Greater Port Macquarie Focus i144

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

November 2017. issue 144

DANCE for CANCER

Feature Story Dropknee Sessions

2 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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contacts.

team From the

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Jo Robinson jo@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Annette Wannell

Welcome to the November issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

annette@focusmag.com.au

T

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT / EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Chrissy Jones JP chrissy@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Sarah Dunstan sarahmay@focusmag.com.au

SALES SUPPORT/ FEATURE CONTENT CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Gale sarah@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITING Rite ‘n’ Rong Media Services rnrmedia@bigpond.com

TRAVEL EDITOR Susie Boswell sunconsulting@ozemail.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as 'Interview or Contributor' are non-sponsored content.

Greater Port Macquarie Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2017 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

FOCUS is printed by Fairfax Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation.

FOCUS delivery bags can be REDcycled at your local Coles Supermarkets and the paper through normal recycling methods.

o say we have a generous community is an understatement. Year on year, our town puts on some amazing fundraisers, and the funds pour in for many varied and deserving charities, from Masquerade and Red and Blue Balls, High Teas and High Rise challenges, White Ribbon, Dementia, MND walks, relays, digs, and so much more.

FOCUS is proud to support many of these events in our pages, but we do confess we have a favourite - and that is our annual Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer event.

Now in its fifth year, we’ve put 45 stars (aka local business people and identities) through their paces and taught them to dance, as well as raising a whopping $220,000 for the Cancer Council NSW.

This year’s event hopes to add another $70,000 to the tally! We are very proud of this achievement, but it would not be possible without the support of the local business champions who say "YES" to dance year after year, and the talented and patient local dance teachers!

If you would like to support them, you can either buy a ticket and come and watch the show, or jump on everyday hero and make a donation.

Featuring on the cover this month is one of our Star duos - businessman George Miedecke and dancer Angela Murphy. We caught up with them, to find out how preparations are going and to learn about the fundraising George has been doing for the event.

All the info is on page 6.

In this edition we interview the ever bubbly Rhonda Burchmore, who, along with longtime friend Lara Mulcahy, stars in a brand new show - ABBA-solutely Fabulous.

Tim Hitchins from Overall Photography shares his knowledge about drones and aerial photography, while Sandie Carden introduces us to our local masters swimming club. This edition of FOCUS also brings a pet pageant, kilted men, musical toddlers and more ... Plenty of reading!

As the year draws to a close (far too quickly) we'd like to do a special shout out to our contributors team, who are our ears on the ground, and bring such interesting and varied content to each edition. Thank you to Kate, Jane, Haydn, Robbie, Terri, Bronwyn, Lou, Michelle, Debbie and Susie.

WHAT’S ON GLASSHOUSE

GLASSHOUSE PORT MACQUARIE

glasshouse.portmacquarie glasshousepmq

02 6581 8888 glasshouse.org.au glasshousepmq #glasshousepmq

glasshousepmq

LEE KERNAGHAN

A VERY KRANSKY CHRISTMAS ... THE KOOKIEST CHRISTMAS PARTY YET!

BOYS FROM THE BUSH - 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Saturday 11 November, 8pm

Thursday 30 November, 8pm

Lee Kernaghan is one of the undisputed all-time greats of Australian country. Limited seats available.

With their unusual array of instruments from cheese grater to toilet brush, tuba to musical saw, settle in with the Kransky Sisters for what could be your kookiest Christmas party yet.

IN THE GALLERY LAUNCH: Friday 17 November, 6pm

Gallery entry is FREE

IN THE GALLERY

all welcome, bookings http://bit.ly/yourhealthlink Cost: $20 ON VIEW: Saturday

18 November

YOUR HEALTH LINK Your Health Link National Photographic Competition and Exhibition is a program developed by the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD).

The Exhibition will showcase diverse and stunning photographs submitted by amateur and professional photographers from across Australia depicting a broad range of health related themes.

COMING SOON!!

Would you like to be a part of the Mid North Coast’s favourite showcase exhibition Northern Exposure?

Watch this space as expressions of interests open December!

In January we invite you to come and explore how contemporary art can inspire our imagination by creating a dazzling world through vivid colour, magnificent form and breathtaking fantasy!

Finn Rayner, Fruits Of Our Labour, Primary School First Prize Winner

Greater Port Macquarie focus 3

focusinterview.

DRSOePssKioNnsEE

THIRTY-TWO LOCAL, AUSTR ALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL DROPKNEE TALENTS WILL MEET IN PORT MACQUARIE ON NOVEMBER 11, FOR THE DROPKNEE SESSIONS EVENT. CLAYTON PICKWORTH, EVENT ORGANISER, SAYS WE ARE SET TO EXPERIENCE SOME FANTASTIC ACTION ON THE DAY …

H

i Clayton. What's your history with bodyboarding - and specifically - the Dropknee style?

I guess it all started from my school days, where bodyboarding was quite big in the late '80s/ early '90s, so we tried it out as mates at school and got hooked. From there, we started competing in local club events and progressed through to regional, state and national tour events. 1997 saw an end to my competition days as such, and I moved into becoming an event judging official.

Over the next few years, judging many tour events and working my way up to be a World Tour judge, I became more interested in the Dropknee style of bodyboarding. Talking and hanging out with top Dropknee riders in the sport led to many conversations about contests and rules, which in turn created the idea of starting my own contest, called Dropknee Sessions.

The Dropknee style of bodyboarding was started back in the late '80s in Hawaii by a guy named Jack “Da Rippa” Lindholm at the famous Pipeline surf break. He created the style by getting up on his knees and then placing one foot at the front of his board, simulating a “wedding proposal” type stance, which he called Dropknee. It became very popular in the contest scene for riders like Keith Sasaki, Jay Reale, Kyle Maligro and was pushed into future moves by Paul Roach and Aka Lyman.

How does the Dropknee style differ from other styles?

Pretty simple, really. The main style of bodyboarding is “Prone”, where you simply lie 4 Greater Port Macquarie focus

flat of your stomach on the board and either move along the wave to the left or right.

Dropknee is more challenging and difficult, due to the positioning of your back knee and front foot on the board, which creates a different balance whilst trying to ride the wave.

You've been involved with organising Dropknee events locally for quite a few years now. How do you feel the sport has grown/changed?

Yes, this will be my 10th Dropknee Sessions event since the first event in 2002. I have had a break in hosting these since 2010 due to work commitments, but we are back and building the events once more.

Since the boom of the sport in the '80s and '90s, we have seen many fluctuating trends in both grassroots and professional levels. Local clubs are just ticking along, but always need help from volunteers. The current Australasian Tour is doing well, with some great events around the country, and the APB World Tour is really kicking some goals in many countries, hosting great events and doing some unreal social projects with underprivileged kids, encouraging them to be aware of the water and general bodyboard basics.

The industry has gone through massive changes in both manufacturing and product development, with some futuristic design and material upgrades which has really been a benefit for the sport. But, we still need to focus on our grassroots members and local clubs, so if you would like to be involved in a great outdoors sport that keeps you fit, contact your local club and become a member!

Tell us a bit about Dropknee Sessions - the event organised for November 11 in Port

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Dropknee Sessions is a one day event that hosts the best riders from around the world. The event location will be announced on the day, conditions pending, and usually runs between Town and Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie. The first heat is planned to be in the water at 7am (TBC).

What calibre of (and how many) competitors are you expecting at the event?

The world’s best will be attending, and we have a draw of 32 riders. We have previously had riders from Hawaii, Peru, New Zealand, Canary Islands, Japan, USA Mainland, Israel and of course, all over Australia.

What's the format of the comp?

The event will host 32 riders, which involves a total of 23 heats. All heats will be 20 minutes in length, with a 30 minute final. The first round will be 8 x 4 person heats, which then leads into our popular “Man-on-Man” heats right the way through until the final, where we will crown our 2017 Champion.

Which competitors do you feel will be the ones to watch this year?

We have previous event winners like Grant Molony (Central Coast), current Australian National Champion Gary Thatcher (QLD), old school legend Stevie Maher (Sunshine Coast) and newcomers Mitch Ashcroft and Mitch Parker from Coffs Harbour.

What are you looking forward to about the event?

Being the first event back after a long hiatus, I just want to make sure the event runs smoothly and Mother Nature looks after us with some fun

waves. DKS prides itself on making sure its competitors get value for money and have a great time whilst visiting our town. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the event and its presentation at Moorebeer!

Any thanks/acknowledgements you'd like to give to those who've supported you with the Dropknee Sessions?

This year’s supporters include SWS Board Store (Wollongong), Cleave Bodyboards (Japan), Fruition Accessories, Fulcrum Wetsuits, RKD Co, Moorebeer, Intricate Shockwave and Minority Bodyboarding.

Going forward, I hope to forge some building relationships with more local companies, to showcase what we have in our region that will attract riders to come and experience what Port Macquarie has to offer the bodyboarders of the world.

More info?

Please check out all our social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds, as well as our website at: www.dksessions.com Also, Google Dropknee Sessions on YouTube to see all the video footage of the event, which will showcase these talented riders.

If you would like to come along and see firsthand how the event runs, stay tuned to our event updates on where the event will be held via our social media, or call our event hotline 0428 237 788 to find out where we will be!

Thanks Clayton.

Photos courtesy of: Matt Brockie.

issue inside this

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Issue 144 - November 2017

Project Goddess.

Project Goddess’ mission is to change the face of health and fitness in the eyes of women.

Every woman deserves to feel like a Goddess, no matter their size, shape, culture ... FOCUS chats to the Goddess herself, Jessie, about her inspiring project...

Pete Murray.

After a six year hiatus, Pete Murray is back with a twist on his old sound, and a new album that speaks for itself “Camacho”, meaning “the act of cool”.

He chatted with FOCUS ahead of the Live Lane Festival, where you can catch Pete alongside fellow cool kids Busby Marou, Roy Rose and more …

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16 40

ABBA-Solutely Fabulous.

Come along to Cassegrain Winery for the 13th Annual Oysters in the vines a fun day out for the whole family. Local talent to perform with delicious food stalls including fresh local oysters and gourmet produce. Experience an oyster and wine matching masterclass.

There will be activities for the kids and entry is Free.

CASSE GR A I N W I N E RY 10 A M - 4 PM

Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy tell the story of their lives growing up as obsessed ABBA fans in the ’70s - perfect timing, as it’s 40 years ago since ABBA came down under for their major tour! Big hair, lycra jumpsuits and the smash hits from ABBA make this show something truly special. It’s funny, heartwarming, and a true blast from the past …

Regulars

10. WHAT’S ON FOR NOVEMBER 22. EAT LOCAL RESTAURANTS 32. SOCIAL SCENE WITH KATE WOOD-FOYE 37. PALATE PLEASURES WITH LOU PERRI 44. OUT TO LUNCH WITH SUSIE BOSWELL 79. STARGUIDE WITH TERRI HALL 93. PORT CHAMBER UPDATE WITH HADYN ORITI 95. TOURISM WITH JANETTE HYDE 115. LANDCARE WITH BRONWYN NEWTON.

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764 Fernbank Creek Road Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 Phone (02) 6582 8377

www.cassegrainwines.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 5

focusinterview.

Local businessman George Miedecke is no stranger to a challenge - he enjoys the fast paced, competitive scene of motorsports and also working in the family business, Miedecke Motors. But the question remains - can he dance?

W

G E O R G E

e’ll know come November 24th, when George steps foot on the dance floor at Rydges Hotel - where he is dancing with Angela Murphy as part of the all star line up in the 2017 Stars of Hastings Dance for Cancer.

We chat to George and Ange, to get to know them better.

Hi George. For those of us who don't know you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I consider myself a really lucky guy - very proud to work in the family business of selling cars at the Miedecke Motor Group. I’ve been General Manager of new car sales for two years now and am really enjoying taking the business in a new direction. I have a daughter, Eva, who is almost two years old and is the light of my life! Watching her grow up is an adventure all in itself. I also spent 10 years racing professionally both in Australia and the US and still keep my eye on that now!

Give us a recap on your 2017 racing season.

2017 started off with a bang for me …

Literally! I was competing in the Bathurst 12 Hour in an Aston Martin GT3 car and unfortunately suffered heavy carbon monoxide poisoning, which caused me to pass out and have a pretty large crash. It was a real shame, as we had been punching well above our weight - at the time we were running 5th in a field of over 50 cars.

Apart from that, I won a race in Sydney a couple of months back - I found it took me a long time to overcome the effects of Bathurst, 6 Greater Port Macquarie focus

M I E D E C K E so I’ve been taking a bit of time off (racing, that is!)

You've taken up the challenge to swap racing boots for dance shoes - how are rehearsals going so far?

I can’t say enough about my dancing partner, Ange Murphy. Her patience and skill is pretty amazing, and I’ve been lucky in that we work together really well. We’ve become good friends too, which is a nice bonus! There’s still a lot of “polish” to go, but we’ve been working hard and I think we’ll go OK on the night.

What makes you passionate about this particular fundraiser for the Cancer Council?

Well, it was actually Louise at FOCUS who convinced/cajoled/twisted my arm into doing it, but the more I thought about it, the more I identified with it.

We lost my step-mum to cancer a few years back and the more I learned about the role that the Cancer Council plays, the more obligated I felt to help. Plus, it gets me out of my comfort zone, which is always something I try to challenge myself with!

You've organised some great fundraisers - how much are you hoping to raise, and who has helped you out so far?

You’re right; we’ve had some great support so far. Our recent fundraiser, raffling off a Ford Mustang for the weekend, was incredibly successful, and other than that we are just gearing up for the next one, our dinner on the 24th at Bill’s Fishhouse.

I am hoping to raise around $10,000, but honestly, the generous support I’ve had so far has been amazing. Anything is a win!

Thanks George.

A

A N G E L A

M U R P H Y

PORT MACQUARIE PERFORMING ARTS

nge, when did you begin dancing?

I started dancing at the age of four at Francessca Louise Academy of Dance in Wauchope. I was hooked straight away; I spent more time at the studio than at home!

Who have been some of your greatest mentors/teachers?

At 15 I went full-time for a year in Newcastle with Tessa Maunder, and the following year I spent at the Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy in Sydney. My teachers were fabulous; I received excellent training at both schools. Francessca O’Donnell was my teacher for 11 years; she was and is an incredible mentor. She taught me so much more than how to pirouette. She is my second mum!

Do you have any dance careers highlights to share?

Living and working in Germany as a ballerina in my early 20s was a dream come true. My favourite performance would have to be Coppelia with the Oper am Rhein, Düsseldorf.

My career was cut short due to an injury that still plagues me today. I was absolutely crushed when I decided to stop due to pain.

You are a local dance teacher - where do you work, and what styles do you teach?

I teach six days a week at Port Macquarie Performing Arts. I enjoy teaching a range of styles, including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Lyrical ...

Actually, I teach almost anything! I have been fortunate to work alongside Stacey and the rest of the amazing team at PMPA for four

years!

You are helping George Miedecke learn to dance - can you tell us what style you are doing and how the routine is shaping up?

George and I are performing a Cabaret Jazz.

He is a little bit of a perfectionist, which is fine by me; I guess we have that in common!

We’ve had a few obstacles, as he is the tallest man in Port Macquarie. Some of the lifts in the routine may end in my head going through the roof at Rydges! George has great rhythm and is very enthusiastic! I think we make a great team!

What are you looking forward to most about this performance?

I am looking forward to the after party! I think I’ll be very nervous on the night! I can’t wait to see if George can pull off the difficult routine I’ve given him! Seriously though, I’m honoured to be a part of this wonderful charity event. The Cancer Council gives so much support to people in need. I am so thrilled to be involved!

Thanks Ange.

Support George and our other stars’ fundraising by visiting: everydayhero.com.au/event/ starsofthehastings2017 Tickets are almost sold out! Just 30 left.

Visit 123tix.com.au to book.

Where 24th November 2017.

Where Rydges Hotel.

Doors open 6:15.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 7

focusinterview.

Bleasdale.

Domestic violence is a wholecommunity issue - it affects people from all walks of life. With White Ribbon day, November 25th, fast approaching, Karen Bleasdale - a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer with the Mid North Coast Police Local Area Command - wanted to find a way to spread public awareness about the issue, and she’s come up with a terrific idea ... Cuppawareness!

H

i Karen. Tell us a little about your role with the Mid North Coast Police LAC ...

I am one of three Domestic Violence Liaison Officers within the Mid North Coast LAC, and we are a critical link for police in investigating and supporting domestic violence victims. We provide advice to police and victims, refer families to local support agencies, review and oversee domestic violence reports, and assist victims through the court process for Apprehended Violence Orders.

You face issues in your job that most of us would never wish to deal with on a daily basis ... Just how big a problem do you feel domestic violence is at a local level?

It is such a hidden issue within the community, because it happens within the confines of the family unit; it relies upon power, control and fear of one party over another. Up until recently, few would speak up about domestic violence if they knew it was happening, because they believed it was not their business.

We are all working on altering that perception and changing the community mindset. It involves a lot of service agencies and specialist workers. It’s a crime which does not discriminate; it is not one which has certain socioeconomic targets; anyone can be affected.

Explain the thought processes behind the "Cuppawareness" campaign …

It's an extension on previous ideas, which I've concocted over the years within the DVLO role, to bring greater community awareness to the issue. Originally my colleague, Northern Region Domestic Violence Coordinator Ruth Edwards, and I kicked off the White Ribbon Coastal Walk almost 10 years ago; we have run the Saving

8 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Mums and Dad Market at Wauchope and a few other smaller initiatives.

I wanted more emphasis on the community being involved. Last year I stamped local café merchandise with the ribbon emblem as a way of having the community take charge of the message getting out. This year’s Cuppawareness has grown from that simple idea. With coffee being such a big part of people's daily ritual, it was obvious to me that this was the way for the community to take the message on themselves if the information was provided.

How will the idea work?

The idea is a very simple one: provide coffee cups to local participating coffee shops. The cups have the internationally recognised White Ribbon symbol printed on a coffee cup sleeve.

The other side of the sleeve provides services people can contact for assistance. These services assist not only victims, but perpetrators of domestic violence wanting help, and those persons supporting victims of domestic violence to gain support.

It needed to look different from what is around on takeaway coffee cups, so that it would be instantly identifiable - hence the cup sleeve. The participating coffee outlets will use them from the 25th November in place of their normal takeaway coffee cups.

Who has come on board to help with sponsorship/donations towards the campaign?

Through the community grants application, I was fortunate enough to gain the amazing support of Port City Bowling Club, who have donated $14,000 and Westport Club, who have donated $4,000 towards the initiative. Both of the clubs were able to see the potential in the project in its ability to bring greater awareness to their local community.

Where can we find a Most importantly, It needed to look different from list of participating it’s about starting the what is around on takeaway coffee café venues? conversation. Great cups, so that it would be There is a conversations happen instantly identifiable Cuppawareness Facebook over a cup of coffee. hence the cup sleeve. The Page which is continually A conversation with participating coffee outlets being updated with a trusted friend could will use them from the 25th the project’s current change the direction of November in place of their status. We are inviting a family. Even if you are normal takeaway coffee cups. people to like and not affected by domestic share the page with violence, you may have their friends to get the a friend who is. Know message out. There will be a list released on the where to call when you or someone you care FB page when it's finalised of the participating about is ready for change. shops, so we can show who is supporting Educate yourself on domestic violence, so us. We have over 60 coffee suppliers in the you have a greater understanding of it and Hastings committing to it. know where resources are if you need them.

Shops supporting us will also be displaying On an individual level, you can take the oath a sign. Rosie Batty, the 2015 Australian of the to stand up and speak out, businesses can Year, has even found out about Cuppawareness become accredited to be a White Ribbon - which is amazing!

Workplace; it's a whole of organisation How have other community groups commitment to stop violence against women. If become involved? you see a white ribbon being sold in the The community have come on board with community, purchase it and wear it as a symbol such enthusiasm. The Wauchope, Bonny Hills of your support. and Port Macquarie day and evening branch Register to attend the White Ribbon of the CWA have all donated their time to Coastal Walk in Port Macquarie on Sunday, assisting putting the sleeves on the cups, so the November 26th and most importantly, walk coffee shops don't have to do it. Community the coffee cups out into the community Corrections have also arranged volunteers to when you purchase your takeaway coffee assist. and show your support to those who need It's little things which have touched me with it. Further information about White Ribbon people's generosity. Once they find out about can be found at the White Ribbon website: the project, they are so happy to help; the www.whiteribbon.org.au encouragement from the community towards Like and share the Facebook page @ persons involved in domestic violence is positive cuppawareness and read the Westport blog and encouraging. These families need to know page about the Cuppawareness initiative. that the community as a whole is concerned.

To register for the White Ribbon Coastal November 25th is White Ribbon Day. How Walk, go to www.pmhastingsdfv.com.au/ can the local community acknowledge the events-1/white-ribbon significance of this day?

Thanks Karen.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 9

focus_What’s On Greater Port Macquarie

NOVEMBER

Friday Flower Market byThe Botanic Merchant Every Friday at Murray St Bakery - beautiful seasonal blooms at market prices. Visit www.facebook.com/ thebotanicmerchant for updates.

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Kennards Hire Rally Australia The beautiful Coffs Coast of New South Wales will play host once again to Rally Australia, the annual Australian leg of the FIA World Rally Championship. Only Australia’s second world championship event, alongside Formula 1, this epic competition features some of the world’s greatest drivers battling for supremacy in the toughest and most varied conditions on the planet. When 16th - 18th November.

Where Coffs Harbour. Tickets rallyaustralia.com.au

Grown and Gathered This local community market is fast becoming known as the region’s friendliest market. Featuring fantastic food, great coffee, eclectic and interesting stalls, including jewellery, artworks, metalwork, recycled clothing, knitwear, jams, preserves and plenty more. When Sunday 5th Nov, 9am - 12pm. Where Hollisdale Hall, 1493 Pappinbarra Road, Hollisdale, NSW 2446.

Sand Mania

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No matter your age or fitness level, Sand Mania Port Macquarie has got something for you. Come on your own or with your work mates, family, school friends, team or club mates. Run, walk, skip or jump your way around the course and show us your best moves! As for Fancy Dress ... well, it’s almost a given. We have prizes for best individual and group, so dig out your wacky fancy dress, PJs, superhero or Santa suit and show us your creative side.

When 12 November. More info www.sandmaniapmq.com

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Cinema Under the Stars Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars is Australia’s largest free outdoor cinema program and is coming to Port Macquarie! The event kicks off at 5:30pm with a fantastic line up of family friendly entertainment and activities, before the blockbuster movie Sing screens at sundown. When Friday 17th Nov, 5:30pm - 10pm. Where Westport Park. Phone 13 19 87.

Website www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/cinema

Swap Meet Moto Fest Join in the 1st Anniversary Celebration of the Motorcycle Friendly Town Wauchope at Moto Fest Wauchope. With a raft of activities and entertainment, this is one event not to be missed. The event is family friendly, with something for everyone! Show and shine, gymkhana, buskers, food, trade stalls and more! Where Saturday 18th November, 8am - 4pm. Tickets Adults $10; children under 18 free. Where Wauchope Showground. More info www.motofest.com.au

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The Benevolent Society

Welcome and open morning for The Benevolent Society, NDIS provider. When 29th November.

Where The Benevolent Society Office - 143 Horton Street, Port Macquarie. Time 10am to noon.

Contact for more info - Kay Piera 0408 945 958.

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The Blessing of the Angels

The Blessing of the Angels is a remembrance service for babies whose lives were short but treasured. The service is open to anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby through miscarriage, birth, or even shortly after birth.

The babies do not have to be born in the Port Macquarie area. Where St Thomas Anglican Church, Port Macquarie.

When 11:30, Sunday 3rd December. Followed by a morning tea.

focuseditorial.

A Photographic Art Exhibition with a difference will be held at Port Macquarie’s Masterpiece Framing and Gallery during November and December 2017.

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rtists from Port Macquarie Panthers Photographic Club have cooperated to produce a wide range of artworks that are truly unique.

While many people think of photography as simply a snapshot, a documentary or a recorded image, most will be surprised to see photographs in this exhibition presented in a completely different context.

Here there is a strong representation of interpretive photographic techniques, which enhance the images’ emotional impact, as well as their visual beauty. These can be seen featured in a range of genres - spanning pictorial as well as abstract and expressive art forms.

Images created by traditional wet darkroom techniques, as well as modern digital interpretations will be on show. They manifest as both framed prints and canvases. There are

Expressions in

even exhibits that combine both wet darkroom and digital disciplines in some truly stunning representations. Port Macquarie Panthers Photographic Club sits at the forefront of creative, artistic and interpretive photography, and continually strives to stretch the many ways that photography is presented as an art form.

Masterpiece Framing and Gallery of 91 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie will host this wonderful exhibition from 1st November until 28th December 2017. All artworks are for sale, with some already pre-sold. The gallery will be open daily, Mondays to Saturdays, and visitors are welcome, with parking both in front and at the rear of the Gallery.

For further information on this outstanding exhibition visit https://www.facebook. com/Masterpiece-Framing-AndGallery-350741538335004/

image of the month.

Title: Adult Humpback head-lunging.

Photo by: Jodie Lowe - Canon 80D with a Canon 70-300mm L series Lens.

Follow jodie_lowe88 for amazing images of our marine life.

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see?

Just email sarah@focusmag.com.au

Admission to the exhibition is FREE.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 11

focus_Contributor

E R I C F R O M T H E O T H E R C H E F W W W . T H E O T H E R C H E F. C O M . A U

AT ’S IN

season WH

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Cabbage

abbage is cool. In case you hadn’t and antioxidants and are naturally low noticed that fermented cabbage has in calories. If you aren’t into fermented been a growing cabbage, they can food trend, local be served raw in restaurants and cafés are salads and slaws or increasingly including dishes cooked into soups, using German sauerkraut stews, curries and The health benefits and Korean kimchi on more. of fermented cabbage their menus.

If you are - fermenting The health benefits of fermented cabbage have seen it become a very trendy menu item - and any trend that gets people eating more of this superfood has to be a good thing.

have seen it become a very trendy menu item - and any trend that gets people eating more of this superfood has to be a good thing.

Cabbages are full of essential vitamins

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workshops are a thing - or if you want to try it yourself, there are any number of internet sites that will point you in the right direction.

Essentially, making sauerkraut is a process of pickling called lactic acid fermentation - similar to how traditional (not heat-treated) pickled

cucumbers and kimchi are made. The cabbage is finely shredded, layered with salt, and left to ferment. Fully cured sauerkraut keeps for several months in an airtight container stored at 15°C or below. Neither refrigeration nor pasteurisation is required, although these treatments will prolong storage life.

Green and red cabbages are now in season, grown locally by Matt Davis at Telegraph Point and are available at Ken Little Fruit and Vegetables in Munster Street.

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Multi award winning zoo, including Winner Top Tourist Attraction Mid North Coast Business Awards 2007, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017.

15in theYears Making

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Billabong Zoo’s owners, the Stone family, will celebrate 15 years as the zoo’s custodians on the 2nd December; what a great 15 years they have had! Chrissy Jones chatted with Mark Stone and some of the keepers.

ow has the zoo grown over the years, Mark?

We started with two staff members and now have 22, evolving from a wildlife park to a nationally respected oo.

From the start, my wife Danena, our children, Blake and Brooke, the staff and I have been determined to push Billabong on to the big stage and into the limelight.

From the acquisition of our first real exotic animal, the Black Hand Spider Monkeys, to the arrival of our Snow Leopards, to the transportation of an almost 5 metre monster croc (Shrek) from Darwin to the importation of critical new bloodlines, Cheetahs and Lions from Africa … it has been all go, go, go for the Billabong team.

The zoo is undergoing some major renovations; what difference will they make?

It’s now time for the Billabong main building to undergo a facelift and bring it into the 20th Century. Many of the construction companies that I spoke to suggested it would be cheaper and easier to knock it down and start again. But it was important for us to keep the integrity of the iconic landmark and renovate it.

The renovations will include a new ambulant toilet and parenting room, total upgrade of the ladies' and gents' toilet facilities, and some long overdue staff amenities (offices and meeting room).

There'll be a very bright and fun designated children’s party room, a new modern entry and administration entry counter, kitchen refurbishment and funky café remodelling, which will eventually include an extension to better facilitate for locals who would like to just come to the zoo café, for brekky or lunch, without visiting the zoo. We are planning a full feature in the January edition of FOCUS, so stay tuned.

Are the day to day activities at the zoo affected at all?

Yes, of course this scale of project will disrupt things a little as we progress through, but we are meeting the challenges head on and pushing for14 Greater Port Macquarie focus

ward for the mid December completion deadline, just in time for the Xmas holidays.

Everyone can still come and enjoy a normal day at the zoo and see firsthand what we are up to.

So it’s all systems go … What can visitors experience daily? Animal encounters?

Yes! We have more than 15 presentations every day, where our guests get the opportunity to see our wonderful wildlife up close and personal, as our passionate keepers explain all about our residents of Billabong.

We have expanded our wildlife encounters, where small groups get very close to our Meerkats, Snow Leopards, Cheetahs, Red Pandas and more.

What has been your main aim with the zoo?

Danena and I have always aspired to encourage “Conservation through Education“; it’s been the zoo's primary mission statement right from the get go. There needs to be a good reason for animals to be in captivity. All of our furry and feathered friends are ambassadors for their species and part of our family, and we aim to be ambassadors for our wonderful wildlife.

Sure, we could show pictures and documentaries and all that helps the cause, but nothing touches you like seeing the real thing and appreciating them for the wonderful creatures they are.

We spend a lot of time each week educating our visitors at our daily presentations, and our keepers are 110% dedicated to what they do.

Billabong staff and the keepers constantly raise awareness and funds for conservation organisations both here in Australia and overseas and work tirelessly towards caring for and ensuring our animal family have the best care and conditions possible.

FROM THE KEEPERS What’s a typical day at the zoo?

Blake - Keeper: Whilst most of us would say there there isn’t really an average day, our day is a combination of public interactions, grounds maintenance, enclosure cleaning and refreshments, and of course, what most people think of, feeding and working with the animals.

Favourite part of your job … The diversity that keeps things interesting and the animals that ensure no two days are ever the same.

What’s a typical day at the zoo?

Brooke - Keeper: Every day is very different, which makes it interesting. My day starts at about 6:30am, when I wake to feed a Swamp Wallaby joey, Cindy. I feed her many times throughout the day in between jobs. My day ends at about 11pm, when Cindy has her last bottle of the day.

Favourite part of your job … There are many amazing parts of the job. I feel that the most rewarding part is seeing the excitement on a child's or adult's face when they see the animals.

On top of this, I know I am contributing to the conservation of a species through our educational talks and being involved in awareness days and fundraisers.

What’s a typical day at the zoo?

Stu - Keeper: Feeding, cleaning and caring for the creatures in our care, along with sharing our passion for wildlife with visitors and promoting conservation and education.

Favourite part of your job … Spending quality time with Shrek and the other reptiles. I also enjoy the love and attention from some of our birds, particularly two young Major Mitchell cockatoos, who think I am their mum. A zookeeper's job is like an iceberg. What the visitors see is merely the tip or small part of our work. It is a job that’s tough, rough (plenty of blood, sweat and tears) but through it all the bond and passion for the wildlife makes it all worthwhile.

What’s a typical day at the zoo?

Brad - Keeper: Every day is different, so there's never really a typical day.

Favourite part of your job…

Being around the animals.

What’s a typical day at the zoo?

Pam - Keeper: Providing five star care for all of the animals at the zoo every day. This includes cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment and spending quality time with the animals.

Favourite part of your job … I have so many favourites! Walking the Dingoes around the park,

hand feeding the Red Pandas and playing with the Meerkats, just to name a few. Zookeepers wear many hats. We are educators, conservationists, animal nutritionists, nurses, maintenance workers, gardeners ... The list goes on and on!

Each day is different, and that is what I love about my job. We are passionate about animals and love doing what we can to support the plight of those in the wild as well.

What is the typical day in the life of a zookeeper?

Ashley - Keeper: There really is no "typical" day; every day is different. I think that’s part of the attraction the job; you never know how the day will play out. The diversity makes it really important that you are prepared for anything.

Christy - Keeper: Well I’m not sure that any day is “typical” especially working with animals and people! So its essential to be flexible and prioritize as different situations arise. Generally though, the day starts with a short meeting amongst staff, then we head off to our various sections to check our animals, feed, clean and set up for the day.

Favourite part of your job … When you are rewarded by the animals for all the hard work you put in. It can be really emotional if you have been working with an animal to learn a new command or a new animal where you need to gain their trust; sometimes it can take weeks and weeks, but when you achieve it, it is really a fantastic feeling.

I love getting to know the animals as individuals and developing a friendship with them, based on mutual trust and respect. Working closely and being able to interact with the cheetahs and lions has been a dream of mine for many years - so it’s a huge blessing that it's become a reality for me.

Some of my other zoo friends that I share a special relationship with include Shrek the crocodile, Lisa the quoll, Private the penguin, Spot the carpet python and Peta the koala. I also really love training the animals - it’s a great feeling when the animal “gets” what you’re asking it to do.

Thanks everyone.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 15

Al Owen from Black Duck Brewery, Pix Jonasson from Funpreneur, Barbara Smith from The Roving Trainer, Dean Michel from Port Pix, Louise Beaumont from FOCUS and Jennifer Broughton from Events Consultant.

What are some other fundraising events you’re taking part in?

Karl McLean bcu Port Macquarie

Meet one of our other Hastings Dance for Cancer stars, Karl McLean from bcu Port Macquarie. Karl has teamed up with Jacqui and Liz from La Vive Studios - and he's been super busy fundraising for the cause ...

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ou’re participating in DWTS coming up in November; how has the ride been for you so far? Best description is "Rollercoaster"!

The challenge is the dancing - I’m green, and it’s showing. Luckily, I have two dedicated dancers (Jacqui and Liz) from La Vive Studios, who are making good progress in turning my chunky, stiff body into a fluid, smooth rhythm machine …

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Well, that’s the plan anyway! The best part has been meeting so many passionate locals jumping on board – many are cancer survivors themselves – with very inspiring stories that really reinforce “why” we are all involved. 50% of Australians it's a statistic we are all really concerned about.

This is an opportunity to really impact that positively.

You’re working heavily with Cancer Council.

with friends and family. I want to be able to give back and with bcu also being heavily involved in the community, I get the opportunity with their support to make a local difference. We have plenty more work to do, and I’m looking forward to it!

We participate in the local Disabled Surfers Association; they kick off again soon, so looking forward to helping out there. In addition, we sponsored Mother’s Day Classic (helping How is bcu supporting out at registration also), you through all of this?

Child Protection Day, In a range of different Port Macquarie is an amazing Lions Club Pet Parade ways! bcu are passionate place, and I feel privileged at St Columbus School, about supporting our local to be a part of the Aboriginal Torres Strait community and knowing community here - great Islander kids' day and that I have the full support friends, great people and The Teddy Bears Picnic of my employer to commit a beautiful environment (National Child Protection to give back to our local in which to enjoy with friends Week). bcu also gave area, whether it be through and family. out four Bill Ussher DTWS or other ways, is Scholarships to students really rewarding. in the Hastings and hope How has your team to give more out this year. impacted the Port Log onto Macquarie community and supported you? bcu.com.au/studentplus-scholarships to submit My team has been amazing and has such diverse your application for a $2,000 scholarship. members - Sally is an advocate for animal What is driving you to hold all of these welfare, Lauren is passionate about our beautiful amazing events? environment, David really cares about helping The main driver would definitely be my the elderly through music, Sianna has a strong grandfather's inspiring work with the Cancer interest in local sport, Heather advocates for Council; the full story regarding this is on my youth development, and I am passionate about everyday hero DWTS website. Another main people and health. Combined, we all look at how driver is just how amazing Port Macquarie is we can make a positive impact locally, with bcu and how privileged I feel to be a part of the supporting us in getting out there and making a community here - great friends, great people difference. I’m really proud of our local team and and a beautiful environment in which to enjoy keen for us to do more next year.

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From real estate shoots, to television commercials, filming local events and capturing scenic images, Tim Hitchins is kept extremely busy … But this is just the beginning of Tim’s drone knowledge, flying and photography skills. Are you considering purchasing a drone for Christmas? Tim can help. He can also teach you how to operate one safely … Oh, and as if that’s not enough to keep Tim constantly on the go, he also volunteers with the Rural Fire Service!

Tim Hitchins O V E R A L L

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i Tim. What's your background ... Where did you grow up and go to school?

I lived just up the road in South West Rocks for many years, before moving to Port permanently when I was 10. I completed my high schooling and HSC in 2014 at St Columba Anglican School.

I’ve wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember - something about big planes has always amazed me. I learnt to fly when I was fifteen with the Hastings District Flying Club. I completed my first solo flight - flying a plane by myself - long before I could legally drive a car alone and gained my Recreational Pilot certificate some months later.

I began training with the Australian International Aviation College in Port Macquarie when I finished school and completed my Private Pilot Licence in July of 2015. I then began working towards my commercial pilot licence.

In late 2015 I had the opportunity to play an active part in developing a drone photography business, which was originally known as Quantum UAVs. That business has evolved into my business today, Overall Photography Mid North Coast.

How was your interest in photography initially sparked?

I have owned more than my fair share of remote controlled helicopters and planes over the years, and initially my passion was more 18 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Drone technology is changing so quickly; it was clear from the start that I would have to

with flying the gadgets, precision. and the photographic We also offer full keep up with the latest aspect was simply part of start-to-finish filming equipment. I feel that my the package. I have always and production for clients notice and appreciate this, enjoyed creating movies events, promotional as they recognise that Overall and short videos, and this and corporate films, Photography always strives to experience, combined with as well as for premium deliver the best possible product. my flying qualifications, real estate listings, with equipped me to start on the ability to film not this pathway. only from the air, but I bought my first real “drone” at the start of also the ground with our stabilised camera 2015 and from there - my newfound passion equipment. really “took off” (sorry)!

We also regularly film TV commercials, It had to be said, ha ha! How did you learn several of which are currently airing across the more about drones and their capabilities?

North Coast.

After buying that first drone in 2015, my The difference you get when you hire Overall interest really increased. Since then I have Photography is the knowledge and experience owned pretty much every drone that DJI has of our pilots. We have years of experience released. operating these machines and know exactly Drone technology is changing so quickly; it how to get you “the money shot” for your was clear from the start that I would have to project. We aren’t trying things for the first keep up with the latest equipment. I feel that time; we have proven experience in a wide my clients notice and appreciate this, as they range of projects. recognise that Overall Photography always Due to our standing within the UAV strives to deliver the best possible product. (unmanned aerial vehicle) industry, we have You have a double pronged business. also been granted rare and specific permissions Firstly, tell us a bit about your aerial from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), photography services. What can you offer including authority to operate: over populous clients? areas, within 30 m of people (as close as 5 m); A lot of people think that we just “take and at night - all of which are strictly prohibited photos with drones”, but we offer so much for unlicensed operators, and most licensed more. My passion now is producing seamless, ones as well. This gives our company a leading professional film productions and flying edge as one of few companies in Australia able our aerial camera platforms with cinematic to offer these services.

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Overall Photography Mid North Coast is my own part of the broader Overall Photography group, which has been rapidly expanding throughout Australia - now having pilots available in most states and territories.

We receive repeat work from large clients, who use our services exclusively because of the continued quality and reliability across all of their projects.

You also sell drones - which I must say are a pretty cool Christmas gift idea - under the other arm of your business, North Coast Drones. What types of drones do you sell, and what are some of their tech specs (for the geeky amongst our readers)?

That’s right, Jo. We also have a retail arm called North Coast Drones, which solely deals in the supply of drones to customers all over Australia. We sell the full range of DJI products, as well as accessories to complement these products. DJI is the market leader in international drone manufacture and supply and have some mind-blowing pieces of technology.

What most people would identify as a “typical drone” is more than likely a DJI Phantom, one of the most popular drones in the world, which now features a 20 megapixel camera and can record 4 K video at 60 frames per second - amazing for its size!

The Phantom is our biggest seller, but in recent times DJI has once again blown us away with the miniaturisation of drones - namely the DJI Mavic Pro and the DJI Spark, each offering

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12 MP photos, with 4 K recording on the Mavic and Full HD on the Spark.

Drones are more affordable than ever, and the Spark sets a new precedent for affordability, portability and intelligence of a flying camera, as well as being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The Spark starts at just $789, which is the cheapest drone DJI has ever sold!

The other thing that sets us apart from your average retailer is after-sale support. If you have a problem, it’s just a matter of picking up the phone to get an answer. We also offer complementary assistance to set up your new drone and give you the basics of how to fly it, to avoid a bad ending!

Given you're a licensed drone pilot ... what can you offer the beginning drone operator? Do you hold courses/lessons and what are some of the pitfalls for new drone operators?

Overall Photography is accredited by CASA to deliver the RePL (Remote Pilot Licence), which is a five day intensive course where new operators learn the theory accompanying a Private Pilot Licence, along with drone specific components, including practical flying with assessments and an in-depth understanding of the drone laws in Australia.

I have delivered several courses, including to major Government departments such as Forestry Corp. NSW, TAFE NSW and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)

- which is essentially I’ve been privileged to Australia’s air crash work on some really investigation authority. interesting projects, New operators need including a documentary series to be very aware of with the ABC, Sunday Night, the CASA regulations, ongoing work with Channel 9’s volunteer with the which can be found on commercial production arm and Rural Fire Service, their website, including: production for Thredbo ski resort, considering how busy not flying within 30 m which included their memorial you are. What does of people, over people, flare run and fireworks display. your role with this at night, not above organisation involve?

120 m, not near any I’ve been a volunteer emergency service firefighter with the operation (including RFS for five or six years and have recently within 5.5 km of a bushfire), and staying completed my Crew Leader qualification and well clear of airports and places where aircraft become a Deputy Captain with North Shore land, including helipads and the seaplane area Brigade. I volunteer with both North Shore and in the Port Macquarie CBD. Lake Innes Rural Fire Brigades, meaning that You've been involved with some amazing yes - I am quite busy with it! shoots/productions. What are some of the We are on call 24/7 every day of the year TV programs/online videos you've shot and contrary to popular beliefs, don’t just deal footage for? with bushfires. Motor vehicle accidents, house I’ve been privileged to work on some really fires, oil spills and car fires are all things that interesting projects, including a documentary have caused me to be woken in the middle of series with the ABC, Sunday Night, ongoing the night, thanks to the pager that I carry 24/7. work with Channel 9’s commercial production I’ve never cancelled or left a job for a fire arm and production for Thredbo ski resort, call, but lots of my clients have seen me which included their memorial flare run and packing my car with unbelievable speed when fireworks display. a well-timed pager call has come at the end of I’ve also filmed lots of local events, with one a shoot! of my favourites being the 2016 New Year’s Given your work with the RFS - and your Eve fireworks on the Port Macquarie foreshore. commercial ventures - what future do you I'm not sure how you also find time to

see for drones?

As drones are evolving and advancing more and more each day; I can see they have a huge potential in many industries in the future. Fire spotting and reconnaissance has already been proven to be an extremely useful application for drones, and there are agencies already using them. Forestry Corp. NSW, for example, have a fleet of drones that are being utilised state-wide for fire spotting and intelligencegathering this fire season, following our training with them.

Overall Photography was also under contract last fire season for fire spotting throughout NSW. I am hopeful that in the future, agencies including the RFS will adopt drones on a much larger scale, as they do have amazing results when used correctly.

Where can we find out more about what you do, or get started with a drone of our own?

For more information on our photography and production services, head to our website www.overallphotography.com.au or to www.northcoastdrones.com.au to buy your own drone!

Thanks Tim. Greater Port Macquarie focus 19

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Goddess Project

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hen did your health journey begin, and what was it that inspired you?

I pretty much lived at the dance studio when I was growing up in Port Macquarie, so have always lived a very active lifestyle. When I finished school, I moved to the Gold Coast to dance full-time and also completed my Cert III and IV in Personal Training. While I was studying fitness, I was always more interested in the nutrition side of things, so since then I have had it in the back of my mind that nutrition was what I wanted to pursue.

After finishing studying dance and personal training, I worked as a professional dancer in Australia and overseas and as a personal trainer during the times I was back in Australia. It was this period of my life that was the starting point for the vision of Project Goddess. I was exposed to a lot of body image issues in the dance and fitness industry, and I found myself adopting extremely unhealthy and damaging eating habits. After recovering from this, I knew it was an area that I needed to change, so I enrolled myself in a Nutritional Medicine degree - and here we are!

So, I guess my inspiration came from what I went through in these industries and the many young women I have had as personal training clients who really didn’t understand the importance of their health and the importance of having a good relationship with themselves.

I found that a large majority of young people came to the gym to have the perky butt, a flat stomach or to look like the latest Instagram star.

This was their perception of what "health" was, and if I can change just one young woman’s mindset before they start adopting unhealthy 20 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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Project Goddess' mission is to change the face of health and fitness in the eyes of women.

Every woman deserves to feel like a Goddess, no matter their size, shape, culture ...

FOCUS chats to the Goddess herself, Jessie, about her inspiring project...

and extreme eating habits, then I have done my job.

My inspiration came from I was also fortunate what I went through enough to have grown in these industries and up around a lot of strong, the many young women independent women I I have had as personal looked up to, who always we sometimes have training clients who encouraged and supported the tendency to bring really didn’t understand me, so these women have other women down, the importance of their played a huge role in why especially if they are health and the importance of Project Goddess exists and doing something good. having a good relationship with its mission.

This usually starts in themselves.

Tell us about your high school and is venture, Project almost always fuelled by Goddess; what is its jealousy. We live in a big vision and mission? world where everyone can succeed, and one of Project Goddess was born to empower the biggest reasons why women hold back and women to change their perception of the loathe themselves is due to the backlash and wellness industry and change their view of what lack of support received by our peers. If every health actually looks like. Young people are woman genuinely supported and encouraged saturated by pictures of "perfection" on social the women around her, imagine how much we media, and I wanted to highlight that "health" would all thrive! and being "happy" doesn’t equal perfection.

Another attribute that I value as a woman is Health can come in many different shapes and self-respect. For a lot of women, I don’t believe sizes, and it doesn’t require dangerous fad diets these are easy things to come by; however, and excessive exercise. they have a huge impact on a person’s health I needed to take a step back from just giving and wellness. I believe that a lot of young out training guides and meal plans and hoping women lack that respect for themselves, and for the best. I had to figure out a way to get it can cause a whole range of issues, including women to change their mindset from restriction self sabotage and low self-esteem. Sometimes and self loathing to abundance, self love and all it takes to find self-respect is being honest valuing their health. I believe that every woman with yourself and being conscious of how deserves to feel like a Goddess and once you you are treating your body and how you are do, you will start to make the right health representing yourself in life and on social media. choices for yourself.

If you could tell your younger self three As a woman, what do you feel are the pieces of advice, what would they be? most strong attributes one can obtain?

1. It’s OK to love yourself. A lot of people Well, I don’t really have a word for it, but see this as something that is "airy fairy", but the act of lifting other women up around it can make a HUGE difference in someone’s you is what I see as one of the most valuable life. You're not going to make good choices attributes that a women can obtain. As women, for yourself and thrive in life if you don’t have

your own best interests at heart. Sometimes you just have to learn how to have your own back.

When you love yourself, you will find it easier to make your physical and mental health a priority, and we have all heard the saying that if you can’t love yourself, then you can’t love anyone else.

2. It’s OK to ask for help. Know when to ask for help and know that it is OK to do so. You don’t have to do everything by yourself, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed to ask. There are more people out there than you think who will listen. The more you open up and talk, the more you will heal. You are not superwoman, and no one expects you to be. Be content and happy with not being perfect.

3. Stop worrying about what other people think of you. Once you let this go, you will stop holding yourself back and start living up to your potential. One of the main causes of anxiety in young people is worrying what others will think.

You require no validation from anyone. Just be you, and you will shine.

How can our readers get involved in Project Goddess?

You can find Project Goddess on Instagram @projectgoddess_ on Facebook at "Project Goddess by Jessie Anne" and at www.projectgoddess.com.au If you want to get in contact you can email me at hello@projectgoddess.com.au I’m all about working with other women who have the same mission and collaborating, so feel to get in contact!

Thanks Jess.

NSW Awards in early September, and proudly we are now state finalists in the category with

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Ha st

Bellbow

Our business has been operating from Bellbowrie Park for over five years.

There is a good mix of other tenants that we enjoy sharing this area with. We’ve been in business for 30 years and are fully licensed.

Hotondo Homes

Have you noticed what’s happening at Bellbowrie Park lately?

There’s some new exciting businesses and some old favourites.

OXLEY & NEWPORT APPLIANCE SERVICE

Have you noticed what’s happening at Bellbowrie Park lately?

There’s some new exciting businesses and some old favourites.

Conveniently located close to Settlement City and with plenty

HotondoHomes

Have you noticed what’s happening at Bellbowrie Park lately?

There’s some new exciting businesses and some old favourites.

Conveniently located close to Settlement City and with plenty of easy parking, Bellbowrie Park is definitely worth a look.

ing s

Riv er D

rive

Hasting s River Dri ve

Greater Port Macquarie focus 21

The Mexi-Bowl from FOUR Espresso.

22 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Marinated lamb backstrap, potato croquette, snap peas, miso glaze

Baked half shell scallops and salsa verde

Restaurant Synergy Where food and service work in harmony.

"Drop in and cool down" HAPPY HOUR - a refreshing 40% off beverages.

Every evening from 5pm - including selected cocktails - restaurant SYNERGY lounge.

Synergy Restaurant and Bar, located at the Mercure Centro Hotel in the heart of town. For an intimate dining experience, offering modern Australian cuisine at its best.

Chocolate fondant, candied orange and crème fraiche.

Silly Season Get your "Jingle Bells" on with the team at Mercure Centro. End of year corporate celebration specials, from just $20 per person.

Complimentary private function rooms available, for bookings of 20 or more guests.

Aqua at The Westport Club Waterside dining featuring a fresh, seasonal menu.

One of Port Macquarie’s most popular venues, offering unsurpassed views of the beautiful Hastings River. Aqua’s innovative approach to menu creation and the delivery of fresh, local produce, provide a true local dining experience.

Taking inspiration from our location, the Aqua Restaurant Spring/Summer menu focuses on fresh, local product and showcases the beautiful seafood CHEF DE PARTIE from our region. As the weather warms up, seafood is the perfect choice for AARON CARPENTER those hotter days and is perfect paired with a cold, crisp glass of sauvignon blanc, or even some bubbles. Come in and try the baked half shell scallops is not to away, and with summer comes Christmas with fresh salsa verde, Summer or the mussels andfar clams with chilli jam and toasted Holidays. ciabatta.

aqua the westport club

salty's bar and grill

Enjoy exciting new options in Aqua with our menu whilst relaxing in our stunning, fully refurbished surrounds.

Salty’s have the perfect location to treat yourself to some much needed

Aqua now offers a full wine and dine experienceCNR withHAY an emphasis onSTREETS, PORT MACQUARIE & WILLIAM Australian Wines at our new Aqua Bar. 6583 0830 WWW.CENTROHOTEL.COM.AU OR

25 BULLER STREET, PORT MACQUARIE time out from the hussle and bussel of daily life. With perfect water 6588 7201 views, soaking up the sun and enjoying a glass of wine or cold beer has WWW.THEWESTPORTCLUB.COM.AU

never been easier, match that with delicious meals and you have the LUNCH 7 DAYS - 11:30AM - 2:30PM. perfect lunch or dinner.

DINNER 7 DAYS - 5:30PM - 9PM. Think of Salty’s when booking your next function or birthday party, talk to us today about the perfect package to suit your needs.

Cocktails with a view!Licensed Family friendly Indoor / outdoor dining

BOOK WWW.RESDIARY.COM A new menu, a new restaurant feel combined withONLINE our classic Hastings River view and friendly service.

Bookings are recommended.

The team at Salty’s.

Soft Shell Crab

Fusion 7

Kristian Winter has taken over as the new chef Chef’s TABLE putting at Fusion 7. Kristian has a new menu, 25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie his own touch to some classic dishes and a 6583 1499 thewestportclub.com.au few new taste sensations.

His experiences 7 days. Lunch 11:30am 2:30pm. Dinner 5pm - 8:30pm. have taken him to Europe for eight years and just recently a four year stint in Vietnam and Japan. Some of his latest inspiration comes from working with Neil Perry at the Sydney Fashion Week 2017, and relaunching David Jones food mall, as well as catering with Christine Manfield.

SPRING Sensations

Wednesday - Saturday, dinner from 6pm.

Wednesday - Sunday, lunch from 12pm.

Zebu bar+grill

7 DAYS, 6:30AM - 10AM FOR BREAKFAST; Chefs de Cuisine 5PM - LATE FOR DINNER. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. Chris & Luke

The Westport Club's

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841

Kingfish carpaccio, fingerlime, chorizo and radish

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 refined you are after, head to the grill for our degustation menu with five hand crafted courses

He will be the next one to watch in this town.

With Christmas just around the corner, make sure you get in early to book a spot to hold your end of year function or work dinner party. There will also be a few specific dining nights he will be promoting. Stay tuned to see what Fusion 7 has in store.

The heat is on, with spring in full swing and summer just around from Executive Chef Adam Tait matched with fine wines sourced from across Australia. Still can’t the corner - head to Zebu to soak up the sun lovin’ atmosphere, decide?

Be tempted by the King Fish Carpaccio with cracking water views and blue skies. Enjoy the quintessential taste with fingerlime, chorizo and radish paired with a of summer, with a glass of vino or a muddled mojito teamed with some crisp Andrew Thomas Six Degrees Semillon - simply succulent oysters or a crispy pizza and chilly beer. Simply divine! irresistible!

Diary Date: Melbourne Cup Spring Gala, Tuesday 7th November Diary Date: New Year’s Eve - Bring in the New EXECUTIVE Year in Sin City Style withCHEF a night in Vegas - Celebrate in racing style with an afternoon of cup day glamour, four TRENT WEBBER with dancing girls, blackjack and poker! course luncheon, live entertainment, lots of lovely bubbly, fashion and fun See page 21 for more info! $139pp. Strictly limited seating: www.123tix.com.au/events/rydgespmq

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

We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old style hamburgers, snacks, salads, and of course, fish and chips.

We have added a larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets.

HEAD CHEF KRISTIAN WINTER

The friendly 124 HORTON ST, PORT MACQUARIE staff.

6584 1171 FUSION7.COM.AU

HAY STREET FORESHORE, PORT MACQUARIE 6589 2822 WWW.ZEBU.COM.AU SEVEN DAYS, FROM 6:30AM - LATE. BAR OPEN NOON DAILY. BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED.

RIGHT: EXECUTIVE CHEF JAY SNELGAR LEFT: SOUS CHEF SHIVANEEL NATH

DINNER - TUES TO SAT FROM 6PM.

Executive Chef Adam Tait.

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

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green.

6584 1146 7 days, from 11am - late.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 23

Alistair Flower Publican of the Year 2017

Alistair from Settlers Inn Hotel was recently awarded National Publican of the Year in the prestigious Australian Liquor Industry Awards in Sydney. FOCUS caught up with him for a chat.

C

ongratulations! Tell us more about the award you received last month? It was very humbling.

Fifty awards throughout the night,

which consisted mainly of the liquor industry, but the Publican of the Year was one of the five major awards on the night. The judging is done by a panel of eighty leaders in the liquor and hotel industries. I wasn’t even going to go to the awards night, because often it is the large prestigious city venues that get the accolades, so it’s great recognition for myself and our pub here in Port Macquarie.

What do you believe put you ahead of everyone else? Good question! I think my experience has certainly assisted in this achievement. Before Settlers I was part of a leadership team that oversaw nearly 50 pubs, so I worked closely on training and developing local venue teams. Now as an owner operator, I’m able to put this experience into play.

24 Greater Port Macquarie focus

We are also very fortunate that Settlers is located in a fantastic community. Port Macquarie is truly a great town. Settlers is a very community minded pub that concentrates on local engagement and delivering a product of value and consistency. Our staff are fantastic, which I think my experience has makes my job a whole lot certainly assisted in this easier! achievement. Before

well as making sure our pub is the centre of the community.

Settlers I was part of a What makes a pub leadership team that What are the best and great? What we strive for oversaw nearly 50 worst things about at Settlers is providing a pubs, so I worked closely on being a publican? I place that allows everyone training and developing local get great pleasure from to relax and enjoy venue teams. seeing people enjoying themselves, regardless themselves, and to think of the occasion or the I have helped them purpose of the visit. To feel that way is a good do this, our staff need to feeling. I also love to engage with people, and provide a service and standard that makes every being a publican certainly gets you in front of visit to our pub an outstanding experience, as

many. The worst? Well for me, and this again is very much a personal one, is separating work from home. This is made harder when you live at the pub. My daughters love the playground and ice cream machine though!

You have recently bought the Fernhill Tavern - what plans do you have in store?

The Fernhill is a small workers pub in the industrial area. I think it serves a great purpose, and I simply want to run it better. My patrons want the best cold beer in town, sport on the TVs, a great counter meal and a smiling face behind the bar. This is what we will do!

25 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focus coffee.

with Nick from Flynns Beach Takeaway

Café Buzz Our menu at Café BUZZ makes the changes with the seasons. It is important to ensure the flavours of the season are on your plate. Our extensive use of local producers is for you to enjoy.

When you are in the Port CBD checking out all

The BUZZ retail section is crammed with our take-home locally made products. Everything we use in the café we also retail.

you plan the rest of your shopping expedition.

Around the café you will see our famous display, including salad dressings, relishes, nuts, chocolates, jams, cereals, honeys, mustards … and some very special treats for the holiday season. Our local suppliers are the people who ensure taste quality.

Ask one of the BUZZ team, and they will help you with our array of taste treats. We also have gift certificates if you are unsure!

the terrific retail shops, drop into BUZZ in The Peachtree Walk and enjoy a coffee or tea and something to eat. BUZZ will let you relax while You will also see all our unique Peachtree retailers. We are air-conditioned for your comfort.

PEACHTREE WALK, 9/72 HORTON ST, (02) 6583 7979 PORT MACQUARIE WWW.BUZZCOFFEE.COM.AU

Brew REVIEW. with Flynns Beach Takeaway

DC Coffee; they love what they do. Not just finding and roasting beans, but bringing people great coffee experiences.

All City Strong, Rich Body with Toffee, Honey and Vanilla Notes. Fairtrade Certified Colombian Anei and Sumatra Mandiri B-SIDE Cacao, brown sugar and nectarine.

Colombian Anei (FTO), Guatemala San Antonio, Brazil Sitio Pinheirinho.

MONSOON Deep dry cocoa and rich toffee with a slight orange/mandarin zest finish. Monsoon Malabar AA, Guatemala San Antonio: Catuai/ Caturra and Nicaragua Luis Bellatez: Bourbon.

The All City brew is availble at Flynns Beach takeaway, come in and try it today.

COFFEE MAKER REVIEW. with Vicki from Café Buzz

Café Buzz, Peachtree Walk Port Macquarie

Do you ever look at all the different coffee makers available today? Coffee has come such a long way in a short time. We have all loved the move to espresso coffee and milk combinations from baristas who continue to develop their skills.

At some time most of us have made an impulse purchase of a coffee maker that now lays gathering dusk. At BUZZ we sell coffee makers, from the classics to the latest.

Our range is significant for coffee lovers. One of our favourite conversations is with BUZZ lovers who want to learn more about how to get the best personal results from their coffee maker. Sometimes it is very simple, like 26 Greater Port Macquarie focus

the amount of coffee, the temperature of the water or the cleanliness of the equipment.

BUZZ has a huge shipment of new coffee makers just in for coffee lovers. Challenge yourself to seek different ways to enjoy coffee. Let the BUZZ team explain how they work best. We now have cold drip coffee makers, syphons from Hario, brewers from Chemex, the aeropress and plungers from Bodum and Espro. Add a simple, quality hand held grinder, and you are ready.

Purchase any coffee maker and we will give you a free bag of coffee to get started. Let your inner coffee lover be tantalised! See you soon.

focus coffee.

Hastings Coffee Co. at The Westport Club Hugging the banks of the breathtaking Hastings River is Hastings Coffee Co., one of the few places in Port Macquarie where you can enjoy uninterrupted water views with your meal at any time of day. If you’re not a morning person, rest easy - we have breakfast options available until 3pm daily.

We are proud to offer a selection of sweet treats and our signature sourdough, all baked fresh for you daily by our pastry chef. Our favourite picks from the pastry cabinet are the opera slice, chocolate eclair and the strawberry tart! Take a loaf of our bread home or enjoy as part of our all-day menu at Hastings Coffee Co. In November, Hastings Coffee Co. is proud to be participating in the Cuppawareness Coffee Cup Initiative. As part of this project, more than 60 cafés in Port Macquarie will be serving their takeaway coffees in specially-made coffee cups.

The cups will have a removable sleeve placed on them, which will be printed with domestic violence helpline contact phone numbers. The idea behind the sleeves is two-fold: to encourage more conversation about domestic violence within our community; and to put the help information directly into the hands of those who need it. You can read more about the Cuppawareness Coffee Cup initiative on The Westport Club blog.

25 BULLER STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6588 7201 WWW.THEWESTPORTCLUB.COM.AU

Flynns Beach Takeaway Breakfast is ready!! Whether you are on your way to work or out for that morning stroll what better way to cure the hunger than a quick bite from Flynns Beach takeaway.

call ahead and have your order ready to go when you pull up out the front.

Grab a bacon and egg roll with two crispy hash browns and a coffee as an awesome $10 combo special. Perfect combination with our DC coffee.

If you are running late for work why not

52 PACIFIC DR, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6593 6033 OPEN 6AM - 7PM 7DAYS

FOUR Espresso Em and her talented baristam Nathan, easily make Their salads and fruit bowls are made from fresh you feel comfortable, and you know you are in produce each day that is delivered from Kenny good hands.

Little’s Fruit and Veg, and bagels from local supplier Black Market Bagels.

If your first stop is for coffee, then Arabica aficionados, prepare to be won over - serving up the freshest in your daily roast, FOUR is the only boutique outlet of PADRE coffee in NSW. Originally from East Brunswick but now residing in Noosa, PADRE Coffee is a fresh and appealing daily roast. Perhaps a house made Budd Chai or a turmeric infusion is for you?

That’s where FOUR begins to win local fans - creating simple, healthy meals and snacks, along with amazing coffee and beverages.

Introducing their brand new menu which features a range of vegan smoothie bowls, Mexi bowl, raw salads and everyone’s fave, eggs Benny - YUM!

GI V E OU R R E A DE R S A C OF F E E K IC K For bookings 6584 7433

Cnr Clarence & Murray Sts, Port Macquarie.

(02) 6583 3983

Greater Port Macquarie focus 27

Port Macquarie Golf Club With summer just around the corner, now In the countdown to Christmas, the club will is the perfect time to join up as a golfing host Friday evening ham raffles on each Friday member, or to gift wrap a membership night from the 24th November until the 22nd ready for Christmas. Memberships are December. Tickets are on sale from 6pm each available for juniors, men Friday, with the raffle commencing and women, and the range at 7pm. of memberships can be The Christmas Toy Raffle will take suited to either social players place on Sunday 17th December Gift wrap a Golf or those looking to play in with a variety of great toys to be Membership competitions. won, tickets on sale from 12pm to for Christmas.

Positions are limited and will fill quickly. If social golf is more your thing, then take advantage of our great value twilight golf, which is $15 for as many holes as you can play after 4pm in daylight saving. With your green free, you will also receive a 50% discount off your first clubhouse drink after the hit.

28 Greater Port Macquarie focus

be drawn at 1pm.

The next Kings Of Comedy event is on Saturday 30th December at 8pm. Phone reception for tickets. Members $17.50 and non-members $22.50. If you are already a Port Macquarie Gold Club member, don’t forget to pop in for our Members Badge Draw each Wednesday and Friday evening.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 29

Greater Port Macquarie focus 30

Salty’ s on Hastings There is a change in the air at Salty’s on Hastings. We catch up with new owners Rachel and Craig from XS Food to find out what is in store for the restaurant.

C

raig and Rachel, congratulations on your recent purchase of Salty’s on Hastings. Will there be much of a change to the restaurant now you have taken over? Not too much of a change. We will be capitalising on the fabulous location by offering breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.

What are you most excited about? We are most excited about the opportunity to expand our brand, working with local producers where possible, quality seafood and an awesome riverside location. We also hope to work closely with the Port Macquarie Sailing Club.

We are most excited

Tell us about what you introducing to the about the opportunity to can offer customers menu? expand our brand, now that you have working with We will have a XS Food, the catering local producers predominantly seafood company, and Salty’s? where possible, quality menu, including a We will be able to offer seafood and an awesome seafood platter for two, our customers our riverside location. but also catering to those current high standard who do not eat seafood. of customer service, a With so many TV location to come and have dinner and a venue shows about cooking to cater for small functions on select days/ and restaurants and such hype at the nights. moment about dining out, what will make

Our customer service, quality product,

What types of dishes will you be

Thanks guys.

Salty’s stand out from other restaurants?

attention to detail and perfect location.

How can our readers make a booking; what are the opening time for Salty’s?

Bookings can be made by calling the restaurant on 6584 0841 or emailing us at info@saltysbarandgrill.com.au Opening times: Thursday to Sunday - lunch and dinner.

Saturday and Sunday - breakfast.

Other times by private booking.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 31

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

Scott McMillan.

First Brindabella, then Qantas, then Virgin abandoned daily air services between Port Macquarie and Brisbane. To the rescue: Queensland-based Alliance Air - bigger jets, shorter flight times. And the airline’s chief is a born and bred Wauchope-Port Macquarie local!

M

y Out To Lunch guest today has flown to meet me in his own aircraft from Brisbane. He didn’t actually pilot the plane, it’s just one of 33 in his fleet. And why not a trip back home for the co-founder and managing director of Alliance Airlines, the operator maintaining the PQQ-BNE-PQQ service essential to so many for business, personal and leisure travel? When Virgin dropped out in mid-July this year it was a seamless handover and instant wheels up on the route and, Scott McMiIlan vows, “as long as we get passenger demand”, forever.

Our white knight - at 187cm, hardly a candidate for Economy seating – is the third generation of a pioneering local family.

McMillan’s paternal grandfather, Roy, was a man of multiple timber milling, farming and business interests. He operated sawmills in Wauchope, Long Flat, Tele Point and Lake Innes – “as kids, we played in the ruins there”. Roy lived at 46 Gordon Street but his son Keith, who’d joined the company at his father’s request, lived out front of the Wauchope sawmill at 117 High Street “phone number 167,” McMillan adds with a grin. Like so many, the kids went swimming at Bonny Hills.

Roy had earlier had the pub up on the Range at Walcha Road but during the Depression sold it and moved down to take on the Long Flat sawmill and the historic

32 Greater Port Macquarie focus

district waypost, the Travellers Rest Hotel.

(Still later, Roy bought a major sawmill at Herons Creek - whose customers included BHP, for hardwood pit props for its mines. In an interesting turnaround, BHP’s now one of Alliance Air’s main customers, for FIFO – fly in, fly out – services to its mine sites). The family also ran cattle: “a few hundred acres, where the Dennis Bridge is. I learned to drive there,” McMillan recalls, and in the early ’80s farmed oysters on the Hastings River, where the Big Oyster now stands. “[Dad] had a subdivision development on the other side of the river at Blackmans Point.” The area’s still identifiable: McMillan Drive.

Other family landmarks remain: Roy’s Gordon Street house was ultimately transported by McMillan’s aunt, Roy’s daughter Glenda Oakley, to sit next to the Settlers Inn, which Glenda built. Several McMillan relatives appear on the Town Square Roll of Honour: Maurice, Keith’s cousin; and two of McMillan’s uncles – Gordon, who served in the RAAF, and Robert, a submariner killed when the troopship repatriating him after Normandy was sunk by the Japanese off what’s now Sri Lanka.

The youngest of three sons, McMillan started school in Wauchope (pictured top right next to his mother Joyce, the teacher) and later finished his elementary education at Port Primary. The family moved to live opposite Port High School and later to Endeavour Place, when Lighthouse Beach was still a

new subdivision. McMillan spent Years 7-10 at Port High before completing the HSC as a boarder at Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar School) and moving on to Sydney University, his father’s alma mater. (His oldest brother Stephen, who’d captained Wauchope High, and middle brother Paul also attended Sydney Uni, all three residents of Paul’s College). Both other brothers graduated in Architecture, Stephen now in Sydney, m.d. of major property developer Citta, (and recently returned to address Wauchope High Year 12), and Paul in international hospitality, involved in the establishment of luxury hotels from Dubai to the Caribbean.

With a degree in Economics, McMillan went to work in Sydney for the prestigious accounting firm now known as KPMG, one of the Big Four international professional services entities. His first job was for a client in Honiara: the Solomon Islands’ national airline.

After five years with the firm he went to work for the airline, which was also operating in western Queensland. Space doesn’t permit recounting intervening developments, but it was the move that eventually led to the formation of Alliance, ultimately listed on the ASX in December 2011. Today the company boasts a market capitalisation of near $170 million and supports close to 500 staff.

McMillan co-founded the airline with three others and just two Fokker 100 aircraft in April 2002, some six months or so after Ansett went belly up and amid the airline

industry’s post-9/11 trauma. Yet a glance at a map today reveals Alliance’s network of FIFO services as a veritable spiderweb of routes overlaid across Australia into our remote, mammoth, mining centres – the biggest air charter operator for the resources industry and its heavyweight household-name venturers.

Additionally, it operates in New Zealand and also provides customised charter services.

Aside from its Brisbane HQ it has operations in Cairns, Townsville, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland and, shortly, Darwin. Mid-year it took over the commercial routes, formerly Virgin’s, to Port Macquarie, Bundaberg and Gladstone.

Meanwhile, McMillan had married Kerrie Kensell, from the well-known Tamworth family, and has long been based in Brisbane.

The couple has two daughters, one at the family’s traditional Sydney Uni, the other at UQ, and a son in Year 9. There remains just one vital connection with Port now; McMillan’s off to visit her this afternoon: June Sippel – “Mum’s cousin; she and her sisters effectively raised my mother after she was orphaned as a child.” And of course there’s that other link: arriving from and departing to Brisbane daily.

The airport’s undergoing a $7.5m spruce up courtesy of majority funding by the NSW and Federal governments and McMillan says the airline’s quite pleased with the passenger loads it’s getting.

So, as before folks, it’s a case of use it ... or lose it.

33 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focus_contributor

W I T H K AT E W O O D - F O Y E F R O M R Y D G E S A N D S A I L S R E S O R T P O R T M A C Q U A R I E

#6DEGOFDEG at Rydges - Matt Thompson and Sarah Buckley

#6DEGOFDEG at Rydges Eric & Monica Robinson

Ladies line up for Best Millinery

Jessica Higgins & Mum Julie Gale at the Pink High Tea

Port & Taree Orthodontics Team at Port Cup

Professor Tracie Green & Greg Linsdell of CSU in the Jim Bruce Trust Marquee

David Mattick, Justin Boydell & Rohan Topley in the Jim Bruce Trust Marquee

#6DEGOFDEG - Chefs line up

#6DEGofDEG Celebrations

Social /Scene

A

dd festivals and fillies to round out a completely fabulous time of year, with the delicious feeling that spring isn’t pretending anymore and summer really is just around the corner, with its divinely long afternoons and sneaky sunset swims. Yep, I’m hanging out for the Sunday sessions and lazy weekends at the beach. But first we must dance, eat, drink and be merry … Book the babysitter and bring out the bling; this is a month jam packed with food, fundraising and fun!

Six Degrees of Degustation celebrated a decade of delicious decadence with a six course feast at Rydges. Six talented chefs were invited to create a signature dish with a minimum of three local ingredients matched with a local drop. Chris Harris of Bills Fishhouse kicked off the night with a lemon and vanilla cured salmon with a Cassegrain Spring Rose; followed by Trent Webber of Sails Resort with a Blue Eye Cod with scallop and clam bouillon with an Innes Lake SSB; Alex Urbina of Luna Bonita spiced it up with a Tamalito de Conchinita Pibil featuring spiced local suckling pig with a classic Cassegrain Gerwertz Traminer; Jessica Brooke of Latin Loafer plated a sublime earthy tapas of spiced fried artichokes and sautéed mushrooms and 34 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Dancing fever, fashion and fabulous food - some of my absolute favourite things are on the menu this month - and it is a literal feast of activity.

organic garlic matched with a Cassegrain Pinot; followed by a beautiful sous vide of duck, Bago Bluff Marmalade and parsnip puree by Owen Jones of Zebu Bar +Grill and berry nice Bago Chambourcin. Dessert did not disappoint, with Andy Chandler of Rydges creating a delectable Mandarin Ice-cream and white chocolate and Lorne Valley macadamia with Cassegrain Cassae. The night was signed off with a sweet collaboration between Peak Coffee and Zebu on a sneaky seventh course … A dark and milk chocolate cold drop Ethiopian coffee truffle and coffee macarons.

Guests included Eric and Monica Robinson of The Other Chef, Simon and Tania McMillan of Cassegrain Wines, Stephen and Laura Begbie, Todd and Lisa Richardson of LV’s, birthday girl Yael Moretti, Matt Thompson and Sarah Buckley, Mark and Mariane Power, and Natasha and Andrew Holloway. A delicious night of fun and friends, with funds and awareness raised for headspace Port Macquarie.

Port Cup did not disappoint, with a fine afternoon in the Jim Bruce Trust Marquee enjoying catering from the Stunned Mullet and a glass of bubbles or two, with Greg Linsdell and Tracie Green, Kylie Young and Stewart Dowrick, Amanda Perrin, Craig Soady, Lyn Rouse, Tamara Grieve, Brett Varcoe and Erin Schmidt of Lend Lease. Other gorgeous guests

enjoying the extended Port Cup festivities included Amber Mann, Cherie Desmares and Matt Reichelt, Anastacia McIntosh, Kyle Rathbone and Emily Robinson, Sarah Wood, Nicole Small, Brodie Gill, Courtney Walder, Tim Olsen and Troy and Kylee Pemberton.

Congrats to winners of the FOCUS Fashions on the Field: Amanda Rouse, Young Racegoer; Shelley Kurtz, Best Millinery; Julie Pentak, Most Elegant Lady; Best Dressed Couple, Shane and Rene Ryan; Best Dressed Gent, the ever dapper Dani Tate. A fab day topped off with a bit of French bubbles and some espresso martinis with the lovely Jess Williams and Murray Roberts, Ebanie and Ben Green at Zebu. A day leaving you pondering that time you went to the races ALL day and should have gone straight home in a cab … but actually didn’t … oh well! Thank goodness it only happens once a year! It may take me another five years to get over it!

Fundraising is hitting fever pitch, with some fabulous local personalities hitting the event circuit with some wonderful (and some whacky) ways to raise funds for cancer services for Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer.

Not only do these guys have to learn some seriously tricky dance routines and step out in front of a hometown crowd, they also need to raise at least $3K each!

Events are popping up all over town to stash

the cash! Evelina Kemp held her first fundraiser at Bar Florian with a wonderful night of tapas and bubbly, with guests including Connie Porter, Jane Hillsdon, Stacey Morgan, Sue Jogever, Leanne Jeffrey, Paul Holcroft and Jacquelene Price. A fab evening for a great cause - thank you, Gino and Maree Cunial, for playing host!

Alistair Flower is a hot contender in the fundraising race, with fantastic initiatives for all the dance stars locked in across the town.

Al’s Karma Keg event was a hit, with George Miedecke raffling a spin in a Mustang, and Karl Mclean of ANZ has been seen sizzling up a storm at Bunnings with a snag sambo for the cause. Watch this space for the sprint or pirouette to the finish line - there will be blood on the dance floor!

Congrats to Kylie Bulmer and the Pink Ladies for putting on the Pink High Tea at Westport recently; over 100 guests raised funds for Breast Cancer research. Sweet treats, cucumber sandwiches and inspiration were on the menu, with cancer survivor and mum of two Jess Higgins sharing her own experience.

Congrats to all involved!

Cheers to spring, where it is absolutely acceptable to meet, eat, sleep, beach and repeat! ‘til next month, Kate.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 35

THE WESTPORT CLUB’S

UNDER THE STARS

focus_contributor

LOU PERRI FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

Pleas

ures

A Valid Sense of Achievement

NE W NUTELLA

Running a small business is always a rollercoaster ride. Never dull, on a daily basis there are twist and turns, thrills, spills and the steepest of learning curves to navigate.

A

nd just when you think you can breathe again, someone moves the goal posts and you’re off chasing your tail again, ducking and diving to catch that curveball before it gets lost in the abyss.

Nobody said it would be relaxing. In fact, it’s hard not to become an adrenaline junkie, operating on the bare bones of juggling all the balls at once and drinking a little too much coffee to alleviate those sleepless nights.

There’s the thing though … Adrenaline. That’s why we start up our own gigs. Nothing quite like the repercussions of absolutely every decision made to fall on to the shoulders of, well - you.

Makes you do your due diligence, keeps you awake in the wee hours. Forces you to see the entire picture, not just your little piece in the puzzle of a larger organisation.

Hmm, is this so appealing, you may wonder?

Doesn’t really sound it, actually. Seems like there could be a considerable amount of stress involved.

That is precisely why it really, really helps if you love what you do. Passion is the hugest component by far. Everyone mutters about doing for love, not money, but it is indeed the truth.

Only the thing is, we humans aren’t meant to run on empty for a prolonged period. Surviving on adrenaline and love aren’t at all good for the mind or the body. We need to chill, and not with a pill.

Somehow, small business owners need to make peace with themselves and their businesses.

Whether that is by utilising similarly passionate people in the team to relieve some of the pressure, tweaking procedures to remove headaches, or by taking the time to pause - even momentarily to step back and really see what

had been achieved in order to actually perceive in real terms that all that hard work has really paid off, thus giving you that strength to carry on.

This is why it is important to be acknowledged within your industry by your peers, as well as your customers. Whether its via awards, reviews, being part of associations, attending seminars or listening to podcasts, it helps to stay connected and get some external validation that you are on the right track.

For me, it was thinking at this year’s Good Food Guide awards that this year the restaurant has managed to hold on to its hat for five years. Five years! That is half a decade. Worth celebrating and worth realising that whatever happens from here on in, it has all been worth it.

Because, the fatal flaw when running a small business is being so busy, so “in the moment”, that you never fully realise the great things you’ve achieved until it is too late, or worse still - not at all.

Without the performance reviews, bonuses, HR departments and team building exercises inherent in the corporate world, there’s nobody who is going to sit you down in their office and tell you that you’re doing a great job (or a terrible one, for that matter). Unfortunately, you won’t actually need to be told the latter, as your doors will be closing and the final notices will be coming in …

But when you are doing well and all the hard work is finally paying off, it is just so very beneficial to bask in the moment, even for a second and realise that hey - you are doing it, and not only that - it is working the way you wanted it to. Because seriously, life is too short not to, at the very least, sit up and take notice of this awesome fact.

PA

N CA

1/2

K E + NEW MENU

PRICE MEAL

BUY ONE MAIN MEAL GET ANOTHER AT HALF PRICE* *Available LUNCH AND DINNER ONLY MONDAY - FRIDAY on presentation of this coupon. Dine-in meal only. Coupon expires 01/12/2017. Not to be used with any other offer.

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 37

focus_contributor

WITH RAYE FROM OFFTHERAYLES

TRU BLU CATERING Fuss Free Entertaining A local family run business, Tru Blu Catering has over 20 years combined experience in the catering industry.

By providing a professional spit roast catering service, and being fully equipped with mobile facilities and professional staff to host your function, Tru Blu Catering is your complete guide to fuss free entertaining.

From weddings, birthdays (18th and 21st included) and corporate functions to Christmas parties plus much more, they are equipped to cater for up to 2,000 of your guests.

They will prepare, cook and present the food and even clean up allowing you to completely enjoy your occasion and entertain your guests.

The meat selection is comprehensive, choose from premium cuts of pork, lamb, beef, chicken, baked ham and turkey, roasted to perfection creating mouth watering flavours.

All meats are cooked on-site to ensure quality and freshness.

Further options include hot or cold pre-dinner nibbles, desserts, crockery/cutlery and much more. Check out the website for all our options - www.trublucatering.com.au Dedicated to ensuring your function is catered for professionally, with unbeatable value and absolutely no compromise on quality, quantity or presentation.

Bookings are now being taken for Christmas/New Year festivities and functions for 2018.

Contact Tru Blu Catering on 0401 766 916 or email info@trublucatering.com.au for FUSS FREE ENTERTAINING. You can sit back, relax and entertain your family and friends whilst Tru Blu Caterings professional team does all the work.

“Butter Me Up”

Butter Chicken This simplified delicious take on the traditional Butter Chicken is guaranteed to become a family favourite ...

Ingredients Serves 4 - 6 1 packet of Off The Rayles Butter Me Up 1 kg chicken thigh meat - thinly sliced 3 tbsp ghee 1 onion, finely diced 3 cloves garlic, finely diced 2 cm piece fresh ginger, finely diced 3 tbsp tomato paste 400 ml coconut or thickened cream 2 tbsp lemon juice Fresh coriander for garnish

Raylene Alford Off The Rayles Phone 0422 226 823 www.facebook.com/offtherayles instagram.com/offtheraylescurry

Method Heat oil in large frying pan until very hot, then add onion, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring, until soft and fragrant. Add the packet of whole spices and stir constantly for another minute, or until fragrant.

Add tomato paste and lemon juice; cook while stirring for another minute.

Add packet of ground spices and cook for a further three minutes.

38 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Add the chicken and coat well with the paste; add cream, mix well, and bring to the boil.

Lower heat and simmer 15 - 20 minutes with lid on, until chicken is cooked.

Serve garnished with chopped coriander, and sides of basmati rice, Dahl or papadums.

Off The Rayles is available from the Tuesday Real Food Markets or through Facebook.

focusinterview.

Adam BLANKS

•BILLS FISHHOUSE•

Newly appointed head chef of Bills Fishhouse, Adam shares with FOCUS his passion for fresh produce and provides a sneak peek into their summer menu, as they prepare to celebrate their first birthday...

H

i Adam. You've recently been promoted to Head Chef at Bills you must be very excited about the opportunity? Bills is such a fast paced, collaborative environment - there is a great team of driven and committed people behind the scenes, and it creates a tight-knit sense of family.

It's always a pleasure being a part of something like that. It's particularly important to me to be working in a restaurant that is so focused and passionate about quality produce and presenting simple, uncomplicated food.

rely on heavily for the produce that goes into Bills menu. We will continue to aim to use all available vegetables from Near River Produce - as a supplier, they are very much on board with the Bills vision, and we are lucky to continue to grow our relationship with these guys. Additionally, Wauchope Seafood supplies us with an abundance of fresh seafood daily, caught from their trawler, Port Fresh Seafood supplies us with a selection of fish caught from all across the region, and Tunstead Oysters from the Hastings River are back in season and are looking good.

What is your If locals haven't tried background as a chef Bills - why should - where did you begin they? Bills is all about I have spent most of my time and whom did you the guest experience. working in small, family learn from? I began my From friendly staff, operated restaurants, which career in hospitality in a a produce driven were key in me learning small town in rural Essex, menu, especially the ropes and really allowed back in the UK. Cooking selected wine pairings to me to be heavily involved in many has been my passion for the open kitchen, where aspects of those businesses, from as long as I can remember. you can witness the hustle executing the vision to curating I have spent most of first hand, to the alfresco seasonal menus. my time working in seating. As a group we are small, family operated crazy, passionate foodies restaurants, which were who continually strive to key in me learning the ropes and really allowed provide the best dining experience for our guests. me to be heavily involved in many aspects of While the tourist season is always thrilling, we those businesses, from executing the vision to are reliant on the loyalty of our wonderful curating seasonal menus. locals to support us. With this in mind, we are consciously trying better our offering as What is the menu looking like in the lead up a whole and ensure we remain innovative and to summer, and what local ingredients will relevant in all areas of the business. feature? We are fortunate to have many solid relationships with our local suppliers, whom we

Thanks Adam.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 39

focusinterview.

L I V E L A N E F E S T I VA L

PETE MURRAY H BUSBY

After a six year hiatus, Pete Murray is back with a twist on his old sound, and a new album that speaks for itself "Camacho", meaning "the act of cool". He chatted with FOCUS ahead of the Live Lane Festival, where you can catch Pete alongside fellow cool kids Busby Marou, Roy Rose and more …

MAROU WILLIAM CRIGHTON ROY ROSE PAM HATA CHRIS ROSE

O U T D O O R S AT M O O R E B E E R B R E W I N G C O

S U N D AY 1 9 T H N O V E M B E R TICKETS & INFO AT WWW.MJRPRESENTS.COM

40 Greater Port Macquarie focus

i Pete. It’s been six time, and I had an old Spanish magazine years since your last with pictures off cafés and bars in it. I saw album was released. this Café Camacho, and thought it sounded You’ve just dropped really cool - I looked up what it meant, and Camacho, which has a it basically means "the act of cool". I was new sound compared going to call the bar that, but my partner to your earlier work ... How did this new didn’t really like it for the bar ... So I thought, sound progress, and how do you feel "Fantastic; I’ll just keep it for an album". about where you are now musically?

You’re playing our Live Lane Festival at I’ve been enjoying it. Playing it live is Moorebeer alongside a few other Aussie great fun; it definitely has a bit more of a favourites. Can we expect to hear some contemporary feel. In the past, when I’ve old classics mixed in with your new recorded, it’s always been more of an old material? school feel; this album was done with lots It’s going to be a good combination of of loops and beats and everything. I am actually a bit more production doing the gig with involved than any album Jeremy Marou from I have produced before.

Busby Marou; he'll be up What was the on stage with me. We’ve These days you can listen inspiration to take on done a tour before, to whatever you want to this new approach to where he jumps on stage listen to; it's all there. I’ve your music? and plays a stomp box been listening to the I wanted to try and amazing guitar. sonics of different something different Who are you listening songs, hip hop, and not do the same to at the moment? electronica, just trying thing all the time. Every Good question! to get some different sonics album I try to make a I’ve just been playing and sounds into my music. little bit different - just some stuff today; I’ve so you keep interest been getting into the yourself; otherwise, you Chainsmokers, actually. end up doing the same thing.

But, there’s definitely a lot of other obscure These days you can listen to whatever you artists who pop up these days that you can want to listen to - it's all there. I’ve been get your ears on to; whereas before, you listening to the sonics of different songs, didn’t really hear about them. hip hop, electronica, just trying to get some Thanks Pete. different sonics and sounds into my music.

The grooves on this album are like old soul grooves with hip hop beats and a little electronica, so it's a combination of that and what I do.

MJR and Moorebeer presents What’s the story behind the album's Live Lane Festival on Sunday 19th title?

November 2017 1pm - 8pm.

I had a restaurant/bar in Byron Bay one www.mjrpresents.com/livelane/

Summer Fresh Almost summer, and mandarins are just about finished. As summer moves on, the avocadoes will become hard to obtain.

With the vegetables, good local produce will come from Matt and Tammy Davis’s farm at Red Hill, near Telegraph Point. There will be beans, cabbage, corn and silver beet. Som at Bago has been very busy growing lots of local baby bok choy, choy sum, shallots and herbs. Everything is as fresh as a daisy, and just in time for all those lovely summer salads. We will have local fresh fancy lettuce of many different types from Mark and Tracey at Brombin (near Wauchope).

Come in and check out the entire fresh product.

Remember - “Fresh is Best!”

Ken.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 41

focusinterview.

We are stoked with the line-up, N OTSU theme and vibes Fwe is known for and yone are keen to see evere having a great tim again, this year.”

“

Ball Park Kicking off in 2008, Ball Park Music has managed to produce four successful studio albums, take out triple j Unearthed Artist of the Year, has been on the bill for countless festivals, and played alongside some of the greats … With the release of their new album set to drop in the New Year, wrap your ears around the fresh track, Exactly How You Are, and get yourself pumped to see this cracking band in action at FOTSUN …

42 Greater Port Macquarie focus

F

OCUS caught up with front man Sam Cromack, to chat all things Ball Park Music.

With the release of your brand new single, Exactly How You Are, being so well received, have you set a date for the album release?

No set date for the album release just yet.

It'll be out early next year.

Currently sitting at number three on triple j’s most played list right now must be a bit of a buzz …

For sure. You get a few records deep, and it's easy to start worrying that people have stopped listening. It's been a huge buzz to have this new single so well received.

What vibe has been set for the album?

We never begin a record with any set concept or goals; we just start writing and recording and see what happens. For me, an album is just the best collection of songs you could compile within a certain time frame.

Sure, there always ends up being a particular vibe, but it's rarely strategic. That said, I think the vibe on the new record is pretty positive. There's a lot of energy and colour. The songwriting is sounding more confident.

You’ve freshly announced a national tour, and FOTSUN is first cab off the rank. What is it about our coastal festival you’re pumped about most?

Well, we've never played at FOTSUN before and I don't think we've ever even done a show in Port Macquarie.

It's always cool to play in a place for the first time. We'll be excited and won't know what to expect.

I have kept my eye on FOTSUN for a number of years; I've always thought they pull a good line up.

With countless hits, it must be hard to put your finger on one, but what is your favourite song to perform and why?

It's always changing. At this point, I'm feeling way more excited to perform some of the songs on the new record. But you don't know them yet! You'll have to wait and see.

How do you like to spend your down time?

Blowing all my money on expensive café breakfasts.

Thanks Sam. Check out the new single, Exactly How You Are - visit www.ballparkmusic.com FOTSUN For those astronauts who set their

iCal reminder, they will be getting down to the Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park over the 7th, 8th and 9th of December, with an out of this world line up you would be devastated to miss.

FOTSUN Festival Director and Spaceship Captain Simon Luke said, “It is great to see that punters are loving what we've put together for them, with tickets selling out so quickly! We are stoked with the line up, theme and vibes FOTSUN is known for, and we are keen to see everyone having a great time again, this year."

Keep your eye on fotsun.com for set times, which will be released later this year.

Remember cadets, FOTSUN will again be offering a free shuttle bus service if you live within a 10 km radius of the festival grounds and aren’t staying on-site.

It is time to gear up, as punters this year will boldly go where no man has gone before.

See you in Port Macquarie, crew.

Be sure to catch Ball Park Music while at FOTSUN on December 7th, 8th and 9th. www.fotsun.com www.ballparkmusic.com

Misty Optic

Lisa Hunt

fun and

K E N N A R D S

H I R E

R A L LY S E R V I C E PA R K

For the first time since the Coffs Coast has had the WRC Rally, families and locals alike can take part in all the action by visiting the Rally Service Park at C.ex Coffs International stadium and enjoy a huge line up of free entertainment, kids’ activities, giveaways and more over the four-day event.

O

ver the Friday and Saturday, visitors to the Service Park can not only partake in the thrill of the WRC Service Teams and their drivers working their magic during car service times, but also enjoy the many free kids’ activities, including: jumping castles, face painting, giveaways and even PlayStation gaming consoles, where kids can compete on the latest WRC2 game to win some amazing prizes.

There is also a great line up of free entertainment for Friday and Saturday afternoons into the evening, with local bands Funk Thieves, Misty Optic, D’Boyzos and Chris Grieves taking to the main stage, plus the muchloved popular entertainer, Lisa Hunt and Forever Soul headlining Saturday night’s entertainment.

Plus, Red Bull will have their DJ in residence throughout the weekend in the Red Bull Lounge and Bar, with full bar facilities from noon daily.

Lisa Hunt and Forever Soul - Saturday night from 8:15pm and 9:30pm Lisa Hunt is an American born, Byron Bay based Soul Sensation! Her show, Forever Soul, is a retrospective of Motown, Soul, Funk and Disco and has been wowing audiences here in Australia and on the Coffs Coast for a decade. She has a fantastic repertoire of songs, including lots of old favourites by Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and The Supremes.

Win $5,000 Cash at Rally Service Park There’s also a chance to win $5,000 cash simply by visiting the Rally Service Park, thanks to local sponsor Coffs Harbour Skoda.

Entries can be gained through: the HitFM and Triple M radio contests; from the Bellbowrie Coffs Harbour Skoda dealership; or by visiting the Rally Australia Merchandise marquee at the Service Park. Entries can be placed in the barrel located near the Red Bull Lounge, and the winner will be

drawn on Saturday night at 8pm on the main stage.

AND IF THE Fireworks Show on ENTERTAINMENT, FUN Free shuttle bus from Saturday 9:15pm Super Special Stages AND CHANCE TO WIN And if the entertainment, Friday and Saturday fun and chance to win cash CASH ISN’T ENOUGH, If you’re lucky enough isn’t enough, head to the HEAD TO THE SERVICE to be heading down to the Service Park on Saturday PARK ON SATURDAY Super Special stages at the night to watch the huge NIGHT TO WATCH THE Jetty Foreshore on Friday fireworks show at 9:15pm HUGE FIREWORKS and Saturday night, you and celebrate this fantastic won’t miss out on any of SHOW AT 9:15PM. world-class event with a the nightly entertainment, colourful bang! with a free shuttle bus from Food and Drinks the Jetty to the Service Park. Plus, we’ll have free You won’t be left hungry or thirsty either at the shuttle buses from the Service Park to the CBD, Service Park, with a great choice of food vendors, Park Avenue bus stop from 10:00pm. including: Ed’s Tucker Box, Doobies Dogs, Ribeye Download the WRC Rally App for all the on Vernon, plus coffee van and slushies too! Plus, latest news! Visit Rally Service Park Friday, Red Bull Lounge will have full bar facilities from noon daily.

Saturday and Sunday for loads of free fun!

JOIN IN THE WRC RALLY ACTION E PARK AT THE RALLY SERVIC STADIUM @ C.EX INTERNATIONAL

ily!

Free entry, entertainment & fun for the whole fam THURSDAY, 16 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY, 18 NOVEMBER

• HitFM & Triple M Live Broadcasts & Giveaways 9am-5pm • Chris Grieves 3pm • Misty Optic 5pm ER FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMB • Meet the Crews live 7.30pm approx.

• Triple M Live Radio Broadcast & Giveaways 2pm-6pm • NSW & QLD State Rally Championship Presentation 7.45pm • D'Boyzo's 5pm • Coffs Harbour Skoda $5,000 Cash Giveaway draw 8pm • Meet the Crews 7.30pm approx.

• Lisa Hunt Forever Soul 8.15pm & 9.30pm • Funk Theives 7.45pm • Fireworks show 9.15pm

• Meet the Crews live 12 noon approx.

A! WIN $5,000 CASH FROM COFFS HARBOUR SKOD our Skoda and at the Service Park • Entries available from Bellbowrie Motors/Coffs Harb Rally Australia Marquee. the main stage.

• Entry Barrel is located at the Service Park near Stage.

• Prize drawn Saturday, 18 Nov at 8pm on the Main

SUNDAY, 19 NOVEMBER

• Live Broadcast Wedding Bells stages on big screen 12 noon-2.30pm

RED BULL LOUNGE & C.EX COFFS BAR Open from 12 noon daily ALL DAY FREE ACTIVITIES & FOOD VENDORS FRIDAY 10AM – SUNDAY 3PM • Jumping Castles for the kids!

• Face Painting - Saturday from 10am – 5pm • Food trucks - Ed’s Tucker Box, Doobies Dogs, Ribeye on Vernon, Coffee van & slushies!

– • Next level Playstation WRC2 Gaming competition big! win to skills test your WRC2 driving

NSW permit number LTPS/17/18196

s - Friday & **Free shuttle bus from the Jetty Super Special Stage

Saturday night from 6pm to the Service Park for live

entertainment plus from service park to CBD

Greater Port Macquarie focus 43

focusinterview.

focusinterview.

Tim Rogers

MENTAL

De-Touring

From writing a book to touring with his band, writing and releasing a new LP - Tim Rogers has literally done all this plus more in a 12 month period. FOCUS managed to pin him down for a quick chat whilst on his De-Touring tour …

H

i Tim. So, this year has been massive, and I’m a bit baffled as to how you have managed to write a book, release an LP and tour, all within 12 months. Tell us about this book you’ve written …

I was approached by a literary agent and publicist about writing a book. I let them know that I wasn’t interested in writing an autobiography, and they said, “Great, we’re not either - but we like the way you write and would you like to try something?”

It started out with some short fictions and then moved more into memoir pieces, and they were working better than the fiction.

Fictions are a thing where you have to have the dedication and the skill, which I just haven’t got yet. So, when this was proposed to me as a job, I thought, “Well, these people are putting their trust in me to do it” - and it’s worked well.

It was a very invigorating experience. I feel like a little part of my brain has been opened up that I don’t want to close.

So writing wasn’t something you’d really dabbled with in-depth in the past?

Just some little journalism pieces I had been asked to do for a couple of publications. The journalism side’s very interesting, and that’s something I’ll keep trying to pursue - just honing a craft, really.

The show “De-Touring” isn’t just a straight up set list of songs; there’s a bit of a twist ...

Well, over the past two years, it’s easy to forget even though I’m primarily a musician,

44 Greater Port Macquarie focus

how invigorating and how wonderful just playing songs can be - so I’m really just interested in getting out, jumping in a car, travelling and playing songs ... Just getting out there.

Thanks Tim. A few further words from Tim ...

“The year was set aside to do a thesis on (Canadian maestros) Rush and their divisive ‘keyboard’ era and learn how to tie my own shoelaces, but I got waylaid by a love of reading and the ever-shifting notion of ‘cocktail hour’ and wound up writing a book. What a bloody nerve. What a cheek. What an editor … If this is to be my reaction to writing and recording an LP, I’m exceptionally proud and feeling it disappear into the ether, then God and Satan save us all. ‘An Actor Repairs’ was an LP made with love and not a lot else, despite a reliance on enthusiasm and the ability to stretch a budget under a charlatan’s smoke-cloud of enthusiasm.

After taking ‘What Rhymes With Cars And Girls’ to some regions over the next months, I’m going to go out and play songs about repairing actors and unfixable humans. Because that is what we do. Us repairing humans. In human form, Rogers repairs forthwith and foreheaded”.

Don’t miss Tim Rogers with pal Hanny J play The Basement at Panthers Port Macquarie.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH. Door 8pm | TICKETS $40 + BOOKING FEE.

As

Anything

Mental As Anything, Darryl Braithwaite, Russell Morris and the Badloves are coming together for one night and one night only - 8th December at Panthers. FOCUS caught up with Greedy Smith from the Mentals for a brief chat …

T

he Mentals are part of a Can we expect a mix of new material cracking line up for a special peppered with old classics?

“One Night Stand” performance At the moment we are including songs from here in Port Macquarie, with the our new “5 Track EP” in the set, and they’ve likes of Darryl Braithwaite, The Badloves been going down pretty well. and Russell Morris …

What’s on the horizon Do you have any fond for the Mentals? memories with any of With Martin Plaza these guys from over stepping down due to the years? ill health, we will still With Mentals, we play the We’ve been knocking hopefully record together songs people will know from about for years with and get another EP done the radio, like Nips, Live Daryl and Russell’s bands next year. Martin still has It Up, If You Leave all over the country, some great songs we can Me, Too Many Times from Port Pirie to Port use, and I always have Mr Natural, You’re So Strong etc., with a couple Hedland. I always catch a few up my sleeve. The of covers thrown in. all of their sets when we current line up are too work together, because good not to record with. it’ll be the best live music As a touring band, we I’m likely to hear that leave no stone unturned year - great vocal in pursuit of the most performances of truly memorable songs. Both accurate versions of our best known tracks.

Darryl and Russell crack me up with their afterMentally Yours, show blather - both as dry as all get out.

Greedy.

With a huge catalogue of music under Thanks Greedy! your belts, what are still you favourite songs to perform?

With Mentals, we play the songs people will know from the radio, like Nips, Live It Up, If ONE NIGHT STAND Friday 8th December.

You Leave Me, Too Many Times, Mr Natural, Door 6:30pm TICKETS $82 | Show 7pm. portmacquarie.panthers.com.au/ You’re So Strong etc., with a couple of covers entertainments/one-night-stand thrown in.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 45

focusinterview.

-solutely Fabulous Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy tell the story of their lives growing up as obsessed ABBA

fans in the ’70s- perfect timing, as it’s 40 years ago since ABBA came down under for their major tour! Big hair, lycra

jumpsuits and the smash hits from ABBA make this show something truly special. It’s funny, heartwarming, and a true blast from the past …

H

i Rhonda. Forty years ago, ABBA toured Australia.

Can you remember that time, and what you were doing?

I didn’t ever get to that concert, and I was absolutely devastated. My father had told me there was no future in show business - I needd a “real job” - so I was studying to be a school teacher in Armidale at the University of New England.

So a) - I couldn’t afford to get to that concert and (b) I was stuck studying!

How did ABBA-solutely Fabulous develop?

The 40th anniversary was obviously an incentive to create the show?

Lara Mulcahy and I were in the original Mamma Mia, many moons ago - in 2001. It was a big deal, because we actually got the show here in Australia before it went to Broadway.

There have been a million productions of it and obviously the film since then, but we had to audition for Benny and Bjorn from ABBA, which was such a big thing - auditioning for two of the people who actually wrote the songs! So, we did that show for two years, and it was a smash hit.

Lara and I were cast as best friends in the musical, and in real life we were besties - and we have remained besties - which is just beautiful! She’s one of my dearest friends. In the meantime, I’ve done shows here and abroad, while Lara was involved with a zillion other projects too, like Les Misérables.

Last November, over a couple of drinks, we thought about what a great time we’d had back then in Mamma Mia. We love the music - we’re 46 Greater Port Macquarie focus

both obsessed ABBA fans and we tell our story …

You know, there are many ABBA - and I said, it’s perfect Which just happens to fit tribute shows, and we’re certainly timing, 40 years since in with around 22 ABBA not a tribute show - we don’t ABBA came down under; classics. try to be Frida and Anna; why don’t we pick a What are a couple of we’re Rhonda and Lara, different story? your favourite ABBA who enjoy the music of So, we chose our own songs?

ABBA, and we tell our story - the story of two We do quite a few story … Which just happens obsessed ABBA fans duets, but one of my to fit in with around 22 ABBA growing up in Australia, favourite numbers is the classics. who didn’t get to that ballad The Winner Takes concert; Lara grew up it All, which I get to do. in Perth, and I grew up It’s very different to a lot in Sydney. We wrote the story in two days! It’s of the “poppy” kind of ABBA songs. In terms of about growing up in Australia in the ‘70s and all songs that just make the audience go wild and the things that went with that. And this was the for us to have a ball on stage, I can’t go past birth of ABBA-solutely Fabulous!

Dancing Queen and Waterloo. You can’t really In the show - hence the title - there’s certainly top those numbers - and of course, Waterloo is a large dose of Patsy and Eddie from Absolutely what started the whole group off at Eurovision!

Fabulous … I’m far more Patsy to her Eddie!

We have a young boy band with us who We’re completely opposite, but the chemistry is are just getting into the swing of ABBA; they just amazing between the two of us. certainly weren’t born when ABBA was around The costumes in the show are out of this their average age is 22. I’m sure half of them are world. What does it feel like to wear them? still on their P plates - it’s hysterical!

(Laughs.) Lara and I are a certain age - we’re What are some of your favourite things not Beyoncé or J-Lo, and we’re at completely from the ‘70s that have found their way opposite physical sides of the spectrum; Lara is into the show? short and rounded and I’m tall and … ummm In the show we talk about whether we’re … whatever! It is like a “girl power” thing - life Frida or Anna, and we sing in front of the mirror can be incredibly unforgiving, but we just get with hairbrushes … out there and do our stuff and belt out these In those times, Countdown was an absolute songs. It’s a very strong message - it’s a body MUST - you’d sit in front of the TV on Sunday image thing. nights and watch Molly Meldrum - even when You know, there are many ABBA tribute Fernando remained in the charts for 14 weeks! shows, and we’re certainly not a tribute show We collected all the memorabilia - the socks, - we don’t try to be Frida and Anna; we’re the cushions, and we still have some of that Rhonda and Lara, who enjoy the music of ABBA, stuff - including the original 45 records. We talk

about that on stage. Oh … and the big hair, the platform boots - we have authentic platform boots.

It was a really good time; I have so many fond memories of the ‘70s, with the music and the fashion.

Final say …

The main thing about the show is it’s not a tribute - it’s about friendship, girl power …

When we do the songs, they slot into our story perfectly. Lara and I were both dancing school kids, so an obvious segue is Thank You for the Music.

Ring Ring - we talk about having boyfriends in the ‘70s, and we lament that back in those days we used to have handwritten letters and phone calls, instead of everything being on Facebook and Twitter. The dating situation was very different back then, and people often used to pick up the phone!

It’s a hilarious show - Lara and I are like Arnie and Danny De Vito out there. I think the audience walks away with the feeling of what it’s like to have that sense of love for your bestie, and to enjoy the good times singing and dancing along to all of the old songs.

Thanks Rhonda.

plug!

See ABBA-solutely Fabulous at the Glasshouse on November 10 at 8pm.

Visit: glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office on 6581 8888. Tickets also available at rhondaburchmore.com

FOCUS PRESENTS

hastings DANCE FOR CANCER

24TH NOVEMBER 2017 RYDGES HOTEL

JOIN US FOR A FUN FILLED NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL GUEST JUDGE HELEN RICHEY World Champion Latin Dancer, TV Judge ’Dancing with the Stars’ National Dance Championship Adjudicator.

PLUS Vickii Byram & Gavin Rippon

LIMITED TICKETS LEFT

WITH CO-HOST STACEY MORGAN

EMCEE MICHAEL CROSSLAND Join Emcee Michael Crossland for an exciting night of entertainment as we raise money for the Cancer Council NSW.

$70pp includes light supper, arrival drink and all the nights entertainment.

6.00pm arrival. Doors open 6.30pm.

Bookings at 123tix.com.au (Stars of Hastings Dance for Cancer)

SUPPORTED BY:

54

greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Port's Perfect

Pet Pageant

Your pet is perfect, right? No matter whether your companion is a mouse, a dog, or even an elephant, they stand a chance to win a prize in Port’s first Perfect Pet Pageant. Wendy Le Cussan, President of Midcoast Dog Rescue, introduces us to this fun new competition, which will also provide funds to help our local pooches …

W

hat is Midcoast Dog Rescue, and what’s your role with the organisation?

Midcoast Dog Rescue is a “no-kill” animal welfare association, whose principal activity is providing direct care to abused, homeless and unwanted animals in the Port MacquarieHastings area, thus providing a necessary service to our community. I hold the position of Secretary/Treasurer, a role that is both satisfying and rewarding. I’m also a foster carer, and I assist Nigel Bird with the adoption applications.

MDR is a not-for-profit organisation, does not receive any government grants and thus relies heavily on donations from the public, fundraising activities, animal sales, membership subscriptions, foster carers and voluntary workers.

Our objectives are to improve animal welfare and to discourage cruelty to all animals and to accept homeless animals into our foster care system, until a new permanent home can be found.

Our services include providing food, shelter and a loving and safe foster care environment, all necessary veterinary care, such as de-sexing, vaccinating, micro-chipping, teeth cleaning, worming, tick and flea treatments.

We endeavour to increase awareness of pet owners of the need to de-sex and of other aspects of socially responsible pet ownership through educational campaigns via our information stalls and quarterly newsletters.

How do you help local dogs find their “forever homes”?

We hold a monthly pet adoption day at Petstock on Lake Road, when animals awaiting 48 Greater Port Macquarie focus

adoption can be viewed has a pet they want to There will be plenty of and interest registered. showcase - it can be a activities to make it a fun Our Facebook page mouse or an elephant! day, including face is also becoming very All that is required is painting, free balloons popular. a video of up to one and a raffle draw. Of Our dogs can be minute of your perfect course, your Perfect Pet is viewed on the PetRescue pet. You simply pay your invited to come along as well! web site. It has 950 plus $5 entry fee when you members with some submit your video to 8,000 pets looking for Maryanne at Network permanent homes. Over Video/Café Lighthouse 20,000 pet-seekers visit PetRescue.com.au Plaza before 30th November. each day.

What prizes are on offer for the pageant Currently, breeders are the number one and when is the closing date for entries? source for obtaining a dog in Australia; Lighthouse Plaza Centre Management is therefore, converting pet-seekers who get the major sponsor, having contributed $500 their pets from breeders and other non-rescue towards advertising and major prizes. Other sources is vital if more rescue pets are to be prizes and doggy gift bags will be handed out re-homed. We would like adoption to be the randomly on the day, adding to the fun. number one option for obtaining a pet.

The closing date for entries is 30th Do you work to rehome other domestic November. The pageant will be judged on animals too - such as cats?

Saturday 2nd December at Network Video/ No, Nigel Bird, our adoption coordinator Café, Lighthouse Plaza, commencing at 10am. and I are both “dog” people, so we leave the There will be plenty of activities to make it a welfare of cats to the experienced cat rescue fun day, including face painting, free balloons groups in our area. and a raffle draw. Of course, your Perfect Pet As a not-for-profit organisation, you is invited to come along as well! rely heavily on the generosity of the How will funds raised by the event go to community/donations. There’s currently help our local pooches? a fundraiser underway - Port’s Perfect Pet All dogs in our care are de-sexed, Pageant. How will this work? vaccinated, micro-chipped, wormed, flea and Maryanne Brilley and Peta Goodwill, cotick treated before going to their new home. owners of Network Video/Café at Lighthouse No expense is spared when it comes to the Plaza on Ocean Drive, constantly help welfare of our animals; all recommended worthwhile local charities in the community veterinary treatments are carried out - all by organising fundraising events and raising funds raised will go towards the health and money for their causes. They approached wellbeing of our dogs. us wanting to help raise funds for our What individual/businesses have come on organisation, and we were delighted when board to help with the pageant? they came up with this fantastic, fun idea.

Lighthouse Plaza Centre Management is The competition is open to anyone who the major sponsor, with Streets Ice Cream

and Network Video and Coffee Works also participating.

Who are some of the current dogs you have available for adoption?

Reggie is a stunning five year old de-sexed male with a stumpy tail - definitely not a working dog. He has been a loyal companion dog; even though he lived on a property, he was never taught to work. He has a lovely temperament, no malice, and gets on well with other dogs.

Dash, a three year old Beagle mix, has been in our foster care system for five months; he is very handsome and has a gorgeous smile. He is a very strong dog, weighing in at almost 20 kg, and needs plenty of daily exercise. He loves to play and chase his ball and would suit a family, but any children should be over the age of ten, because of his size and energy levels.

How can people adopt a pet - what’s involved?

There’s more to choosing a pet than just which one is the cutest. It’s important to research the type of dog that you want to adopt, to ensure it is suitable for your family and lifestyle. For instance: what sort of residence do you have, what is the size of your garden and yard, is your fencing secure, how long would your dog be alone each week, how active are you, what are the ages of children living in or regularly visiting the house, what size of dog and what length of coat would you prefer?

After you have answered these questions, you are ready to contact a pet rescue group and enquire about adoption.

Further info?

I can be contacted on 6584 7027 or Nigel Bird, our public officer and dog adoption officer, is available on 6584 4992.

Thanks Wendy.

Players Theatre has been a community hub for creativity for over 50 years

Countdown to

Christmas

T

he festivities begin from 5:30pm with the Business Mascots Race.

jad.hyde@bigpond.com Entertainment on Town Green On Stage

Run, skip or walk!

Promote your business or sporting groups with your business mascot.

Participants will run along Horton Street to Town Green; the winner receives bragging rights and trophy.

Entertainment will commence from 5:30pm and continue until the lighting of the CBD Christmas tree. The lighting of the Christmas tree to take place after sundown (approx 8pm).

Christmas Street Parade

Pycon Homes Fireworks Spectacular

Local community groups and residents are invited to take part in the street parade by either creating a float or by simply walking with your community group, family and friends.

Players Theatre presents Showtime!

Players Theatre is proud to present Showtime - an evening of entertainment showcasing some of the best musicals performed at Players Theatre over the past five decades.

For over fifty years The Players Theatre Inc. has been a hub of creativity for the Hastings and has cherished the opportunity to bring theatrical and musical entertainment to the community of Port Macquarie.

For one night only, audiences will be able to take a trip down memory lane, with dazzling performances from much loved shows including The Sound of Music, Grease, The Boy From Oz, and much more.

Plus, we are very lucky to have a number of performers reprise their famous roles from days gone by, as well as a feast of performances from outstanding new talents within our community.

Tickets are only $20 and are on sale now at playerstheatre.org.au or from our Box Office one hour prior to the performance.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Don your Santa hat, reindeer antlers and bring along family and friends to join the festive fun.

Santa will be arriving on his special float and making his way to the Christmas tree at the Town Green.

Interested in entering a float or participating? Please contact Janette Hyde on 0418 837 683 or

Following the lighting of the CBD Christmas tree (approx 8pm).

Proudly sponsored by Pycon Homes and Constructions Pty Ltd To register for any of the events or for more information, call Alex on 0414 772 771.

Thursday 30th November 2017, Town Green, Port Macquarie, 5:30pm.

Toastmasters Speech contest international

Toastmasters will hold their Semi Annual Conference in Port Macquarie over the weekend of the 3rd, 4th and 5th November at Port Panthers.

T

he highlight of the conference will be the final of the Humorous Speech contest, where the best six speakers from the 141 clubs in the district will complete headto-head to determine the best.

Representing the North Coast will be Simon Mervyn-Jones from Port Macquarie; his speech is a very humorous sendup of how Toastmasters operate.

Another highlight will be the appearance of Kingi Biddle, from New Zealand, who was the runner-up at the world championship of public speaking in 2013. He will give two presentations: “How to write a World Championship Speech” and “Take Yourself There”, where he will paint pictures with his words and show us a way to transport

your audience to a place - indirectly into the situation you’re describing.

Any queries can be directed to the Semi Annual Conference Chairman,

Justyn Phillips, Toastmasters’ at SemiAnn@ District 90 was d90toastmasters. established July 1, org.au 2015 and covers Toastmasters clubs in New South Representing the North International is a Wales, broadly Coast will be Simon Mervynworld leader in north of Sydney Jones from Port Macquarie; communication Harbour and the his speech is a very and leadership Parramatta River humorous sendup of how development. (and a line running Toastmasters operate.

Our organisation due west). It was has more formed when the than 352,000 original NSW/ memberships.

ACT District (District 70) was reformed Members improve their speaking and into two to provide better service to, leadership skills by attending one of and more leadership opportunities for, the 16,400 clubs in 141 countries members. that make up our global network of Have a query? Need more information?

meeting locations.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 49

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Manuela & Chad 16/9/2017 / Rawdon Island, Port Macquarie

After a random encounter, Chad and Manuela Chesher knew it was love! They recently tied the knot on a private family property at Rawdon Island, cleverly styled with a relaxed vibe ... FOCUS chatted with blushing bride Manuela ...

H

i Manuela. How did yours and overly suspicious. The tears are what gave him away.

Chad’s love story begin? We Tell us about the location of your wedding - why first caught eyes eight years ago is this place special to you both? We had our at the then Boardwalk restaurant. ceremony and reception at the beautiful Rawdon We were Island on Chad’s cousin’s estate. both at Our ceremony was out by the different dinners, and Chad river, which was perfect for asked his sister if she knew who us, as we both love the water I was. We coincidently met a - and Chad especially loves He then took me to dinner few days later for the first time fishing. The reception was set and suggested we go to on a sunny afternoon at the up on the front lawn and being the beach after. At this Mercure roof top. Chad’s sense at a private property, we were point he pulled out of humour and ability to make able to have everything exactly a blanket, candles, people smile was what won me as we hoped. champagne and over.

How would you sum up the flowers; it was the day What was special about overall vibe you wanted to before my birthday, so I Chad’s proposal? It was cliché, achieve for your day, and wasn’t overly suspicious. but perfect! The evening started who did you have standing with him willingly coming to by your side? The vibe we see a chick flick at the movies, were hoping for was just a fun, which is very unlike him! He then took me to dinner relaxed day full of laughter and love. We did not want and suggested we go to the beach after. At this point anything too formal, so opted for a cocktail style he pulled out a blanket, candles, champagne and wedding with a help yourself drink station, canapés, flowers; it was the day before my birthday, so I wasn’t a fire pit and casual seating. I have always loved the

50 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Everyone tells you to not stress the small things, and it’s true! We had little hiccups on the day, but being amongst all your closest family and friends, there is always someone there to sort it out.

speeches at weddings, so we were sure to still include a bridal table and seating in our marquee, so we had that special space for our speeches. Most of the night, though, was spent outside the marquee, roasting marshmallows, having drinks with friends on the hay bales and dancing under the stars.

What song did you walk down the aisle to, and what sentiment does this hold for you two? A cover of Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars was my aisle song. We truly spent hours and hours going through songs together, and there were so many that we loved, but for some reason that song just felt right!

The most memorable moment of your day?

The whole day was perfect, although there were a few parts we especially loved; one of those was our first dance. It was the moment when everything else seemed to fade away and all the hard work and planning we had put into our day just seemed so worth it. We also had some fabulous surprise entertainment throughout the reception. Chad’s cousin, Brodie, and I did an epic dance to Swish Swish Bish, and my sister smashed Killing Me Softly on the Karaoke.

What was on the menu for guests to enjoy? As our wedding was a canapé style, we had three hours of food service throughout the evening and a wonderful wedding cake made by Ashley Evans for dessert. The canapés included everything from oysters to chicken tacos, sliders and more.

Anything you would do differently or advice to give other couples? At the end of the day, I would not have changed a thing. The wedding was everything I could have hoped for and more. Everyone tells you to not stress the small things, and it’s true! We had little hiccups on the day, but being amongst all your closest family and friends, there is always someone there to sort it out.

One more thing I would highly recommend is spending the extra money to get a videographer. We weren’t sure whether we would get one, but, decided to go for it in the end - and I could not be happier! Being able to replay your special day never gets old and is a memory you can share with your friends, family and children in years to come.

with thanks to.

Celebrant Head Over Heels Ceremonies Guests 110 Catering XS Food Florals Sarah J Hudson Flowers & Styling Photographer Matthew J Photography Videographer Wilson Visuals Bride’s

Dress Essense of Australia Shoes Boohoo Hair & Makeup Sitting Pretty Hair Studio & Hayley Dwyer Makeup Artistry Groom’s Attire Roger David Cake Ashley Evans, The Happy Adventure Music/

Emcee Party Professionals.

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Struggling to get your kids off their devices? Or just feel like maybe they need a good dose of the great outdoors? Tamara from Aussie Kids Adventure Camps has developed comprehensive, safe, educational and fun camps for kids, with activities ranging from fishing, hiking, meditation, making new friends and more. Tamara tells FOCUS all about her new adventure …

adventure Ausie Kids

C A M P S

W

here did the idea come from to start the Aussie Kids Adventure Camps?

The idea came from the combination of my two passions: working with children and

camping.

I love working with children, creating moments of happiness and fun, seeing them be the best they can be as an individual and with their peers.

I love the outdoors and camping; the benefits it offers to children are nothing short of amazing.

What is your background, and how does it integrate with the business?

I am a primary school teacher, mother, and child and youth caseworker. I am immersed in children twenty four hours a day, and I love every moment. The strength, character, resilience, kindness that children can display always amazes me; as adults, we have much to learn from them.

With over ten years of working with children, I have the ability to capture children’s attention and focus it on the things that matter - moments of beauty, moments of fun and excitement, laughter and happiness. This skill perfectly integrates camping with children; there is not a more perfect way of co-exploring with children, so that they can be immersed in the moments that matter.

What are the key learning principles you’ve attached to the camps?

I’m not a school. I don’t have key learning principles.

There is no pressure to learn. The child needs to have a sense of adventure - and if they don’t, I guarantee I can help them to get one through co-exploration.

The child will become more socially connected to peers and staff, the child will experience numerous moments of laughter, happiness, excitement, mindfulness, gratitude, 52 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The child will become more socially connected to peers and

resilience and independence.

Children love to be in his presence and staff, the child will experience I believe these will be the positive the fun that he brings to every activity, numerous moments moments that will formulate character no matter what it is. Adventure and of laughter, happiness, and potential. fun wrapped into one. excitement, mindfulness, It's no secret getting kids off their What are your child care ratios, gratitude, resilience and devices can be hard - so in the and why is this important? independence. modern technology age, how can Child care ratios are one of the parents encourage outdoor and most important things in any business imaginative play? that works with children. It’s what So hard … “Just one more clip; I’ve keeps our children safe, but just as nearly finished this level; just wait!” importantly, connected. Children need an adult to watch Set up some guidelines about how much time a day they out for them, to be there for them, to engage with them, can have screen time, and stick to it. Then play with your co-create moments and then laugh and giggle with them child; teach them how to use their imagination. Once they about those moments later. Our ratio is 1:5, which is like start, they won’t want to stop. These years go fast, so you a big family. Each child can feel safe and know where to won’t always be Barbie or Ken! look for leadership and guidance. The current legislated Currently l have a Pokémon shop set up in my lounge guidelines are 1:7, but I feel with the experience of camp to room, and we’re not allowed to shut the shop. The benefits be amazing we need a smaller number of children per adult. of this play - talking and listening, money skills, addition, How can people find out more about your upcoming subtraction, understanding of time and socialising. As camps and who you cater to? parents, we have to encourage and then let them go and I love to talk about the camps and answer any questions not stress so much about the mess. You can always make a parents might have: “My child gets nervous at bed time”; game out of cleaning up - you just have to show them how!

“My child occasionally wets the bed”; “I’m worried about Tell us about your adventure and fun gurus … my child being away from home”.

Each staff member has different skills in different fields of All questions are valid and important, and after a phone adventure. I hike, fish, swim, meditate, fire-build, star gaze conversation parents are satisfied that their child will have an and play. We also engaged contractors who are masters of amazing adventure. their adventure activity, from surfing to drumming.

So call 0422 089 635 or email I always thought I was the pied piper of children - and aussiekidsadventurecamps@gmail.com or check out the web don’t get me wrong, I am - but I met a male version of page http://aussiekidsadventurecamps.com.au myself and instantly had to employ him for the adventure Your child will thank you for it. camps. He is a power house of energy and movement.

Thanks Tamara.

Why Birkenstock? Because Birkenstock is the original comfort shoe.

Birkenstock has made footwear for over two hundred years and continue to believe that comfort is the true measure of a shoe’s worth.

The phrase “form follows function” describes the concept behind Birkenstock. All footwear includes a footbed shape that mirrors the contours of a healthy foot.

The Footbed benefit No part of the body is subject to more stress and strain in the course of a lifetime than the foot. Our feet bear all of our body's weight.

Therefore, it is crucially important to take care of your feet. Birkenstock invented the world's first contoured cork/latex footbed. The shape of the original Birkenstock Footbed enables body weight to be distributed evenly over the whole foot, providing it with optimal support.

What makes Birkenstocks special?

Think of Birkenstocks as a performance shoe, orthopaedically designed and constructed to offer comfort and support that other shoes just

can't match. Most sandals are made to last one, maybe two, seasons at the most. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, are made to last a long time.

Quality materials give Birkenstocks durability and long lasting good looks. The reparability of Birkenstock footwear extends the life of the shoes, making this investment even more sound. With proper care and maintenance, you can make your Birkenstocks last for years.

Birkenstocks are an investment for your feet.

Why do Birkenstocks look wide?

They look wider than most shoes, because the design follows the natural shape of the foot. Many shoe styles feature a narrow toe area, which not only compresses the toes, but throws the foot out of alignment. The shape of Birkenstocks guides the toes and feet into correct alignment, thus moulding to your feet the more you wear them, so your weight is evenly distributed, providing optimal posture throughout your body.

Department Store is Christmas Central even more special,” she said.

Christmas cheer will be ringing throughout Wauchope and Port Macquarie Department Stores this year, starting with the unveiling of Wauchope’s legendary Christmas windows on November 2.

Attractions at the Wauchope store for the Annual

On December 1 and 2, both stores will host their Annual Christmas Sale.

photos, book sales and signings with author Di

The sale days will be particularly special for the Port store, as it will be the first weekend of trading in their new location at 5 Palm Court Centre, opposite Australia Post.

A highlight will be the drawing of Hastings Co-op’s

Manager Judy Standring said the move will be ideal for customers, “with easy parking, a convenient location and even more room for all the fashion, shoes, handbags, childrenswear, menswear, gifts, furniture, homewares and kitchenware our customers love”.

“It’s going to be a huge couple of months for both stores, making this magical time of year

Christmas Sale Days include live music, spot prizes, Bago Bluff tastings, a Triple M live broadcast, Santa Morrissey and Napoleon Perdis consultations. $10,000 Major Prize Giveaway on December 2.

“The best part is 20 - 50% off storewide in both stores, so customers can tick off their Christmas list early,” Mrs Standring said.

“December 1 and 2 is the perfect time to do all your shopping under one roof.

“Like previous years, we will also have Santa photos at Wauchope from 10am to 1pm on December 2, 9 and 16 and late night shopping on December 18, 19, 20 and 21.”

the

Department store NEW

Di Morrissey book signings

Sale

Port Macquarie store in Palm Court Centre late November

Sale

Sale

FREE

Napoleon Perdis gift valued at

$245

with every purchase over $75

1s t

- 2n

er b d Decem

Attractions at Wauchope store Friday, December 1 10am: Live music 10am - 2pm: Napoleon Perdis consultations Bago Bluff tastings & spot prizes Saturday, December 2 8.30am -12pm: Triple M live broadcast 9.30am: Drawing of Hastings Co-op’s $10,000 Major Prize Giveaway 11am -1pm: Di Morrissey new book sales and signings 10am - 2pm: Napoleon Perdis consultations 10am - 1pm: Santa Claus photos Bago Bluff tastings & spot prizes

* Sale excludes already marked down items, electricals, food items, Napoleon Perdis and Lorna Jane WAUCHOPE (02) 6585 2299 22 High Street, Wauchope, NSW 2446

PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6588 8951 5 Palm Court Centre, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

000038 Department Store Xmas Sale FOCUS 156x125mm.indd 1

20/10/17 12:29 pm

Greater Port Macquarie focus 53

focusinterview.

with Michelle Parker from Parker & Co Communications

Kerrianne

WHITE S P E C I A L E D U CAT I O N T E AC H E R , E A R LY C O N N E C T I O N S P O R T M A C Q U A R I E / H A S T I N G S

T

ransition visits, social stories, visual cues cards and positive behaviour charts are some of the resources Kerrianne White organises to help children in the classroom.

Kerrianne supports children with disabilities and developmental learning delays, with an emphasis on inclusion in mainstream settings.

For families, discovering their child is experiencing challenges can be overwhelming, confusing and emotional.

There’s lots of information to take on board, which is why Kerrianne’s role as a Key Worker and Special Education Teacher at Early Connections is so important.

“I’m the primary point of contact for families seeking Early Childhood Intervention. I act as a link between our team of professionals and the community,” said Kerrianne, who connects children with the therapy and inclusion they need. Her role is to support the team around each child.

Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Physiotherapy are offered at Early Connections in Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie and Wauchope.

Kerrianne joined the Early Connections team seven years ago, after many years as an educator at local preschools.

54 Greater Port Macquarie focus

for the teacher and family. I’m really there as This experience gives her a natural insight into the challenges of a busy classroom and an extra pair of hands.” a keen eye for recognising opportunities to A Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood build on children’s strengths and teachers’ Education and Diploma in Children’s capacity to help.

Services gave Kerrianne the foundation for Kerrianne helps the teacher and the child a career with children. Each day requires lots with strategies for a particular behaviour, of patience and problem solving, as well as routines, managing emotions and learning. empathy and good listening skills.

“We don’t want Currently Kerrianne to add to teachers’ is transitioning 23 workload or reinvent children into local the wheel, but a primary schools. This fresh pair of eyes I travel along a meaningful involves working closely whilst focusing on journey with the with Early Childhood one child instead of parents and children I Centres, schools and thirty can make a work with, and it’s so rewarding most importantly, the big difference,” said to share these important families.

Kerrianne. milestones with families.

Children may need “I’m like a ‘GPS’ for modifications in the parents, helping them classroom, like using navigate the services a texta instead of a and supports to maximise their child’s pencil, or a whiteboard instead of paper, as learning. I link teachers and parents with well as more complex needs. the places they need - whether it’s a service It’s a natural step to support families in the community, playgroups, schools, through the school transition. Kerrianne has swimming lessons, shops for educational formed trusting relationships with each child toys or learning resources to help with their since they fi rst accessed Early Childhood disability.”

Intervention as three year olds, or younger.

Kerrianne is passionate about making “I travel along a meaningful journey with sure all children can learn, play and connect the parents and children I work with, and with their community. Ensuring a smooth it’s so rewarding to share these important transition to school is a big part of her role. milestones with families,” said Kerrianne.

“I offer a fresh perspective and alternatives

My Day 7:00 Wake up, feed dog, drink cup of tea, breakfast, get ready for work and kids ready for school.

8:15 Arrive to work; sign in. Phone calls and emails.

8:30 Team meeting to discuss different families’ needs. We are a transdisciplinary team and work collaboratively, sharing the responsibilities of evaluating, planning, and implementing services with children and their families.

9:15 Three visits to see children at their preschools, homes and within the community.

12:30 Back to Early Connections office for phone calls, emails to families and planning with the team for National Disability Insurance Scheme transitions.

1:00 Lunch break and laughter with the team.

1:30 Complete service reports, follow up with Early Connections therapists and professionals within the community.

3:00 Follow up phone calls, emails and prepare learning resources as needed.

4:00 Home to spend time with my family.

Open Year Round

Care. Learn. Play.

6:30am - 6:0 pm 02 6581 4 3 columbacottage.com.au/booktour

• Our safe, secure location makes drop off and pick up a breeze.

• Children are cared for by dedicated, passionate staff who report regularly on your child’s development.

and e m Co eek! p a take rs daily tou E E R F

columbacottage.com.au

• Large, stimulating outdoor play areas.

• Flexible mealtime options.

Long Day Care | Pre School | Before & After School Care | Vacation Care Open Year Round 6:30am - 6:00pm 02 6581 4433

columbacottage.com.au

Long Day Care | Pre School | Before & After School Care | Vacation Care 55 Greater Port Macquarie focus

• A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE •

It’s been in the pipeline for a while, but it’s official - The Nature School will open for school students in Kinder - Year 2 in 2018, with plans to offer classes up to Year 6 in future.

M

att Whatman - TNS Board member and Primary School Project Officer and Sybil Juzwiak Doyle - TNS Board member and TNS co-founder share the school’s progress … A site has been chosen, enrolments are open - so it’s all systems go!

The Nature School has been running in Port Macquarie for a couple of years now, catering for preschool children between three - six years of age. How successful has this program been?

Sybil: The Nature School has grown steadily in the last two years. The early years program has been supported and very well received by the community. Currently, the program offers three full days (9am - 3pm) and one half day (9am -12pm). The playgroup, for children aged under three years and their parents, on Mondays, has developed into a special gathering of likeminded families. Rain and mud always make days particularly exciting.

There have been plans underway for The Nature School to establish a Primary School locally. What's been involved with getting these plans off the ground - and how are the various approval processes going?

Matt: We have an active working group of individuals and local organisations doing amazing work behind the scenes to get us operational and open next year. The NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) certification was received 19 October 2017, providing initial registration that enables us to operate in 2018. That is what we have been waiting for, and it is a wildly exciting milestone.

We are in the process of interviewing for the head teacher and teacher roles and have received some great applications from passionate and highly experienced teachers. Works will

56 Greater Port Macquarie focus

begin in November to meet requirements for the DA application approved for the school site. A crowd funding campaign has been developed to raise start up funds required for the purchase of school resources. Enrolments for the early years program Term 1, 2018 are open. For more information, email us on info@thenatureschool. org.au When is it expected The Nature School Primary (TNS Primary) will commence classes ... and what age students will it cater for?

Matt: We are starting in Term 1, 2018 with Kindergarten to Year 2, students aged five seven years old. TNS will progressively add school years until the full complement up to Year 6 is offered.

What do you feel TNS Primary will add to the educational offerings already available locally?

Matt: The Nature School Primary will offer something unique not only locally, but nationally. The school draws inspiration from Scandinavian countries such as Finland, where the emphasis on competition, screen-based learning and standardised testing is reduced. At The Nature School Primary, learning will occur organically through play, nature immersion and collaboratively through projects and community engagement. Along with the local Steiner group, that is also looking to start a school next year, we believe that the local community is looking for the type of education that our respective schools offer.

Sybil: The school will offer a smaller learning environment compared to the current educational offerings in the area. Children will be engaged in their own learning and interests, as well as fully supported by the community of families involved with the organisation. TNS’s vision is “a world in which all children learn from and within nature”, and the primary school will reflect this vision.

What curriculum will be established to allow taught at the school? growth into becoming a The environment we foster Matt: TNS Primary primary school. The Nature provides all subjects such will use the Australian School is an Incorporated as literacy, numeracy, Curriculum. It is how our Association, which is a not science and the arts to skilled teachers apply it for profit organisation, naturally occur and be to our unique program as well as a registered celebrated. The educational that sets us apart. The charity. A professional, outcomes set out in the program will focus on passionate and volunteer Australian Curriculum for all key developing personal, social Board of Directors runs the learning areas will be monitored and emotional life skills association. and tracked for each child. through immersion in Operationally, the nature-based, play-based primary school will learning and passion involve parents and driven projects. The the community, which environment we foster provides all subjects will help connect the children to their local such as literacy, numeracy, science and the environment. arts to naturally occur and be celebrated. The If readers are interested in enrolling at the educational outcomes set out in the Australian school, how can they do so - or find more Curriculum for all key learning areas will be information? monitored and tracked for each child.

Matt: Round one of enrolments are now open Where is the proposed site for the school? and will close on 20th November 2017. The Matt: We are in the process of setting up the enrolment information and documentation is school at The Innes Lake Community Centre on available on the website: thenatureschool.org.

166 Ruins Way, Port Macquarie. We envision au or by email primaryadmin@thenatureschool. classrooms being equipped with locally sourced org.au and sustainable resources and equipment. The In 2018, enrolments are limited to 25 outdoor space on site has expansive lawns, and students. Families are encouraged to submit their we are just a short stroll to the local bush for application for enrolment as soon as possible. The nature immersion sessions.

Nature School Primary is planning to make offers The Nature School Inc. will find a permanent of placement by 27 November to children to start home within the next few years with a bush in Term 1, 2018. setting on which to build sustainably designed There will be a fundraising school fair and premises, including outdoor classrooms, an active information session at the school site, Saturday vegetable garden, nature based play space and 18th November 2017 from 9am to 1pm. We open space for sport activities. encourage interested parents and community Will TNS Primary still be a nonmembers to attend. This will be a great profit organisation - and are volunteers opportunity for the community to come together, needed to help with the running of the see the school site, ask questions and enjoy a school? wonderful morning together.

Sybil: The structure of the organisation was Thanks Matt and Sybil.

• A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE •

Get the best start to their learning lives With the excitement of Christmas and New Year ahead, it makes sense to plan now for your child’s daycare or preschool arrangements for 2018.

programs to promote self-discovery and achievement in children aged 0 - 6 years.

Joey’s House offers long day care or occasional care with a high educator to child ratio, supporting personalised education programs.

Naturally, you want to give them the best start to their learning lives. That’s where St Joseph’s Family Services (SJFS) can help.

St Joseph’s Preschool and Long Day Care Centre is a modern, well-resourced facility that caters for children 3 - 6 years. It offers educational programs designed by experienced, qualified educators to meet each child’s needs. Hastings Family Day Care’s qualified early childhood educators provide care in a safe, stimulating home environment for children up to 13 years.

Since 1973, SJFS has given hundreds of children the best possible preparation for school through fun and engaging educational programs tailored to the lifestyle of a busy family. They offer high quality early childhood services at St Agnes’, Joey’s House and St Joseph’s Preschool and Long Day Care Centre and a unique alternative to traditional centre-based care through Hastings Family Day Care.

At St Agnes’, known affectionately as St Aggie’s, qualified educators use the highly successful Pikler Approach in play-based and preschool

SJFS is hosting a “pop-up” information booth at Port Central on Friday 10 November from 8:30am - 5pm. Call in and ask how you can win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, or give SJFS a call on 6583 6464 to arrange a tour of their facilities.

Enrolling Now for 2018!

BOOK A TOUR A ONE OF T OUR CENTR ES

Offering innovative and inclusive early education and care services including home based Family Day Care, Centre Based Long Day Care, Preschool and Occasional care.

p: 0419 220 318

w: https://sjfs.org.au

https://www.facebook.com/stjosephsfamilyservices/ Greater Port Macquarie focus 57

• A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE •

Mindful Parenting.

Coaching for parents to find creative and realistic solutions/strategies for: • parenting • relationships • career • work-life balance • health and wellbeing

Early Childhood.

E D U C A T I O N

&

C A R E

C O U R S E S

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the nationally-regulated entry-level qualification for working in early childhood education and care. It qualifies you to work as an early childhood educator in a centre-based service or family day care.

W

hy take this course?

Do you love working with children?

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is the nationally regulated entry-level qualification for working in early childhood education and care. The qualification will put you on the path to a career working as an early childhood educator in a centre-based service or family day care, designing and implementing the curriculum that will shape young minds. You will learn how to use a national learning framework, regulations and quality standards to support the education and care of children from birth to school age.

You will be able to facilitate play and ensure children's health and safety while supporting their learning and wellbeing.

Information correct at time of publishing, December 2015.

How will it help my career?

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the minimum qualification you’ll need to have to work in early childhood centres, including preschools. Half of the educators at an early childhood service need to have a diploma level qualification or above (or be actively working towards) in order for the service to meet regulations. Possible job roles include: • centre manager (children's services) • children's advisor • children's services coordinator • child development educator • director/ manager • early childhood educator • 58 Greater Port Macquarie focus

family day care co-ordinator • group/ team coordinator/leader early childhood • program leader (children's services) • special needs/inclusive educator What are the entry requirements for this course?

Anyone in child-related work (including student placements and volunteers) must have a current Working with Children Check (students/volunteers free) in line with the Office of Children's Guardian phase-in schedule and processes. You can find more information at Working with Children check. You’ll also need to have the First Aid Certificate (HLTAID004). Because this unit cannot be completed online, it’s not included as part of this course. However, you must complete this First Aid Certificate before you can receive the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. In order to complete the First Aid Certificate, you’ll need to perform basic life support skills, such as control bleeding and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you have a disability that would prevent you from performing these kinds

of basic life support skills, you won’t be able to achieve the unit.

Can I continue my studies after this course?

When you successfully complete this course you can apply for the TAFE NSW Higher Education course Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth - 5).

Can I apply for a government subsidised place?

Yes. This means you may be eligible for a government subsidised fee, concession or exemption. Select “Enrol now” to go to the TAFE NSW course fee calculator. Answer the questions, and you’ll be given an estimated course fee.

Can I apply for VET FEE-HELP? Yes. This means you can apply for a VET FEE-HELP student loan to help pay for your course.

The Commonwealth Government VET FEE-HELP student loan scheme provides you with the option of: • deferring all of your course fees or • paying some of your course fees upfront and deferring the balance. More details are available on the TAFENSW website.

Where can we find out more? www.tafensw.edu.au

You will learn how to use a national learning framework, regulations and quality standards to support the education and care of children from birth to school age.

Sara is a life coach, parent coach and mindfulness educator empowering parents, educators, children and teens to live richer, fuller and more meaningful lives with resilience and a deep sense of inner wellbeing.

We all do better when we feel better!

Sara teaches ACT mindfulness and acceptance techniques to support you to live fully, let go and love well.

Term 4 Focus: • Take ACTion with Anxiety workshops and coaching • Thriving At School - preparing children for transition to BIG school Find out more about coaching / workshops / online resources: sara@mindfulparentingmindfulcoaching.com or 0458 231 968.

“Thanks so much, Sara, for last night. Some great practical tips.” - Clare, Thriving At School Workshop.

• A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE •

Academy ofMusic The Port Macquarie Academy of Music has students who range in age from two - 82 … What a mammoth task to organise lesson plans and structure learning programmes for this group! Hats off to Anne Russell and her team at the Academy, who have successfully done just this! The Academy’s Toddler Tooters classes introduce “walking toddlers” to music, starting them on the road to what could possibly be an amazing musical journey through life …

H

i Anne. What's your role at the Port Macquarie Academy of Music?

My husband, Michael, and I are the founding proprietors of Port Macquarie Academy of Music, which we opened in Port Macquarie in 1992.

What's your personal background with music ... What instruments do you play, and where did you learn?

I studied AMEB and Trinity College classical piano and music theory with a private teacher in Wollongong for 10 years whilst at school.

After leaving school, my teacher would call on me to fill in for her when she travelled.

This experience led me to start my own music school from home whilst our three children were very young, initially in Wollongong, then Holbrook, and 25 years ago, here in Port Macquarie.

During our children’s school years, my skills were called upon to teach classroom music, choirs, percussion bands, social dance (I was a dancer in another life!) and to produce various school musical productions. This work at various schools continued for more than 20 years in many locations, and the private tuition continued out of school hours.

In 1992 my private student numbers were continuing to grow here in Port Macquarie, and it was necessary to have a business premise for lessons. These days we have eight talented, qualified staff and state of the art studios with a concert hall and offer drum, guitar, singing, piano, keyboard, music theory, Wunderkeys for 3 - 5 year olds and Toddler Tooters classes for preschoolers.

We love sharing music with students of all

ages and currently work with students aged from two - 82!

Adult Education, later known as the Community College, also gave me a chance to share my skills with adults wanting to play piano/keyboard for a number of years.

We continue to offer beginner adult tuition groups and private lessons at the Academy studios.

I’ve also enjoyed lecturing and tutoring for Newcastle University first year primary school teachers in Music and Dance.

In recent years, some of the local preschools have offered our music programme to their young students, and this has led to the addition of our Toddler Tooters classes at the studios, so parents, grandparents and carers can come along for a fun bonding session of music with their toddlers.

Introduce us to your "Toddler Tooters" programme ... What ages is it suitable for, and what do you hope to share with participants?

Our Toddler Tooters classes are suitable for “walking” toddlers and incorporate movement, singing, percussion and craft relating to the “song of the day”. The children learn the basic music concepts of rhythm, pitch and dynamics through these playful activities.

I know when my children were this age, I would have loved for a programme like Toddler Tooters to have been available.

What's the most rewarding thing for you being involved with children of this age?

My reward is seeing the children develop their love and appreciation of music, whilst having some quality time with their parent, grandparent or carer. The friendships formed in the group are often longstanding, and

Our Toddler Tooters classes are

suitable for ‘walking’ toddlers that’s special to be a part to all other instruments. and incorporate of too.

Learning music has movement, singing, Often the children, many proven benefits, percussion and craft and sometimes the including building relating to the ‘song of adults too, go on fine motor skills and the day’. The children learn to learn a specific increased cognitive the basic music concepts of instrument or singing development. Guitar, rhythm, pitch and dynamics with us here at Port for example, requires through these playful activities.

Macquarie Academy developed fine motor of Music. It’s very and aural skills, which rewarding to see these most children don’t have students develop their until they’re older, so skills further as they apply them to a specific keyboard/piano makes more sense as a starter instrument and perhaps even complete exams instrument for young children. with a view to becoming professional teachers The Wunderkeys program caters really well or performers of the future. to three - five year olds, introducing them to What do you find is the most challenging the keyboard and music whilst developing aspect of working with young children? so many other skills which will be imperative Very young children have a short when they start “big” school! concentration span, so you have to be able to What days/times does Toddler Tooters judge when they need to move on to another run ... and are the classes run in sessions activity and keep the lessons interesting and or blocks? age appropriate. I draw on my experiences Toddler Tooter classes run on Friday and knowledge as a teacher, mum and mornings at 9:30am during the school term, grandmother to plan lessons. with other sessions available to Mother’s Some children don’t like constant loud Groups, Playgroups etc. by appointment. noise, some aren’t used to structured activities The programme is very flexible, and we love or sharing with other children, so all these getting out into the community to teach this factors need to be taken into account! We program in preschools, day care and OOSH want the lessons to be educational and centres. Staff development sessions are also fun, so a structured format is integral to the available as required. productive learning process.

Where can readers find out further info?

If a young child shows a particular More information about the Toddler interest or aptitude for a certain Tooters classes, instrument or vocal tuition instrument, how can you assist them? is available from the Port Macquarie We always suggest keyboard is a terrific Academy of Music website: www. instrument for young children to start with, portmacquarieacademyofmusic.com or because there’s lots of rhythm and sound call Anne on 0412 071 162 or find us on varieties to keep them enthused and the Facebook. keyboard theory is very important, as it applies Thanks Anne.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 59

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t f i G n o i t a r i p ins

Early Shoppers rejoice in these great idea’s!

Amcal.

Amcal has a wide variety of everyday perfumes as well as exotic and luxury perfumes at great prices.

Come and talk to our friendly staff and check them out.

Mathers.

We’re head over heels for our new retailer Mathers, come in and shop the latest trends today.

Like the YALE by Gino Ventori.

Perfect for embracing warmer weather, YALE by Gino Ventori offers classic comfort and statement style. Crafted in Brazil from soft, supple leathers, this elegant sandal will take you from work to weekend with ease.

Angus and Coote.

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EB Games.

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Go VITA. Crazy Bargain Warehouse.

A locally owned family business offering unique gift ideas, party supplies (including helium balloons), art & craft, pet accessories and your general day to day needs. We have sensational Christmas decorations, lights, dress ups & other fabulous products which offers our customers a great variety of choice. We also do customize orders for your special event so come and see our friendly staff & management.

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Health Wellbeing focushealth

and

B Y H E A LT H F U L W I S D O M

Balance

hormones Naturally

Smoothies for Good Health

This month we are delighted to share with you some of our favourite nourishing smoothie recipes. Smoothies are a great way to detoxify, boost metabolism, build muscle, support energy and maintain a healthy digestive system.

T

hese nutritious drinks are a great way to enrich our body with a number of essential vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates, which will assist in boosting immunity, elevated energy and increased motivation.

Smoothies can taste amazing and there is a huge variety of options to suit everyone’s tastebuds.

Protein Smoothie

For the chocolate lovers there is a range of cacao smoothies; for those who feel the need to cleanse and detoxify, green chlorophyll rich smoothies may be the choice for you. The combination of ingredients you can use is endless. Depending on your mood, health concerns, goals and preference, you can get creative with ingredients that are perfect for you.

Berry Blissful

2 frozen bananas

1 cup of organic blueberries

½ cup of coconut cream

Handful of soaked cashew nuts

1 cup of water

1 cup of coconut water

1 avocado

1 teaspoon of coconut nectar or raw honey

½ cup of oats

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

2 tablespoons of nut butter

Handful of ice

1 serving of grass fed whey concentrate 2 tablespoons of cacao

Clean Green Smoothie

Weight Burn ½ frozen banana ½ cup of organic berries

1 Lebanese cucumber

1 serving of protein powder (we like either a whey isolate or college peptides)

2 handfuls of spinach

¼ avocado

Handful of fresh mint

1 tablespoon of flaxseed

1 cup of coconut water

1 tablespoon of MCT oil

1 tablespoon of grated ginger

Handful of greens (spinach or cucumber)

Juice of half a lemon

1 cup of coconut water or water

1½ cups of chopped pineapple

Juice of half a lemon 62 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Should i take my

Medicine with food or not?

G

This is quite a complex topic, and the answer really depends on the medication and the type of meal.

enerally, taking a medication with food means it will take longer to work and may be less effective.

With some medications it does not make a big difference; however, with others there are strict guidelines around when to take it in relation to food. If there is a medication that you take regularly, be consistent with the timing of it with food.

Taking a Medication Away from Food is Generally Classified as Taking it One Hour Before or Two Hours After Food.

Reasons Some Medicines should be Taken with or After Food • So they are absorbed into the blood stream properly. Some medicines need food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, so that they can be absorbed properly.

• To minimise nausea and vomiting. Medications that can cause these symptoms are less likely to cause them if there is food in the stomach.

• To minimise stomach irritation. Some foods can irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and in severe cases, cause ulcers. Even having a biscuit or glass of milk can help prevent irritation. This is why aspirin and related anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and diclofenac are usually best taken with food. It is not as big a deal as first thought, but certainly regular users and those who find they have a sensitive stomach should have food first.

• To help the body process the meal. Some medicines help with the processing of meals, so need to be taken with food.

• To make sure the medicine is not washed away. Examples of this include mouthwashes and drops/gels for mouth infections. They should be used after eating, so that they don’t get washed away and can stay in the mouth as long as possible.

Reasons some Medicines should be Taken Away from Food • To make sure the medicine is processed and absorbed properly. Calcium in dairy products stops the absorption of iron and some antibiotics. Thyroxine, to treat hypothyroidism, should be taken away from food, so that it is absorbed properly.

• To make sure the medicine breaks down properly in the intestines and liver. Grapefruit juice has such an unpredictable effect with a lot of medicines, that it should not be consumed unless you are sure it is safe with your medicines.

• Because the “food” acts in a similar way to the medicine. This is like having an overdose. This is why alcohol should not be consumed with medications that cause sedation, and caffeine should not be used with stimulating medicines.

Consumer Medicine Information leaflets are available for all prescription medications and these are the best place to look to see when you should take your medicine in relation to food. Alternatively, ask your pharmacist what is best for your medicines.

Read more at healthfulwisdom.com Shannon Lawrence is an Accredited Consultant Pharmacist.

Salon Secrets IPL Skin Rejuvenation.

Revive Spa Package offer*

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Dr Eric Saacks.

Here’s what happens.

AT SAACKS ORTHODONTICS, WE DON’T BELIEVE IN A “ONE SYSTEM FITS ALL” APPROACH. Every smile is unique. Every person individual. Every treatment we recommend is customised to achieve a better smile. We offer a range of orthodontic options from the best systems available in Australia and America. Plus, with Dr Eric Saacks overseeing all treatment plans, you have the confidence of a renowned international orthodontic and periodontal specialist (and qualified general dentist) with the experience to further customise any treatment, ensuring the best possible smile for you.

Dr Eric Saacks is a specialist orthodontist who will work closely on your orthodontic case, to ensure you receive the best in orthodontic care. To find out more about how Saacks Orthodontics can help you, or to book an appointment, please contact us today.

At Saacks Orthodontics, we offer our patients the very best in the latest orthodontic treatment. Our promise is to recommend the best treatment option to produce the healthiest smile possible.

Remember, as Dr Eric Saacks says, “Smile; it’s confidence therapy.”

During an IPL procedure, intense light from a range of wavelengths is focused on the specific parts of your skin that you are treating. The IPL device itself is gently pressed onto the skin, with a smooth, transparent surface emitting the light on the targeted areas.

This light helps to spur on the production of collagen, which will help to fill in lines and wrinkles or shallow scarring, while also reducing redness, discolouration, and spots. Meanwhile, the targeted tissue that has been damaged is naturally removed by the body. Anaesthesia is not needed, and there is no downtime. The entire procedure is very quick, taking about half an hour to complete, although the exact length will depend on what you are specifically treating, and its size or scope.

IPL skin rejuvenation is safe, easy and highly effective for treating everything from wrinkles to blemishes, and a wide range of skin conditions and related ailments. With an affordable cost per treatment, IPL offers clients a great combination of convenience, accessibility and overall success.

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Book in a Revive Spa Package and receive a complimentary COLOUR nail polish.

This reviving body experience combines a relaxing massage and nourishing facial coupled with a foot massage, nail care and polish.

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 63

Kahuna

massage with Energy Work Massage

Realise the full potential of your body’s natural energy and vitality.

The move to Port Macquarie has proved a great success for Narelle of Energy Work Massage; she has received much positive feedback.

W

hat makes Narelle’s treatment different?

She is different from other therapists by combining Kahuna massage with Remedial massage. She often gets asked, “What is Kahuna Massage?”

Max Freedom Long researched the Hawaiian language and unlocked the secret mysteries of kahunaism. Narelle feels very fortunate to be able to share this massage art. She has trained with Mette Sorensen and completed six levels of Kahuna Massage.

Kahuna Massage technique is very vigorous and rhythmic. The practitioner uses his or her fingers, palms, wrists and even their forearms as they move rhythmically around the table.

Those who have experienced a Kahuna Massage often say these rhythmic motions alone have a deeply relaxing effect, quite apart from the

muscle relaxation that comes with a conventional massage.

Experience matters …

It is good to work with an experienced bodyworker/energy worker who is centred and connected with positive energy. It is also important that the energy worker is grounded.

Narelle believes by correcting alignment of the body, this provides a holistic approach for energy to flow. Narelle’s logo is “Realise the full potential of your body’s natural energy and vitality”.

She has studied for 17 years, mastering massage therapy with a Diploma of Sports Massage and Diploma in Remedial Massage; she also spent time with Hawaiian elders learning Hot Rock Massage in Hawaii.

A large body of empirical evidence supports the positive effects of massage therapy, through evidence based research. Although massage therapy is clearly not a treatment for cancer

itself, it is effective in the alternative or complement management of symptom to other therapies for A number of studies also show distress and palliation. It the management of that massage therapy can also ameliorate the behavioural, emotional increases oxytocin, which mood effects of a cancer and other conditions may be one of the mechanisms by diagnosis, such as stress associated with dementia. which it mediates anxiety. and depression. A number For more about of studies also show that evidence based research massage therapy increases and benefits of massage, oxytocin, which may be Google www.amt.org.au/ one of the mechanisms by which it mediates massage-and-you/benefits-of-massage.html anxiety. The sweeping movements of the Kahuna Narelle’s practice is called Energy Work Massage also work on the lymphatic system.

Massage and is taking bookings for new clients.

A body of RCT evidence supports the efficacy For a full list of massages available, you can look of massage in treating a range of conditions up www.energyworkmassage.com.au associated with ageing. A Cochrane Database Phone 0410 655 998 or facebook.com/ Review of massage and touch for dementia energyworkmassage found that massage therapy may serve as an Appointment discount for initial consultation.

All standard consultations bulk billed to Medicare.

PORT MACQUARIE 95 William St 6583 7333 PORT MACQUARIE 29 Horton St 6584 3948 WAUCHOPE 6 Bransdon St 6585 2393

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64 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focusinterview

W I T H S A R A P H I L L I P S , M I N D F U L PA R E N T I N G M I N D F U L C OAC H I N G

Take ACTion

anxiety WITH

WITH SARA PHILLIPS

“Anxiety is a part of life. It is a part of your child’s life, as your child explores a world that is fraught with challenges, uncertainty and real danger. It is a part of your life as a parent, as you guide your child on that journey of discovery with your heart in your throat.” - Chris McCurry, Parenting your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance. hat is anxiety?

Anxiety is another word that describes feeling worried, nervous, being concerned, panicky, frightened. These are all normal feelings, we all have them, and at times they can be useful!

In reality, anxiety is different to fear, as it tends to be less associated with events in the present moment and more about the anticipation of discomfort or danger. Anxiety only becomes an issue when it begins to interfere with the important things in life.

How common is anxiety in children/ teenagers?

Almost every child will experience brief episodes of anxiety at times. One in fourteen young Australians (6.9%) aged 4 - 17 experienced an anxiety disorder in 2015.

Have you had personal experience with anxiety?

I remember as a child and teenager being very sensitive, and in hindsight I often struggled with anxiety, but it wasn’t talked about and I had to find my own strategies that would help to ease it! I am passionate about reducing the impact anxiety can have on a young person’s life, even if it is to save just one teenager going through what I went through!

I also felt very anxious when I first became a mum and again, had to seek support and counselling to be able to cope with the anxious feelings I had and live the life I wanted to live!

It was around then, almost 18 years ago, that I decided when I had recovered that I would really like to be able to support parents just like I had been supported, and so my journey began!

What made you interested in educating/ coaching parents about anxiety?

In my coaching and in my workshops I am seeing more and more parents struggling with their own anxiety, as well as with their child’s/ teen’s anxiety.

Having completed the ACT for Adolescents course earlier this year, I am keen to help parents find some easy and realistic strategies to handle their own anxiety and/or their child’s anxiety and find ways as a family to really enjoy life.

What is ACT, and how does it help with anxiety?

ACT stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training. ACT is a therapy that has scientific evidence for its effectiveness is a wide range of psychological problems, particularly anxiety.

The main ideas behind ACT and anxiety are that instead of trying to fight anxiety and control it, when you focus on other things, such as doing what is important in your life, and make room for the anxiety using mindfulness and acceptance skills, the anxiety won’t have such a negative impact on the parent or the child.

What is the workshop that you are offering in November?

The first workshop I am facilitating is an introduction for parents to The proACTive program for Children and Young People with Anxiety (developed by the Children’s Hospital at Westmead).

This program aims to “teach parents and their children skills to manage anxiety. These skills can help parents help children to stop struggling with their anxiety and help them get on with doing what’s important, making life more interesting and enjoyable”.

Where can people find more info on coaching and workshops? www.mindfulparentingmindfulcoaching.com and on Facebook.

Thanks Sara.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 65

Creating A Dental Fear-Free Generation.

Attention, children of Port Macquarie and surrounding regions: don’t be scared of the dentist anymore.

The Good Shephed Dental Centre is here to help; a visit to us will be very exciting, joyful, interesting and full of fun.

You will get toys, stickers, tooth paste and tooth brush, and you will experience lots of exciting adventures.

You will also have your photo at our front banner at the reception area.

With the option of happy gas and twilight sedation; we make the dental visit a pleasant experience for all age groups, without going through any fear, anxiety or discomfort.

Dental maintenance is a vital aspect of your family’s health care.

66 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The Good Shepherd Dental Centre, located in Port Macquarie, is dedicated to providing top quality dentistry for you and your family.

We provide comprehensive services, including both general and cosmetic dentistry, and pride ourselves on being a friendly, approachable, and caring team.

We understand that dental work is often delayed due to concerns of cost. We offer payment plans to assist you in getting much needed dental work for your overall health.

Our team has a genuine love for dentistry, interacting with our patients, and making a difference to the way you look and feel.

We aspire to meet every patient’s needs by offering a variety of general and advanced dental treatments after comprehensively studying and planning each individual case.

this has on the reef ecosystems.

Coral Chasing

T H E

D O C U M E N T A R Y

Presenting a well structured and movie length documentary, this team of conservationists appeal to the world to look beneath the waterline.

Screening will take place November 29th at Majestic Cinemas, Port Macquarie.

Tickets are $15.

Some tips to help the environment and protect the reefs and ocean:

Chasing coral is an insightful view into increasing water temperatures and the effects this has on the reef ecosystems. Presenting a well structured and movie length documentary, this team of conservationists appeal to the world to look beneath the waterline.

“It’s not too late for coral reefs … indeed, for many other ecosystems that are facing challenges from climate change. It’s still possible to reduce the rate at which the climate is changing, and that’s within our power today.” - Dr. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg.

ASK YOUR LEADERS TO SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY AND CLEAN JOBS. Contact the Port Macquarie Mayor, Peta Pinson, and let her know your concerns and that the Port Macquarie-Hastings region supports clean energy and clean jobs. Make your ask public on social media.

oral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate.

A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world.

COMMIT TO INDIVIDUAL ACTION. Research the clean energy solutions available in your community and consider ways you can reduce your own energy consumption and carbon footprint. Get started with National Geographic’s 14 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.

C

From Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the

South Pacific to the European coastline, this documentary explores the past, present and future of the world’s reefs and the impact that global climate change is having on the world beneath the sea.

Chasing coral is an insightful view into increasing water temperatures and the effects

organisations working in your area. Climate Change Australia - Hastings Branch, Port Macquarie Hastings Sustainability Network (Energy Forever), Coastal Warriors, Boomerang Bags Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Community Gardens, Stop Adani.

JOIN LOCAL EFFORTS. Combine efforts with

DIVE AND SWIM SMARTLY. Look for sunscreens without oxybenzone, a chemical shown to damage coral reefs, and call for a ban of these products or start your own petition. Consider rash guards and UPF swimwear with built-in sun protection, to limit the amount of sunscreen needed.

please purchase tickets through eventbrite.com. au "chasing Coral Port Macquarie"

plug!

Chasing Coral Movie Screening Date Wednesday 29th November, Time 6:30pm - 9:30pm. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/chasing-coralmovie-screening-tickets-39172642428?utm_ term=eventurl_text

Greater Port Macquarie focus 67

focusinterview.

kilted athletes

You’ve no doubt seen stories about Port’s random bagpiper, Keith Robinson, who pops up in the most interesting places to share some tunes. Now, here’s the bigger picture - Keith and some of his best mates are part of an informal group known as The League of Kilted Athletes. The League aims to promote a healthy lifestyle; they’re also communityminded fundraisers and participate in lots of events to boot …

H

i Keith. When did you personally start wearing a kilt?

Being a bagpipe player, I have worn kilts at events and functions before, but it was last year when I started actually running in a kilt. It started off as a bit of fun; I put a kilt on to do parkrun one day. Next thing I know, I’m doing more and more running events in a kilt, everything from 5 km fun runs, to a marathon.

What is the League Of Kilted Athletes, and how did it form?

It was actually quite amazing how it happened.

One crazy kilted runner in Port Macquarie soon turned into two … then four … then seven …

Originally we didn’t have an official name for our group; we were just a bunch of runners who wore kilts. One weekend we thought it would be a good idea to have a game of kilted mini golf.

So, seven blokes in kilts turn up at the mini golf place, and the owner (who, ironically, is Scottish) says, “Who are you guys?” One of us replied, “We’re The League Of Kilted Athletes”.

Who are the League's members?

The League are mostly from Port Macquarie, but we do have a couple of ring-ins from elsewhere. The Port guys are Adam Robertson, Ben Husk, Bennett Powell, Cliff Hoeft, Dan Voltz, James Stevenson, Julia Thompson, Kevin Stringer, Matt Bell, Matt Polock, Roger Shipton, Sol Bro, Max Hoeft, and me.

We also have Jason Nelson (AKA The Kilted Rogue Runner) from Perth, WA, an ex Navy and former Police Officer who runs in a kilt to support depression and PTSD, and Rhian and Billy, who run in kilts to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

The League doesn’t have any specific agenda; each member is free to support their own chosen 68 Greater Port Macquarie focus

charities/organisations, but we’re all on a common wavelength when it comes to encouraging physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

What are some of the kilted shenanigans you guys have experienced?

Kilted mini golf was only the start - we’re always on the lookout for more activities to do in a kilt. Our unofficial motto is, “If it can’t be done in a kilt, it’s not worth doing”.

When you wear a kilt in public, one thing is a given - someone is always going to ask the “what’s under the kilt?” question. Our answers range from G to M rated, depending on the company.

“Kilting up” is a lot of fun, and the reactions you get from other people can be quite funny.

One common question we’re asked is, “Did you lose a bet?” We are often asked to have our photo taken. It’s amazing how much of a conversation starter the kilt can be.

One of the funniest things that happened recently to me personally was after a race, when another athlete came and thanked me because he’d just done a PB, because he didn’t want to be beaten by a guy in a kilt.

It's not all fun and games, though! Tell us about the goal you set at the start of the year.

Each of us has our own personal goals, and we help each other where we can to achieve them.

At the start of the year, I set myself a goal to do 52 half marathons in my kilt. The other guys have been awesome in their support for me to achieve this goal, and Cliff has run most of these half marathons with me.

What are some of the other charities/ organisations you've helped this year?

While our main goal is to encourage people

be athletics, and there to get out and be active, will be shenanigans. The there are a few organiOne of the funniest sations and charities we League has a fundraising things that happened have supported this year. page, where you can go recently to me Earlier in the year we to make donations to Mopersonally was after vember https://moteam. came in contact with a a race, when another co/the-league-of-kiltedgroup of guys who call athlete came and thanked me athletes themselves “Kilted To Kick because he’d just done a PB, Ah yes - the bagpipes Cancer”. These guys are because he didn’t want to be also make an based in Canberra and beaten by a guy in a kilt. appearance regularly Sydney, and run in kilts when you're out and to support the Prostate about! What have been Cancer Foundation of Australia. We have maintained some of the comments a relationship with the KTKC guys, and you’ll you're received from passers-by? often see us wearing our PCFA shirts and hats I would describe myself as the world’s when we run. “okayest” bagpipe player. I’m certainly not the As a group, we’ve taken part in the Anytime best, but what I lack in skill, I make up for with Fitness 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge for Suicide enthusiasm. So sometimes after a run, I get the Prevention, and the Run Against Violence Virtual pipes out and play a couple of tunes. Most of the Ultra Marathon. feedback I’ve received from my post-run piping Some of us regularly donate blood at the Red has been positive. A few people have even come Cross Blood Donor Centre … In our kilts, of and thanked me for playing and said I’ve made course. We’re always on the lookout for commutheir day. It’s a good feeling to hear that you’ve nity events that we can get involved in, especially had a positive impact on someone’s day. if it involves fitness and fun.

Where's the best place to follow the League What are your plans for Movember? and see what you guys are up to?

The Movember Foundation is an organisation The League of Kilted Athletes has a public that tackles some of the biggest health issues page on Facebook that everyone can follow to faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, keep up to date with our kilted antics. and mental health and suicide prevention. This And if you happen to have a kilt tucked away year we’ll be embracing the “Move for Movemin your wardrobe and you’re looking for that ber” campaign. Our plans for Movember are opportunity to wear it, there’s always room in the still being worked out, but rest assured, there League for new members. will be kilts, there will be bagpipes, there will Thanks Keith.

35 years

Congratulations on PLUNKET TS PHARMACY

Judy, congratulations; it’s now been 35 years since you have firmly established Plunketts Pharmacy within our region.

P

lease tell us a little about your business and how you have strengthened the brand over this time?

It is hard to believe that it is 35 years since I came to Port Macquarie as a 22 year old, newly qualified pharmacist and bought the Plaza Pharmacy with my husband, Mark.

We established a service-oriented, community pharmacy all those years ago, and the same ethos drives my business today. I have met and looked after so many people during that time, and it is the immense job satisfaction I feel that pushes me to strive to provide even better services and care to the people we look after every day. We will always go above and beyond to help people with their needs.

Belonging to a brand does help to set high standards in my retail offering, with good value and quality products, but the success of my business is mainly achieved because of my amazing team, who provide our customers with the best service always.

70 Greater Port Macquarie focus

There has been a recent significant merger between Chemmart and Terry White.

How does this development enable the business to continue its high level customer standards and service offerings?

The merger of the two brands has given us a great new look and a membership of about 500 stores Australia-wide. This gives us greater buying power, so that we can offer our customers better value when they shop in our stores. Nothing else about my stores has changed. I still own the stores, and we still have the same great staff who focus on looking after your health and wellbeing every time you visit.

You are also a new member of the NSW Pharmacy Guild of Australia. How does your presence on this industry board positively impact, and how can Plunketts Pharmacy better support the community through pharmaceutical care?

Being on the NSW Pharmacy Guild Branch Committee will enable me to represent the needs of rural and regional pharmacies and

develop their skills and services, so they can look after their communities better. There are many ways that local pharmacies can help manage the general health of their communities better if they are given the opportunities.

You have a large team of experienced staff.

What are some of the services customers can expect to receive from Plunketts Pharmacy?

Our services include medical certificates, flu vaccinations, medication checks, smoking cessation, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, a full sleep apnoea service, Webster packing and free deliveries. We have the very successful Impromy weight loss program, which was developed by the CSIRO, and also the Tony Ferguson products. And you will always receive personal advice from our pharmacists who are available seven days a week.

What is it you enjoy most about your work Judy?

I enjoy the interaction with my customers the most. I love being able to help people manage the many health problems they experience, so they can get the best outcome possible. I enjoy working with a great team of people that all have a common purpose of making a difference to people’s lives through their health.

I enjoy embracing new technology, like my big beautiful dispensing ROWA robot, which has fully automated my dispensary stock management - one of only 100 in Australia.

(Everyone is welcome to come and have a look at this modern marvel!)

I love being a community pharmacist and intend continuing to serve my community for many years to come. Thank you to everyone for all your support.

focuseditorial.

Transport to Treatment The Transport to Treatment Program has been specifically designed to enable people affected by cancer to access cancer treatment centres through the provision of transport services, minimising the number of missed appointments and reducing stress and worry associated with travel concerns.

W

e spoke to two local volunteer drivers to find out more about them and their role in this important service.

About: Cancer Council NSW Transport to Treatment program complements existing Community Transport Services in your community, by providing eligible patients with two out of five trips (weekly) to treatment free of charge. The Port Macquarie service transports patients from anywhere in the Hastings region from Kew to Wauchope and within Port to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute.

Meet our drivers: “My Name is Noreen Taylor, and I have been driving Cancer Patients since 21st November, 2013. What I enjoy most about being a volunteer driver is being able to assist people who need

support to go for cancer treatment. My husband was a volunteer for Cancer Council doing school lectures, speaking to adult groups, surf clubs and the like. As I liked driving and not public speaking, I thought that is how I could help, and hence how I got involved. What impresses me most is every patient we take for treatment comes out with a smile on their face, never complaining and saying what wonderful people we have in our community. It is very rewarding to be able to help these people.”

“My name is Bob Yuile. I have been driving the Cancer Council car for fourteen months, since coming from Queensland to live in Port Macquarie. Volunteering for my wife, Ann, and I has been an important part of assimilating into the local community. It has given us an introduction to a range of folk who also drive and most

have become firm friends. artists from as far away as We were introduced to Norway and Africa. One The Transport to Treatment service driving for the CC by one of his artists exhibited, relies 100% on the commitment of of our current team; we did sold all offerings and volunteers and community funds to trial runs with another and subsequently gained a stay operational. The work our were convinced that we contract from the NSW volunteer drivers do should had found a worthwhile State Government to emnever be underestimated, opportunity. bellish the foyer of a state and our cancer patients will forever “The clients we transport building - not bad for a be grateful for. are really amazing with first timer. His trip was their positive attitudes, an hour each way, so we lovely folk to have a yarn had heaps of time with with on our travels and a him, and his experiences mine of information when discussing our area were a real eye opener. and lifestyle. One example was a retired police “If anyone is considering volunteering, I would officer, who set up a gallery to provide support say get into it; little effort brings much reward. I for first time artists. He was so successful, that am glad that Cancer Council was there for me; it he regularly fielded requests for inclusion from has become a real and rewarding part of my life.”

Greater Port Macquarie focus 71

focusinterview.

Masters • Port Macquarie •

Swimming

C L U B

If you enjoy making a bit of a splash and you’re aged 18 and over, the Port Macquarie Masters Swimming Club may just be for you! President Sandie Carden explains the club is friendly, attracts swimmers of all skill levels, and presents plenty of opportunities to travel away with a group of like-minded people …

H

i Sandie. What’s your involvement with the Port Macquarie Masters Swimming Club?

My role in the club is that of President. I’ve been in this role for the past three years and have loved every minute of it. We have a great group of people in the club, and we regularly get together for social events.

What can you tell us about the club’s history?

I have personally been involved with the club from its inception, when we started at the indoor 50 m pool in Acacia Avenue. I did take a few years off running around after four children, but returned for some “me” time.

We have a couple of original members still churning their way up and down the pool - Rodger Alden and Loris Hendy compete for the club, although Rodger has only recently “retired” from his competitive days.

We have recently celebrated our 21st birthday with our current members at one of our many “social occasions”.

Our team has competed at many swim meets in that time, at regional, state, national and international meets. We also have state and national record holders in their respective age groups, and as recently as this year had six members compete in the World Masters Games in Auckland, with one of our members coming home with gold and silver and another two of them with silver and bronze medals. An awesome result!

This is not to mention the club being one of the smaller clubs in the state in the top 10 point score against the larger metropolitan clubs. We are a force to be reckoned with.

72 Greater Port Macquarie focus

and came home with awesome times and great What does “masters” mean, in terms of the memories. It isn’t all about the win, but this lot club? What age/skill level is required of churned up and down the pool prior to leaving, participants? and we watched them intently from the “Latte Masters is for anyone at any level aged from and Double Espresso Lanes”.

18. Our youngest member is 19, with the eldest Over the years, some of the standout being 90. Our members not only do still water achievers have been Joy Cain, Gary Gilbert, swims, but also compete in the open water Sharon Walsh-Barltrop, Jody Rich, Margaret events.

Jopling, Reg McGlashan, Carolyn Turnham, Ross There have no doubt been some amazing Cummins, and that’s just to members involved with name a few. the club over the years.

When do club members Who have been some of regularly meet - and the standout achievers? what’s involved with Our committee members Over the years we have have been unbelievable training sessions? had some amazing memin organising events bers, some unfortunately no We meet every Saturday socially, arranging our longer with us, but we do morning, 7:30am, at the swim meet here in Port, all remember them fondly.

Port Macquarie Pool all organising our away trips with There are so many people year round, with the winter travel and accommodation, who make the club run, and break being mid-year, organising our Ironman everyone puts their hand up where we head south to volunteers ... to help out wherever and the State Relay Meet and whenever they can. also do our walks along our Our committee members beautiful coastal walkways have been unbelievable in and back to one of the organising events socially, arranging our swim many great cafés that we have to choose from. meet here in Port, organising our away trips Most of our members train regularly either with travel and accommodation, organising here in Port or at the Wauchope pool and do our Ironman volunteers - we are known as the their sessions together with programs that we “Masters of Clarence” - and our general everyhave from our Masters Association. We also day programs. have a coach on deck at least twice a month, This year, as mentioned before, we had six of doing either sprint or correction workouts. Once our members attend the World Masters Games, a month we have our aerobics session, where with Kim Brennan bringing home a Gold, Silver our various distances and times are recorded. It and Bronze, Annemaree Grainger with two doesn’t matter how long it takes; it matters that Silver and two Bronze and Roslyn Hodge with a you do it.

Bronze.

Some of the team meet on a weekday mornThree of our other members, Darren and Rita ing and do extra aerobic swims, and these can Svensson and Andrew Gardiner, also competed also be recorded.

What upcoming comps/events do you have on your calendar?

Our main upcoming event is our annual PMQ meet on November 11th, which pulls swimmers from the metropolitan area as a favourite destination for the weekend and has always been a great meet and social occasion.

Personally, what have been some of your fondest memories from your time with the club?

Personally for me there are a lot of fond memories that I have, with the main one being able to compete at the State Relay meet with my mother, Gloria, and daughters, Dakota and Sigourney - and winning!

Getting back in the pool with my old team mate and best friend, Laurice Saunders, and competing with her again and having our old coach, Brian Wilkinson, rocking up to watch us.

Also, just being around such a great bunch of people, who help each other out, look out for each other, travel and compete as a group and welcome new people to the mix. We are such a diverse bunch, but we all work together to make it great.

How can readers become involved?

If anyone is interested in joining us, you can come along to the pool on a Saturday morning at 7:30am and meet the team. Jump in and have a swim with the rest of us, no matter what level you are at, and join in with our morning tea afterwards.

You can also check out our Facebook page to see how much fun we really do have. As I said, it isn’t all about competing and being the best, but getting out there, having a go, having fun and getting fit in your own time.

Thanks Sandie.

W I T H S U N D I A L D E N TA L

Diabetes teeth A N D YOU R

Many people with diabetes are aware that their medical condition increases their risk for developing oral health problems, such as gingivitis (early stage gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). Diabetes can cause blood vessels to thicken, reducing their ability to remove waste products and deliver nourishment and oxygen to body tissues, including the gums. So people with diabetes have a heightened susceptibility to bacterial infection, and a decreased ability to combat oral bacteria.

I

f your blood glucose levels are wellcontrolled, your risk of serious oral health complications is similar to those of people without diabetes. But much of the population of the Australia will experience gingivitis (the mildest form of gum disease) during some point in their lives; while 30% to 40% of us will experience periodontitis (the severe form of gum disease).

New research also indicates that serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. The good new is ...

Good Oral Health Can Help Manage Your Diabetes.

Taking Care Of Your Teeth Bacterial plaque is the primary cause of 90% of all dental disease. Bacteria secrete acidic waste products; this in turn creates an acidic environment in your mouth that weakens teeth and leads to decay. Over time, without proper oral hygiene and dental care, the plaque clinging to teeth works its way under the gums, resulting in oral infections.

Your best defense is consistent removal of the bacterial plaque By BRUSHING AND FLOSSING. If the bacteria is left alone for about 48 hours, it begins to harden - this is called tartar - and is extremely difficult to remove by simple brushing and flossing. While regular brushing and flossing may be enough to keep these harmful bacteria under control, it’s not enough for everybody. Genetics and lifestyle choices play a factor, and for some people good oral hygiene is not enough and a sticky substance called plaque starts to build up on the surfaces of your teeth - and that’s where harmful bacteria can flourish! If you put plaque bacteria together with a lowered resistance to bacterial infection, you’ve got a recipe for a more aggressive gum disease than normal.

A professional clean with a Hygienist or Oral Health Therapist to remove tartar is essential.

Even if you do brush regularly, it’s easy to

miss tartar that can be lurking between your teeth, in tiny chips and cracks, or just under the gum line and Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious bacterial infection that can attack not only the gums, but also the bone that supports the teeth. The loss of supporting bone can eventually lead to tooth loss; people with diabetes have a significantly higher rate of tooth loss than the general population, but regular visits to the Hygienist/OH Therapist help keep you on top of your oral hygiene and keep you safe from gum disease and tooth loss.

Other oral problems associated with diabetes include thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth. Diabetes can also cause dry mouth; saliva is the mouth’s major defense against tooth decay, and also helps to control the bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your mouth. Too little saliva can cause accelerated tooth decay, gum disease, oral sores and pain, bad breath and even interfere with your ability to taste.

Talk To Your Dental Team at Sundial Dental If you have diabetes or any other disease, let your dentist and dental hygienist know, and keep them up-to-date on your medical status and medications. Your dentist will likely want to see you every six months for checkups and cleanings - perhaps more if you show signs of having an oral infection. It’s likely that you will need to postpone dental treatments if your blood sugar is not well-controlled; talk to your dentist and medical team for more information about dental health and diabetes.

Remember, Dental Health is a Team Effort and We Like Being Part of Your Team! Call to make an appointment at our Port Macquarie location (02) 6583 3533.

We also have appointments available at our Wauchope, Laurieton, and Taree locations, to service all your family’s dental needs.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 73

Health GET INTO

IN TIME FOR SUMMER

Energetically, spring is all about expansion, moving upwards and outwards. We tend to feel more outgoing, sociable and motivated. A guiding principle in Chinese Medicine is that by living in harmony with the seasons, you are able to cultivate your health and prevent disease.

S

pring in Chinese Medicine is the season to look after the liver and gallbladder. During this time of year we should eat less to cleanse the body of the heavy foods and fats accumulated during the winter

detoxifying.

Regular acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments are a fantastic way to support and strengthen the body and especially the liver during springtime. We can guide you through lifestyle and dietary choices to best suit your body months. and your health.

Our eating plan should be the lightest of The Centre for Chinese Medicine & the year, containing foods that emphasise the Acupuncture - Inner Balance Centre is an ascending and expansive qualities of spring.

Integrative Natural Health Clinic, and we are Young plants, fresh greens and sprouts are hosting a Free - Healthy Happy Hour from 10 encouraged during this time.

11:30am on Sunday, November 19th.

In Chinese Medicine, JOIN US AND TRY OUT A the liver is responsible FREE MINI TREATMENT for the smooth flow of of your choice. Some of Qi (energy), blood and the free treatments you can Some best to help the emotions. Feelings of try are: liver perform its function stress, frustration and Laser Light Therapy of cleansing and anger constrict liver • Facial Rejuvenation detoxifying the body energy and impact on • Reproductive Health are broccoli, cabbage, its smooth functioning.

Support cauliflower, kale, brussel People who find it hard • Acupuncture sprouts and spinach. to relax, are uptight or • Chinese Herbal Medicine quick tempered will often Consultation have a constricted liver • Massage energy.

• Yoga Regulating the liver through diet, lifestyle, • Relaxation/Meditation acupuncture, herbal medicine, stretches and • Aromatherapy physical movement can help release liver • Hormonal Balancing constriction and encourage its natural smooth • Nutritional Advice flow. The more we look after to our “liver Come and enjoy a cup of healing herbal tea, system”, the healthier and happier we will be. experience free mini treatments, connect with SPRING FOODS like-minded women and meet our team. Dr. Too many heavy foods clog the liver. Some Ivana Moudry - Centre for Chinese Medicine & foods recommended during springtime are: Acupuncture, Sarah Kearney - Chi Energy Yoga, honey mint tea, basil, fennel, rosemary, dill, bay Rachel Trevilyan - Smart Body Massage, Heather leaves, beets and carrots; green vegetables are Young - Indigo Nutrition, plus more. recommended especially when we are focusing FREE HEALTHY HAPPY HOUR on liver health. Some best to help the liver Try Out Free Mini Treatments perform its function of cleansing and detoxifying Sunday, November 19th, 10 - 11:30am. the body are broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Centre for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture kale, brussel sprouts and spinach. Try to have Inner Balance Centre, some steamed greens with each meal during 42 Kennedy Drive (Corner of Kennedy Drive and Allunga Ave.) 6582 7906 or 0432 417 677. the spring, to give your body extra support

74 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focusinterview.

The School of

HARD

KNOCKS It’s been a huge year for the choir, with many highs and lifting experiences for its organisers and members. FOCUS caught up with choir facilitator Katrina Humble and found out exactly what the last twelve months has brought the organisation …

H

i Katrina. Last year we introduced the School of Hard Knocks to the community. For those who missed the memo … what is the School of Hard Knocks, and what is its mission?

The Absolutely Everybody Choir is part of the School of Hard Knocks. It is the very first regional choir of its type in Australia. This choir is an initiative of the Port Macquarie Community College and the first major step in its “Creative Arts to Recovery Program”, scheduled to be expanded over the coming years. The Port Macquarie Community College is dedicated to serving the needs of vulnerable communities by building confidence, educating, sharing new skills and social inclusion. The choir is part of this vision - including those who have experienced mental health challenges, homelessness and some sort of marginalisation.

The choir’s vision has been to create an iconic arts and cultural institute that fosters the participation of disadvantaged Australians in the mainstream social, economic and cultural life nation. We aim to provide high quality arts, cultural and wellbeing programs for disadvantaged people, creating possible pathways to education and employment.

Has the group grown in numbers since the wonderful Mrs Linda Hurley become the we last spoke? patron of the Absolutely Everybody Choir. She Yes, we now have a regular membership is a passionate, extremely capable singer and of 50+ choir members. We also have musician in her own right, so to have her join volunteers who come along and help prepare us as patron is such a delight and thrill for the a yummy lunch for us! This adds to the choir members. We are excited to have her feeling of inclusion and acceptance - the part of The Absolutely Everybody Choir. power of sharing a Improved mental and meal together and physical health has sitting and talking been reported from to one another. members of the group; The choir’s vision This experience for can you give us some has been to create an members of the choir examples? iconic arts and cultural has been a crucial Where do I start? We institute that fosters part of the day, as have people from many the participation they learn the skills of walks of life. We have had of disadvantaged conversation and social two ladies come along for Australians in the interaction. most of the year - both mainstream social, economic What have been had been experiencing and cultural life nation. some highlights or severe depression and milestones reached mental health issues due over the past year? to certain circumstances.

The highlights are Because of this, they had isolated the members themselves and seeing the joy themselves, rarely leaving their houses. Both in their faces when they sing and connect these ladies were recommended by a doctor with one another. But we did get a fabulous to come along and try the choir! grant from the Hon. Leslie Williams MP, Well, they have barely missed a week. Their which has allowed us to buy much needed lives have improved to the point where they sound and musical equipment. We have have joined other groups and activities, and also had the wonderful honour of having one of the ladies now joins bus trips and goes

away on holidays. The choir has given them back their confidence and self-esteem and empowered them in their lives again.

Where can we see the School Of Hard Knocks stars in action?

Well, we have a concert coming up on 14th November at the Conservatorium of Music at 11am. It is a family and friends concert, but everybody is welcome - the more the merrier!

We have also been invited to sing at the Lighting of the Port Macquarie Christmas Tree on 30th November at 6:30pm at Town Green.

The choir members are very excited about performing at that.

The choir is an enthusiastic part of this wonderful community, and we so enjoy showcasing our skills and love of singing.

Are you looking for new recruits?

We are always looking for new recruits choir members, volunteers.

Everyone who believes that this type of choir would suit them is welcome. Please come along on Tuesdays, Conservatorium of Music, Hollingsworth St @ 10am, or call Katrina on 0413 309 385. They can come once and try it out. I promise that they would be most welcome and have a fantastic time.

Thanks Katrina.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 75

76 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Greater Port Macquarie focus 77

focusinterview.

SteamDANCE

St Columba Anglican School hosted The Australian Ballet’s education program in a week-long residency from October 16th.

T

he program was led by The Australian Ballet’s education team, who are specialist educators and professional dancers. The team brought the brand-new initiative, STEAMDANCE, to St Columba as a way to support learning curriculum subjects through the arts.

The dance-education approach to learning about STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) was taught through a series of workshops and performances to foster critical and creative thinking, literacy, numeracy, individual and cooperative learning and problem solving in students.

“Dance is one of the five performing arts disciplines in the national curriculum, and our new program offers students a fun experience of dance, whilst enhancing the delivery of key subjects and encouraging physical and social skills to students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds,” said Head of Education at The Australian Ballet, Katy McKeown.

All students from Years 3 - 6 at St Columba participated in the initiative.

The experience was shared with schools throughout the community, and groups from Wauchope Public School, St Joseph’s Primary School and Hastings Public School each enjoyed their own workshop in St Columba’s state-of-theart dance facilities.

The education team complemented the student workshops with a professional development

78 Greater Port Macquarie focus

enrichment workshops, focusing on technique and WE CONSTANTLY training session for developing choreographic SEEK OPPORTUNITIES primary and secondary skills. The sessions culminated LIKE THIS FOR teachers from around in a final performance on OUR STUDENTS TO the community, offering Friday, October 20th in the ENHANCE THEIR DANCE practical ideas and Iona Performing Arts Centre, LITERACY AND HELP teaching strategies to THEM TO TRANSFER St Columba’s new multiembed dance across the THOSE SKILLS ACROSS purpose theatre.

THE CURRICULUM. curriculum for the benefit The Australian Ballet of student learning. schools’ version of The Mrs Shelly Kelly, dance Sleeping Beauty was teacher at St Columba presented, followed by the said, “It was inspiring to see a group of teachers sharing of student choreographic pieces. from different schools, teaching different ages and “This experience has allowed me to broaden my across different subjects come together based on a understanding by working alongside world-class willingness and openness to explore the potential dancers and has given me practical tools that I of dance as a strategy for enhancing student can use for my HSC,” said Emily Brown, a senior outcomes”. student studying Dance at St Columba.

Mrs Kelly and her dance colleague, Mrs Brianna “We constantly seek opportunities like this Lukes, will be working closely with staff and for our students to enhance their dance literacy students to continue to incorporate dance across and help them to transfer those skills across the the curriculum as a pedagogical tool for all ages. curriculum,” said her teacher, Mrs Kelly.

“The response from our students, particularly The graduating dance class of 2017 received 11 those new to dance, has been phenomenal.They nominations by NESA for Callback, the showcase of have loved having the opportunity to learn through exemplary dance performances, compositions and movement. This program has shown students films presented by students from across the state, and teachers the power of dance to engage and from all school systems, as part of the 2017 Higher challenge 21st Century learners in any subject,” School Certificate Dance Practical Examinations. said Mrs Kelly.

Congratulations to the following students, who Whilst providing an inclusive experience achieved the 11 nominations: Caitlin Tierney, for Primary students, the program targeted St Heidi Stewart, Rachael Sharp, Sacha Bono, Layla Columba’s elective Dance classes. Throughout Sheahan, Hayley Sherrard and Alyssa Bignell. the week, dancers from Years 7 - 11 undertook

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

November 2017

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

You are good at manifesting things, so try this technique. Stand barefoot on the earth filling your body with white light. Think of what you want; fill yourself with the excitement of having it. Think thanks to the universe and forget about it. Have fun!

Citrine attracts an abundance.

Time for change! You are needing to have the feeling of purpose or destiny playing out.

So set some fresh goals and have fun enjoying your experiences. Cater to the needs of your clever mind; you may be feeling intellectually bored at present.

Amethyst connects us to our higher knowing and wisdom.

If you have been feeling suspended lately, it is possibly the outcome of carrying some undigested emotions for a while. Try exploring the emotional map of the human stomach according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, for insight.

Aquamarine is great for releasing.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Total new beginnings! Think about what you want, but know why you want it. This is most important to ensure you won’t ask for anything out of fear or insecurity. Set goals to cater to your mind, body and spirit.

Rose Quartz is wonderful for self-confidence and appreciation.

You are such wise souls and as long as you cater to your nurturing needs, you will be balanced. Being the beautiful home makers, it will be easy for you to forget about yourself; this is why you would benefit from having a project to work on that gives you satisfaction.

Rhodochrosite helps us find our inner child’s joy of life. Carry it for a couple of weeks.

Listen to your wise words when giving counsel to another person; you speak such wisdom, but may not be aware of its significance. This is just one method our Guides use to speak to us.

Turquoise is great for confidence.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

You can expect total change this month.

New beginnings will be likely to be so different from those things you will be stepping away from. Newfound love and passion for what you will be pursuing will be very rewarding.

Carnelian helps us take active steps towards change.

It is important to know you deserve great things, or you could sabotage your rewards in life. Self esteem issues may be strong at present. Try working with positive affirmations to lift your self worth.

Rose Quartz is great for self-esteem.

Now is a great time to fulfil a dream that you may not have had the opportunity to follow.

Make a list of all things needed, then take action to acquire a few things from the list.

Citrine connects us to our creative genius.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

You may be taking life too seriously, so lighten up and prank and play more. Only then will you be freed from your entrapments.

You recent fears have triggered destructive self thought patterns; be aware of your thoughts and be kind to you.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

A wonderful surprise from the universe can be anticipated. It will bring opportunity for you to discover gifts and talents that you may not even know about. You will feel grounded and content with this win-win situation. Enjoy!

Kunzite and Hiddenite give us inner balance and harmony. Try wearing some.

You have been feeling stuck in scenarios far too long already. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to achieve. Your mind is so strong, it can be great or devastating. It is your choice.

Clear Quartz attracts positive energy.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 79

focus_contributor - Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

Notice something about the bay and beach pictures on this page? That’s right: lovely holiday settings ... yet completely uncrowded.

P

eace and solitude is just one of the special charms of beautiful Norfolk Island, a destination that can sometimes seem a little fusty, with too much emphasis on its Bounty mutineers’ past. There’s no doubt the story of the island’s foundation is an appealing aspect and attraction, but travellers want more from a 21st century holiday than a lone attribute that should be seen as a bonus, rather than the only lure of our chosen getaway.

And Norfolk, some two to two and a half hours’ flying time from Sydney or Brisbane, offers a superb array of diversions to suit every holidaymaker: young, old, family, honeymoon, bird watcher, hiker, swimmer and more ... even party animals, with its range of festivals and events throughout the year a remarkable variety of attractions. This month alone there are the Governor’s Cup golf tournament with a prize pool of $10,000 on indisputably one of the world’s most beautiful courses; Australia/New Zealand Masters Squash; an Open Day at the island’s glorious seaside Government House; even a Lions convention - all topped off by Norfolk Island Food Festival. Last month it was a model aeroplane convention and next month it’s a week-long trad and modern jazz festival. And there’s: the Clay Target Shooting international championship; Vets Golf; South Pacific Bowls; the History Lovers tour; Ukulele Festival; Vets Tennis Championships and July-August County Music Festival: a week of hoedown hedonism

80 Greater Port Macquarie focus

(and, for variety, even performances of special sets of songs by Elvis ad Dean Martin!)

Once scarce of enough fresh commodities to sustain rapacious visitor appetites, Norfolk in recent years has transformed into a terrific foodie destination with abundant fresh organic produce and succulent local beef and pork – the world’s shortest distance from paddock to plate, perhaps? – to add to the ocean’s bountiful harvest. The annual food festival showcases it all over five days with a series of attractions mostly in fabulous scenic outdoors settings: cocktail party; festival night; Sunset Cinema and Little Eat Street; celebration dinner and Thanksgiving Day lunch. Thanksgiving’s been celebrated since visiting US whalers last century made it a fixture the community came to embrace.

Home to a population of a mere 1750, Norfolk today boasts more than 25 venues for eating out. Coffee, honey and cheese are all home-grown and you can visit the goat farm, join in milking, taste goat cheeses from a platter of goodies served on the farm homestead’s leafy veranda ... and learn the history of the farm (and adjacent pottery) from the personable couple who run the place. Actually, most enterprises on NI seem to be family – couple’s – endeavours. Everywhere, a pair of entrepreneurs is hosting accommodation, making beds, cleaning the BBQ, serving the scones, brewing the coffee, making the wine, hiring you a car, packing wicker baskets of picnic goodies, stocking the shelves of their

Here on Horton Street fashion or shoe store. lunch before the flight. It’s If the wine has a all wonderfully casual: you we’ve the leading familiar bouquet it’s can see incoming flights travel agent for because grapes are while you’re sipping a drink Norfolk Island. derived from Port at an outdoor cafe and Oxley Travel has all the info Macquarie vignerons, still have plenty of time on packages and overnights Cassegrain. The fashion, to make it to the airport en route. meanwhile, is decidedly two minutes away! (But novel: New Zealand checking in according to has some wonderful regulations is a good idea). designers and much The outdoors/indoors of the clothing at the several fashion and shoe cafe The Olive is a standout venue for daytime outlets around the main street offer a handdining and two superb independent restaurants picked, curated, selection of Kiwi clothing and grabbed my affection in the evenings: Dino’s cashmere sweaters. As well there are sneakers in a rustic 1880s Norfolk Pine farmhouse and from Germany, French perfumes, rare and Hilli’s, in a pine-floored cottage and set among eclectic (and useful) gifts and souvenirs ... and beautiful gardens next door to Australia’s duty free prices that are genuine. most outstanding historical display, the Mutiny Norfolk is around 1400km due east of Cyclorama. the Australian mainland around Byron Bay. Here on Horton Street we’ve the country’s From/to Sydney flights are on Mondays and leading travel agent for Norfolk Island. Oxley Fridays and to/from Brisbane on Tuesdays and Travel can give you all the info, such as: it’s Saturdays. Both departure points necessitate an essential to hire a small car to get around NI. overnighter in both directions as flights depart And it’s fun, especially if you choose a Mini at 9.35am and 10.10 am respectively, returning Moke! A sample package includes Air NZ in to both cities at 4.10pm. During daylight flights, seven nights at boutique Poinciana saving time, NSW is on the same time as Cottages,seven days car hire with insurance, Norfolk. Sydney flights are scheduled to arrive five tours, and lunch vouchers from $1399pp ex in to Kingston Airport at 12.40pm and Brisbane flights at 2pm, so flying out of Sydney offers the BNE, $1499 ex SYD. If the mark of a satisfying holiday is to depart chance to be in time for lunch and a half day on for home with tears in your eyes and a “Miss Norfolk. you already” longing to return, Norfolk’s your Conversely, flights out to Brisbane leave at island.

3pm, offering a morning on the island and

Greater Port Macquarie focus 81

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jane Hillsdon of Dragonfly Marketing

BUSINESS MINDS

Paul Adams A D A M S

M A R K E T I N G

P

aul, you are the owner and Director of Adams Marketing Group. Can you please tell us a little bit about your background and your business?

I began my career in a sales role and then moved into an Account Management role with DDB Needham. It was here that I had the pleasure of working on the McDonald's account.

This was an exciting time, as McDonald's were in expansionary mode, which meant that their advertising budget was forever increasing.

During this time, we had the benefit of learning from the US marketing and advertising campaigns, but we also launched new ideas in Australia. It was a great experience to be part of a big agency team working on a major account.

As a client, McDonald's were outstanding in thought leadership, marketing strategy and execution. My time working for McDonald's taught me about the value of learning from other markets, both from their mistakes and their achievements.

In 1986 I was invited to America to visit DDB Needham’s New York HQ. There was a very awkward moment when they learned that I was a star performing Account Exec and NOT the Chairman of Needham’s Australia, which was who they thought they were getting to meet!

After leaving DDB Needham, I had a few marketing stints as Marketing Director of Kraft Foods and Ferrero Rocher, before coming up to join North Power (now Essential Energy) in 1999 as Marketing Manager, moving my wife and two young kids up with me. I found that the pace was a bit slow compared to what I was used to, so after a little while I made the decision to go out on my own to start Adams Marketing Group.

My business model has evolved over the years and now includes a team that provide a range of marketing services from strategy to advertising, right across the spectrum. Our clients are based both locally and in Sydney.

The ideal client for us are typically people who believe in the cause of marketing. We apply an attitudinal segmentation; we want to work with 82 Greater Port Macquarie focus

G R O U P

organisations that truly believe that marketing can add value.

We have a range of clients and with all of them, marketing plays an integral role to the business, and I’d like to think that I am a valued part of the team. A great example of this is the Ocean Club Resort, who have gone from strength to strength by investing the appropriate resources into our marketing to get a result.

We’ve experienced some major changes in the marketing industry over the past 20 years. In my opinion, the ability to connect brands with their target audience via digital channels has opened up some incredible new communication opportunities; however, the principles of marketing remain largely the same. What are your thoughts about this?

I think this is really good insight, and I agree wholeheartedly with this. There are a lot of communication opportunities these days; however, if the rest of the marketing mix is not optimised; i.e. Product, Place, Price, Promotion, you won’t be successful in your marketing efforts.

Promotion is important; however, the other principles you refer to essentially make up the other 75% of the marketing mix. It only takes one of those four Ps to be weak, for your marketing campaign to fail. Regardless of the latest digital channel available, the fundamental laws of marketing will always apply.

Given the nature of our fast-moving and ever-changing industry landscape, what do you anticipate as some of the major considerations for organisations to include in their marketing planning for the next 12 months?

Each industry has its own success factors.

However, there are some foundation principles that should be considered. Firstly; plan for success. Secondly; understand your client’s media consumption habits. Thirdly; value the power of your database. On this point, I am often amazed at organisations who want to blast out with an all singing, all dancing marketing campaign to attract new customers, when they are already sitting on a gold mine - their past and existing

Promotion is important; however, the other principles you refer to essentially make up the other 75% of the marketing mix. It only takes one of those four Ps to be weak, for your marketing campaign to fail.

customers.

Finally, use marketing metrics for better decision making. You need to understand what’s working with your marketing and what’s not, before you can make informed decisions about marketing spend.

What would you class as your biggest career achievement to date?

I’ll leave it to others to talk about my achievements! All I can say is that I must be doing something right, as I’m still here after 14 years of being in business.

What do businesses need to survive and thrive?

Have a point of difference.

What is the most rewarding part about your role as a Marketing Consultant?

It’s a simple thing. It’s when a client says thank you. It’s such a small thing, but it goes a long way. A simple "thanks for doing what you do" makes my day. As such, I like to reward my team by saying thank you as often as I can. I think it’s important to make them feel that they are valued and that their opinions are appreciated and that when they speak, I listen. Empowerment and a feeling that you can participate is a powerful motivator. I’m thrilled when a client asks for my opinion and values what I have to contribute.

And what are some of the biggest challenges you face within your role?

The biggest challenge for me is to get my clients to think long and hard about their customers and to ensure that they are placing their clients at the centre of their circles and then working back.

Some organisations can often focus too much on their business objective when they make decisions about a marketing solution.

An effective marketing solution will come from understanding the customer, listening to them, and tailoring a solution to their needs.

This often stems from a cultural phenomenon where business owners dwell on sales metrics

and profit, before they think about the customer.

Something a lot of people don’t realise is what’s best for the business is actually what is best for the customer. It can sometimes be hard to switch this thinking.

And finally, if you could invite any three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them?

Kerry Packer, simply because he was a legend who defied all the trends. He bought when people were selling and sold when people were buying.

Gerry Grace was the Inaugural Marketing Manager of McDonald's in Australia. I learnt so much from him. He once said that "marketing is too important for only the marketing people to own". In other words, he understood that there was no point measuring foot traffic with a stateof-the-art store tracking system if the customers' experience once they were in the restaurant was going to be a negative one.

Jack Welsh was the former Chairman of General Electric. He transformed GE from an engineering based organisation to a marketing driven one, achieving compound annual growth of more than 10% for 15 years running.

I’d also invite Peter Drucker. He was an academic back in the 1950s who astutely witnessed what Unilever and Proctor & Gamble were doing at that time, which was transforming their organisations from a sales driven one to one driven by marketing. By employing marketers, Unilever started started conducting market research so as to better understand the customer.

This approach proved to be so successful, that by the mid '60s there was not a large organisation in the USA that didn’t have a marketing department. He essentially started the idea of organisations incorporating a customer centric culture. For this reason, he holds a special place in my heart!

Thanks for your time, Paul.

focus_contributor

WITH URSULA BOORMAN FROM DIRECT ADVISERS

focus_contributor

f cus.

WITH TIM BAKER FROM BAKER IT

financial

tech tips.

With Tim Baker

When I'm 64.

Ursula Boorman of Direct Advisers brings finance into focus, to help you find your way through the money maze.

“Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four,” sing The Beatles.

But there’s a more ominous line in that song, “We shall scrimp and save.” Will you?

Ideally you would have put things in place many years before, but turning 64 is the time to get serious about your retirement planning.

"Birthday greetings, bottle of wine.”

Liz* came to see me just before her 64th birthday. She had been working hard for the last 20 years, since her children left home. She had a solid education behind her, but she had been working part-time and was now playing catch up.

Work, retirement, pensions and super were all playing on her mind. The reality was she wouldn’t reach pension age until she turned 66, and she wasn’t sure if she would even be eligible.

She was also concerned about the Transition to Retirement pension that she had started when she turned 61 - Liz knew the rules had changed, but she wasn't sure if she needed to worry.

"When I get older, losing my hair, many years from now.”

Liz had read as much as possible on the internet, but was worried she might be missing something. How could she be sure which rules applied to her situation? How would she know if she could ever stop work? What if she wanted to work part-time and still save?

We took things slowly, so Liz could build on her knowledge and apply it to her situation.

"Give me your answer, fill in a form.”

By asking the right questions, we discovered

Liz had finished a part-time job as a relieving pharmacist when she was 62, so this meant she had met a "condition of release". The benefit was the tax free rules around the superannuation pension still applied.

BUT Liz hadn't told or given any proof to the super fund, so they had been taxing her fund - and would have declared her pension income as taxable! If Liz hadn't checked, it may have been too late to make the necessary changes.

If Liz had not met a "condition of release", it would have been very important that she reassess the Transition to Retirement pension, as she could have been much worse off under the new rules.

“Doing the garden, digging the weeds, who could ask for more.”

Over the next year, Liz implemented some smart strategies to save tax and structure her savings plan, so she could reduce her working hours. Balancing work and time to look after her health made Liz confident she would be able to work longer in a job she loved and still be financially secure.

Liz was set up so that her retirement was about choices that made her happy - enjoying her work and having time to do the things she loved.

The only thing playing on Liz's mind now is whether she can play golf twice a week!

Ursula Boorman is an authorised representative of Direct Advisers Pty Ltd, AFSL Licence No 236855 The information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice. *Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

Cyber Security

P

How safe are you?

rivacy changes are coming; is your accident. Emails with links that shouldn’t have business ready? As of February 2018, been clicked. Speak to your staff, and make data breach notification will become sure they are aware of their responsibility mandatory for all businesses required • Have better passwords. Don’t have to comply with the Privacy Act 1988. These the same password for everyone in the new requirements demand fundamental organisation and don’t hide it under the changes to how Australian organisations keyboard. Better yet, don’t use passwords - use handle personal information, and with this is passphrases. They are easier to remember, one of the largest changes to privacy regulation harder to crack, and will satisfy those annoying in the last decade. complex password rules.

This new privacy • Backups. Backup change will affect your backups and test businesses that store that those backups work personal and sensitive when it comes time to Take a proactive approach information of their recover from a disaster. successful businesses are clients, such as email There is a simple formula the ones that embrace addresses, TFN, medical I use with my clients; lose change and invest in the history, names and + time = solution. right approach, preparing for addresses. That covers How much data can when the inevitable does happen. most businesses out you afford to lose? One there. hour, one day, one week, Customers are and how long can you increasingly demanding afford to be down? From here, you can work 24/7 access to products and services - driving out the type of backup solution to meet your businesses online. With this, businesses are business needs. feeling exposed to the risk of Cyber-attacks.

Where to from here? Speak to your IT team We are seeing more and more cases of and make sure you know what is going on phishing scams, crypto locker infections and in your business and ask them about your brute force attacks, so as a business owner, Disaster Recovery Plan. If you don’t have one, what can you do to minimise your risks? they can help you create one and make sure Take a proactive approach - successful it's implemented and ready to put into action businesses are the ones that embrace change when disaster does strike. and invest in the right approach, preparing for If you don’t have anyone to speak to, please when the inevitable does happen. The best email me at asktim@bakerit.com.au and I can start is to make sure you have the basics ticked help get this started for you. off.

- Tim. • Educate your staff. Most threats are by

Greater Port Macquarie focus 83

Professionals are r those who are neven inio afraid to seek an opout ab or ask questions ay be a something that m r area little outside of thei of expertise ...”

Does your financial future need a health check?

“

Having spent many years working with with one of Australia’s largest accounting and family office firms, Michael Carlton, PECUNIA Private Wealth Management, has gained tremendous insight into how professionals can best manage their wealth.

M

ichael, thank you so much for taking the time to discuss aspects of your business for our FOCUS readers. Can you tell us a little about the bespoke financial advisory services you offer? Not being owned or licensed by a large financial institution allows us the opportunity to look beyond the normal offerings. We are a fee for service only business, meaning that we do not accept commissions from any institution, fund manager or insurance company. We specialise in working collaboratively with clients, their accountants and solicitors on a broad range of their financial matters, from self-managed super funds, investment portfolio management, strategic advice, retirement planning, asset allocation, business succession planning and even philanthropic gifting.

You are based in the beautiful Port Macquarie region, but you do service clients with wealth management solutions nationwide. How important is it for you as a professional to be able to offer a

metropolitan level service in a regional space? Extremely important; we, in our area, should expect nothing less. Having spent many years working with one of Australia’s largest accounting and family office firms, I have gained tremendous insight into how professionals, medicos, business leaders and business owners not only seek and accept advice, but manage their wealth and prepare for the transition to the next generation. We all want to know that we are being cared for, and we specifically and purposely maintain a low client to adviser ratio so that we offer, and indeed provide, a high level of client contact through the various life and profession stages.

we should not be afraid to seek assistance in the areas that we are not as familiar in, including the “Taboo subject of money, finance and investing”.

Why is it so important for professionals to have a sound financial strategy in place to prepare for retirement and future lifestyle?

Over the years, I have dealt with people, who are so busy looking after their clients or businesses, that they find it difficult to manage the time to adequately look into and after their own financial affairs as efficiently or as strategically as they may really wish. Life is so busy, that as professionals

Professionals with self-managed super funds are encouraged to arrange an appointment with PECUNIA Private Wealth Management. to ensure their finances are healthy. What are some of the measures you engage to ensure best practice for diversifying financial resources? For example; through investment, shares, and property portfolios? Great question; this is an area that we are extremely passionate about. For starters, the very first place for us is to look at both the Trust Deed of the SMSF (the governing rules of the fund) along with the fund’s properly formulated investment strategy. From here, we will then look at a number of key aspects of the client, including but not limited to, their needs, objectives, circumstances and attitude to investing, whether it be in direct shares, property, managed funds or whatever the client may wish to consider.

Naturally, one of the biggest things has to be the need for liquidity and longevity of funds, whether for themselves or the next generation. Limiting the amount of exposure to any one investment, taking a longer term time horizon and through carefully considered, strategic diversification, these things always assist in limiting much of the risk associated with investing.

Working collaboratively with the clients accountant and regularly reviewing the investment portfolio as we should always check in and see that we are remaining on course with our longer term financial strategy.

How can new clients get in touch with you for a FREE consultation? Whilst we do have clients spread around Australia and beyond, our home is in Port Macquarie. Our office is located at 106 Horton Street, right near BeanTree Café. We can be found on the web: www. pecunia.com.au or simply phone to arrange an appointment 1300 112 676.

Discover the joy of Retirement Living! Visit the

Port Macquarie & Mid North Coast Retirement Village Expo Incorporating Resort Living for the Over 55’s

Sun 12th & Mon 13th November Westport Club - 25 Buller St, Port Macquarie 10am - 3pm

FREE ADMISSION

On display will be the latest resort style developments as well as established villages from different organisations. All offering a wide range of services & facilities, sizes, prices and locations, all under one roof

www.retirementexpo.com.au 84 Greater Port Macquarie focus

NEXT WORKSHOP

TUESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER Learn how to grow your business by strategically aligning the four key pillars of a business

PEOPLE

MONEY

SYSTEMS

CUSTOMERS

SPEAKERS

We recommend having a system in place that will help tidy the lines between what is and what isn’t considered an employee.

Wrights Chartered Accountants Anthony de Jager - Partner.

Could your subbies be classified as staff?

This is a topic that’s relevant to any organisation; however, due to the nature of the construction industry, it’s one that we often see builders get in to trouble with.

If you hire a subbie as a contractor as opposed to as an employee, you have less obligations in terms of payroll tax, superannuation, workers’ compensation and annual leave.

However, if the ATO or relevant state government department deem that your subbies actually classify as employees, you may be faced with some unexpected payments. And it’s not just one financial year’s worth, either.

To avoid any costly surprises that may be unearthed in an audit, we recommend having a system in place that will help tidy the lines between what is and isn’t considered an employee.

Susan Judd HR Consultant

Anthony de Jager Accountant

Jane Hillsdon

Marketing Consultant

The ATO will look at the following conditions to determine if your subbie is under a legit contract arrangement.

Are they under your direction?

Is the work performed regularly - do they have set hours of work?

Does the subbie use your tools or theirs?

Who is ultimately accountable for the outcome of the project?

Hiring a contractor who has a proprietary limited company (and pays their own super and Workers Comp) as opposed to being a sole trader, will also help determine whether your subbie is a contractor or employee.

We recommend that if you are unsure about whether your subbies could be considered as staff that you contact your Accountant or HR Consultant for advice around this.

Peter Vane

Systems Expert

Our business specialists explore business case studies and share their individual insights to show how each of the pillars must work together to achieve genuine business growth and results.

WHEN: 9am - 3pm, Tues 14th November WHERE: Panthers Port Macquarie TICKETS: $395

REGISTER NOW propelmybusiness.eventbrite.com.au * Early bird offer price expires at 6:00pm on the 7th November 2017.

EARLY BIRD PRICE only

$295*

The interaction between the speakers and the attendees was energetic...I came away with some solid ideas to implement within my business. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone in business of any size Peta Pinson, Stabilcorp

propelmybusiness.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 85

Xero Delivers a Star Performance for PMPA Sandra Magann and the team at SeaChange Accounting know that when it comes to cloud accounting, Xero takes centre stage.

A

s experienced Xero Silver Partners, SeaChange have helped a broad range of businesses use digital technology to streamline their processes, take back precious time and save money.

CASE STUDY Port Macquarie Performing Arts It’s been a big year for Stacey Morgan of Port Macquarie Performing Arts. Her production of Legally Blonde received standout reviews, she won the local Chamber of Commerce Award for Excellence in Innovation and set up four dance studios at the new stadium. While Stacey is busy with dance classes, performances and managing her growing team, Xero works behind the scenes automatically syncing data and generating customised reports.

Stacey, when did you start using Xero?

I met Sandra in 2012 when my business was just a year old. I was busy trying to do it all work full-time at Star FM, start a family, grow my business and do the bookkeeping. Sandra

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introduced me to Xero, and I haven’t looked back. Now I have time to focus on what I do best, which is teaching and leading, instead of spending hours trying to balance the books.

What have been the biggest benefits to your business? Xero gives us an overall snapshot of how the business is doing. I’m up to date with money coming in, going out, and what we need to plan for in the future. It gives us a great sense of control over all operations.

Before Xero, I would stick my head in the sand and hope for the best!

The Automated Super Payments are my favourite thing. They save me so much time and make life easier.

Why did you choose SeaChange Accounting? Sandra is fabulous, and I love the way she can break it down for me when there are new concepts I can’t quite get my head around. She places a value on professional development too, attending conferences to bring back new features to help us in our business. During our monthly face-to-face meetings, Sandra keeps me accountable for

how we are going. Each month we take a detailed look at profit and loss, budgets and cashflow.

What’s next for PMPA? We’ve just launched

How has SeaChange helped you review revenue to improve business outcomes?

We have many arms to our business, including dance classes, merchandise and performance programs, so SeaChange set up a customised profit and loss report separating out the different areas.

After School Pickup online. We’re planning to

How has the Spotlight program helped boost cashflow? Spotlight Reporting syncs with Xero and has some great features. We use the scenario testing tools to run different pricing scenarios to see the impact on profit and loss. It’s great for cashflow projections too.

our new website: pmperformingarts.com where parents can purchase programs such as our migrate to a new Dance Studio program with a direct debit option. SeaChange are helping us test the program before roll-out, to ensure the Xero integration works smoothly. And we’re looking forward to our End of Year Concert and Christmas Parade!

Discover how cloud accounting can help you build a better business with a free customised demonstration.

Register at seachangeaccounting.com.au or call 1300 425 943.

FXBC transforming

you Work

the way

T

ell us about your help clients meet their sustainability business ... goals, as well as maintaining our place as Today, we work number one in the market. in a way previous Drowning in Documents? generations could only FXBC has recently started offering a dream about, always new scanning service. Elite Scanning on the move, uploading, downloading, Solutions was born from common issues sharing content in the cloud and using arising within the workplace, such as the apps for practically everything. The new need for more space, the risk of hard Fuji Xerox copiers work like you do, no copy files being destroyed permanently matter where you from natural are, so you can do disasters such as more in less time. the Lismore floods, With this device offsite storage you have the costs and the lack Claire understands business freedom to work in of productivity with challenges and can show the most efficient staff searching for how to best resolve and productive documents. these challenges way, powering According to whilst producing through each the Wall Street added benefits such day, managing Journal, the as reducing costs, documents at average executive increasing staff productivity every stage wastes six weeks and increasing sustainability. from creation to annually searching printing, scanning, for documents lost copying, faxing in the clutter. and emailing.

Elite Scanning FXBC have had an amazing year with Solutions allows quicker access to several accolades; most notably, they information, because documents are were privileged to have won Excellence scanned with a commercial scanner and in Sustainability at the Regional Business have software enhancement embedded Awards. The team has worked hard into the files, so documents can be saved to develop leading edge technology electronically, legally and you can search solutions, implemented sustainable and retrieve a file in under one second, initiatives to reduce our impact and our as all words in each document are clients’ impact on the environment and SEARCHABLE.

Claire’s expertise ...

Claire is the Business Manager for the Port Macquarie area.

“Starting in customer service roles with Fuji Xerox provided me a true ‘customer first’ foundation. Then, moving to sales allowed me to share what I knew to help businesses be the most efficient and productive they can be. I am focused on supporting our local businesses and schools as best I can. I can advise on how best to use technology in their own environment, so they can be as productive as possible.”

There has been significant change in the industry, and this makes Claire’s role that much more important. Claire understands business challenges and can show how to best resolve these challenges, whilst producing added benefits such as reducing costs, increasing staff productivity and increasing sustainability.

Look at the mobile phone, once just used for phone calls, now used to access emails, connecting people, sharing information in the cloud etc.

Similarly with the “photocopier”. Yes, our solutions still print, but now do so much more, to allow your business to easily digitise, share and retrieve your information in seconds, from wherever you are.

To find out more, speak to Claire: 6584 0800 - 4/19 Short Street, Port Macquarie.

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5

focusinterview

PAGE Office National

Winner of the Customer Service Excellence Award 2017.

H

i Ben. Can you introduce us to yourself and your team at Page 5 Office National Port Macquarie?

Having over 30 years’ experience in the office equipment/office products industry, with 27 of those years with the one company, I have purchased Page 5 Office National three years ago, taking over on the 1st October ‘14.

My ethos in business is quite simple: to give our valuable customers no reason to ever stop doing business with Page 5 Office National by providing a great product at a competitive price along with great back up service and support.

Long term relationships in business are so important to me, and these relationships can only be maintained by building a trust with our valuable customers.

We are all in business to pay wages and make a profit; however, I am a firm believer in always doing the right thing and never taking our valuable customers for granted.

I also always acknowledge that any business is only as good as its staff, and this is what makes

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ed It has been establish s, ar ye for over 35 ing and servicing t ly pp su t audi copiers/printers, princument do d reviews, scan an ns, management solutioiture, office products, furnpoint of phone systems and sale solutions.”

“ Page 5 Office National such a good business.

I am privileged to be part of such an excellent team, that is headed up by Keeley, our General Manager.

Your General Manager Keeley Mosley has just picked up an award for customer service. Can you tell us a bit about the award; was it a national award?

Yes, a national award. Customer Service Excellence Award 2017.

The Head Office of the buying group surveyed many of our customers, asking specific questions relating to their dealings with Keeley, her level of service, professionalism, follow up and “no problem is too hard approach”.

This award was won and presented in front of 480 other delegates from Australia and NZ. For those who aren’t too sure what it is that Page 5 do, tell us about your business?

Page 5 Office National is a local business supporting the Mid North Coast region. It has been established for over 35 years, supplying and servicing copiers/printers, print audit reviews, scan and document management solutions, office products, furniture, phone systems and point of sale solutions. We employ 16 staff, including a couple of casuals.

How long have you been in this type of industry, and what made you decide to purchase Page 5 here in Port Macquarie?

Just over 30 years.

My wife and I were looking for a well-established business in a regional area. Port Macquarie

has it all, including incredible growth with a good mix of small, medium and large businesses.

Lisa and I feel that people in business here on the Mid North Coast are very supportive and extremely nice to deal with. As a reigon we have that large country town feel, which is such a nice environment to be growing a business in.

What do you like most about your job?

Many things, including: Growing the business and developing long term relationships with our valuable customers; Presenting savings and efficiency gains to our customers businesses; Working with such an excellent team.

Thanks Ben.

focus_contributor

WITH ROBYN BUTLER

Robyn’s

SPOT Positive “Port” of views.

My goodness, how the Hastings is changing. K-Mart, Sails Resort looking really snazzy, Settlement City resealing their carpark, the Town Concrete (sorry, Green) nearing completion, new restaurants opening everywhere, and plenty of activities for young and old at Westport Park, the CBD and town foreshore ... so exciting!

S

WIM, DRINK AND EAT ...

Visited the new Stoney Aqua Park at Telegraph Point with the grandchildren, and boy oh boy, did they have a fabulous time! Seven lifeguards on duty, both in the water and out, watching and making sure of everyone’s safety. People were commenting on the polite and helpfulness of the young guards and the great equipment available for all participants to let off a bit of steam ... The kiosk was good and the toilets

and showers were really clean. Great to see so many families picnicking together, laughing and playing with their children. Congrats to all concerned - a great asset to the area.

While I am on a roll, how about the Settlers Inn on Hastings River Drive! Congratulations to the owner and happy staff for really turning this pub into a meeting place for young and old and in particular, for the “Kiddies’ area”, where the parents can watch their children and still enjoy a nice meal (and they are

delicious) drink and chat. Great atmosphere and great parking - though pretty full!

Thirdly, the new bagel shop in Bellbowrie St ... What a beauty! Clean, lovely girls serving, and bagels of every variety - from sundried tomatoes, olives, sesame, poppy seed and numerous others, including sweet. You can buy as is, or the girls will fill your bagel with salmon or a filling of your choice. Tasty fruit salads and healthy slices. Nice addition to the culinary delights of Port Macquarie.

Black Market Bagels, 3/11 Bellbowrie St, Port Macquarie. Open Monday to Saturday, 7am.

YOU WOULDN’T READ ABOUT IT! I don’t usually talk or write about religion, as it is so personal and controversial at times, but the two books I am suggesting you read are raw, honest, and written with such passion and faith. Both are entirely different, but come back to faith.

PRESERVED “For such a time as this” ....

Written by a local girl, Fiona Beazley. Oh my goodness, what a read. This is an extraordinary story of survival. Survival from death. Survival from a life of physical, sexual and mental abuse. Survival from drug and alcohol addiction.

I met Fiona to have a chat, and the moment you meet her, you have a sense of a calm and compassionate human ... Hard to put into words. A truly amazing girl.

When I finished the book, I just wanted to share it with others. Good print - the book is $20 and available by ringing Fiona on 0432

184 757.

PROOF OF HEAVEN - Dr Eben Alexander.

Thousands of people have near death experiences, but scientists have argued that they are impossible. Dr Alexander was one of those scientists. A highly trained Neurosurgeon, Dr Alexander knew that near death experiences feel real, but are simply fantasies produced by brains under extreme stress - then his own brain was attacked by a rare illness, and this is his story. I could not put it down. Good print available from the bookstore in Port Central or online - just Google his name. Price around the $20 mark.

SNIPPETS The new packaging for Panadol have added a challenging factor ... You can’t get the tablets out! Child proof! I rang the company, and that was their explanation.

What about the poor people with arthritis, the elderly with little strength in their hands, and so on? Medicine, yes; dangerous drugs, yes ... But Panadol?

A taste of one of those, and kids would spit it out. I have a headache thinking about it!

I have a little cougar crush on Daniel Gibson the newsreader on Prime. What a delight!

He never fails to make me smile with his animations and asides as he reads the news - a breath of fresh air!

Enjoy the Melbourne Cup, and good luck might see you at Laurieton United Services Club. Come and say hello.

Keep smiling, Robbie x x

Greater Port Macquarie focus 91

trendz beauty school diploma pathway.

Beauty is much more than skin deep at Trendz Beauty & Training, which is now part of Port Macquarie Community College. The pathway to a Trendz Diploma in Beauty Therapy is full of opportunities for practitioners to branch out into a diverse range of specialist fields, with commercial savvy as well as beauty skills.

Trendz Principal, Carol Williams, explains how students can start off with small steps and then build a career path full of variety.

“We can start our students with a Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics, which teaches them how to qualify for a job in department stores or pharmacies as specialist beauty advisers,” Carol said.

“Then they can graduate to Certificate III, which gives them skills in running their own small business in the makeup and beauty field, from home or their own shop, covering personal

makeup and beauty, weddings, parties, theatrical and film makeup and special effects.

“By the time they enrol in Certificate IV, they’re in to a full apprenticeship with a salon and headed for a full-time career.

“Some like to become holistic practitioners, concentrating on health and wellbeing aspects.

Others want to focus on artistic styles for funky outcomes and special arty effects. Others see the medical track as their speciality, with a focus on cosmetic surgical support and full-on dermal science. Cosmetic and paramedical tattooing is a growing area, especially with the increasing rate of breast cancer and necessary remedial surgery.”

Graduates from the Diploma at Trendz have even gone to specialise in dermal therapy and working to support cosmetic surgeons.

If you’d like to know more, please call 6516 2238 or visit us at 77 Hastings River Drive.

6516 2238 Your Beauty Career starts here in 2018.......

Starting in February SHB50115 CUA51015 SHB30315 SHB20116

Diploma in Beauty Therapy Diploma in Screen and Media Certificate III in Nail Technology Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics

Smart & Skilled concessions apply Part time and fulltime study options available

Live the dream.. . . .

admin@skillslinktraining.com.au

02 6516 2238

Port Macquarie Community College RTO 90315 This training is subsidised by the NSW Government

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focus_contributor

HADYN ORITI WITH THE PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minding your There are some really attractive changes happening along the Town Green and the breakwall.

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he Council and the Town Centre Master Planning Committee deserve congratulations for the work they are doing.

In 2006, the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce commenced discussions around the vision for our foreshore. Since then, Council was placed in administration, arguments have come and gone about the Plaza car park,

and Woolworths has announced it will finally demolish the Food for Less site.

Chamber recently hosted a presentation from Dr Jan Lindrum, who has worked with master architects ARTAS on her vision for the Gateway foreshore site in Port Macquarie. Jan showed us a considered and interesting masterplan dealing not only with these controversial foreshore sites, but also addressing community car

parking needs and providing potential solutions for both Woolworths and Council.

A Mid North Coast resident, Jan has been in discussions with the Chamber for about 18 months. In that time she has demonstrated the ability to see the potential of that site and the capacity to bring parties together to create something of which the whole community can be proud. She has worked assiduously over that time to understand the community needs and speak to many stakeholders.

Originally, our discussions focused on what land might be available around the Charles Sturt University for a project Jan had in mind.

But when I directed her to the foreshore of Kooloongbung Creek, she immediately appreciated the inherent value of that place and its potential for something really special. Chamber’s interest is in activating the foreshore and creating a place that will attract people. We want a vibrant and vital place that will also put feet on the street in our CBD. Jan’s vision has the potential to achieve that.

It is not the final word on the subject - not by a long shot. However, with this presentation, a conversation has started.

Crown Lands, the Council, and Woolworths all have a stake and will be concerned to achieve outcomes that best meet their needs.

Jan’s concept acknowledges this. The masterplan has attempted to address community needs for an activated space, parking and vibrancy. She seeks to provide a place for Woolworths and in doing so, also provide a solution

for the Council’s own requirements.

This presentation is merely a first step. Many people need to be consulted and objectives aligned. We were happy to provide a platform for Jan to share her vision, because we see this as a way of starting the conversation and hopefully getting the bureaucratic cogs turning.

That process should be commenced sooner rather than later and expressions of interest invited from all parties with an interest in doing something with that land. This masterplan is but one. Hopefully, others will also join the conversation and other proposals submitted.

Ultimately, this Chamber wants only the very best for our foreshore.

Let’s be straight. Whatever goes on that site will help to define our city for the next 50 years. We must get it right.

Within the context of economic development, the Chamber made a submission on the Council’s draft energy strategy. Council voted to embark on a project to source all its energy needs from renewable sources by 2027 (not a long time). Chamber’s concern about this goal is cost. Our concern, heightened by the strategy document itself - that noting the “technology is not currently cost efficient to install” and some is “currently cost prohibitive”.

Councillors assure me that this is not a set and forget policy, and they will apply stringent financial parameters to any spending on this project. Let’s hope so. Otherwise, financial sustainability will come with more debt or higher rates.

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focusMotoring.

J E E P – T H E N A M E C O N J U R E S LO F T Y T H O U G H T S O F F U N A N D A DV E N T U R E - A N OT I O N D R I V E N B Y S L I C K A D V E R T I S I N G C A M PA I G N S , W H E R E H A P P Y C O U P L E S C L I M B M O U N TA I N SUMMITS AND CONQUER RIVER CROSSINGS IN THEIR NEW 4WD.

Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE

T R A I L H AW K

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ut despite numerous Australians heeding the call of “Don’t Hold Back”; sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee have slumped significantly in recent times, due to recalls and increased competition from premium SUV brands.

Rather than wallowing in their sales misery, Jeep Australia has gone on the offensive and updated the Grand Cherokee range in 2017.

A permanent inclusion in their new model line-up is the Trailhawk - a vehicle targeting hardcore 4WD enthusiasts and allegedly the toughest Grand Cherokee to hit Australia’s shores.

This particularly bold statement was not fully tested during my time with the Trailhawk, as it can be difficult to sell a new car after it’s been along the fabled Point Plomer track in the wet - the Port Macquarie version of the “Rubicon Trail”.

However, I did venture on a drive perhaps more realistic for the purchaser of a $74,000 + 4WD - ungraded dirt roads, overgrown fire trails and wet, greasy paddocks.

Such environments were treated with contempt by the Trailhawk, as the Kevlar reinforced 18-inch tyres paired with a nifty height adjustable suspension (allowing you 94 Greater Port Macquarie focus

to change the ground an 8.4 inch touchscreen The Grand Cherokee is probably clearance from 205 (with built-in 4WD related one of the few diesel cars - 260 mm) to ensure apps), a nine speaker that genuinely deserves a that the only thing in stereo and enough USB button on the dash labelled danger of being stuck ports to charge up his ‘Sports’, and there are in the mud were my portable coffee machine race-car inspired shifting shoes, when I foolishly and his smart phone. paddles on the Trailhawk’s got out in the driving Detracting from the heated steering wheel, rain to take a picture interior’s classy finish should you have any Daniel of the black coloured is the archaic foot Ricciardo-style urges. beast. parkbrake and the fact For those planning that although the boot on eventually crossing has 782 litres of space, the Simpson Desert with a caravan in tow, there are no options to turn this 5-seater into the Quadra-Drive II dual range 4WD system, a 7-seater - something which will disappoint a 3.5 tonne towing capacity and large chunks well-heeled 4WD enthusiasts with big of steel protecting the Trailhawk’s underbody families. are welcome additions to assist its overall offAnd although the safety conscious are road capability. catered for by the “Jeep Active Safety Group Setting aside the Trailhawk from the rest Package” (which includes adaptive cruise of the Grand Cherokee models are a pair control, lane departure warnings, parking of jazzy red tow hooks and a matte black assist and rain sensing wipers), they do have bonnet sticker that’s designed to prevent to stump up an extra $2,500 for the privilege. glare when you’re busy rock-hopping. These Minor issues aside, the drive to/from touches, however, weren’t appreciated by the the bush revealed its on-road talents, as teenage hipster in the old Nissan Patrol who the Trailhawk has a 3.0 litre V6 diesel that sneered at me in the forest. smoothly pumps out 184 kw and 570 nm He probably would’ve changed his tune of torque at just 2,000 rpm, meaning that had he seen inside the contemporary interior: overtaking a B-double on the way back to the heated seats decked out in Nappa leather, dealership was not a concern. The engine is

managed by an eight speed auto, and official figures claim drivers can expect to go from 0 100 km/h in a touch over eight seconds - not bad for something that weighs close to three tonnes.

The Grand Cherokee is probably one of the few diesel cars that genuinely deserves a button on the dash labelled “Sports”, and there are race-car inspired shifting paddles on the Trailhawk’s heated steering wheel, should you have any Daniel Ricciardo-style urges.

To persuade new customers that previous customer service concerns are a thing of the past, Jeep now offers the “Jeep There and Back Guarantee” - a package that combines a transferrable five year warranty with lifetime roadside assist - provided your vehicle is serviced by a Jeep dealership. Although it’s a huge step in the right direction, long distance motorists should be aware that the warranty is capped to 100,000km.

The Trailhawk is arguably Jeep’s best variant of the Grand Cherokee - it blends style, off-road ability and on-road substance into a package that lives up to its adventurous ethos. Conquering a sand dune or a rocky incline is not going to a problem; it’s whether or not it can emerge from the sales wilderness and survive against a market flooded with capable dual-cab utes.

focus_contributor

J A N E T T E H Y D E F R O M P O R T M A C Q U A R I E T O U R I S M A S S O C I AT I O N

tourism UPDATE

So much to do this month.

What a great event Tastings on Hastings is for our region. With the main event and all the associated satellite activities, there was something for everybody. Congratulations to all of the organisers and sponsors.

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he Tourism Association recently hosted its Annual General Meeting at Salty’s Restaurant, next door to Jordan’s Boatshed, in Port Macquarie.

Everyone enjoyed the delightful sunset over the Hastings River. It is great to see this restaurant reopening as from 2nd November under the ownership of well-known local couple, Craig and Rachel Freudenstein. Why not enjoy a

night out Thursday to Sunday, or early morning breakfast Saturday and Sunday?

The elected Tourism Board Members are: Janette Hyde, Chris Denny, Adam Button, Rob Hamilton, Alison Lambert, Paul Dawson, Judy Davis, Paul Brent, Naomi Hunter, and Alistair Flower. Our appointed delegates from Wauchope and Camden Haven are Rob Hamilton and Kerry McFayden.

We encourage all tourism businesses to join the association, as we are a very strong lobby group looking after the interests of our members. This month we welcome the Commonwealth Bank as a new member.

This year there are many options to celebrate the Melbourne Cup - there are so many, in fact, we have produced a separate flyer - please check out www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au for more details.

The NSW Tourism Awards will be held on the 16th November, and we wish all our finalists good luck. Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail (two categories), Port Macquarie Museum, and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre will be eagerly waiting to hear the results.

Sand Mania Port Macquarie is happening on the 12th November - a 4 km out and back obstacle course along the picturesque beachfronts of Port Macquarie. More details: www.sandmaniapmq.com Countdown to Christmas is happening on the 30th November from 5:30pm on the Town Green, when a concert will be happening, featuring many local acts. The Christmas Parade will commence from Horton Street (near KFC) from 5:50pm, with lots of interesting entries. The Christmas Tree will light up at 8pm, followed by a wonderful display of fireworks, sponsored by Pycon Homes and Construction.

The Touch State Cup is back on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd December. What a great spectacle it is, with over 6,000 people coming to our area for the event. We sincerely welcome all

competitors.

We are so lucky to have some great food outlets in the Camden Haven and Wauchope areas. Why not take a drive south along the coast road to Laurieton? Call into The Native Catering Co. which offers a delicious and innovative breakfast and lunch menu, as well as house made cakes and Campos Coffee. This café is a welcoming and relaxing dining venue at North Haven.

The Sand Bar Café and Oasis on the River are two other North Haven restaurants where the food is just delightful. If you are looking for an alternative place to relax, visit the friendly Club North Haven and Laurieton Services Club.

Some visitors associated with the National Trust were recently in Port Macquarie. They took great pleasure in visiting many of our delightful historical buildings: Port Macquarie Courthouse, Port Macquarie Museum, Roto House, Douglas Vale Historic Homestead, St Thomas Anglican Church, Innes Ruins and Camden Haven Historical Society Museum. If you are interested in our local history, check out the Greater Port Macquarie’s Eat See and Do Book.

Don’t miss the Department Store Christmas Window from 2nd November. It really is worth a visit to Wauchope just to see the display.

Save the Date of 10th December for The Westport Club’s Christmas Under the Stars.

Check out other events happening in our region: www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au.

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focus _ Abode.

Greater Port Macquarie

focus _ Abode.

St Lucia Rise.

D I S P L AY H O M E

Quality low maintenance living St Lucia Rise display home awaits your inspection - just moments from Rainbow Beach, at 20 St Lucia Place, Bonny Hills.

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Featuring open plan

living with spacious

ow complete and open to inspect, shutters, ducted and zoned air conditioning. hallways, the display the display home comes with a Everything is done; all you need do is move presents beautifully, range of high quality fixtures and in and make it your own. with furnishings from Open fittings throughout. Chrissy Jones A modern facade, having an eye-catching House Port Macquarie. had the pleasure of viewing the home ‌ combination of colour and textures from A three bedroom stand-alone villa, it is an cement rendered brick, face brick, timber excellent example of what the future holds and James Hardie cladding, along with a for the St Lucia Rise complex and the quality skillion roofline, adds to the street appeal. workmanship that has been undertaken by the builder, Josh Pier of Entry to the home is via a covered portico, which has non-slip Freedom Design Homes, and his team of tradesmen and suppliers. tiles underfoot from Amber Tiles and a timber-lined ceiling with Featuring open plan living with spacious hallways, the display downlighting, through a timber and horizontal glass panelled presents beautifully, with furnishings from Open House Port entrance door to the entry hall.

Macquarie. Having three bedrooms, all of a generous size, a 450 x 450 tiles are underfoot upon entry and lead you through well laid out kitchen and laundry, double garage with internal the home, past a hallway linen cupboard with frosted glass sliding access, the home is complete with solar electricity, plantation doors to the open plan kitchen, dining and living areas.

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focus _ Abode.

MASTER BEDROOM SUITE Right of entry is the master bedroom. Very spacious, the master has soft, plush carpet from Port Macquarie Carpet One and Blinds, ceiling fan, ducted air-conditioning and downlighting. A combination of window styles fitted with plantation shutters allow for both privacy, direction of air-flow and natural light.

Adjoining is a walk-through carpeted robe; one side has his/hers separate hanging and shelving space, which is cleverly divided by shelving (great spot for shoes) whilst the other

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comprises further drawers and shelving.

This continues through to the ensuite, comprising a glass fronted shower cubicle with feature tiled wall incorporating a wall recess for shampoos etc., stainless steel rope shower rose and smart-tile floor drain. A wall mounted vanity with in-bench hand basin, both under bench cupboard and set of drawers and mirror above, sits alongside the W.C,. which has an opaque glass window above. Stainless steel towel rails, floor to ceiling, crisp white tiles and a head lamp/light combination all add to

the modern look of the ensuite.

KITCHEN, DINING, LOUNGE The hallway opens into the expanse of the kitchen, dining, lounge area - a high raked ceiling line adds to the spacious feel of the design, and two vertical panel windows look out on to a cosy courtyard. Designer Living Kitchens have supplied and installed the kitchen, with entertaining in mind. A centrally placed, Essastone Quartz island bench separates the kitchen work area from the lounge and dining, and also acts as a breakfast

bar with seating on one side. The other side of the island has a microwave nook, as well as two sets of deep, soft close drawers and cupboards with shelving.

L-shaped, the back wall of the kitchen space provides further storage options, including pantry cupboard, both above and under-bench cabinetry. A Westinghouse electric oven, cooktop and range-hood is placed in the Essastone bench top and has food prep space either side. To add further interest to the design of the kitchen, a stylish, rectangular white tile has

focus _ Abode.

been utilised as the splash back in the cooking shutters and a double wardrobe with frosted area. Completing the kitchen exceptionally well glass fronted sliding doors. is the placement of a servery window above the Well appointed, the family bathroom has a double stainless steel sink and bench-top, which freestanding, rectangular curved edge bath, also has a dishwasher conveniently positioned. as well as a glass walled shower cubicle. Floor The concertina window opens out onto the to ceiling wall tiles are white three sides, with north facing entertainers’ terrace, shifting a feature grey tile used on the floor and one away easily to one side. It further opens the wall. Wall mounted vanity with mirror, stainless kitchen up, offers up hinterland views, adds an steel towel rails and a high set window with attractive addition to the exterior, plus gives an plantation shutters all combine beautifully, easy serving option for the outdoor eating area. giving a clean, fresh feel to the family OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING ALFRESCO bathroom.

Opening out from the lounge area, through Alongside is a separate W.C, handy when the double, glass sliding doors supplied by Mid bathroom is in use.

Coast Windows, the outdoor The laundry room is alfresco is a wonderful conveniently centrally addition to the design; it located to the bath and adds another dimension to bedrooms and not far the home. Having an outdoor from the kitchen. It has It is a home suited to most, kitchen easily accessible to a stainless steel, deep having family zones, the main kitchen via the laundry tub housed in generous sized bedrooms, servery, the outdoor cooking a three doored cabinet a well appointed kitchen, area has its own benchand a white tile used as luxurious bathrooms top with cabinetry below. a splash back. Further and an awesome terraced Barbecuing and entertaining storage cabinetry has been alfresco entertaining area. family and friends will be a placed above, with plenty breeze and safe as well, with of shelving. Easy access to an aluminium handrail fitted the outdoor drying area which encases the terrace. has been provided via an Tiled steps lead down to the opaque glass sliding door rear yard, which is accessible from both sides of with Merbau timber steps to ground level. the home.

Overall, the St Lucia Rise Display home is BEDROOMS 2 & 3, FAMILY BATHROOM, a delight. It is a home suited to most, having LAUNDRY family zones, generous sized bedrooms, a well The remainder of the home is tucked away appointed kitchen, luxurious bathrooms and an behind the living area along a tiled hallway. awesome terraced alfresco entertaining area.

Both bedrooms are a good size, are fully A must see if you are in the market for a low carpeted, have ducted air, down-lighting, a maintenance, quality built, luxury home. large window fitted with white plantation

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ABOUT ST LUCIA RISE St Lucia Rise offers a boutique community of just 16 individually designed luxury two or three bedroom northerly facing homes, ideally located moments to Rainbow Beach and just 25 minutes to Port Macquarie.

Construction and civil work has begun, the display home is open, and the remaining homes will commence construction by the end of Summer. Homes are offered on a turnkey basis with the opportunity to option them up to your own interior styling preferences upon exchange of a sales

Homes are offered on a contract. The vendor complex offers quality turnkey basis, with the is happy to work with low-maintenance living opportunity to option them you to accommodate moments to the beach. up to your own interior preferred colours An inspection is a must styling preferences upon and finishes from a if you are considering a exchange of a sales contract. selected range, giving move to the beautiful you the opportunity to Camden Haven area, or customise your brand if you already live here new residence from the and are looking to move many interior styling into a brand new, low options. maintenance home.

Designed by the award-winning team at The quality strata titled boutique complex Collins W Collins, this luxurious boutique is also pet friendly, so all the family are

bathrooms

Proud Supplier to Freedom Design Homes 100 Greater Port Macquarie focus

welcome!

St Lucia Rise is a unique strata titled community development. It enables you to own your own home in a small community neighbourhood, with the freedom of being able to lock up and go whenever you want with very little maintenance to worry about.

The display home is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 2pm or by appointment seven days per week. Contact Jon Slater 0429 340 066 or Kylie Moss 0419 230 553 from Ocean Drive Realty.

indoor living

outdoor

PORT MACQUARIE

193 Lake Road Port Macquarie (02) 6581 5066 ambertiles.com.au

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ABOUT THE SELLING AGENT OCEAN DRIVE REALTY Ocean Drive Realty is an independent agency that has been selling property in the Camden Haven and Hastings area since 2010. The agency prides itself on working as a team and not individually. The office offers a full complement of services to both the buyer and seller, from residential and rural sales, permanent and holiday rentals through to auctions. Ocean Drive Realty has proven results and has grown to be a very respected

Ocean Drive Realty is an independent agencythat has been selling property in the Camden Haven and Hastings area since 2010.

The agency prides itself on working as a team and not individually.

agency in the Camden Haven and Hastings area.

From its coastal location in Bonny Hills through to Birdwood in the Hastings hinterland, the staff at Ocean Drive Realty are true locals and have an extensive knowledge of the Camden Haven and Hastings area. The office is located on the corner of Ocean Drive and Bartlett Street in Beautiful Bonny Hills. A

prominent window display attracts a lot of passing vehicles’ attention, and there is ample parking for passers-by to call in and have a closer look at the properties on offer.

Ocean Drive really are excited to be appointed the selling agent for St Lucia Rise and look forward to following the

development and witnessing the continuing growth towards its completion.

Staff are available seven days a week via phone, and the office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Private appointments are available to view the Display Home, or there are set open times from Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 2pm.

Ocean Drive Realty - providing honest, reliable and professional real estate services to the local Camden Haven and Hastings area.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 101

Percival Property

Leasing specialists L-R Michael Percival, Michelle Murray, Sophie Graem, Kerry Owen, Delmaine Smith, Nicole Haigh.

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My first car had a number of excellent features that made it very endearing to Michelle’s parents when I started taking her out in the early eighties. Firstly, it had a large V8 engine, so I had no excuses for getting her home late.

hen there were the eight exhaust pipes which meant I didn’t have to ever worry about knocking on the door to pick her up. The best feature of all was the fact that the car was something called a panel van which meant I could use it to go camping and obviously if I enjoyed camping that made me just like a boy scout and who doesn’t want their daughter to go out with a boy scout?

Thirty eight years later I am still very fortunate to be taking the same girl out but cars have certainly moved on in lots of wonderful ways.

The panel vans that Ford and Holden built back in that era may have been an ideal car to make an immediate impression on a young lady’s parents but they certainly lacked in many other ways that are taken for granted now.

Engines were inefficient and thirsty, basic safety systems just didn’t exist and car makers included something called built in obsolescence with every vehicle they sold which meant that their products were only designed to last for a relatively short time span so they could sell more cars in a shorter period.

With the aim of providing our highly valued team with safe and reliable transport we have just upgraded our work cars to the new Kia Picanto. Working in the property industry means

our team spends a lot of time travelling to the hundreds of homes we manage all over the Hastings district and we have a duty of care to provide safe, comfortable and reliable cars. The Picanto may be relatively diminutive but it drives like a bigger car and has a feeling of sturdiness and quality that you don’t expect at this price point. As Michelle and I always try to do when buying anything, we purchased the Kia’s locally through Port Kia who are part of the Miedecke group, another locally owned family company.

The process was seamless and the team at Port Kia were very accommodating.

Local business talent also helped us enormously with the design and implementation of the artwork on the cars with Dylan from Two Minds Creative imagining the concept and Macquarie Signs and Tinting applying the wrap.

Port Macquarie should be very proud of the quality of service and product available from our local enterprises. From a business management viewpoint the choice of Kia was pretty easy.

The cars have a seven year warranty which means we can much better predict our costs over a long time span. The final touches to the cars will be naming each of them after local beaches and rivers so look for the name of your favourite beach appearing on one of the “Percival cars” soon.

The arrival of our final Picanto coincided with

the team at Port Kia receiving the latest model in the Kia range – the new Stinger. Whilst Kia may be known for building less expensive small cars, the Stinger moves the company into a completely different market. The Stinger is an attractive sedan with a hatch back rear end and sitting in it makes you feel like you are in something much more expensive.

If the looks and interior quality are a surprise, then driving the car is a revelation. I know that test drives are supposed to be a quick spin around the block but when you are handed the keys to something like the Stinger GT, which has 272 kilowatts and 510 torques and you live near the Oxley Highway, it is only appropriate that you head up to Gingers Creek for a coffee and a hamburger. Fortunately the car has a comfort mode and an excellent cruise control making wafting along at the speed limit quiet and enjoyable.

More performance is easily accessible on the interesting roads around Gingers Creek simply by changing the mode to Sport which not only improves engine response, but also tightens the suspension and sharpens up the shifts from the eight speed gearbox. It sounds really good too.

This is a car that will cosset you as an everyday driver but give you the option of having some fun on the weekends. Thanks to Miedecke’s for the opportunity to drive such a surprisingly great

RESIDENTIAL SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Phone 02 6583 8606 106 William Street, Port Macquarie www.percival.com.au

Phone 02 6583 7499 4/111 William Street, Port Macquarie

car.

On speaking of high performance, we have recently made a number of changes to the leasing team in our busy property management office. As we continually grow we have identified the need for more capacity in our leasing department and to that end we have been very fortunate to add some new and very talented team members. We have also changed our systems to expedite the time that properties are vacant between tenants.

More importantly, we want to give our very valued owners even more communication at what is a critical time for any investor. The only practical way to do this is to have more hands on deck with more time available to speak to our owners and to work with them to proactively speed up the leasing process. The reality with the rental market is that there are peaks and troughs in demand throughout the year and the number of factors influencing rents and demand is huge.

We aim to work with our owners to maximise their returns from their investment and provide them with the best care for their asset. I am always available to speak with investors to discuss what their expectations are from their property investment and their property manager.

Michael Percival, Principal

PERCIVAL P R O P E R T Y

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Home Security a l l

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Summer is here, and the holiday season just around the corner. It’s the time of the year to look at the security of your home, whilst still allowing those summer breezes in. Here at All Time Glass & Aluminium, we can help you achieve this.

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hat products can you supply and install to make a property secure?

We have a large range of security products, from full stainless steel doors to diamond grille window screens and doors.

We are the authorised Prowler Proof agent in Port Macquarie and are happy to come to you for a free demonstration of the products. All Prowler Proof products come with a 10 year full product replacement warranty.

Now is a great time to make sure your home is secure and to keep those unwanted guests out.

We also can just update those old fly screens you may need remeshed or remade.

What type of products do you provide for a bathroom renovation?

If you are renovating your bathroom, we can supply items that offer innovative form and function for affordable prices. We specialise in fully framed, semi frameless and frameless shower screens. All these screens we custom make to fit our customer

We will match or beat any

requirements. do you provide, competitors’ pricing. We Black fittings are and what area are more than happy the new fashion do you service? to discuss this with our when it comes to We offer a customers. So either drop into bathrooms, and large range of our showroom, or give us a call to now we can also products and organise a free meaure and quote. supply a black services, including framed shower installation of screen to match dog doors into these fittings. An inferior mirror - or glass or screen doors, all types of glass one that is poorly placed, wrongly and mirror cut to size, coloured glass sized, optically inferior or damaged splashbacks, sliding wardrobe doors, all will attract the wrong attention until commercial work and shopfronts. the day it’s replaced. We can custom We also do repair work to existing cut a new framed or frameless mirror glass doors and windows and offer a to match any décor.

24 hour glass replacement service.

Do you supply and install new We cover the entire Hastings Valley windows and doors? from Laurieton and Kendall in the Yes, we do. If you are renovating or south out to west of Wauchope and as just replacing old windows and doors far north as Kempsey. for new ones, we specialise in this type Do you provide a price guarantee? of work.

Yes. We will match or beat any We also specialise in Queensland competitors’ pricing on all comparative rooms, so if you have an existing verandah or area that you are wanting to enclose, give us a call and we can come out and provide you with a free quote.

What other products and services

products. We are more than happy to discuss this with our customers.

So either drop in to our showroom, or give us a call to organise a free measure and quote.

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

More Like a Luxury 5 Star Resort than a Retirement Village!

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he opening of Stage 3 has once again reinforced Evermore’s promise to continuously improve the lifestyle for its residents.

With the new 4th floor Evergreen bar delivering gorgeous views of Wallis Lake and out to the ocean, a 14-seat heated spa, two massive flat screen TVs, three beers on tap, huge BBQ kitchenette and seating for up to 80 people, Evermore never ceases to amaze.

At the end of each relaxing day, Evermore residents can enjoy a drink at the bar and watch a magical sunset.

Living at Evermore provides so much more than just residing within an apartment or villa complex. At Evermore, it’s all about lifestyle.

Evermore is what retirement living should be like for seniors: beautiful apartments, smart amenities, sharing valuable time with like-minded residents, social engagement when you need it, peace of mind that assistance is on hand 24/7, easy walking access around the village and designer chef dining at the restaurant daily.

As the grey hairs become more prevalent, maintaining a big home isn’t really practical - especially when you consider Evermore residents would likely only spend an hour or two a week to clean their apartment or better yet, use the Evermore cleaning service at a very economical rate.

“How good it is not to be cleaning the old four bedroom home anymore. It use to take me a day or two for floors and windows but at Evermore, I’m done in half an hour.

All of the Evermore facilities and common areas are cleaned and maintained by the diligent cleaning staff, so we can get on with living life and enjoying ourselves! I truly 104 Greater Port Macquarie focus

It’s often been said by residents, families and visitors that Evermore Retirement Living has the feel of living in a luxury 5 Star Resort. feel blessed living here and there is always someone around to talk to, say hello or ask for assistance - no wonder I feel relaxed and very comfortable living at Evermore!” commented Evermore resident Margaret recently.

One of the statements we hear most often from “newbies” to Evermore is their appreciation of the “designer quality of the apartments and facilities at Evermore”. Many are pleasantly surprised by all that Evermore has to offer, including …

1. Club Lounge, including coffee and sports bar with four large flat screens 2. Amazing restaurant with chef designer dining and events 3. Daily entertainment from the spacious movie theatre and well stocked library 4. Inviting heated swimming pool 5. BBQ alfresco dining 6. Gym for staying in shape 7. Relaxing landscaped gardens with water fountains and vegetable garden 8. Transport to get you where you need to go; two buses, two cars and two scooters available 9. Evergreen Bar and heated spa located on 4th floor, with views to Wallis Lake 10. Hotel style reception and a welcoming family community where you can feel at home 11. Hairdressing salon 12. Three lifts servicing basement to all levels 13. Secure basement carparking with storage Stage 4 and 5 Are Progressing Well.

Stage 4 and 5 are currently under construction with more outstanding facilities, including billiard room, craft room, chapel, day spa and men’s workshop.

56 luxurious, Evermore already spacious, open offers low to mid level Evermore will also incorporate plan two bedroom care 24/7 and when a high care nursing apartments make up our high care facility home located onsite, the majority of both becomes available but separate and secure stages, complemented towards the end of from the retirement by nine one bedroom 2018, it will cover all village. The high care facility plus study apartments. facets of care, including will be built simultaneously with Nearly half of the two high care, in a dedicated Stage 5 construction. bedroom apartments facility adjoining the have two bathrooms/ main complex. powder room, with What the residents studies and large have to say covered balconies or courtyards. Apartments Over the past couple of months, a are now selling off the plan, and there is number of residents have kindly provided already strong demand for the two bedroom their thoughts on their experiences living at designs. Stage 4 is on track to be available Evermore. To listen to a resident interview, for occupation by March/April next year. please go to our Evermore Retirement Living In addition to offering independent living YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube. apartments, Evermore will also incorporate com/channel/UCu_jkxa7O_qfU2lLrtQs16g a high care nursing home located onsite, or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ but separate and secure from the retirement evermoreretirementliving/ village. The high care facility will be built Here are a few thoughts from residents simultaneously with Stage 5 construction.

Margaret and John, previously from Port By adding this additional facility to the Macquarie … village, it gives anyone considering moving “If I’m finding it hard to sleep at night I to Evermore the opportunity to access an don’t have to count sheep, as I cast my mind inclusive care program if and when required back to when we were living in our five during the course of their stay. bedroom home and the hours it would take Consider moving to a retirement village me to clean it, including all those windows! that offers the best of both worlds At Evermore it takes me 10 minutes, and I’m independence and support when it’s ever done! It’s such a relief not to spend hours needed - where else but Evermore! cleaning each week. We are so happy we You can forget about the prospect of made the move from Port Macquarie to having to sell out of your retirement home to Evermore in Forster.” make the move to higher care. At Evermore If you are considering a move to you can live independently of services until supported retirement living, look no further the need is there, and you have the peace than Evermore in Forster. Call today on of mind that it will be available 24/7 in an (02) 6528 0442 to organise an appointment environment you have grown to call home for a tour of all the facilities to see all that with your resident friends.

Evermore has to offer … You won’t regret it.

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Professional management of property assets makes more than just economic sense, it is essential in maximising the return on your investment. In our experience, a wellmanaged property can consistently achieve higher rentals and maintain occupancy levels.

We enjoy a high degree of trust and full confidence from our current clients. Our management portfolio comprises of over 600 tenancies, with an approximate gross rental income stream in excess of $13 million PA. Our management team includes Ben Allison, with 13 years’ experience, Luke Horton and Graeme Garrett with a combined 46 years’ experience, with further support by our secretarial and administration staff.

Why do people have their property managed?

Investment in commercial property can be a productive and rewarding experience, but not all investors understand the true complexity of managing commercial property.

Successful commercial property investment involves a high degree of industry knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation that only a professional commercial manager can offer.

Here are several reasons to use a commercial property manager to maximise your investment’s potential.

1. The legislation regarding rent, leasing and tenancies is complicated. It’s vital to get it right. Non-compliance, even when accidental, can lead to conflict, disputes,

3/136 William St, Port Macquarie Phone: 6584 0544

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Commercial/Industrial property management is one of the core fundamentals of our business along with sales and leasing and is treated accordingly.

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Commercial/Industrial property management is a major part of our business.

We genuinely pride ourselves as being market leaders in the provision of Asset/Property Management services for commercial/ industrial property. Both Luke Horton and Graeme Garrett, the business owners have a strong ‘hands-on’ commitment to the service delivery and advice.

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fines and even court cases.

2. Tenant selection, through background, financial and ID checks are essential. We have excellent systems and reference tools to filter the most suitable tenants.

3. Collecting the rent on a regular basis to maintain cash flow is very important and requires a high level of attention.

4. Maintaining the property by ensuring prompt reaction to repairs, inspections and using a network of reliable, qualified professionals and tradespersons.

5. Meeting safety standards including Fire Compliance, Asbestos legislation, backflow prevention testing, hazardous materials storage, ensuring all tenants and trades maintain insurances and, specifically with works to be undertaken, provide workplace safety statements to minimise the risk to owners.

6. We maintain a stringent database to keep on top of rental reviews & lease expiries to ensure the property is leased as often as possible for as long as possible for as much as possible.

7. An arm’s length relationship with your tenant, knowing things are being dealt with competently allowing you to concentrate on your other priorities.

Who do you manage property for ?

We manage property for mum and dad investors, self-managed superannuation funds, property trusts, business professionals, interstate and overseas owners. Our portfolio comprises retail shops, offices, bulky good premises, industrial complexes, warehouses, medical centres and government occupied buildings, in the Port Macquarie Hastings region.

Are you looking for property to manage …. ?

We are always looking for more commercial property to manage and have systems in place and the resources available to take on more property with ease. We welcome the opportunity to review potential management listings and provide advice. Please call our office today on 6584 0544 for assistance with your commercial asset management requirements.

www.rhcommercial.com.au/portmacquarie Greater Port Macquarie focus 106

A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Organic Beauty.

At Vast we love rattan and abaca furnishings for loads of reasons. They add natural texture to a room, come in a variety of finishes and the material is not only sustainably sourced, but is versatile and very durable. Durability is an absolute must when investing in furniture.

These products scream summertime, but what we admire about them is that they can co-exist beautifully with other styles if done the right way. If this style is new to you - start small. Mix one of our circular rattan Hive coffee tables in a formal living area to add a relaxed vibe to the space.

From dining and occasional chairs to lounging, coffee tables, bedsides and storage boxes, Vast can help you create an aesthetic that looks brilliant in a modern, country, bohemian or beachside setting.

NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY: Spend $100 in store this month and go into the draw to win our three-piece rattan setting (pictured) valued at $377. This piece is perfect for the patio teamed with some of our bright outdoor cushions. Sit, relax, enjoy - that’s Mid North Coast living!

Greater Port Macquarie focus 107

To secure your block today, contact Martin Newell.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3

100% SOLD 100% SOLD Selling FAST be quick!

For a Beechwood Village Estate information pack, please contact Martin Newell on 0429 883 488

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Located just 20 minutes drive from Port Macquarie and just 8 minutes from Wauchope, Beechwood Village boasts a Public Primary School, General Store, Post OďŹƒce, Hotel and much more, all on the banks of the Hastings river.

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All residential blocks include underground power, NBN and sewer, with the larger rural lifestyle blocks including power and NBN. Construction is due to start in 2017 and registration of blocks planned for mid 2018.

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Prices starting from $170,000.

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After the success of stage one and two of the estate, stage three is now being released to the market. With 18 blocks being available in total, ranging from 922 M2 through to 21,763 M2.

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You’re invited to become one of the community and enjoy the village atmosphere of Beechwood.

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Martin Newell R a i n e & H o r n e

Local real estate expert Martin Newell shares his industry knowledge and history with FOCUS …

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roperty is a very dynamic industry realise the best possible outcome from the sale - what made you interested in of their property. However, in the end I always it as a career? I have always been negotiate a position that is the meeting of interested in the real estate industry, two minds, that of the seller and the buyer; I right back to my school age years, as one of always want both parties to be happy with the my father’s friend’s closest friends was Roger outcome.

Dulhunty, a leading real estate agent in Port What has changed the most for you since Macquarie. From an early age, I experienced the you began as an agent? industry firsthand.

The biggest change has I was attracted to been the level of access to the industry, as I believe buyers. In the beginning it was always a good of my career, your data fit for me; I relate to base was in a card file First of all, I am local, having first people very easily from system, online marketing moved into Port Macquarie all walks of life, I enjoy was just starting, social in 1978. I know a vast being challenged and media didn’t exist and array of people in the finding solutions, I open houses were only Port Macquarie and enjoy marketing and something they did in the Camden Haven areas; promotion, I love city. I’ve embraced the plus, I know the area, as I grew negotiation and finding change throughout my up here and watched it grow to an outcome that is a career, and in many cases what it is today. win-win for everyone been at the forefront of involved, I like the fact this change. that you get rewarded How do you distinguish for hard work, and to be completely honest - I yourselves from other agents? can’t see myself doing anything different in the First of all, I am local, having first moved into future.

Port Macquarie in 1978. I know a vast array For those who don’t know - what kind of of people in the Port Macquarie and Camden study or accreditation do you need to be Haven areas; plus, I know the area, as I grew up able to sell real estate? here and watched it grow to what it is today. I Some would say a pulse and to be standing have the results on the board, with my 600th upright! However, the basic entry level to sale in the area not that far away. I would real estate is a certificate of registration and humbly suggest I know what I’m doing, and I to work under the supervision of a licensed am extremely passionate about this business. agent - which in reality has created a large My aim is always to exceed expectations. spectrum of talent within the industry, between I’m extremely strong in both rural and lifestyle the beginners and the skilled and experienced property sales, and my service area extends agents. from Kew in the south, to Cooperabung Range When it comes to property transactions, do in the north and as far west as Long Flat. There you prefer helping buyers or sellers? would be very few agents that could match my The clear answer is I work for the seller, and knowledge, results and passion.

I do enjoy working with property owners to Thanks Martin.

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Are you planning on purchasing a home soon?

Or have you been dreaming of a nice new home? Wauchope Real Estate has brand new homes ready to move into now ... uality built brand new homes with three and four bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage and landscaped gardens. Packed with features, these homes are available right now, ranging from $469,000 to $559,000.

Spend Christmas in your new home.

First time home buyers new home grant may apply, saving you money.

Check www.wauchoperealestate. com.au to view our range of new properties.

The team at Wauchope Real Estate have these brand new homes available for inspection by appointment & open homes viewings, so be sure to check them out online for more information.

Call Wauchope's number one real estate agency to inspect today:

Wauchope Real Estate's

Wauchope Real Our reputation reputation has been earned for Estate, 6586 4888. has been earned more than just listing and selling About us for more than just property. We pride ourselves Over the past 25+ listing and selling on developing lasting years, Wauchope property.

We relationships. We have an Real Estate has pride ourselves on experienced team of licensed been involved developing lasting property consultants. with clients, either relationships with buying or selling, customers and in just about every clients, and the street and locality volume of referrals in Wauchope and its surrounding areas. and repeat business that generates is We have an experienced team of licensed proof our system works. We are actively property consultants who bring with involved in local sporting and community them unrivalled local area knowledge groups and provide further support by and outstanding results. way of sponsorship to a variety of clubs Having the ability to share with our and events. clients an understanding of current local When thinking of selling your property, market trends, accurate comparisons and choose an agency who offers proven price movement, is a key factor to our results, benchmark customer service, success. negotiation and marketing skills.

Meet the team (L-R) Michael Debreceny, Kirstie Shaw, Natasha Costigan, Kirsty Markezic, Lisa Wannell and Troy McKinnon.

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BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

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Sess & Sass Design Co are the new interior designers and property stylists on the block.

i girls. Can you tell our readers - who is Sess & Sass?

We are a local sister duo, passionate about all aspects of interior/exterior design and styling. Our nicknames growing up were Sess (Jess) and Sass (Ash), hence the name Sess & Sass Design Co. Interior design should reflect who you are and what you love; this is why we believe that living in a beautiful space that inspires you and draws positive emotions is important for all people to be able to enjoy.

What prompted you to start this business?

Ashley studied interior design at a CATC Design College on the Gold Coast and has been working in the industry for four years.

Jessica recently sold the business she shared with her husband, Brad, which meant the time was right to pursue her true passion.

We both have naturally creative minds and have dreamed of starting our own interior design and property styling business … What better time than now!

We are excited about bringing a fresh approach and new ideas to Port Macquarie’s interior design industry.

Who would be your ideal customer?

Interior design - whether you are building a new home, renovating an existing property or just wanting to restyle and give your home a fresh, new look. We are here to guide you with our expertise and knowledge to create a

memorable, fun and stress-free experience.

Property styling to sell - it has been proven that when a property is staged, it can appeal to a larger demographic - enhancing the volume of potential buyers and maximising the sale price. At Sess & Sass Design Co. we believe in not just styling a home, but illustrating a lifestyle and creating a warmth to a space that will connect with the potential buyer.

What are some of the most important parts of styling a home that many people just don’t think about?

Less is more - focus on a minimal approach. Avoid mixing too many colours, stick to a two or three colour combo.

Mirrors - can make a room feel bigger.

Place mirrors directly across from a window in rooms with limited amount of natural light.

Go Green - there is no such thing as too many plants. Not only are they beautiful, but they clean the air and balance humidity.

What types of services do Sess & Sass provide their customers?

We provide a vast range of services, including: Interior and exterior design Renovation concepts Review and advice on architectural plans Residential property styling Property styling to sell Paint colour consulting Residential E Design Commercial concept designs

Level 1, Suite 2, 31-33 Horton Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Ashley 0421 789 573 Jessica 0438 408 452

info@sessandsassdesignco.com.au www.sessandsassdesignco.com.au

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BRONWYN NEWTON FROM PORT MACQUARIE LANDCARE

Most Outstanding over 50’s Estate in Australasia 2015

Helen Richey, Resident

landcare. update Bringing Back the Forest.

In the heart of town, Landcare has replanted a large creekside area with local shrubs and trees we grew ourselves.

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e planted nearly 800 local native plants in one morning!

What a sight …

Imagine dozens of yellow shirts - both Landcarers and Council employees - busy on creek banks either side, and also among the eucalypts planting understorey.

Above our chat, you could hear the water pump and the hole digger chugging.

Our Mayor came to see what was happening. She was surprised at the scale of the project and keen to know more about these improvements to our living environment.

An effective wildlife corridor is developing, complete with koala browse trees and a variety of food and shelter plants. There are Grey Gums, Swamp Mahoganies and Tallowwoods, plus rainforest species like Scentless Rosewood and Flintwood.

And an endangered ecological community, subtropical loswland rainforest, will soon thrive again after it was lost due to clearing.

Above the site is Macquarie Nature Reserve and the whole of Wrights Creek catchment, with its riparian reserves.

Downstream is Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park, a local attraction and home to two threatened species, koalas and Grey Headed Flying-foxes.

We know it’s essential to re-connect our remaining forests, where our wildlife can live and work. Birds and other critters are drawn to these green areas and “pay rent” by dispersing pollen and seeds.

Forests make our urban areas more liveable for human critters too.

Landcare Australia made this planting

possible through a grant of $10,000 for seedlings, part of a 5 ha habitat restoration project along Wright’s Creek.

The area used to be degraded and weedy, but its return to health is now well underway, and surrounding residents are very pleased.

The reserve will be more resilient in future rain events, because plants will hold the soil and take up rainfall. Prior to the planting, Council did engineering works on the site to improve the creek flow and help manage the weed infestations that were there.

The planting day built on work already done by Landcare and Westport High School.

Mother Nature helped by sending us good rain in the week before, and a shower while we planted.

Helpers on the day were treated to a BBQ lunch to say “thank you”. The event was a success, and now begins the next stage!

Nurturing this new forest will keep us busy in the next few years, and we’d love to have more volunteers to help.

Usually we work mornings and stay until

25 minutes to Port Macquarie

lunchtime, but if you can give us any time at all, it will be appreciated.

We are Landcaring most days of the week, and there are activities to suit just about anyone.

Kew Country Club

A1

Queens Lake

Bonny Hills North Haven

Dooragan National Park

Landcare provides all the equipment you need, so you can safely enjoy a working bee in bushland.

Contact us at info@landcareportmac.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 115

BUYING, SELLING OR RENTING? 10 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO TALK TO LAING+SIMMONS.

Beyond the expectedTM 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie 116 Portport Macquarie focus 110Greater greater macquarie focus.

Expert Advice.

Proven Marketing Strategies.

Exemplary Service.

What makes Port Macquarie's #1 Real Estate Agency?

1

We are specialists in a world of generalists

We’ve got real estate in our blood. We live and breathe property.

We’re knowledgeable, innovative, strategic, meticulous, dedicated, driven, experienced, positive, tenacious, skilled, savvy... Basically, in a world of real estate agents, we’re certifiable real estate junkies - and we’re proud of it.

2

We really do deliver exceptional customer service

And we’ve got the gold to prove it. “Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie has won the Gold Award for Outstanding Customer Service for a number of years in a row, a clear demonstration of the office’s commitment and professionalism in putting their customers first”, says Laing+Simmons Corporation General Manager, Leanne Pilkington. Our mantra is ‘the client is king’, and everything else we do stems from that.

3

We’re a one-stop real estate agency

We offer the ultimate one-stop shop for investors. Not only can we assist you to find the perfect investment property, we can expertly manage it for you too. We take a proactive approach to property management on a personal and tailored level, and work diligently to maximise the performance of your investment. We also recognise that a happy tenant is crucial to the investment property’s success, and our ability to cultivate and foster successful relationships with both owners and tenants, ensures our property management service consistently exceeds expectations.

4

We’re dynamic and energetic

We love what we do, and we have fun doing it. We have a laugh with our clients, swap stories over coffee, and then we put our game-face on, and get down to business. Laing+Simmons agents know what it takes to sell property, and we’re good at it. We work with a zealous intent, and strive to achieve the optimum outcome for our clients.

5

We deliver results

More listings; equals more buyers; equals more sales. Because we list and sell more properties than any other agency in Port Macquarie, we have the most comprehensive knowledge base in the market, and first-hand involvement in the prices being achieved.

More properties for sale, means more buyers coming through our Open Houses, and as a bi-product, a database brimming with active purchasers looking for property. So, what does this mean for Laing+Simmons’ clients? Quite simply, it means the best chance of achieving a swift sale, and a good price.

6

Our clients love us

Seriously – they really do. We invite you to check out our testimonials page on our website. According to our clients, they love us for one fundamental reason: our remarkable customer service and our willingness to ‘go-beyond’. (Actually that’s two). We

believe our clients are more important than our profit margin, and our approach is to treat everyone like people, not just another transaction.

We never forget that there is a person behind the property (a whole family in many cases), each with their own dreams, goals and life experiences.

7

We’ve been around the block

Laing+Simmons have been at the forefront of the real estate industry in Port Macquarie for over two decades. We’re proud of the role we play in the community. Our team have over 100 years combined experience in the local marketplace. We’ve appraised this home, valued that home, and sold the one next door. We provide clients with stability and integrity, but we don’t rest on our laurels. ‘OK’ is not good enough for us – that’s our reassurance that you can deal with us with confidence.

8

We know how to harness the power of our team

Babe Ruth said, “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together the club won’t be worth a dime”. Our people don’t just work together in the same office space, we indeed work together. We don’t just talk-the-teamwork-talk, we walkthe-walk. “We actively foster a collaborative culture at Laing+Simmons” says Chris Koch, Owner and Principal, “and I believe it’s this tangible synergy that truly sets us apart from our competition.” “When we collaborate, we take teamwork to the next level, we innovate and find solutions faster, and we are able to achieve great things for our clients”.

9

We stand-out from the crowd

In a buoyant market like todays, it’s even more important to get the best agents working for you – it can make the difference of tens of thousands of dollars to your sale price. The dominant scope of our advertising campaigns are a key strength. Our clients benefit from targeted marketing strategies and materials, including strong representation in local media and exposure on multiple real estate websites, not just one or two. The right selling campaign, executed by the best agents, backed by an effective brand and a united team, is a recipe for success for our clients. Add to that our ‘no sale, no fee’ policy and we really stand-out from the crowd.

10

We like to listen

Despite what the labels on our clothing try to tell us, we know one-size really doesn’t fit all. We listen to what you need and respond to that. Not to what we think you need. And we’re extremely responsive – clear and timely communication is a cornerstone to our business values. You’ll understand the ‘why and how’ of our selling strategies, and you’ll be involved every step of the way. Your needs really will be listened to and you’ll be able to rely on our competent advice – we won’t be satisfied until you are.

Beyond the expectedTM 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie 8 Greater Port Macquarie focus

greater port macquarie focus

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• Elders Real Estate Port Macquarie is proud to welcome three new partners to our dynamic and energetic team.

BRENDAN STEAD Partner (Sales) 0447 788 509 ADAM HOLBOROW Partner (Sales) 0422 788 879

TIM JOYCE Partner (Sales) 0452 556 266

Real Estate

62 Clarence Street Port Macquarie

Phone: 02 6584 1199

www.eldersport.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 118

Greater Port Macquarie focus 115

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SENIORS COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE

116 Greater Port Macquarie focus

SENIORS COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE