focus_interview
with Michelle Newman from Newman Communications
Y N E E H Y ANTHON
A
S K I P P E R
&
P O R T
J E T
O W N E R
nthony Heeney, Owner and Skipper at Port Jet cruise to Lighthouse to check out the camels and share local and Jet Ski Hire, is looking forward to a busy history with passengers taking in the views to North summer season, taking passengers Brother. on ocean tours. He owns the “We make sure everyone swaps seats business with wife Jodi and halfway to get a different experience employs a young, fun and vibrant crew. on the waves. There are plenty of on I love being out A typical day for Anthony involves dolphins, green sea turtles and of e av W e the water. Th surfing the waves at speed, coastal course, endless fun surfing the ul tif au be Rider is such a cruising and spotting local marine waves to music.” to re su ea bo at , it’s a pl ’s It life. Anthony’s friendly and For people seeking a little y! da y er drive it ev le op pe informative tours have placed Port more adventure, Port Jet e se to e awesom hales up w Jet at number one on Trip Advisor operate top of the range ng ci en ri pe ex time and for Tours in Port Macquarie. Seadoos at the exclusive close for the first part of a Anthony owns one of the fastest nine hectare jet ski park - the very special to be .” ce en ri pe vessels on the East Coast of NSW, but largest in NSW, right here in Port that ex it’s not only for thrill seekers. With 25,000 Macquarie. whales migrating north each year, the whale Anthony and wife Jodi moved from watching season is a highlight. Tamworth 18 months ago. “I’ve always This year a Wave Rider passenger snapped the owned boats and had been looking to make perfect photo of a rare Bryde’s Whale breaching right the move over this way for a while. When Port Jet in front of the boat. You can’t put a price on wildlife was for sale, we jumped at it and haven’t looked back!” experiences like these. Anthony spent six months learning about the local “I love being out on the water. The Wave Rider is such coastline from Port Jet’s previous owner. a beautiful boat, it’s a pleasure to drive it every day! It’s “It’s a given that you have to love the ocean and all the awesome to see people experiencing whales up close for the amazing marine life in it, but this job is so much fun in that first time and very special to be a part of that experience,” customers book on to have a great time; they arrive ready to said Anthony. have fun! It’s such a vibrant place to come to work in every As whale season draws to a close, the favourite tour for day. summer is the Ocean Blast Ride, skippered by Anthony or “While moving the family and setting up in a new town Roger Porte. can be a scary prospect, for our family the whole experience “With 900 hp engines, this ride is a lot of fun,” says has been amazing. For anyone thinking of making the move Anthony. - Port Macquarie is such a welcoming and beautiful place,” “We surf the waves, visit the North Shore, enjoy a coastal adds Anthony. 22 greater port macquarie focus.
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6.00am
Get up and do some sort of exercise, ride bike or run up to the lighthouse.
6.45am
Quick brekky, then head off to work.
7:30am
Open up, get boat down off hydrolift and ready for the day.
9:30am
First boat ride for the day, whale watching in season, Ocean Blast or Coastal Cruise in the warmer months.
12:00pm
Usually have some jet ski hires.
3:30pm
Start the big clean up, washing of boats, jet skis and equipment.
5:00pm
Finish up at work and start running the kids around to their various sports.
7:30pm
Walk the Great Dane and Schnauzer.
8:00pm
Dinner, then crash into bed!