Greater Port Macquarie i127 by Focus

Feature Story

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Shane Hughes

June 2016 // issue 127

E D I T I O N

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focus Greater Port Macquarie

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WELCOME TO THE

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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. Coffs Coast Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2016 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

o celebrate our Arts and Culture issue this month, it’s an opportune time to introduce you to our local design team. In late 2005, graphic designers Jay Beaumont and Dylan Gaul got together with a vision to create a publication that they could be proud of, with an emphasis on good design and quality designed advertisements that would work for our clients. Over the years, as FOCUS has expanded, the design team has grown too. The motley team today, in addition to Jay and Dylan, now consists of Graphic Designers Joey Dable, Jeff Cowan and Kyle Rathbone, joined by our photographer and web developer Michael Marchment.

As a team, they design over 3,600 pages a year and take over 20,000 photos. When you flick through the pages of FOCUS, almost everything you see is designed and photographed in house. The team photograph and design over 450 advertisements a month for local businesses across all four FOCUS editions. We’d like to give a big shout out to the design team; they’re the ones who make FOCUS look so good every month! Jay, Dylan, Michael, Joey, Kyle and Jeff THANK YOU! The inaugural Suck it up Buttercup! obstacle course race was held at Bago Vineyards on May 21st, and it was a huge day of mud and fun!

The FOCUS crew were amongst all of the action, taking photos at the fininshing line of the many teams and indivuals who took on the challenging course. See all of the great pics on the Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS Facebook page. You might see one of them in next month's FOCUS! The Hello Koalas sculpture trail has been a success, and we have found a new home for our "FOCUS" Hello Koalas Sculpture, “Carramar”. Our beloved koala now lives at Miss Nellie’s Café - find out more on page 54. Final Say. All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. - Pablo Picasso

WHAT’S ON

GLASSHOUSE 02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE

BROTHERS 3: BROTHERS NEVER PART

IN THE GALLERY

Gallery entry is free

CLOTH: FROM SEEDS TO BLOOM JULIE PATERSON

THE MICHAEL JACKSON HIStory SHOW

Saturday 11 June, 8pm

Tuesday 21 June, 8pm

For a night of pure entertainment, catch their two-hour all-ages performance highlighting songs from their new album, Brothers Never Part.

Come and celebrate the life and talent of the King of Pop that features a live international band, fully choreographed dancers, authentic costumes and brilliant effects.

Share the Magic 2016

COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

COUNTERMOVE: SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL

Until 10 July

Saturday 25 June, 6pm & 9pm

Wednesday 29 June, 8pm

Drawing inspiration from the Australian bush, Paterson’s stunning fabrics are a riot of colour, floral forms and patterns. Artist Talk: Thursday 2 June, 5.30pm

Brace yourself for a colossal night of hilarity. Line-up: MC Andy Saunders, Rob Hunter, Jess Perkins, Urzila Carlson and Sam Taunton.

Sydney Dance Company returns to the Glasshouse with an exhilarating double bill that will intrigue, move and entertain you. Sneak Peek Wed 29 June, 1pm

greater port macquarie focus. 3

focusinterview.

Recently recognised as the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie’s Emergency Services Volunteer of the Year, Shane Hughes is a Rescue Officer with the State Emergency Service. Clocking up 35 years’ of service with the SES, Shane is humble about receiving this award, but says he’s still motivated and inspired to keep giving to his local community…

i Shane. What's your current role with the State Emergency Service (SES) in Port Macquarie? I perform the role of a Rescue Officer. NSW SES is the combat agency for floods, storms and tsunamis. In addition, Port Macquarie SES is the primary response agency for General Land Rescue (including Road Crash Rescue), Vertical Rescue and Flood Rescue; we also provide assistance to other emergency services as the need arises. What duties does this role comprise? My role involves ensuring that Port Macquarie SES is ready to be operational for any emergency. Additionally, as a qualified trainer and assessor I am responsible for delivering a number of SES training courses, including chainsaw, road crash rescue, four-wheel drive etc. I: • Supervise rescue response activities of the Unit. This includes ensuring Team Leaders are capable of responding to duty requirements • Enforce safe work practices • Assist Team Leaders in coordinating team responses to tasking • Provide instruction to Team Leaders and Deputy Team Leaders • Lead field response activities where more than one team is involved • Ensure Team Leaders are undertaking their 4 greater port macquarie focus.

administrative responsibilities • Assist the Training Coordinator with the development of rescue related training within the Unit • Perform field reconnaissance during operational activities • Maintain monthly maintenance to all rescue vehicles and equipment • Support community events When and why did you join the SES? I joined the SES on 1st April 1981, which is 35 years’ service. I started by doing volunteer work with the Carnival of the Pines, which led me to join the SES so that I could give back to the community. What inspires/motivates you to continue in this role? I still enjoy giving back to the community, and the SES organisation is like a big family. What are some of your most vivid memories from your time spent with the SES? In March 1989 a tourist coach was washed into the Hastings River at Mount Seaview during floods. Due to my actions in rescuing the driver from the coach, I received a bravery award, which was given to me by the Governor of NSW. The second thing which stuck in my mind was the Clybucca bus disaster, which was on the 22nd December 1989. Two coaches collided head-on about 10 km north of Kempsey, resulting in a massive loss of life and many

casualties. and never one of the reasons why I joined and How has your role with the SES changed continue with SES. over the years since you joined? What messages would you like to share My general role as an SES with the public about the role member has not changed. the SES plays in the local We still do storm and community ... and why tempest, road crash and would you encourage by I was humbled cliff work, although others to join? the nomination our equipment has It is a very rewarding thanks and award. My gone from basic tools experience to know taking go to Rotary for and ropes to the that you can assist e dg owle the time to ackn at specialised equipment your community in th the contri bution ice we have today. times of need, and the rv Se y all Emergenc in e ak rt Originally we had to comradery and sense of de un Volunteers .” fundraise to purchase achievement make the ity un m the com some of our road rescue long hours worthwhile. equipment, and money was There is a great deal of donated by the Carnival of the satisfaction in being a member Pines to buy our rescue truck. of the SES, as it gives you great life You were recently named as Rotary skills and the opportunity to meet some Club of Port Macquarie's Emergency wonderful people and to help our community. Services Volunteer of the Year. How Where's the best place to get more did you feel when you received this information about the SES and the services recognition? it offers locally? I was humbled by the nomination and We run an intake for new members award. My thanks go to Rotary for taking the approximately every nine months. We have time to acknowledge the contribution that all just completed an intake; however, interested Emergency Service Volunteers undertake in the readers can contact Port Macquarie SES on (02) community. 6581 0150 for further information. I am but one of many members of Port www.ses.nsw.gov.au or the SES Facebook Macquarie SES, and all contribute to the Page. ongoing success of the Unit. The recognition Thanks Shane - and congratulations. is appreciated, especially as it was unexpected Interview by Jo Atkins.

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issue I S S U E

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J U N E

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CELLAR DOOR | WINE CLUB | GARDENS | RESTAURANT | HORSE RIDING

RONNIE GRAMMATICA.

Ronnie grew up in Milan, Italy … a location that sparked his passion for photography. Later discovering a love for mountain biking, Ronnie has been able to combine these two interests, and today you’ll often find him out on the trails, capturing the best of bikes and riders in all their thrilling action!

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL. With a lineup featuring Jess Perkins, Rob Hunter, Urzila Carlson, Sam Taunton and Andy Saunders, this travelling roadshow will stop off at over 100 venues across Australia, before travelling overseas to East Asia and India. See the show at the Glasshouse!

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ADAM MURRAY & JACKSON JAMES .

Meet our cover stars, Adam Murray and Jackson James, highlighting our special Arts and Culture edition!

TOP ACCOLADES

FROM LEADING

WINE CRITIC

HUON HOOKE

Edition Noir Sangiovese 2015 • Edition Noir Pinot Noir 2015 Limited Release Gewürztraminer 2005 • Fromenteau Reserve Chardonnay 2014

VISIT OUR CELLAR DOOR FOR TASTINGS & SALES

UP PCOMING EV VENTS TASTE OF W INTER R Saturday 4th June • from 5:30PM ARTIST MA A RKETS IN THE VINE E S Sunday 26th June • 9AM-2PM

R EGU L A R S 12. what’s on for June 24. eat local restaurants 30. out to lunch with Susie Boswell 32. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 39. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 54. tourism with Janette Hyde 71. starguide with Terri Hall 72. robyn’s spot with Robyn Butler 95. port chamber update with Hadyn Oriti 101. landcare with Estelle Gough

PHON NE 6582 83 324 follow us on

facebook.com/portmacquarie.focus www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

No matter where you are in the world, read Focus for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au

PACIFIC HIGHWAY, PORT MACQUARIE Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-5pm Sat, Sun and Public holidays 10am-5pm Seasons Café-Restaurant Opening Hours: 10am-4pm daily

www.cassegrainwines.com.au greater port macquarie focus. 5

focusinterview.

TAHNO AND JESSICA DEBURR, LOVERS AND CREATORS AT THE HELM OF TWO INNOVATIVE PROJECTS, RAW ALMOND AND ELEPHANTS & ALMONDS ... THIS IS THEIR JOURNEY AND STORY.

ake us on your journey. How did you both meet and come to call Port Macquarie home? Jess and I met during my first visit to Australia back in 2011. We kept in touch and gave the long distance relationship a try. Many back and forth trips later, including a few stops in Europe, we got engaged in Paris and just last year we decided to make Jess’ hometown of Port Macquarie our springboard to whatever’s next. Introduce us to both Elephants&Almonds and Raw Almond; what do both offer, and what roles do each of you play? Elephants&Almonds is essentially a loneventure cinematography project that’s always in the making. It started nearly five years ago, and the whole idea was to blend minimalism, simplicity, and linear abstraction to complex issues. In the creative process I found that I wanted to take E&A down a more journalistic path while holding on to the same values and ideas - covering interesting and perhaps controversial subjects in a bit of an artistic way. Besides that, I still do side projects such as business advertisements, interviews, and so forth. Raw Almond, on the other hand, is a business that strictly encompasses everything wedding related, including wedding films, and love-letter hire. My style of filming and editing weddings is a bit deconstructed and different, and it’s not for everybody, but it’s a style that comes naturally. It generally hones in on the funny, romantic, and otherwise

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My style of filming and s is editing wedding d te uc tr ns co a bit de d it’s an , nt re ffe di d an y, od yb not for ever at th e yl st but it’s a .” comes naturally

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unnoticed moments in between. Jessica focuses on the logistics that go into running a business, because as fun as filming weddings are, at the end of the day there’s always a bit of paperwork to take care of. Her artistic talent as a painter also goes hand in hand with her genuine ability as a decorator and event organiser, in the sense that she’s not only able to make something look good, but have it run smoothly as well. Tahno, when was your passion for creating videos born, and how have you progressed your skill set to where you are today? As a kid, I had a real talent for drawing. My mother even sent me to art classes taught by my great-uncle, who ran a studio behind a performance theatre, but I simply lost interest as the years went on. I never lost my passion for creating though. It was fascinating to me how a single line on paper could turn into something amazing. When I was a teenager, I began experimenting with video editing software. I became interested in creating again. That single line on paper was replaced by the first frame in my video editor. Coincidentally, I also started taking a keen interest in music and French cinema, specifically in how they both evoked a lot of thought, emotion, and perspective; I wanted to replicate that. Later, when I was traveling the world as a

flight attendant, I would often do so alone intentionally getting lost in big cities, listening to music on my headphones, recording everything I saw. When I would periodically put all the clips together, I’d edit the video in a way that portrayed how I felt when I was there. Always experimenting! It was my way of reaching out to people back home, with music. Even today, music is one of the most essential components of what I do. I didn’t go to film school, but I love the art so much that I literally spend hours on end researching every bit of information I can get my hands on. Jess, can you please give us some insight into your artistic background? I paint at home, which I’ve been doing a lot more of lately. My paintings are usually colourful abstracts with loose brushstrokes and heavy paint. I really like the works of Van Gogh and Monet - their Impressionist style has influenced the way I paint. I also really like Frida Kahlo's self portraiture, her choice of subjects and execution of them. I studied art in high school and as part of my elective studies until Year 12. Somewhere along the line, my love of colour and design expanded to planning, decorating and making things. At work I was planning events and celebrations, and at home I was planning and designing our entire wedding. I get an enormous amount of excitement over planning every little detail. Tahno, you’ve worked with some of our

best local creatives, giving their work life through short films - what do you enjoy most about this process, and who have you worked with? It’s always amazing that no matter where you go in the world, from metropolises to small towns, there’s always someone that doesn’t quite fit the mould. Those are the people I’m looking for. Once I find someone who’s daring to be different, I get in touch. It’s incredible when someone opens up their creative mind, and lets you in. While producing my series, Local Creative, I realised that it’s not necessarily about where you are - it’s what you do while you’re there. So far I’ve worked with local visual artists (and legends) such as Sigh, Adam Murray, Chris Bradley, as well as Louise Turner, and past blow-in, Grizzle. At the moment I’ve turned my attention to a few musical artists that have a lot to offer the local scene. Tahno, your short films have received some accolades internationally … Yeah. With the help of a former client, I had one of my shorts screened at a contest in Atlanta, Georgia. When it won, I didn’t really know what to do or say, but it sort of solidified my decision to pursue film. My short went on to be screened at the Atlanta Film Festival. Where can we go to find out more and get in contact? You can find us on Facebook under Elephants&Almonds, as well as Raw Almond. Alternatively, our portfolio is available at rawalmond.net, and elephantsandalmonds. net Thanks guys.

greater port macquarie focus. 7

A HISTORY OF

CELEBRATING

YEARS

focusinterview.

G R A M M A T I C A

RONNIE GREW UP IN MILAN, ITALY … A LOCATION THAT SPARKED HIS PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. LATER DISCOVERING A LOVE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING, RONNIE HAS BEEN ABLE TO COMBINE THESE TWO INTERESTS, AND TODAY YOU’LL OFTEN

FIND HIM OUT ON THE TRAILS, CAPTURING THE BEST OF BIKES AND RIDERS IN ALL THEIR THRILLING ACTION! aking a traditional approach to his It was while working in the Italian Alps one photography, Ronnie believes not winter that I met my partner. She was taking a only technique, but timing and the gap year in Italy to enjoy the Italian lifestyle and ability to tell a story through images follow her passion for snowboarding. I'm lucky are critical to ensure fantastic action that chairlift rides in Europe are a bit longer than shots … here in Australia, otherwise I may never have Hi Ronnie. You have an got that phone number! Anyway, she grew up interesting background! Tell us a here in the Port Macquarie area and now that bit about where you grew up, and we have a young family of our own, we what prompted you to move decided this is the perfect place to to Australia ... call home. Hello, and thanks for What aspects of I featuring me in this 05 photography did you In 20 llfu a e m ca special art issue! I'm study in your native be , er ph ra og ot ph an Italian born and Milan - and how time ken ta s ha k or w d trained photographer. have these studies an azing me to some am I grew up in the helped you with your ut places througho ean fashion capital of photography work? bb Europe , the Cari !” Italy, Milan, and as My formal studies ia and now Austral a rebellious teenager have been in studio in the mid-nineties, photography, editing, and became interested in the visual communication. This growing graffiti and street art has given me a solid background movement. That's where my passion in the technical aspects behind the for photography started. production of a picture, an understanding At the time, I didn't understand that of how to use photography as a visual what I was doing was a form of art; I just language, and it has sparked in me a real wanted to capture those artworks before interest in the history of photography. they were gone. In 2005 I became a full-time I take a very traditional approach to my work, photographer, and work has taken me to inspired by the masters of photography (as I see some amazing places throughout Europe, the them). I think this background has melted with Caribbean and now Australia! my passion for the outdoors and action sports

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take a very traditional approach to masters of photography (as I see th has melted with my passion for the

focusinterview.

to take my photography to where it is today. When/how did you become interested in mountain bike riding? When I was a kid, I used to love riding my bike with my brother, especially off road. Maybe mountain biking brings back those emotions of freedom and independence that I felt when I was a kid! It wasn't until later in life that this passion was reignited, though. It was after a long winter shooting for snowboarding magazines that I found myself in Livigno, a little ski resort in the Italian Alps, discovering a whole lot of fun without snow! Livigno is well renowned in the mountain bike business, particularly in Europe, with quite a big park and trail network. I began working with the resort, shooting bikers, and it all went from there. What is it about this sport that you most love? Why photograph this particular sport - when there are so many others you could focus on? Speed and adrenaline! It is so much fun to ride these bikes! But it's also the freedom and solitude of riding in nature that can be so grounding. I think being passionate about your subject can make a big difference to the pictures (and emotions) that you capture. Ultimately, what I like most about photographing mountain biking is that it allows me to utilise elements of landscape, sport and lifestyle photography together. This really comes through in the promotional tourism work that I do - showcasing local attractions, mountain biking, and the local lifestyle simultaneously through a series of images. What are some of the skills you need to photograph mountain bikes in action? It must be difficult, with the tricky terrain and the speed of the riders? Technique is important, but timing is crucial. It takes a lot of experience to be able to visualise the image before all the action happens, and then to actually capture that image as the rider speeds past you. Shooting mountain biking professionally means there are no second chances to get that shot, particularly when shooting a race, nor can you stage or pose your subject. Another very important aspect of my work is telling a story through images, so I need to know what's important for the story and what's not. What magazines/publications, websites etc. have you had your work published in/on? I've been published in Europe and Australia in various formats, including magazines, newspapers and promotional tourism material. The magazines that are more familiar to the Australian mountain bike riders are [R]evolution, Enduro, Australian

o my work, inspired by the hem). I think this background outdoors and action sports to

Mountain Bike, and Outer Edge. What mountain bike groups are you involved with (locally or further afield), and how have you been able to assist them? Since moving to the area, I've become involved with the Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Riders Club in Port Macquarie and the Kempsey Macleay Off Road Cyclist Club. Mountain biking is a great sport for all ages, a great way to experience the outdoors, and a great way to meet people. The clubs do a great job at fostering all of this, and I think we should support them as much as possible. Whilst you'll find me volunteering at the trail maintenance days (even though I'm really not that handy with the tools!), I've been able to help out by providing the clubs with some pictures for their promotional use, and this year I provided a photographic service for the riders at the Gravity Enduro events at the Bago winery, with all profits donated back to the club. What's the dream for you ... Are there certain events you'd love to photograph, or places you'd like to travel to for your work? I love travelling. It provides me with fresh inspiration and new landscapes/settings for my work. I recall how starstruck I was by the Australian landscape when I first arrived; it was so different to anything I'd experienced before. However, I don't like to be away for too long now that I have a young family. My ultimate dream as a photographer has always been to shoot for the Pirelli calendar... You did say dream! How can readers contact you or see more examples of your work? Website: www.ronniegrammatica.com and I'm on social media: www.facebook.com/ ronnie.grammatica/ and www.instagram.com/ ronniegrammatica/ Thanks Ronnie. Interview by Jo Atkins.

I recall how starstruck I was n by the Australia I n he w landscape so as w it ; ed first arriv ng hi yt an to nt re diffe I’d experienced before .”

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focus_What’s On Greater Port Macquarie

JUNE 2016

BAREFOOT BOWLS AND BBQ Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club Fundraiser. Where North Haven Bowling Club. When Sunday 19th June at 12pm.

COMEDY HYPNOTIST MATT HALE When Sat 4th June. Show 8pm. Where Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie. Bookings www.glasshouse.org.au / (02) 6581 8888.

THE BRIDAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Where Rydges Port Macquarie. When Sunday 12th June. Time 11am - 2pm. $10 entry. www.guideforthelocalbride.com

DAMI IM When Friday 25th November. Where Port Macquarie Panthers. Time Doors 7:30pm | Show 8pm.

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BUTTERFLY MARKETS

SOUTH WEST ROCKS RUNNING FESTIVAL

Hand made local crafts, organic and local produce, new and used goods, clothing and accessories, face painting and more. Where Travellers Rest Hotel, Oxley Highway, Long Flat. When Sunday 5th June. Time 9am until 2pm. Contact midnorthsocial@gmail.com

Marathon 42.2 km, Half Marathon 21.1 km, 10 km Run, 5 km Enticer Run plus Junior events. All proceeds go to local charities and community groups. Races sanctioned by Triathlon N.S.W. When Sunday 12 June. Time Commencing 7am. Where Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks. Contact trialbay@gmail.com

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“PEOPLE AND PLACES” Art Exhibition - Jo Ernst and Vanessa Newell. Long Point Vineyard and Art Gallery. When 1st June to 31st July. Meet the artists on Saturday 4th June. Time 3pm - 5pm. Where 6 Cooinda Place, Lake Cathie. Open Tues - Sun, 10am - 5pm.

BT advice port macquarIE

trusted brand with proven success. As your local BT Advice team, we are passionate about helping residents on the Mid North Coast achieve their financial goals by working with them through each stage of life. BT is the wealth management arm of Westpac, and we specialise in tailoring financial strategies to build, protect and secure the financial future of every client. The strengths and experience of your local BT Advice Team. We understand that your circumstances are unique, and we will tailor a financial strategy personally for you. At the heart of our advice is the best interest of our client in every recommendation and strategy. This gives our clients confidence, clarity and peace of mind. We aim to build long-term relationships with each client, so we are there through every step of their financial journey. “My clients and I thoroughly enjoy the journey we embark on together. I educate and empower them to make informed decisions that will ultimately enable them to have the lifestyle they desire. There is no better reward than helping a client on the Mid North Coast achieve their lifelong goals” - Shannon Brown, Advanced

Financial Adviser. “When I meet with my clients, I am always looking for ways I can add value to their financial situation now, or in the future. My goal is to leave each client meeting feeling that I have educated, motivated or executed a way for my client to make valuable changes in their financial world” Melinda Farnsworth, Advanced Financial Adviser. “My clients seek a secure financial future. That is what I strive to deliver, through experience, knowledge and strong ongoing relationships”Todd Cockshutt, Senior Financial Adviser “I strive to be a goals and objectives aware, big picture advisor, with a retirement and investment focus. My expertise ranges from portfolio construction to successful and valuable client relationships. I am passionate and committed to being a valued and trusted professional to all of my clients” - Jason Lund, Senior Financial Adviser. What changes to government finance options are now taking place, and how will this affect future recipients? “In an ever changing landscape of legislative and investment uncertainty, it is more important than ever to enlist the services of dedicated professionals to navigate the path ahead for you,” says Senior Financial Adviser Jason Lund.

Shannon Brown, Jason Lund, Melinda Farnsworth, Todd Cockshutt

The government has legislated substantial changes to the Centrelink Age Pension assets test that take effect on the 1st January 2017. It is estimated that over 300,000 retired Australians will lose all or part of their Age Pension. Advanced Financial Adviser Melinda Farnsworth notes: “From my experience, many local pensioners we speak to do not understand the full impact that these changes will have on them. We have been able to provide great comfort and security for many of them by providing strategies to reduce the impact of these reforms on their Age Pension payments.” What important advice about the Centrelink changes will be offered at the free seminar on June 7th? There will be three industry leading retirement planning specialists attending to

provide invaluable insight into the potential impacts of the changes, and the strategies which could be considered to reduce these impacts. You will be provided with real life scenarios displaying how the changes to the Centrelink asset test on the 1st January 2017 could potentially impact your Age Pension, and the BT Advice team will provide options on how we can help you revisit your financial strategy to maximise your Centrelink entitlement. With the asset test changes on 1st January 2017 fast approaching, there is still time up your sleeve to review your current position and see how you can maximise your entitlements. Be smart, consider your options and obtain the right advice - contact the experienced BT Advice team for a consultation today.

greater port macquarie focus. 13

focus_local recipe

Image of the month. Title: Sunset in the cove just around the corner from Shelly Beach. Photo by: Katherine Appleby. Camera: Canon 550D. 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

Bellingen SMOKEhouse

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

PECAN NUTS

AT ’ S I N

The pecan is a native of the United States, who are the world’s largest producer, supplying around 75% of the total world production. Here in Australia, pecans only took off as a commercial crop in the 1960s. The Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast and North Coast of NSW offer similar climatic and environmental conditions to pecan growing regions in the US; however, Australia has one key advantage in that our pecan industry is largely disease free. This means that pecans can be grown here without (or with a minimal use of) pesticides. Trees offer productive yields after about eight years, with full production achieved by years 12 to 15 depending on the variety and environmental conditions, so when you are buying pecans, consider the time and investment involved by the grower. A handful of pecans every day can help manage cholesterol and weight and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Bellbowra Certified Organics grow organic pecans on their subtropical Nambucca Valley property. They have won the Australian Pecan Growers Association trophy for Australia’s best pecans six years running, from 2010 to 2015. Their pecans will be available from their online stall at www.farmhousedirect.com.au from the beginning of June. Try adding pecans to a warm winter salad of roasted pumpkin, crumbled fetta and baby spinach leaves, and drizzle with some quality lemon-infused olive oil and balsamic.

WHERE

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

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With Feta, Mint, Dukkah and Mixed Cabbage INGREDIENTS

(Serves 4)

25 g Feta 50 g Bellingen Smokehouse Salmon 5 g mint leaves 200 g mixed cabbage / purple and green Salt and pepper 50 g Greek style yoghurt 15 g Dukkah ½ an apple ½ lemon 50 ml olive oil

Chef Drury Woolnough

Drury Lane Eatery Shop 5 The Garrison, 26 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Phone (02) 6583 6628

method Julienne apple, slice cabbage and place in a bowl. Dress with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. Let marinate for five minutes. To make the salad, place 1/3 of the

yoghurt in a bowl with 1/3 mint, 1/3 fetta, 1/3 of the Salmon and top with 1/2 of the cabbage mix. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Dress on top of the salad.

Bellingen Smokehouse salmon Bellingen Smokehouse Salmon is available at the Foreshore Markets, The Real Food Markets (Glasshouse forecourt), or on their website bellingensmokehouse.com.au,

along with a variety of other smoked meats and smallgooods. See page17 to read all about the people behind the brand and their products.

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WITH A LINEUP FEATURING JESS PERKINS, ROB HUNTER, URZILA CARLSON, SAM TAUNTON, AND ANDY SAUNDERS, THIS TRAVELLING ROADSHOW WILL STOP OFF AT OVER 100 VENUES ACROSS AUSTRALIA, BEFORE TRAVELLING OVERSEAS TO EAST ASIA AND INDIA. MC OF THE SHOW, ANDY SAUNDERS, DROPPED BY FOR A CHAT TO GIVE US A PRELUDE ABOUT JUST WHAT WE CAN EXPECT WHEN THIS RAMBUNCTIOUS CREW VISIT THE GLASSHOUSE!

i Andy. What’s your association with the Mid North Coast? I was born and bred in Taree, in Biripi country. I love Taree - a lot of people look down on the area and move away. I think it’s so funny when people eventually move back! The area just draws people back, because of the beauty, the people, and the lifestyle. It’s a great place to live! Have you found coming from a country town has made it more difficult for you as a comedian - is it harder to get gigs? No, not at all! I try not to do a lot of gigs in my local town - the people I grew up with have probably heard my jokes a million times, because you tend to test the material on the people you’re familiar with! I do get a couple of gigs here and there … When did you actually break into comedy? I was only talking about that yesterday, trying to remember the origins … On a professional level, I started back in 2000. That was actually a big year for me! I got married that year, and I did my first real comedy gig. You’ve had some pretty amazing gigs since that time - you’ve been on TV, done festivals, toured around. How did you land the gig to MC the Melbourne International Comedy festival Roadshow? It was through physical domination … I can usually get what I want through pretty much an aggressive approach to everything! (Laughs.) But no, seriously, I suppose I can tell a couple of jokes here and there, people listen to them, and their ears prick up and their eyebrows raise, and they think “ Oh, I might give him a Guernsey 16 greater port macquarie focus.

for that!” And then, it’s up to you to prove yourself. There’s so much amazing talent on the comedy circuit at the moment. Just recently at a festival in Melbourne, it was evident that there’s a lot of competition out there - you just have to up your game every single time you’re on stage. Take Rob Hunter … he looks like he’s just entered high school! He’s a beautiful looking guy, he’s a beautiful person, very approachable, quiet and unassuming, but he gets on stage and just blows it up! I’m in the car right now travelling with this group of comedians, and I just have to have my game at an A-level … So, what’s it like travelling with a whole heap of other comedians in a confined space? Is “fun” the right word? It is fun, because they’re all smart as s*#t, so it makes you work harder to be smarter. And I hate that! We were talking about that yesterday. They’re all intellectuals, all witty and smart, and you’re thinking in your head all the time, “Don’t say the wrong thing, or you’ll look like an F*$#wit.” You have to be as witty as them! But you know what? It helps you become a better comedian. Ever since I started going on roadshows, I realised I’d finally found my people, because you can do anything you want, and they’re pretty well not fazed by whatever you do. Even with your mates, they’ll be like, “What are you doin’ that for! You shouldn’t be trying to piggyback that old lady in public!” Whereas, if you do that in front of a group of comedians, they say, “Yeah, that’s a hit, man - do that on stage!” Everything can be made fun of, or become a comedy bit or be used on stage.

Ever since I started going on alised ro adshows, I re my d un fo ly I’d final you people , because you ng can do anythi ’re ey th want, and zed pretty well not fa .” do u by whatever yo

“

There’s comedy in everything. That’s the beauty of being around comedians all the time you realise how much fun there is out there and how many things can be targeted. You mentioned you don’t do too many things in your home town, but you’re going to be up on stage at both the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie and the MEC in Taree. How much are you looking forward to that? Anything that’s in my area and my home town is going to be a highlight for me, and I’ve done a couple of gigs at the Manning Entertainment Centre, but these were one off things, like a gala night, or a guest appearance at a function, but this is especially for comedy, so people are buying tickets to laugh. This is pretty exciting for me! There will be a lot of people I know, so it’s going to be really fun to make them laugh! One of your quotes on social media says: “Fighting for people who can’t laugh at themselves”. What do you mean by this? If you can’t go through life taking the p*ss outa yourself, what’s the use? If you can’t have a look at your own life, family, lifestyle, culture, religion, background and try to find some kind of humour in it, then I think there’s something wrong! And I’m not just saying this as an indigenous person, but as a man, a friend, a husband, someone who tries to feed kids, wipe their a#$es and bring them up to be good adults - so that’s what that saying means to me. Here’s a tough one - sum up the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow in

just one sentence … Oh God; you’re asking me to be articulate! You can use lots of “ands” … The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is a showcase of ridiculously talented people who are going to try to make you laugh, connect, and have fun! You know, we want to be remembered like that! I’d rather be remembered as someone who tries to make people laugh. My friend’s father always taught me it’s human to be different, but it’s humane to accept everyone’s differences. I read a lot into that - he’s such a very wise man. A lot in me that’s good came from him ... but most of me is just a heathen, though. I really love that about me! Oh! I just thought, are you able to use swear words in your interviews? It’s all good; we can use strategically placed asterisks and hashtags! Any final words? Get ready to have fun! Thanks Andy. Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug! See the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at the Glasshouse on 25th June at 6pm, and 9pm. Tickets: $50 general, $40 member, groups 8+ $45. Contact the Box Office on 6581 8888 or visit glasshouse.org.au for details.

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Smoked Salmon, smoked Rainbow Trout and cold smoked Tuna are just a few of the local products from artisan producer Bellingen Smokehouse.

MATTHEW Bolton. t h e

b e l l i n g e n

hen did you start making products under the Bellingen Smokehouse banner? We started making our products two years ago. We bought an existing business; I have had a varied professional career. I've been a head teacher at TAFE, I have sailed tall ships all over the world, and I have been a professional yachtsmen. My wife and I saw the smokehouse as it existed, and it was something that wasn't maximising its potential and provided a great opportunity and a great outlet for my nature. I have a growing passion for artisan products and producers and local producers; I'm very proud to be a part of this movement. The Mid North Coast has some very committed and passionate people making gorgeous products. What products are available? The range is becoming a moveable feast. Our staple products are a hot smoked Salmon, smoked Rainbow Trout and cold smoked Tuna. Lately we have introduced smoked Kingfish, smoked Mullet roe and Gravlax, which is cured Salmon. We also have a dip range, and when we took over there was only the smoked Tuna dip; we now have a smoked Trout pate, a smoked Salmon mousse, a smoked Mullet and chickpea. We have also successfully launched our Salmon butter, which is our smoked

Salmon combined with a local creamery's seasonings, so customers have a quality butter. I often try to bring a different and base product that they can add their own new product to markets each month. flavours to according to personal taste. Next week I will have a traditional What do you love about the Bellinger Taramasalata made with a smoked Mullet Valley region? roe. I'm so grateful to all of our regular The thing that really pops to mind first customers, and I am always trying to is the sense of community. I have found bring something new and interesting it to be very supportive; if you are for them to try. making an honest effort How do you infuse and you aren't cynical different flavours to about what you do, go with different is people will support on The Salm d fish? What an n ca Pe in you. smoked tend I methods are . rk ba on Ir in How can finished used to smoke asonings , customers get not to use any se a ve the fish? so customers ha creative with at uct th Primarily, with quality base prod own your products? eir smoking fish they can add th ing to Smoked fish rd there are two flavours to acco mixes well with â&#x20AC;? variables - either personal taste. so many different hot or cold smoking. flavours. Our Trout Cold smoking is smoked makes a wonderful for a longer period of pizza,and the combination of time at temperatures below Trout, red apple and Feta in salads 32 degrees celsius. Hot smoking, is divine. Our Salmon is a beautiful depending on the fish, can go as high product for breakfast type dishes; you as 95 degrees. can go as crazy as you like, as most I only work with timber that I have flavours work. One of the great things found within the Bellinger area; it all about smoked fish is that you don't need comes from the valley and is fresh cut, much of it to make a flavoursome dish - a seasoned and used. We're not using little bit goes a long way. using any kiln dried, mass produced I am so grateful to the people of Port products; we're using genuine locally Macquarie - the restaurants we supply sourced timber. The actual timbers and the locals who come and buy our provide a lot of the flavour; I try to match products and enjoy what we do. I look the timbers to the fish. For example, forward to every market I go to. the Salmon is started in Pecan and finished in Ironbark. I tend not to use any Thanks Matthew.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

greater port macquarie focus. 17

focuseditorial.

UBUNTU

GardenVillage WINTERCRAFT SALE

GARDEN VILLAGE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE LOCAL PORT MACQUARIE AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY, PROVIDING SENIORS’ ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPORT FOR AROUND 350 RESIDENTS, OFFERING SELF CARE, RESPITE CARE AND RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE ACCOMMODATION.

arden Village is always trying to plan interesting activities for their residents, and June is a busy month. Following on from their “World Cruise” theme in 2015 (past cruise themes were Tahiti, Italy and USA), Garden Village will hold another week of cruising! Yes, the “theme destination” for this cruise is the U.K. and residents will enjoy everything “Great Britain”. The cruise week will run from Monday 20 June to 24 June. There will be a boarding morning tea, where passports will be issued and info newsletters regarding activities distributed, cooking demos, favourites English movies and

a luncheon midweek. This is one of the most diverse destinations. The village will embrace the spirit of the U.K. and decorate with nautical props or as a cruise ship with iconic landmarks displayed. The residents really enjoy these festivities. Garden Village also welcomes the community of Port Macquarie and surrounding areas and reminds them not to miss the “Winter Craft Sale” on Wednesday 29 June from 8:30am - 2:30pm. All items are handmade by the wonderful volunteers in their craft group, who make beautiful gifts and homewares.

KWAYA AUSTRALIA IS EXCITED TO PRESENT UBUNTU, A GIFTED GROUP OF SINGERS, MUSICIANS AND DANCERS WHO WERE FORMER MEMBERS OF THE WORLD-RENOWNED AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR.

ouring the world as small children, they graced the stages of Carnegie Hall and the London Palladium, performing for U.S. Presidents and Nobel Prize winners, with celebrities such as Will Smith, Bob Geldorf, Alicia Keys and Annie Lennox. Having just graduated from high school through African Children's Choir sponsorship, these talented 18 - 20 year olds are poised to fulfill their promise of making a difference in their own villages. Before they prepare for university on their journey to become Uganda’s future leaders,

World Class

Time

18 greater port macquarie focus.

through this inspirational tour, which travels from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast from April to June. UBUNTU is a spectacular show which reveals Africa’s extraordinary vibrant culture. Audiences will be inspired by the transformation of these young adults, who offer an unforgettable experience. The Ubuntu African Choir will be doing a public concert at St Columba Anglican School in the Iona Centre on Thursday 2nd June at 7pm.

TREES

AUSTRALIAN VIOLIN VIRTUOSO, ATTILLA SAUTOV, WILL JOIN UKRAINIAN PIANIST, OLEG POLIANSKY, TO PRESENT A WORLD-CLASS CLASSICAL PERFORMANCE.

their African dreams are becoming a reality

IN THE

P E R F O R M A N C E

autov only recently performed in Coffs Harbour (in March), with a solo, unaccompanied recital, having an enormous impact on his audience: “What a privilege to have you, a maestro, play to us here. Thank you for the years of practice to perfect your art and bring Bach and Paganini alive in this humble setting.” - Stephen, Coffs Harbour. “Thank you for a wonderful night of outstanding music. Also for sharing your stories. You bring humility and passion, joy and laughter, to make it a night to remember.” - Mary, Coffs Harbour. This time, he will join Poliansky to perform masterful duets, including Massenet’s Meditation from the opera Thaïs, plus works by Bach, Paganini, Gluck, Kriesler and

they are thrilled to share with Australia how

Bazzini. Poliansky will demonstrate his own mastery of the piano, with pieces by Chopin, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky, as well as Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Not only are both musicians of the highest calibre, they also bring unique personalities to their performances. Attilla has a unique ability to connect with his audience, entertaining not only with incredible and masterful technique, but also delighting with his anecdotes and sense of humour. Combined with Oleg’s precision and sophistication, this will be a most entertaining and enjoyable performance. Where: Port Macquarie Presbyterian Church, 93 William St, Port Macquarie. When: Wednesday 29 June, 7pm. For further details, see www.attillasautov.com or call 0417 619 915

THE MACLEAY VALLEY COMMUNITY ART GALLERY IS THE VENUE FOR TWO HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED ARTISTS, YVONNE KIELY AND GAIL SUE.

heir duo Exhibition In The Time Of Trees seeded from the words of Robert Louis Stevenson: “It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit”. An exhibition exploring our relationship with trees in their natural and transformed environment. This is a compelling exhibition where two artists with uniquely different styles come together to present an exciting diversity of breathtaking work based on the vastness of

their connection with, and response to, trees. The Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery is at 5 Kinchela St, Gladstone. Ph: (02) 6567 5092. The exhibition opens daily from Tuesday 7th June until Sunday 19th June, 10:30am - 4pm. The artists will be at the gallery on the 11th,12th and 13th June from 11am to 1pm to share their insights over cheese and wine. For more information about the artists, please visit: www.yvonnekiely.com.au www.gailsueart.com Macleay Valley Community Gallery In The Time Of Trees 7th - 19th June 2016.

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McGuigan BMW 140 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Ph 6588 8500. www.mcguiganbmw.com.au DL7571 ^The manufacturer’s recommended drive away price will be reduced by the GST component for new BMW models ordered and delivered between 01.05.16 and 30.06.16 while stocks last. GST is still included in the ﬁnal reduced drive away price. Excludes BMW M and X1 models. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes ﬂeet, government & rental buyers. Please consult McGuigan BMW for further details.

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b a r t l e t t

ROCK CLIMBING IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED - IT’S PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DEMANDING, AND REQUIRES ENDURANCE, SKILL AND COURAGE! SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD WAUCHOPIAN, NATHAN BARTLETT, HAS PROVEN HIS METTLE RECENTLY IN MELBOURNE, AND IS NOW PART OF THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM HEADING OFF TO COMPETE AT THE WORLD YOUTH CUP IN CHINA IN NOVEMBER … i Nathan. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family background … My name’s Nathan Bartlett. I’m 16 years old and I’m a Year 11 student at Wauchope High School. I train and work at one of the best gyms in the country, “Centre Of Gravity”. My family has been in Wauchope for 12 years. How and when were you introduced to indoor rock climbing? I was introduced to rock climbing by my Grade 5 teacher, Mark Dragos, about three and a half years ago. I always thought it looked like fun, so I thought I’d have a go. As I started to actually climb regularly, I had heaps of really strong people to train with, so I was pushed early on to climb hard routes. What do you most love about the sport ... It looks challenging, and a bit scary too! I love that it is the most natural way of moving; you move all of your muscles, and it takes 100% focus and confidence to make it all the way up the wall. You always meet new people and when climbing with them, they love talking, sharing their enthusiasm, skills and experience. You travelled to Melbourne recently, with the aim of earning a place on the Australian team that's competing at the World Youth Cup in China, in November. Congratulations on gaining a place! How tough was the competition - and how do you feel now you know you're off to China? 20 greater port macquarie focus.

Thank you! The competition was tough, and not this year - what are your goals? making it into the lead climbing team the first day was I want to acquire a solid position in the world youth a real setback mentally, but I was determined to do my championships in November. Also, my goal is to obtain best with the bouldering team the next day. sponsorship to help me with progression within the When I was walking up the steps for my turn, I was climbing community. nervous but very confident in my own ability to perform Who would you like to thank for helping you with at a high standard. your sporting success so far? I feel exited to be representing Australia I would like to thank my coach, David overseas: it’s something I’ve always Malikoff, for devoting time and effort into wanted to do. my training; he is a great mentor. I also What other comps do you have would like to thank James and Kerry e I love that it is th coming up over the next few Malikoff for their support, and my most natural way months? sponsor, Climbing Anchors. move of moving; you I have NSW state bouldering I wouldn’t be where I am es , all of your muscl and lead, QLD bouldering without Mark Dragos, the man and it takes 100% ce and hopefully Tasmanian who got me into climbing in en focus and confid ay w state bouldering. So - four the first place and of course, my e to make it all th competitions to strive towards. supportive parents who take their up the wall.” Rock climbing must be a time to get me to climbing gyms and physically demanding sport. competitions all over Australia. How do you keep fit - what's your Also, my grandparents in New Zealand training regime? - who support me heaps! Climbing … Lots and lots of climbing! My When you're not busy keeping fit and coach and I use diving weight belts to weigh us climbing rock walls, what else do you like to do? down when we climb and climb for very long I spent a lot of time reading about and watching my distances without rest. idols, Adam Ondra and Chris Sharma, who are arguably I keep fit at home by doing around 50 push ups a the best climbers. day, using my mini home climbing wall and by doing I also like to jam out with my ukulele and go explore pull-ups using special rock grips where you can use five, the beaches of Port Macquarie for rock climbing routes. four, three, two or even one finger to pull up your whole Thanks Nathan. All the best for your future comps! body. Interview by Jo Atkins. What would you most like to achieve by the end of Photos courtesy of David John Malikoff.

“

greater port macquarie focus. 21

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H A S T I N G S

THE ANNUAL HASTINGS LANDCARE FARMGATE TOUR TAKES PLACE THIS YEAR FROM JUNE 11 – 13. THE TOUR PRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE LESSER KNOWN ROADS IN THE REGION AND TO MEET FARMERS AND EXPERIENCE LOCAL FARMING LIFE ON PROPERTIES NOT GENERALLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ev Dr John Squires and Rev Elizabeth Raine are just two of the particpants in the tour opening their properties, Shenstone and Element City over the weekend - and they’re well worth a visit! What's the history of your property, "Shenstone"; when/how did you acquire it? We are actually opening two properties over the Farmgate weekend: Shenstone, in Graham Street, and Element City, which is at the rear of this property. Shenstone is the ultimate recycled house. It started life a century ago in the western suburbs of Sydney, but it had its land reclaimed for a motorway a little over a decade ago. It was then moved to the Mid North Coast and located on a vacant block in Graham Street, in the middle of the Wauchope township. We moved to Wauchope in 2011 and purchased it when it was put up for sale that year. Two years later, we purchased the property that runs behind the Shenstone property and our neighbours. It’s a large block of land, with a house at the front and another large building at the very rear of the property. We have renovated and refurbished the property at the rear, which we called Element City. It was originally built to be a workshop for the owner, but we have transformed it into a 22 greater port macquarie focus.

sustainable and very welcoming space which Shenstone has PV solar panels that can be used for short-term accommodation generate our own electricity during the and for educational seminars. daytime, solar-heated hot water, and double What's the significance behind the insulation in the ceiling. Inside, its walls property's name? are covered by low-impact paint, and we There is a plaque with the name Shenstone have installed low emissivity windows with beside the front door. It came with the house. specially-treated glass, which it really clever We understand that Shenstone is - it keeps the heat out in summer an Old English word meaning and keeps the warmth inside in “shining stone”. winter, so it is called “smart It reminds us that glass”. There is no air We have we are part of a conditioner in Shenstone, had a long much larger cosmos, but we are able to keep commitment to stretching as far summer temperatures to g, sustainable livin y across the horizon as a reasonable level with an and have read m we can imagine, and careful use of canvas les book s and artic beyond that. shades, ceiling fans and er on the su bject ov Element City using windows to ensure the years...” is named after a air flow through. wonderful contemporary We cook on gas in the stained glass window summer, but fire up our woodwhich we have installed fired stove during the colder high on the western wall of the months; this also provides central property. It is a beautiful contemporary heating in each room, to keep the whole artwork made by Lorraine Breen, a house toasty warm without gas or electric Queensland artist. It symbolises the four heating. main elements (earth, air, fire, water) in an Rain water is collected in a small tank urban context … which is precisely what this for use in the toilets and washing machine. property is. Another large water tank outside the kitchen What improvements have you made to window collects water from the roof which is the property since you've owned it ... and then used on the flourishing garden. how are you ensuring it is as sustainable Element City also has sustainable features. now (and into the future) as possible? Inside, its walls are painted with natural paint

“

which has very low volatile organic compound (VOCs) content. We had the concrete floor polished, so as well as looking spectacular it helps with temperature control inside. Cooling during summer is effected by the ceiling fans, the excellent ceiling insulation, and ceiling panels which are made from recycled PET bottles. (There is no air conditioner in this property either.) A large bank of water tanks collects rain from the whole of the roof, and in the future we plan to install PV solar panels on the roof. We also gained Council permission to install a composting toilet here, and while it is not yet in use, people can see what it looks like and how it works. What was the inspiration behind developing this property? Where have you sourced some of your innovative ideas? We have had a long commitment to sustainable living, and have read many books and articles on the subject over the years. We were particularly inspired by the work of Michael Mobbs, who has transformed an inner city terrace in Sydney to a completely self-sufficient property with its own water and power supply. There are lots of good websites as well, and we belong to a local climate change group which shares ideas. Each year we also open out home for Sustainable House Day, a national project that provides examples and inspiration from properties all around the

Rhubarb is a regular favourite and strawberries are ar, ye harvested each se ur co e th er ov and s, on as of the four se nge ra e id w a we grow ...” es bl ta of vege

“ country. We are both ministers in the Uniting Church in Australia, and we see our commitment to sustainable living and treating the environment responsibly, as integral to our faith commitment. Our church has lots of policies about the environment, and we want to live out those policies in our everyday life. Tell us a bit about the urban-farm garden you've created. What types of produce do you grow year round? We are opening up Shenstone as an example of an urban farm. Although it is situated right in the middle of the Wauchope township, the property has an organic, edible garden which is established on permaculture principles. Organic waste is composted, chooks free range throughout the garden, and we control pests through companion planting and encouraging beneficial insects and birds. From the front yard, side garden, and back yard, a surprising array of fruit and vegetables is produced. During the course of a year, we enjoy mulberries, mangoes, tamarilloes, pawpaws, quinces, medlars, apples, tropical pears, tropical peaches, peachcots, babacos, dragonfruit, pomegranates, custard apples, bananas, oranges, mandarins, lemons, and limes from our many fruit trees. These are all seasonal, but at any point in time there is always a range of produce to choose from. Currently, we have heaps of pumpkins that are ripe, loads of citrus that will be ripe very soon (oranges, lemons, mandarins and limes), a big pawpaw tree with abundant fruit, and of course the ongoing crops of root vegetables, from which we are currently harvesting sweet potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, and yukons.

We also have hazelnuts, macadamias and water chestnuts growing. Growing on the vines along the fences are Isabella grapes, passionfruit, kiwifruit, and a variety of berries. Root crops flourish in the soil at Shenstone, including potatoes, three types of sweet potatoes, arrowroot, yukon, galangal, Jerusalem artichoke, turmeric, onion, garlic, and shallots. Rhubarb is a regular favourite and strawberries are harvested each year, and over the course of the four seasons, we grow a wide range of vegetables: beetroot, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, silver beet, radishes, and much more. The large yard at Element City is awaiting our attention. There are a few fruit trees planted there, and a large chook run for our three ISA Brown hens, who are very reliable layers. We have had some vegetables over the summer, but at the moment much of it is planted with a green manure crop and insectattracting flowers. We are planning to make the whole block a permaculture food forest. Your property is just one that people will be able to visit as part of the Hastings Landcare Farmgate Tour, from 11th - 13th June. What do you hope visitors will learn after visiting what you've created and nurtured? We hope people will catch our vision for working towards a lifestyle that has minimal impact on the environment, encourages growing of fresh food and which is sustainable in all areas of life. We hope people might see something that we have

done, in the house, or in the garden, and go away thinking, “I could do that, couldn’t I?” Also, we hope that people will think about some small changes that they can make in their lives. We have written about what this involves on a blog at http://elementcityblog. com/ The blog contains posts about a whole range of issues that we have encountered in attempting to live a more sustainable lifestyle, such as: • How we are trying to Reduce, Recycle, Reuse in every aspect of our lives • Cutting down on packaging in our shopping - including the challenge of avoiding that great scourge of modern packaging, plastic! • Growing our own vegetables and fruit at home and working towards a higher degree of self-sufficiency in our diet. • Shopping locally; shopping at Farmers’ Markets, avoiding supermarkets (well, for almost everything), and bartering our produce. • Monitoring food miles ... We are trying to buy food that is grown within three hours’ drive from our home (although we make exceptions for sugar and flour). • Reducing the amount of rubbish that we produce in the house (and each week, we weigh it as a discipline). • Our adventures in hypermiling, driving in a way that reduces petrol consumption, by careful acceleration and braking, with a maximum of 90 kph on the motorway (the optimal speed for fuel consumption). • Buying ethical, checking out the ethics of the companies we buy from, and seeking

out fairtrade items such as coffee, tea and chocolate. What future improvements/plans do you have for Shenstone and Element City? We will keep on improving the soil in Shenstone and rotating our crops to ensure ongoing productivity. We will gradually plant out the grounds of Element City and turn it into a permaculture forest, right in the heart of Wauchope. And we will install PV solar panels and hopefully a battery for storage on the large roof of Element City and see if we can make the whole project self-sufficient in electricity! Thanks John and Elizabeth. Interview by Jo Atkins. Photo top left (this page) courtesy of Port News.

the plug! Farm Gate Tour details Saturday 11, Sunday 12, and Monday 13 June 2016. A self-drive programme in the greater Hastings, Port Macquarie and Camden Haven, with farm tours at set times over the three days. For information, contact the Hastings Landcare Office on (02) 6586 4465 or Kerry Wehlburg on (02) 6587 4353 or check facebook.com/ HastingsFarmGateTour Tickets/guide booklets ($30 per car) available from 24 May at: The Port Macquarie Information Centre at the Glasshouse; Ecowild, 21 High St. Wauchope; Hastings Landcare Office, 44 Cameron St, Wauchope; or online from www.hastingslandcare.org.au greater port macquarie focus. 23

poached pear toasted granola with yoghurt and berry compote from quay lime bar + grill

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

24 greater port macquarie focus.

Holidays. Salty’s have the perfect location to treat yourself to some much needed time out from the hussle and bussel of daily life. With perfect water views, soaking up the sun and enjoying a glass of wine or cold beer has never been easier, match that with delicious meals and you have the perfect lunch or dinner. Think of Salty’s when booking your next function or birthday party, talk to us today about the perfect package to suit your needs. Charcuterie Selection; Jamon Serrano Ham, Hot Sopressa, and Licensed Pancetta, served with pickled veg, ciabatta, flavoured gels. Family friendly Indoor / outdoor dining

in our stunning, fully refurbished surrounds. Aqua now offers a full wine and dine experience with an emphasis on Australian Wines at our new Aqua Bar. A new menu, a new restaurant feel combined with our classic Hastings River view and friendly service. The team at Salty’s.

Chef’s The Westport Club's

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841

TABLE SPRING Sensations

25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie 6583 1499 thewestportclub.com.au

Wednesday - Saturday, dinner from 6pm. Wednesday - Sunday, lunch from 12pm.

Kingfish carpaccio, fingerlime, chorizo and radish

Chefs de Cuisine Chris & Luke

Bookings are recommended.

7 days. Lunch 11:30am 2:30pm. Dinner 5pm - 8:30pm.

zebu bar+grill Summer is just around the corner - head to Zebu to soak up the pre holiday atmosphere with cracking water views and blue skys. Enjoy the quintessential taste of summer with a glass of vino or a muddled mojito teamed with some succulent oysters or crispy duck spring rolls, whilst listening to some live tunes from many local talented musicians. If it’s something a little more

zebu bar+grill

refined you are after, head to the grill for our degustation menu with five hand crafted courses The chilly weather is on its way! Warm up on the waterfront with from Executive Chef Adam TaitDining matchedat with fine Restaurant on the stunning Hastings River is an AQUA wines sourced from across Australia. Still can’tyou will want to relive every week! Zebu’s cosy couches and breathtaking view. experience Fish Carpaccio Serving coastal cuisine from sun up to well after sunset - Zebu is the perfect decide? Be tempted by the King A stunning menu peppered with delicious local produce created by our with fingerlime, chorizo and radish paired with a place to grab a bite, day or night, with free WiFi and warm fires making it creative culinary crisp Andrew Thomas Six Degrees Semillon - simplyteam is poised to surprise and delight even the most

easy for catch-ups for business or pleasure. Diary Date: Masquerade Charity Ball Saturday 13 August 2016 from 6:30pm.

$79pp - glass of sparkling on arrival, main, dessert and live entertainment. Tickets available at Rydges reception or phone (02) 6589 2888.

aqua at the westport club

discerning foodie. irresistible! Diary Date: New Year’s Eve -Try Bring the New ourinChefs Table degustation menu for something truly breathtaking and Year in Sin CityChef Style with ataste nightyour in Vegas Executive Chef de Cuisine way through intricately planned for the Offanthe Hook is owned andfeast operated by senses. Paul and Narelle Walsh. Adam Tait. Luke Corkery. with dancing girls, blackjack and poker!

off the hook

See page 21 for more info!

Indulge at AQUA Restaurant your variety next long lunch or special occasion. We offerfor a great 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.

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

Chocolate Delice with puffed wild rice Salmon Pastrami

Lunch 7 days - 11:30am - 2:30pm. Executive Chef Dinner 7 days - 5pm - 8:30pm. Adam Tait.

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

illed 26

The friendly staff.

25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie 6583 1499 thewestportclub.com.au

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green. 6584 1146 7 days, from 11am - late. EFTPOS available; phone orders welcome.

greater port macquarie focus.

ce.

h -

DAY

king

flooded gums restaurant

Wauchope Country Club

The spring menudown, at thethe Flooded Gums is inRestaurant full flow. In the warmer into As the sun goes Flooded Gums is transformed months, there no better place to be, when the sun goes the an intimate fineis dining experience; the as best Coffs Harbour hasdown, to offer. Flooded Gums restaurant at Bonville Golf Resort is transformed into an The award winning team, led by Executive Chef Darren Ryan, have intimateafimodern ne dining experience - the Coffs to Harbour has to offer. created seasonal menu thatbest changes complement the season Flooded Gums have received an Award of Excellence (Wine Spectator - you are always guaranteed the freshest local produce. Magazine Wine List of the Year Awards - only property in Regional NSW Couple this with our “2 Glass” award winning wine list, featuring age to be awarded). A wine list featuring age release and current vintages releases and current vintages - the potential for serious food and wine from acclaimed producers in the greatest regions; the potential for serious matching is limitless. food and wine matching is limitless.

At Wauchope Country Club, our Head Chef Michael Schubert is busy transforming our restaurant. Enjoy a delicious selection of new dishes as well as lots of old favourites. Great value plus discounts for members, new kids’ area, and families are always welcome. Kids receive a free drink and ice cream with every meal. Head Chef Michael Schubert.

Chef: Executive Chef Darren Ryan.

North Bonville Road, Bonville 6653 4002 www.bonvillegolf.com.au

24 King Street, Wauchope 65853020 www.wauchopecountryclub.com.au

Open 7 nights; bookings essential.

7 Days

greater port macquarie focus. 25

Chocolate Panacotta.

Quay lime bar+grill Quay Lime Bar + Grill is now open for breakfast seven days from 8am. Enjoy a sun drenched breakfast on the deck, or one of our decadent desserts now available all day. Head chef Kerrie Capper has infused her extensive experience as dessert chef at NSW Parliament House into the new Quay Lime menu, including chocolate panacotta with almond meringue and mixed berry compote (pictured). Our new menu includes a wide range of gluten free options and is now available to download from our website: www.quaylime.com.au

Head Chef Kerrie Capper.

Shop 9, Port Marina, 18 Park St Port Macquarie 6584 4039 www.quaylime.com.au Seven days, Mon 8am - 3pm, Tues 8am - 3pm, Wed - Sun 8am - 3pm and 5pm to late.

Tempura Soft Shell Crab with pickled ginger, King Crab money bag and coconut chilli jam.

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. Don’t forget to join us at “Happy Hour” every evening from 5pm - a refreshing 40% off all beverages - restaurant SYNERGY’S cocktail lounge. right: Executive Chef Jay Snelgar left: Sous Chef Shivaneel Nath.

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

26 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Dan Burns

H A S T I N G S

H O T E L

HEAD CHEF DAN BURNS FILLS US IN ABOUT THE EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR THE HASTINGS HOTEL RESTAURANT ...

an you introduce yourself to our I spent quite a bit of time in the kitchen with readers? my mum when I was young, and I guess my My name is Dan Burns. I was born passion for cooking grew from there. Rick Stein and bred in Port Macquarie and love was a chef whom I followed as a youngster, who using local products and suppliers. inspired my love of cooking seafood. I’ve been a chef for most of my life and have a When it comes to special events and funcreal passion for the industry. I started my apprentions, what range of food and services can ticeship when I was 14 at Country Comyou offer? fort Port Macquarie. I furthered We have the ability to tailor my experience by working in our menus for all types of various other restaurants in functions and gatherings, inI am very the local area. In my 20s I cluding birthdays, funerals, passionate tation moved to the Whitsunweddings and Christmas about the presen d , an days, where I landed parties. Please feel of all my dishes y on my first role as Head free to give us a call to l like to tell a stor ng seei the plate. I love Chef and was employed discuss options for your on the expressions by Whitsunday Terrace next special event. hen people’s face w Resort. After 12 months What plans do you r they receive thei I moved back to Port have for the future for meals .” and acquired a Head Chef the restaurant? position at Café Rio. I had built We have recently refurbished a successful relationship with the the restaurant, and we’re currently owner of Café Rio, and we decided to go in the process of creating an undercovinto partnership and set up a new business, er outdoor area, including a fenced in kids’ “Signatures Bar & Grill”. area. The menu will be revamped to a Modern After Signatures, I decided I wanted to travel Australian style, which will introduce exciting and moved to London and became Head Chef new flavours and dishes that have not been seen of “Browns Brassiere’’ in the banking district of on our menu here before. The new menu will East London, serving high end corporate lunches be on our tables in coming weeks. The main bar and fine dining. From London I moved to South will also have a new “Tradies Lunch Menu’’, with Africa, where I set up a new bistro with an dishes starting from $10. adventure sports company. When I returned to The Hastings Hotel is quite connected with Australia, I was employed as Head Chef at Town the community; can you tell us more about Green Inn “TG’s”, Settlers Inn and finally Macthis? quarie Barracks, before moving on to Hastings We think it’s important to give back to the comHotel. munity, and we do this by sponsoring sporting How would you describe your style of clubs. This year we signed three year sponsorship cooking? deals with Wauchope Thunder Rugby Union Club Modern Australian. Culminating idea’s from and Wauchope Blues District Rugby League Club around the world utilising fresh local produce as their major sponsors. We are also the major which in turn helps our local farmers. sponsor of Hastings District Rugby League and What would you say is the biggest influence Port Macquarie Roller Derby League. in your cooking? Thanks Dan.

“

greater port macquarie focus. 27

focus_interview

with Michelle Newman from Newman Communications

A M A C C H I AT O I N T H E M O R N I N G , A C AT C H - U P W I T H F R I E N D S O V E R A C A P P U C C I N O , A L AT T E A F T E R L U N C H O R A N E S P R E S S O D U R I N G A BUSINESS MEETING. COFFEE HAS BECOME SO INGRAINED IN OUR C U L T U R E T H AT T H E R E I S A C A F É O N A L M O S T E V E R Y C O R N E R .

he quality of the beans and the skill of the ocean I feel calm, relaxed and can see things clearly. The ocean barista combine to create the perfect cup has taught me a lot.” - whether your regular order is a flat white Looking to develop his skills further, Ken signed up for Peak or a decaf piccolo latte on low fat Coffee’s Barista Course. unsweetened almond milk. “Peak provided an opportunity and a space Kenichiro Seno, better for students to practice after the course had known as Ken, is a barista with local finished. So I came to visit Peak as much as I coffee roasting company, Peak Coffee. could to improve my skills and knowledge, He works with single origin and and was then offered a job.” blended beans that have been a as le ro y M Ken started working in Peak’s pop-up carefully chosen and roasted to barista is to help coffee cart, and then moved to the Peak s to bring out their unique character. bring those bean Brew Lab, where you will find him most e th r fo p “My role as a barista is to help life in a cu days. ” y. bring those beans to life in a cup for customer to enjo At Peak Ken has learnt how to make the customer to enjoy,” Ken said. a great coffee, and he’s also picked up Ken’s career in hospitality began in some Aussie slang. “I’ll have ‘Dog Eyes’ his homeland, Japan, where he grew up and ‘Power Poles’ for lunch and then a ‘10 to in Chiba, about 40 km southeast of Tokyo. 8’ after work!” He moved to Australia in 2003 and began There are many steps involved in each and every training in commercial kitchens and restaurants, cup grinding, dosing, levelling, tamping, extraction, and then moved “front of house” to work in customer stretching milk and finally pouring the milk. Ken completes service. He completed a Certificate IV in Commercial each of these steps with skill, care and love. Cookery and a Diploma in Hospitality Management at The biggest challenge is consistency. “My ultimate goal is to the TAFE Northern Sydney Institute. ensure the customer feels comfortable and that they can enjoy “One day the coffee industry caught my eye, and I began a perfect, predictable result every time.” working in cafés around Sydney’s Northern Beaches,” Ken Ken’s enthusiasm for coffee, his stamina and his friendly said. customer service has helped him build a loyal following of Ken swapped the busy beaches of Sydney for the untouched coffee connoisseurs. coastline of Port Macquarie in 2011. A keen surfer, he says “Without a doubt, the best part of my day is seeing a after five years there are still so many secret beaches to be customer really enjoy their coffee.” discovered and adventures to be had here. “When I get in the

“

28 greater port macquarie focus.

My Day 6.00am

Wake up, get ready for work. Water the garden. Make coffee.

7:30am

Open shop front doors for morning rush. Start making coffee for regular customers.

10:00am

Re-stock, get ready for lunch time customers. Help in the warehouse, boxing orders.

12:00pm Lunch. 12:30pm

Back to making coffee. Chat with customers who are looking to buy beans, grinding beans for their home use and answering coffee questions.

2:00pm

Helping train students in basic coffee skills.

4:00pm

Start end of day clean.

5:00pm

Close the doors.

5:30pm

Check the surf (if it’s not too dark).

greater port macquarie focus. 29

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

HEATHER CAVANAGH C H A R L E S ST U RT U N I V E R SI T Y OPE N E D H E R E I N 2012 W I T H 34 ST U DE N TS I N R E N T E D ROOM S. NOW I N I TS F I F T H Y E A R , I T ’ S J UST ACQU I R E D I TS OW N C A M PUS. I N 10 Y E A R S OR SO I T ’ L L BE C SU ’ S BIG GE ST, W I T H 5000-PLUS ST U DE N TS.

rofessor Dr Heather Cavanagh is gently tolerant, outlining her university’s operations and aspirations while I repeatedly “Beg pardon?”, grappling with her lilting yet unyielding Glaswegian brogue; it’s persisted through near two decades since she and her family came to Australia, and CSU. She’s not only clever - c.v. running to ten pages from her B.Sc, with honours, 34 years ago and doctorate seven years later - and immensely capable across a formidable range of endeavours, but amiable too. Unless she’s also adept at obfuscation she’s remarkably even-tempered, even though the air-con’s not working, some toilets seized up, the lift’s out of action, and the telecoms are dicey this day in her - our! - new $53m university building. Fittingly - when it works, that is - it’s an “intelligent” building, cooling and heating kicking in only when climate sensors dictate. We’re in her top-floor office, looking over tall transplanted, indigenous, cabbage tree palms in the quadrangle to the sustainable, solar-panelled roof. CSU overall has 40,000 students, half of them studying online: high-speed internet allows live-streaming to classrooms, labs and clinics the world over; local students can be working in group projects with peers in India or China. Microbiologist, mother, educationist, administrator, businesswoman, wife, skills exporter, diplomat of sorts: Cavanagh excels in a wealth of categories. I exit our lunchtime meeting mightily impressed by her attributes, convinced we’re lucky indeed to have her. But, briefly, the facilities’ irritations: others might describe the property’s glitches as teething problems but Cavanagh, an affable Scot with a materfamilias mien, dismisses the failures as a trifle in a multifaceted just-opened complex. “The builders have

30 greater port macquarie focus.

been fabulous; they worked phenomenally to get us in.” She has bigger fish to fry. Since her appointment, ex-CSU Wagga, as inaugural Head of Campus at the start of the uni’s fourth year here 15 months ago (then still operating in three small, separate, temporary locations) she’s taken on a myriad of functions to add to a continuing role as CSU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor International Education and Partnerships for the entire university entity. In that regard she drives its operations covering international students coming to Australia and the many thousands who study offshore as well (full fee-paying money-spinners for our economy and the institution). She travels extensively: her business card carries her credentials in Mandarin on the back - or, as the Chinese would say, on the front. (“My ideal holiday does not involve a suitcase, an airport - or a tent,” she laughs.) The “partnerships” role deals with other universities and TAFE. “We work closely with TAFE: about a third of CSU students come [via] TAFE; around a third again are ‘first in family’ [to enter university]. CSU’s extremely successful in transitioning students from a TAFE qualification.” In its international reach the university offers its Business Studies degree, for example, to 2500 students at four locations in China. It has students in Cambodia and other Asian and sub-continental locales. It’s “the world’s biggest provider of policing, border security and customs programs”, partnering with tertiary institutions and police forces that include China, Hong Kong, India, the UK and the Canadian Mounties. CSU’s student mobility programs send undergraduates on short-term programs or exchange with more than 200 partners: for instance, Vet students might go to lion reserves in South Africa; the University of Kentucky will send a student here

for a year, and vice versa. CSU takes in more than 200 paramedic students annually, working closely with UK ambulance services; of 25 or so, from Port and Bathurst, just back from London, “21 came back with a job offer,” Cavanagh trills. “Some are snapped up by the United Arab Emirates; after several years they’re coming home bringing all their different perspectives, knowledge and experience.” Then there’s her other cap: “ .. As Head of Campus, to ensure we integrated fully into the community and the campus was designed [to fit the environment] aesthetically.” The timber facade is local hardwood, the bricks blend with the soil to allow the building to “mature” into the landscape. (Two more blocks will be built southwards, then - “fit for future” - they can build up). Working with community and faculties to determine what courses to offer here: “CSU’s committed to ensuring our graduates get jobs. We [vary between] the first and second best graduate employment rate in Australia. We wanted to make sure not only were we offering programs that would get students jobs anywhere in the world but that would fit with local employment demand, to retain young people in the community but also around half of students come from elsewhere - to bring people into the community into those jobs. It’s primarily looking after the students but also to contribute to the economic and developmental sustainability of the region. “The community’s been amazing! I’ve never experienced a community like Port Macquarie, including everyone: contributing to what courses would work, campus design, provision of scholarships, workplace learning, casual work for students, opening their homes because we’re short of affordable accommodation. The students in return have been amazing when it comes to

raising money, $16,000 for things like defibrillators [donated to shopping centres, Panthers]; watching the work they put in for that, you just think ‘I’m so proud of you guys!’ Every Ironman the students are there volunteering, because they feel so welcome. Some of us spent the last six months in offices at UNSW who kindly opened their door to us when we ran out of space. The council and the library said convert your library space to another classroom and bring your library in here. We were delayed with laboratory space: St Columba allowed us to share their laboratory when their kids were on sports day.” In return, “St Columba students can use our library and our imaging centre; we’d love them to use our new sporting facilities” - basketball and netball courts currently being built. The official opening ceremony of this Stage 1 “base camp” of 670 on-campus students (at capacity with 1000 in 2017) is probably to be in August. Stage 2 is needed. Depending on demand and funding it’s hoped Stage 3 of CSU PMQ will be completed by 2026-2030, total capacity 5500 on campus. Cavanagh’s husband, Dr Nigel Urwin, also a senior CSU academic here, specialises in, inter alia, biochemistry and genetics. The couple joined CSU Wagga in the late 1990s. (They’ve two sons, one just graduated from ANU, the other halfway through). Urwin did valuable work in commercial lavender development in concert with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation; cultivars he bred at the Riverina campus are patented with family members’ names. Including an abundantly-yielding specimen horticulturalists note has a prominent display and worldwide appeal, ‘Riverina Heather’.

state of origin fundraiser TREK4KIDZ State of Origin Fundraiser on Wednesday 22nd June. Special offer: sausage sizzle and three drinks for $15. Watch the State of Origin on the big screen with a great atmosphere and friendly service from our wonderful staff. While you are enjoying the footy, you will also be helping the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Trek4Kidz is an annual week-long event where a group explores different regional areas of the Australian countryside by car. Since its inception, the trek has visited more than 300 towns, 35 schools and raised over $1,045,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. These funds would enable Starlight to grant 160 life-changing wishes or transform the hospital experience for 28,243 sick children

at hospitals around Australia, including John Hunter Children’s Hospital. Collectively we are able to make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children. Seeing these kids smile is what it’s all about. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Aspire restaurant overlooking the picturesque golf course with fresh local seafood, succulent steaks, burgers, $10 lunch specials and more! Membership Renewals now due. The award winning 18 hole golf course at the Port Macquarie Golf Club is an icon in our local area. Everyone will enjoy a friendly round! Don’t forget to renew your membership! Renewals are due on June 30. Great Golf, Great Food, Great Fun!

greater port macquarie focus. 31

focus_eat

Lou Perri from the Stunned Mullet

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE IF IT CAN’T BE BOOKED OR BOUGHT ONLINE, IT PROBABLY HASN’T BEEN INVENTED YET ...

his is the catchphrase of our times and indeed, it takes some serious hunting to find such goods and services that truly and solely require human interaction of the person to person kind. Generally, unless you have a problem (and even then, many can be solved via email, or FAQs on websites) - it is incredibly easy to

avoid picking up the phone at all, let alone face to face contact with a real person. Booking online is also becoming increasingly simple and adaptable to the various devices we happen to have on hand at the time, i.e. most interfaces offer a smartphone app which enables a speedier and clearer navigation though the booking process. Gone are the days where we viewed

purchasing anything over the internet with caution and suspicion - the vast majority of transactions are completely secure. Familiarity provides confidence to the notion of buying online; indeed, it is the norm rather than the exception these days. It is with great gusto that the restaurant industry, too, has taken up the massive advantages of online booking and purchasing. This technology has enormous time saving potential in an already time-stretched business such as hospitality. The booking of tables can easily be managed online through various providers, and certainly we are encouraging our patrons to book this way - a win-win for both parties. It is extremely convenient and instantaneous for the customer, as well as freeing up the most crucial time for restaurant staff - time in the middle of lunch or dinner service that could absolutely benefit from not being interrupted by phone calls, or call-backs. Essentially, staff are able to completely focus on those people sitting at tables in the here and now - as it so should be. Ditto for other transactions, such as buying gift certificates for instance. We have switched to solely online transactions for these. Another time saving beauty, in which customers are able to purchase and receive their certificates instantly via email - incredibly easy, convenient and great for last minute gift buying! What does the future hold technology wise for the restaurant industry? Surely, you say, it is all about sitting at a table and talking to a person who then delivers your meal to you.

GREAT LUNCHES EVERYDAY!

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It would appear actually, that all that space age kind of stuff with ordering on computers and robot waitpersons is no longer 20 or 50 years away, but in fact coming to a restaurant near you - and soon! Tabletop POS (point of sale) are increasingly common - basically using a tablet like an iPad to order your meal. Ditto smartphone apps for ordering in advance - removing that frustrating element of queuing to order and waiting for it to be made. And yes - there are robots. Mostly in Asia at present, but what they lack in character and smiliness they more than make up for in efficiency, ability to work overtime - and yep, you don’t have to pay them by the hour either! Are they coming to Port Macquarie anytime soon? We haven’t heard any “industry” rumours, but somehow we reckon you will still be seeing the smiling, extremely human and extremely capable faces of our wonderful real people for quite a while … Phew! Jokes aside though, these technologies have amazing benefits, already apparent. And much more potential for the future, in terms of capturing valuable data from our customers. Being able to easily look up that fantastic bottle of wine you enjoyed so much last time, knowing when your birthday is, the ability for operators to clearly see what is and isn’t working ... Here is a powerful tool that helps us understand our marketplace and do the very best job we can to make sure that you are happy - and of course, well fed and watered!

1/2

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32 greater port macquarie focus.

MAIN MEAL n

GET ANOTHER AT HALF PRICE* *Available LUNCH AND DINNER ONLY MONDAY - FRIDAY on presentation of this coupon. Dine-in meal only. Offer ends 1/7/2016. Not to be used with any other offer.

greater port macquarie focus. 33

focusinterview.

C a s s e g r a i n WORLD CLASS WINE IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

Club North Haven It is a month of great entertainment ahead at Club North Haven, with a number of free shows on Thursday and Saturday nights throughout June capped off with the fantastic ticketed show, Baby Boomers - Blast from the Past. Every Thursday evening from 6:30pm there is free entertainment, with a host of local solo artists and duos including Steve Taylor, Dean Weston, Geoff Jones, Gary King, and making their debut at Club North Haven, Chill Factor. Thursdays are a great night at Club North Haven, with meat and seafood raffles at 6pm, members’ Jackpot Draw at 7pm and the Club Top 8 Superdraw between 6pm and 8pm. On

Saturday night 4th June from 7:30pm, get your dancing shoes ready for local trio The Crew, with their Rock ‘n’ Roll vibe and playing all the ‘60s - ‘80s hits. On Saturday 18th June, 7:30pm, step it up a notch with some Electric Rock and Blues from the Newcastle band The Leadbellies; both shows are free. We finish off the month on Saturday 25th June with the Baby Boomers show playing all the hits and some great comedy from the ‘60s to now. Tickets just $29 for show only, or book the dinner and show deal for $58; bookings available through reception 6559 9150 or visit our Facebook page. Facebook.com/ ClubNorthHaven

Cassegrain Wines has been awarded top accolades from Huon Hooke, one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading independent wine critics.

outed as “the trusted voice Alex Cassegrain, they will often blend wines in Australian wine”, Huon is produced from grapes grown in different a celebrated wine writer best regions, enabling them to build in layers of known for his weekly columns flavour and complexity. This approach is at the in the Sydney Morning Herald heart of Cassegrain’s diverse and innovative Good Living Section, and regular articles portfolio. and tasting notes in Gourmet Traveller Wine Descended from an old winemaking Magazine; he is also judge of the Australian family in France, the Cassegrain family’s Winemaker of the Year and a number of other heritage combined with John’s experience major wine competitions. abroad has significantly influenced the style Cassegrain Wines were very pleased to have of winemaking at Cassegrain: traditional several of their wines awarded a Silver Ribbon: French winemaking methods are married with their Edition Noir Pinot Noir 2015 was the latest Australian technological awarded 91/100 and 4 stars; advances. This rich history, vast the Edition Noir Sangiovese knowledge and unique blend 2015 was awarded of winemaking techniques , John Cassegrain 91/100 and 4 stars; the are what make the wine er Chief Winemak Fromenteau Reserve Cassegrain produces so , ines at Cassegrain W Chardonnay 2014 exceptional. s es cc su attributes their a e was awarded 93/100 “Being recognised ar ey th at to the fact th , er uc and 4.5 stars; and by an esteemed wine od pr al on multi-regi ce ur so the Limited Release critic such as Huon to em th g enablin fruit ity al Gewürztraminer Hooke is especially qu t es gh hi the NSW 2005 was awarded rewarding and a great from regions in best .” 92/100 and 4 stars. way to celebrate in our where they grow As part of The Real 30th year of operation Review Alliance, a Silver in the Hastings Valley,” Mr Ribbon awarded by Huon Cassegrain adds. Hooke indicates a very high quality Wine lovers and foodies alike wine. Aside from technical quality, it must have the opportunity to enjoy these possess character, balance, style and Silver Ribbon wines and more, at an exclusive textual refinement. dinner at Cassegrain Winery on Saturday John Cassegrain, Chief Winemaker at 4th June. The Taste of Winter includes a Cassegrain Wines, attributes their success twilight tour of the winery, where guests can to the fact that they are a multi-regional meet the makers and take part in barrel and producer, enabling them to source the highest tank sampling of current 2016 vintage wine; quality fruit from regions in NSW where they followed by a French-inspired three course grow best. tasting menu with nine matching wines at “We recognise the importance that terroir Seasons Café-Restaurant. plays in determining grape character. We Bookings are essential - call (02) 6582 8320. insist on only best quality fruit, true to our Tickets are $112.50pp for Club Members philosophy that great wines are made in the and $125.00pp for non-members. For more vineyard,” Mr Cassegrain says. information, go to www.cassegrainwines.com. Together with his son, Senior Winemaker au/news or visit their Facebook page.

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34 greater port macquarie focus.

greater port macquarie focus. 35

focusinterview. interview. focus

The club is undergoing an exciting transformation, with contemporary design and modern themes. The new and improved Panthers will deliver a truly inviting social environment, making Panthers a destination venue for our local community and visitors.

port macquarie

J A M I E

W I L L I A M S

G . M

hat stages are now complete? Our architects have been working behind the scenes, and builders Lipman Constructions have officially commenced works. Our Auditorium is the first stage to be transformed into a state of the art facility for our members, guests and community to enjoy. The entire club renovations are anticipated to take approximately 40 weeks from start to completion. During the project we will manage the club to ensure minimal disruption for our members and guests. What did you have to take into consideration, from the planning process through to inception? Throughout our strategic planning process we’ve gained a more targeted understanding or our club’s direction and the facilities needed to take us there. The renovations are essential to keep our club going strong - to invigorate our existing facilities for our members and to also attract new visitation. We want our club not only to remain a welcoming haven for our members, but to also maintain our competitve edge in the growing tourism and hospitality market of Port Macquarie. What is the concept behind the sleek new design? 36 greater port macquarie focus.

I’ve often heard our long-term d members talk an f staf t the about how grea ’, so I’m be to d club ‘use rward fo g in ok lo really h and es to creating a fr ere for ph os vi brant atm y.” jo en to everyone

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We wanted to create a club our members would be proud to be part of and a venue our team were proud to call their own. The new fresh design plans to enrich and complement our seaside location of stunning Port Macquarie. What has been introduced for sports and gaming fans? A new and improved TAB and Alfresco Gaming will be built in conjunction with the Den Theatre Room revamp. We will be a premium destination to view all large screen live sporting events in comfort. All gaming areas will be refurbished, with some new fun and exciting games to be enjoyed. Describe some of the design elements in the Tavern Bar and Deck. Our team have spent a lot of time on what we want to create here. Our style will be a casual alfresco craft bar offering, overlooking the Hastings River waters. All gaming areas will be refurbished, with new and exciting games for the enjoyment of our members and guests. What can patrons now look forward to at Port Macquarie Panthers? With the upcoming renovations, Port Panthers will

be known as a premier club, with something for everyone. We really can’t wait to see the club in “full swing”. I’ve often heard our long-term staff and members talk about how great the Club “used to be”, so I’m really looking forward to creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere for

everyone to enjoy. We’ll be continuing our regular member activities like bingo, gentle exercise and raffles, as well as our ongoing commitment to hosting our supported groups like Rotary, Ballroom Dancing, the War Widows Guild Club (to name just a few) and of course, our proud RSL affiliation. We’ll also be expanding our live entertainment offering, which kicks off with the opening our “Basement Sessions” early July - yes, the old “Atlantis” room is making a comeback! We do expect there to be disruptions through the renovation period and apologise to members and guests in advance. We want everyone to know that we will remain OPEN throughout the process - and will be having some fun and exciting renovations promotions along the way. Thanks Jamie.

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T H E

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T O U R

If we all had

“IF WE ALL HAD WINGS” IS AN IDEA DREAMED UP BY LOCALS SKYE PETHO, NECIA WAGHORN AND SUE JOGEVER. IT IS AN ARTS BASED FUNDRAISING PLATFORM, TO HELP RAISE MONEY TO ASSIST LOCAL FAMILIES WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WHILE RECEIVING CANCER TREATMENT.

or Skye, this is a project close to her some special locals to present a visual display heart since being diagnosed with that allows you to interact and play in the breast cancer in January this year. space, while giving you an opportunity to think Cancer treatment is hard, but it is about how we can make a difference. so much harder for people if they are strugThe starting point for the project has been gling financially while going through the jouran amazing mural painted on the wall outside ney, and the group wanted to do something to Arthouse Industries on Sunset Parade by help out locals who might be finding local artists Mel Casey and Adam it tough to get food on the table Murray. and pay the bills due to their The mural is an interactreatment. tive art space that will t in po The starting It is important to attract plenty of attent ec oj for the pr g in az raise awareness in our tion and make people am has been an e th on d te community about the think about cancer in mural pa e us ho rt A e id ts things you don’t see or differently. ou wall nset think about in relation The next fundraisIndustries on Su tists ar l ca lo by de ra Pa to cancer, and primaring event will be a Adam Mel Casey and ily, the financial stresses public art display and Murray.” involved. dinner, being held at People look at you as Drury Lane on the 1st July. a cancer patient and think Prior to the dinner you can about your hair falling out, weight purchase your own set of angel loss, how tired you look but for a lot of wings to be part of the public art the people in our community, they are the display from Arthouse Industries or Drury person who keeps things rolling along in the Lane, and tickets for the dinner are available family home. They are the person who has to via Livetix.com.au. make sure bills are paid and there is food on Tickets are $100 and include dinner and the table while working through the physical, a drink on arrival. As seats are limited to this emotional and psychological issues of cancer event; please book early. treatment. All money raised from this project will go That’s a hard thing to do while having back to local families to help them with the treatment, and this is where #ifweallhadwings financial stresses involved in the treatment of comes in. this cruel disease. If we all had wings is an idea dreamed up by “If we all had wings … we might just fly.”

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DIRECT FROM THE U.S.A. COMES MICHAEL JACKSON - THE LEGACY TOUR, WHICH IS NOT ONLY A WORLD CLASS SHOW, BUT IT IS THE ONE AND ONLY MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE SHOW WITH ACTUAL MICHAEL JACKSON STAFF AND BAND MEMBERS.

t was created by and stars the dynamic showmanship of William Hall, who embodies the voice the dance character and persona of the legendary MJ to perfection. He has appeared and performed in venues all over the world, from Las Vegas to Berlin and has entertained artists such as Diana Ross, Katherine and Joe Jackson, was the winner of "The World’s Greatest Double in Europe" and is known throughout the industry as clearly the best. FOCUS caught up with William while on tour to chat about the show … Hi William. Tell us about the show you’re bringing to The Glasshouse in June … The show I’m bringing to the Glasshouse is a combination of three different tours, The Bad Tour, The Dangerous Tour and the History Tour. I put the show together for people who have never seen Michael Jackson live in concert. Something very special about your show is that the band members are all artists who have performed with Michael Jackson. How did you all come together, and who makes up the band? I was able to get the band members together by sending out messages to friends I knew in the business. Once I had I what I needed, we began to put the show together. Growing up, were you a big Michael fan? Yes, I’ve always been a fan. It’s a bit different today though; it’s more of an artist to

artist respect now, instead of just being a fan. Who makes your costumes, and are you lucky enough to be able to wear any Michael Jackson originals? I have many different people who make my costumes - and yes, one of my hats is a Michael original. Your vocals and dance moves are uncannily like the King of Pop himself. How did you perfect this? As far as my voice and dance, some was God given, some was hard work! It took many years to perfect what I do; it’s not just about singing and it’s not just about dancing - it’s about both, and it takes a certain type of breathing to do this. What is your background in music? I have a degree in musical art composition, theatrical art and dance. Tell us about some of the classic Jackson hits we can look forward to seeing you perform. I will be doing everything from Billie Jean to Thriller, without giving too much away; its filled with all the hits. Thanks William.

the plug! Don’t miss Michael Jackson - The Legacy Tour 2016 at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie. Tuesday 21st June 2016, 8pm. Bookings (02) 6581 8888.

Kate WOOD-FOYE

from Rydges Port Macquarie and Sails Resort Port Macquarie.

Photo Credit Allan J Mamo Photography.

Left. Amanda and Lyn Rouse and Jo Garrett Photo Credit Allan J Mamo Photography.

Right. Tara Mesiti and Kelly Cowan at Grape & Petal

Below. Michelle Jack and the gals at High Tea Photo Credit Allan J Mamo Photography.

Above. Kodie Shipway (Centre) with gal-pals at High Tea. Above. Ian Powell, Jo Cherry with brother Rod on his 50th birthday.

Above. Vanessa Lawrence at her birthday High Tea at Zebu with friends and family.

SOCIAL/SCENE

WINTER IS COMING … I AM SERIOUSLY QUITE POSSIBLY THE LAST PERSON ON THE PLANET TO JUMP ON THE HIGHLY ADDICTIVE GAME OF THRONES BAND WAGON, BUT THANK JOHN SNOW I DID!

t is doubtful I could have survived the winter without meeting him … Thank you HBO … What would we do without his northern fabulousness! I am seriously sleep deprived from watching unmatched midweek marathons of this deliciously moreish Medieval series, but I will gather my strength to battle on for the realm! As we head into our own chill zone, we have some delicious foodie events to warm the soul through winter. We all pilgrimage ever so slightly south to bask in the beauty of the Camden Haven and scoff our fill of delicious dishes from talented local chefs, bakers, artisans and merchants who fill our tummies and our baskets with the amazing goodness from our region - breads, jams, cheeses, chocolates, coffee, fresh fruit and veg with scrummy warm dishes to devour on the spot, all washed down with a local vino or a handcrafted ale. Live entertainment, excellent company, and life is good! Cosmopolitan cocktails, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate fudge mud cake, cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon and a whole lot of champagne and dancing brought together 150 local lovelies at Rydges recently for the annual High Tea on the Hastings to raise funds for Camp Quality. The event remembers and celebrates the lives of locals including Rachel Flakkus and others, who

have passed away from cancer. Dedicated event organiser and Rachel’s friend Natalie Junge and the beautiful Irene Mifsud have joined together at Rydges for the last seven years with a fabulous High Tea to celebrate life and all the wonderful support Camp Quality provides to families dealing with this awful disease. The glam factor was high, with the gorgeous guests hitting the high note on the fashion stakes with super high-high heels and stunning headwear to match. Over $5k was raised in an afternoon, with top bidding going to a sumptuous and Silly Sunday Lunch to be hosted in Shandelle Boye’s home, with a private chef for her and seven friends, with wines to match from Zebu. Divine! Thanks to the seriously talented photographer, Allan J Mamo, who captured all of the ladies in their finery, with guests including Kodie Shipway, Ella Lakin, Kelly Cowan, Dee Mclean, Jacqui Eller, Leanne McDonald, Ann Rogers, Leanne Burbridge, Michelle Jack, Jane Potts, Lyn and Amanda Rouse, Nicole Prince, Rachel Lehmann, to name just a few of the glamazons in attendance on the day. Thank you to the amazing local businesses, including the ever generous Australian Advanced Fencing, Touchstone Salon Supplies, Hastings Coop Dept Store, Miss Motivator, Charlize Rose, Angove Wines,

Caramels at Cathie, Port Fresh Seafoods and Me 2 U Beauty, the amazing hair and makeup team who donated a makeover for bereaved family Terri Townsend and little daughter Klancie-Jade and the Camp Quality volunteers who assisted on the day. A shout out to Matthew J of Pose It Photo Booth and Connecting Souls for their tunes. Thanks to Pam Madden, Rachel’s mum, for the AMAZING handmade cupcakes given to each guest to take home - DIVINE! A huge day that escalated rather quickly into a rather big night out! Oops! So, it’s huge happy birthdays all round this month, with Fusion 7 celebrating 10 years with a divine degustation at their Hortons Street Eatery. Owners Lindsay and Frea and their amazing team including youngest Fusionite, little son Henry, have achieved so much in 10 years - including their hard earned and well deserved Chef’s Hat. Congrats to the Fusion crew - looking forward to enjoying many more amazing meals under your roof! Cheers to you! A big shout out to Rod Powell of Hire Port who recently celebrated his 50th birthday celebrating with 40 friends under a marquee. The cake waas his mother’s famous sticky date cake - simply scrumptious! Happy half century to a guy who works like a Trojan and has been a part of so many people’s lives and

special occasions through the events he has set up across the Mid North Coast. Cheers to you, Rod! Another huge Happy birthday to beautiful ladies Vanessa Lawrence and Danni Probst, who celebrated their birthdays in glamourous style with a private high tea for fifty guests at Zebu. The gorgeous crowd, including Jasmin Johannsen, Jackie Lawlor, Danny Tate, Kylie Zeimer and daughter Taylor enjoyed French sparkles and fab food and company - happy birthday, lovelies! A final shout out to the beautiful Tara Mesiti, who celebrated her 40th birthday with thirty friends and family with a bash organised by hubby Scott at the Grape and Petal, with Espresso Martinis and Margaritas for all and share dishes from the scrummy menu, with some chilled tunes from Phil Eades and Scott to finish off the night. Wishing you an awesome year ahead! As this chill factor hits, we will be heading for the hills for our annual family retreat to the Comboyne Hideaway - seriously heaven on a stick. Literally counting down to the amazing countryside, fireside chats, some red wine, warm chocolate brownie and potentially another sneaky side serving of John Snow! ‘til next month! Kate.

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ADAM MURRAY IS ONE OF OUR REGION’S MOST DEXTEROUS AND WELL KNOWN ARTISTS; HIS TECHNIQUE IS EVER CHANGING, RICH WITH CHARISMA AND WILL LEAVE YOU WONDERING … THIS MONTH IN FOCUS WE PROFILED ADAM AS PART OF OUR ARTS AND CULTURE FEATURE …

and the cat seems to suit these things. The movement ou’re no stranger to our local creative scene, having featured of their spine and the direction of their legs can be in one way or another at most pushed in unrealistic directions. And it’s always fun to events held. What do you love add breasts and hips and other things. They just sort most about our region’s growing of combined and worked, and I’m sticking with it … creative community? For now. It’s great - from the local council to the Glasshouse, Your staple colour palette has also certainly local artists and smaller galleries. This town is changed in a year - brighter hues in the becoming even more colourful - starting to see more foreground with dark features and undertones, street art around, as well as the local art events of the which creates a very moody feel. What has last few years. There’s a tight arts community here in inspired this? Port Macquarie, and we’re all helping each For years I normally used primary colours, other. It’s special. a very bright palette, mostly favouring What are some of the events blue/orange and red/green. And like t you’ve been involved with? n’ do I , tly es on most things with creative practice, H There was Squiggle Off last know how my things have to change, move me, year; that was so much fun. su bjects come to est on and evolve. And I guess my bigg The Art Walk last month, a and I’m not the recent move to a darker palette s es I gu huge success for local art and fan of cats . But e th and darker tones is a reaction it’s a reflection of I’ve artists. I’ve done live painting ch hi w to my past colours. There was female form , at the Pier on Clarence, the a point where I looked back at working on for en be Artist Markets, Festival of the my work and thought my colours years now.” Sun and Sounds on Sunset Music had to change/shift. Subject and Festivals. Recently Mel Casey and imagery was progressive, but they I just finished painting a wall outside were all the same colours. I’m lucky to Arthouse Industries (cnr Murray St and receive left over house paint from friends. It’s Sunset Parade), for cancer fundraiser “If We All these unfamiliar colours that have made it more Had Wings”. interesting for me. It was only 12 months ago when we last Painting for me is a constant testing and discovery caught up with you about your art. Since then process. I truly believe contrast is a very important you’ve moved from women, to felines with

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womanly features, and now a lot of your work revolves around the felines solely … Tell us about that transition. Honestly, I don’t know how my subjects come to me, and I’m not the biggest fan of cats. But I guess it’s a reflection of the female form, which I’ve been working on for years now. It’s the cat’s body and how they move that I find interesting and also fun to experiment with. They’re slinky, smooth, bony and creepy. I like to stretch, exaggerate and distort form, 40 greater port macquarie focus.

part of visual art - contrast of colour and application and even contrast of extension. Like a mass of darker tones with a little touch of brighter colour, it’s complementary opposite here and there, where older work was the opposite and the darkness suits my cats. Where can our readers follow your artwork and contact you? You can find me on Instagram @adammurrayart and Facebook www.fb.com/adammurrayart. Thanks Adam.

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J A M E S YOU MAY HAVE SEEN JACKSON SETTING THE SCENE AT WEDDINGS AND LOCAL VENUES WITH HIS MUSIC. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH JACKSON AS PART OF OUR ARTS AND CULTURE FEATURE, WHICH HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF OUR REGION’S BEST CREATIVES ...

ou’ve been a prominent face on the local music scene for many years now. How do you feel the scene has progressed, and how has your style developed over

this time? Live music and the level of talent in Port is ridiculous, from the music programmes in our schools, the tutors and the amount of live music venues to play now; it has never been better. The internet and quantity of quality lessons available online is, without a doubt, a key component in the success of many young musicians. My own experience with rapid learning is encouraging, and it helped me become more versatile as a musician, being able to sit in and play almost any genre. Over the years, my own style has naturally developed as a result of learning, listening and playing with great like-minded musicians. Some would say quitting your career in architecture to follow your dreams in music is crazy. What was it that inspired you to make such a life changing decision? This was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever made; however, it was also the best decision I ever made! People told me I was crazy; why would you give up a great career and security to play your guitar? You love architecture! Yes, I am lucky to love my backup plan, but I love playing music more. Like any job, I’ve studied and learnt the skills needed, but I’ve also done the same with music; it was just a leap of faith I had to take, and some encouragement from people who believed I

could do it. To make a living doing what you love - that’s the dream. The guitar pictured above isn’t just any old guitar; how did you learn the skills to create this beautiful instrument? This all started one day when I saw a unique colour on an early ‘50s guitar. I did a bit of research; however, I found the only one available, I didn’t like. So, I decided I would build my own. I’ve been playing guitars for a long time and do most of the setup and maintenance work on them myself. After pulling them apart enough times, I was confident I could put one together. I spent the next three months scouring eBay for original Fender USA parts, as I’d decided to build a 1952 Telecaster. All was smooth sailing, I had the body painted, picked the neck; however, it was almost impossible to find the original screws to hold it together. After all the waiting and time spent anticipating how it would play, I couldn’t be happier - it’s perfect, and something I’ll keep forever. Have you been working on any new projects? I’m in the process of building my own home recording studio and getting together some equipment needed to record quality material. I really wanted a space that feels great when you walk in - peaceful and inspiring. I’m really looking forward to seeing this project completed and the music that will come from it. This year I’ve also teamed up with long time friend and well know local musician Bernard Smith. Bernard shares a similar passion for the genres I love and has a like-minded feel; this

People told me

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makes creating music has always been from I was crazy! ve gi u together as easy as personal experiences; yo ld Why wou er re ca t breathing. Live music using imagery and some ea gr up a play to ty ri cu se in Port has never been clever techniques, I try d an u your guitar? Yo better, and we often to paint a vivid picture e!” love architectur discuss what we can and encourage the do better and how to listener to get lost in the give people something music. different. Jazz is a genre we What are your plans for the both love, but traditional jazz is next twelve months? not for everyone - especially the younger Building a lasting career in the creative generations. For a long time DJs have industries has always been a timely process. owned the music scene, with hopping So for the next twelve months, I aim to keep house beats and simple chord progressions pushing myself, musically and creatively, this is now what we’re used to. We’re thinking, incorporating video and recording artistry to perhaps we could recreate this live using real continue growing and rapidly moving forward. instruments - Hip Hop electronic beats with a Pre-production for my EP is underway, and Jazz groove! I’m looking at releasing it later this year 2016. Who or what influences you when it comes You never stop learning and evolving, and it’s to writing lyrics and composing? exciting knowing I’m finally working towards a Everyone is different when it comes to passion with nothing holding me back. creating and honestly, it usually comes and goes Direct us to where we can go to listen to quicker than the tide. One thing I have learnt your music and follow your journey… over the years is what doesn’t work and for me, You can find me playing live, solo, or with other great local musicians at many live music stress instantly dulls my creativity. This is partly venues around Port - I’m regularly seen at why I had to push aside other work, so I can venues such as The Beach House, Town Green remain in a creative state. I grew up listening Inn and Salty’s Bar + Grill. to great guitar players such as Robert Cray, Alternatively, you can reach me via my Eric Clapton, SRV, BB King, John Mayer and website, or follow me on social media, where many similar, and even today they are still huge all shows and content are available. influences. Thanks Jackson. Recently I’ve taken a liking to country music, www.jacksonjames.com.au inspired by artists like Dierks Bentley, Keith www.facebook.com/jacksonjamesmusic @ Urban and the TV show Nashville; the stories jackson_james__ in the songs are captivating and honest, and jacksonjamesmusic@gmail.com that’s what I aim for in my music. Writing lyrics greater port macquarie focus. 41

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Cloth

i Julie. You create designs on cloth; why choose this particular medium? I trained as a textile designer in the U.K. Back in the ’70s, Margaret Thatcher said, “Don’t be an artist; get a real job”. So, I took her at word … I thought I couldn’t be an artist, because I wouldn’t make a living from it, so I have seen myself for a long time as a designer first and an artist second. This is changing now - I’ve seen it more as the other way around for the past few years. When I first came to Australia, I was quite surprised that designers often called themselves artists. Back in the U.K., you were one or the other … So I had a very pragmatic head space around this. I wanted to be an artist, so I wondered what design practice I could train in that would be the closest to being an artist, and thought that was textile design. I had initially considered graphic design, but this is not as free - it’s generally answering someone else’s brief; whereas, with textile design, I could see the potential to develop my own briefs and projects. And the business you’ve established in Australia, ClothFabric, has now been going for over 20 years? It first started in 1995. My then business partner and I had a freelance design business, and we were going really well - designing for companies like Sheridan, who’d commission designs from us. These designs had quite a European flavour and were somewhat generic … Not a lot of our individual personality in them. After a few years we grew a little bored with this, so we decided to explore creating our own brand, which is when “Cloth” started. It was just 42 greater port macquarie focus.

JULIE PATERSON IS AN ARTIST AND TEXTILE DESIGNER, WHOSE COMPANY, CLOTHFABRIC, HAS BEEN THE SOURCE OF STUNNING FABRICS FOR THE HOME DÉCOR INDUSTRY NOW FOR OVER 20 YEARS. JULIE IS HOLDING AN EXHIBITION OF HER WORK AT THE GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY, AND IS ALSO GIVING LOCALS A CHANCE TO TRY ONE OF HER FABRIC PRINTING WORKSHOPS! an idea, and I think we both thought it would only last about six months - we didn’t want to drop our “day job” for what we thought was just a whim of an idea, but it ended up being the right time to do this - and the business has now been going strong for 21 years! It’s quite amazing! How has your business evolved over time? A significant change has happened over the last two years. But, the principles we set in place at the very beginning, such as everything needing to be screen printed by hand in Australia on natural fabric and focusing on the Australian environment as our inspiration are still very strong, and still very much in place. I wrote my book ClothBound nearly two years ago now, and once I’d finished writing, literally after the last chapter was done, I realised I wanted to run the business differently. I was actually prepared to close the doors of Cloth and move on, but after a bit of deliberation and discussion with people in the industry, I realised there could be a less dramatic option … So now, I have another company, Ascraft, running the business for me in the city; they took over my stock, carried on with the production in the same way, with the same printer as I’d done, and I now live in the mountains, having created a new way of running the business and living my life. It was exhausting running a small business with six staff to coordinate, doing the marketing, designing and shopkeeping. I’d kind of run out of steam and importantly, I’d lost my energy for creating new work. After 20 years, combining all those roles was taking its toll. But it’s quite an exciting new phase I’m going through now! Your exhibition Cloth: From Seeds to Bloom,

is rather different to what we’d normally see at a gallery. Tell us more … The exhibition is based on the layout of my book, ClothBound. Each chapter of this book contains my key designs and the inspirations behind them … It’s really important for me to tell the story behind my work, because each story is unique and that is important to tell. The eight chapters have been turned into nine groups - vignettes really, that use key design elements from the collections I’ve designed over the past 20 years. You’ll walk through the different groups and see curtains, upholstered furniture, lamps and rugs all set out like mini interiors. The show basically encapsulates my vision for my company and highlights how it has matured over time, yet essentially stayed true to its essence. The first group is called Seeds from 1995, and the ninth is called Bloom from 2015 - the final vignette representing the visual embodiment of my new direction. The book was written before Bloom came about, so this exhibition represents my future direction, as well as what’s happened in the past. You’ll also be presenting an artist talk and fabric printing workshop. You call your workshops “imperfect workshops”. Why is this? A few years ago, I was mulling over the concept of life in general and what it means to us over a glass of wine on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and we found ourselves writing a kind of manifesto. We called it the “imperfect manifesto”, because I get great joy out of working, and living, in a way that allows mistakes to happen and appreciating the idea of imperfection. Many people I come across in my daily work get very caught

up in the idea of being perfect, and this is very restrictive. There’s a very self-critical aspect to this, and it often stops people doing what they want to do. There’s a very strong yearning out there for people to be creative, but a lot of people hold themselves back because they fear they won’t be good enough. My workshops are a result of having the had the business for so many years, understanding my own processes, allowing the mistakes to happen and developing the idea of self compassion. Being kind to ourselves makes a huge difference to the quality of our lives. What I love to do is engage and encourage people to be open brave and creative … Beginners or advanced, people can get involved and learn about what I do, make their own mistakes, create things they never thought they would and have fun along the way. Look Draw Print gives everyone the chance to play at being a textile designer for a day! Thanks Julie. Interview by Jo Atkins. www.juliepaterson.com.au or www.clothfabric.com for more info.

the plug! Cloth: From Seeds to Bloom; Glasshouse Regional Gallery from 13th May - 10th July. Artist Talk with Julie Paterson: Thursday 2nd June; 5:30pm. $15 adult; $12 Member. Fabric Printing Workshop - Look Draw Print: Saturday 4th June; 10am - 3pm. $80 adult; $70 member. www.glasshouse.org.au

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B E I N S P I R E D & G E T C R E AT I V E @

G L A S S H O U S E

R E G I O N A L

Did you know that the gallery offers a range of events and activities? They include free informal exhibition openings with live music, to Saturday afternoon activities to learn new craft techniques, artist talks, and a wide range of inspiring workshops. People often ask … Do I need to be an artist? Absolutely not! The gallery is a warm and welcoming place, where all you need to possess is an interest in the arts, culture and history. The events and activities are designed to connect anyone and everyone with the exhibitions in the gallery and discover their creative abilities. In 2016 the Gallery’s programmes have been very popular and have included a drawing workshop with well-known Australian artist Jennifer Keeler-Milne, exhibition openings for Northern Exposure 4 and the Hastings Valley

G A L L E R Y

Fine Arts Association, with crowds of over 200 people in the gallery space and the Craft Spots on the second Saturday of each month drawing a regular friendly group of like-minded souls. This June the Fabric Painting Workshops with Julie Paterson were so popular, the Gallery released a second workshop to cater for demand. Artist talks are one of the best ways to learn a little more about the inspiration and concept behind the exhibitions in the gallery. These relaxed evening events are an opportunity to meet the artist and learn a little more about their artistic practice and what inspires them. How do you find out what’s on? Visit www.glasshouse.org.au or pick up one of the Gallery season books or the general Glasshouse “What’s On”.

AU S T R A L I A N G L O B A L E N T E RTA I N M E N T Australian Global Entertainment presents Mark Vincent. Love Will lead The Way - Tour 2016 Mark Vincent, Australia's most loved 22 year old, is bringing his stunning new show to Glasshouse Port Macquarie. Mark Vincent has won the hearts of Australians. In his career so far, he has sold close to one million CDs. Experience the magnificence and beauty of Mark's truly spectacular voice. One of the best Tenor voices, not only in Australia, but the world! Don’t miss your opportunity to see him in

person. Mark will be performing songs of the great Tenor repertoire, including Granada, The Impossible Dream, Somewhere, With A Song In My Heart, Nessun Dorma and many more. There will also be lovely duets, supported by the Serenade Orchestra and vocalist Mo and ACE Award winner, Monique Montez. Book online or at the venues. "From the moment I first met this young man, it was clear he had a unique gift. It's been a privilege to see the journey so far." - Alan Jones, 2GB Radio.

GLASSHOUSE Events & Activities

Get Creative

Workshops Kids’ Sprouts Craft Spot

Be Inspired Openings Artist Talks Exhibitions

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY 02 6581 8888

glasshouse.org.au

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It’s about

time

GERMAINE CARTWRIGHT AND PARTNER ROSIE HAVE LOVED ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES SINCE THEY WERE TEENAGERS ... AND THAT IS QUITE A LONG TIME! THEYBOTH LOVE HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE AND ANTIQUITIES FROM ALL ERAS, SO IT WAS A NATURAL PROGRESSION FOR THEM TO COLLECT AND CONSERVE WONDERFUL PIECES OF HISTORY. THEIR PASSION FOR ALL THINGS OLD AND BEAUTIFUL INCLUDES VINTAGE CARS, MOTORCYCLES AND ANYTHING ELSE WITH A MOTOR, PROPELLER OR WINGS!

hat inspired you to bring It’s About Time Antiques to Port Macquarie? Rosie owned a successful antique and gift shop some years ago in Wauchope and when we had the opportunity to open another business in Port Macquarie, we decided to specialise in unusual period furniture, antique clocks, fine china and quality collectables. The Hastings area is home to many interesting collectors and antique aficionados - so we aimed to provide a broad, interesting and quality range of items that were also affordable. What are some your favourite collectables now in store? Now, that’s a hard question! I love everything in our shop, but right now I’m rather partial to a collection of French crystal perfume bottles ranging from 1890 to the Art Deco period. I also love a pair of rare Minton china plates, circa 1860, which are hand painted and exquisite in detail and colour. Where do you source new items? It is becoming more difficult to find treasures in good condition, so we mainly buy from interstate auctions and source certain items from the UK and France. We often go to Tasmania, where you can still find beautiful 44 greater port macquarie focus.

Georgian furniture pieces, early convict built items and rare china and glassware. Melbourne is the place for Victorian and Edwardian furniture and collectables, and Sydney is great for Art Deco items! Over the years we have had to crawl, climb and beat our way through dust and cobweb encrusted “junk” to find an amazing item … and that’s worth every bruise and spider bite! Is it interesting to find out the history behind certain pieces? What has been one of the most memorable? Without a doubt, it is a piece of furniture we bought at auction many years ago in Sydney. As soon as we saw it, we knew we had found something rare, very old, and extremely valuable. It was hidden at the back of the auction room propped on top of an old table and covered in boxes - obviously not considered worthy of a prominent place in the auction! The auction catalogue described it as a “French Oak farmhouse hutch - probably 1850 - 1890”. Our bid was the winning bid, and we still own this fantastic piece of history. When we had it authenticated by a furniture expert, we discovered it was dated between 1650 and 1730 and was one of the oldest pieces (in good condition) that he had seen in Australia. It is amazing to imagine how many people over the centuries have used this piece before us. What is satisfying about discovering rare

antiques? would you choose to live in? The research and constant learning feeds the Rosie: I would definitely go back to the brain, the hunt for rare and special English Georgian period. I love the architecture, items feeds the addiction, and the garden designs, the furniture and the the successful purchase décor of that time. The houses were helps to conserve grand but beautifully symmetrical, and then share the and the colours and textures Over the years we have had to history of such used were stunning. The d beat items. furniture of that era was of a crawl, climb an h dust our way throug Tell us about simple design but beautifully d cruste and cobweb en the brilliant crafted and totally practical. I “junk” to find an d French throne also love the china, glass and an … amazing item chair, circa 1850 silverware of the Georgian y er ev that’s worth !” te bi - 1870 featured period … but there’s no way er id sp d bruise an on the May FOCUS I could get into wearing the cover for Slice of clothes of that time! Haven. Germaine: If I could zoom back in The infamous “red time, I would land in Paris at the height embossed velvet upholstered French of the Belle Époque! I love all things Art Throne Chair” was found by Rosie Nouveau - the houses, jewellery, furniture, when she went to Sydney alone to object d’art and of course, the lifestyle that pick up some went with it! I would like to have been a stock we had bought at auction some weeks wealthy patron of the arts but knowing my before. While she was searching for packing luck, I would have been a can-can dancer material, she saw the throne hidden behind at the Moulin Rouge who drank too much some damaged furniture pieces. A closer look Absinthe! proved to find a fantastic forgotten item from Thanks Germaine and Rosie. the last auction. She bought it, then and there! It’s About Time Antiques, It is a lovely chair - which we will never sell, Shop 4/146 Lake Rd, corner Blackbutt Rd, because our cat now owns it! Port Macquarie, NSW If you could go back in time, which era 0423 146 926.

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P L AY E R S T H E A T R E Grease the Musical are the words that you heard at Players Theatre!

H A S T I N G S F I N E A RT GA L L E RY P E O P L E & P L AC E S A display of recent works by two local artists, Jo Ernst and Vanessa Newell - People and Places - will take place at Long Point Vineyard from June 1st to July 31st. Come along and meet the artists on Saturday 4th June at the gallery from 3pm to 5pm. Enjoy music by Spanish guitarist Quentin Arnold, who has performed with various groups playing Flamenco internationally. Jo Ernst is a mid career artist living and working in the Manning Valley. After completing the three year Dress Design Course at East Sydney Technical College in 1980, Jo worked as a couturier designer for 18 years. This was overlapped by studies in fine art in France with Ted Seth Jacobs, a tutor from the Art Student’s League, New York. After a further three years at Paddington Art School, Sydney, Jo embarked on a career as a visual artist and teacher. Vanessa Newell grew up in Sydney and worked as a professional Landscape Architect and Urban Designer in local government for more than twenty years. Since relocating to the Mid North Coast several years ago, she has been focusing on her lifelong passion for art and is now beginning to gain recognition as a successful emerging artist. Her main interest is in depicting the figure. Fairy tales, folklore, myth and legend inform her work, while imagination and memory are mined to unearth people, places, experiences, stories, objects and fragments.

The Hastings Valley Fine Art Association’s Hastings Fine Art Gallery has been operating successfully for almost two years in the grounds of the Maritime Museum. The mutually beneficial relationship between members of both organisations has seen combined outdoor community events held on the lawns. 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 locals and tourists. Works are for sale in all media, in all styles from traditional to abstract, and there are always original cards to choose for any occasion. It is the hub for meetings, tutorials, regular art classes in drawing, portraiture and painting, as well as social events. In February and March this year the association held its third exhibition at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery, Pathways to Abstraction. In association with this exhibition, drawing classes and artists’ talks were conducted, and all proved very popular. HVFAA artists are currently working towards an exciting, combined exhibition with Great Lakes and Manning Valley Associations. Titled Confluence, it is to be held at the Manning Regional Gallery from17th November to 22nd January, 2017. The association’s major exhibition, Summer Showcase, which incorporates the Mid North Coast Open Art Prize, will be held for its twelfth year at the Laurieton United Services Club from 29th December - 8th January 2017. This exhibition has become widely known and respected for the high quality of original paintings, which are all for sale. Go to our website at: www.hastingsvalleyart.net.au for more information.

The Players Theatre Port Macquarie committee wish to thank local audiences, the cast and crew for making The Producers such a great success. It was a team effort to bring this Mel Brooks masterpiece to life, and now Players is gearing up for Director Hamish Keddie’s production of Grease the Musical. Grease will run from July 22 to August 14, 2016 and already rehearsals are in full swing, with the theatre filled with song and dance. Hamish has assembled a talented and energetic cast teamed with an equally gifted band of musicians to bring to life the great music we have come to know and love. Named after the 1950s United States working-class youth subculture known as greasers, the musical is set in 1959 at fictional Rydell High School and follows working-class teenagers as they navigate the complexities of peer pressure, politics, personal core values, and love. The score attempts to recreate the sounds of early Rock and Roll. Grease was first performed in 1971 in the original Kingston Mines nightclub in Chicago, a former trolley barn. From there, it has been successful on both stage and screen. It went on to become a West End hit, a successful feature film, two popular Broadway revivals in 1994 and 2007, and a staple of regional theatre. In the middle of winter you can enjoy “summer nights” with Players Theatre’s production. Tickets will go like “greased lightning”! So you can book now at Players Theatre website playerstheatre.org.au or at the Glasshouse Box Office. Still to come in 2016, Players Theatre presents the classic BBC comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo from September 23 to October 9 and Sweet Charity, 11 November to 4 December.

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REBECCA A S I A N

A I D

REBECCA HUNTER JOINED THE ASIAN AID TEAM IN 2012 AND HAS UTILISED HER BACKGROUND IN TEACHING TO ASSIST SCHOOLS OVERSEAS IN COUNTRIES SUCH AS INDIA AND NEPAL. REBECCA CAN OFTEN BE FOUND TRAVELLING TWO DAYS TO REACH A VILLAGE SCHOOL IN THE TEA PLANTATIONS OF NORTHERN INDIA, COLOURING IN WITH CHILDREN AT A PRESCHOOL IN THE CENTRE OF AN URBAN SLUM IN MUMBAI, OR TRAVELLING ON SOME INCREDIBLY SKETCHY MOUNTAIN ROADS IN NEPAL.

hat is your experience in teaching and education? I have been connected to teaching for the last 10 years. During my university degree I was lucky enough to teach in Cambodia and the Solomon Islands - both amazing introductions to the impact and power of a quality education, especially in developing countries. After I completed my Bachelor in Primary Education in 2009, I moved to Port Macquarie and taught for two years at Port Macquarie Adventist School. I was looking for another way to utilise and expand my teaching knowledge and experience, and while I loved teaching in Australia, the idea of teaching overseas always excited me. In early 2012 I joined the Asian Aid Team, first in the sponsorship programme and then in Child Rights and Protection. Even though Asian Aid has been working with schools for almost 50 years, I was the first teacher who had ever been employed to work there. So, it was both an exciting and overwhelming role to take on. What is your role with Asian Aid? At Asian Aid I am responsible for advocating for children’s rights and ensuring their best interests are paramount in all we plan and do. I lead in child focused training and am responsible for raising awareness of child safety and implementing Asian Aid’s child protection policy. I work with an amazing team of staff here in Wauchope and throughout Southern Asia. An avid traveller, what inspires you to

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help educate schools overseas? Over the past five years I have truly learnt the power of education. For so many families in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, education is life changing. While the parents of many children we work with are illiterate, their greatest dream is that their children will have better, easier lives - and education is central to achieving that. Seeing the change in families when children have the opportunity to go to school is what inspires me most - especially when students return home and teach their parents the alphabet, or how to count to 10 in English! How do you connect with different cultures and nationalities? I have always been fascinated to learn about other people’s lives and experiences. When I am travelling overseas, I always try to remain open to new trying things. From eating fried bugs in Cambodia, harvesting rice in Nepal, to seeing snow for the first time in Austria - I aim to try every new experience and learn as much as I can about the culture and the local people. What countries/places have you visited, and what are some of the highlights for you? I have been lucky enough to travel to over 25 countries in Southern and South East Asia, Europe and the Pacific. It’s hard to peg highlights, as I try my hardest to immerse myself into the local culture and in doing so, it all becomes an experience! Seeing the Himalayas for the first time in Nepal was absolutely breathtaking. Even now, every time I fly into Nepal, seeing the highest mountains in the world stirs something in my

soul. Once you land, eat your first meal of Daal Bhat (Nepali lentils and rice) and visit the projects, it’s just sensory overload! Tell us about some of the various projects you have been involved with overseas. Most of my work involves working with children, or teaching others how to transform the way they work with children. While I am no longer a full-time classroom teacher, I still use these skills when working overseas with school administration, training teachers in alternate discipline techniques, and demonstrating how to teach reading in the classroom with children. Another important aspect of my work is promoting Child Rights and Child Protection through training and awareness activities. As much as possible, I try to make my training practical and hands on. I prefer people to be engaged and involved in learning, rather than just sitting and listening - and I love to see people practically apply what they are learning. Why is undertaking these projects so important to you? These projects have given me greater perspective of my own life and how lucky I am to be Australian. More than that, it has allowed me to realise just how much I have to share and how many opportunities we each have to give very deserving communities a fair go. It helps us bridge the gap and realise that whether you are educating Australian kids or kids around the world, we’re all doing our bit to prepare the next generation to prosper. What changes do you hope to see in the near future in places like India and Bangladesh?

India and Bangladesh are countries so ripe and overflowing with culture and tradition. They are both so beautiful in their presentation, but at the same time, there are so many challenges. Some of the most important changes I feel could be realised are simple. Giving the next generation a shot at societal contribution through education will yield substantial change. The more youth, and specifically women, get secondary and tertiary level studies completed, the more new ideas and refreshed perspectives will be given a stage. Health and hygiene education will go a long way in eradicating highly preventable diseases. One of the biggest changes for me personally would be seeing the next generation fairly represented for who they are and see that their voice is heard among their nations. What is your current focus at Asian Aid? At the moment I am working on the development of a children’s personal safety programme, which is designed to teach children about their rights, how to keep safe and how to ask for help when they need it. I’m also excitedly planning my next trip overseas, which will see me travelling to a remote village school in western Nepal to conduct Child Rights and Protection training. Our team back here in Australia shares lots of our project photos and staff travels on our Instagram account; if people would like to get a glimpse of what this life is like, that’d be a good place to start! Thanks Rebecca.

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PUDENS ISABEL

IN 1966, ASIAN AID’S FOUNDER, MAISIE FOOK, SET OUT TO GIFT HOPE TO WAR-AFFECTED CHILDREN IN KOREA.

hat began with limited resources and dedicated volunteers and donors has grown into an active and life-changing organisation that impacts over 44,300 people in nine Asian countries each year. Today, Wauchope-based charity Asian Aid has helped thousands of children and families regain confidence and become agents of change for their own future. You may remember the story in May’s FOCUS about a Nepali woman named Jalamaya, who received a life-changing operation after suffering from uterine prolapse for 40 years. This month, we travel to India, where we meet a group of children who should have been at school, poring over textbooks, playing with friends and sharing lunches. Instead, the 12 young boys

were being forced to work at a leather bag factory in Bangalore, India, living in inhumane and unhygienic conditions. This situation lasted for several long and unsettling months, until Asian Aid’s partner, The Freedom Project India, intervened. The investigations team had monitored two factories for days, sometimes ‘til midnight, to gather information and gauge the activities going on inside. After multiple rounds of surveillance, the rescue team decided to move in, along with local law enforcement. Initially, the team found only adults working in the outer room. But when they went further in, they found three boys, aged 12 to 14. Nine more boys were rescued from the second factory. The children had been recruited and promised that 4,000 rupees a month (about

$80 AUD) would be sent to their families. The restricted communication with family meant none of the boys were ever sure if the money reached home. Reema (name changed), one of the rescuers, shared this: “Looking at the 12-year-old boy moved my heart. He was not fit to work at all. I was sure that he was not there out of choice. After the rescue, I asked them if they wanted to go home or go back to work. He said, ‘I want to go home.’” “What we are doing is so small compared to what needs to be done,” says Reema. “But if we all work together and everyone makes an effort, we can end such exploitation.” The next step for The Freedom Project India and Asian Aid is to ensure a safe future for

children. This is an undertaking that Asian Aid will take seriously. As Asian Aid celebrates 50 years of giving hope to thousands of children, women and communities in Asia, we invite you join our story of empowerment and transformation. This June, our aim is to raise $2 million. Would you consider donating a taxdeductible gift to Asian Aid this end of tax year (ending June 30)? Donate by visiting www.asianaid.org.au, calling (02) 6586 4250, or visiting our office at 132 Cameron Street, Wauchope. Please give big, knowing that your support will help us continue giving hope and empowerment to thousands of people each year.

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P M P A

S T U D E N T S

DISNEYLAND

STUDENTS FROM PMPA HAD THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES WHEN THEY VISITED AMERICA RECENTLY, WITH THE OPPORTUNITY PROVIDED TO PERFORM AT DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA ... STACEY MORGAN SHARES SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THEIR JOURNEY.

MPA students have recently returned from an amazing opportunity dancing over in Disneyland California; can you tell us how this all came about? This was the second USA tour for Port Macquarie Performing Arts. With this tour we gave our dancers the opportunity to perform in both Los Angeles and New York City. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity; the experiences the dancers had, the teachers they took class with, performers they met and stages they performed on will make memories that they will never forget. What were the ages of the students who travelled to the USA, and how was it decided which students would be given the opportunity? We had 67 travellers in our tour group, with our dancers ranging from seven years to 17

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years of age. The opportunity was open to the itinerary for the dancers? all of the dancers who train with us Our first stop was Los Angeles, where at Port Macquarie Performing we performed our show Dance Arts. The dancers didn't through the Decades, which I need to audition; they choreographed along with just had to commit to two of our dancers who their weekly classes toured to the USA with As the show and attend all of the us in 2013, Kristi Gee we performed styles of rehearsals in the lead and Teghan Johnson. featured many ers all dance, the danc up to the tour. We rehearsed the show shine in got a chance to As the show we here at home for the 18 genre...” their preferred performed featured months in the lead up to many styles of dance, the tour. We performed the dancers all got a this 25 minute show at Disneyland, Universal Studios and chance to shine in their Disney’s California Adventure. The preferred genre, whether that dancers joined dance studios from all be Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary around the world to dance down Main or Musical Theatre, and we got to show Street in the Dance the Magic Disney Parade, off how well rounded and well trained a definite tour highlight! our dancers are! Then it was on to New York City, where our How long was the trip for, and what was

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dancers took class with industry professionals at Broadway Dance Center. We saw a number of Broadway shows (I managed to get in 12 in 9 days!) and danced on the stage of the famous Radio City Music Hall. We toured the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and took class in Beyoncé’s NYC rehearsal studio, with one of her dancers, yes THE Beyoncé! We ventured to the Lincoln Center, home of the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre and posed for arabesque photos near the famous fountain. We toured the New Amsterdam Theatre, home to Broadway shows such as Mary Poppins and Aladdin, we tried on costumes from famous Disney Musicals like Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King and our dancers tapped down the real 42nd Street. I travelled with my (patient!) husband, Heath, and our three year old Lucinda and eight month old Patrick, and we were away

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for just on three weeks, as we extended our teachers in the Gold Oscar and Silver Emmy time in NYC. Some families extended their studios. Jojo and Kendall actually watched tour and have only just returned now after parts of our dancers’ class; this was a real visiting Las Vegas, San Francisco and driving buzz for our dancers! Some of them loved cross country. Many families came home this almost as much as they loved Harry Potter via Hawaii - jealous! The tour itself was 18 World! days and included a good amount of free What was the highlight of your trip, and time amongst all of the performances and what do you think the students took masterclasses. away from the experience? And the girls also had the opportunity to I can't rave more highly about the tour or dance at the Abby Lee Dance the amazing dancers and dance Company in Los Angeles parents we took with us. and meet the girls Some families travelled from the famous TV with just Mum and ve all Our dancers ha show ... was this dancer, some took d ire come home insp pre organised, Mum, Dad and rd so ha and are working or a complete siblings, others ’s at th d in the studio, an e ar surprise? took Grandma ey Th awesome to see. ey th e A complete and Grandpa dg le ow taking the kn d an ur to surprise! As too. It was a on t ls hi took on w ongst am it g most of the real family affair, in ar sh they’re here at s se as cl show is filmed r which is so in ei th of all eated such a in Pittsburgh, we the spirit of our home, and it’s cr ongst all am were blown away school and the positive energy r studio.” ou at s er nc when we hopped the da values of friendship off our tour bus to see and teamwork that film cameras, personal we base all of our studio assistants running around and activities around. bright lights filling the studios. So Our dancers have all come many of our dancers are fans of Foxtel’s home inspired and are working so DANCE MOMS and the Abby Lee Dance hard in the studio, and that’s awesome Company, so they were already looking to see. They are taking the knowledge they forward to this part of the tour, but meeting took on whilst on tour and they’re sharing it them in person was something else! We were amongst all of their classes here at home, and told that from the footage they took, there it’s created such a positive energy amongst all was a high chance we will be on the show, so the dancers at our studio. keep your eyes out for our bright blue PMPA For me, I had two highlights. The first dance gear! was watching our dancers come around the I got to chat to Abby Lee (who was lovely, corner as they approached Main Street during by the way!) our students got to have photos the Disney Parade. With Sleeping Beauty’s with the dancers, and then we got to take castle as the backdrop, just like at the start of contemporary and tap classes from the show’s all those Disney movies we love, our dancers’

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smiling faces as they performed for over 5,000 people who were cheering them on ... It gets me every time. The video footage I took just has me sobbing with pride in the background! The second highlight was taking the kids to Broadway, the centre of the dance world. I have come home so inspired from all of the shows I got to see, including Hamilton (which will win all of the Tony Awards this year and is rumoured to be coming to Australia in 2020!) and I am loving using all of that inspiration in class with my dancers. So, what’s next? As far as international touring, our next Port Macquarie Performing Arts America tour will be in July 2020, where we hope to visit Disney World in Florida and then head back to NYC.

This will be open to all of our students, as long as they are seven years old by the time we get on the plane! I have Twinkle Toes who are already telling me they are coming along! We hope to offer our senior students the opportunity to travel to NYC in 2018 as an intensive tour focusing on masterclasses and shows, and for all of our students who want to stay closer to home we are cooking up something special for 2018 that involves a little bit of national touring - more on that as we get closer. For this year, our Intensive Performance Programme students are off to the Australian Dance Festival to compete in the Australia’s Best Dance Crew competition in September, and we perform Giselle at The Glasshouse in December. It never stops ... and I love it! greater port macquarie focus. 49

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M C I LV E E N A W A R D - W I N N I N G

P O E T

LOCAL POET TOM MCILVEEN HAS RECEIVED MANY AWARDS OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS, AND HE’S TOPPED ALL OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS OFF BY WINNING THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS LAST YEAR FOR BEST WRITTEN POEM ... FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY WINNING THE GOLDEN DAMPER PERFORMANCE AWARD IN TAMWORTH THIS YEAR. TOM TELLS US MORE ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HIS LITERARY CREATIONS …

i Tom. It's been a few years since we spoke ... What's been keeping you occupied since then? Apart from my day job (which I sadly have not been able to give up), I have been busily writing every spare minute I get, and of late, after a long respite, have begun to get back into my guitar playing, which seems to help whenever writer’s cramp sets in (which is often). I am also a keen Toastmaster, which gives me a platform to write, create and then perform to an audience of creative like minded fellow members. To top off an unusually busy year, I was recently appointed president of the ABPA (Australian Bush Poets’ Association). We have regular committee meetings by Skype, with a fully appointed committee and delegates representing each Australian state. Our aim is to coordinate competitions around Australia, and to foster and encourage fellow performers and writers to preserve our craft and keep alive our proud Australian heritage and culture. We have a website with an interactive forum for discussion and a library of all award winning poems in recent years by contemporary Australian poets (www.abpa. org.au). You've been very successful with your poetry over the past 12 months, having won the Golden Damper Poetry Award for your original poem Eugene. What is this poem about, and why does it have special meaning for you? I wrote the poem Eugene in dedication to my cousin, Private Lloyd Allen of Tamworth, who returned from the Vietnam War both physically and emotionally damaged. It tells the story of a father comforting his rehabilitating son, Eugene, who has just returned from war, only to be scorned and rejected by the homecoming crowds. You had to read this poem on stage in front of a live audience and a panel of judges to win the award ... How do you cope with the nerves ahead of a performance like this? Do you enjoy live readings? Reading poetry in a performance competition is an absolute no-no! A poem must be performed 50 greater port macquarie focus.

on stage without notes. Performers are judged on voice variation, projection and enunciation, appropriate gestures and emotional audience appeal ... The Golden Damper Award is run each year in Tamworth during the Country Music Festival, and is considered to be the holy grail of Poetry Performance Awards around Australia. I got to perform on the big stage in front of a panel of four accredited judges and a large audience and won first place for performance of Eugene. It truly was a buzz to perform at that level, and the adrenaline does lift you to another notch. We have a saying in Toastmasters ... That we learn to keep the butterflies flying in formation. The more time you spend performing in front of an audience, the easier it gets, unless you are born with a natural aptitude for it (which I certainly wasn’t). Do I enjoy it? Yes, absolutely! And winning at that level is certainly an added bonus, making the experience even more special. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to perform and share your own work with an appreciative audience. You get to breathe life into the characters that you have created and share the emotions that originally inspired you to write it. What are some of the other awards you've won recently? Other awards I have won recently include the Australian Championships, which were held in Victoria last year for the best written poem, entitled If God Only Knew. This competition was judged by three accredited written judges. I have been very fortunate to have won about 36 national written competitions over the past six years, including the Bush Lantern twice, the Rolfe Boldrewood Literary awards twice, Federation of Australian Writers’ Boree Log four times, the Man from Snowy River Festival, The Banjo Paterson award, West Australian Boyup Brook twice and the Henry Lawson Literary and Poetry awards twice. I was also greatly honoured to win a Golden Laureate award in Tamworth last year, as part of the Country Music awards, for the best published poem of the year, entitled The Ghost Of Long Tan.

d I feel truly blesse a as and honoured d an e ic vo poet , to have a rm fo at pl to be given a ds and to share my wor hers ... ” feelings with ot

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What do you feel your crowning achievement as a poet has been in recent times? My greatest crowning achievements in recent times would undoubtedly have to be winning the Australian Championships last year for best written poem ... Followed closely by winning the Golden Damper performance award in Tamworth this year. What continually inspires you to write poetry? I am not sure where this crazy compulsion comes from that drives me to keep on writing. It truly is an obsession! I have always had an aptitude for writing and remember having my poems published in the school magazine. I also remember excitedly looking forward to English classes at school and enjoying all facets of English literature. I believe that writers have a voice within them that needs to be heard and shared by form of the written word. Poetry is a great platform for this. A lifetime of experience, feelings and emotions can be condensed into one page of a poem, and expressed with words, in a similar way to that of musicians and songwriters expressing themselves in song, or the artist who does it with paint on canvas. What poetry/speaking groups are you a member of currently? As mentioned above, I am currently President of the national ABPA association of poets

throughout Australia and closer to home, I am also president of our local group here calling ourselves “Port Macquarie Poets and Minstrels”. We meet every second Sunday at 1pm at the Senior Citizens Hall in Munster Street, Port Macquarie. Anybody is welcome to join us with a poem, a song or a story to share and can reach me for enquiries on 0417 251 287. Where can people read/purchase your work? My award winning poems, as well as many others by leading Australian contemporary poets, are available online at our website: www.abpa.org.au What's next on your agenda? I continue to write ... write ... write ... hoping to create and find inside of me, that one special masterpiece that every writer strives for (my pièce de résistance). I believe I have it there inside of me somewhere, and am determined to write it before I hang up my pen. I am currently endeavouring to publish a book of my poems, together with anecdotes and photos to further enhance them and explain the source of inspiration for each one, so that the reader has a greater understanding and appreciation of the poem. I feel truly blessed and honoured as a poet, to have a voice and to be given a platform to share my words and feelings with others, and to be given the opportunity to leave something of myself behind for future generations to come. Thanks Tom. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Plus New Sculptures, New Sponsors, New Locations

Oceania Anthony Flanders

Mr T David Pride

Kirralee Beverley Coleman

Wildlife Warrior Kim McLean

Stoney Bruce Whittaker

Guula - Wauchope TAFE Visual Art Students

Granny Square Suzanne Fischer

Princess Lasiandra Breana Purdie

Cowala Kim Staples

Bago Blossom The Amaze-ing Koala - Kellie Mobbs

OMA Kerry Smith-Taughkin

Laurie Don Brown

Australiana Below The Surface Chantelle Ferri

Ede Zoya Kraus

Crusader Koala Dale Leach

Sunshine John Williamson

Bushby Lisa Burrell

Radiant Heart Goya Torres

Lord Burrawan - Port Macquarie Hastings Council Staff

Ocean Pauline Roods

Willow Carolyn Wagsta

Koala Noir Beric Henderson

Lumpa Patricia Philp

Dame Koala Tracy Smith

Garage Girl Leanne Prussing

Topiary Nicole Lister

Con The Koala Jill Williams

Forest Pauline Roods

Kalido Francessca O’Donnell

PK Sparkles Francessca O’Donnell

Koala P. Crossingsafe III, ‘AKA’ Percy- Fran Barratt

Ziggy Kim Staples

Celtic Koala Yvonne Kiely

Starry Soul Goya Torres

The Cyclist Suzanne Fischer

Sandy Paws Kim Staples

Scoop Rebekah Brown

Koalatron Joel Cameron

Carramar Elise Howard

Puzzles Kerry Smith -Taughkin

Gum Blossom Suzanne Pride

Mack The Surf Life Saver Pauline Roods

Retro Rita Francessca O’Donnell

Bindi Isabell Moran

Koala Z David Pride

I’m No Bear Brigid Vidler

Komorebi Fiona Morgan

Froggy Sophie Corcoran

Berry Beautiful Fiona Morgan

Nulla Elwyn Toby

Kenny Koala Pauline Roods

Alira Isabell Moran

Captain Koala Tristan Murray

Australiana Downunder Chantelle Ferri

Mayor Of The Koala Republic - Pauline Roods

email info@hellokoalas.com phone 0416 641 482 www.hellokoalas.com | Like us on Facebook Instagram, Twitter and Trip Advisor

Koala Boy Colin Wightman Gold Winner, New Tourism Business North Coast Tourism Awards 2015

Bronze Winner, 2015 NSW State Tourism Awards

Project Owner and Manager

Supporting Partner

By the River cafÉ By The River Café arose from a desire to bring back a place for locals, travellers and holidaying customers to stop for a while and reconnect with the beauty and calmness of the river and pastoral surrounds, while enjoying good coffee and nutritious food offerings. A little place that you leave refreshed and nurtured by the magic of the river. A social place of community conversations, a little eye to eye contact and mindful listening skills amongst the Valley’s natural beauty. Indoor/outdoor eating, riverside tables and chilling out on the lawn … Well behaved four footed friends welcome on our lawn. Ever changing specials board, where we aim to support and source local produce where possible. A rich agricultural backdrop and a plethora of produce grown and created within the valley, a symbiotic relationship to the river, the land and the experience of the plate, is what we aim to offer our customers. A wander through the gallery emporium on your way out, located in the old church, filled with works of local artisans and eclectic world treasures. A lovely way to spend a morning tea, a lazy lunch, or a little bird and ... if you’re lucky ... dolphin spotting… See you By The River.

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In season THIS MONTH It is starting to get a little cooler now. Soon be winter, and time to pull out those recipe books to look for some yummy soups and casseroles. We have a great supply of local broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, all grown at Red Hill. If you want fresh produce, this is the place to find it! In the fruit section, the local oranges and mandarins and avocados are just starting to arrive. There are still plenty of good crisp apples available. Here is a recipe for you to try: Broccoli Cheddar Soup. In a saucepan, place 250 g broccoli, cut into florets with 750 ml water; cook ‘til just tender. In another saucepan, melt 80 ml butter on low heat, sprinkle in 2 ml asafetida powder, ½ cup flour; stir continually until it darkens slightly. Carefully pour in 2 cups of warm milk, whisk until the sauce thickens, then fold in 125 g cheddar cheese; add salt and pepper to taste. Add broccoli and water, combine well, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy! Ken.

focus__editorial Robyn Buttler Travel Editor Susie Boswell. focus Travel withwith

magine a tropical island wedding, you and your partner wearing handmade flower garlands, entering the marriage ceremony arena under a fragrant floral archway set on the sunny sandy shores of Rarotonga, and exchanging vows on the edge of one of the world’s most beautiful blue lagoons. Then you pop a bottle of celebratory bubbles. For around $1125. Your special day goes off without a hitch because this and more has been organised by your dedicated wedding planner. The marriage is officially recognised: your planner coordinates formalities through the local court house, arranges the celebrant, witnesses if you want, and your wedding licence and certificate. This and other packages are offered and arranged by Muri Beach Club Hotel, just announced as winners of the Cook Islands’ best wedding planners award. (If you wish, you don’t need to stay at the hotel for this basic package). As another example, about $5625 covers the ceremony plus a catered reception for 30 guests including your wedding cake and drinks, plus five nights honeymoon stay for the bride and groom in a deluxe beachfront guest room. There’s the choice of three reception venues: in a marquee on the beach, in the elevated scenic lounge overlooking the lagoon, motus (tiny offshore islets) and ocean, or under cover in the hotel’s Silver Sands restaurant, set between the luxury bougainvillea-decked swimming pool on one side, looking through to the beach and lagoon on the other. The wedding cake is made to order: single, dual or triple layers, or cupcakes, in a delicious range of flavours. Already married? Muri Beach Club’s wedding

coordinator will organise a renewal of vows ceremony for around $937. In fact, dozens of combinations of ceremonies are possible, tailormade to individual requirements. A glance through the hotel’s weddings brochure reveals options including everything from a shell horn welcome, a floral heart written on the sand, drummers and a string band, performing dancers, a DJ, or simply a portable iPod dock for your own special compilation, plus speakers and microphone. If you want, fairy lights or tiki torches can be supplied. Other choices include the bride arriving in a flower-decked dugout canoe, a “vaka”, paddled by a warrior in traditional Polynesian dress, or holding the ceremony on a motu. Bouquets, photography, cinematography, photo booth and a projector and screen are all additional options. Hair and makeup services are offered, and there’s a beauty spa on site.

Colonial COBBLER This season the boot has been featured again, with lots of variations on the theme. The colour palette has been expanded, with lovely taupes, greys and burgundys having some representation. The classic black and tan of course, is a necessary part of most girls’ wardrobes, as it tends to be extremely useful with the many winter colours. Winter taupe is probably one of the most versatile colours you can have in a boot or shoe. We stock top quality brands including Minki, Martini Marco, Sandler, Attenta and Easy Steps, to name a few.

For those who like to wear pants in the cooler months, you just can’t go past a little ankle boot, warm and snug with a pair of socks, but it also creates a very pleasing look. It too has been reinvented, with lots of interesting styles and colours for you to choose from. We have some luxurious “Modapelle” leather bags in on trend colours and sizes. Not to be forgotten is the saddle bag, which is great for that next trip you have planned! Whatever your needs may be, you are always welcome to check out our great new arrivals. Come and see the Autumn/Winter range at Colonial Cobbler today.

A wide range of catering options includes buffet, carvery, vegetarian and gluten-free, set-menu prices, beverage packages and hot or cold canapés selections. Note that the prices given here are approximate, converted to Australian dollars at today’s rate. The actual charges are given in New Zealand dollars, the main currency of the Cook Islands. For more information, see; www.muribeachclubhotel.com - Weddings tab – and there you can chat direct with the hotel and order an emailed copy of its 18-page full colour weddings brochure and conditions. Contact: Wedding & Events Manager, Claire; email: operations@muribeachclubhotel.com Happy days! © Jeff Busby 2016

T H E P E R F E C T S P O T T O S AY ‘ I D O ’

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focus_tourism

focusinterview.

Janette Hyde from Port Macquarie Tourism Association

focus editorial

tourism UPDATE

Hello Koalas

TOURISM IN JUNE

HERE TO STAY

HOPE YOU ENJOYED SLICE OF HAVEN AND ALSO THE BIG BAND BLAST IN MAY - TWO GREAT EVENTS. HAVE YOU DRIVEN DOWN TO THE TACKING POINT LIGHTHOUSE LATELY? THE LIGHTHOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1887. IT IS ONE OF THE OLDEST WORKING LIGHTHOUSES IN AUSTRALIA, AND THE TACKING POINT HEADLAND IS ONE OF THE MOST VISITED SITES IN THE PORT MACQUARIE REGION.

he Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise, ably led by Neil Black, is integrally involved in the restoration and enhancement of the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse and surrounding headland. The Lighthouse is also an excellent vantage point to see the migrating whales as they head north to warmer waters. The Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association welcomes some new Members. John and Sharon Spencer - Beach House Holiday Apartments, Jane Hillsdon - Dragonfly Marketing, Frank and Gayle Grimsey - Charisma Creative, Danny Hanlan - Sandcastle Apartments, Zoe Turnbull - Apple Tree Soul Food Café and Kendall Services Club. It is fantastic to have a strong and growing membership. The strength of our membership ensures that all tourism issues are addressed. The Association takes up every opportunity to lobby Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and our politicians to ensure that all opportunities to increase overnight visitation to our area are achieved. David Capper, long-time member of the GPMTA Board, is on the move. He has been appointed General Manager of Rydges Christchurch, New Zealand. His service to tourism whilst he has been General Manager of Rydges Port Macquarie has been invaluable. He has been on the Board for over eight years and was President for two of those years. He currently fills dual roles on the Tourism Board as Vice President and also our Treasurer. David, a huge thank you for your dedication to tourism, and wish you all the best when you return to your native New Zealand. You will be sorely missed. The Regional Tourism Awards are happening on the 30 July in Port Macquarie this year at a venue to be advised. Peter Vane has set up a great resource tool to help you and your business enter the Awards. If you are thinking of entering, check out the website: www.tourismawardsguide.com.au. Hastings Co-op have developed a unique way to help celebrate their 100 years in

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business by producing a Commemorative Pin, with all proceeds donated to the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Maternity Unit. These pins are available at all Hastings Co-op Outlets. Cassegrain Winery have scheduled their next special event for 4 June, with a Taste of Winter. Their inaugural event Taste of Autumn was just delightful - wine tastings, great food and company in the Rose Garden, so don’t miss this next one in the series. Hastings Landcare Farm Gate Tours are now on sale for the long weekend in June. The tour presents a great opportunity to meet farmers and experience local farming life on properties which are not generally open to the public. The Make A Wish Foundation has formed a Branch in Port Macquarie, which is great news. Their first fundraising activity is a Trivia Night hosted by Trivia King Gerry Byron, and will be held on the 16 June at Flynns Beach Surf Club from 6:30pm. If you love Trivia, get along to this one, and potentially make a very sick child’s wish come true. ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN JUNE 1-9 - Australian Blind Bowlers Association NSW Championships admin@blindsportsaustralia.com.au 4 - 5 - Motorcycling NSW Motocross Championships www.motorcycling.com.au 4 - Taste of Winter www.cassegrainwines.com.au 12 - Jazz in the Bago Vineyards with Jordan Jive www.bago.com.au 11 - 13 - Farm Gate Tours www.hastingslandcare.org.au 13 - Show Your Colours for the Chopper Fun Run www.rescuehelicopter.com.au/events/2016show-your-colours-for-the-chopper-port-macquarie 18 - Make a Wish Trivia Night petew3@hotmail.com

The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is here to stay! Originally planned until the end of December 2015, the project manager Arts and Health Australia has announced that the Trail will continue as a long term attraction for the Mid North Coast.

new home for the ‘FOCUS’ the front of the café and welcomes all our Hello Koalas Sculpture, visitors who love taking a photo with her. “Carramar”. When are you open and what will we find The continuation of the when we visit? Trail sees a few changes Miss Nellie's is open 6 days a week from to the location of several Hello Koalas 9am-4pm (closed Wednesdays) and we offer sculptures, with those previously located visitors a warm welcome and a taste of home. on the foreshore finding new From delicious homemade cakes and homes in the community. desserts, to light meals and The FOCUS Koala, gourmet gifts, we are modernCarramar, was previously yet-classic with vintage vibe. situated on the Port Why is the Kendall to We have chosen d Macquarie Town Green area a great spot for ve relocate our belo foreshore, not too far visitors, what else is munity Ko ala to the com now from the offices on there to see and do? e of Kendall and sh Café Clarence Street. Her Kendall is nestled in the ’s lie lives at Miss Nel new home is now in heart of the Camden r he d an with Jenelle Kendall. Haven, on the edge of f.” af st wonderful “We have chosen the lush scenic valleys to relocate our beloved of the hinterland yet only Koala to the community minutes from the coastal of Kendall and she now lives sandy beaches. Known as the at Miss Nellie’s Café with Jenelle Poet's Village, Kendall is home to and her wonderful staff,” says Louise a community-based Op Shop, Craft Beaumont, Sales Manager of FOCUS. Shop, one of the largest rural tennis clubs in “It was important to us, that Carramar NSW and offers many heritage treasures for went to a home that would complement the visitors - and one of the best kept secrets of the existing Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and we Hastings, Miss Nellie's Cafe! saw that there were none in this area of the About Carramar’s Design region, so it made sense to look at locations The Koala is an icon for threatened species down there. everywhere. Carramar was painted by local We want locals and visitors to explore and artist Elise Howard, who lives in Dunbogan. discover the small outer lying communities of The design uses only Australian native plants our area, and Miss Nellie’s is such a great spot such as waratahs, wax flowers, wattle, flannel to stop for morning tea or lunch - so it made flowers, paper flowers and gum blossom. sense to have a Koala there,” Louise added. The name of the Hello Koalas sculpture, FOCUS caught up with Jenelle Nosworthy from "Carramar" is the Birpai name for "shade of Miss Nellie’s about their newest addition. trees" which Elise felt was appropriate because How is Carramar settling in, Jenelle? “that is where you will usually find Koalas”. Carramar has already received a lot of Visit Carramar at Miss Nellie’s Café, excited attention by kids and adults from 33 River Street, Kendall NSW 2439 Kendall as well as tourists. She stands out at Tel (02) 6559 0085.

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CHRISTOPHER NESBITT Are you in stuck in the pain cycle? Are you less active with less energy? Are negative thoughts creating stress and anxiety? This is a pattern all too common in modern life. Acupuncture treatment is an excellent complementary or stand alone treatment for pain management. With a suitable treatment strategy, acupuncture stimulates the body’s rehabilitative and restorative function. This results in less pain, better movement and greater sense of well being in mind and body. The biggest misconception and barrier to acupuncture treatment is people’s fear of needles. The typical needle is only .25 millimeters in diameter, and when used by a trained professional, it’s not a fearful or painful experience; it’s simply a method that releases natural painkillers in the body. If you’re looking to improve your health that has been damaged from chronic pain, get in touch to discuss a suitable treatment strategy today. For more information on what I do, check out www.christophernesbitt.com.au

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INTRODUCING DR. SESH

HEART LUNG AND SLEEP SERVICES

work balance and the work satisfaction achieved i Dr. Sesh, can you tell us about your history in in helping a community by improving much medicine and how long you needed services. Clearly, without her in my life, have been in cardiology? I am just a fool! I had an opportunity to do just I completed my undergraduate this and I took it with both hands. I became the training in Madras, India at Stanley Medical first Cardiologist to live and work here full time College. The hospital is >200 years old and is a and it is the best career-related decision that I part of one of the oldest and premier Universities have made in my life. of India, University of Madras which was In the Manning Base Hospital (MBH), we now established in 1857. After my undergraduate have clear protocols for cardiology emergencies, training, I migrated to New Zealand in 1994. I have access to a local cardiology service, completed my General Medicine training in New including transthoracic and transoesophageal Zealand. I was always interested in research and echocardiograms. In the Mayo Private Hospital I had the opportunity to do clinical (MPH), I offer coronary angiograms outcomes based research and and I am in the early stages of won the 2002 Internal implementing stenting services. Medicine Society of In selected patients, I offer Australia and New I am excited stenting at Newcastle Private Zealand (IMSANZ) to provide Hospital. My long-term goal is Young Investigator affordable to offer all cardiology services ices cardiology serv Award. I arrived in locally to both public & private rt Po to the Greater Australia in 2006 and .â&#x20AC;? patients. ea ar Macquarie passed the Australasian Your Heart Centre is located Fellowship and began in Taree but where else can Cardiology training in our readers locate you? 2007. In the same year, I I have been visiting Port Macquarie passed the British Fellowship. since 2013/2014. I have been consulting In 2009, I spent a year in Tamworth to at 32 Morton street, now known as the Heart consolidate my regional/ rural cardiology Lung and Sleep Services. I provide non invasive training. In 2010, I left to the USA to cardiology services (echocardiography and complete a year of Interventional Cardiology consultations) and I am looking forward to Fellowship. During my fellowship, I worked as a offering stress echo (treadmill and dobutamine) specialist to trial the American Medical system. In in the near future. I am excited to provide 2011, I left to Canada to further consolidate my affordable cardiology services to the Greater Port Interventional Cardiology training. On 21/10/12, I Macquarie area. moved to Taree. What kind impact has technology had on In my cardiology practice I provide a complete your business? range of non-invasive and invasive cardiology Technology is very important and I struggle services. Non-invasive includes cardiology without technology. It has helped me consultations, clinical electrophysiology, clinical communicate in a very efficient manner with the cardiology and echocardiography. Invasive referring doctors about patients, access images services include angiography, angioplasty, and workup for heart transplants, heart valve diseases and vital information, and provide advice even when I am not in my office. When a patient has and pulmonary hypertension. an echo in the office, I am able to access the What changes locally have you seen happen images in 15 minutes in any part of the world. in the world of cardiology? Once my report is completed, this is available My wife Katrina reminded me that regional to my office almost immediately and the formal areas in Australia are usually underfunded and report is available to the referring doctor therefore under served. She also advised me on between 24 and 72 hours. the benefits of working in a regional centre: life-

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P O RT M AC Q UA R I E U R O L O G Y A/Professor Prem Rashid arrived in Port Macquarie in 1998 and says that he “forgot to leave”! “The town did not have a urology service, and there were over 70 folk waiting for care,” he added. The concept for a central Urology Centre was born, and it currently houses three urologists, with a fourth to join the service by the end of the year. The Centre has rapidly grown to become a referral centre for urological care. Urology is a branch of surgical practice that deals with diseases of the kidneys, bladder, penis and scrotum. Port Macquarie is now a major regional teaching and referral centre in the MidNorth Coast performing sub-specialised level 5 urological surgery with 2 accredited registrars.

Apart from providing clinical services at all local hospitals including Kempsey and Wauchope, the team has also been heavily involved in medical student and postgraduate education. A/Prof Rashid became the Chair of the NSW Urology Education and Training Committee in 2009 and then the bi-national Chair of the Board of Urology at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). He is also a member of the RACS Court of Examiners. He has recently convened the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Urological Society of ANZ in the Gold Coast, with just over 900 delegates and 20 international speakers. Despite all that, he says that the best part of the job is “knowing that local folk can get easy access to the urology care they need”.

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The

CUMMINS Family THE STORY OF REBECCA CUMMINS

TWO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, YABBY INDUSTRIES AND THE PORT MACQUARIE LIONS CLUB, HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN PUTTING SMILES ON THE FACES OF A VERY SPECIAL FAMILY FROM KEMPSEY. THE CUMMINS FAMILY HAS FACED MORE CHALLENGES THAN MOST … THIS IS REBECCA’S STORY, AS TOLD BY MUM LESLEY CUMMINS.

since our return to the warmer climate of the Macleay Valley. How did you find out about Yabby Industries, the Port Macquarie based manufacturer of beach wheelchairs? Rebecca loved the beach; we had fun building sand castles, chasing seagulls and enjoying the sea air. Even living so close, we still couldn't take Rebecca to the beach. My husband’s work colleague, April Putin, contacted Yabby Industries. The very generous owner, Brian Blevins, made the decision to donate a beach wheelchair to the Lions Club, who donated it to Rebecca. We were ever so grateful. How have both Yabby Industries and Port Macquarie Lions Club assisted your family in recent times - and what does this mean to you personally? Port Macquarie Lions Club and Brian (Yabby Industries) presented Rebecca with ng vi a beach wheelchair. gi on an pl e W ences Once the Lions Club Rebecca experi in her es President started ng le al ch d an r introducing Rebecca beach wheelchai y and talking about oring the man pl ex Our beautiful, and venturous trails the giving her the chair, ad active little girl hout beaches throug she broke down and ” couldn’t talk, walk, Macleay Valley. cried; she understood eat, or even respond what he was saying and to us. Rebecca was became very emotional. having lots of seizures; Rebecca had a test drive doctors changed her mediaround the room, and everyone cation to prevent further seizures, called out, "Go girl!" There was not a but this medication caused an extremely dry eye in the place. rare allergic reaction. She was suffering from We then had a beautiful lunch, compliments liver failure and not expected to live. Our girl of Brian from Yabby Industries. We travelled to is a fighter, and she somehow pulled through. the beach, so Rebecca could test drive her beach Rebecca needs assistance in every aspect of wheelchair on the sand. Owning her own beach her life. Our lives changed forever. Our family is a wheelchair opens up a world that has been closed loving one; my husband and I work well as a team to her for many years. to give Rebecca the best quality of life we can. Looking ahead, what are your family's goals What have been some of the most difficult and dreams for the future? challenges you've had to face? We're planning to celebrate Rebecca's 21st Living in Canberra, the cold climate became Birthday in December, a milestone we never detrimental to Rebecca's health; she developed thought we'd reach. pneumonia two to three times a year. We plan on giving Rebecca experiences and Also, the rapid onset of scoliosis meant she rechallenges in her beach wheelchair exploring the quired dramatic spinal rod surgery to enable both many adventurous trails and beaches throughout lungs to remain open and functional. the Macleay Valley. We had to move to a warmer climate for Thanks Lesley. Rebecca's health. We moved to Kempsey, where A few words from John Howley, Membership my family still lives, giving us love and support in Chirman, Port Macquarie Lions Club caring for Rebecca. Port Macquarie Lions Club has assisted many Rebecca is now 20. What have been some disabled members of the community over the of her most amazing and inspiring achieveyears. Amongst other needs in the community in ments? the areas of health, youth, the aged and people in We watched our little girl slowly come back to need, people with disabilities often need help with us and grow into a beautiful young lady. Rebecca their particular requirements. smiles, laughs, and cries when she sees something It has been a pleasure for our Lions Club to sad. work with Brian and Carolyn from Yabby Industries Rebecca graduated from Melville High School. in this project. The beach wheelchair presented to Dressed up, her hair and makeup beautifully done, Rebecca will enable her parents, Chris and Lesley, we watched our daughter be taken on stage and to take her onto the beach and into the water. presented with her certificate. It was a day we Seeing the smile on Rebecca’s face when first never thought would happen. pushed into the ebbing tide at the beach made Rebecca now attends Centacare in Kempsey. our involvement worthwhile. With carers’ help, she able to join her friends in a Anyone interested in finding out more about Lions Clubs should ring John 6581 1156 or Col variety of activities. 0412 607 701 without any obligation. The best news is that Rebecca hasn't been sick

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i Lesley. Please introduce us to your family. Tell us a little about yourselves and your association with the Macleay Valley. I was born and went to school in the local area and started my first job in the bank at Kempsey. My husband, Chris, came from country NSW and joined the Navy at an early age. We spent a lot of time travelling and working around Australia until he left the Navy in 1996. Share your daughter, Rebecca’s, story with us. What occurred on January 10th, 2005 that changed your lives? We settled in Canberra with our two daughters. Life was good, we were a happy family, then our 60 greater port macquarie focus.

youngest daughter Rebecca became critically ill. This is Rebecca's story: Christmas 2004 was special - friends and family sharing pleasures that Christmas brings. Rebecca had her new “GO GIRL” bike. All Rebecca wanted was to ride her bike and show Dad she was a big girl. Whenever she rode her bike, we would yell out, “Go girl!”; Rebecca would laugh so much, she would fall off her bike. 10th January 2005, Rebecca suffered a Grand Mal Seizure overnight; we were sleeping. Next morning, Rebecca was still fitting, very weak, temperature extremely high, sugar level nearly non-existent. After being rushed to hospital, the prognosis wasn’t good; Rebecca had suffered severe brain damage.

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MBC NURSING

HELPING YOU STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY AT HOME AS WE FACE THE CHALLENGES OF LIVING WITH A DISABILITY OR GETTING OLDER, MOST OF US PREFER TO REMAIN LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN OUR OWN HOMES. SOMETIMES WE NEED SOME HELP TO BE ABLE TO STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY AT HOME, OR AS CARERS WE NEED A BREAK.

BC Nursing Agency and very strenuous, and can result in stress, Health Consultant Louise anxiety, sleeplessness and social withdrawal. Coetzer, a registered These concerns can be amplified if the carer nurse with over 25 years’ also works full time, or doesn’t live close by. experience in community “By seeking additional support, carers can nursing and aged care, said it can be a difficult take some time to attend to their own needs, conversation for families and often people enjoy a break and do some of the things they don’t like to ask for help. love.” “Accessing home care Care packages make it easy support or in-home nursing MBC Nursing offer a range can really turn lives of packages to help clients around, providing peace choose the services they Our objective is of mind and helping s nt ie cl r need. These packages to help ou people stay in their ted with their ec provide value for money, nn co ay st own homes longer,” ity and to m ake un m can be purchased m co Louise said. d lives as happy an r ei th as gifts and provide Everyone’s needs ” refree as we can. ca flexibility in terms of what are different, so MBC services are provided over Nursing Agency’s what period of time. qualified care workers and The “Distance” package registered nurses take the time to listen. offers 10 hours of support for Personalised and flexible care those who don’t have children or family “Our objective is to help our clients stay close by and need a helping hand. connected with their community and to The “One Step at a Time” package provides make their lives as happy and carefree as we assistance to those who are recovering from can. Sometimes that means providing complex illness or surgery. It includes eight hours of healthcare, and sometimes it’s just a helping carer support, with nursing services also hand and companionship,” Louise said. available as an optional extra. “The things we can help with are almost The “Weekend” package includes eight endless. We can take you to your medical hours of support over four weekends. appointments or social events, do your The “Out and About” package includes shopping for you or with you, pay your bills four hours of shopping, entertainment and and run errands. socialising. “At home we can help with housework, Louise encourages anyone who needs a washing and cooking, and also bathing or hand at home or support caring for their loved dressing. one to contact MBC Nursing Agency for a free “If you’re recovering from illness or surgery consultation. or have specific medical needs, our registered “We know you’ll have lots of questions, and nurses can administer medication, provide we’re only too happy to answer them. We can wound care and check up on a client’s health chat with you over the phone, or come and and wellbeing.” For families, being a carer can be rewarding visit you at home.”

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'Models' shown are actual patients of Saacks Orthodontics

A laugh is a

SMILE

that bursts Mary H Wildrup

FREE ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN Permanent teeth generally begin to come in at age 6 or 7. It is at this point that orthodontic problems become apparent. "Because bones are still growing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s an ideal time to evaluate," says Dr Eric Saacks. "Then we can determine what orthodontic treatment, if any, may be needed either now or in the future." Orthodontic treatment in younger children is known as interceptive orthodontics. Intervention may begin as early as age 6 or 7. At this age, the jaw and teeth are still developing. That means certain conditions, such as crowding, cross bite, and protruding teeth may be easier to address, either immediately or with the knowledge of possible future problems plan a suitable treatment course which could result in considerable savings. Call us today to arrange a no-obligation orthodontic consultation for your child. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come away from the consultation with all the facts. And your child can look forward to a truly healthy smile. Call 6584 2333

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CLINICAL SERVICES MANAGER TITLED MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST SENIOR ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST HEADACHE CLINICIAN

M A T H E S O N SPORTS AND SPINAL PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICS

AS A QUALIFIED TITLED MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST AT SPORTS AND SPINAL PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICS, MARK TAKES PRIDE IN SIMPLIFYING INJURY MANAGEMENT AND PROVIDING BETTER OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS.

ark, as a titled musculoskeletal physiotherapist, how does this enable you to make an efficient patient diagnosis? My study to complete my Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and consequential assessment to become an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, has led me to employ advanced clinical assessment, knowledge and skills in my daily practice. I believe this achieves clarity in difficult diagnosis and better outcomes for patients. In some cases, conditions can be diagnosed without adequate consideration to the consequences of labels such as their back is sublax, twisted or broken. These labels can often cause greater harm, and in some cases cause delay in the patient’s recovery. My study has pushed me to ask more of myself and not fall into the trap of treating everyone to a recipe and, also for me to consider the affect my opinion has on his or her outcome. What methods are used to ensure you achieve a clear diagnosis and are treating the correct problem? In some cases it is about looking past the local, or obvious, symptoms of the problem and determining why the injury occurred in the first place. Treating the local symptoms can provide short term relief, but by examining why the problem is occurring, which might be simply by asking a series of questions to paint the picture, I can find a method for the patient to control the problem and manage/resolve it themselves for the long term. How do you tailor specific rehabilitation programmes for your clients? A big part of my programme is educating the patient

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about the condition and building a platform from which As a senior member of the team, how do you they can start their rehabilitation. mentor other staff members and contribute towards What needs to be taken into consideration when learning development? doing so? At Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy we have a young Often it involves discussing with them time frames team who are extremely motivated to continue to for their recovery and setting up rehabilitation plans. develop their skills. We run continual education monthly, For example, tendinopathy can take up to covering a wide variety of cases and examples. four to six months to resolve, not one During daily practice I assist my colleagues to two sessions but by working with assessments, when required, to through this rehabilitation plan, provide on the job development. you can achieve a successful This benefits the client as well, A big part of my recovery. The client has providing two physiotherapists for programme is clear expectations from the their initial assessment. tient educating the pa beginning and what to expect As one of the only d an iti on about the cond during their treatment. advanced musculoskeletal om fr rm building a platfo r ei You’ve been with Sports physiotherapists in our th t ar st n which they ca and Spinal Physiotherapy region, what does this mean ” n. rehabilitatio Clinic for five years now. for patients? How has the practice evolved Physiotherapy is a popular during this time? choice for many people, and I believe During my time with Sports it is important that members of our and Spinal Physiotherapy Clinic, the community are aware of the different titles team has moved into the Port Macquarie and qualifications. This knowledge allows the location at Greenmeadows Medical Centre, and clients to choose the right Physio for their problem continues to run a clinic in Laurieton. The team as or injury, which leads to better outcomes for them. a whole has grown considerably, to include more Are you involved in any sporting or local community Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, and the additional groups? services from Occupational Therapy, Remedial Massage, I have a strong interest in most sports and been Dietitian and dedicated support staff. The team has involved with clubs. I work quite closely with the Port also become involved in providing services to aged care Macquarie Pirates Rugby Union team, and always help facilities and many of the local sporting activities. We are out with sporting events such as the State Touch Football the largest and fastest growing allied health service in the tournaments and Ironman. area. Thanks Mark.

“

greater port macquarie focus. 67

68 greater port macquarie focus.

greater port macquarie focus. 69

focusinterview.

Collin. Business Lessons from Regional Australia

A successful businessman, consultant and public speaker, Nigel Collin has written several books - the latest of which,

“The Game of Inches: Why Small Change Wins

Big Results” - is the result of his travels around Australia, interviewing ingenious and innovative individuals who have all achieved business success. Nigel’s book offers insight into how to be successful in business, as he explains the concept of the “Game of Inches” …

i Nigel. First, a little about yourself ... How did you come across the Hastings area, and what led you to settle here? My wife is a native Port Macquarian, and so for over 20 years Port has been my second home. Although I grew up in Sydney, I spent much of my youth out Bathurst way; both of us wanted to move to country NSW, and last year decided to make the move. Your business background is very extensive. My understanding is you established your first business at the age of 20 ... What are the most valuable lessons you learned from that startup enterprise? Looking back, the most valuable lesson was to find a gap in the market. Along with a mate, I started a rehearsal studio for local bands on the North Shore in Sydney. At the time I was in a band and every time we wanted to rehearse, we had to pack up our gear and head halfway across town, because there were no practice studios nearby. So we thought, “Hey, why don’t we open one ourselves locally?” Because there were other bands nearby with the same issue, it worked really well. Too often you see business ideas that don’t solve problems or exploit opportunities and as a result, they fail. Although we didn’t realise it at the time, we found a gap in the “local band” market and offered a solution. So, be a gap hunter - not an idea hunter. You were also the brains behind the creation of Absurd Entertainment - a business that was heavily involved with entertainment at the 2000 Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and many large corporate events. When you sold this business 70 greater port macquarie focus.

in 2004, what was the impetus for you to move into the world of consulting and public speaking? That's quite a change in direction... Strangely enough, it was a very natural progression. As creative director of Absurd, I spent a lot of time working with clients on how to design entertainment and conference programmes that would meet their needs and their business objectives. The role was very consultative and collaborative. On top of that, I mentored and helped many entertainers bring their ideas to life commercially. Growing up in the world of entertainment and business events, I learned early on that I was a good communicator. So the move was a perfect fit. What was the outcome of your travels around Australia (by motorbike) in 2013, when you met many ingenious Australians? What did you learn from these travels? What started out as a simple project to interview and share stories of clever Australians turned out to be so much more. Firstly, that regional Australia is laced with extraordinary people doing incredibly ingenious things. I was also amazed at how innovation thrives throughout Australia, especially in remote and regional areas. Be it scarcity, lack or resources or simple necessity, there are people all over this great country who are incredibly resourceful. I like that, because it means you don’t need to be a leviathan of industry, a tech startup, or a celebrity entrepreneur to be successful and build a large profitable business. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I am saying it’s possible because it’s common. You've written several books, the latest of which is The Game of Inches: Why Small

rn The book was bo , from the advice perience wisdom and ex I’ve been le of all the peop interview to gh lucky enou d what over the years an er than th they revealed , ra bu siness or having a theory en finding th d an is hypothes suit it. ” case-studies to

“

Change Wins Big Results. Describe the process of writing and researching this book, and the many entrepreneurs you met along the way ... The book evolved really, firstly from the stories and people I met as I travelled around regional Australia. I started seeing patterns in what they do and how they do it. In addition, as an ambassador of Startup Australia, (a not-for-profit to help businesses in the start-up phase), I had the opportunity of interviewing over 50 of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, and the patterns continued to emerge. At that point I remember saying to one of my business mentors, “I should write a book on this”. So the book was born from the advice, wisdom and experience of all the people I’ve been lucky enough to interview over the years and what they revealed, rather than having a theory or business hypothesis and then finding case-studies to suit it. What is the overarching message you wish to convey in The Game of Inches? The main thing is to shift people’s mindset from success being an instant, explosive moment, to one of understanding that success happens by making small consistent changes and improvements. There’s a myth out there that to be successful you need to come up with the next iPhone or the next paradigm shift in an industry, but that simply isn’t true.

Success in any endeavour is a game of inches, which of course is where the title of the book came from. The other thing that struck me as I interviewed these entrepreneurs and business leaders was a commonality in actions they take and the behaviours they adopt. Which is great, because it means success is not about who you are - but rather about what you do and how you do it. How do you feel your book will be able to assist business owners? The book offers a system for successfully building a business based on four actions and three behaviours common to many successful entrepreneurs and leaders. The book explores each of these through real world stories and examples. It was also really important for me to help people apply the information and insights learned into their own workplace and business, so each chapter contains a number of practical steps and finishes with a call to action. Where can people purchase a copy of The Game of Inches, or find out more about you? You can get a copy through all good book stores, as well as online book sellers. You can also go to the website at www.gameofinchescom.au Thanks Nigel. Interview by Jo Atkins.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall

JUNE 2016

Phone. 0424 818 343

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Don’t allow delays to deter you from a long set goal. Instead, try visualising yourself walking the walk and feel the potential excitement this offers. It will restore your faith in the bigger picture, lessoning any likeliness of sabotage. Appophyllite helps us visualise.

Relationships will be offering opportunities to learn about yourself. Mirroring yourself in your partner will enlighten you and increase your tolerance and ease disappointments. Citrine shatters negativity.

PISCES.

CANCER.

February 20 - March 20 You may be feeling unsupported at present. Identify any emotion you wish to feel externally, and wake it up on the inside by breathing into it and igniting it. By becoming the answers to your fears, you will avoid facing them and having to challenge or grow through them. Ruby is powerful for inner strength.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Now is a great time to learn something new. Your thoughts are centering around the bigger picture in life and helping you to achieve the excitement of connecting to something that you were born to do. Clear Quartz helps us to reach our true potential.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

Now is a great time to recognise your fears, take hold of them and reshape them, so you are in control of them. Once you have become aware of your challenge or fear, try laughing at it. Selenite shatters fears and encourages positive energy.

June 23 - July 23

Relationships will provide ample opportunity for self-awareness and growth at present. Enjoy a mutual project with a loved one and experience a newfound level of love. See your own divinity in your relationships for self-approval. Rose Quartz is a beautiful loving crystal. helping us to feel our unconditional love.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Avoid concerning yourself with morbid thoughts of what you believe others are thinking of you. You are extremely charismatic; you just need to occupy your thoughts with self-esteem and compliments. Who cares what others think? Rose Quartz restores self-worth.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Making simple choices may seem like a huge challenge at present. Make things easier for yourself by knowing nothing needs to be forever. If you’re unhappy with the change, make new ones. Avoid feeling like life is a one-way street, or your fears could leave you totally trapped. Ruby shatters fears and helps us to feel secure.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 Now is a great time to pursue a dream from a long time ago, or a dream you have carried for a long time. Write a list of the things you require and take action; getting something on the list will have you poised and ready for the opportunity as soon as it presents. Citrine shatters negative and attracts abundance of positive energy.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 Time to set some new goals, but be aware of your motive to ensure attracting the best of the best. If you are at a loss when it comes to knowing what to look for, don’t despair. Emotions that you would like to experience will be fulfilled. Clear Quartz helps us to reach our true potential.

S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21

Your mind is vulnerable at becoming bored at present. Also, there is a growing need to pursue your life’s purpose or destiny. If you set some goals centering on accessing a gift or talent that provides learning opportunities, you should be content. Rose Quartz is a powerful self-loving crystal.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Total change is likely to take effect. Your need to achieve your life’s purpose is on your agenda. Set some new goals and be realistic, then thank yourself for achieving. Selfappreciation is most beneficial for attracting new success. Rose Quartz is the crystal for self-love.

greater port macquarie focus. 71

focus _finance with Ursula Boorman

AGE PENSION CHANGES AROUND THE CORNER URSULA BOORMAN OF DIRECT ADVISERS BRINGS FINANCE INTO FOCUS TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MONEY MAZE.

veryone is talking about the potentially increase your pension by $3 per significant changes coming to the fortnight - until you become income tested or Centrelink Age Pension Asset Test receive the maximum pension. from 1st January 2017. Now is the Potentially, a $10,000 gift could increase your time to start planning and making pension by $780 pa, a 7.8% return! changes to give you the best outcome if you’re 2. Expenses - do you have any expenses you can prepay? It is estimated that the Age Pension worried you might lose all, or a big chunk, of for homeowners will stop at the following levels your pension. (depending on indexing through this year): Some people will be better off in Single $547,000 or January, but if you own your Couple $823,000. own home and your assets e tim Paying your property rates in e th (excluding the home) are is Now advance or 12 months Health close to the following to start planning ges Insurance in December may limits, read on: and making chan st be e th u yo ve gi assist in keeping you under to Single $350,000 or e if you’ re om tc ou the limits. Couple $470,000. orried you might k, w 3. Renovate! Have It is important to chun lose all, or a big you been putting off the ” n. know that if you lose io ns of your pe renovation to the bathroom or your pension even just for kitchen? Painting outside? Were a short time, it will change you considering solar? Now is the the way that certain allocated time to start planning for these large pensions (started before 1/1/2016) are expenses that rely on tradespeople being treated under the income test. available. If you are close to the pension limits, There are many things that you can consider when planning for the changes. Here are investing in your home will improve an asset that is not asset tested. A great return on investment our top three. if you keep the pension! 1. Gifts - you are currently allowed to gift Changes that you make to your finances $10,000 per annum (single or couple combined) should take into consideration the short, medium with a maximum allowed of $30,000 over five and long term consequences. Spending money financial years. without the full details could make you worse off. If you are in a position to gift to family or your Head to the Resources page on our website for favourite charity, you are allowed to gift up to a fact sheet on the changes and a checklist to use $10,000 before 30th June and up to $10,000 before you make any significant changes. after 30th June. www.directadvisers.com.au Check first that you haven’t gifted more than Ursula Boorman is an authorised representative of Direct Advisers Pty Ltd, AFSL Licence No 236855. The information is general in nature $10,000 over the previous three financial years to and does not take into account your personal situation. You should stay within the rules. consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice. Each $1,000 that reduces your assets could

“

72 greater port macquarie focus.

WHERE HAS WINTER GONE? What beautiful weather we have been having, though a drop of rain wouldn’t go astray …

he “Grasshouse House” (outside Sundowner Caravan Park) was the hub of activity on the weekend, with music playing, little children dancing, riding scooters, dogs on their leash and a few husbands getting orders … Such a fanastic atmosphere, with the backdrop of the river. We are so lucky to live here. MILKING IT FOR ALL IT’S WORTH Well, well well... Coles wants to increase the price of milk to help the farmers … Was any thought given to our local farmers when the Big Two were having and are still having their price war? I don’t think so … The independent dairy farmers will be priced out of existence and one big consortium will gradually, in time, monopolise the industry - and then see who rules the roost? Sadly, I doubt if it will be Australian owned. This is all very reminiscent of the poor Independent Service Station owners, who were priced out of existence by Coles and Woolies and as they say, the rest is history … Good to see the people who can afford to pay that bit extra for milk, get behind the plan for us, the public, to help … Trouble being, is the difference being forwarded onto the farmers and secondly, will people continue to support this campaign? LIGHT WORKOUT FOR “MATURE” PEOPLE Lynne May is starting classes specifically aimed at “mature” clients (plus 50) to work out for an hour a day. Once, twice or three sessions a week if you so desire ... Times are below; ring Lynne on 0427 115 934 to enrol or find out more information. CLASSES: 6am to 7am, 2pm to 3pm, or 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Fernhill Road, Port. On Tuesday she has a Tai Chi class at Tennison Wood Centre, St. Agnes Village (just turn up for that one). Cost is $10 per class for all of the above. SNIPPETS 1.Speaking of milk, another product I came across the other day was Kingston Creek Creamery Ice Cream produced in Cundletown using local milk. The one I tried was Lemon Myrtle, but other

varieties included vanilla, honey, and chocolate. What I liked was the fact I could buy a 140 ml container for just over $2.00 (available at Hastings Meat - formely Freddo’s). Great way each week to try something different, then buy your favourite in a larger carton.They also produce other products; if you Google Kingston Creek Creamery, you will be able to see other products available and the different flavoured ice creams. 2. Minijumbuk was mentioned in my column last month but because of my Internet problems, I was unable to tell you about their products … It is an all Australian company in Naracoorte in South Australia that has been operating since the ‘70s. Their products include quilts, toppers, pillows, doonas, and the list goes on. Australian wool is used in their goods and if you just Google Minijumbuk, you will be amazed at the selection and quality of their wares. At the moment they have good sales - worth a squizz. 3. A Port Macquarie hairdresser has gone away on hols for over a month, and one of her clients had a haircut by the other girl in the salon. When she was in the middle of his hair cut, he said, “You know what? I have been going to the other hairdresser for so long, that I have that feeling of cheating on my wife getting you to do it!” Ha ... I thought it was funny! 4. Congrats to Chris and Fiona on the 10th anniversary of Clifton Newsagency - where did that decade go? To the lovely “girls”, Kristy, Rhonda, Merrill and Yvonne, you certainly cheer up the locals with your big smiles and, “You have won!” Must say, more the big smiles than the latter ... 5. On the 10th June at the Glasshouse between noon and 1pm, Adam Bishop will be doing a recital with the “blonde diva”… All welcome. Their concerts every Friday are most enjoyable, with variety plus. It’s good to go on the Glasshouse’s mailing list, so you can see who will be appearing each week. Take advantage of small increments of time to work on your priorities. Keep smiling! Robbie. xx

INDUSTRY & ENROLMENT demand expansion

SINCE OPENING THEIR DOORS IN 2009, NEWMAN SENIOR TECHNICAL COLLEGE ON BOUNDARY STREET, NEAR THE AIRPORT, HAS EXPERIENCED EXPONENTIAL GROWTH WITH AN ONGOING STREAM OF GROWING ENROLMENT NUMBERS.

ith employment trends indicating a growth in industry areas that are offered within the Newman College curriculum such as Hospitality, Design, Aged Care and Childcare, the number of student enrolments is only expected to grow. In preparation for this increased demand for qualifications, Newman College has secured government funding to undertake a new building expansion project in 2016. The new building project will aim to not only cater for a rise in student numbers, but will provide new state-of-the-art facilities that ensure students continue to combine hands-on practical learning with traditional HSC study. Additional facilities will include more learning areas, with the most significant area of expansion being the construction of a contemporary training café and an additional cutting edge, commercial kitchen. Principal, Mr Stephen Pares, said: "With the recent changes to the training standards requirements set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), it is timely to review our provisions to maintain and exceed

industry and training standards.” “We have been providing Vocational and Educational Training for a long time, and it is essential that we remain current and provide best practice in all areas of education, training, staffing and facilities.” “Funding has been provided via a Federal Government grant and the support of St Agnes’ Parish, who are committed to excellence in education. The project's civil works have already started, and the main building construction is due to commence July 2016.” “Our hospitality, commercial cookery and food and beverage classes are bursting at the seams, and the new building couldn't come soon enough. We will have it up and running for students enrolled in 2017 to cater for any young person who wants to kick start their national qualification and training,"Mr Pares said. Newman Senior Technical College will hold an open night on Tuesday, July 26 for students who wish to enrol in Year 11, 2017. Potential future students, parents and friends are welcome to explore the opportunities available, tour the College facilities and see firsthand the beginnings of this major building project.

Left to right: Andrew Briscoe of Briscoe Project Solutions Pty Ltd, Newman College Principal Stephen Pares and St Agnes' Parish Schools Co-ordinating Executive Officer John McQueen reviewing the College expansion plans.

greater port macquarie focus. 73

focusinterview.

L U M I N O S I T Y

Y O U T H

S U M M I T

JACK DELOSA IS CHANGING EDUCATION FOR ENTREPRENEURS. HE IS THE FOUNDER OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST AND MOST Jack Delosa. DISRUPTIVE EDUCATION INSTITUTION FOR ENTREPRENEURS, THE ENTOURAGE. PRIOR TO THE ENTOURAGE, JACK CO-FOUNDED MBE EDUCATION, WHICH ASSISTED SMES TO RAISE MONEY FROM INVESTORS.

BE quickly became one of Australia’s fastest growing companies. Along the way, Jack also became a highprofile investor, investing in growth companies such as Q-Biotics, Martin Jet Pack (ASX:MJP), and founding The Entourage Growth Fund. His last book, UnProfessional, became a best-seller in just three weeks. His next book, Unwritten, has recently been released. Unwritten outlines the unconventional wisdom he’s become known for, to living a life on purpose and making the world a better place. Jack has been listed in the BRW Young Rich List since 2014. Jack, you will be speaking at Luminosity Youth Summit in July to over 250 youth - what are you looking forward to most about this opportunity? I think being a young adult in today’s world is such an exciting stage to be at, because choice is everywhere. Why I love speaking to groups like this, is because they are well informed, they have an imagination, they haven’t yet learnt what impossible is, and therefore I love being able to contribute to expanding their horizons to make really meaningful choices for their future. You are tagged as an entrepreneur - how do you define entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship has really broadened in definition over the last five years. Traditionally an entrepreneur is someone who operates and runs their own business, or businesses … Whereas, I think the definition has changed 74 greater port macquarie focus.

and broadened to become more inclusive, to really include anybody who takes ownership over their life and proactively creates their future - they way they want it. So I think entrepreneurship today is really about a way of thinking. My definition is that it is anyone who is consciously creating their future. Your new book, Unwritten, has just been released. can you tell us a little about it? Unwritten is all about personal alignment, and how you can best determine what you’re great at, what you want to do and how you can create a life and career that align to that. I believe that when our heart aligns to our head and aligns to our hand - which means who we are aligns to what we are good at naturally - this means we do our mind’s best work. Unwritten looks at some of the “greats” of history and looks into the future and looks at innovation, all for the purpose of people being able to take ownership over their life and their future. What will you be speaking about at Luminosity? I will be speaking about how to live life and build a career that aligns to who you are. My view is that when what you do is fuelled by who you are, then you do your life’s best work. My discussion will be around how to architect your future, so that you can be the best you. When it comes to mentors and people of influence, who have you been inspired by during your life? Well, when I started out it was really anyone with “been there, done that”

experience. In my late teens and early twenties I probably had 12 or 15 different mentors across a range of different fields, but all related to business. Whereas today, my mentorship and guidance often comes from studying the greats of history, including Albert Einstein, Nelson, Mandela, Oprah Winfrey and people like that and learning through their biographies and looking at the principles they have adopted to make the contribution that they have - and that is where I find my guidance. How important is it to have a mentor? Incredibly important, especially at a young age. You need to learn how to play someone else’s music before you can write you own song. Find someone with “been there, done that” experience, who has a proven track record in the field you are going into, and learn from them. It will accelerate your growth considerably. Jack, what three words describe you? • Imaginative • Disruptive • Visionary What you reading right now. Creative Schools, by Sir Ken Robinson. Thanks Jack.

the plug! Hear Jack Delosa present at Luminosity Youth Summit, 21 July 2016 - Glasshouse Port Macquarie. If you are aged 15 - 25 BE THERE; WE DARE YOU. Tickets from Luminosityyouthsummit.com.au Three days of speakers and workshops.

FUNDRAISING STAR Congratulations to Isabelle Woodham, our first fundraiser to hit her fundraising goal for a LYS TICKET! Isabelle raised $295 in record time to secure a seat at the Glasshouse this July. Students at Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie were encouraged to fundraise by two champion teachers. Isabelle took on the challenge, set up her profile and shared her fundraising page with family and friends. A Year 11 student, Isabelle is most looking forward to seeing New York based fashion designer, Samantha Wills, share her story. Now Isabelle has raised funds for her ticket, she’s sharing the message with friends. Fundraising for a ticket to attend Luminosity is super simple this year. Visit www.myluminosity.org.au to get started.

greater port macquarie focus. 75

focusinterview.

David Gillespie

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE

Passionate Federal Member David Gillespie chats to FOCUS about his life on and off the political playing field...

i David. Your family has called our region home for many years; what is it about living in this beautiful part of the world you love

most?

It’s been a wonderful place to live, work and

bring up our family. The beautiful beaches,

and Gloucester.

bushwalks, hinterland, opportunities for sport

What projects are you

and easy lifestyle we all enjoy.

working on at the moment

Having been a doctor for many years be-

that you’re looking forward

fore pursuing politics, what inspired the

to getting over the line?

path change? I have been interested in politics since high

Those that don’ t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

“

On a national level, the Coalition has embarked on a plan for jobs

school. Politics affects all facets of life - wheth-

and growth in our economy. We are using

er it be the medical system, how your small

all levers of government to better utilise the

business functions, the roads we drive on, the

limited funds we have available to us to invest

schools our children go to, or the tax we pay.

in different portfolio areas, including infra-

I didn’t want to do politics by shouting at the

structure, defence, and innovation, that can

TV. I wanted to use my life skills and experi-

deliver a dividend to the economy. We are also

ence down in Canberra to inject a broader

encouraging the small business sector to grow

perspective in the national debate.

and prosper through new tax and employment

What have been some of the major

incentives.

achievements of your first term in office?

Our growth plan will generate more em-

Our highest priority was to increase funding

ployment and grow the economy. A bigger

on the Pacific Highway by an additional $2-bil-

economy will allow us to continue investing in

How will the latest budget changes affect

lion. This has fast tracked the Oxley Highway

key local and national infrastructure projects,

local business and consumers?

to Kempsey upgrade years ahead of schedule,

as well important services like health and edu-

creating 933 jobs in the construction phase, as well as 2,900 indirectly throughout our region.

cycling. I have never been a career politician, but

This last Budget provides a wonderful

one of the things I have learned throughout

cation, while paying back Labor’s debt.

opportunity for small business or for those

my three years working full-time in the Aus-

With electoral boundaries changing, you

seeking to establish a new business. It is well

tralian Parliament is that real life experience

now take on a larger role in terms of local

targeted towards our key goal of generat-

makes a big difference. Building up good

lion for the Regional Indoor Sports Stadium,

government areas. How has this changed

ing more jobs and growth. The greater the

relationships on both sides of the chambers

$1.5-million towards the Wauchope Pool

your vision for the broader region?

success of our local business and employment

helps you achieve outcomes.

sector, the more opportunities there will be for

How can our readers support you with your election campaign?

Our government has also delivered $2.8-mil-

upgrade, $16-million for the Bucketts Way up-

As the Federal Member, I represent many

grade, $10-million for the Greater Taree Roads

local communities, so the focus always has to

everyone.

and Bridge package, $9-million towards the

be on delivering programmes at a Federal level

Tell us something people may not know

upgrade of water infrastructure in the Man-

that meet the needs of diverse electorates like

about you.

ning-Great Lakes, Green Army and Work for

ours. It is one of the reasons why The Nation-

the Dole community projects, and aged and

als created the Stronger Regions programme,

teaches us how society and civilisations were

want to help out, drop me an email or contact

home care funding has increased in our elec-

that has already been delivering millions of

shaped, succeeded or failed. Those that don’t

either of our offices: Manning Great Lakes -

torate from $90-million a year to $105-million

dollars into this electorate to support region-

learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

6557 8910 Hastings - 6583 2077.

a year, delivering new facilities in Taree, Forster

al-specific projects.

76 greater port macquarie focus.

I am fascinated by history, because it

I love movies, reading and sport, including

Go to my website at www.davidgillespie. com.au - see what I have been working on and achieving as Local Member and if you

Thanks David.

David GILLESPIE MP Federal Member for Lyne

The Coalition’s Growth, Jobs and Infrastructure programme is delivering for the Hastings Valley 

A new youth employment package to give local businesses stronger incentives and greater flexibility in hiring job seekers under the age of 25 years including preemployment training through internships and subsidies of between $6,500 and $10,000.



Many of our 10,000 small business will have a tax cut to 27.5% and



Pacific Highway upgrade between the Oxley Highway and Kempsey creating 933 direct jobs and over 2,900 indirect jobs in our region and improving safety, travelling times and freight costs on the trip to Brisbane.



$55,883,818 allocated to Hastings Council Roads to Recovery and Federal Financial Assistance Grants for local infrastructure (2014-2018).



$1.5-million in Federal funding towards the $3-million Wauchope Regional Aquatic Centre project



$2.8-million in Federal funding for the Regional Indoor Sport Stadium.



Federal funding towards important community projects such as the Beach to Beach walk and cycleway project between North Haven and Dunbogan, the Schools to Schools walk and cycleway project between Laurieton and Kendall, Laurieton Mens Shed, Kendall Tennis Centre, Port Macquarie Tennis Club, Port Macquarie Surf Club, Rotary Lodge Kitchen Upgrade, Tacking Point Lions Lighthouse Beach park upgrade,U3A, Port Macquarie Rowing Club.

He Listens. He Cares. He Delivers.

 

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$1.05-million for the Surf Life Saving Operations Centre.

Increase in aged and home care funding in Lyne from $90-million a year in 2013 to $105-million a year today and growing.

Local Green Army projects providing workplace training for young unemployed people through the rehabilitation of our local environmental assets in the Hastings and Camden Haven

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Over $5-million towards Road Blackspot and bridge renewal projects such as Albert Street Bridge Replacement Kendall, Bulli Creek Bridge replacement ComboyneRd Byabarra, O’Neill’s Bridge Replacement Batar Creek Road Kendall, new roundabout for Hill and Granite Street intersection, Bago Road south of Isabel Place at Wauchope, Bago Road north of Milligans Road at Wauchope, Intersection of Bridge Street and Gore Street at Port Macquarie.

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Federal funding for university places at Charlies Sturt University in Port Macquarie, the local Newcastle University campus and the UNSW Medical School in Port Macquarie.

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$250,000 for local school sporting grants in the Hastings and Camden Haven.

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$150,000 for local veterans projects at Laurieton, Wauchope, Kendall and across the Hastings.

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Over $5-million now rolling out to fix local mobile phone blackspots in the Hastings.

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$30-million towards the Sancrox Interchange and Employment precinct project between Wauchope and Port Macquarie.

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Funding to boost medical specialist training at the Base Hospital.

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Repairing the former Labor/Greens/Independent Government’s mess to help give families and retirees a better deal.

DavidGillespieMP

davidgillespiemp

@DaveGillespieMP

www.davidgillespie.com.au

The C

Authorised by Dr David Gillespie, 75-77 Clarence Street Port Macquarie 2444.

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Protecting Your assets There’s more to protecting your assets than just renewing your insurance. HERE’S OUR TOP FIVE TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS ASSETS. 1. EMPLOY BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES This may seem an obvious point, but the less likely to be sued you are, the better. By employing ethical business practices and obtaining the correct financial and legal advice, businesses can greatly assist in reducing the likelihood of being involved in litigation. 2. GET ADEQUATE INSURANCE COVER Having adequate insurance cover is an easy way to protect your personal and business assets. This is a must have and any business who doesn’t have the appropriate insurance cover is treading on thin ice. However, don’t put all of your eggs into the insurance basket. 3. SPREAD YOUR RISK Separating business assets is a great way to spread and reduce risk. Consider creating multiple entities, where ownership of key assets are separate. This way, if a claim is made, only one entity may be affected. 4. BE SMART WITH YOUR HOME OWNERSHIP We all know the family home is one of our most

Anthony de Jager

Da vinci Decathlon valuable assets. So, a great tip is to have this asset in the name of a low risk spouse or family member, rather than under a business entity. This way you can stay clear from capital gains tax, reap other tax concessions and keep your family assets intact if a claim is made against the business. 5. BE SUPER SAVVY Unless the ship’s already sinking and you’re transferring large sums of money into your

If you had stepped into St Columba Anglican School’s Iona Centre recently, you would have seen what can happen when a large number of students are challenged, engaged and given the opportunity to use their varied skills and interests to complete a series of team “quests”. Led by the Director of the St Columba Learning Centre, Mr Chris Delaney, over 600 hundred students from as far north as Bellingen and south to Newcastle participated in the annual Mid North Coast da Vinci Decathlon.

assets compared with some corporate or industry

The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Students compete in teams of eight across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, philosophy, creative producers, cartography and general knowledge.

super funds.

This is the second year that St Columba has

superannuation account on the way to court, your super has statutory protection from creditors. Not only this, Self Managed Super Funds (SMFSs) can provide more flexibility and control over

hosted the Decathlon, with the number of participating students and schools doubling this year. Students came to SCAS from all educational sectors, eager to compete, eager to try, eager to challenge themselves. The winners over the three days of competition were two St Columba teams and one Newcastle team. These teams attended the NSW Championships at Knox Grammar, where they competed against some of the best young minds in the state. “I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.” Leonardo da Vinci.

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Image courtesy of the Port Macquarie Historical Society

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20 years in business.

COASTAL QUARRY PRODUCTS.

oastal Quarry Products are celebrating 20 years in business this year. Tell us about the business’ origins?

This unique volcanic deposit of rhyolite has quarrying history dating back to 1897, when gravel was dug by pick and shovel and loaded on to horse and cart for use on local roads. It remained a minor operation until 1996, when acquired by Volcanic Resources Pty Ltd now trading as Coastal Quarry Products Pty Ltd, who saw enormous potential to develop it from a one product quarry to a range of fourteen different products for landscaping and civil construction uses. Our products are DGB or 20 mm Road Base, DGS or 40 mm Road Base, White Fines 7 mm

materials, to create our premium road bases and decorative stones. Coastal Quarry Products supply customers all over New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. Our customers include some of Sydney’s largest landscape suppliers - Australian Native Landscapes and Turtle Landscapes. Coastal Quarry Products have in turn supplied our products to popular home shows like Backyard Blitz, Burke’s Backyard and Ground Force. Our products have also been used on the Thiess - Coopernook to Herons Creek Pacific Upgrade and BMD Constructions - Herons Creek to Stills Rd Pacific Hwy Upgrade and Oxley Hwy Upgrade.

board at Coastal Quarry Products; please

customers?

introduce them to our readers.

Coastal Quarry Products is here to stay!

Matt Everingham is the Quarry and Production

We have very exiting plans for our future. We are about to start to saw cut our rock to make beautiful rectangle cut rock. These rocks can be used for retaining walls and decorative seats or features in gardens.

Manager.

Some of the landmark jobs to use the Coastal Quarry Products range include Nobu Restaurant at the Crown Casino Barangaroo, St Mary’s Cathedral, The Hunter Valley Gardens, and Centennial Park.

Melanie Everingham is the Office Manager.

Jeff Cole is our Truck Driver.

a one man operation to now being an eight-

Councils, golf clubs and landscape contractors also use our product range in applications such as garden pebble areas, pathways, driveways and rock retaining walls.

person team; we blast, crush and screen our

There are some new staff members on

of Coastal Quarry Products and their

minus,14/20 mm White Scoria, 10 mm White Scoria, Landscape Rock - ranging from one man size to Bobcat size, 10 mm Drainage Aggregate, Grey Crusher Dust and Select Fill. What have been the biggest changes within your business since the doors first opened? Coastal Quarry Products has gone from being

Michael Blanch is the Foreman/Plant operator. Beau White and Patrick Roche are the plant operators.

All staff members are local to the Wauchope area. What plans lay ahead for the future

Our crushed dust is also now being used to create sustainable rammed earth walls in houses. By using the Rammed Earth walls, houses can become 8% warmer in winter and 8% cooler in summer. Thanks to the team at Coastal Quarry Products.

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The team at Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers

70 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG For more than 70 years Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers has been providing professional services to the local area, offering solutions that draw on broad experience, leading practices and extensive local knowledge.

GENERAL SERVICES:

Commercial law Property law Estate and wealth planning Trusts Construction Environmental law and planning Banking and finance Litigation and dispute resolution

www.dohlaw.com.au 82 greater port macquarie focus.

t’s been 70 years since Frank Donovan founded the firm, but at Donovan Oates Hannaford the values he instilled are just as important today as they were in 1946. A focus on partnering with clients and being accessible and responsive to their needs, is still at the heart of the Donovan Oates Hannaford philosophy, seven decades on. The firm may be 70 years old, but its focus is firmly on the future. The staff at Donovan Oates Hannaford recognise the changing needs of their clients, and the changing legal environment in which they operate. The

111 William Street Port Macquarie NSW Telephone: 02 6583 0400 Fax: 02 6583 0480

team is committed to remaining at the forefront of these changes: in the law, in technology, and in the local, national and international business environment. The firm’s long history extends beyond its service to local clients – there has always been a strong focus on community service within Donovan Oates Hannaford, too. Partners and staff are actively involved in local community organisations, including the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Rotary as well as local sporting and community groups.

www.dohlaw.com.au

SUPERANNUATION After 70 years we can be sure the only certainty is change. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget proposed changes to superannuation taxation arrangements. People should consider their personal circumstances and discuss with their advisers how best to respond if the changes become law. The changes preserve much of the concessional tax treatment for superannuation, but include a $1.6m cap on tax free super balances, removal of an exemption for transition to retirement income streams and a lifetime cap on non-concessional contributions (taking into account contributions made since 1 July 2007). We will work with you and your financial advisers to ensure you comply and achieve your retirement goals.

PROPERT Y DEVELOPMENT Demographic trends to lifestyle locations such as Port Macquarie do not look like ending any time soon. As a result, complex property developments are increasingly part of the developer response to demands from those who wish to take advantage of this beautiful climate. Sub-division, strata developments as well as community title are just a few examples of some of the development issues for which we are asked to provide legal solutions. We work closely with developers to ensure that the legal arrangements meet their needs. It is just a part of what we do.

CONSTRUCTION Donovan Oates Hannaford assists our building and construction clients stay ahead. We closely monitor and keep our clients informed of developments. The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 assists prompt payment of contractors and subcontractors and provides a process for adjudication of payment disputes. The law has been amended since its commencement, including changes following the NSW Government Collins Inquiry established after several high profile insolvencies in the construction industry. Last year the Government released a discussion paper outlining a full review of the law, with potential to affect commercial and the currently exempt residential construction sectors.

Celebrating Proud to be

YEARS in business

Thank you to our loyal customers and friends.

Justin Levido Hadyn Oriti Scott Williams Melissa Bice Cathy Glover Jaclyn Fenby

6583 6583 6583 6583 6583 6583

0434 0449 0427 0436 0451 0431

jlevido@dohlaw.com.au horiti@dohlaw.com.au swilliams@dohlaw.com.au mbice@dohlaw.com.au cglover@dohlaw.com.au jfenby@dohlaw.com.au greater port macquarie focus. 83

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42 years in business.

EACH. Originally established as Maroondah (Victoria)

EACH NSW provides programmes across youth,

Social Health Centre in 1974, the organisation

mental health, housing, disability and aged care

was founded on the principle that all people

services.

are entitled to good health regardless of socio-

In Port Macquarie we offer the following services:

economic factors.

• headspace Port Macquarie, which provides

EACH has evolved over the last 42 years to become

mental health and wellbeing support for young

a responsive, community based organisation with

people aged 12 - 25 years and their families.

locations along the eastern seaboard, including

• Reconnect, which utilises community-based

Port Macquarie.

early intervention services to support family

We believe that health and wellbeing are achieved

reconciliation for young people between the

through a holistic approach, which includes

ages of 12 - 18 years who are homeless or at risk

Across NSW, providing services to older adults is a

Further, across the New England area EACH

not only biomedical factors, but the social

of homelessness. This service is available in Port

major focus. Our aim is to maintain independence,

works with the community to provide Partners in

determinants of health and wellbeing such as

Macquarie, Armidale and Glen Innes.

self esteem and lifestyle. We recognise that family

Recovery, which is a coordinated support service

access to safe and affordable housing, education

• Lifetime Care & Support, providing treatment,

members and friends play an important role in

for people with severe and persistent mental illness

and employment. We recognise that health and

rehabilitation and attendant care services to people

care planning and promoting active participation

with complex needs, and our facilitators work with people to assist the transition to the NDIS.

severely injured in motor accidents. This service

in the community. In addition to Home Care

by factors such as unemployment, homelessness,

is available on the Mid North Coast and New

Packages, EACH also operates Social Support

In addition to this service, in Moree EACH operates

financial difficulties, social exclusion and addiction,

England.

Groups, which provide a range of activities that

the New England Regional Sustainable Housing

• Home Care packages at Level 2 & 3. These

allow people 65+ to connect with the community.

and Homelessness Programme, which aims to

packages help older people remain living in their

The groups provide social and recreational activities

help reduce homelessness by identifying gaps and

own homes. This service is available on the Mid

in a supported and inclusive environment. This

supporting early intervention initiatives for families

We provide an integrated range of health,

North Coast, and we have recently expanded

helps our customers to stay living at home and

and individuals who are at risk of homelessness.

disability, counselling and community mental

services into Gosford, Newcastle, Maitland,

be connected to their community. This service is

EACH is located at 10 Short Street, Port Macquarie.

health services that promotes everyone’s wellbeing.

Campbelltown Narrabri and Moree.

available in Newcastle and Campbelltown.

Drop in and see how our services can help you.

wellbeing is significantly and negatively affected

so we offer a wide range of supports to assist members of our community to lead happier, healthier lives.

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28 years in business.

EASTLAND TRUSS AND TIMBER. CHRIS MEYERS 27 years in business.

KUMIAI RYU. MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING

How long have you been operating? Eastland was established locally in 1988, so this is our 28th year.

KRMAS offers a dedicated and dynamic system of martial arts programmes suitable for the whole family, headed by Kyoshi Kevin Blundell.

What are the businesses strengths that have led to this

How long has KRMAS been operating? I founded KRMAS in 1989, after having clocked up over 20 plus years of regular training in several martial arts disciplines! From one location to now 25 locations in ACT, NSW and QLD, KRMAS has grown to become a highly regarded, respected industry leader in the martial arts world!

only be suppliers, but consultative partners to our clients. Our

What are KRMAS’ strengths, that have led to this longevity? Being progressive in our approach and willing to adapt has opened up a whole new world for our instructors and members. This “can do” attitude has provided our members with the latest learning tools, such as our online Martial Arts University. Being government accredited, we are exposed to all new products and services!

our clients have exactly what they need.

What one word do you want to own in the minds of your clients/students and employees? Respect.

Eastland started as a manufacturer of timber frames and

How does the future look for your business? Unbelievably positive! We have just opened three new locations, plus we are in discussions with people in the USA!

and trusses, structural steel and engineered floor systems. Our

longevity? We’re locally owned and have a great local team. We aim to not staff spend the extra time on each job to ensure our clients have the best finished product. We understand that each project is unique and that our clients’ needs are very specific. We design, engineer and supply our work to exact specifications, to ensure Our estimators and detailers have years of experience dealing in frames, trusses and structural products, which means the job is done right the first time. How has the business grown over the years? trusses, but now also manufacture and supply steel frames expansion has resulted in the opening of a second factory and led to the employment of more local people.

10 years in business.

ERIC & MONICA ROBINSON. THE OTHER CHEF The Other Chef Fine Foods started out as a home-based microbusiness back in 2006. Their first-ever award was won at The Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards in 2007 for a strawberry jam. This caught the attention of the strawberry grower, Anthony Sarks of Ricardoes Tomatoes. Within a short time, The Other Chef Fine Foods were making jam for Ricardoes, and today Ricardoes’ range alone has grown to over 20 unique products. Thanks to the support of clients like Ricardoes, local retailers and consumers, the business has grown into a successful enterprise which has stood the test of time. Ten years on, The Other Chef Fine Foods now operates from a modern production facility in Port Macquarie, where Eric and Monica work with their clients to design and hand-craft awardwinning products, utilising as much locally grown produce as possible, to support local farmers. Whilst their original range of products, The Other Chef brand, will always remain a flagship of the business, contract manufacturing and private label services have become the core to this family owned and operated business. The business’ manufacturing services are now sought by clients across regional NSW, Sydney and interstate.

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P ORT MAC guitars ROB MESTRIC SAYS HE OWES THE GUITAR A LOT, AND THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENT HAS BROUGHT MANY GOOD THINGS INTO HIS LIFE! IT’S CERTAINLY BROUGHT BUSINESS SUCCESS, AS ROB’S MUSIC STORE, PORT MAC GUITARS, HAS BEEN TRADING FOR 12 YEARS … AND IT’S ALSO BEEN NOMINATED TO RECEIVE A MA JOR AWARD, WHICH WILL INVOLVE HIM TRAVELLING TO NASHVILLE THIS MONTH. i Rob. Opening the doors to a new business is always a risk. Fill us in on some of the history behind your business, Port Mac Guitars. When was it established ... and what led you to take this initial business gamble? We originally purchased the store, which was known at the time as Popfront Music, from Simon Leigh, another local businessman. We had another couple as business partners and promptly changed the name to Guitar Factory Port Macquarie. Both myself and our business partners worked for the Guitar Factory in Parramatta, so the decision was a simple one when the name was offered to us to use. The business grew steadily over the next several years, and eventually in 2011 we bought our partners out and continued to run the store ourselves. In January 2015 we rebranded to Port Mac Guitars, to differentiate ourselves from the other Guitar Factory stores in Sydney, as our business had become very different from theirs and also very widely recognised itself across Australia. How has your business evolved over time since its conception? The biggest change we have experienced was when we decided to start trading online and reached a much wider national market that wasn’t available to us previously. We consciously changed our business model to focus fully on our customers’ needs and especially 86 greater port macquarie focus.

on how to make online shopping appeal to I had always been involved in music from a customers who lived nowhere near our store. very young age, but it wasn’t until I was about One of our key policies that has made a 13 that I became obsessed with guitars. Once I huge impact on our business has been our started, I was hooked, and the guitar has pretonline lay-by system. No one had offered it ty much brought me everything good in my life in our industry prior to us, and we since. I owe the instrument a lot. are still the leaders in this area. You’ll be travelling to We also offer free insured Nashville in June, as shipping and a 14 day Port Mac Guitars has free return freight policy, been named a Top I had always which really gives our 100 Dealer by the been involved customers peace of National Associain music from a mind when shopping tion of Music Mervery young age, til I but it wasn’ t un with us. We also offer chants (NAMM). at I was about 13 th online trade-ins, which What can you tell became obsessed makes getting rid of us about these with guitars .” your unwanted gear awards - and why is super easy and without the it such an honour to hassle of listing it on eBay or receive one? Gumtree. The NAMM organisation is What does your business specialise the biggest and most important in? body associated with our industry, and We currently specialise in the sale of the Top 100 Dealers Awards are the highest guitars of all sorts and associated equipment accolade for Musical Instrument Retailers. We like amplifiers and effects pedals. We will also are in the running for two of seven awards begin to offer drums, PA systems, keyboards and also the Dealer of the Year award. To be and piano, and brass and woodwind instruincluded in this list is truly an honour. ments again shortly in-store and online. We are Where/when exactly, will the award cerelooking forward to applying all the things we mony take place? have learned from our online guitar business The ceremony takes place in Nashville on the and bringing that experience to a whole new 24th June. Myself and our Sales Co-ordinator, set of customers. Mark Wilson, will be attending the Awards When/how did you personally become inGala Dinner and Ceremony. terested in music - and especially guitars? What are your plans while you’re in Nash-

“

ville ... What do you hope to experience? Attending the Awards Ceremony is our main reason for going to Nashville, but we will also go to the NAMM Show itself for a few days while we are there. We usually attend the NAMM Show in January each year in Anaheim, Los Angeles, but this will be our first time at the Nashville show. NAMM Shows are about as exciting as it gets for someone in our industry. Not only do you get to see all the latest releases from the major brands, but the place is also teeming with rockstars and top musicians at every turn. It’s mind blowing. You’re well known locally - and further afield - for your skill playing the guitar, and also for your vocals. What’s been keeping you busy lately - any gigs in the pipeline, or other big plans? I spend most of my time on bass these days playing funk, soul and R & B with our band The Quantum Souls. We play locally once or twice a month, which is enough for me, as the shop keeps me very busy. Not to mention that we are also open seven days a week, so getting home at 4am on a Sunday morning doesn’t hold the same appeal as it used to! Final words ... It’s been a great 12 years since we first started our business here in Port Macquarie, and I feel very blessed to have been able to achieve what we have and still live in the most beautiful part of the world. Thanks Rob. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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28 years in business.

HUNTER VALLEY TRAINING COMPANY. 51 years in business.

JEFFREY & SHARON GRIFFITHS - HILBERTS PTY LTD How long have you been operating, and how has your business evolved? Since 1965, so 51 years. Three generations of our family have helped the business to grow over the years from a small store to the large store across the road in Hastings Street, Wauchope. What are the business’ strengths, that have led to this longevity? Hilberts Pty Ltd are the trusted name for all your general and industrial hardware. Customers travelling from over 100 km away know where to go! In an age of big boxes and mega stores, Hilberts Hardware are a refreshing throwback to a time when good service trumped all else. If you can’t get it Hilberts, you probably can’t get it; our range is huge! How likely is it that a customer would recommend your

company to a friend or colleague? Very likely. Hilberts Hardware is renowned as a one stop store for all your hardware and industrial needs. If you want something and it’s not in store, we will get it in, and as quick as we can. What one word do you want to own in the minds of your customers and employees? Integrity. How do you keep morale high in the workplace? By creating a flexible work approach; this helps to keep morale at a high level. How does the future look for your business? Looking forward with a positive approach, providing a good level of service and continually meeting the needs of customers ensures a positive future for not only our business, but all business.

HVTC Mid Coast (formerly Mid Coast Group Training) has been providing training and employment opportunities and solutions across the Port Macquarie region since 1987. Today, HVTC is Australia’s oldest Group Training Organisation and has provided employment and training opportunities to more than 20,000 young people over its 35 years of operations. Northern Regions Manager Grant Reeves says, “For nearly 35 years HVTC has been helping regional economies to grow and build skilled workforces. We strive to maintain our strong brand reputation based on consistent and professional service. At HVTC we truly believe “skills change lives.” The recent relocation to new premises at 66 Lord Street provides HVTC with improved capacity to support its clients across a broad range of employment programmes. “Our move to new offices is a positive one, which signals a new era for HVTC Mid Coast. We have a great team focused on achieving positive employment outcomes for our apprentices, trainees

and host employers, and we now have a much more adaptable work space to effectively service all parties,” said Grant. HVTC works closely with schools, TAFE, registered training organisations, government bodies and other employment service providers to maximise training opportunities and provide easy and stress free solutions for recruiting and managing apprentices, trainees and labour hire staff. The company builds long term partnerships with host employers and work closely with them to assist in monitoring and managing performance and completion of training. Over recent years, HVTC Mid Coast has worked closely with the Northern Regions’ schools to support the take up of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. These are highly beneficial to Year 10, 11 and 12 students allowing for careers to develop whilst the HSC is being undertaken. Businesses are securing highly motivated young people, supporting industry through training and seeing a return on investment with many exceptional outcomes.

EASY AND STRESS FREE QUALITY APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES We match the right apprentice or trainee to the right business through our Australian Apprenticeship Support Network CareerGateTM assessments. We efficiently manage payroll and paperwork, plus monitor, mentor and support via our Group Training Organisation. We can supply casual employment and labour hire through HVTC Employment Solutions. We provide education and training via our Registered Training Organisation. NC: 90179

Call us today! 02 6583 5355 skills change lives

hvtc.com.au

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41 years in business.

LAWRENCE BUILT. How long have you been operating, and how has your business evolved? Lawrence Built (previously known as Kevin Lawrence Constructions & Renovations) was established in 1975 by my dad, Kevin. Dad and my mum, Maureen, moved up from Sydney and established the business in the hope to provide a wonderful place for myself, brother and sister to grow up. I started my apprenticeship with Dad at the age of 21, but I’d always had an interest in the building trade and would often help Dad out in school holidays and weekends (mainly to earn some cash to buy surfboards!) Dad and I worked together for about 13 years, until he decided it was time to “hang up the hammer” and retire. I then took on the business as Sole Director and changed the business name to Lawrence Constructions & Renovations. Six years on, and again our business has evolved from a one - two (myself and dad) operation to where we are now - employing myself, my wife, Vanessa who runs the office, two full-time carpenters, two apprentices and one school based apprentice. My dad still helps out in the

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business as required. We established the new trading name of Lawrence Built Homes & Renovations, which is a reflection of our new modern business model that not only specialises in renovations, but also custom, quality our The strength of built new homes. ays w business has al What are the busin tio been a combina of ness’ strengths, How likely is it es of things . D ecad that have led to that a custome, e trad experience in th erials this longevity? er would recomat we use quality m job, we The strength y mend your comon each and ever rienced pe of our business ex l pany to a friend only use loca of t os (m rs has always been to or colleague? su bcontrac ut ilise d for a combination of We are thrilled whom we have .” s) ar ye things. Decades of 20 that throughout the over experience in the trade, ups and downs in the we use quality materials on building trade we have each and every job, we only use always had a steady stream of local experienced subcontractors (most of work for myself and my employees. whom we have utilised for over 20 years). This is due to the fantastic local support Most importantly, we strive to maintain we receive and all of our happy clients, who solid relationships with our clients and help refer their family and friends to us. them to customise their project for maximum What one word do you want to own satisfaction. in the minds of your customers and

“

employees? Dedicated. How do you keep morale high in the workplace? We promote a positive environment for our employees. Our employees include many highly qualified tradespeople, we provide a great place to work hard and have a few laughs along the way! How does the future look for your business? Lawrence Built has plenty of work scheduled over the coming year. We are excited to have not only our renovation side of the business going from strength to strength, but also our new home builds are now too exceeding our expectations.

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29 years in business.

HARCOURTS. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE How long have you been operating? I commenced my real estate career in 1986, obtained my real estate licences in 1998 and opened my 1st office in July 1989 increasing our service with the addition of Port Macquarie in 2006. What are the businesses strengths that have led to this longevity? Successfully buying and selling real estate is mostly about fulfilling people’s needs and aspirations. Above all they want to deal with real people - that’s why we put absolute focus on creating a relationship of trust and respect with all our clients. How has the business evolved over the years?Commencing as a husband and wife operation but now employs 17 staff and operates from 2 locations. Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie offers a full range of real estate services, specialising in residential, commercial and rural

property sales as well as our property management services. When a customer recommends your company to a friend or colleague, what do they usually say? Rate My Agent is fast becoming a source of recommendation for people in the industry – here are 2 recent reviews given from both a vendor and purchaser – “We appreciated Ross’s friendly manner, whilst at all times being professional. He kept us well informed throughout the selling period and provided valuable advice” & “We found Ross to be very approachable and genuine. He was always available at all stages of the purchase and provided assistance and information as requested without delay. I would recommend Ross Lindsay to any prospective seller or buyer. We are very grateful to have been able to deal with Ross Lindsay and look forward to seeing him around town. Highly Recommended.”

35 years in business.

BEC AND MIKE CUSATO. GROWERS MARKET Port Macquarie Growers Market has been supplying fresh fruit and vegetables to the Port Macquarie Hastings community for 35 years.

Growers Market offers a home delivery service, and in 2010 developed a website for online shopping. We look forward to launching our new website in the coming months!

Growers Market has always been a family owned business, employing local people and supporting local families, and we continue to sponsor and donate to numerous charities and local organisations.

In January 2016 Growers Market introduced their own Juice Bar, with many different slow pressed juices and smoothies to choose from.

We supply as much local produce as possible and continue supporting farmers from all over New South Wales and beyond. We also stock a vast range of locally made products.

We would like to thank our valued customers, both retail and wholesale, your custom and support is much appreciated. Growers Market looks forward to providing ongoing service and quality for the years to come!

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34 years in business.

HANSON CONCRETE.

ow long have you been operating? The concrete plant in Port Macquarie has been in operation since the early ‘80s under the Pioneer banner, and in 1992 Pioneer purchased Sancrox Quarry from CTK constructions. In 1999 Hanson PLC purchased Pioneer, and rebranding occurred. In 2007 Heidelberg Cement purchased Hanson PLC globally. What are the business’ strengths that have led to this longevity? Safety is never compromised; high performance - by being the first choice for customers; innovation - being a pioneer not a follower; and always asking “Is there a better way?”; respect and integrity - by treating people as we want to be treated with encouraging, open and honest communication and feedback; and finally, a sense of ownership - being accountable for our decisions and actions, enjoying work and working hard as a team. An example of this is we have had two employees at the quarry since 1982, who are now members of the 20 year club. The majority of staff have been with us for over seven years. How has the business evolved over the years? Being a part of a larger group gives the local operations the support they need and flexibility to

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ensure excellent customer service and quality. The implementation of the Hanson Integrated Risk Management system, which includes safety, quality and environment has ensured best practice in what we do. Although we are a part of a global company, we continue to have a local focus. When a customer recommends your company to a friend or colleague, what do they usually say? That Hanson is willing to go the extra step to help with their projects. Our quality is second to none, and we are always willing to find better ways of

paramount in our business.

implementing? Hanson is an equal opportunity company, with women being encouraged to develop within the business. Hanson is always looking for ways to increase its participation in the local community. While we already sponsor various sporting teams (Hastings Vikings, Port Macquarie Sharks, Wauchope Blues) and provide donations to community groups, Hanson is looking to develop within the wider Mid North Coast area and build long term relationships within the community. Hanson has been here for almost 35 years, and we hope that some of our staff who currently work here will still be here in another 35 years.

Tell us about any new initiatives you are

Hanson have recently commenced a process to

doing a project with our customers by working together. What one word do you want to own in the minds of your customers and employees? “NO JOB IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE CAN’T DO IT SAFELY” - SAFETY. How do you keep morale high in the workplace? Respect, integrity and a sense of ownership. Hanson policies ensure that all staff are treated fairly and are encouraged to find new and innovative ways to service our customers. Safety is

extend the operating life of the Hanson quarry to ensure we are able to service the local community for many years to come. The PMQ and Taree concrete plants have constructed new Image Crete display centres. The displays showcase our range of decorative concrete solutions, which are being well received by the local community. Hanson believe we are leaders in decorative concrete on the Mid North Coast by being able to provide many solutions to architects’, designers’ and builders’ requirements for that perfect finish. Hanson are currently supplying the Oxley to Kundabung Pacific Hwy upgrade and successfully supplied some of the more iconic projects in the area.

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40 years in business.

OXLEY INSURANCE BROKERS. Oxley Insurance Brokers are celebrating 40 years in business this year. Tell us about the business’ origins? We started in 1976 in Port Macquarie, in a small office on Clarence Street and as you could imagine, the area has grown considerably since then. With the growth of the business meeting our clients’ needs, offices were opened along the Mid North Coast in Kempsey, Taree, Coffs Harbour and Forster. Along with specialising in Business Insurance, we have evolved to provide expert advice on Life Insurance, Superannuation, Workers Compensation and Premium Funding. As a locally home-grown business, we’ve always chosen to support other local business … Some relationships span back 40 years. What have been the biggest changes

within your business since the doors first opened? Without a doubt, it’s the evolution in technology and how this has shaped the speed and efficiency in which we can help our

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clients. For example, we listen to our clients and understand they are busy, so we developed an online payment system for them to pay all their insurances online at their convenience. The way we communicate with insurers now enables us to be more

responsive to our client’s needs, especially in the event of a claim where our client needs their insurance claim to be resolved quickly.

YEARS

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The way we ith communicate w to us s le ab insurers now en our to ve si on be more resp pecially client’s need s, es aim cl in the event of a ne eds nt ie cl r ou re whe aim to be cl e their insuranc y.” resolved quickl

Some locals will also recognise the evolution of our branding over time. We have always been committed to the local community and are actively involved in supporting sporting and community groups, now more than ever. What plans lay ahead for the future

of Oxley Insurance Brokers and their customers? We will continue to listen to our clients and make changes to the business to respond to their needs. The adoption of technology to the way in which we do business will continue; however, we’ll make certain that busy local businesses receive expert advice and a face to talk to.

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18 years in business.

ADVANCED AUSSIE BLINDS AND SECURITY.

dvanced Aussie Blinds and Security, situated in Barton Crescent between Mitre 10 and Inspirations Paint, has been serving the people of the Hastings and surrounding areas for over 18 years. The owners, David and Sandra Thompson, started the business in 1998, in a new shop with just the bare walls and one employee. David has had many years of experience in the industry, so was excited to start his own business. The business manufactured security doors and vertical blinds. As the business grew, more staff were employed. Soon, the one bay was insufficient, so another bay to house stock was leased in Acacia Avenue. In 2001, we joined the Hunter Douglas group, buying their components and fabrics; this move gave us the opportunity to manufacture our own Roller Blinds and Roman Shades. The Hunter Douglas/Luxaflex group also has incentive prizes for those companies within Australia who meet their targets. As a wholesaler, we won our first overseas holiday to Alaska in 2003. This was an amazing trip for us, joining manufacturers from all over Australia, travelling as a group of 180. Soon after, we updated our machinery with Hunter Douglas and installed a fully computerised blind cutter and a fully motorised roller blind cutter, which enabled us to cut roller blinds and its fabric to suit the customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements. Due to this continued upgrading, we won our next overseas incentive trip in 2005 to the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. In 2009, Luxaflex, the high end of the Hunter Douglas group, invited us to become a Luxaflex Gallery dealer. This privilege enables our company to sell the very luxurious, high end Luxaflex products, which can only be purchased through a Luxaflex Gallery Store. These include automatic home motorisation through a computer or iPhone - the QMotion, a new form of motorisation that does not require any power connection. Remote or active vocal commands can be used instead. Soon after, we were ecstatic to learn that we had won another amazing incentive trip to Vienna and Prague with other Luxaflex Gallery dealers from all over Australia. In 2011, Advanced Aussie Blinds and Security won the coveted award for the most improved Luxaflex Gallery Dealer in NSW. In 2012, we again won the incentive trip to South America ...

Argentina, Chile and Peru. Machu Pichtu and the Sacred Valley were amazing. The next trip is to America in 2017. Luxaflex hold yearly conferences to up skill owners on new and innovative products. They are always eager to train and assist dealers by holding in-house conventions to skill new and existing staff in the latest products. They will attend Home Shows in the area and have a mobile travelling showroom to bring to the show. If a major problem occurs, Luxaflex will send a skilled technician to sort out the problem. Our company also buys from other suppliers to meet the needs of our ever growing customer demand. If the Luxaflex products are out of your price range, we will do our utmost to find good quality products to suit your budget. Many years ago, we discovered at one of the Blinds and Awnings Shows, an engineer who designed and manufactured specialised awnings called Zip Trak. We proceeded to buy the componentry from that company and manufacture these ourselves. Security is also another specialty of our business. We offer the customer the choice of a very high quality, 10 year warranty, fully welded aluminium frame incorporating 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh, for windows and/or doors. Just think ... doors and windows can be left open during the long summer months with peace of mind! We have so enjoyed working and living in beautiful Port Macquarie for over 40 years. David has now reached 70 and would like to retire. With regret, we are putting our business up for sale and would love an enthusiastic buyer, who will value our skilled employees and have the desire to look after the people of the vast area we maintain. Included in the business is South West Rocks Blinds and Awnings, Kempsey Blinds and Awnings, Harrington Blinds and Awnings and Port Macquarie Blinds and Awnings. These businesses are run from our premises in Barton Crescent. If interested, feel free to contact David or Sandra at Advanced Aussie Blinds and Security. David has nursed the company from the beginning and is willing and able to teach a prospective buyer in all aspects of the business. greater port macquarie focus. 93

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LOVED

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Best Kept Secrets

Wayward The Farmstay at

JERSEYS

D E B O ’ B R I E N & F A M I LY

30+ years in business.

Deb O’Brien and her family simply wanted to share with others what they considered to be fortunate to have. At Wayward Jerseys, they believe in the philosophies of free range kids, natural produce and being surrounded by lots of animals, and they wanted to give people the opportunity to experience this too.

SNAP PORT MACQUARIE. At Snap Port Macquarie, we’ve have 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. 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, Hastings Education Fund, Luminosity, 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.

others what we consider to be fortunate to Pop as well. I find our guests often come from have. At Wayward Jerseys we believe in the either Sydney or Brisbane, or both in a lot of philosophies of free range kids, natural produce cases, as it is a good place to meet in between and being surrounded by lots of animals, and (we are exactly half way between Sydney and we wanted to give people the opportunity to Brisbane). We also get a lot of overseas guests experience this too. who are interested in getting off the beaten What can visitors experience at track and seeing what Australia Wayward Jerseys? is like outside the cities. Basically, a visit to Wayward As to what “type” of Jerseys is like a visit to people we get, a One of my favourite things is being a petting zoo … On pleasant surprise child at steroids! We are extremely introduced to a stay has been how nice a the beginning of interactive, so expect to all our visitors down head who has their get up close and personal have been - kids their and focused on to the animals. We are and adults alike. game, and video favourite stay famous for our “morning I have thought a by the end of their tell you routine”, which includes lot about why this they couldn’t even device learning how to milk one is, and this is what where their gaming of our Jersey cows, feeding I have come up with. is. ” our baby animals and collecting The types of people eggs. For our day tour people, who visit a Farmstay are added to this is a country style, home the types of people that are cooked morning tea and marshmallows to engaged with their children and toast on the fire. Our overnighters get all of this family, interested in how others live, complimentary to their stay, as well as other love animals and they’re prepared to try inclusions such as an optional ghost tour at something new. All in all, this makes for pretty night. amazing people, on the whole. What type of demographic visit the farm? Tell us about some of the reactions you get I must say the majority of our visitors are from visitors? families with children. We accommodate up to “Milk comes from where?” Unfortunately, seven people at a time, so often it is Nan and it is true that many children do think that milk

comes from a supermarket, and a wonderful part of my job is educating them otherwise. Our guests are a pretty open minded lot and even if incredulous at the beginning, it is not long before they get into the spirit of things and are milking cows like a professional. Actually, one of my favourite things is being introduced to a child at the beginning of a stay who has their head down and focused on their favourite video game, and by the end of their stay they couldn’t even tell you where their gaming device is. Do you think locals like us take for granted what’s in our own back yard in regards to primary produce? Yes and no. Yes, because I think we are truly spoilt here in regards to our primary produce. But just because we are spoilt, doesn’t mean that most people don’t know they are on a good thing by living here. It’s like this area is a wonderful secret, and all us locals are in on it. There is a lot of buzz around local food and produce at the moment - justifiably so - and there are also a lot of amazing and dynamic people starting to really do some incredible things. I would have to say that it is pretty exciting times here in New England. Plans for the future? Yes, yes and yes. At the moment my lips are sealed, but think tourism and think local produce, and watch this space! Thanks Deb.

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG

Photo credit John Nalder Photography

ell us about yourself and your family ... My name is Deb O’Brien, and I grew up in the local area. After ten years of travelling Australia, my husband and I realised that “home” was a pretty awesome place and made the decision to move back. I would describe myself as a unique blend of quirky and earthy, and I believe Wayward Jerseys Farmstay reflects that. Wayward Jerseys would not be, without the love and support of my husband, Lauri Pulkkinen. Lauri is the type of man who not only supports his wife to follow her crazy dreams, but also says, “Fine, you want to buy a milking cow … Well, let me build you a dairy”. We also have three beautiful little girls, ranging in ages from six to eleven, who love their way of life and love sharing it with other people. I have always loved animals and am passionate about the New England area. I truly believe I have the best job in the world! What prompted the beginning of Wayward Jerseys? The name “The Home for Wayward Jerseys” (shortened to Wayward Jerseys for convenience) was initially a term that my husband jokingly used to describe my penchant for Jersey cows. It also alludes to what we see as their unique personalities. Simply, we wanted to share with

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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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THE NEW SOUTH WALES ECONOMY IS PERFORMING REASONABLY, BUT THE EIGHT WEEK CAMPAIGN LEADING UP TO THE ELECTION IS NOT HELPING.

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

tax cuts over the next 10 years, with an ultimate goal of a 25%company tax rate by 2026. Treasury analysis argues that a reduction in company tax rates increases domestic and foreign investment and the amount of capital available for reinvestment in the economy. In this way, productivity is increased and wage and salary growth supported. Some may quibble about the logic of a tax cut in circumstances where the Federal Government debt grows and we’ll be running deficits for as far as the eye can see. However, the economic consensus is that for each dollar reduced in company tax, there is a fourfold payback in economic activity and growth. So, if we need to say it again, “We welcome the tax cut”. Over the last 100 years, Australia has seen a migration of our population from the bush to our capital cities. It is not inevitable that this trend will continue. There is much that can be done to encourage people to choose Port Macquarie for its education and lifestyle, but also for challenging and rewarding careers. Over the next 20 - 30 years, we can expect governments to continue to grapple with making our capital cities liveable, especially as they become more dense and sclerotic. Making sure we have jobs and careers available in Port Macquarie will help take some pressure off Sydney. Reducing taxes for small business, providing infrastructure to increase connectivity and productivity and even relocating some government functions to Port Macquarie should all be part of our leaders’ strategic thinking. As the election date nears, the Chamber will host a night to quiz candidates. We encourage readers to exercise their judgment wisely and all candidates for Cowper and Lyne to champion a vibrant and prosperous business community in Port Macquarie.

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recent business condition survey by the New South Wales Business Chamber indicates that the NSW economy is performing well in parts relative to past performance and other states. However, it is not all rosy. Recent Treasury analysis suggests that Australia’s terms of trade, labour force participation and population growth are expected to be flat or declining in the foreseeable future. According to the survey, businesses are focusing on controlling and reducing their costs, which is much more within their control than increasing sales. Reducing inefficiency and unproductive work was the main focus of 59% of businesses, with 44% also focusing on reduction of errors and wastage. Interestingly, a significant number of businesses had initiated some form of capital spending over the three months to 31 March, some perhaps taking advantage of the immediate tax deduction for assets costing less than $20,000. Summing up, businesses are looking to extract more from less - increase productivity. Port Macquarie has much going for it, even in these periods of uncertainty. It has a great story to tell of significant change over the last 50 years. People are attracted by its lifestyle, climate, access to a great environment and top notch facilities. However, while Australians have always sought a lifestyle in locations like Port Macquarie, lifestyle alone does not suffice. It is imperative that we, the Chamber, work with the Council, State and Federal Governments, to ensure that jobs and careers are available for our young people. Many people want to live here. Many don’t, because of a concern about jobs. In this context, the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically welcomes the budget proposals to reduce company tax for small business and to progressively rollout those company

Ask Greg

Greg Trembath answers your real estate questions.

I am working towards being supply of homes coming able to buy my first home in late onto the market, and 2016, and wonder if I could get currently demand is as some feedback from you about high as ever too. where you see prices being then, and which So with plenty of buyers areas in Port Macquarie offer the best value? actively in the market, we are continuing to Laura, 26 years. achieve good prices. A. Good on you Laura for setting yourself I wouldn’t delay your purchase decision too this goal and getting prepared well long, Laura. According to the Foreign in advance. Investment Review Board, the Port Macquarie is a great value of foreign investment Foreign place to buy your first in Australia last year rose by in t n e investm st year property, and we are 75%, with 12,000 foreign la a li Austra h it w , % seeing more and more purchasers snapping up 5 7 y rose b n ig re first home buyers property in NSW. fo 0 12,00 rs e s showing interest in this This must have an adverse a h purc p u g in area. effect on the opportunity for p p sna NSW. in y rt e The good news for you is fi rst home buyers to get into p pro that while Port has a median the market. price of around $485,000, While our area doesn’t currently the opportunity to purchase attract many foreign purchasers, homes with prices starting well below buyers who struggle to get into the capital $400,000 still exists, which is incredible for a city markets due to affordability and competition, popular, coastal centre such as this. do tend to look further afield, which may have a Property market prices generally reflect supply flow-on effect here in Port Macquarie. and demand, and so without knowing what I hope this answers your questions Laura; let me type of property you’re after, and how many will know if I can be of more assistance. be available at the end of the year, it’s hard to Answers are general comment and readers should pinpoint where prices will be. always seek their own independent professional I really do wish I had a crystal ball - even one that advice. showed next week, let alone a few months down Greg Trembath is Principal Licensee at Greg the track! Trembath Real Estate Licensed Real Estate Here in Port we are experiencing an increase in the Agent - Licensed Auctioneer.

business

ELECTION / ECONOMY

Ask Greg

MINDING YOUR

business

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Hadyn Oriti.

MINDING YOUR

focusrealestate

Greg Trembath knows real estate and knows people. He is very genuine and down to earth. From the very beginning he listened to our thoughts and plans and gave us valuable advice about the sale of our home. Greg’s estimate of our final sale price was spot on – right in the middle of his anticipated price range after two weeks on the market. We have already recommended him to several friends. Thank you Greg and team! Carl and Faye.

gregtremb th REAL ESTATE

greater port macquarie focus. 95

you want living close to you. We have been thinking

focusrealestate

Hadyn Oriti with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

G Greg T Trembath b h answers nswers uestions. your real estate questions.

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g r e at e r - p o r t m ac q u a r i e

property guide

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FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO 2016

Hosted by Fastplast Building Supplies, your locally owned and operated building supplier, the 2016 Building Supply Expo promises to be a showcase of up to the minute and innovative products suitable for builders, handymen and DIYers.

n the 1st July from 5pm at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie, the expo will be the largest Building Supply Expo held on the Mid North

Coast. 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. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see things that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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: James Hardie, USG Boral Plasterboard, and Hume Doors.

Open to the general public, all are invited to attend and to view the live product presentations, have a go in the Formula One simulators and stroll around the stands and see the innovative products on display. WIN A HOLIDAY TO HAWAII! To enter the draw, eligible entrants must purchase at least $1,000 worth of any product from Fastplast Building Supplies, send an email to competition@fastplast.com.au with the following info: name, address and contact number and then attend the Building Supply Expo at the Glasshouse. Full terms and conditions are available from Fastplast Building Supplies store at Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie.

greater port macquarie focus. 97

FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLY EXPO 2016

Oxley Nu-Look Windows is the hed longest establis ny in Port pa m co w windo ch opened hi Macquarie , w er 50 ov l el w its doors e original th ith w o ag s year purchased as w owners , and ners in by the current ow 2007.”

“ From Tiles With Style, your local ColorTile Store. The look of natural stone and timber without the maintenance. Many people are familiar with the natural beauty of marble, travertine, timber, slate and sandstone, but perhaps not much is understood about the ongoing cleaning and maintenance issues created by using these materials in your home. They all require sealing, sanding or polishing, and this must be redone to extend the life of the product. Laser ink-jet printing of porcelain tiles has done away with these issues forever. This involves taking high resolution digital images of natural surfaces such as timber or stone, and then laser printing the images

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directly onto the surface of the tile. In this way, the beautiful variations inherent in materials such as travertine, marble, slate, polished concrete and timber are stunningly recreated. It also does away with normal maintenance of natural surfaces, all at a price lower than the original. You will be amazed by how closely these tiles resemble the real thing. Tiles With Style has a vast range of digitally printed tiles on display to help you create your perfect home. Tiles With Style, your local ColorTile store, 181 Lake Road, Port Macquarie. Please phone us on 6581

3200, visit our website www. colortile. com.au or see us at the Building Supply Expo. Oxley NuLook Windows Oxley NuLook Windows is the longest established window company in Port Macquarie, which opened its doors well over 50 years ago with the original owners, and was purchased by the current owners in 2007. Oxley Nu-Look Windows are proud to be associated with and use Alspec Carinya window and door suites, in both domestic

and commercial applications. All products are manufactured and made to measure on the premises on the Corner of Fernhill Road and Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie. Oxley Nu-Look Windows employs 15; some of the current staff have been employed by the company for over 30 years, with others varying up to 20 years. We are proud to service Port Macquarie and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for the right windows and doors to install in your home or business, our dedicated team at Oxley NuLook Windows can help you design and execute your dream windows. We ensure, for our customers, that our products are all properly maintained. Call into the showroom for a quote on your upcoming project or renovation, or be sure to check out our stand at the Building Supply Expo at the Glasshouse on July 1.

P E R C I VA L P R O P E R T Y

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Moving forward in 2016, our team has the strength of experience & the capability to strategically navigate potentially changing markets or policy changes. With over 60 years experience as property specialists, our focus is not only achieving an outstanding sales outcome, but ensuring the best possible experience! Bringing a smile to the face of clients is worth its weight in gold & the testimony of their satisfaction is truly worth more than words can say... View agency & agent testimonials on line at Visit our Sales office 106 William Street, Port Macquarie p 02 6583 8606 w percival.com.au Sale data collated from 1 January - 20 May, 2016

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focus_archives

with Debbie Sommers

Wow, how things have changed since my last column last month. Firstly, the Reserve Bank has decided after 12 taxable income of less than $80,000. I think these months to lower the cash rate from 2 per cent to independent facts show Mr Shorten has got it 1.75 per cent and most of the major banks have wrong. decided to pass this on in full which is fantastic We all know the cost of something is driven news for borrowers. On the political front, Prime by supply and demand and rental properties Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called a are no different. Should ‘negative gearing’ be Federal Election. Australia will cast its abolished, we will see a decrease in the vote on July 2nd and it appears supply of properties available for that both leaders have a rental which will push up rents. difference of opinions when Those that will be hit hardest an pl u If yo it comes to ‘negative will be those who cannot is th ll se to gearing’ for real estate. le sa afford it most – tenants. ur yo , ng spri For those who don’t ith w w The Hawke/Keating Labor no ts ar st know, ‘negative gearing’ government abolished the preparation is when the total costs of ‘negative gearing’ in the of your home.” owning a property – such as 1980s, however, reinstated interest, bank charges, agent’s it after a short term due to the fees and maintenance – exceeds storm it created. the income (rent) generated over the Negative gearing is a tool used by financial year. This loss is tax deductible. many average Australians (who generally Opposition leader, Bill Shorten, and own only one investment property) as a long the Labor party are proposing to abolish term plan for financial security when they retire. ‘negative gearing’. Mr Shorten has expressed the We, as a country, should take the high road opinion that ‘negative gearing’ only benefits the and encourage all Australians to invest and to rich. As an active real estate agent at the coalface ensure they are in a position to retire comfortably of property transactions, my experience tells me a without relying on the Government for different story. hand-outs. July 2 will be interesting. CoreLogic RP Data’s head of research, Tim 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 Lawless, says the most recent Australian Taxation information contained in this article and readers should make and rely Office data shows that 68.9 per cent of those on their own enquiries as to the correctness of such information. Source: corelogic.com.au claiming ‘negative gearing’ deductions have a

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THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY JUNE MARKS THE MONTH OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN NSW. FOR MANY YEARS, THE BIRTHDAY OF QUEEN VICTORIA, 24 MAY, WAS ALSO MARKED BY A SPECIAL DAY IN AUSTRALIA, EMPIRE DAY, BUT NOT UNTIL AFTER HER DEATH.

mpire Day was held across NSW for the first time in 1905. The day was intended to recognise Queen Victoria’s long reign and to encourage school students in particular to feel proud of their country and understand that they were part of the British Empire. The day was also established in response to concerns that Federation would weaken the ties of subsequent generations of Australians to Britain. Locally, the first Empire Day brought together children from Port Macquarie, Hamilton and Blackman’s Point schools for a picnic and sports day. The children marched through Port Macquarie to the agricultural grounds, where they were seated in the grandstand and addressed by dignitaries including member of parliament Mr. R Davidson, M.L.A. and local clergy. The addresses were about certain aspects of Empire Day and were interspersed with patriotic songs such as the National Anthem (God Save the King), Rule Britannia and When the Empire Calls. Races, sports and displays followed in the afternoon, with the adults of the town coming along to view the children’s performances. The day concluded with a procession of lighted torches led by two horses proceeding through the streets to Gaol Hill, where a bonfire and display of fireworks was held. Apparently, the horses were not pleased with all the fires that spectators had lit along the way. By 1907 the children’s display programme

had been expanded to include free exercises, dumb bells, floral march, flag drill, maypoles, running maze, club and wand drills. The adults also got into the spirit of things with an “Old Buffer’s Race”. A concert held that evening in the School of Arts, featured “the best local talent” and “addresses of a highly intellectual character” were delivered. During the 1920s Empire Day celebrations were school based, with patriotic addresses and prizes awarded for academic work. In 1928 the Rev. R. Grayson concluded his address with the words: “Don’t eke out an existence in a selfish and ignoble life, but realise more and more every day the joys of citizenship and the value of a heritage”. Similar events were held in subsequent years, and local school children continued to be addressed on the importance and significance of Empire Day. In 1949 pupils at Port Macquarie Central School celebrated Empire Day with a simple open air ceremony chaired by senior pupil, Ray Robinson. The day included a recitation by George Vogele of his poem, Captain Cook Visits Australia. Empire Day was phased out during the 1950s. June 9 is International Archives Day. Archives are important historical resources and enable us to reflect accurately on the past. The Port Macquarie Museum uses its archives and archival material to tell many stories about the people, places and events from our unique past. Without archives, we may not exist.

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Estelle Gough from Port Macquarie Landcare

UPDATE

FAMILIAR FRIENDS EUCALYPTS HAVE FRIENDS THE WORLD OVER! WE CAN BE PROUD THAT OUR AUSSIE TREES ARE HIGHLY REGARDED OVERSEAS FOR PROVIDING TIMBER, FIREWOOD, AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, SUCH AS STABILISING THE SOIL.

ucalypts are adaptable, and among their many species are some that grow rapidly and cope with variable climates. Nevertheless, I was surprised to find so many in South America. Gum trees in the Andes was the last thing I expected to see! From the plane I did not recognise them, as they appeared to be conical, tall and slender. They were in plantations, all of the same age, and the young foliage looked blue. They were climbing precarious slopes at very high altitudes where there were no other trees, and were scattered through villages and farms too. These trees turned out to be Eucalyptus globulus, Tasmanian blue gums. They have flaky bark, a large fruit (gumnut), white flowers and sickle shaped leaves with the familiar smell of eucalyptus. “Globulus” means a little sphere or button, and refers to the 2 cm wide cap (operculum) that covers the flower bud. Farmers in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile are growing these gums because they are so useful and renewable. Wooden props and poles can be harvested early, while larger diameter wood is used for building, and offcuts for fuel. Afterwards, the tree will re-grow from the base: this is known as coppicing. Regular harvesting means it’s rare to see old trees. Why have the Australian gums been adopted? What about local trees? Environmental scientist Jeffrey Luzar explains that under the Incas, forests were protected. But after the Spanish

conquest in the 16th century, forests were decimated, and for centuries parts of the Andes were treeless, until eucalypts were introduced in the late 19th century. Eucalypts provided fuel and building materials, commodities that helped to reduce pressure on existing forests and to build wealth. Reafforestation has been vital to the economy. In Peru for example, gum trees were part of reforming a stratified society where 4% of “haciendas” used to control half of all arable land. In 1969 each of the big holdings was cut down to five hectares, allowing the rest of the fertile farmland to be redistributed (to the 96% of the population that were small farmers). Today, farmers use the most fertile, irrigated land to grow maize, plus the quinoa and potatoes that were formerly grown on hillsides. Those steep fields and pastures are planted instead with gum trees, as they are community properties. The eucalypts, however, may also have negative effects. Their fast growth and high transpiration rates use a lot of water, which is precious in an arid environment. They consume soil nutrients and out-compete rival plants, so there is little understorey. Luzar also says that resins from eucalypt leaves can acidify waterways, which may harm animal life. Like any introduced plant, eucalypts can spread out of control - and behave like a “weed”. So although the gum trees have made many friends since they arrived, not everyone wants them to stay. greater port macquarie focus. 101

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focus_interview

Business Minds with Jane Hillsdon of Dragonfly Marketing

BUSINESS minds

DANIEL O ’ B R I E N

i Daniel. You originally started your entrepreneurial journey in farming with a vision to produce “Australia’s best eggs”. You now run a company called Chicken Caravan which sells something quite different! Can you talk us through the journey of how you went from selling organic eggs to becoming one of our region’s leading manufacturers? In 2010 I wanted to start an egg farm and I wanted that farm to produce the very best eggs. I wanted these eggs to be used by Australia’s best chefs but before we could achieve this, I knew we needed a movable chicken shed to house our chickens. There was nothing on the market that we could just buy to do this, so we built our own movable chicken shed and called it a Chicken Caravan. Other farmers were interested in the Chicken Caravans, so in 2011 we started selling them to a few farmers. We never set out to sell these Chicken Caravans; we just wanted to build the best product for ourselves because we knew if you had a bad system in an egg farming business, your labour costs could be really high. In 2012 we won the Australian farm invention of the year and went on to sell the Chicken Caravans within every state of Australia. We have also sold a few to people in New Zealand, USA and Canada. We are now in the process of setting up distribution throughout the USA. You seem to exude a great passion for what you do. What is it that you love most about running your business? I love marketing. Marketing is communicating to the world that your product will make their life easier. I believe you are doing a service to people when you market your quality product to them. You can have the best product in the world, but if you don’t put the effort in to telling

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Video enables us to bring a refreshing the world that this product exists, then you are transparency to our customers and let them simply doing a disservice to everyone who could know that we are a real person. This has really have benefited from it. helped us to do business with people interstate I really believe our product can change the and overseas. Some of these people have face of the egg production sector of agriculture become customers and still to this day I have not on our planet. When your belief and conviction met them, but by watching our videos they feel that your product will help others is so strong, they know me and our team. it manifests into a passion. At that point it is What does the future bring for no longer about the money; it’s about Chicken Caravan? Have getting the message out there you got any exciting that this product can help initiatives planned people. for the future? You recently ran king We are also wor We have some a workshop at will on a product th ncing very cool stuff at the Digital ed for fe eliminate the ne in the pipeline Marketing Day ns and to contain chicke foxes. It that has not yet Out in which you protect them from s and lasers been released. demonstrated or will include sens ity and For instance, we how powerful tiv ac x fo ct te de that d ne an m un have Chicken video can be an e then activat that e cl hi ve al ri Caravans that as a marketing ae ground or foxes.” e th ay aw move themselves tool. Can you tell e as will ch by remote control. us how you have This means a farmer been able to use video does not need a tractor effectively to promote (which can cost thousands of Chicken Caravan? dollars) to move the caravans. Video is a great media for us to We are also working on a product tell our story, showcase our product and that will eliminate the need for fencing to share our passion. We have used video to contain chickens and protect them from foxes. connect with farmers and demonstrate how It will include by sensors and lasers that detect our product works. In fact, we have a whole fox activity and then activate an unmanned collection of videos that showcase our products ground or aerial vehicle that will chase away on YouTube. Compared to using a photo of our the foxes. I am personally really excited about products along with a list of things that it does, this product, because it has the potential to we thought that video can really show people be used with other livestock such as sheep, how they can interact with product - it’s a great cattle and goats. The impact of feral predators way to demonstrate all the moving parts in such as pigs, wild dogs and foxes accounts for operation. two hundred million dollars a year in livestock Videos also show our customers who we are. losses for Aussie farmers every year. So if we In today’s world, a lot of companies are hiding can engineer an electric body guard that can behind a logo or a phone number or a faceless keep just half of these feral predators away, Board of Directors.

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the Australian agriculture industry will be one hundred million dollars a year better off. What advice would you offer to other people looking to venture into manufacturing? Make something that no one else is making. Get feedback from your customers and find out what they love and hate about your product. If your customer knows you listen to their needs, they are more likely to keep buying from you when others enter the market. Manufacture something that you are passionate about. People feel passion; they sense it. Again, this can future proof your business by ensuring that if a competitor enters the market and competes just on price, you will have the advantage of an emotional connection to your customers. Look at Apple as another example of this. There are customers that just want to surf the internet, and they could do that on a $400 laptop, but they choose to spend $1,500 on an Apple product because they feel like they are getting more value emotionally. And finally, if you could invite any three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them? Ian Clayton; he is a New Zealand businessman and it seems that everything he touches turns to gold. He walks in a confidence of success. Tony Robbins; he has spent a lot of years studying and understanding mindset, and I believe it’s important to get your mindset sorted out. Richard Branson; he is a serial entrepreneur. Time Magazine says he is the only entrepreneur to have built eight separate billion-dollar companies in eight different industries. I’m sure I could learn a thing or two from him! Thanks for your time Daniel!

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