

Year Award for outstanding achievement in On presenting the award to Mr Ryan, the completing her Certificate IV in Travel and Director of Industry Services in Manufacturing Tourism.

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72 greater port macquarie focus.

THE POWER OF GRAPHIC DESIGN Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer Willhemina Wahlin is using her skills as a graphic designer to give a voice to minority groups and facilitate international cultural change.

Ms Wahlin is part of CSU’s Creative Regions’ Lab and currently teaches the Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design (Graphic Design) at CSU in Port Macquarie.

Ms Wahlin believes graphic designers and other artists have the power to become storytellers and contribute to the recording of history, as well as the foundations of the future.

Ms Wahlin is preparing to present at the 13th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (ISGS) in Yerevan, Armenia, in July about her work on the exhibition The Rescuers, with New York based non-profit PROOF: Media for Social Justice.

“The meeting in Yerevan marks 100 years since the Armenian genocide. Some consider it to be the first genocide of the 20th Century and that it had a significant effect on other genocides that followed,” Ms Wahlin said.

“The Rescuers is a unique exhibition that tells the story of genocide through the experiences of people who saved lives, instead of taking

them.”

Ms Wahlin believes representing those stories as visual media can be an incredibly challenging process for designers.

“I realised pretty early on that working on projects like this demand a whole different level of responsibility,” Ms Wahlin said.

“People have entrusted their stories to you, and you have to find the best possible way to visually present them to exhibition visitors. It’s from this work that I was inspired to research this field.

“As graphic designers we are in a unique position to be able to listen to stories, gather information and translate them into a visual language that raises awareness and inspires change,” Ms Wahlin said.

“I want to inspire graphic design students too, and show them that designers can have a deep and lasting impact within social and cultural change.”

To find out more about a degree in Graphic Design at CSU Port Macquarie’s new campus, which opens next year, come to our information sessions at 27 Grant Street on Thursday 25 June. Register online at: www.csu.edu.au/port-info or call 1800 334 733.

Start your Graphic Design degree in 2016 at our new Port Macquarie Campus

1800 334 733

www.csu.edu.au/port-info

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greater port macquarie focus. 73

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hanks to the people who went along to try gourmet pies in the Growers Market complex after reading my article. Well, SOLD OUT by lunch time two days running after FOCUS came out. One fellow bought one and came back and purchased more. Tickled pink for Irene and Jason.

Their curried prawn pies (made with Aussie prawns) ... yum ... and their cauliflower and cheese for vegetarians … I’m hungry now!

HASTINGS FISHING CO-UP BUILDING … A BIT “FISHY” ...

Well, another iconic building of Port Macquarie is under the hammer! I remember the Hastings Fish Co-op as one of the first landmarks I noticed when moving here 27 years ago. It gives that “village” and seaside feel that is quite unique. Like the foreshores of this beautiful town, the Co-op is generating a lot of interest and concern amongst the residents and hopefully will bring about a balance of old and new in redeveloping the site. Let’s hope the State Government just doesn’t come in boots, balls and all, without listening to the locals and experts before bulldozing the building.

SUNNYSIDE UP… MEDALS TO MAKE YOU PROUD As mentioned just before ANZAC DAY, I wanted to write about the wonderful family in Newcastle who live and breathe medals. Sunnyside Medals specialises in researching family military history. Paul (an ex-serviceman) and his wife, Sharon, saw the opening to help people not only with research, but to incorporate everything to do with medals, including medal mounting, medal applications, framing of your Veteran’s history and replacing lost medals.

Paul understands the importance of being a member of the Australian Defence Force and the protocol - all work done according to correct procedures by the Department of Honours and Awards.

Police, Ambulance and Corrective Service Medals, Ribbon Bars and Miniature Medals are also incorporated in Paul and Sharyn’s repertoire. You can call in and see their fantastic set up at 102 Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow or phone (02) 4927 6911. As pricing on items varies, it is best if you have a specific request.

You can ring them to get a quote. Australian

business run by people who have their country and its veterans at heart.

REAL JOBS FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE … WILLING AND ABLE I happened to dash into IGA, and outside I met a lovely girl named Debbie. Debbie was there selling raffle tickets for Willing and Able and with her lovely, bubbly personality, noone could refuse purchasing some tickets.

I discovered not only do they they have their Op-Shop, but six other services available to the public. The lovely with Deb (sorry, I did not get your name) said the Foundation extends to woodworking … their woodworking division manufacture and sell hardwood stakes, painted and unpainted to local surveyors, real estates and builders. Tomato stakes are also available, and they can supply small or large orders.

Laundrette - their laundrette is located at Shop 3/17 Short Street, Port Macquarie. They provide a range of laundry services, including ironing, washing, drying and folding. Open Mon - Fri, 8am - 3pm. Self service is available from 6am - 9pm, seven days a week.

Grounds Maintenance - their Grounds Maintenance team offer a professional commercial and domestic mowing service, including ride on, whipper snipper, pruning, weeding, spraying and rubbish removal: Ph: 6581 0939.

These are just a few of their services. Others include assembly, fold, envelope, label, sort, package, collate, seal, tie, staple. Document Scanning - turning your important business documents and information into an electronic form will improve the efficiency of your business. For more information about Willing and Able Foundation, Ph: 6581 0939 .

Their mission is to provide meaningful employment and personal growth opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in a safe and happy environment, whilst providing quality and services to customers in compliance with government and community standards; they are looking forward to more happy customers.

I get carried away sometimes when I get on a roll of passionate … have you noticed?

Keep smiling, Robbie x

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Conditions apply, details store. greater port macquarie focus . in75

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M I T S U B I S H I

THIS MONTH THE SMUG TAKES A DRIVE IN ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S TRUSTY FAVOURITES, THE ALL-NEW MITSUBISHI TRITON, COURTESY OF JOHN OXLEY MOTORS IN PORT MACQUARIE.

“The Smug”

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SMUG’S REVIEW

I can really see this new Triton which has practically he all-new Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab 2.4 litre Turbo Diesel Exceed (auto) been re-built from the ground up, becoming a utility model was such a pleasure to drive. vehicle of choice for trades on the job, weekend trekkers It was clear to see and feel from the and fleet purchases with the extra capacity in the dual outset that even though the new cab versions for the crew job up or down the highway.

Triton is clearly a workhorse, Purchasers won’t be missing out on any Mitsubishi has paid just as much technology playtime, with the 6.1 inch attention to comfort, safety and multifunction display system which technology. includes Bluetooth and USB The new Triton pretty much connectivity, hands free with audio al im With min includes all the acronyms in e iv dr e th ll, control as well as a very impressive ro body ABS, ATC, EBA, EBD (and nt lle ce ex as w 6 speaker sound system which comfort much more), which not only me compared to so could seriously project your Mariah and the ensures a safe and comfortable earlier models, Carey Greatest Hits collection d y an drive, but is pretty hard to go interior was room across the job site with ease. Trust le .” past on value for money. very comfortab me; I tried it (allegedly).

Some of the other cool options Having driven the previous Triton include paddle shift gear changing, model myself, it’s hard to compare satellite navigation, as well as the turn anything other than the general shape, as dial to change option from 2WD to 4WD. the improvements make this model the best Triton The optional reversing camera as well as the hill ever.

Having said that, the new shape is a lot more start assist feature gives the Triton an edge among sleek and streamlined and certainly more aerodynamic other comparable utes in its class. looking.

The 2.4 litre 133 kw engine has some real go, even I know that the new model demonstrator is ready for carrying my heavy frame, and the automatic model I

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took for a spin transitioned through the gears as well as any sedan that I’ve driven.

With minimal body roll, the drive comfort was excellent compared to some earlier models, and the interior was roomy and very comfortable.

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your test drive from today, and I’d recommend checking it out. I’d say, forget everything you thought you knew about the Mitsubishi Triton, because the new model is a great leap forward for the make and well worth another look if you went with something else last time.

SNAPSHOT Mitsubishi Triton Dual Cab 4WD range.

Engine & Gears - 2.4 litre (turbo) Diesel, 4x4.

Manual or Automatic.

BODY Single or Dual Cab options with tray.

SAFETY 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating.

FUEL 75 Litre tank. 7.2/7.6 litres per 100 km.

RANGE 2WD & 4WD options.

FAST FACTS 80% totally new build from previous model.

Australia is the second biggest Triton market in the world behind Thailand (where it is made).

The body strengthening in the new model now rivals a BMW for safety.

Impressive 3100 kg towing capacity (braked).

General feedback from the industry: this is the best version of the Mitsubishi Triton ever.

focusinterview.

ESCAPING THE NOISE OF THE WORLD AND HEADING BENEATH THE SURFACE IS A LOVE OF SPEARFISHERMAN TRAVIS CORKEN. CHASING THE PERFECT CONDITIONS TO CATCH THE BIGGEST FISH, TRAVIS SHARES HIS STORYWITH FOCUS ...

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eing a local lad and growing up here on the coast, when and how did your spearfishing journey first begin?

I guess the first step in my journey to be a spearfisherman started before I was even born. My parents, Kev and Gayle, were living in Melbourne and decided to do a trip up the East coast of Australia. They got as far as Cairns while travelling with my other siblings, Robert and Leanne. Whilst travelling back down to Melbourne, Mum and Dad decided to call into a little town called Port Macquarie for some groceries.

Little did they know that this decision would change the course of life for all of us. They loved Port Macquarie and could see a future for us all. Whilst there, they ran into some old school friends, who encouraged them to make the move. And move they did! I was only three months old, but I often think how different my life would have been if I was still living in Melbourne.

As soon as I was old enough, my parents had me down at Flynn’s Beach Surf Club doing Nippers every Sunday, and I guess that’s when my love for the water started. Growing up around Port was the best; there was always somewhere to explore - especially up the coast. I first started spearfishing 15 years ago, when I got my licence.

I didn’t really take it that seriously, as we were just chasing estuary fish around the entrance to Limeburners creek. I took quite a liking to it, as I started to get fresh feeds of Blackfish.

I started to venture out and explore some headlands, and that’s when I met Andre Rerekura. Andre is probably the most well-known guy in Port and if you don’t know him, you will definitely know someone who does. Andre and a few other boys, Toddy DeGraaff and Simon Latta, could see my interest in spearfishing and were happy to take me under their belt. They taught me everything there was to know about this interesting underwater world. Diving with

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these boys all the time, my My spearfishing confidence quickly grew, days now are hen and the last seven years very selective. W nt targeting differe I have been travelling e species of fish, w ases , to some of the best ph n oo m consider spearfishing locations s and sea temperature ays in the world, targeting pl l al currents . This larger species in the open ding ci de in a big factor n.” blue water. io at in st de our next What is it that draws you in about exploring underwater?

I first wrote to an Australian spearI watched a short clip once on a pro fi shing magazine back in 2009 and now surfer and spearfisherman, Mark Healy. His have written to quite a few internationally. words are well said and express my feelings Ever since my fi rst trip overseas, I’ve always wantexactly. I would like to take this opportunity to ed to share my experiences with other spearfishquote and share them. erman especially my last trip to Fiji, when I had “The only way for me to have a moment a near fatal diving accident. where I’m just being, I’m not thinking, I’m not In all my stories I always want to make a point turning my wheels, is holding my breath surof how important it is to practice safe diving rounded by water. It’s a lot of uncomfortable and with your mates. There are many lives lost each soothing things mixing together, and it’s a kind of year within the spearfishing community due to calm euphoria. It’s a constant state of unpredictshallow water blackouts. If someone expends ability. Humans are a part of the ocean, and this too much oxygen while at depth, then on the is some of the most condensed, forms of energy way up their oxygen levels can drop to a point that our planet can produce and you’re being a where they blackout.

While these events are part of that in a natural way. I love the beauty of not common, they can happen unexpectedly. the ocean, that it brings out what people really Having a dive buddy there beside you can be the have - can’t lie to it, can’t bluff it, can’t bribe it, difference between life and death. Spearfishing can’t talk it out of anything; it is the equaliser. I should not be seen as a competition and without definitely see myself as being a part of the ocean Andre watching me from the surface that day, as opposed to a visitor. When I hit the water, I wouldn’t be here.

I love being in the water I feel like I’m home. Everything else is not as working as a team, knowing were all going to go simple”. home together.

When it comes to selecting your next desI also had the chance to feature on a TV series tination, what’s the process for picking the called Adventure Bound, chasing pelagic species right location and conditions? in Fiji, which was a great experience.

My spearfishing days now are very selective.

Chasing down a Marlin is something some When targeting different species of fish, we spearfi shermen can only dream about. Talk consider moon phases, sea temperatures and us through your experience … currents. This all plays a big factor in deciding our I never thought that spearing a Marlin would next destination. ever become reality.

To be able to chase these You’ve featured in some documentaries and species in my home waters off Port Macquapublications; what can you share about this?

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rie was a dream come true. It was only in the past couple of years my confidence had grown enough for me to set my sights on a Blue Marlin.

It was quite a surreal feeling being in the water beside a fish of that size and taking its life something l will only ever be able to do once, but as a spearfisherman I had achieved a long awaited goal.

It was great day blue water hunting off Port, and I was stoked that Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club set the scales up on our return for me to weigh the fish. I wasn’t sure what to expect when arriving back at the dock ... but everyone was happy and congratulated me. I was happy to see onlookers walking past helping themselves to some fresh Marlin fillets, and this fish didn’t go to waste.

Another big thank you to another local boy, Tom Dykes, and his boat Care Factor for raising such an incredible fish and giving me this opportunity. The capture of the fish made the cover of International Freediving and Spearfishing News Magazine, which is issued in 34 countries around the globe.

Where can our readers follow your journey?

You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and I will soon be keeping a blog on kesspearguns. com.au - I just want to say thanks again to my parents, Gayle and Kev, on moving to this beautiful place on the coast we call Port and giving me the life I live today.

Thanks Travis.

focusfinance with PDD Advisory Group Principal, Mark Power

PDD ADVISORY GROUP

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Mark Power.

an you please introduce our readers to PDD Advisory Group?

Our business isn’t new to Port Macquarie and surrounding areas, having been a cornerstone of the community since 1976. During this time we have serviced clientele both domestically and abroad. We are lucky enough to boast a vibrant and dynamic team of more than 30 accountants, auditors, financial planners and administrators dedicated to creating a positive experience for our clients.

There has been a name change for PDD recently. Can you tell us about this and what’s in store for the business itself?

For several decades, PDD has been one of the largest chartered accounting firms in the region, assisting both individuals and businesses alike. We have an incredibly loyal customer base, including some who have been with us since our opening day. Over the years, we noticed the needs of our clients becoming more diverse and with that, so too did our service proposition. As a result, we thought the name change better reflected our position now as one of the region’s leading financial services

PROFESSIONAL DYNAMIC DEDICATED

providers.

What part of your business has seen the In addition to our Port Macquarie, Laurieton most growth over the last few years? and Wauchope offices, the organic growth We have experienced significant demand for experienced by our business has also seen us financial and strategic advice, especially expand into Sydney recently, which allows with regard to retirement planning, us to more personally service interstate investment management and self clients, as well as new customers managed superannuation. Our from the metropolitan area. team does not take a “one What financial services size fits all” approach when Over the ye ars, does PDD Advisory dealing with a client’s e th we noticed Group offer? financial livelihood, rather s nt ie needs of our cl The clear message focusing on customised e or becoming m , at th from our group is that we financial solutions for ith w d diverse an ice rv se r don’t believe in offering each.

No two outcomes ou d di o so to .” on a service just for the sake iti are ever the same. os op pr of it. Our business employs PDD also qualified as a experts in their respective fields.

Professional Practice of the We have chartered accountants Financial Planning Association who specialise in the many and varied (FPA) last year, at a time when there industries from medical practitioners through were only 200 such designated practices in to small business and tradespeople. We employ Australia. This really reinforces our promise to bookkeepers with experience in cloud-based be recognised as leaders in the industry and accounting software including Xero, provide local area. company and SMSF auditing services, mortgage Can you tell our readers how PDD differ broking and debt structuring advice. from the competition?

“

We can only really speak on behalf of our own business, but as a financial services firm, our accountants and planners work in tandem for clients to deliver insightful recommendations where possible. If a client can better save tax, if a client appears personally underinsured, requires superannuation consolidation or can secure a more competitive home loan interest rate, we will at least ensure they know where they stand and the steps to optimise the situation.

How can PDD help businesses and individuals achieve their goals in 2015?

We believe affordability and proactivity is the key. At the moment, our accountants are assisting individuals, small businesses and corporate clients with tax planning for the 2016 financial year. As a “financial one-stop shop”, this allows our team to conduct a more comprehensive review of the client’s situation to ensure it complements their future objectives.

With people living such busy lives these days, I think it’s refreshing to know your local financial professionals are looking out for you.

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focusinterview.

JILL FOLLINGTON

Business

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irstly, a huge congratulations, Jill, for being nominated as a finalist in the national 2015 Women in Industry Awards in the category of “Social Leader” and “Industry Advocacy”! Can you tell us a little more about these awards?

The annual Women in Industry Awards recognises and rewards the achievements of women working within the mining, engineering, and manufacturing industries.

They aim to raise the profile of women within industry, promote and encourage excellence in leadership, innovation and advocacy.

It’s more than just recognition though; the Awards aim to provide an opportunity for new business opportunities and network expansion between women within these industries. It also facilitates them to come together to celebrate their success and to further encourage driving change and to break down the barriers, which then creates new possibilities for the next generation.

Your current position is Executive Director at Industry Mid North Coast. Can you please give us some insight into what this role involves?

As the Executive Director I am responsible for the co-ordination and management of the operational aspect of the Association. It is my responsibility to see that the vision that is set by the board of Directors is achieved.

What is the most rewarding part about your role with Industry Mid North Coast?

I guess it is seeing how the industry is beginning to change and embrace a new way of doing things. A great example of this is the number of successful collaborations we have been able to influence. These collaborations not only allow for larger projects to be manufactured on the Mid North Coast, but it also brings stability to our workforce, it fosters

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innovation and opens markets that were once thought to not be attainable.

What do you see as the three biggest challenges that the manufacturing industry is facing at the moment?

The most obvious is the inability to be able to compete with the likes of China and India, labour costs, compliance and the lack of government commitment to the industry and keeping work in Australia.

While it is understood that new technologies will save time and money and with an industry that is keen to embrace them, the issue is having the cash flow to afford to purchase the technology and the time to implement the new system, in an industry that is already very time poor.

The last but definitely not any less significant, is the image that manufacturing has. It is seen as an old fashioned, dirty industry that has limited pathways and career progression. Many schools, careers advisors and parents do not understand the changes that have occurred, nor how highly skilled the industry has become, and therefore do not encourage young men and women to pursue a career within the industry. This is having a significant impact on the industry, as they struggle to find a suitable workforce.

Industry Mid North Coast is hosting the Regional Manufacturing & Engineering Capability and Innovation Expo in conjunction with Newman Senior Technical College in Port Macquarie in September this year. Can you tell us a little bit about this project and its significance to this area?

The Expo is designed to showcase the capability of the manufacturing industry across the Mid North Coast. It aims to demonstrate the exceptional and innovative education that is being facilitated at Newman

College and to also encourage engagement with new technologies and products that are not available to the industry within the region.

We will also highlight through guest speakers such as Marita Cheung, who is founder of Robogals, was 2012 Young Australian of the year and also founder and current CEO of 2Mar Robotics, how exciting this industry can be and hopefully move towards changing the perception of the industry within our region.

The expo will also provide the local industry and associated industries with an opportunity unlike any other, to network with each other, key stakeholders, special guests to the region and the next generation of potential employees as we engage with the schools across the region.

The significance of this event is that it gives us the opportunity to be seen and heard, show case our capability, “what we can do”, as well as put our region out there for the world to see.

We are currently seeking sponsors for this event as well as interested manufacturers who would like to submit an EOI for a stand on the day. If you would like further information, you can contact me via email at executive@imnc. com.au.

What would you class as your biggest career achievement to date?

I have been very lucky and have achieved great success within my career to date. I have been a guest speaker at a number of conferences, I have mentored some amazing young women who have gone on to also achieve great success, and I have a sound personal and professional development practice that I am very proud of. However, Industry Mid North Coast was something everyone said would never work, it could not be achieved, and while I cannot claim it as my success alone, I am very proud of what the

founding Directors created, the commitment they have towards their industry and towards their region, the vision they had, the trust (while difficult) that they placed in each other and the cultural change they have influenced across this region.

IMNC continues this labour of love, facing the challenges and finding the opportunities five years on with our current board and partners in the Commonwealth Bank, Horan Steel, North Coast TAFE and AI Group.

They said it could not work, it would not work; industry proved them wrong!

And finally, if you could invite three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them?

The Chair of the newly created Advanced Manufacturing Industry Growth Centre - Andrew Steven. The Growth Centre is designed to be industries’ voice to government, to set strategies and deliver outcomes under the four themes of encouraging collaboration, enhancing workforce skills, identifying opportunities to reduce regulatory burden and improving capabilities to engage with international markets, and they have a huge budget to do it with.

Lorna Jane Clarkson - this is a woman who has the balance right. I find the way she lives her life, what she stands for and how she has achieved her success to be inspiring and motivating.

Meg Teasdell - Meg is an environmental engineer who works at Birdon Marine and is one of my closest friends. Meg keeps me grounded; she is also one of the most fascinating conversationalists, and we share a passion for the industry. I could not have a lunch without her.

Thanks for your time, Jill.

119,788.76DR 119,423.37DR

964.30

9,423.37 753.85 Funds Transfer to credit card

116,226.22DR

*

1,297.73 Deposit

856.74

111,731.13DR 112,713.08DR

01 May 2014

$20,340.45

7,256.18

Reimbursement

DEPOSIT

106.06

59.91 1,251.52

102,646.87DR

,

1,497.44

$20,340.45 *Note redraw to pay out credit card debt made this month of $5,387.27

The above is an example of an average client, however we have some real clients paying up to $10,000.00 off their mortgages in a single month.If you would like to make an appointment for a consultation please feel free to contact us.

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Amber Tiles Amber Port Macquarie Executive Brian Doorey is celebrating his 25th year with the company. He shared his unique insights into career longevity and the nature of franchise businesses with Chrissy Jones.

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ou started as a salesman at Amber Seaforth, fresh out of high school; how has your career with Amber Tiles taken

shape?

I progressed to a management position at the Waitara store within five years, before I acquired Amber Five Dock as its franchisee in 1997. Today, I am the Port Macquarie franchisee and remain a shareholder at the Five Dock store.

What's the secret to success in management?

I’ve basically lived and breathed the industry since I left school. I’ve worked full-time, completed a tertiary course in business management on the side, and engaged in several of Amber’s traineeships in the early years.

While becoming a franchisee at Port Macquarie may seem like a natural progression, my decision was carefully researched, and I decided early on what my realistic expectations were for the role.

Amber has a proven business model, but

it also boils down to your personality and leadership style. You need to have an element of entrepreneurship, and yet be willing to adapt to the formula set out by the company.

Your extensive experience as a business leader has Amber has a not come without proven business challenges ... model , but it also Initially I faced Over the next few years, ur boils down to yo the difficult task of I hope to bring my strong d an personality growing a business ” e. understanding of and keen yl st ip leadersh in an average eye for unique new products, market. As time has maintain our strong delivery gone on, the market systems and help our customers has improved and the achieve their individual design visions. work we’ve put in earlier is We’ve also recently introduced bathroompaying off, but we’ve changed the culture ware, which has been extremely well received of the business - we’re customer focused and has become a major category for us. and spend a lot of time investigating and Overall, I aim to grow the business and purchasing product that is great value and continue to innovate within the longstanding therefore doesn’t require the hard sell.

Amber family. This year is looking great from How does the future look for Amber Tiles a trading perspective, and we experienced Port Macquarie? substantial growth last year. The staff, of

“

25 years in business. course, played a huge part in that - they’ve delivered consistency, dedication and results.

Do you have any key advice for potential franchisees?

Conduct thorough research, do your due diligence and talk to other franchisees. If you’re looking for a "get-rich-quick" scheme or semi-retirement solution, then you’re way off the mark. You should be prepared and willing to deliver hard work and long hours it’s a hands-on position.

Amber Tiles Port Macquarie is open 6 days a week. For more details, please visit http:// www.ambertiles.com.au/store-locator/nsw/ amber-port-macquarie or call (02) 6581 5066.

BATHROOMS | INDOOR LIVING | OUTDOOR

PORT MACQUARIE

193 Lake Road Ph 6581 5066 amberport.com.au

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Francis Furniture Francis Furniture been operating locally with a full showroom and workshop in Port Macquarie for over 33 years. Building beautiful custom designed pieces, Kim and Chris Francis love facing new challenges and working with the natural characteristics of different timbers. Kim tells us more about Francis Furniture.

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ow did Francis grade timbers and hardware that we Furniture first get use all help to make a piece last. The started in1982? durability of timber furniture is also a Our sister, Kerrie, unique trait; it can last hundreds of years. was living in Port At Francis Furniture, we make pieces to Macquarie at the last, rather than having a customer come time, and it was at her urging that we back for a repair job in five years’ time. began to put together a plan to move We're more interested in creating an north for a change of pace and to heirloom that will be passed down start up our own furniture making through generations, and there is business. Chris is a boat no reason why these pieces builder by trade, and won't still be in great during his early years condition in 200 years’ in the trade he was time.

I don’ t regard a making surf boats Using quality in colour change and rowing sculls in t classic timbers ul fa a timber as being l Manly Vale. ra such as Jarrah tu at all; it’s the na ns io at ri This being mostly va and Blue Gum, e beauty of th r.” club type work how do these be in the tim meant that the timbers create such summer months were a natural feel in the frantic, but the winter time home? was sometimes a little slow, Everybody loves timber, it's so they would often take on some a beautiful product with its natural furniture jobs to tide them over. grain and abstract swirls. It's also the feel So the passion comes from the love of timber - it is warm to the touch. Timber of beautiful timbers and of working it to tables are always earthy and warm; make the most of its beauty. There’s also timber’s a natural living thing which gives the making of something unique and a good feel to a room.

Why do you enjoy working with long lasting, and a little bit challenging different timbers to create unique tailored to suit the customers’ desires. pieces?

What makes Francis Furniture pieces As far as the timber is concerned, stand the test of time? every piece of timber is unique. We've Our quality of workmanship and select

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had experiences where we can pick a board and think it looks fine, we size it up with another board and get a fairly even colour match across a panel. But if you cut it in half and lay the ends side by side, suddenly you could get a black and white board.

You don't realise how much the colour has changed from one end of the board to the other, let alone across the width of it. It's surprising the amount of variation you can have in one piece of timber that you don't notice until you put the boards right beside each other. I don't regard a colour change in timber as being a fault at all; it's the natural beauty of the variations in the timber.

What has ensured the longstanding success of Francis Furniture?

We strive to meet our customers’ needs, whether it is a custom piece or something from our showroom. We keep up with advances in technology and have a 3D programme that allows us to show the customer the finished product. People can then see what we are capable of and can customise the designs they like to suit their own style. We also love a challenge, and we are always learning something new and facing new challenges that are set.

Thanks Kim.

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50 years in business.

HILBERTS HARDWARE. Being in operation for almost 50 years, what is your strength?

The general comment has always been, “If you can’t get it at Hilberts, then you probably can’t get it”. We have always strived to have in store what the customer wants; if we haven’t got it on the shelves, we will source the item as quickly as we can. We are a true, old fashioned hardware store, where you can get everything you want in the one place.

How did the business first start?

Sharon’s grandfather, Marten Hilberts, saw an opportunity back in 1965 to service the regional timber industry, starting operations in Wauchope as Hastings Hardware & Saw Sharpening Service - with wife, Zwaantje, assisting in the shop.

Initially stocking tools, abrasives, fasteners and paints, they also operated as a tool sharpening service for the surrounding timber mills. They catered to the expanding local building trade

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also.

Son Max took over from Marten in 1979 - wife Ann joining him, looking after the bookkeeping. Increasing the stock range, including hydraulic fittings, chains, bulk power tools, gases and equipment, they quickly outgrew the premises. Max purchased a ½ acre block across the road in 1990, moving the business to its current location. Jeff and Sharon took over after the sudden passing of Max the following year. A children’s play area was added in 1998, to allow for a stress free shopping experience. The business continued to grow and improve their extensive stock range.

What gives the company satisfaction?

Our reputation. Attracting customers from all over the country, from householders to government and corporate firms, we are happy to assist anyone to grow our customer base.

Thanks Sharon and Jeff.

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Percival Property Fast forward three decades from a 16 year old girl declaring she would one day be the Principal of her own real estate office, and that dream has been realised twice over.

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doyenne in Port Macquarie real estate, Michelle Percival has 32 years’ experience in an industry where she is recognised as a sales specialist.

Husband Michael is not too far behind her, with 31 years in the trade and is a 16 year veteran of specialising in the property management sector.

As clichéd as it may sound, it’s a passion for property and the enduring relationships built with their clients that have kept the pair entrenched in an industry that sees many come and go.

As the Principals of one of the most successful franchises in the country, Michael and Michelle helped launch the careers of many of Port Macquarie’s real estate agents before taking a new direction.

They sold their award winning Laing & Simmons office to allow Michelle to recover from a breast cancer diagnosis, and a year later established an agency proudly bearing their own name.

Building a Property Management division over three years, they then launched Sales - the two offices operate only a few doors from each other in their convenient William Street locations.

Each focuses on their own specialty, but work in tandem to ensure all of their clients’ real estate needs are met with an unrivalled level of energy, enthusiasm and expertise.

Having the opportunity to “do over” and hand Both Michael pick a team of property e and Michelle ar professionals, Percival re si driven by the de or negating the stresses by Property is certainly always provide to being hands on, establishing making its mark on the te a ‘5 star ’ real esta clear lines of communication real estate landscape. service.” and overseeing every nuance The premise of of a sale, purchase, lease or Michael and Michelle’s management.” business model is all about Michael Percival works with a nine outcomes. strong team of property managers, leasing “Our expertise might be real estate, and property inspection officers, repairs, admin but our core business and greatest strength is and accounting specialists. in creating the best outcome for our client. We He made a conscious decision to employ more and our teams work hard, all hours of the day people per property than the industry standard, and night, to ensure we deliver the absolute determined to set the bar in service levels in Port best result in every respect - that our clients’ Macquarie. In an industry where innovation is requirements are fulfilled on every level,” said adopted but can’t replace old fashioned ethics Michelle. and principles, management is as much about the “We are committed to exceeding expectations, people as property. making the experience enjoyable and removing

“

32 years in business.

Percival Property prides itself on making that relationship a priority - after all, hundreds of happy, connected tenants make for hundreds of conscientious property caretakers. They become invested in their home, and that is value adding for the property owner.

Both Michael and Michelle are driven by the desire to always provide a “5 star” real estate service. Renowned for their ethical approach to business, the pair’s accomplishments are borne out of a broad knowledge and love of the local community and a strong rapport with the people who live in it.

Just visit www.ratemyagent.com.au or www.percival.com.au to read the kind and treasured words their clients have to say.

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30 years in business.

27 years in business.

Snap Port Macquarie.

NORTH COAST MARBLE AND GRANITE.

Snap Port Macquarie: your local marketing experts.

North Coast Marble and Granite has been operating in Port Macquarie since it was founded by Bob Galafassi in 1988 and has been owned and operated by Stephen and Georgie Hamer, together with their team, for the last eight years.

At Snap Port Macquarie, we’ve spent decades in the trade of providing print, design and website services to the local businesses. With over 30 years under our belt, the team at Snap Port Macquarie understand the unique landscape and ever changing needs of our local community.

Good staff are integral to the success of the business, and we are lucky enough to have a fantastic team including five qualified stonemasons - not something many of our competitors can claim to have. Some have been with us since we took over the business, and two did their entire apprenticeship with us.

We are lucky to have fantastic working relationships with the best local kitchen companies, including Gill, Hastings, Keena, Old Lake, Port Kitchen World and Shaw’s.

Technology has really evolved since the

business began, with major advances in machinery, hydraulic lifting systems, water filtration and recycling systems that make the job both safer, faster, more environmentally friendly and able to deal with varied products.

There has been real change in popular products over the years. Granite was the market leader 20 years ago, and we have since seen all the man-made quartz based products such as Caesarstone and Quantum Quartz take a big share of the market. The newest trend following on from Europe is porcelain products, such as our “Neolith” by CDK Stone range; they are an exciting newcomer offering a diverse range of applications.

We are really looking forward to the next decades in business and watching the local area grow.

We also know that marketing your business can be challenging. Our knowledge of the local industry and thirst for innovation have seen us continually evolving to address these challenges and the needs of our clients and their customers. We do this by keeping up with all the latest technology trends and providing fast, high quality and creative solutions for your print, design and website needs.

Our commitment to the Port Macquarie

community has also seen us develop strong and lasting relationships with many local organisations. We are proud supporters of groups and initiatives, including Hastings Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, the Koala Preservation Society and the Hastings Cancer Trust. We also have a passion for local sport and proudly stand behind the Port Macquarie Magpies, the Port Macquarie Rugby Union Club, the Port Macquarie Sharks RLFC and the Mid North Coast Girls Surf Riders.

You can trust the Snap Port Macquarie team to provide professional advice and services tailored to the specific demands of your business, industry and prospective clients.

From sole traders, to big businesses, we have confidence in our ability to assist you.

Come and say hello to us at 110 William Street; we’d love to meet you.

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printing design websites brochures e-marketing posters business cards and more!

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Snap Port Macquarie 110 William Street | P: 02 6583 7544 E: portmacquarie@snap.com.au

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27 years in business.

B&E DOHERTY MECHANICAL REPAIRS. 28 years in business.

STEPHEN LOCKHART. How many years have you been in your chosen field?

I arrived in Port Macquarie 28 years ago for my first gig as an Architectural Technician with a respected local Architect.

How has your business evolved in that time? Since those days, my business has developed into a multi-faceted one. The ideals of sustainability, people, planet and profitability, drive my thinking more than ever.

How do you keep at the forefront of your industry? By being aware of the big picture. I take a holistic view, designing efficient spaces, specifying environmentally and economically sustainable materials. Particular focus is given to energy, both embodied within materials, and operational energy for the building.

Providing solar power energy assessments, and sales of rooftop solar power, both for residential and commercial premises, has become an integral part of the business and adds another dimension to it.

What three pieces of advice would you give to aspiring business owners? Follow your passion. Be flexible. Enjoy the journey.

Where do you see yourself and your business in ten years? I’d like to feel that I’ve made a valuable difference.

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B & E Doherty Mechanical Repairs, your local Repco Authorised Service Centre in Wauchope.

Locally owned and operated since 31st January 1988. Bruce and Eleanor first started out in just a little old service station and an open shed for car detailing at the present premises. Now some 27 years later, it is a hive of activity with a fully functional service station with full driveway service and a Mechanical repair workshop with 3 fully qualified motor mechanics, a car detailing section with a full time car detailer and a car sales yard, retailing quality used cars to the Wauchope and surrounding districts. Put this in with the full range of Fuchs oils, lubricants, drinks, lollies and chips etc and you have a very busy business that incorporates everything that you will ever need to look after you car.

The office and service station is always a buzz of activity and keeps the office staff on their feet running at all times. They have re built the whole premises from the ground up and also replaced the fuel tanks five years ago, it is a modern, effective and attractive layout for the purpose built business. They also offer, QBE Greenslips, RTA pink slips, tyres, log book servicing, a/c regassing, and wheel alignments. B & E offer to source the car your after if it is not already on the car yard from the great selection available. Bruce says this is also a big part of the business.

If you want to deal with someone tried and trusted that has a great name and are honest then come on in and give us a go, they are sure you will be blown away with their professionalism and dedication to servicing you, the customer.

15 years in business.

HASTINGS VALLEY REAL ESTATE How many years have you been in Real Estate?

15 years in the local area.

How has your business evolved in that time?

I commenced working in Real Estate in 2000 and opened the first stand alone Property Management business in the Hastings Valley in 2005. Since then we have grown and have rental properties in Wauchope, Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie, Port Macquarie, Long Flat, Rollands Plains and many other small villages. I also sell properties, but Property Management is the core of my business.

How do you keep at the forefront of the local real estate industry? By attending annual professional training as well as other courses throughout the year. This keeps myself and my staff up to date.

How important has good staff been to your business over the years? The Real Estate Industry has great courses for staff and I also conduct in house training for my staff. I have over the years had a good variety of staff.

What three pieces of advice would you give to aspiring business owners? Try to find a mentor if possible – Do the best you can and be patient yet persistent.

Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

20 years – 10 years still working, 20 years definitely retired.

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LJ Hooker L J Hooker Port Macquarie realise that in a competitive world experience, credibility and service to clients is vitally important. Being in business in the local area for over 35 years, the LJ Hooker team headed up by Tony and Gloria Dekker, have adopted the attitude of good communication to achieve great results. Chrissy Jones chatted with Tony about his successes and future outlook.

H

ow many years have you been in Real Estate?

Gloria and I have been in real estate for a combined 35 years.

How has your business evolved in that time?

One big change for us was the decision to change brands. LJ Hooker offered support and education second to none and with the rebrand to LJ Hooker, the team has grown to 20 staff, with a combined real estate experience of 215 years.

Has technology changed the way you conduct business on a day to day basis?

Yes. When we first started, the sales team use to take the film camera out to take photos of the properties. You could not check to see what the photos looked like - there was no screen on the camera, no delete button. Once the sales person got back to the office, they would then take the film up to the Kodak shop to be developed. The following day you would pick up the developed film and have a look through them. There were

many that were out of focus or a toilet featured in the background of the photo, as the bathroom door was left open.

Nowadays we The most have the digital of mportant asset camera, we get we could communicate about e W f. af st is a business a preview as we h appointments and clients if we is tabl believe if you es ithin take it and get a were out and about. w the right culture e th chance to take it en th How important has good , your business ay st again and again. to t staff been to your business an staff will w e th of If that sneaky rt pa over the years? a and be toilet appears, we � y.

The most important asset of a ne jour have programmes business is staff. We believe if you like Photoshop to establish the right culture within your close the bathroom door. business, then the staff will want to stay Also, there are now professional and be a part of the journey. Within our office photographers within the real estate industry we have six staff who have already been with us who offer their services, and they do an amazing for over 10 years. job.

What three pieces of advice would you give There are many stories like this, about how to aspiring business owners? technology has changed. Twenty years ago we We always joke about this one - membership had CB radios in the car and at the office, so to wine clubs. Some days you need it more than

“

35 years in business. others.

On a serious note, research your market place/ competitors. Have a point of difference and stay focused.

What is the best way to achieve long-term success?

Consistently redeveloping and educating yourself, with attitude and passion.

Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? Twenty years?

We would have cancelled our wine club membership and be retired from actively being involved in the business. We will always have an interest in the business. Our succession plan is for our son, Lance, and his wife, Megan, to continue and maintain the culture and business that we have developed.

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23 years in business.

BLUE CHIP MORTGAGES. It was an interesting exercise to reflect on our business ...

When it started, and where it is heading.

It all began at 49 Horton Street on the 8th October 1992, when we obtained through Commercial Tribunal of NSW our Finance Brokers Licence in accordance with the Credit Administrator Act of 1984.

The Annual Fee was $350 - a far cry from what the costs are today, which have increased twenty-fold and become far more onerous, with so many more ASIC compliances, regulations and ongoing training requirements, to the point where it can affect profitability.

This, of course, is common with all small businesses. Hence, the reason for continually making changes to the business model to adapt to changing consumer trends and technology.

We started the business as Statewide Home Loans Centre, one of the very first Home/Investment Loan Mortgage Brokers in this area. It was expanded to incorporate a couple of local Government Housing Co-operatives, on-lending Bank Funds to help the people the banks would not help to buy a home. It was very rewarding and satisfying to help those people, with some becoming lifelong friends.

On the 20th May 2008, we became Blue Chip Mortgages. My marketing mentor was Kylie Morris from Hot Graphics, and together with my wife, Carol, and Helen Cheers, who became a partner after many years of great service, the team was further expanded when Michael Chambers joined the group. Now we can boast to having in excess of 100 years’ banking and lending experience.

Where to from here ... The future for our business is full of excitement and opportunities. Mortgage Brokers now account for almost 50% of all home and investment loans being approved. As well, Mortgage Brokers these days provide a full range of other Financial Services.

With a Mortgage Broker you have someone who takes full responsibility of your loan application from start to finish, looks after your individual needs in respect to what is important to you, not the lender, provides you with more choices, can save you time, money, helps avoid pitfalls with less chance of refusal, and you have someone working JUST FOR YOU, FOR FREE. Based on that, I believe we have a great future.

Technology is the big game changer, where loan processing is becoming more streamlined and quicker. Loan applications are already being processed using an iPhone and computer by people from the comfort of their home. The only suggestions I have for someone starting up a business are: know your numbers/business plans, don’t sweat the small stuff, spread your risk, start selling, do what you do best and outsource the rest.

Happy Days ...

BERNT KEPARS - BLUE CHIP MORTGAGES.

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32 years in business.

KEENA KITCHENS. 10 years in business.

New Kitchen and Kitchen Renovation Experts Graham and Sue Keena established their family-owned company, Keena Kitchens, in 1983 and specialise in renovating existing kitchens and installing kitchens in new homes.

From the beginning, Graham and Sue have set the highest standards in materials, workmanship and customer service.

Why choose Keena? Being a family owned company in the local area for 32 years, you are assured of a thorough approach, from the first concept right through to completion. Keena Kitchens is part of Granite Transformations, a global company that offers exciting alternatives to bench-tops and surfacing materials.

What do Keena offer? High quality materials and workmanship backed up by personal service. Value for money. We provide a full design service and licensed tradesmen. Most importantly, we’re real people, dealing with real people; our goal is to make you 100% happy with both our service and your new kitchen. Keena Kitchens are a one stop shop for your complete kitchen fit-out, with range hoods, hotplates and ovens … in fact, everything including the kitchen sink!

Graham and Sue are proud of their reputation as Port Macquarie’s’ leading kitchen supplier, which has come from creating kitchens that look great - and make cooking a pleasure!

They would like to thank all their staff and tradesmen for their many years of loyal contribution. We are proud of and grateful to you all.

SHERYL BARNETT. The Fitting Specialists How many years have you been in business?

Heart to Heart Lingerie has been operating for 11 years in Wauchope, and I have owned the business for 10 years.

How has your business evolved in that time? My business has changed and grown to when I first started. I offer a mobile fitting service; I will come to you in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and the Camden Haven. By putting in garments that customers want and no one else has in the Hastings area, I have a wide range for customers to choose from. A recent addition to my lines are Black Pepper Clothing in a range of styles and sizes. We also now have a web page: www.hearttoheartlingerie.com.au What advice would you give to aspiring business owners? My advice to anyone thinking of running their own business, is to first and foremost enjoy yourself, put in the time and you’ll be rewarded, give good customer service and listen to what people want.

Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? I see Heart to Heart Lingerie growing, and there’s always room for changes to move with the modern times.

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focus_business.

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

Hadyn Oriti.

78 years in business.

WAUCHOPE MOTORS. The Boaden family (Les, Marie and Michael) are true locals.

Wauchope Motors was first established in 1937

by Les’ father, machining, servicing and repairing the many and varied pieces of equipment being used by the thriving logging industry of the era.

After 78 years of trading, their reputation for reliable, knowledgeable and trustworthy service within the automotive industry of Wauchope and district has never faltered.

When did you individually join the business?

In 1962 Les joined the family business as an apprentice fitter machinist, before moving into the automotive field. In 1989 Michael followed in his Dad’s footsteps by studying as a fitter machinist and then as an automotive technician.

Marie (Mum) has been involved in the office handling all the accounts and day to day running of the business since 1987.

What do you offer? Our experienced Wauchope Motors team have the equipment

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and technical expertise to diagnose and solve any mechanical problem, carry out comprehensive logbook servicing and all mechanical repairs brakes, engines, gear boxes, diffs etc.

MINDING YOUR

business

We also stock an extensive range of Onga water pumps, offering complete sales, maintenance and installation services for your irrigation, household, pool and spa pumps.

Some of your main aims and objectives are… To always strive to uphold the reputation of our business as a friendly, community minded, professional automotive centre. To deliver high quality workmanship at an affordable price every time. To stay abreast of new information, practices and technologies that relate to our industry and share knowledge gained through our diverse business growth.

After 78 years, Wauchope Motors continues to provide a reliable, friendly and professional service to the local community and beyond at 85 High Street, Wauchope.

THE PROPOSED SOUTHERN LINK ROAD FROM OCEAN DRIVE TO THE OXLEY HIGHWAY HAS AGAIN RECENTLY MADE THE NEWS.

T

hanks to two Councillors, the matter has recently become front page news. It is important to remember, that the Chamber of Commerce has been lobbying local, State and Federal representatives in respect for this road for a number of years. We welcome the matter being elevated to front page news with editorial support. However, it is important that it be above politics and that each of our elected representatives marshal their resources to ensure that the project is funded and delivered.

Historically, the link road has always been fraught with challenges. There are environmental issues, funding issues, and historically there has been opposition from some residents. Despite those obstacles, it is important that the project proceed so as to ensure that Port Macquarie does not become choked figuratively and literally from an economic perspective.

It is important that the link also go beyond the Oxley Highway and continue through to both the airport and, in future, the Pacific Highway south of Sovereign Hills.

The airport is poised to become a real economic engine room for this region. With increased capacity and the potential for a business/industrial park in its surroundings, it has the potential to become a great employment precinct. The link road is a necessary pre-condition to achieving the full potential of the new business park.

If there is one important lesson that has emerged over the last eight years, it is that governments at all levels must live within their means. As the budget for the Link Road could at best estimates approach or even exceed $200 million, it is not a project that the Council can undertake in the absence of state or commonwealth financial assistance.

In this respect, the State has indicated that funds will be available throughout NSW for

regional infrastructure projects, including road and transport and water projects, from the proceeds of privatisation of 49% of Networks New South Wales.

This Chamber of Commerce believes and has argued strongly that the link road is an appropriate one to receive funding. We encourage Council to undertake all reasonable planning and other steps so as to ensure that when funding does become available, the project can proceed as quickly as possible.

However, to achieve our objectives we call upon Councillors to act as a cohesive force to achieve agreed objectives. In that way, we will be best placed to ensure that when grants are allocated from the proceeds of the privatisation of Networks New South Wales, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has done all it can to receive the funds. Let’s be clear on this. The infrastructure gap analysis undertaken by Council at the suggestion of the economic development steering group was clear on the need for the Southern Link Road. It will serve important economic precincts to the south of Lake Road and John Oxley Drive.

One starts to sense the importance of the project to the Port Macquarie-Hastings when it is realised that it will link four key pillars of our economic future - medicine, education, industry and transport.

By all means, let’s get this road built. But let’s ensure that it is done properly within budgetary constraints. Above all, let’s make sure we are working together to achieve that objective.

On another issue altogether, the Holiday Coast Credit Union Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards on 4 September 2015 are a showcase of the vibrant and energetic businesses serving our local area.

If you believe a local business deserves recognition, then please submit their name when nominations are called.

EVENT SCHEDULE 5:30pm - Event open to Public 6:30pm - Presentation by HB Fuller 6:50pm - Presentation by Xclude.

7:10pm - Presentation by RMAX.

HOSTED BY FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES, YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BUILDING SUPPLIER, THE EXPO PROMISES TO BE A SHOWCASE OF UP TO THE MINUTE AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR BUILDERS, HANDYMEN AND DIYERS. ON THE 1ST JULY FROM 5:30PM AT THE GLASSHOUSE IN PORT MACQUARIE, THE EXPO WILL BE THE LARGEST BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO HELD IN PORT MACQUARIE. The event will serve as an important platform for suppliers, buyers and distributors to connect, share innovations and do business. There will be over 50 exhibitors on site. You’ll see things that you don’t see every day; you can pick up and handle products, ask questions and find out all the information you need for your next building project. Major sponsors for the event are: The GDK Group, James Hardie, RMAX, Green Insulation, USG Boral Plasterboard, Hume Doors, HB Fuller and Xclude.

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7:30pm - Presentation by GDK. 7:50pm - Presentation by Green Insulation.

8:10pm - Presentation by James Hardie.

8:30pm - Presentation by USG Boral.

8:45pm - Prizes and giveaways by MC. 9:00pm - Kerry O’Keeffe 9:30pm - Event Closing announcement by MC.

FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO 2015

ics Imprint Acoust e es addresses th ents unique requirem g in id ov pr through e ok sp be y el et pl com look e th om solutions , fr the to h ug ro th el and fe ce an d an m acoustic perfor d.” ire qu re n certificatio

“ FROM THE GDK GROUP Silence is Golden … life is fast paced, chaotic and noisy.

Imprint's range of acoustic panels ensure that you get the peace, quiet and control that you need. Whether you have a commercial, hospitality or residential requirement to control noise, and enhance the look and feel of your build, Imprint Acoustics is your first choice in acoustic and decorative wall and ceiling panelling solutions.

No one project is ever the same, and when it comes to acoustics, there are a number of variables that will dictate the necessary level

of acoustic performance required. From the level of noise generated, to the application of the room, as well as the needs of those within, each will all vary significantly for each space.

Imprint Acoustics addresses these unique requirements through providing completely bespoke solutions, from the look and feel through to the acoustic performance and certification required.

As Australasia’s largest and most advanced

manufacturer of Acoustic ceiling and wall panelling solutions, Imprint Acoustics manufactures exclusively in Australia, shipping both Australia and worldwide.

As a part of the The GDK Group, Imprint Acoustics can guarantee unmatched quality, service and expertise on the manufacture, supply and installation of acoustic ceiling and wall panels.

Imprint Acoustics provide acoustic panelling

solutions for residential, commercial, corporate and institutional applications. Using the latest in European technology and processes cultivated by years of training and knowledge, Imprint Acoustics guarantee the highest quality acoustic products available. With all products manufactured in an 8,000 sqm production facility in Sydney, NSW, Imprint Acoustics can customise a solution for any acoustic requirements.

Imprint Acoustics is your partner in delivering architectural and design solutions that help you Out Build, Out Innovate & Out Create.

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FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO 2015

Our first class computerised lities production faci , ey based in Sydn ne , ur bo el Brisbane , M are h rt Pe d an e Adelaid to ed strategically plac ssible po st provide the be ice.” product and serv

“ FROM HUME DOORS Hume Doors & Timber is one of Australia’s most successful door and timber companies.

From humble beginnings its pioneers had a vision, to produce quality timber and door products for all Australians. As a family owned business, Hume was established with strong values, and we pride ourselves with helping to transform a house into your home. For generations, many Australians have trusted and chosen Hume to help make their great Australian dream become a reality.

Hume Doors & Timber with over 60 years’ experience has grown to become the nation’s largest 100% Australian owned manufacturer of timber doors. Our first class computerised production facilities based in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are strategically placed to provide the best possible product and service.

We also have branches located at Newcastle and Port Macquarie in NSW, Sunshine Coast and

Cairns in QLD, Darwin in the Northern Territory, plus long term operations in Malaysia and New Zealand. Employing over 850 people nationwide, the Hume group of companies also includes Hume Master Panel, a manufacturer of moulded door skin products (door faces), producing the highest quality products from only the finest environmentally friendly raw materials available, in conjunction with the international standards organisation (ISO 1401).

Hume Doors & Timber Port Macquarie branch was opened in 1989, providing an extensive range of door and timber products to the Mid North Coast and New England areas. Having three decades of experience within the region and covering extensive areas such as Laurieton, Taree, Wingham, Nabiac and Forster / Tuncurry in the south to Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour,

Bellingen, South West Rocks and Kempsey in the north and to Armidale, Uralla, Walcha, Tamworth, Gunnedah and Narrabri in the west, as well as Port Macquarie and surrounding areas. This has given us the expertise to provide quality products with a speed of service rarely seen in regional Australia.

We have a modern and well presented showroom which showcases a vast range of products, making the selection process easy. Our comprehensive display contains over 70 different styles of entrance, internal, folding, sliding, entrance systems and wardrobe doors, which is complemented by our expansive glass options. With so much choice, you are sure to find what you are looking for.

Make a pivotal statement with our pivot door system, or bring the outside in with our alfresco

The Australian Way to Build

folding door system. Assembled entry frames and pre-hung internal door systems with their ease of installation help keep busy builders on their tight schedules. For peace of mind we offer a five year conditional guarantee.

We have been supporting local building suppliers, hardware stores and builders for 30 years with our extensive range of doors and timber products.

We back this up with a level of service which makes doing business easy. Hume Doors & Timber manufacture within Australia and pre assemble locally. We are 100% Australian owned, so an investment in a Hume product is our investment in Australia and the region’s future.

With over 60 years of proud history, Hume Doors has always stood by its family based values and exceptional customer service. Whether leading the way in sustainability or innovation, Hume Doors remains committed to developing outstanding products for the Australian market.

APOLLO AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST NAME IN WINDOW DECOR

We are the Nation’s largest 100% Australian Owned timber doorthe manufacturer.

We have sixty years of history, leading We are Nation’s largest 100% Australian Owned timber the way with design, technology and a range of products door manufacturer. We have sixty years of history, leading second to none.

the way with design, technology and a range of products second to none.

Visit our website

www.humedoors.com.au

100% Australian Owned

Visit our website

www.humedoors.com.au greater port macquarie focus.

96 Australian 100% Owned

Explore modern architectural designs and interesting wall styles with Scyon Walls and Floors. Visit www.scyon.com.au for more information.

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apolloblinds.com.au

Port Macquarie

FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO 2015

FROM RMAX‌

FROM H.B. FULLER ADHESIVES

Whether you want to buy home or commercial insulation products, produce boxes or polystyrene for building, RMAX is an industry leader you can rely on. The combination of our pioneering spirit and a commitment to customer service has propelled RMAX to a position of market leadership.

From wholesale, commercial and home insulation products online to cold chain solution, agriculture and aerospace, RMAX products are seen across an expanse of industries in Australia. When it comes to rigid cellular plastic foams, no one does it better, more consistently and more professionally than RMAX. More info visit www.rmax.com.au

H.B. Fuller is a leading provider of specialty chemical products and solutions used to create hundreds of brand name goods across the globe. Your day probably begins and ends with us. Just about everywhere you look you will find adhesives and sealants produced by H.B. Fuller. While our products are in many cases virtually invisible, they play a vital role in ensuring the quality and convenience of modern life.

In Australia, H.B. Fuller was established in 1976, and operates in industrial and consumer markets.

From floor to ceiling, our consumer products are used throughout the residential and commercial building industries, and provide solutions for the trade.

FROM ALUMINIUM SPECIALTIES GROUP (ALSPEC )

CARINYA RESIDENTIAL WINDOWS AND DOORS

Established in 1974, ALSPEC are the market leaders in the design and distribution of innovative, high performance aluminium systems to the architectural, industrial and home improvement markets. Our extensive range of window and door systems is suitable for all commercial applications and is complemented by our Carinya residential range and our Invisi-Gard Stainless Steel Mesh Security System. ALSPEC systems are synonymous with excellence in design and superior performance.

The Carinya range has been developed by ALSPEC, one of Australia's most respected and long-standing suppliers of Aluminium product to the commercial building industry.

The commercial and industrial pedigree of Carinya products ensures a level of performance and design normally beyond the homebuilder’s budget is now accessible ... The very best in windows and doors is now within your reach.

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FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO 2015

FROM OXLEY NU-LOOK WINDOWS

INVISI-GARD INVISI-GARD is Australia’s premier security screen brand because it's made from the toughest material in its class AND features unique patented product architecture. The COMBINATION of these two vital features provides the maximum protection for your family and your home.

At the heart of every INVISI-GARD security screen and security door is our high tensile 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh. The grade 316 mesh used in INVISI-GARD sets the world standard in terms of its quality, precision and longevity.

INVISI-GARD is designed first and foremost to protect your family and home from wouldbe intruders and performs this task better than any other product on the market.

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Locally owned and operated, Oxley Nu-Look Windows is the oldest established aluminium window company in Port Macquarie and is located on the corner of Fernhill Road and Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie.

Oxley Nu-Look Windows manufacture quality made to measure Domestic and Commercial windows and doors, as well as shower screens, mirrors, wardrobe doors, screen doors, flyscreens, barrier doors and Stainless Steel Invisigard doors, they also carry out maintenance to existing windows and doors and glass replacement.

The staff have over 30 years’ experience on the team and can help with all your needs for your upcoming building or renovation.

If you are looking for the right windows, doors etc. given them a call on 6581 1763 or drop in and see the display in their showroom.

They will be represented at the Expo and would love to see you there.

FROM APOLLO BLINDS At Apollo Blinds, our primary objective is to help you to achieve the best solution for blinds and awnings in your home. Whether you have an existing home you’re doing up, a workplace or a brand new home - we can find the right window coverings for you.

When we come out to perform a free inhome measure and quote, we listen to your needs and wants then we assess the best options available for you. Things we take into account are the furnishings around your home or outdoor area, the aspect of your home, whether you are near the salt air or an excessively windy area. We also assess your ability to operate your blinds or awnings and whether you may require motorisation or the option to add it later if the need arises - then we give you recommendations based on those facts.

We also bring along all our samples so you can take the time in your home or workplace to choose the right colours or patterns to match your décor and furnishings.

Apollo Blinds has been servicing the Mid North Coast for 22 years and has worked tirelessly all that time to deliver fantastic service and quality products at the right price.

Whatever your needs may be, Apollo Blinds is sure to have a solution - whether it be internal window blinds or shutters, outdoor awning solutions, whether you need total privacy, to keep warm in winter, want to take advantage of a view or purely to dress your home - we have it all available. Apollo Blinds is an Australian owned company - our franchise is locally owned and operated - so you get the assurance of dealing with a national company with the personalised, local service you expect!

OUT BUILD. OUT INNOVATE. OUT CREATE.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN. The pace of life seems to be invading our lives on so many levels.

As the sounds of everyday life impede on our activities, trust Imprint Acoustic’s range of beautifully designed wall and ceiling panels to enhance and control the noise in your home.

100% Australian designed, manufactured & quality guaranteed.

Available now through your local FastPlast Building Supplies team: www.fastplast.com.au Phone: 02 6581 2526 16 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

www.imprintacoustics.com greater port macquarie focus. 99

Gallery

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EXHIBITORS

MAJOR SPONSORS DOORS M1 James Hardie James Hardie A3 - Assa Abloy M2 GDK Group M3 USG Boral B7 - Corinthian GDK Group DOORS M4 Xclude USG Boral C5 - Gainsborough A3 Assa Abloy M5 RMAX Xclude D4 - ITW Lane B7 Corinthian M6 Hume Doors C5 Gainsborough RMAX M7 Green Insulation D4 ITW Lane M8 HB Fuller Hume Doors INSULATION

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M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 -

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CSR Bradford

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5.30pm – 9.30pm Location: Glasshouse, Corner Clarence & Hay Sts Port Macquarie

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- Vespolon the lower ground floor Toilets alsoB9located

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FAST PLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES 16 Blackbutt Road Port Macquarie NSW 2444 02 6581 2526 www.fastplast.com.au

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WINDOWS B2 - Nu-Look Windows KBD5 - Wallboard B1 Alspec HARDWARE A1Lumber Treated Pine D1 - Simmonds B3 -B2Apollo Blinds Windows Nu-Look D10 Abey Hardware Distributors B3 Apollo Blinds C3 - Swan Le Messurier HARDWARE D8 Bostik D12 - Tasman KB D10 - Abey Hardware RENDERING D13 Vespol LINING D14 Cement Australia D2 -RENDERING A1 - Treated Pine Distributors D8 Hebel B6 Laminex Group D2 Hebel A6 Koala Fastners D13 Bremick C2 MFT Holdings C4 Rondo C2 MFT Holdings C7 Simpson Strongtie A2 WeathertexD14 - Cement B9 LINING Australia B4 Rokcote B4 Rokcote Bremick B5 -

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D11 International D3 Biowood TOOLS Measuring D15 Boral Timber Equipment TIMBER D11 D9 Evolution Forest C6 Festool Products D3 - Biowood C6 - Festool A5 Makita B5 Meyer Timber D15 - Boral Timber A5 - Makita D1 Simmonds Lumber B8 UniPier D9 B8 - UniPier D5 Wallboard C3 Swan Le Messurier

BUSINESS A7 AusBiz Solutions A7 -B10 Black Duck Brewery Embrace IT B10D6 - Black Duck Brewery D7 Embrace Insurance D6 - Embrace IT Solutions D7 D16 Regional Business D16 - Regional Business Specialists Specialists D17D17 - HIAHIA BUSINESS

BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO

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FAST PLAST

Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts Port Macquarie NSW 2444 02 6581 8888 glasshouse.org.au

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PropertyNews News Property WITH CHRIS KOCH, LAING+SIMMONS PORT MACQUARIE WITH CHRIS KOCH, LAING+SIMMONS PORT MACQUARIE

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s we head winter, local s we head intointo winter, local retirees, the drop in interest means retirees, the drop in interest ratesrates means theythey investment investment the region the region has has estate identity Chris Koch, maymay realreal estate identity Chris Koch, be looking at options aside nownow be looking at options aside fromfrom experienced in recent times. experienced in recent times.

Principal of the area’s leading bankbank Principal of the area’s leading interest.

Property remains a popular interest.

Property remains a popular These are hallmarks the hallmarks These are the of of agency Laing+Simmons, reflectschoice agency Laing+Simmons, reflects choice for those the means to invest. for those withwith the means to invest. a growing economy a growing locallocal economy and and on the in real estate far and on the yearyear in real estate thusthus far and Investors are seeing tremendous value Investors are seeing tremendous value in in it’s typical it’s typical a residential for afor residential shares some insights for the months shares some insights for the months property at moment. the moment. shortage property locallocal property at the The The shortage property market to experience market to experience ahead. ahead. of rental stock is buoying rental returns, of rental stock is buoying rental returns, a a a boom following the major a boom following the major estate market began the year The The real real estate market began the year withwith favourable favourable scenario for investors, though thereinjection scenario for investors, though there injection of funds for important of funds for important fireworks. appetite for property among is frustration fireworks.

The The appetite for property among is frustration evident among some buyers evident among some buyers whowhoinfrastructure infrastructure projects. projects. those call Port Macquarie home those whowho call Port Macquarie home waswas appear toconsistently be consistently missing appear to be missing out.out.

It is It is Macquarie The The PortPort Macquarie signifi in history the history of our region. mostmost signifi cantcant in the of our region. matched by steadily the steadily increasing interest matched by the increasing interest becoming harder for locals looking becoming harder for locals looking region region is is The growth we are experiencing, driven The growth we are experiencing, driven in local estate out-of-town buyers to downsize in local real real estate fromfrom out-of-town buyers to downsize to compete to compete certainly enjoying certainly enjoying the the by investment in numerous sectors by investment in numerous sectors suchsuch as as investors. unique charms of the and and investors.

The The unique charms of the out-of-town money withwith out-of-town money benefi at the benefi ts attsthe education, business and infrastructure, will education, business and infrastructure, will Macquarie lifestyle are not a secret PortPort Macquarie lifestyle are not a secret any any and and investors seeking investors seeking moment.

Council moment.

Council change the face of the region forever.

People change the face of the region forever.

People longer.

Sydney buyers are out in force longer.

Sydney buyers are out in force and and are are to capitalise to capitalise on the on the estimates itselfitself estimates “There’s doubt “There’s no no doubt it’sit’s flooding to Port Macquarie in record ooding to Port Macquarie in record continuing to make a large share of our cheaper continuing to make up aup large share of our cheaper finance finance property growth are flare property growth exciting time Port an an exciting time forfor Port numbers and they need a place to live.

Again, numbers and they need a place to live.

Again, buyers. buyers. available. available. a further of aof further Macquarie changes Macquarie andand thethe changes the value of bricks and mortar cannot be the value of bricks and mortar cannot be bottom interest environment The The rockrock bottom interest raterate environment Enter Enter 20%20% overover occurring in the property occurring in the property overstated. overstated. is good news for some so good is good news for some and and not not so good for for developers developers intointo the next the next market are perhaps the market are perhaps the It’s not a contradiction to that, say that, amidst It’s not a contradiction to say amidst all all others. improved affordability the picture. others.

LowLow ratesrates havehave improved affordability the picture.

WithWith three years. three years. most significant in the most significant in the the hype, the excitement and unprecedented the hype, the excitement and unprecedented however the booming market however the booming market has has seenseen the market ticking the market ticking For vendors For vendors growth, buyers vendors to take growth, buyers and and vendors needneed to take a a history of our region. history of our region.

TheThe some credible prices achieved, some veryvery credible sale sale prices achieved, along so well, along so well, newnew weighing weighing level-headed, cautious and sensible approach level-headed, cautious and sensible approach underpinning growth in local the local market.supply underpinning priceprice growth in the market. supply is needed is needed to to a sale, up aup sale, value of bricks mortar value of bricks andand mortar to their property decisions.

In fact, in times to their property decisions.

In fact, in times There steady increases There havehave beenbeen steady priceprice increases in in alleviate alleviate the supply the supply there’s much there’s much cannot overstated.” cannot be be overstated.” like these it has never been more important like these it has never been more important sectors the course of year the year mostmost sectors overover the course of the and and a ashortage. shortage.

Developers Developers toconfi be confi to be dentdent to ignore the hype focus on the the hype and and focus on the noticeable increase in sales the $1million are defi noticeable increase in sales overover the $1million are nitely definitely out out in in about.

For buyers, to ignore about.

For buyers, fundamentals. fundamentals. mark.

Laing+Simmons Macquarie mark.

Laing+Simmons PortPort Macquarie has has force, hoping to secure force, hoping to secure prices going withwith prices going up, up, team at Laing+Simmons Our Our team at Laing+Simmons has has seenseen it all:it all: secured for year the year to end the end the larger secured overover 100100 salessales for the to the the larger blocks of land blocks of land thatthat holding a property holding backback a property the ups and downs of the property market the ups and downs of the property market of April, of those achieving of April, twotwo of those achieving overover $1.2$1.2 become available.

Certainly become available.

Certainly the the mean more playplay maymay mean you you pay pay more cycle, the boom periods the challenging cycle, the boom periods and and the challenging million. million. demand is there. demand is there. down the track. down the track. times.

We are incredibly excited about times.

We are incredibly excited about the the Interestingly, there Interestingly, there has has alsoalso beenbeen a a Council is doing its part.

A greater emphasis It’s important Council is doing its part.

A greater emphasis It’s important to remember in most to remember thatthat in most future of our region, and we’re as committed future of our region, and we’re as committed noticeable increase in number the number of granny on creating noticeable increase in the of granny on creating the proper framework for an the proper framework for an cases, property vendors are also buyers at the cases, property vendors are also buyers at the as ever to ensuring we achieve the best as ever to ensuring we achieve the best ats being built, buyers actively seeking efficient flatsflbeing built, withwith buyers actively seeking efficient development approval process development approval process will will same same time, seeking to secure a new home time, seeking to secure a new home possible outcome for every single client possible outcome for every single client we we homes access room in theirencourage homes thatthat offeroffer sideside access and and room in their encourage activity among developers activity among developers and and against the backdrop of same the same market against the backdrop of the market work with. work with. backyards.

People are seeking to maximise backyards.

People are seeking to maximise investor interests.

Creating the right fuel fuel investor interests.

Creating the right conditions. conditions. further information or advice For For further information or advice the potential of their properties in simple the potential of their properties in simple atmosphere to facilitate encourage atmosphere to facilitate and and encourage There’s no doubt it’sexciting an exciting There’s no doubt it’s an timetime for for regarding the current real estate market, regarding the current real estate market, recognition of value the value of bricks mortar. private recognition of the of bricks and and mortar. private investment is important tohandgo hand- PortPort investment is important to go Macquarie the changes occurring Macquarie and and the changes occurring contact Chris Koch on 0427 831 100. contact Chris Koch on 0427 831 100.

For those residents are self-funded For those residents whowho are self-funded in-hand the considerable infrastructure in the in-hand withwith the considerable infrastructure in property the property market are perhaps market are perhaps the the

Expert Advice.

Proven Marketing Strategies.

Exemplary Service.

Expert Advice.

Proven Marketing Strategies.

Exemplary Service.

6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie

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HELPING business grow The Critical Factor exists to help our clients grow, whether this be an individual, a team or an entire business. We consider “how” we achieve our success to be just as important as what we achieve. We value integrity, open communication, client satisfaction and leadership as an organisation.

Specialising in working with individuals and businesses that need help; we work with you to identify issues and problems; we create pragmatic and sensible plans to drive change whilst supporting you and your team as you work for a different result.

Expect extraordinary Greg Bates has been listing and selling local real estate for almost 18 years, and during this time he has deservedly earned the trust of a wide range of happy clients, together with the respect of his peers.

Greg really cares about people. He has built a very successful career upon combining his exemplary, highly-experienced professional skills with a genuinely warm and personal concern for the needs of his clients.

And he gets results; Greg’s track record is outstanding. His abilities to market property effectively and efficiently, to communicate fully and to negotiate successfully are secondto-none.

For the past six years, Greg has aligned

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himself with Australia’s most progressive real estate name, McGrath Estate Agents, convinced that the brand’s exclusive marketing tools and reputation for honesty will enable him to best service his clients. He recognises that premium results rely upon attracting the greatest number of interested buyers, and McGrath’s unique facilities consistently excel in this objective.

So, if you are considering the sale of your home and you want to maximise its sale potential, it simply makes good sense to speak with Greg Bates. As he likes to say, “Don’t leave home without me; real heart, real expertise, real results - not just real estate.”

Greg Bates and McGrath: Expect Extraordinary.

Our Philosophy We take a coaching approach to all of our work; at its core this is about facilitating change. This change can be individual, team based or at an enterprise or organisational level. We work with you to achieve simple, straightforward and pragmatic plans, processes and procedures that will help your business grow.

This includes strategic planning, business planning, coaching and recruitment and selection advice. We use a fact based approach including psychometric assessments, DISC profiling and extensive research to ensure informed business decisions are made every day.

Why use The Critical Factor?

Principal Tim Kitching has over 20 years’ experience in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, including the NSW Police Force and the National Australia Bank.

He has coached literally hundreds of people to success as a leader within large organisations.

Tim’s philosophy is simple. Success, in any endeavour, is ultimately about Direction, Planning and People. Concentrating on these three things will always result in change and coaching is, after all, about positive change.

Tim’s proven track record of success, combined with a deep knowledge about leadership, people and planning for the future, makes Tim the perfect partner to help you succeed in business.

is your home loan healthy Do you go to the dentist regularly for check-ups? Or take your car to the garage for servicing?

ACON’s Safe place programme

H

ey there! We’re Hastings Equal Respect and Opportunity, or HERO for short, and we’re a new charity organisation in the Greater Hastings region, here to support anyone and everyone. Mo matter who you are, we’re all human - so we need to be there for each other. We at HERO host events that are designed as fundraisers for other local charities, organisations, and not-for profits who need support, whether it be funding or recognition. For our first editorial here in FOCUS, we would love to shine a light on a fantastic initiative run

by ACON, the AIDS Council of NSW, called the LGBTI Safe Place programme.

ACON’s Safe Place programme allows participating venues to demonstrate that they’re welcoming, supportive and actively engaged with LGBTI communities. Over 450 venues throughout NSW are involved in the programme, including shops, cafés, service providers and entertainment venues. We have a number of venues in Greater Port Macquarie that are a part of the programme, including headspace Port Macquarie, Flynns Beach Take Away, Kindred Image Studios, It’s About Time Antiques, Onyx Hair Worx, Mission Australia, and a number of other businesses.

All Safe Places receive a charter that outlines the principles that underpin the programme and form the basis of the application process each Safe Place candidate completes.

If your business, venue or service is interested in participating in the Safe Place Programme, below is a checklist ACON use to determine if your business is a LGBTI Safe Place: 1. Caring about each other. This space is free of homophobia, transphobia and all other prejudices.

2. Celebrating the diversity of the LGBTI community.

3. Opposing discrimination, prejudice and hate.

4. Making sure you feel accepted and safe. Homophobic language like “that’s so gay” is not OK here. We don’t use words like “faggot”, “dyke” or “tranny” or other terms that cause harm.

5. Encouraging progressive social change. We want to make a positive difference to our community.

Your finances are exactly the same. Every year or so you should have them checked to make sure they are healthy, or if savings can be made. Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers are here to support you with your mortgage needs on an ongoing basis.

A home loan health check doesn’t automatically mean re-mortgaging or big changes. Often a tweak is all that is required to make sure your finances are keeping up.

Refinancing - New home loan products are being launched all the time, laden with features that might suit you better – not to mention the possibility of lower interest rates. Refinancing is not a difficult process, particularly with a mortgage broker assisting.

Don’t forget the Fees - When you exit a loan there are usually fees to pay, varying from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

“It is still worth doing the exercise” says Suzy Spicer, Smartline Personal Mortgage Adviser. “Don’t be put off by potential fees, it is simply a case of doing the maths to see if the savings offset these.” We can compare your current home loan with what is currently available in the market. “The savings can be huge” says Suzy. A quick view of the 600 home loans in our Smartline software platform will surprise you. The range between the cheapest and most expensive interest rate is well over 1.00% p.a. Now 1.00% p.a. may not sound like much, however, on a $300,000 home loan that equates to $3,000 every year in interest, or $240 per month.

What we do: We are Buyers Advocates, so we only help people buy property. It’s simple as we work for the buyer not the seller.

So whether you are buying your first home, new home, your first or 10th investment property, or simply upgrading or downsizing your family home, we can help you buy property smarter.

We listen, We advise, We act. We represent you the buyer at auctions or when negotiating with the real estate agents, developer or the seller direct. We clearly define your goals and what you need to achieve from your property.

By using strong negotiation skills, thorough independent research, and a trusted team of professionals, we prepare you so you are buyer ready and can achieve property success. When it comes to your next property purchase the facts are that we can help you:• Save time • Save money • Reduce stress • Reduce risks It’s important to remember when starting out to play it safe.

Don’t over expose yourself by placing all your principal at risk or borrowing too much. Get help from an experienced independent property advisor that can help you move towards your goals safely. Let our Smarter professionals show you how.

Call or email today to take up our June special below.

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.

6.Speaking up against prejudice. We name it when we see it and won’t tolerate it, ever.

p f m e

7. Equality and freedom for all.

8. Trying to be the best we can be. We are proud to be a Safe Place, so if something isn’t OK, please let us know.

02 6583 7222 02 6528 6337 0412 976 260 sspicer@smartline.com.au

facebook.com/smartline.suzy.spicer Australian Credit Licence 385325

Once you have applied to become a Safe Place, ACON’s Anti-Violence Project will review your application and make contact. For more information, please contact Teddy Cook: email tcook@acon.org.au For more info about HERO, visit our website: www.ourhero.org.au or find us on Facebook as HERO Org.

Smarter PROPERTY

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focusinterview.

PICTURE SHOWS LISA ANSELL, JOHN GILMOUR AND KAREN TWIGG

OCEAN CLUB RESORT NOW NSW’S PREMIER RESIDENTIAL RESORT FOR THE OVER 50S. THIS SOUGHT AFTER FIVE STAR RESORT HAS GROWN TO A BUSTLING COMMUNITY OF NEARLY 100 HOMES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. WE THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO CATCH UP WITH JOHN GILMOUR, CO-FOUNDER OCEAN CLUB RESORT, TO SEE HOW THINGS WERE GOING AT LAKE CATHIE.

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H

ow has OCR grown since we last talked?

We now have 94 homes occupied by approx. imately180 owners, so I guess you could say we’re thrilled with the growth. On the strength of this, we’ve commissioned Better Homes to build a further 81 homes as quickly as possible to meet the demand.

Where have the homeowners come from?

Initially from the Port Macquarie Hastings area but as word of mouth spreads new home owners have originated from Sydney, Central Coast, regional NSW a, Queensland and even Melbourne.

What age group does the resort appeal to?

We’re targeting younger active retirees from the late 50’s to 70’s. Most owners are in the early stages of retirement that enjoy socializing, sports of one kind or another and of course travelling.

In what way is OCR different from other senior’s communities?

The Ocean Club is a true 5 star resort community - the obvious feature is the best in class quality of the facilities, for example the multimillion dollar clubhouse with private cinema, the 25metre heated pool and the championship size bowling green just to name a few. These are quite unlike anything else in NSW and are available now for owners to enjoy. The other differences are the quality of the architect designed

homes (all built on just opened our onconcrete slabs) site caravan and 3 r Afte at s and of course the th RV parking area, on m ub Cl heart and soul of an ce which has been well the O 10 el fe e w , rt the resort, which so Re received. Also the new years younger.” are the residents. activity centre and I would describe fitness pavilion with them as a likehobby room has opened. minded group of lively But watch this space retirees who’ve worked because there are even more hard and now enjoy their facilities to come. days with newfound friends in a We have appointed Lisa Ansell to work manicured neighbourhood. with Karen Twigg and Darren Sage helping What do the owners like most buyers with their enquiries and to liaise with about OCR? Real Estate Agents.

Security, friends, the relaxed community As the co-founder what do you mind lifestyle and peace of mind when travelling most satisfying? knowing that their home will be well cared I must be honest and say that I do get for. As residents like to say “after 3 months some pleasure seeing the community at the Ocean Club Resort we feel 10 years grow, in particular seeing new arrivals younger”. develop friendships and how much care the Phase III was recently opened featuring residents take in looking after one another. some new homes, what’s been the There is a very genuine community spirit response? evolving. Another positive aspect is the high We’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback! participation by residents using facilities in As the resort has grown, we’ve incorporated groups, for example the bowls group has the feedback into the new designs and grown to over 40 with a large proportion our homes are getting incrementally of brand new bowlers! Whenever we check better all the time. In phase III we’ve just there seems to be a new group doing their released our finest home design ever called thing – it’s all terrific! the Palm Beach and this seems to be the What’s next on your agenda for OCR? favourite. It’s our biggest home with 2.7m Simply meeting demand for new homes and high ceilings, Meile appliances and even a continuing to add more facilities to make butler’s pantry as options.

OCR even more world class than it is now.

What else is new at the Resort?

Thanks for your time today John.

Adding to our wide array of facilities, we’ve

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focus real estate.

McGrath P RO P E RT Y M A NAG E M E N T THERE’S FAR MORE TO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT THAN JUST COLLECTING THE RENT.

F

or decades, finance professionals have argued the various benefits of investment in property versus shares. There was a time when the stock market was clearly the preferred option but, over recent years, this view has changed significantly and lately, real estate investment has finally come into its own.

Changes to controls over self-funded superannuation funds, combined with recent housing affordability and rising rental returns have attracted a large number of new investors, many of whom may have turned away from what they currently perceive as an increasingly unreliable share market.

But just as public companies are subjected to periodical audits and are closely regulated under the corporate watchdog to protect the interests of shareholders, so is the property investor entitled to enjoy reasonable peace of mind; comfortable in the knowledge that his or her assets are being closely watched by experienced trusted professionals, that returns are being monitored in accordance with the market and that benchmark operating practices are maintained, at all times, for maximum protection.

McGrath Property Management is a market leader in its field, the group managing almost twenty thousand properties to a total value of $16.1 billion. Like its sales division, the brand maintains a centralised database which, in property management, currently stands at 41,956 tenants actively seeking accommodation. McGrath doesn’t want to see its clients’ investment properties left untenanted and therefore utilises cutting-

edge technology and tenant selection to ensure that such periods are kept to an absolute minimum.

In Port Macquarie, the McGrath team is lead by Property Manager, Vanessa Alderton, a resident of the region for the past 26 years and a local property management professional for most of that time. Vanessa’s approach is both totally honest and meticulously thorough. Her genuine smile and easy conversation appeal to landlords and tenants alike, but her focus is always upon protecting the interests of clients. And as one of the state’s most respected property managers, this is a task at which she excels.

Working alongside Vanessa is another Port Macquarie local, New Business Manager Katie McMiles. Having worked in property management for most of her career, Katie has a proven track record. Experience and training have provided her with a level of industry expertise which is so often rare in property management personnel; a sincere and very approachable professional, fully committed to the very best in customer service.

Heading administration, Katrina Bates is a familiar and very friendly face around town, having lived here for most of her life.

Thoroughly trained in her field and with formal qualifications, Katrina efficiently monitors reporting systems, inter-office communications and client accounting; another focussed professional, with a passion for timing and accuracy.

McGrath Property Managers and their staff undergo extensive training at the company’s private academy; ongoing instruction designed to ensure that they are kept abreast

rty McGrath P rope a is t en em Manag eld, fi s it in er market lead ing the group manag sand ou th ty almost twen tal value to a properties to of $16. 1 billion .”

“

of all factors, both legal and commercial, which may impact their responsibilities.

They receive regular updates of McGrath’s exclusive technological advancements and constructive advice on how their already excellent service may be further improved.

In fact, McGrath leads the industry in property management training and development. The company takes its responsibilities very seriously. McGrath property managers instinctively care for each and every property as though it was their own and are taught to protect the interests of all landlords and tenants.

Due diligence and screening is extensive, regular inspections, imaging and reporting are carried out with professional courtesy and exacting attention-to-detail, whilst accounting is prompt, reliable and accurate.

Just as the corporate watchdog protects investors in the stock market, McGrath Property Management is dedicated to managing its clients’ risks in residential property investment, employing qualified, experienced professionals with strict responsibility ratios (which control the number of properties-per-manager) and implementing the latest technology, designed to maximise commercial protection whilst averting potential hazards.

Real estate is undoubtedly a significant investment; one with proven returns and

with real, honestto-goodness “bricks and mortar” security.

It’s an appreciating asset which, properly managed, can pay for itself and over time provide funding for

additional acquisitions. For the investor, it should provide gratification, security and anticipation, never concern, doubt or uncertainty.

So how can this work for you?

The key is in selecting skilled property managers to look after your interests; managers who know your property and its place in the local rental market, who have access to state-of-the art facilities for the careful selection of tenants and who apply regulated strategies for the ongoing care of your investment.

Speak with one of the friendly professionals at McGrath Property Management and discover for yourself what they proudly refer to as “the McGrath difference.” It’s all about industry knowledge, professional preparation and superior administration. It’s about a willingness to go the extra mile and it culminates in a premium-quality service, designed to provide you with complete peace of mind, as you achieve premium returns from your valuable asset.

After all, there’s far more to property management than just collecting the rent.

Freelance copywriter: Roger Bates www.copywritingandcolumns.com.au

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GETTING REAL WITH DAVID PLEWS! There is strong buyer interest still occurring handed down its budget which didn’t appear across all types of property and in all areas of to have any big negatives and has given Port Macquarie. The number of properties for even more confidence to buyers, especially sale have decreased even further, with listings investors. at a historical low - as I am writing this, listings The Sydney market is still delivering brilliant are sitting at just 358. results, including auction clearance rates in The combination of limited properties for sale, excess of 85 per cent. As we know, Sydney - to high buyer demand and low interest rates has some degree - steers the Port Macquarie real meant there have been record prices estate market. being achieved in many streets.

It’s now winter and many With this high demand property owners that are level in the market place, considering selling may ‘Handled with the average “days on hesitate to list due to it absolute market” for properties has being colder. However, professionalism shortened dramatically there are many positive - very happy.’ with many vendors factors to listing your home Ed and Joan achieving “offer and this winter.

The major factor Collins. ” acceptance” within two is the lack of competition weeks of being on the market. from properties against yours In recent times you may have which will mean maximum value. noticed more auctions and properties If you are thinking of taking advantage of listed with a price guide of “offers over”. This these market conditions, feel free to text or call is a telling sign that we have a strong market me on 0448 836 000 or pop in to the office and agents and sellers do not want to list a and speak to one of our seven sales agents property with an exact price - because it’s more here at First National. difficult to price a property in a moving market. This article has been prepared in good faith with due care by David Plews. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy of These methods allow the market place to information contained in this article and readers should make and rely on their own enquiries as to the correctness of such information. determine a property’s true value.

Several weeks ago, the Federal Government

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J O I N S

SMARTER PROPERTY GROUP

AFTER A SHORT TIME AWAY FROM THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY, TONY RATHBONE RETURNS TO WHAT HE LOVES - “PROPERTY”. AS THE NEWEST TEAM MEMBER OF THE SMARTER PROPERTY GROUP, HE BRINGS A DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND A WIDE RANGE OF SKILLS TO HELP CLIENTS BUY PROPERTY SMARTER.

W

ith a passion for Tony said, “Joining Smarter Property Group property, Tony has 12 is a perfect fit for me with my experience years’ experience in and an established client base looking for real estate covering great property opportunities Australia wide. residential, project Smarter have some exciting local and national acquisition and opportunities that we have access to often marketing gained whilst working in both before they are released to the general market, a large real estate franchise as a and many of these will be absolute Licensed Agent/Shareholder and gold to owner occupiers and also managing a boutique investors alike. real estate business in Port “With Smarter Macquarie.

Properties strong Integrity, professionalism Tony has the passion, national networks, e experience and ability trusted relationships and providing th ry ve best service are , and to work closely with and property research ny important to To of his all types of people tools, their client base all he likes to treat with various real estate is growing by the day, respec t clients with the requirements. He prides so now is a great time self. ” he expects him himself on listening to for me to jump on board what his clients are trying the Smarter freight train to achieve and locating the to success and help buyers best property within the right achieve great results!” budget range.

Tony now looks forward to Integrity, professionalism and providing rekindling the strong relationships he had the best service are very important to Tony, with past clients. He joins the Smarter team and he likes to treat all of his clients with on June 1 and would love to hear from any the respect he expects himself. His experience, property buyer looking for their first or next service and success in the industry is supported investment or a home for themselves. Tony by the fact that he was previously ranked in can be contacted on 0457 008 921 or email the Top 100 of 6,500 National Real Estate tony@smarterpropertygroup.com.au Agents.

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