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GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

December 2017. issue 145

Feature Story

Orange Sky Laundry Van.

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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.

WHAT’S

ON @ GLASSHOUSE

FOR BOOKINGS 02 6581 8888 glasshouse.org.au Follow Glasshouse Port Macquarie:

team From the

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont

Welcome to the December issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

here are many reasons to celebrate the holiday season - it’s the end of the work year (unless you work in hospitality or tourism sectors!); there’s the never-ending "end of year" parties; the beginning of summer and of course, because we are all so lucky to live in this beautiful place - the impending visits from the city side "relos". With so much going on, how do we survive the festivities without fizzling out? Here are our top tips: 1. Shop early… If you haven’t started, then the time is NOW. (Check out our gift guide and Christmas feature!) 2. Plan ahead … book your parties in and then book your down time in - don’t let the summer go by without spending a few days at the beach or visiting one of the small towns around the re-

gion. Think trip to Comboyne, Creso or Crowdy! 3. Organise the kids! Nothing says ruined holidays like bored kids. Organise play dates, and plan what you’ll be doing. Follow our local groups like 52+ Things To Do and Port Macquarie Info for some inspiration. Christmas is also the season of giving, and this includes giving back to the community we live in. Inside this issue, we speak to some wonderful volunteers from two terrific local organisations - the Orange Sky Laundry Van service, and the One Voice Hastings Homeless Support Group. Both organisations are run by two completely different groups of people, but what they have in common is the support they provide to the needy in our community. In the spirit of giving, why not consider volunteering some of your time to any of the many local charities and not for

profits, who'd absolutely love your help! We also visited Avelon Farm this month - a beautiful property at Rollands Plains that is home to Border Collies, alpacas, goats, bees, cattle and an array of other animals! Beautiful scented roses are also grown on the farm, and hampers full of local goodies are yet another speciality of this amazing business. Entertainment is not lacking over the festive season either, with FOTSUN about to rock the town - check out our interview with Meg Mac! Todd McKenney is set to visit the Glasshouse, Frenzal Rhomb will play at Laurieton United Services Club, and SONiA disappear fear will light up the stage at Wauchope Arts Hall. From all of the FOCUS team, have the merriest of Christmases and a safe and happy New Year.

GLASSHOUSE MEMBERSHIP

ON SALE

FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER! IT’S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

Renew or purchase your Glasshouse 2018 Membership

Book your ticket to the 2018 Season Launch

Book your tickets to Boys In The Band!

Neon Summer explores how contemporary art can inspire our imagination and create a dazzling world through vivid colour, magnificent form and breathtaking fantasy.

This January the Glasshouse will be abuzz with fun & inspiring workshops, masterclasses, kids activities and more. Drop in and pick up your Neon Summer guide today!

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY

Simone Rosenbauer, Like Ice in the Sunshine #11 (detail), 2014. Fine art pigment print. Courtesy of the artist and .M Contemporary, Sydney. Troy Emery, All the Things, 2013. Polyester pompoms, polyurethane mannequin, glass eyes, plastic earliner & hot glue. Courtesy of the artist and Martin Browne Contemporary, Sydney.

Gallery entry is FREE Gallery is closed on mondays

Greater Port Macquarie focus 3

focusinterview.

You may have seen Orange Sky’s brand spanking new laundry van around town. It’s been a project in the making for a while, and now it’s a reality, providing those without access to a washing machine or drier in our community with a way to keep their clothes clean - and to bring back a little dignity to those who need it most. Rachel Nolan is one of the volunteers with Orange Sky and treasures the special moments she’s experienced as a part of the crew …

i Rachel. Tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your association to the Greater Port Macquarie area ... Hello, my name is Rachel Nolan and almost two years ago, my husband, two dogs and I moved to the Greater Port Macquarie area from the Far North Coast, first living in Port Macquarie before settling in beautiful Wauchope. I am an Early Childhood Educator at Wauchope Preschool Kindergarten and have just finished my first year studying Social Work. I love the outdoors and spend a lot of time in the forest close to my home or at the many beautiful parks and beaches in the area. I love connecting to the community through volunteering, which has enabled me to establish relationships with a wide variety of people, and throughout my time here I have volunteered with REAP, at the Port Macquarie and Wauchope community gardens, local clean ups, with the Boomerang Bag crew and now with Orange Sky Laundry. When (and how) did you find out about the Orange Sky Laundry Van Service? I have been following the Orange Sky Laundry journey with admiration since the concept was first developed through different media platforms, which is also how I heard about the plans for a van here on the Mid North Coast! Since then I have been following the progress and was exceptionally excited when the van started gathering momentum in recent months. Why did you decide to become a volunteer with the service? I decided to become a volunteer with Orange Sky because I really related to the concept behind the van. I saw it as a simple opportunity to connect with people whom I likely wouldn’t have met otherwise, and it reinforced my belief that all people have a story and deserve to be heard, all the while

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accessing a simple service that restores a sense of dignity and boosts their self-esteem. It also helps me to put perspective on life for all kinds of people and feel grateful for the access I have to the simple things such as a washing machine and drier. What's your current role with Orange Sky - and what's involved? I'm currently a general volunteer, however, will be moving into the team The most important part leader role for one of the of the role is the genuine, Port Macquarie shifts in non-judgemental the next couple of weeks. conversations we have Both of these roles with friends accessing the involve supporting the service or those passing look forward to seeing other volunteers to set me. We laugh, joke and talk each other weekly, and up the van - connecting about all sorts of things. this shows through the electricity and water, the smiles that greet preparing the machines, us. Friends also have a setting up the six orange chance to chat about chairs and ensuring how their week has been, what they have everything is turned on. Throughout shift, been up to, their hobbies or families, all the volunteers support friends to load the while with a friendly volunteer listening. It machines, document each load and fold the really does provide a connection between clothes once dry. friends, volunteers and other service providers The most important part of the role is the in the community. genuine, non-judgemental conversations Friends are also able to come and use the we have with friends accessing the service washing and drying service, meaning they or those passing me. We laugh, joke and leave with fresh and warm items, as well as talk about all sorts of things. Once shift is other toiletries they might need. finished, volunteers support each other to Can you share a story or two about the pack away the van before bidding each other people you've met? farewell for another week! The van is very It is hard to pick just a couple, as each well designed, which means the process week I walk away feeling so privileged to is very easy to follow and you feel well have had the company of our friends. I have supported to fulfil your role. heard stories ranging from hobbies such as Since the service launched recently in the Port Macquarie area, what are some of choirs and Star Wars to stories about their the benefits you believe it's brought to family, places they have travelled and jobs the community? they have had. A frequent occurrence is the Even though the van is in its early stages of utmost gratitude when they see we have servicing the area, the benefits are so visible taken the time to fold their clothes - such a already! Our friends (some of whom have simple gesture, but one that is met with a become regulars) and volunteers genuinely surprised face, a smile, or even a tear.

Moving forward, what do you hope Orange Sky will be able to achieve? In the future, I hope Orange Sky can continue to service the Greater Port Macquarie area, establishing friendships with people who are marginalised, lonely or who just may need a hand. I hope we can continue to connect friends with other services in the area, all the while providing a simple service of washing and drying clothes. Are you currently looking for more volunteers - and where can we find out more info? Yes! Absolutely! As Orange Sky is relatively new to the area, we are looking for a core group of volunteers to ensure consistency of the service and regular faces at each shift. Anyone interested can find out more information at the Orange Sky website: http://www.orangeskylaundry.com.au/ get_involved Final say ... Anyone out there looking to get more involved should definitely jump on board! For only a two hour commitment a week, you will be rewarded and humbled by the friendly, genuine people in our community. Thanks Rachel.

issue inside this

Issue 145 - December 2017

Amy Smith Ossix.

Summer is here and so is the fresh drop from local label “Ossix”. FOCUS caught up with creative goddess Amy Smith about her stunning new range.

Journey for Kate. Kristy Van Eck is the creative eyes and mind behind photography business Journey for Kate. Kristy loves documenting the special moments in people’s lives weddings, family portraits and births … and her unique, sensitive treatment of these moments is testament to how she’s faced her own life experiences ...

18 16 Nick Cummins. From humble beginnings, local lad Nick Cummins was the recipient of a music scholarship, which opened doors internationally, leading to collaborations with high calibre artists.

Regulars

16. WHAT’S ON FOR DECEMBER 28. EAT LOCAL RESTAURANTS 35. SOCIAL SCENE WITH KATE WOOD-FOYE 36. PALATE PLEASURES WITH LOU PERRI 39. OUT TO LUNCH WITH SUSIE BOSWELL

S E A S O N S

R E S TA U R A N T

95. PORT CHAMBER UPDATE WITH HADYN ORITI

Take time out to visit us and enjoy our new summer menu and new release wines. Grab your family and friends and set a summer scene here, everyday, at Cassegrain.

99. LANDCARE WITH BRONWYN NEWTON.

CLOSED CHR ISTM AS DAY

78. TOURISM WITH JANETTE HYDE 91. STARGUIDE WITH TERRI HALL

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764 Fernbank Creek Road Port Macquarie NSW club@cassegrainwines.com.au www.cassegrainwines.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 5

focusinterview.

Pam VENUE MANAGER TH E G L A S S H O U S E

Meet Pam Milne, the Venue Manager at the Glasshouse. Pam’s role is manyfaceted, and it’s clear she loves her job. A true source of pride for Pam is the Glasshouse’s innovative membership program, which this year has grown to accommodate over 1,300 members …

i Pam. What brought you to the Greater Port Macquarie area? I was brought up in Dundee, Scotland. After university, I relocated to the south of England for work and lived “down south” for 20 years. Like so many people, I came to Port Macquarie on holiday; my uncle and cousin have lived here for many years. That was back in 2001; we finally arrived as permanent residents in 2004, and settled in Port Macquarie. Share a bit of your career background ... My parents owned a bed and breakfast in Dundee for 40 years, and I helped out after school and loved chatting to the guests sometimes more chatting than helping, my mum might say! It seemed a natural transition to study something I really enjoyed and in 1988 I graduated from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow in Hotel Management. I did get off to a rocky start when the professor recommended that I take elocution lessons, as he doubted that I would get a job in a “big London hotel” with a broad Dundonian accent. Fortunately for me, he was wrong; it has never held me back, and I am proud that I have retained my accent. After graduating, I joined Marriott International on a hotel traineeship and enjoyed a career for almost 20 years in a variety of management roles. In 2004, prior to emigrating, I was General Manager at the London Marriott Maida Vale, a 250 bedroom hotel close to Lords Cricket Ground. When I arrived in Port, I started a new career with PMHC in Visitor Information Services. How long have you been a member of the Glasshouse team? I joined the Glasshouse team when the venue 6 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The Glasshouse team brings

together people from diverse opened in 2009, when treat your employees and backgrounds with many years of I was working in the your volunteers exactly as experience. In addition to Visitor Information you want them to treat being very professional Centre and we relocated your best customers” has and highly skilled in their into the new building. always resonated with me. respective disciplines, Since then, I have held a Developing robust many of them are artists in number of roles in Front processes and ensuring their own right, and they are of House prior to my excellent communication passionate about what they do. current role. are vital to ensure the What's your current seamless delivery of all role with the Glasshouse services; Glasshouse? everyone on the team needs to know what As the Venue Manager, I oversee the entire is going on and the part that they play in the operation. In addition to the day to day process, whether you are selling a ticket at the running of the venue, my role is to ensure the box office or operating the lighting console implementation of the Glasshouse Strategic Plan during a show, your contribution and how you and delivering outcomes for the community. choose to make it is vital to the success of the This includes: cultural programming; achieving organisation. our financial targets; and meeting the needs The Glasshouse membership program has of our stakeholders, whether they be council, always been innovative. What does the community, patrons, venue hirers or visiting program offer currently? artists and performers Several years ago the Glasshouse moved from What do you most love about your job? a traditional theatre subscription based model I have been leading teams for most of my to a financial membership program. We realised professional career, and it’s what I love about that a year-long commitment to show ticket this job. The Glasshouse team brings together purchases was no longer what the community people from diverse backgrounds with many desired, and nor did it reflect the diversity of years of experience. In addition to being very Glasshouse experiences. So we developed professional and highly skilled in their respective a Membership Program that enabled our disciplines, many of them are artists in their Members to obtain discounts on theatre tickets, own right, and they are passionate about what gallery events, transaction fees, Glasshouse Shop they do. Leading a team of passionate, creative and Encore Bar purchases - and often exclusive professionals is never boring; I am always buying periods. In short, the program enables us learning something new, and they keep me on to reward our most loyal patrons. my toes every day! In turn, the community has rewarded the Managing a venue the size of the Glasshouse for providing this program with their Glasshouse must present some challenges ongoing support. Year on year the membership too. What skills do you feel are necessary program grows, and this year we reached the for a role of this kind? 1,300+ mark. We now have one of the largest I am a firm believer that a leader achieves membership programs of any regional cultural through their team. The principle of: “Always centre, and that’s quite the envy of many a

venue manager! What can you tell us about some of the Glasshouse offerings/shows/workshops leading into the 2018 season (if it's not a secret?) The 2018 performing arts season is actually a closely guarded secret! Glasshouse members get a sneak peek at the 2018 Season Launch, which is on Thursday 1st February. This is one of our most popular annual events - with a long waiting list for tickets. In addition to this, there is a lot going on; we have some world class exhibitions, performances and workshops coming up in 2018. Kicking off in December, The Neon Summer Festival is set to activate the venue throughout January, exploring how contemporary art can inspire our imagination and create a dazzling world through vivid colour, magnificent form and breathtaking fantasy. Apart from the spectacular gallery exhibitions of national and local artists, we have a very broad program of workshops, “Stringdom”, master classes, craft and cocktails - and even a HUGE family fun day! Drop into the Glasshouse for a program, or visit www. glasshouse.org.au When you're not busy at work, what do you enjoy doing? I volunteer with Lifeline and after a full on day at the Glasshouse, I like quiet time at home with family and friends, enjoying my husband’s cooking, walking my dog and improving my crochet skills when I get time! Where can readers find out more about Glasshouse memberships? 2018 Glasshouse Memberships go on sale Friday 1 December 2017; you can buy online at www.glasshouse.org.au, call us on 6581 8888 or call into the Glasshouse box office and our team will be happy to help. Thanks Pam.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 7

focusinterview.

Summer is here and so is the fresh drop from local label “Ossix”. FOCUS caught up with creative goddess Amy Smith about her stunning new range.

ossix

Ossix

ast time we chatted with you, Ossix was just finding its feet. Now in your sixth year with the label, how have you grown both personally as a designer and as a brand? Hi guys. I’m sure Ossix is still finding its feet; it’s an ongoing and constantly evolving process! I actually took a break during this time, and I felt the time was right to restart the brand roughly 18 months ago. I was lucky enough to spend some time under the guidance of David and Diane Edgerly at Softedges Sportswear. Upon their retirement, I acquired five industrial sewing machines and now have a small studio. I can manufacture my swimwear complete from 8 Greater Port Macquarie focus

start to finish. I am also blessed to have continued access to their head production manager, Vicky, to answer any questions and keep me on track; she’s a wealth of knowledge and dear friend. Overall, I’m in a good place; I feel really supported and have all the right people around me. The biggest area I’ve had to grow in and adapt to is in the social media arena. Since starting the first time round, the escalation of social media, Instagram in particular, has presented a whole new ball game. Social media channels present massive opportunity for individuals to start their own brands and market direct to the consumer. This has created opportunity for Ossix, but at the same time, an increased amount of

recycle, support Greenpeace initiatives and am a major fan of the “seabin project”. There is a lot of fabric wastage in clothing manufacturing. A lot of our offcuts are kept and used to make cute little kids’ swimwear for another line launching next year; our wastage and contribution to landfill is minimal. If you could dress I USE HIGH QUALITY ITALIAN anyone in Ossix, who competition, more than I FABRIC THAT CONTAINS would it be? ever imagined. ‘ECONYL’; THIS COMPONENT I am honestly over the What does Ossix pride moon every time someone IS MADE 100% FROM POST itself on? chooses to wear Ossix; CONSUMER WASTE PRODUCTS, I take pride in there’s something very SUCH AS FISHING NETS FROM producing a high quality special seeing something THE OCEAN FLOOR AND product that’s Australian you’ve created and put PLASTIC BOTTLES. designed and made. your heart and soul Also, being sustainable, into being worn and environmentally friendly appreciated. Someone and ethically focused. quite iconic who keeps I use high quality Italian fabric that contains coming to mind when asking myself this “econyl”; this component is made 100% from question is Lady Gaga. I discovered her latest post consumer waste products, such as fishing documentary, Gaga: Five foot two and found nets from the ocean floor and plastic bottles. a whole new level of respect and appreciation I also use environmentally friendly packaging, for her and her music I’ve never had before.

Photographer TDKCreative Babes Lana, Talara, Jemeyah Makeup arstist Hayley Dwyer makeup artistry Stylist Death do us art

I’ve listened to her latest album on repeat many company leaves and things that the brand/ times whilst sewing my collection over the last company does to give back to the community. All few months. She is one talented and incredibly these features and more can play a part in how inspirational lady. we view a product and determine how we feel I especially love that she bares herself to when wearing or purchasing a garment. the world; in the first scenes, she appears in Do you have any exciting future plans tracksuit pants and no makeup. I actually had for the brand? no idea what she really looked like underneath Oh, it’s all excitement and nothing short of !!! all the makeup. It’s nice to see that under her 2018 will see a stronger focus on the wearable performing persona there is just a normal girl art line; I’m looking forward to working in more who feels the same emotions and life’s trials and with local artist and legend, Adam Murray. I’d tribulations like the rest of us. It’s refreshing in an also like to launch a men’s line and bring back age where our own identities are lost between the budgie smuggler. Next year I’ll launch our our real selves and the false ones we project cute little kids’ line, “MOKA means fun”, and through our social media channels. eventually if all goes well, I’d like to branch out What’s the inspiration behind your latest into apparel. line? For budding young designers reading this I’d have to say the motherland, Australia, is interview, what advice do you have to one major inspiration behind the latest line. I share? adore the rawness of her history, her barren I think I’d have to say to keep it real and in terrain, luscious landscapes, the opportunity and perspective; go at your own pace. Be patient; freedom she offers, and our multiculturalism. I dreams often take a lot of time and money and love using dusty, rusty, don’t happen overnight rugged and neglected especially when starting at buildings for our photothe bottom. Always listen shoot backdrops. I find to people you admire and there is something so know the game, but don’t BE PATIENT; DREAMS artistically enticing about be discouraged if you do OFTEN TAKE A LOT placing a beautiful lady it differently and in your OF TIME AND MONEY in front of something own way; there is no one AND DON’T HAPPEN so raw and organic; the “right way”. Get a mentor, contrast is epic. be prepared to work extra OVERNIGHT - ESPECIALLY The first drop, hard, surround yourself WHEN STARTING AT THE “Essential elements”, with good people you BOTTOM. is the basics line. It love, swallow your pride, embraces class and style; exercise, do yoga, meditate, the cuts are simple, drink water, be kind to clean and on trend. The others, don’t judge, say fashion shoot for this range was taken mainly thank you, show appreciation, compliment more/ around Wauchope. The team all worked in complain less, eat well, say “I love you”, pat your closely with Tia from TDK creative. The imagery is own back; above all, look after yourself and your bang on and unique - such a fun day. mental health. The next drop is our high summer Someone once told me, “If starting a business “Chanamee” collection. Chanamee is the Walpiri was easy, everyone would be doing it”; this name for the Tanami desert in the northern has rung true many times since! I’ve been told territory and means “never die”, as some of on numerous occasions that I need to be more the rock holes in this desert were thought to organised and focus on planning and goal never run dry. We are planning this shoot with setting; unfortunately I struggle in this area. I feel a “Burning Man” vs. “Mad Max” avant-garde that if I waited until these skills were polished, theme. I’m so excited to roll this one out! I would never actually start or accomplish For Summer 2017/18, I’ve also drawn anything. I seem to work in the short term, often inspiration from Z-boys and ‘70s fashion and my best work is done at the very last minute, and music culture. I feel that music and fashion go my goal setting is more along the lines of daily hand in hand. Music festivals have created their to do lists. I certainly would pass this wise advice own unique fashion obsession; it’s next level, on to everyone else though, as having a plan and and I love it. I’m looking forward to seeing it all measurable goals on paper is proven to aid in unfold during FOTSUN 2017. success. From a personal perspective, what do you Where can our readers purchase Ossix and think the most important thing is to take follow you on Social Media? into account when buying swimwear? Our swimwear is available at “Sublime and I think it’s all about how you feel in the Blossom” with the beautiful Corinne. Sublime garment. We have so many options and access and Blossom is under the Observatory building to just about any brand via the Internet that across from Town Beach. And on an exciting things like comfort, fit, price, quality and service note, Ossix is making its debut at Stormriders as are only just the beginning in the decision we speak. We also have an online store at www. making process when purchasing a product. ossix.com.au We now also take into account elements Anyone wishing to follow us on social media like company ethics, sustainability, fair trade, can do so at Facebook @ossixswimwear and who made the garment, what they support, instagram @ossixswim. transparency, the environmental footprint the Thanks Amy.

Ossix

Greater Port Macquarie focus 9

focusinterview.

TODD McKenney Sings Peter Allen - The Piano Sessions Renowned from his performance in the Boy from Oz, and also from his time judging the TV show Dancing with the Stars, Todd McKenney still loves the music of Peter Allen after 20 years of singing his songs. Todd will perform Peter’s massive hits, including I Still Call Australia Home and I Go to Rio, plus many other songs, on his extended regional 20th Anniversary Tour. You can see Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen - The Piano Sessions at Port Macquarie and Tamworth in December … And, it’s a show with a “twist”!

i Todd. Whereabouts in the world are you today, while we’re busy chatting? I’ve just stepped off the treadmill at the gym! I’m also about to go and do a training session. I’m in Pymble, Sydney. That’s multitasking! You’ve been performing Peter Allen’s songs for many years now. How much does the man’s music still inspire you? (Laughs. ) Yes! His songs still inspire me very much … It’s the whole spectrum, rather than just churning them out, because they’ve been the backbone of my career for 20 years. I’m very aware of that, and I like the songs. What can you tell us about the show, Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen - The Piano Sessions? Because it’s not a scripted show, and it’s a show I’ve put together myself with my band, apart from the massive Peter Allen hits (which we do every single show, because the audience would lynch me on the way out if I didn’t do them!) we have a lot of other material we can choose from. Peter had a massive songbook, so we pick and choose the songs we put in the show each night - we don’t really ever do the same show twice. We also never do the same chat twice, and the chat, for me - as it was to Peter Allen - is as important as the songs. This changes every night, because the audience is different every night. The show is only loosely scripted, and we tend to fly by the seat of our pants, depending on what mood the audience is in. This keeps everything fresh!

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You mentioned the band; who are the various members? There are four of us on stage. There’s Michael Rohanek, my boy-wonder, genius piano player. We call him the delinquent of the group (laughs) because he’s one of those nutty-genius piano players. He can play anything … There’s a real comedy element to the show, and he’s quite a character on stage … Lisa Callingham is my amazing backing singer; she did The Boy from Oz with me 20 years ago, and she’s been doing my shows for the past four or five years. Then there’s Ralph Marshall, who’s the bass player and another backing vocalist. He plays a beautiful upright double bass, two electric bass guitars and keyboards, to provide strings or horn parts as needed. It’s a much fuller sound than just a piano. We’ve been working together for so long, the four of us, so we can change the show every night - we all know the songs, and we can go with the flow. When you have a huge band, it can be much more rigid; there’s more flexibility with this show. You mentioned the chat, so the show is quite interactive. What are some of the more unusual questions audience members have asked you? I get everything from, “What’s Sonia Kruger really like?” to “Why did I score Nikki Webster a ‘one’ on Dancing with the Stars?” You get it all … “What was Pauline Hanson like?” Pauline was the first contestant ever on Dancing with the Stars, and people remember that. Now that she’s back in the spotlight, people ask me about her. In the second half of the show, it’s relaxed and the audience really opens up - and sometimes it’s very moving. The audience ask things like,

“Did you ever meet Peter come to the Tamworth The show is only loosely Allen, and what was it shows. I have a strong scripted, and we tend like?” I have some stories connection to Tamworth. to fly by the seat of about this. It can also be Peter and his family also our pants, depending hilarious and completely had a strong relationship on what mood the random - it’s a part with this area. audience is in. This keeps of the show we look Final say … everything fresh! forward to the most. We decided on this tour to offer the audience I believe you even something entirely encourage the different, and we were audience to bring scratching our heads score cards and rate deciding what we should do. So, what we your performance. That’s pretty brave! decided to do was put one table and two chairs (Laughs.) I didn’t actually encourage them! on the stage, and we invite two of the audience They just do it! I think it’s great, because if you members up on the stage every night to enjoy can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! the first half of the show - so they see the show It’s a very weird little by-product of Dancing from our point of view. with the Stars, and it makes me laugh. I get We give them things like a cheese platter, everything from a one to an 11! It happens at some Twisties and a bottle of red wine - it’s every single show, without fail. completely random, and people just love it! We What other surprises are in store? don’t make fun of them; we just have them Helen Richey will actually be joining us on stage for our Port Macquarie show, because she’s celebrate the show with us. We choose people out of the audience every night … So this could living up that way now. I suggested she go and be something anyone who comes to the show look at Port Macquarie , because it’s one of my favourite places on the entire planet. I love it that could enjoy. Wonderful! You’ve just mentioned my three much! And now, she lives there! I wouldn’t even favourite food groups: cheese, Twisties and be surprised if I end up there … Town Beach, red wine, so I’ll be in that! Thanks for your and that walk around the boardwalk. It’s heaven time, Todd - we look forward to you visiting on Earth! soon! Of course, you’re also stopping in at It’s been a pleasure - thank you. beautiful Tamworth. When’s the last time you visited this area? I was in Tamworth about 18 months ago. Part of the reason I’m doing this regional tour is because I like driving. I love getting in my car See Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen and driving in the country - I love the drive up to The Piano Sessions at the Glasshouse on Tamworth. It truly is the real Australia! December 2nd @ 8pm. I have friends in Gunnedah too, so they all Tickets glasshouse.org.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 11

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Local

legends!

World travellers, but definitely not world weary, Roger Price and Barbara McGrath are two of the most intrepid adventurers you could hope to find! They’ve ridden many thousands of kilometres across multiple continents on a tandem bike, camping along the way and absorbing the culture and sights of every country they visit. Barbara is 84, Roger is 79 - but you’d be hard pressed to find a fitter, more enthusiastic or braver couple anywhere. They’re local legends …

i Roger and Barbara. What brought you to Port Macquarie originally? Barbara: We were living in Balmain - lovely place, just down the road from the water. But, we just felt so cramped … Roger’s parents were living in Coffs Harbour, so we thought, “Why not move up the coast a bit?” Roger: We left people living in our house in Balmain and bought a place in Port Macquarie. That was in 1993. When did you both start riding bikes? Roger: I really grew up on a bike. I’m from Wales, originally - I emigrated to Australia when I was 17. Barbara: I rode a bike in my teens, of course, but didn’t really start riding long distances until 1988. What’s the longest distance you’ve ever ridden a bike? Roger: I rode from Sydney to Wales - but this was before I met Barbara. I’d always wanted to ride from Wales to Australia, but as a teenager you don’t think of obvious things like finances! Anyway, for the trip I crossed Australia to start with - across the Nullabor, to Adelaide, then Perth. I caught a ship to Singapore, and rode through Malaya, Thailand, back to Penang, caught a ship to Madras, then I rode on to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Greece ... I camped along the way … Along the way, I ran out of money - I got as far as Munich. I was camped in a park, I was dobbed in, and I had a police escort back to the local station. But, they found me work at a warehouse, sorting nuts and bolts, so I could earn enough money to get to England. I was given beer for morning tea and lunch there! In those days, you could only get a five day transit visa, which was a bit impossible when you were travelling on a bike. I got to north Afghanistan and was unfortunate enough to 12 Greater Port Macquarie focus

come across someone who could actually read my passport; he realised I was out of time, and wanted me to go back to Kabul to renew the visa - which was pretty pointless. I was actually put in a cell for a couple of days! I decided that wasn’t getting me anywhere, so I agreed to ride back to Kabul, and had an escort for a short distance - but when night time came, I managed to ride out. And nothing happened! The ride took a year all up. Barbara: Probably the trip when we started at Stockholm, travelled up to Finland and up to North Cape in the north of Sweden … We took a ship across to Scotland, rode through England and flew to Greece. We spent a further three months in Greece. This trip was six months all up, and about 10,000 km. Roger: This would have been one of the longest trips we’ve done together; other trips have been four or five months, maybe 5,000 7,000 km. Our most recent trip was probably the shortest. We flew to Zurich, and then went to Germany and found the source of the Danube and followed this river. This is a well recognised cycling route that takes you through Germany, Austria and Hungary, Slovenia, Romania. Barbara: But with this last trip, we didn’t go all the way down to the Black Sea. We flew home from Budapest. What were your favourite moments from your last trip? Roger: The Danube flows down through the most amazing gorge, which is known as the “Iron Gates”. It’s a spectacular area. Barbara: A lot of places along the Danube are so historic - like Budapest. Barbara, what adventures/near misses have you had on your travels? Many years ago, my girlfriend and I left home to hitchhike around Australia, down through Victoria and up to South Australia. We were camping out in the bush and only coming to town when we needed water and food, but

didn’t particularly want to stay where we were, so when a goods train came through, the drivers had a little conference and allowed us to get on board. As we were travelling merrily along to Alice Springs, a wheel fell off the train! So, instead of no one knowing we were on the train, I guess everyone ended up knowing, as another train had to be sent up … Another adventure in those days was our taxi trip to Ayers Rock. It was going to cost 60 pounds each to hire a taxi for a week … We’d only taken 100 pounds with us to travel around Australia, but we intended to work on our way. This was in 1954. So, we visited Ayers Rock ... We wanted to walk to the top, but the driver didn’t, so he drove his Holden up the slope as far as he could! We weren’t in the taxi at this stage, thank goodness! How did you two actually meet? Roger: We’re both canoers, but at the time, we were in different clubs. I was in Sydney, Barbara was in Wollongong - and we met on the river. Barbara: We met in 1969. We didn’t get together straight away, though. When we met, it was the first trip my club had out where other clubs visited, and I remember Roger half sliding out the back of a car, where he’d been sleeping! Roger: We got together in ’73 ... 44 years ago. In the 44 years you’ve been together, you’ve done lots more travelling. Where would you still like to visit? Barbara: I’d like to go to Antarctica. Or China … We went to Japan on my first long cycle trip, but not China. Before we went on our first long trip, to prepare we used to cycle around the Southern Highlands. I did 30 km on the bike, and Roger said, “She’ll be right!” (Laughs.) When did the tandem bike enter the scene? Roger: In ’88. I’d bought the bike four or five years previously, but we’d never ridden it. Barbara: I asked him why he’d bought that old thing! But, Bicycle NSW put on this event to cycle the bridge. I asked if Roger would cycle with me,

and he said he would … If I rode the tandem with him! Roger: The thing is, you end up in the same place - at the same time! (Laughs). What do you carry with you on your long trips? Roger: A very small tent, cooking gear and a stove, sleeping bags … Barbara: As far as clothes, what we have on, plus one spare! We take good quality Gortex wet weather gear. Provision wise, there are generally lots of towns you can stop in - especially in Europe. There are a lot of official campsites in Europe, but once you get away from Germany and Austria into Hungary, there aren’t as many campsites. We stopped with a few lovely people in Romania. Roger: In the eastern part of Europe, accommodation is quite economical. In Germany or Austria, you’d be looking at $100 - $150 per night. In Romania you’d be looking at $10 - $15, for quite good accommodation. What’s your involvement with canoeing? Roger: In our younger days, we used to be white water canoeists. In the last 15 years, we’ve been doing a bit of sea kayaking. We’re members of the Port Macquarie Hastings Canoe Club and spend some time paddling along the beautiful river; a few of us venture out to sea. We mostly paddle on a Thursday morning around 8am. The club we belong to started about ten years ago, but you know what’s interesting? About 90 per cent of members didn’t start paddling until after they’d retired! It’s quitr a unique club. What are your latest plans? Roger: We tend not to plan too far ahead. There’s nothing definite, at the moment. Barbara: We might do a more local trip, and see a bit more of Australia we haven’t seen. And for all of those people who don’t cycle, what would you say to them? In unison: Get on your bike! Thanks Roger and Barbara.

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angus N E W

A L B U M

Gill

COUNTRY artist Angus Gill’s new album, “Nomad”, has begun its journey with a bang, hitting the ARIA Country Albums Chart and enjoying chart success with the first single, “Roadworks”.

he ultimate road trip companion, Nomad is on a journey of its own, debuting at No.15 on the ARIA Top 20 Country Albums Chart and Roadworks debuted in the No. 6 position on the Amrap AirIt Chart, is sitting at No. 11 on the Country Tracks Top 40 and was the 13th most downloaded track on Play MPE. At 19 years old, Gill’s songwriting themes and vocals are mature beyond his years. This is an album that is deeply rooted in pure country, with a smattering of his trademark brand of humour. The 19-year-old has not only co-written all the songs with the cream of the crop of the Australian country music scene, including Adam

S E S

Harvey, Gina Jeffreys, Luke O’Shea, Troy Kemp and Kevin Bennett, he has also produced and mixed all 13 tracks on this debut album at his Hot Plate Studios in Wauchope. The album also features Angus teaming up with Kevin Bennett and Amos Morris on Staring Out The Back of a Car, dealing with the tragedy of the Stolen Generation, and he duets with Adam Harvey on P Plater, a track dealing with the realities of young drivers, combining Angus’ and Adam’s senses of humour. Angus was a grand finalist in the prestigious 2017 Toyota Star Maker competition and is a three-time CMAA Academy of Country Music graduate.

S A Y S

T H A N K S

Port Macquarie SES is pleased to announce it has acquired a car trailer that was made possible by the generous donations of both the Hastings Old Holdens and Coasters Hot Rod Club.

he trailer was constructed with the support of Brad from Macleay Trailers. Port Macquarie SES is the primary response unit for General Land Rescue, including Road Crash Rescue. Nationally recognised training is undertaken to enable members to become registered by the State Rescue Board as a General Land Rescue Operator. There is a significant initial and ongoing training commitment for rescue operators to achieve this registration and approximately three vehicles per operator is required for the initial training, and additional vehicles are required for the assessment. “We’d also like to acknowledge Port Macquarie NRMA and Port Macquarie Cars, who continue to

provide ongoing support with the transportation of vehicles within the Port Macquarie area,” said Unit Controller Michael Ward. “The addition of our own trailer will give us more flexibility when sourcing cars. We generally require a minimum of two vehicles each month for ongoing training.” The Coastal Hot Rods next show and shine is at Town Green 10 Feb 2018 and Hastings Old Holden’s Classic Show and Shine on 17 March 2018 at Port Macquarie Race Course, where the trailer will be on display and the SES will provide a demonstration of our Road Crash Rescue Capability. If you have a late model car to donate with wheels and panels, please give us a call on (02) 6581 0150. Greater Port Macquarie focus 13

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Wauchope Arts and Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group will host a very special concert this month, to raise funds for Sanctuary Australia’s Refugee Support Programs. Baltimore based singer songwriter SONiA diappear fear (Sonia Rutstein) and local performer Helen Mottee will present a show to remember … We chat to both Sonia and Krissa Wilkinson from Wauchope Arts ahead of the December 8 performance …

i Krissa. What's the aim of the show on December 8, featuring SONiA disappear fear and Helen Mottee where will funds raised go? Historically, music has successfully shaped the world, raising awareness during campaigns for civil rights, social justice, women’s rights and peace. Sonia Rutstein and local support artist Helen Mottee use their musical talents as singer songwriters to raise concerns about injustice, human rights and the plight of refugees. Helen is a much-loved local performer, who pens heartfelt tunes that she will play on the grand piano. Some say she is our local Carol King! The aim of this event is to cultivate compassion and encourage generosity. This event is a fundraiser for Sanctuary Australia’s Refugee Support Programs. Like the influx of people after WWII and the holocaust, or people fleeing Vietnam after the war, refugees who manage to settle in Australia face many hardships and are dependent on the kindness of strangers. You'll have additional offerings on the 14 Greater Port Macquarie focus

night, including a raffle. What are the refreshment arrangements, and what prizes can people win? A light dinner will be for sale from 6:30pm for $10. There will be an array of delicious home cooked vegetarian food, much of it harvested from local organic gardens. The raffle includes beautiful original prints by designer Annie Georgeson, hand woven and handmade items, including some beautiful ceramic bowls, as well as organic produce. How much are tickets, and where can they be purchased? Tickets can be purchased at the door from 6:30pm or online at http://www.trybooking. com/SPJI - $25, or $20 for Arts Council and refugee group members. Thanks Krissa.

See SONiA disappear fear and Helen Mottee perform at the Wauchope Community Arts Hall, Oxley Lane, Wauchope. Dec 8; doors open 6:30pm. Music from 8pm. Further info www.wauchopearts.org.au www.mncrefugeesupport.org/ www.sanctuaryaustraliafoundation.org.au/

i Sonia. Introduce us to SONiA disappear fear, which has undergone a few changes since its inception... The basic spine and soul of disappear fear has always been me and my Santa Cruz guitar. My sister, CiNDY, and I created the band disappear fear and at its inception we were a duo in October of 1987 and then we worked with different members, depending on my writing and our dating habits. The first band was a marimba percussionist and cellist. Next was a basic rock formation. Currently I work with bassist Christopher Sellman, who I've performed and recorded with off and on for 20 years and percussionist Ezell Jones Jr. Originally we were heavy into sisterhood harmonies, so when CiNDY left, I had to really focus on great songwriting to stay alive and engaging. The songs you write reflect issues of today ... issues you're obviously very passionate about. What are some of the key messages you hope to convey with your music? Every choice we make has a price of defining our future; hence by definition, “free will”. Before doing music full-time, I worked at a Rape Crisis Centre. I was acutely aware of self empowerment after an assault. This can apply, as does the essence of the idea of disappearing fear to many situations that we might feel powerless in, so I hope my songs inspire people to find their own courage and live in the moment and to love out loud. Of course, this transpires into political realms as well as religious, sexual, stereotypes and scientific applications. You buck the trend by performing in places/ venues other performers would shun. For you personally, what's been one of your more memorable performances? One concert I loved was at a V.A hospital near Austin, Texas, on Memorial Day. There was

an old soldier who'd been badly wounded in Vietnam - in a wheelchair - who at the end of my song actually stood up to give me a personal and extremely difficult standing ovation. Another wonderful experience was at concert I did in a bomb shelter in Israel during the second antifada - it was very powerful and especially memorable, because we never knew who would live or what would happen next. But the most amazing experience I can think of was for this 10 year child in Massachusetts near Boston - she had extreme cerebral palsy. She was in love and very familiar with my singing voice. When I started to sing her favourite song, she went absolutely ecstatic. I've never seen so much joy bursting out of a human being like that - ever. It was all encompassing in loveliness. When you perform in Wauchope on December 8, who'll be supporting you both on stage and behind the scenes? I travel with my manager, who lucky for me is also my wife. What are your thoughts ahead of travelling "down under" ... Have you visited here before? Yes, I have toured in Oz before. I've played the Woodford Folk Festival about four times, also the Illawarra festival, Cygnet and Mardi Gras. My last tour in 2009 I played the Sydney Opera House, State Theatre in Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. I have shared the stage with Kristina Olsen, Kristy Apps, George, the Waifs, Blue House, Fred Smith, Aurora Jane, Ember Swift, and many other great performers. When you have the chance to wind down from your Australian experience, what are your plans? This time I hope to hit the waves at Noosa and also venture out to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and maybe get to snorkel again at the Great Barrier Reef - but must importantly, reconnect with my Aussie mates. Thanks Sonia. Photos by Lea Morales.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 15

focus_What’s On Greater Port Macquarie

DECEMBER

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.

Art & Craft Centre Showcase

One Night Stand

The Westport Club’s Christmas Under The Stars

Bring along a picnic blanket or fold-up chair and settle in for a great night with the family singing Christmas carols. Entertainment by Deni Hines, Sing Australia, Riley Page, Port Macquarie Performing Arts and more. Visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, kids' face painting, rides, food and beverage stalls and a spectacular fireworks display. Sunday 10th December. Entertainment starts at 6pm at Westport Park, adjacent to the club. Fireworks commence at 9pm. Visit www.thewestportclub for more information.

Coming together for one exciting night, Russell Morris, Mental as Anything, Daryl Braithwaite and The BadLoves will perform live. Russell, Daryl, Mentals and The BadLoves are legends in the music industry, with numerous #1 hits - far too many to list - not to mention the awards and gold and platinum albums earned by these masters of music. Where Panthers Port Macquarie. Date Friday 8th December. Door 6:30pm | Tickets $82 | Show 7pm.

Sale and display of local handmade items by members. Come and meet the artists; blue building at the roundabout, Gordon Street and Lake Road. When Saturday, December 2nd, 9am 3pm. Where Port Macquarie Art and Craft Centre. Cost Free.

Garden Village

Garden Village’s annual Christmas Craft, Op Shop and Shed Sales are happening again in December at 7 Garden Crescent, Port Macquarie. You’re sure to pick up some great items at discounted prices. Sales will take place on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th December from 8:30am to 2:30pm and a further Op Shop only sale day on Saturday 9th December from 9am to noon. 16 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Foreshore Market Foreshore Market is the place to find local regional produce, wood fired breads, local honey and cheeses and handmade goodies, just in time for Christmas. You never know what you mind discover with new stall holders. Saturday 9th December from 8am to 1pm at Westport Park, Port Macquarie.

Carols On Clarence Hosted by People Builders, Carols On Clarence will take place on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th outside the Historic Courthouse on Clarence Street from 4:30pm. Come and support this FREE event with a family fun Christmas concert, including carol singing, a barbecue, kids' activities, a visit from Santa, plus more!

Christmas Appeal

NRMA staff have been committed to helping the community for the last 25 years by fundraising for many charities throughout each year.

heir biggest event is the Annual Christmas Appeal, which is especially for the needy, taking donations to support those less fortunate in the community.

families by 11th December, 2017,” she said.

“This is the second year we are supporting REAP, as last year was a huge success due to the generosity of our local community. We had customers who brought in large boxes and huge plastic tubs which were full to the brim, which they had collected at their street Christmas THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR party functions. The local generosity is amazing. WE ARE SUPPORTING These hampers have REAP, AS LAST YEAR WAS been gratefully received by REAP and those who A HUGE SUCCESS DUE TO have benefited,” Suzie THE GENEROSITY OF OUR said.

Spokesperson for the three NRMA Branches and JTS, Suzie Gamack, said this year’s donations will once again be going to REAP Food Rescue, who distribute food to our local charities within the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven region. “Our NRMA offices in If you can help NRMA LOCAL COMMUNITY. Wauchope, Laurieton staff support the and Port Macquarie Christmas Appeal, please are collection points drop your donations for donations of noninto one of the NRMA offices at 133 Horton perishable food items such as tinned foods, St Port Macquarie, 48 High St Wauchope and Christmas cakes and puddings and Christmas 3 Seymour St Laurieton by noon, Monday 11th treats to make up hampers for these needy December.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 17

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K r i s t y Va n E c k

Kristy Van Eck is the creative eyes and mind behind photography business Journey for Kate. Kristy loves documenting the special moments in people’s lives - weddings, family portraits and births … and her unique, sensitive treatment of these moments is testament to how she's faced her own life experiences - whether magical, or tragic.

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me (a bar of black forest chocolate and a good film is all that’s needed to win me over). What can you share with us about your business, "Journey for Kate"? What's the story behind the name - if you don't mind sharing? Kate was our daughter, who unfortunately died late in my pregnancy risty prefers candid, with her. It was this intense event in my I grew up with my mother taking un-posed shots, life that helped me see what I really valued photos for magazines, schools, allowing the natural and made me realise I never want to and for herself - and I always beauty inherent in compromise my passion for the sake of remember having had every situation to getting work. a camera in my hand. speak for itself through Creating a new business name was a On holidays, my two sisters her lens … great way to signify this change; that I only and I would each be given a Hi Kristy. Introduce us to your family, ever want to take on clients who truly love disposable camera, and we had and tell us a little bit about yourself. and trust my work. the freedom to take whatever Originally from WA, my husband, In honour of Kate, I donate a percentage photos we wanted. Mike, and I have been in Port Mac for of all birth shoots to Pregnancy Help the past four years. We’ve lived in a few Australia, who help support mothers, places around the country, but have couples, and families with pregnancy fallen in love with the East Coast - we are difficulties and loss. proud to call the Hastings our home! Where did your road to discovery with photography first I’ve explored many unique and beautiful parts of this world, begin? but by far my biggest adventure started a few months ago when I grew up with my mother taking photos for magazines, we welcomed our baby boy, Hosea. schools, and for herself - and I always remember having had a “Adventurer” is a label I’ve always liked the sound of, but the camera in my hand. On holidays, my two sisters and I would each term “homebody” would probably more accurately describe be given a disposable camera, and we had the freedom to take

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rney JoforuKate

My motivation is, and always has been, to create things that matter. And the things that

whatever photos we wanted. mean something are I’ve always been a creative type always authentic and (I was the kid who doodled on truthful - the beautiful magic the margins of her exam paper). manage to balance work with of real moments by real people. My hair colour, fashion sense, family life? and taste in music has always I’m lucky to have an incredibly changed, but nothing has stuck helpful husband by my side! with me quite like taking photos I can get emails and editing and making films. done while Hosea is asleep, or while Mike is keeping him You describe your photographic style as "candid". entertained. Please expand on this for us ... When I’m actually shooting, it’s a bit of a juggling Being candid to me is being honest. act. For smaller sessions I’ll likely have a sleeping baby I don’t like to pose my clients. If a little direction is attached to me, and for longer jobs like weddings, I’ll needed, I give it, but by documenting things as they keep the little man at home with his dad. happen, and capturing people as they are, I find the most I’ll admit; it’s all a lot harder than I anticipated memorable and beautiful shots. newborns are no joke! Things have had to be re-adjusted What moves/motivates you behind the lens? to compensate for our new routine in life (or lack-thereI want to capture a groom’s transparent adoration of!) I know that as I gradually get back into my work, and towards his new bride. I want people to see the pure as our boy gets older and less dependent, we’ll figure out exhausted joy of a mother who’s just met her new baby what works best. after hours of hard work. I want to show how much a What are some of your favourite types of father loves his daughter as they build a sandcastle on photographic shoots (and why)? the beach. Documenting births will always have a special place My motivation is, and always has been, to create in my heart. It is such an amazing thing to photograph things that matter. And the things that mean something or film, and I love that I allow parents to focus purely on are always authentic and truthful - the beautiful magic of each other and their new baby, knowing that the whole real moments by real people. experience is documented for them. Plus, there’s no other Now you're a mum of a new bub, how do you time where people are more raw and open with what

they’re feeling. What services do you actually offer clients? Weddings are my primary work, but I offer a few different photography and videography services - from family and portrait sessions, to editorial work and even births! Videography has been a life-long endeavour for me, and by far one of my favourite things to create. It’s only the past year that I’ve started offering wedding films as a professional service. Price guides and info packs can be requested via the contact from on my website. What are your future hopes and dreams? Film is one of my great passions, so I’d love to improve and delve more into that aspect of my work. It’s always been a dream of mine to one day be involved in at least one major film production. So Spielberg, if you’re reading this - hit me up! Where can we see more of your work, or contact you? You can see more of my work and contact me via my website www.journeyforkate.com I’m also on Instagram (@journey4kate) and can be found on Facebook (www.facebook.com/journeyforkate). Thanks Kristy. Greater Port Macquarie focus 19

Your Holiday Rental Specialists

The Whoop Whoop Cup It’s on again - the annual Whoop grabs donated from the local businesses. Whoop Cup, proudly brought to you by Parking is available at the course, but we Wauchope Jockey Club. recommend a taxi. Join us again this year for There will be a full TAB tote another exciting and friendly and bookmakers on course The Jockey Club invite day of racing. The day will with canteen and bar facilities, all the lads and lasses once again see a five card race as well as lots of undercover to dress in their best, as the Fashions program, with the feature race seating. on the Field will being run over 1800m. Each year this race day gets take place in the There will be plenty on for the bigger and bigger and is a great afternoon, with young ones, so make a day of it opportunity to unwind after a some great prizes and bring the family. massive Christmas Day. donated up for grabs The Jockey Club invite all the First race will commence at from the local businesses. 12pm. lads and lasses to dress in their best, as the Fashions on See you there. the Field will take place in the Wauchope Race Course afternoon, with some great prizes up for Beechwood Rd Wauchope.

y a d i l o h Happy ! letting

SOL

Noun Latin word for sun Roman god personifying the sun (Greek counterpart: Helios) Our nearest star and central body of the solar system

SCAPE

Verb, noun Archaic word for escape A view or picture of a scene, usually used in combination ‘beachscape’, ‘seascape’, ‘solscape’.

mySOLscape.com.au mySOLscape susan@mysolscape.com.au 0410 938 691 20 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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Susan

DeJonge Susan and her SOLscape team serve the mid and top-end holiday rental market in the Port Macquarie coastal area, by focusing on value and guest experience, rather than competing on price. We catch up with Susan, to see what's new and exciting in the industry.

t has been a while since we read your story in the Women in Business edition; how are you doing? I am doing great, and SOLscape is also doing great. We have been growing steadily and currently have a portfolio of 18 holiday houses in the mid and high range of the holiday accommodation market. I have a great team of dedicated people working for our guests and owners every day, including reservation managers, quality managers, cleaners and gardeners. With this team in place, SOLscape’s service provision is safeguarded 24/7. It even allows me to go for a holiday myself sometimes! Has the sharing economy like Airbnb impacted SOLscape? There is much more competition now from individual home owners who rent out their home or spare rooms. This gives travellers more choice, and keeps us on our toes to keep improving what we do. This new reality of the sharing economy and digital savvy travellers requires us to have a solid (online) marketing strategy in place, to ensure a steady flow of happy guests and a reliable income for our property owners. Our brand promise of flexibility, convenience and excellent value resonates well with the modern traveller. We make things easy. All they have to do is to rock up to the holiday accommodation and enjoy themselves. We take care of the rest. These elements, combined with our proactive service, gives us great results. Can you expand on results? We get more bookings and better bookings compared to local industry averages. SOLscape’s holiday homes are all performing well. Our guests consistently rate us 4.7 out of 5 stars on average; 80% give us a full 5 star review. Our most successful properties are fully booked over 200 days of the year, equating to 55% - 60% occupancy per annum. Many of the

holiday houses achieve government objectives This new reality of the sharing higher yields compared are to address housing economy and digital savvy to permanent rentals. affordability, avoid so travellers requires us Is holiday renting called party houses and to have a solid (online) more lucrative than parking issues, and ensure marketing strategy in opting for permanent residential quiet enjoyment place, to ensure a steady flow tenants? and security. of happy guests and a reliable Reality check: not The NSW planning income for our property owners. all properties make a commission is assessing good holiday home, rules such as limiting nor is holiday renting the number of nights a everybody’s cup of tea. property can be rented out Suitability of the property for holiday letting during the year (to 90 days a year), limiting the depends on the location, space and amenities. number of adults per bedroom, expanding strata Many owners underestimate the amount of work rules, applying a registration process, and other that is involved in holiday renting. While we administrative requirements. perform most the work involved, regular upkeep What would these new rules mean to is required to maintain the property’s appeal to SOLscape and the greater Port Macquarie guests. area? While holiday rental income is "uncapped" These rules, in their current form, would be compared to permanent renting, cash flow devastating to our communities and economy. patterns fluctuate based on seasonality. You We would lose out on tourism dollars and jobs know exactly what you get in hand at the end would be lost. of each month when renting your property Applying these rules to regional NSW does not permanently. Property owners need to be aware make sense. Some of the rules do make sense to of this. Permanent renting is not the preferred metropolitan and high density areas, like Sydney choice of many of our clients, since they either and the Gold Coast. like to use the house themselves during the Traditionally, people from out of town have year, have had bad experiences with permanent owned holiday homes in our region for decades. renting, and they like the fact that the house These houses will never become available to the generally cops less wear and tear while holiday permanent rental market, since the owners use renting, or a combination of these factors. the houses themselves during the year, similar for Hence, I am transparent with owners up front owners who holiday let their primary home while and advise them on the best option for their they travel during the year. Hence, 90% of our situation. In the end, we want the best result for holiday houses do not negatively impact housing all. affordability in the Hastings area. The NSW Government is planning to The issues such as noise and parking that the introduce new regulations for short-term government likes to avoid are unsupported by holiday letting; can you tell us more? factual evidence. For instance, the number of This in response to market changes seen complaints last year across all SOLscape holiday in big cities like London, New York and San rentals was less than 1%. Franciso where many apartment buildings have Holiday guests stimulate our economy and help seen a dramatic shift in residency composition our local small businesses flourish. Everybody from permanent tenants to holiday makers. The goes shopping, buys a coffee and goes for

dinner at local restaurants! Without the influx of tourists, jobs would be lost. Think about the cleaners, tradesmen, laundry operators and gardeners we employ. We all support each other. SOLscape is one of the parties that has made our voice heard in a formal response to the NSW Government and trust that an independent party will advise smartly on metropolitan versus regional guidelines and introduce industry selfregulation. We notice a new logo; what’s the story? Our direct booking website launches in December 2017, which is very exciting, as it will be easier for guests to book their next holiday. We found that the new logo is more visible. The logo is still a modern representation of the sun and took inspiration from the Aboriginal symbol for "place of rest". The dots in the outer ring symbolise the sun’s rays, its rotation and the strong connection with all other planets. The centre resembles the sun as the heart of our being. The logo also resembles Port Macquarie as the centre, with its radius of outerlying beach towns such as Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, North Haven and Camden Head area and even further afield like Crescent Head in the north and Forster/ Hallidays Point area in the south. What is happening over summer? We are getting ready for the busy season; we have over 700 guests arriving in December, January and early February. Here are some fun facts: • Guests stay 4.6 nights on average. • 35% bring their pet(s). • We welcome many travellers up and down the coast for one night stays. We will keep doing what we do best to put a smile on the faces of our guests and owners! Happy summer, everyone! Thanks Susan. Greater Port Macquarie focus 21

Lifeline Mid Coast Lifeline Mid Coast are looking for Volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters. Training Commences 2018. Our callers feel like they are being heard and validated through the practice of active listening. We are looking for good listeners who are interested in enhancing their own self-awareness, personal and professional growth through the care of people. Our trained volunteers are people with a strong sense of self awareness and the ability to express empathy and respect for others without judgment. Benefits of becoming a trained Telephone Crisis Supporter? Both challenging and rewarding, it carries with it many benefits, including nationally recognised qualifications, providing essential community service or a unit of competency.

Beaches at Bonny Hills You may notice a few changes at Beaches Bar, Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club, on your next visit. There is a new range of beers, including Peroni, Asahi, Cricketers Arms Pale Ale and Apple and Pear Cider, as well as the old favourites; plus great value $15 meals. Choose from schnitzel, chips and salad to mouth watering ribs and wings; there’s also a specials board to check out! Your Friday and Sunday Entertainment Sorted! Come and enjoy our magnificent beach views every Friday afternoon from 5pm - 9pm and join in the Armstrong Oyster raffles. Sunday Sessions are back, with great live music from 3pm - 7pm.

Volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters report that new opportunities have opened up with future career development and prospects.

Artists and Dates for December Jackson James 3rd December Carols on the grass 10th December Steve Bennett 17th December Surprise Christmas Eve gig!

What’s involved? Eight weeks of training, two hours face to face per week. Training includes Domestic Violence, Suicide First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.

So, get a group of friends together, spread the word, the Beaches Bar is open Friday from 5pm and Sunday from 3pm. Sit back, relax with a cold beverage and listen to the sounds.

Each volunteer receives support and personal care throughout the process.

Beaches Social Membership gives you equivalent 10% off in points on all drinks and food, for only $20! Bring this advert and get 200 points when you sign up!

How will being a Telephone Crisis Supporter change my life? Meet people, build relationships, gain skills. Lifeline family welcomes you with open arms. Every minute you give saves lives. Commencing training early 2018. Interested? Contact Maria 6581 2800 or email admin@lifelinemidcoast.org.au

22 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Ultragrafik Fine Art One Year Anniversary SALE! Help us celebrate, with 20% off art, prints and gifts from Saturday 9th to Friday 15th December. Looking for something special? Perhaps it’s time to buy some art for that blank wall. Owner and artist Beric Henderson loves art that not only inspires, but has soul and beauty. All pieces shown at Ultragrafik, whether created in-house or by guest artists, are packed with ideas and vision. We sell imaginative art, unique gifts, signed prints and art cards. Ultragrafik Gallery is conveniently positioned within the Colonial Arcade, just a minute’s walk from Port Central, the Glasshouse and cafés. We have a large inventory of original paintings, light box artworks and drawings available to view and purchase during opening hours or by appointment. Small original artworks start at only $80. Browse in a relaxed environment. And if you have an idea for a new piece of art - we take commissions!

All profits from Beaches go straight into the Bonny Hills SLSC; come and support your local club!

Join our Facebook page and visit the website for updates on new exhibitions during 2018.

Also, our beautiful venue is available for weddings and events. Ask us for more info.

The gallery is normally open 10am - 4pm, Tuesday to Friday and 9am - 12:30pm Saturdays. We are closed 26th - 28th Dec.

The Players Theatre 2018’s schedule is looking better than ever, with a great line up of plays and musicals. Kicking off 2018 we have Five Women Wearing The Same Dress, directed by Susan Morvan (Sweet Charity). Set inside a hotel room at a wedding reception, this comedy tells the story of five bridesmaids, all with very different stories to tell. Followed closely by the ‘50s musical Bye Bye Birdie, directed by Daniel Parlevliet (The Producers). When the draft selects rock star Conrad Birdie, his fans are devastated, but none more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Other great shows coming up include The Birthday Party, directed by Lance Thompson (The Government Inspector), Curtains, a musical directed by Simone Sherrin (The Vicar of Dibley) and Anne Frank and Me, directed by Guenter Bieniasch (Quartet). As always, Theatre Memberships are available and include great benefits, such as discounted tickets. More information is available at playerstheatre.org.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 23

Avelon farm Kim and John Sheean truly live a blessed life, raising Border Collies, alpacas, South African Boer Goats, bees, roses and citrus on their beautiful property, Avelon Farm. Located at Rollands Plains, Avelon Farm is home to an amazing array of livestock and produce, and John and Kim make the best of everything they produce ...

weet honey? No problem. Marmalades and quince paste? Done! Fragrant roses? Of course! Combine these products with other local producers’ wares, and you now have the most spectacular gourmet hampers, delivered free to Port Macquarie. Thanks to Kim and John, you can have Christmas sorted in a jiffy! What's the history behind your property, Avelon Farm? How long has it been in the family? We are the first owners of Avelon who are not a part of the Reid family (Reids Rd is named after this family). We purchased Avelon in 2011, after only one viewing. It was love at first sight. The house was built in1902 and was the hub of a village called Bonnie Doone. There was a livery, a pub, houses and a bakery (the remains of which is still in our north paddock). The bullock drays, laden with timber and produce from Rollands Plains, used to travel along Rollands Plains Rd and stop overnight at Bonnie Doone pub and then continue on to the Wilson River the next day. Whilst digging in the paddocks planting 24 Greater Port Macquarie focus

You have a few different enterprises on the go at the farm. Firstly, tell us a bit about the horticulture side of the business. What types of roses and citrus do you grow, and where do you market roses and trees, we have uncovered some them? interesting items, such as iron sulky wheels, John and I both love stirrups, horse shoes and roses and believe that small bottles. if you plant a rose it You're located at should be fragrant, Rollands Plains, which so all our roses, from The honey we harvest from is a beautiful area. Treloars in Victoria, are these hives is very sweet Describe your farm scented. We started and fragrant, as the ... How many acres/ with 100 roses, but soon bees are feeding off the hectares is it - and found there was a gap roses. The honey is not what's the lay of the in the market. Nobody tampered with at all and land like? was growing fragrant is poured straight into jars after Avelon is about 28 roses, which is very hard going through a filter. It has acres, and the land is work, as they have to be proved to be very popular ... undulating. The view grown in the open air from the back hill is (not hydroponically) to beautiful, looking down allow the fragrance to into the valley below. remain. John built a shed on this back hill for We battle droughts, bugs, grubs and black storage for his gardening utensils, but I spot, and it is very difficult with just the two thought this was a waste of such a beautiful of us tending them on top of everything else, view. I envisaged a lovely bottle of chilled but we love it anyway. We now have 1,300 wine, cheeses, nuts and pate, so we now rose bushes. have a BBQ, tables and chairs and no tools in We also grow lemons, limes, lemonades, our back shed! Tools are in the garage, where mulberries and parsley, and we also have they belong! We have also held several puppy two bee hives. The honey we harvest from parties on the back hill. What could be better these hives is very sweet and fragrant, as the bees are feeding off the roses. The honey than good food, good wine and puppies!

is not tampered with at all and is poured straight into the jars after going through a filter. It has proved to be very popular with our customers. The only problem is, we can’t harvest enough! Another by-product of the roses is my home made potpourri from the petals of the blown roses. We sell our cut roses to various premises in Port Macquarie CBD, including the Catholic Administration office, several real estate offices, Essential Energy and many private customers, to whom I home deliver. I will also be delivering bunches to Garden Village Café for sale and Crazies coffee shop in the Galleria. If there are any other venues where my roses will be available, I will notify on our Facebook page and website. Customers can contact me direct for any orders. I deliver three times a week in the Port Macquarie area at no charge. Introduce us to your beautiful Border Collies. How long have you been breeding this type of dog - and why this breed in particular? We have been breeding Border Collies since 2013 and decided on this breed as John’s sister was breeding them in Narramine, and we knew they were intelligent and lovely looking. We didn’t realise how loving, loyal and interesting they were, until we welcomed our dogs into our family. We have many clients who purchase one pup and then return soon after to add another pup to their

family, as they love them so much. I make sure our pups go to suitable homes, where they will have plenty of company and get plenty of exercise. It is always a big wrench for me to hand over my babies to their new parents, but I know these pups make a very positive impact on any family, which makes me feel a bit better. I'm not aware of too many South African Boer Goats locally. What can you tell us about the breed? Our bloodline is from a famous sire, Warlord, who was exported to Brazil in 2005 to assist towards the perpetuation of Boer goats in South America. Warlord was one of the most successful sires produced in Australia. John originally wanted to breed the goats for our own meat, but I fell in love with them and started naming them with our grandchildren’s and children’s names. He didn’t have the heart then to send them to the abattoir. Mission accomplished! We treat our goats as part of our extended family, which is growing quite big now with goats, alpacas, dogs, a cat, cattle and chickens all adding to our menagerie. We sell the bucks and some of the does we rear for breeding purposes, due to their excellent bloodline. What other animals do you raise on the farm, and how do they help with the day to day running of your enterprise? We also have alpacas, which we introduced to guard the goats - especially the baby goats. It is fascinating how protective the alpacas are. We actually witnessed their amazing protective instincts first hand when one of our neighbours' dog entered the goat paddock. The alpacas herded the goats against the fence nearest the house, then turned around and faced off to the intruder in an arrow formation. The poor dog was

terrified, and I had to lead him out to John originally wanted to safety. Wild dogs and breed the goats for our own balsamic essence, foxes are a problem meat, but I fell in love tomato sauce, BBQ on neighbouring with them and started sauce, 100% pure honey properties, but we have naming them with our and orange infused olive not had one animal grandchildren’s and oil, but also East Coast killed by predators on children’s names. He Gourmet chutneys and our property since we didn’t have the heart then to jams, Westview Limes have resided here. send them to the abattoir. harissa and dressings, Creating beautiful Wilmaria olive oils hampers is yet and olives, Barbushco another arm of your native jams and tea, business. What products do you use as Baba Lila handmade chocolates, Lorne Valley stock for this purpose? macadamia nuts, Mountain Goat soap and We decided to create beautiful hampers as Aunty Cookie liqueur jams and prunes. another branch of our business, to promote We also can include Ricardoes’ products in the wonderful produce available from our our hampers, and we can custom make the local farms. The more I researched what gift baskets to suit individual tastes and price was available at local markets, the more ranges. I realised what a diverse and high quality I deliver hampers free in the Port Macquarie range of products were available right on our area, and postage to Sydney doorstep. Not only do we use our own brand, or Queensland is usually around $17. Other areas in Australia are at cost postage. Avelon Farm, of jams, quince paste,

How important is it to you to support other local producers? We are very passionate about supporting our local farmers, not only because their products are second to none, but also to help develop our local economy. Encouraging and supporting local businesses also helps the local community by bolstering our economy and keeping money in our own area and developing employment opportunities. We know from experience now how difficult it is to stay afloat financially on the land, and we believe diversification is the key. Where can we find out more info about Avelon Farm, or contact you? We can be contacted via our Facebook page: Avelon Farm, our website: avelonfarm.com or email: avelonfarm@yahoo.com.au, mobile 0407 148 089 and home phone 6585 8221. Thanks guys. Greater Port Macquarie focus 25

relax with us and be rewarded.

become a member today From the moment you join The Westport Club, youâ€™re our VIP and weâ€™ll welcome you like one every time you visit. Members enjoy fantastic rewards including discounts on dining, bar and reward shop purchases, as well as entry into exclusive promotions and events. Visit us to find out more.

Visit us at The Westport Club 25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 instagram.com/ thewestportclub

Ph: 6588 7201

facebook.com/ thewestportclub

w w w. t h e w e s t p o r t c l u b . c o m . a u THINK! About your choices. Call Gambling Help 1800 858 858 www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

26 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Westport Club

hat have been some of the club's most notable achievements this year? The Westport Club started the year as a fully renovated club with amazing new facilities and services. The response to our club’s new environment has been extremely positive. Another achievement has been the growth in our team. We currently employ 114 locals and have extended our team base to include under 18s. An exciting achievement was winning an Australian 2017 Culture Award for Sustainability, for delivering a consistent constructive culture for our employees. What have been the highlights from a community perspective? Our club’s vision is to make a significant contribution to the quality of community life. Our community grants program has supported many projects this year, including: • The Mother’s Day Classic and PINK High Tea, which raised funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. • Reading is Rocket Science Project, aimed to increase awareness and provide teacher training to support students with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. • Sponsoring Mathletics subscriptions to over 3,000 children across 13 schools. • Funding to Westport Primary School’s P&C Association Free Breakfast Program. • Lifeline’s HALT program, raising awareness of mental

health in tradies. Apart from the 50+ community groups we support, The Westport Club sponsors 13 sporting clubs/associations. These sponsorships include hardship scholarships offered to young basketball players through Port Macquarie Basketball Association and tennis scholarships for promising young athletes who are members of the West Port Macquarie Tennis Club. Tell us about the amazing Christmas under the Stars event ... Christmas under the Stars is one of our club’s flagship events. It has become the favourite Christmas entertainment event in our town, and you couldn’t have a better backdrop than our beautiful foreshore in front of the club. This year we have Deni Hines, supported by local artists including Sing Australia, Riley Paige, Angus Gill, Telegraph Point Public School and more. There’s food and drink stalls; amusements and fun activities for the kids; and of course, Santa and Mrs Claus fly in to ensure all the kids are on their "nice" list. Christmas Under the Stars supports The Salvation’s Army’s Christmas Hamper Appeal. The Salvos this year will help over 150 local families enjoy the festive season. Who can attend, and what can we bring? Christmas under the Stars is open to everyone. It costs $2 per person entry to enjoy the amazing atmosphere. So gather up family and friends, bring along your chairs and blankets and settle in for a colossal night of community spirit. And don’t forget our fireworks spectacular!

Greater Port Macquarie focus 27

All of your Christmas treats looked after at Urban Grain Bakery. 28 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Holidays. Salty’s have the perfect location to treat yourself to some much needed time out from the hussle and bussel of daily life. With perfect water views, soaking up the sun and enjoying a glass of wine or cold beer has never been easier, match that with delicious meals and you have the perfect lunch or dinner. Think of Salty’s when booking your next function or birthday party, talk to us today about the perfect package to suit your needs. Vanilla Crème BruleeLicensed with berries and pistachio crumb. Family friendly Indoor / outdoor dining

Come in and try the sirloin steak with garlic butter poached king prawns.

The team at Salty’s.

9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841 Wednesday - Saturday, dinner from 6pm. Wednesday - Sunday, lunch from 12pm.

Kingfish carpaccio, fingerlime, chorizo and radish

Zebu bar+grill

Aqua at The Westport Club

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 Head to the waterfront this festive season and enjoy summer at from Zebu, Executive Chef Adam Tait matched with fine with loads of yummy dishes on our casual dining and bar menu. wines sourced from across Australia. Still can’t decide? Be tempted by the King Fish Carpaccio Hit the town with some naughty and nice cocktails for every day of the week, with fingerlime, chorizo and radish paired with a throw in some amazing live music, and you’ll have your festive fun sorted! If it’s crisp Andrew Thomas Six Degrees Semillon - simply

Waterside dining featuring a fresh, seasonal menu. Aqua Restaurant is one of Port Macquarie’s most popular venues and offers unsurpassed views of the beautiful Hastings River. Our aim is to provide you with a taste of the Hastings region, while offering a warm and welcoming local dining experience. Taking inspiration from our location, the Aqua Restaurant Spring / Summer menu focuses on fresh, local produce, showcasing the beautiful seafood from our region. Don’t forget to save room for one of our house-made desserts.

zebu bar+grill

SOUS CHEF JESSIE MCGARRITY

Aqua is an ideal spot for end of year functions and work Christmas parties. As we move into the festive season, be sure to book ahead, to ensure you don’t miss out. 25 BULLER STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6588 7201 WWW.THEWESTPORTCLUB.COM.AU

something more refined you’re after, the grill is serving up the taste of summer irresistible! with divine dishes and some cheeky desserts. Diary Date: New Year’s Eve - Bring in the New Style withCHEF a night in Vegas Diary Date: New Year’s Eve! Bring in the New Year with fireworks overYear the in Sin CityEXECUTIVE TRENT WEBBER with dancing girls, blackjack and poker! water and a night at the Bellagio. Black jack, poker, dancing girls three courses See page 21 for more info! and a four hour beverage package. $155pp.

HAY STREET FORESHORE, PORT MACQUARIE 6589 2822 WWW.ZEBU.COM.AU

LUNCH 7 DAYS - 11:30AM - 2:30PM. DINNER 7 DAYS - 5:30PM - 9PM.

SEVEN DAYS, FROM 6:30AM - LATE. BAR OPEN NOON DAILY. BOOKINGS RECOMMENDED.

Freshly baked breads and pastries in store, every day

Grilled Octopus with roasted tomatoes, goats cheese and pesto.

Executive Chef Adam Tait.

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

Urban Grain Bakery

greater port macquarie focus.

Terracotta Trattoria

Happy 1st birthday to the Urban Grain Bakery! Year one has flown by so quickly. Come in on December 12th for some extra special birthday treats!

Looking for a little taste of Italy? Don’t look past Italian restaurant Terracotta Trattoria.

We wish to thank all of our customers, along with our wonderful staff too we appreciate all of your support. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Terracotta Trattoria has quickly become a favourite for locals in Wauchope, with its cosy and very warm atmosphere, whether you dine in or take away.

Christmas is just around the corner - please come and chat to us about your Christmas bread and pastry needs. Christmas Eve we will be open from 7am - 12pm and will be pre-order only. We will be closed on Christmas Day and re-open on Boxing Day from 8am - 12pm.

PEACHTREE WALK ARCADE, 17/78-80 HORTON ST, PORT MACQUARIE 0423 545 258 OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 7AM - 4:30PM AND SATURDAY 7AM - 2PM.

OWNERS CATHERINE AND TIM

With friendly service, Izak and his wife, Lyn, along with son Pieter, have brought a special Italian flavour right to our backyard.

OWNERS IZAK AND LYN LESCH

They are offering the very best in homestyle Italian cuisine. Open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner; come in and try for yourself and see what all the fuss is about. 38 CAMERON STREET, WAUCHOPE 6585 1824 OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY, 5PM - 9PM.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 29

Pickled Pork cutlet, potato rosti, broccolini, seeded musted & calvados jus

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. 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.

METHOD Place the biscuits into a food processor and process until they resemble fine crumbs (you could also use a rolling pin instead).

Christmas

Cocoa Balls

Place the biscuit crumbs into a large bowl. Sift over the cocoa powder.

INGREDIENTS

RIGHT: EXECUTIVE CHEF JAY SNELGAR LEFT: SOUS CHEF SHIVANEEL NATH CNR HAY & WILLIAM STREETS, PORT MACQUARIE 6583 0830 WWW.CENTROHOTEL.COM.AU OR BOOK ONLINE WWW.RESDIARY.COM

1 X 250 g packet of plain biscuits (like Marie) 1 X 395 g tin of condensed milk 1 cup of desiccated coconut ¼ cup of cocoa Extra coconut for rolling

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Add the coconut and condensed milk. Thoroughly mix together all of the ingredients. Roll heaped teaspoons of the mixture into balls. Roll in the extra coconut to coat. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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

7 DAYS, 6:30AM - 10AM FOR BREAKFAST; 5PM - LATE FOR DINNER. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Eggs on toast with bacon, spinach, tomato coulis, cheese and asparagus

season

Luna Bonita A little bit of Mexico right here in Port Macquarie. Newly opened restaurant Luna Bonita has everyone’s favourites when it comes to Mexican cuisine; however, the chefs and team are looking forward to bringing you the real taste of Mexico. Currently open for breakfast and lunch, Luna Bonita invite you to come and try some authentic Mexican dishes and discover the real taste of Mexico.

Locally Made Condiments

OK, so products such as jams and relishes are available all year round, but it’s at this time of year that small producers are at their busiest. So, it seems a good time to have a look at what artisan products are made locally - perfect stocking fillers or for gourmet gift hampers. Some condiments really are suited to Christmas entertaining. A lovely cheese plate is easy to prepare with locally made quince paste, or be creative and use some caramelised onions or sticky figs as an alternative. There are lots of small artisan producers in our region, so get along to your local farmers’ markets and see what’s about. If you miss the markets, keep an eye out in quality retail outlets for locally made condiments from local producers such as Westview Limes, East Coast Gourmet and Blushing Blueberries - just to name a few! Or, visit Ricardoes and choose from a huge selection of locally-made goodies, including their own strawberry jam, famous Grandfather Ricardoes tomato relish or the ever-popular tomato chilli chutney. If you can’t think of something to get someone for Christmas, the easy answer is something delicious – they might even share it with you! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.

ALEX, MIREYA AND CARLOS

CONER OF CLARENCE AND HORTON STREETS, PORT MACQUARIE 6584 6555 MON - TUES: CLOSED. WED-THURS: LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM. DINNER 5:30PM-LATE. FRI-SUN: BREAKFAST/LUNCH 8AM-3PM. DINNER 5:30PM-LATE.

AT ’S IN

WHERE

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

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W I T H K AT E M I T C H E L L

xmas cake Dark Chocolate & Cointreau Soaked

Ingredients 450 g mixed fruit (I used prunes, sultanas, cranberries and dates) ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice ¼ cup cointreau 110 g butter, softened ½ cup rapadura sugar 2 eggs (I use duck eggs for added creaminess) 105 g plain organic flour ¼ cup walnuts (or macadamias would also be nice) 80 g dark chocolate

Kate Mitchell katecaters Organic Larder Shop 7, 1A Waniora Parkway Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Phone (02) 6582 0400

Method In a glass bowl or jug, combine your chopped mixed fruit, juice and cointreau; cover well and leave to soak overnight. (You can get away with four hours if you need to hustle.) Preheat oven to 150 degrees; grease and double line a loaf tin. Either chop or gently blitz your chocolate and nuts together; set aside. In your electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar until light and creamy - approx. 5 mins. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Remove bowl from mixer and fold through flour, fruit mix and its liquid, and your chopped nuts and chocolate.

Spoon into your prepared tin, and smooth over. Bake for approximately 50 - 60 mins, or until a skewer comes out clean. You can cover with foil to avoid too much browning. Once removed from oven, pour over another 30 ml or so of cointreau and allow to soak in. When cooled completely, cover with chocolate ganache and allow to set. Serve with citrus whipped cream. I have also served with a cumquat and rosemary marmalade and dehydrated orange rounds. *I also use organic sulphite free dried fruits for maximum moisture and flavour. Greater Port Macquarie focus 31

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jane Hillsdon of Dragonfly Marketing

BUSINESS MINDS

mma, you are the bundle of enthusiasm behind one of Port Macquarie’s much loved cafés, Four Espresso. Can you tell us a little bit about your business and how it came

about? I have always wanted to create a space where people can feel relaxed, welcome and be able to forget about the outside world. I wanted to give them this opportunity on their lunch break, on their morning coffee run before work, or simply because they deserve it. I wanted to provide a place where people can enjoy great coffee, healthy (and not-so-healthy) meals, while providing a view on to one of the busiest intersections in Port Macquarie. And can you tell us a little bit about your background before starting Four Espresso? Before opening Four Espresso, I was employed with one of the big four banks. I originally came from a hospitality background. My father owned a local business in Port Macquarie nearly 30 years ago, and I worked alongside and learned the ropes and all the tricks of the trade. He was the master of making people feel happy and at ease in his presence. From there, I went on to work in numerous kitchens, front-of-house management positions and helping my husband, who is a baker, to manage a successful bakery here in Port Macquarie and Ballina. I then left hospitality to try and obtain some balance with a growing family and work life and joined the corporate sector. Nine years of 32 Greater Port Macquarie focus

working within the finance industry taught me a lot about customer relations, high level management, values and integrity. After a family illness and becoming really unwell myself, I realised that my passion was not within finance. My happiness comes from making people smile and happy through food, coffee and friendly service. You recently took out the “Best in Coffee” Award in the Tastings on Hastings Favourite Foodie Awards. What has this award meant to you? You are only as strong as the team behind you and we are lucky to have an amazing team, from the roasters and producers of our coffee, PADRE, to our local suppliers and mentors, to our family and the Four Espresso team. What is it that you love most about running your business? One of the most rewarding experiences in running our business would have to be seeing someone enjoy what you have created for them and be truly grateful. Since opening Four Espresso, we have witnessed marriage proposals, birthday celebrations, pregnancy announcements, births of babies, and loved-up honeymooners. We love being part of these life celebrations and believe this all happens around us because of the environment we create. What is the toughest business challenge you have face, and what did you learn from this? My toughest business challenge would have to be the fact that I’m still trying to find that great balance between family and work life. When we started the café, I had these

great expectations of It is important to what that was going recognise each one of my My father owned a local to look like. However, team’s potential and to business in Port reality kicks in, and it tap into that. Macquarie nearly 30 is sometimes a really Not everyone will gel years ago, and I worked tough pill to swallow. with your energy and alongside and learned the The struggle is real. But vibe, and that is OK. You ropes and all the tricks of you have to pat yourself are a disservice to them the trade. He was the master of on the back and know and to yourself if you try making people feel happy and at that you are doing a to force a square peg to ease in his presence. great job. fit inside a round hole. Running a business It’s important to involves being present at understand your energy all the right moments. and vibe, and the right You need to know when to switch off and to people will gravitate towards that. pick your battles. And never compare yourself And finally, if you could invite any three to another family or parent! business people to lunch, who would they What is one thing that no-one ever tells be and why would you invite them? you about being a business owner? Samantha Wills. We’d have great chatter No-one ever told me how hard the little about business. I’d love to learn when to let things were going to be. Actually, they go of the emotion of passion and love and probably did - I know my father and family when to start thinking about investors and would have, but I never listened. growing the business, as she has grown hers I’ve always had my eyes set on the prize. It’s to the heights that it is today. hard to have the ability to be able to let go of Thich Nhat Hahn: A Zen Master. He keeps the control when it is a project that we had me grounded. When I feel that I get caught up been planning for over 11 years. I knew what in the world of social media, self-judgement I wanted from the start, right down to the and politics, he is the one that I listen to or serviettes, music and cups. read from in order to bring things back into That, and learning to switch off when it is prospective. family time, by trying not to bring work home. And local legend, Shelley Watts. Wow. She What have you learnt about employing has some really interesting insights into selfstaff in your business? empowerment, strength and belief. Her story I feel privileged that I had learnt a lot from is powerful. I am only scratching the surface in the finance industry in regards to people our conversations, but I am sure over a great management. I had learnt how to establish feed and a bottle of wine, Shelley would teach what makes each team member motivated me a lot. and unmotivated. Thanks for your time, Emma!

focus coffee. Double stack breakfast waffles

Hastings Coffee Co. at The Westport Club The perfect spot for a weekend breakfast.

at Hastings Coffee Co. We will have a new

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.

seasonal menu launching in December.

As you enjoy your breakfast, you’ll be greeted with spectacular Hastings River vistas and might even spot a dolphin or two. 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, pear and ricotta tart and the passionfruit parfait! Take a loaf of our bread home or enjoy as part of our all-day menu

As day turns to night, bring your friends along for Hastings By Night and enjoy a hot fresh pizza or delicious pasta. Finish off with one of our pastries and a barista-made coffee. Breakfast from 7:30am daily. Lunch from 11:30am daily. Dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm.

Flynns Beach Takeaway APPEARING NOW: Our amazing - soon to be famous - brekky roll!

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

Featuring an amazing line up of: baby spinach, tomato, cheese, onion, sausage, bacon, egg and a hash brown with BBQ sauce. Teamed with a coffee - good to go! 25 BULLER STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6588 7201 WWW.THEWESTPORTCLUB.COM.AU

Open from 6:30 - for your early morning hunger hit! If you are running late for work, why not

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

Brew REVIEW. with Nick from Flynns Beach Takeaway

DC Coffee at Flynns Beach Takeaway, 52 Pacific Dr Port Macquarie GUEST APPEARANCE - ENHANCING YOUR COFFEE EXPERIENCE THIS MONTH IS “THE DUKE”. The Duke is a coffee for people who enjoy a strong powerful cup. The heritage of dc is traditional Italian style espresso; this is where our roasters cut their teeth and where the Australian coffee culture spawned from. Over the years we have developed the Duke

into a coffee that delivers a punch without compromising on flavour, so its blend of Honduras, Ethiopian and Brazil really shine. You find flavours of dark chocolate, ripe cherry and with a deep, syrupy sweet finish. Perfect as an espresso or with milk, where you will discover more intense flavours of butterscotch and toffee. The Duke is making a guest appearance this month at Flynn’s Beach Café. Come try it! Greater Port Macquarie focus 33

34 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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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

Tash, Dano, Russell Frankie, Kim, Jess and baby Audrey

All smiles from the Port Macquarie Orthodontics girls

Social /Scene

eriously, we get to experience the product of these amazing brains and talents! Add to this that we live in literal paradise - life is super good! I am so excited about enjoying my staycation this year at home over Christmas and lapping up all that beautiful Port Macquarie has to offer. Sleep-ins, beaches, friends, family and a dip by the new pool, cocktail in hand! Yes indeedy, I am ready to slow the heck down, deck the halls, chill out and tan up! It’s been a humongous year full of crazy activity, with so much more to come! (Still in total denial that we are actually in December!) It’s no secret that I love an event or two! Melbourne Cup zoomed past with a flurry of high fashion, hooves and hats! Steve and I were delighted to host the 10th annual Melbourne Cup Gala at Rydges, with 220 divinely dressed guests enjoying Chambord French Martinis, Angove bubbly and delicious four course menu from Exec Chef Glenn Thompson. Guests were treated to fashion from The Department Store, soon to be located in Palm Court, menswear from Renee and Kristy from Connor and gorgeous millinery

Nicky & Brennan Jones

Jessica Hoskin, Kayla Murray, Ella Chappell, Abby Swarbrick, Dana Malligan, Jade Horton

Ladies Day Out

Stunning millinery from House of Le Dãin

It’s oﬃcial, folks …Port Macquarie is just getting that little bit cooler every single day! Bring on the hip bars and cafés, funky laneway fests, gorgeous artists and

inspired entrepreneurs raising the bar in just about every industry. WE ARE SO LUCKY!

from Carole Beros of Le Dãin Designs and Akubra. Jamie Finn and the girls from Port Day Spa worked their makeup artistry on the models, with Evelina Kemp providing the French inspired hair styling. Shaun Ferguson and the team from BMW added some serious wow factor with the most stunning BMW M6 Coupé and BMW i8 on arrival, as guests meandered up the garden path to the spring fashion and racing gala for a day of track inspired decadence and fun. Guests included Kodie Shipway, Belinda Charet, April Styles, Mark and Mariane Power, Shelly Laing, Jodie and Roger Firth, Sandra Thompson, Daniel Diecke, Leasa Harris and Belina Scaysbrook, Marella Edwards, Sue Reid, Danielle Maltman, Kelly Cowan, Dee McLean, Jodie McGuigan, Darlene Sonter, Donna and Rhys Moody Martin, Jill and Greg Bell. The coffee crowd were also out in force, with the combined teams of Café Culture and Peak Coffee setting a roaring pace in the Calcutta (they may or may not have bet against themselves on occasion - OK, well …every occasion!) Darren Ballard and Denise Buckley and their gorgeous teams from Port and Taree Orthodontics joined in the fun, adding some serious style to the day and lots of

gorgeous goodies to the gift bags. Best Dressed categories were RIDICULOUSLY hard to select, with judges struggling to pick a winner out of the stunning guests. Young Racegoer went to Jess Hodge of Sess & Sass Co, Most Elegant Lady Amanda Hudson of HCCU, Best Dressed Couple Bec Hickey and Tim Farnsworth, Best Millinery went to Laci Sutherland and Best Dressed Gent went to the cheeky Scotsman in his full kilt regalia - Greg Bell. Photobooth by the one and only Matt J from Pose it and glam paparazzi shots by Chris of Meraki Photography, with fashion shots by Michael from The Mil. Congrats and thanks to Mike Reid, our Calcutta Auctioneer and GM Justin Boydell for all his racing tips and tricks. New addition - the BMW champagne terrace was a haven of lush green relaxation, with champagne and Chambord flowing. A fantabulous day - so fantabulous, in fact, that I was in home in bed with the dreaded lurgy at 6pm and didn’t properly resurface until a fortnight later! Seriously unwell! Influenza A - be gone! Hate being sick! Some fantastic things happening in the food world - new incarnation Bandwagon is an awesome new addition to the café scene on

William Street, with a beautiful revamp of a classic cottage to reveal a funky and inviting space open from brekky through ‘til late. Congrats to Dano Clucas and Tash Olynick for bringing this new fab space to town! Bittersweet have undergone a renovation transformation - this Lighthouse Beach Institution run by the amazing Georgia and Lance Dunn always lays on the gourmet goods with sweet treats and some of the best brekky dishes in town. Check out their new look. As the year draws to an end, celebrations are on a roll. Congrats to one of my unofficial god daughters, Dana Malligan, on her recent graduation from MacKillop College at Panthers Port Macquarie recently. A new journey awaits you, gorgeous girl! Besides birthdays of any shape or kind, Christmas is without a doubt my favourite time of year. Bring on the Elf on the Shelf, Christmas trees and trimmings, French Champagne and lots of yummy Christmas goodness. Wishing you all a fun, festive silly season, with lots of love and family. ‘til next month! Kate.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 35

focus_contributor

LOU PERRI FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

DUCK on clarence Pleas

ures

Party your Way The Duck on Clarence is the home of craft beer in Port Macquarie, with 16 taps dedicated to craft beers and cider. Featuring the Black Duck Brewery range of beers, as well as other locally brewed gems, the Duck will have a beer to suit every beer drinker.

he Black Duck Brewery was recently Entertainment at The Duck kicks off every awarded the “Best in Bottle” Wednesday, with Quizmaster Trivia giving away category winner at the Tastings on lots of prizes before our musicians take over Hastings event. With the widest most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, range of Black Duck beers on tap, The Duck is as well as chilled out music Sunday sessions the best place in town to - starting early Sunday try Port's favourite tipple! afternoons. Check our For those who aren’t FB for details on who is of the beer persuasion, performing each week. The Duck offers a range For those who want For those who want to take the of wines by the glass to take the food and food and beverage experience sourced from premium beverage experience up a up a level, Drake @ The Duck is wine regions in Australia level, Drake @ The Duck now open for dinner, offering and NZ, as well as vodka is now open for dinner, contemporary local and gin that have been offering contemporary cuisine matched to the distilled at the Black local cuisine matched to premium wines and Duck Brewery. The vodka the premium wines and beers available. is also utilised to make beers available. Wine bespoke house liqueurs, flights are a regular such as our Toffee Apple feature, allowing a Vodka, which is perfect number of different to sip on its own over ice, or as an ingredient in wines to be sampled and offering the chance one of our signature cocktails. to complement and contrast with the flavours Currently open from Midday six days a of dishes designed to be shared. If you love week (closed Mon, check FB for holiday sharing food and wine experiences, Drake trading hours) The Duck offers a great choice offers the perfect opportunity to discover and of options for lunch and dinner. Featuring discuss the differences in taste and preferences weekly on the menu is: our Cheap-Eats Tuesday in a more intimate environment. option, where we will have something available Drake is available for private bookings and for the $10 or under mark for lunch and functions. To make a booking in the restaurant dinner; Wing It Wednesday, with discounted space or to reserve a table in the main bar chicken wings all day Wednesdays; and Thirsty area, please contact us through FB or email Thursday promotion - every burger purchase duck@theduckonc.com.au receives a free middy of Black Duck brewed www.facebook/theduckonclarence.com.au beer! The Duck spring rolls are a favourite If you’re after an experience that represents among the regulars, as are the fish tacos and the best in local Port Macquarie beer and food, the crispy squid salad. just Duck on In! 36 Greater Port Macquarie focus

As the festive season comes yet again to send us into a tailspin, we once again take a deep breath and brace ourselves for the onslaught.

nother summer of long, hot days and even longer nights, long overdue catch ups, office Christmas shindigs, visitors stopping by on our doorsteps enroute or coming home, or perhaps choosing our best-climate-in-Australia destination as their chosen silly season destination. It’s our prime time; we are in our element. Shaking off aches, pains, sweat and fatigue, we push through. This is where the word that describes our occupation - "hospitality" - comes into its own. This season is the true test of all our finely-honed people skills. It is a time of elation, but also great expectation. Long coveted leisure time finally arrives and folks just want to kick back and let their hair down. In other words, it’s time to party! All the restraint of the working year is shed. It’s time to let go of those diligent early nights for a while - time to put fitness regimes and other healthy habits on hold for a bit. For venues that offer "hospitality" in any form, it is most certainly time to "make hay while the sun shines". There’s no greater opportunity, especially in such a popular holiday destination as our own, to get bums on seats - and keep them coming. We need to be on the top of our game to conquer the days ahead. Emotions run higher for everyone at this time of year, and this causes inevitable challenges. There are more curve balls than usual, whether it be individuals who may be somewhat more demanding, or perhaps "harder to please" than others … The pressure on our team is greater too; fatigue starts to set in, with late nights, hot weather, lack of downtime and the isolation that is inherent in our industry that stems from the antisocial hours - the shift work half-life that has us moving slightly out of step with the rest of the world.

Hmmm, why do we do it, we seem to wonder every year around November time. We can’t help but approach this time without a generous serving of trepidation. But then - relief. Once it all begins, we remember it is exactly like riding a bike and then we realise that this season is what it’s all about and why we do what we do. Friends, family, colleagues, toasts and cheers and toasts some more … Celebrations of all shapes and sizes … A quiet catch up between great friends who’ve both had a busy year. A special family Christmas dinner, reuniting its members from across the seas. A rowdy office Christmas party, the kind that goes into the hall of fame - the stuff of legends and chuckles at the water cooler until way after Easter. This sea of humanity that passes through our doors - this is what we love more than anything else. Being able to be part of these jubilant, celebratory times. Having the chance to catch up with our returning patrons and visitors to the region, who we have been fortunate enough to get the chance to know over the years through their annual visits. In a glass-half-empty way, we may be seen to be living vicariously through the lives of others - witnessing the celebrations of others, whilst we miss our own. But the way I like to see it is kind of like hosting a fabulous party every night. Where the guests are diverse and colourful. The food, the wine and the service is great. And we, the hosts, get to mingle and see the magical moments happening all over the room. Well, that all sounds great, but you still have to clean up, you might say … Hmmm … Don’t have the solution there. But whatever way you decide to celebrate, we wish you good company, food and wine while you do it!

Looking for your dream cake? Looking for that â€œdreamâ€? cake for a special occasion? Look no further! Come see us in Peachtree Walk Arcade. Our cakes are hand crafted with lots of TLC. Catering for any and all occasions and with Christmas now upon us, we have all your treats sorted for your Christmas parties and Christmas Day lunch or dinner. Your choices are endless, from Christmas cookies to beautifully made fruit cakes, and even Christmas cup cakes for the little ones to enjoy Orders for all our Christmas made to order cakes will close on the 16th December, and all orders will be available for pick up right up until 5pm on Christmas Eve. Why not come in and talk to our cake maker and discuss the perfect dessert for your celebration. We make all the favourites, from chocolate, mud, white mud, chocolate cake, vanilla butter cake, red velvet, fruit cake, cup cakes, key lime pie, lemon meringue pie, black forest cake, cheese cakes - the only hard part is choosing the one you want. Contact us today on 0421 782 068 for more information or for a quote to suit your requirements.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 37

Hello

Koalas wins gold!

Huge congratulations to Margret Meagher and her Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail for winning Gold in the Cultural Tourism Category at this year’s NSW Tourism Awards, which represent the State. To make finalist status along is in itself a major achievement. Winning Gold is a testament to the success of the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and the contribution that Hello Koalas makes to cultural tourism in the state, one of which the entire Mid North Coast Region can be rightly proud. Hello Koalas will now go on to represent NSW in the Cultural Tourism Category at the Australian Tourism Awards, in Perth in February 2018. Chris Denny, Southern Cross Resorts

ello Koalas Sculpture Trail was launched in September 2014. Hello Koalas is ranked #4 of 75 Things to Do on TripAdvisor and has won Silver and Bronze in the 2015 and 2016 North Coast and NSW Tourism Awards. At the 2017 NSW Tourism Awards, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail achieved Gold in the category of Cultural Tourism and Highly Commended in the category of Tourist Attractions. According to Margret Meagher: “I am immensely proud that Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail has become a popular attraction for visitors to our region, but it is the engagement and overwhelming support by the local community which has given me special satisfaction. “I have been involved with integrating arts and tourism campaigns in a number of high profile events in Australia, including the 2000 Sydney Cultural Olympiad and Sculpture by the Sea in Sydney and Cottesloe in Perth. “My 48 year career has included managing department store art galleries in Myer Sydney and Melbourne, and publishing visual and performing arts magazines. The ‘Art of Good Health and Wellbeing’ international arts and health

38 Greater Port Macquarie focus

conference, which I founded in 2009 in Port Macquarie, is now in its 10th year and is currently held at the Art Gallery of NSW each November. “I moved to Port Macquarie in 2006 with the spark of an idea - a sculpture trail to showcase the vast natural beauty of the region and its rich cultural landscape and heritage.” Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is now a permanent local attraction, which continues to grow. For summer, new Hello Koalas painted by local artists include Eugene Eucalyptus, by Kim Staples, for Charles Sturt University’s Port Macquarie campus and its aim to attract international students. Mandy, the Mandala Koala, painted by Yvonne Kiely and CoCo the Dancing Koala designed by Francessca O’Donnell are two further Hello Koalas sculptures which will grace the local scene for the summer holidays. Pauline Roods has also designed a new sculpture titled Woody for Forestry Corporation NSW, for Sealy Lookout, Orara East State Forest in Coffs Harbour, which won Gold for Tourist Attractions at the 2017 NSW Tourism Awards. Attracting over 150,000 visitors a year, Sealy Lookout is an ideal location to not only promote the natural attractions of state forests along the

Margret Meagher, Executive Director, Hello Koalas Koalas Sculpture Trail and Kellon Beard, Regional Manager, Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber, 2017 NSW Tourism Awards 16 November, Sydney International Convention Centre.

North Coast, but also as a signpost to travellers along the Pacific Highway to visit the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail in Port Macquarie. Forestry NSW also sponsors Forest, by Pauline Roods and Guula, designed by Wauchope TAFE Visual Art Students, located at Port Macquarie Museum. Another Hello Koalas partner, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, also won Gold at the 2017 NSW Tourism Awards for Visitor Information Services. Sea Acres now has an enhanced environmental experience, with five Hello Koalas sculptures located on the boardwalk around the Sea Acres rainforest, with its resonating birdcalls and

abundant animal life, including goannas. “Hello Koalas is blessed by working with so many talented artists and dedicated sponsors, large and small, who support the Trail for the enjoyment of the local community and visitors to our region,” said Margret. “Port Macquarie-Hastings Council continues its support, awarding the 2018 Hello Koalas Festival a community grant for destination marketing. The Koala Hospital, as our principal project partner, remains a stalwart supporter, housing four Hello Koalas sculptures and joins us again in the presentation of the 2nd Hello Koalas Festival over the 2018 June Long Weekend, Thursday 7 June to Monday 11 June. Please diarise!”

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

David Bartush.

Characteristic of bush communities in particular, starting and growing a small business is the hallmark that’s always helped regional Australia survive and thrive. Susie’s guest this month wants not only to support his own new enterprise but help other locals too.

s Perth has Rottnest Island, Townsville has Magnetic Island and Darwin has Melville Island ... Port Macquarie is one of those rare lucky locations around the Australian coastline that has its “own” offshore beauty - Lord Howe Island. And if local entrepreneur David Bartush has his way, many more of us will be taking the short flight due east to experience the special attractions of LHI. It’s a wonderful opportunity. The island has an affinity with us in that it’s part of the NSW electorate of Port Macquarie and MP Lesley Williams has responsibility for State government matters affecting it including, for example, its policing and traffic laws. But, as much as it has remarkable, unique aspects that lure visitors from here and afar to its glorious, Lilliputian, shores, Lord Howe too has remarkably unique challenges to its tourism industry, an industry fundamental to the livelihood of many if not most of its tiny population. Qantas recently ended is traditional direct flights between Port Macquarie and Lord Howe: not just for the season, but for good, at least for the time being anyhow. Qantaslink passengers to the island must now travel year-round via Sydney or Brisbane, an itinerary that inevitably adds an extra overnight at each end for Port Macquarie, and nearby regions’, travellers. (Locally, Oxley Travel specialises in Lord Howe packages via the two capitals). As cute and boutique as it is, Lord Howe has a significant logistics problem in relation

to aircraft landings, and take-offs too. It has a very short runway and zero geographical scope to lengthen it to cater to larger, more economical, more robust aircraft. (Although a study of options is currently under way). Locals have died waiting to be medically evacuated by air during periods of strong winds. Treasured native birds pose an air traffic problem too. Characteristic wind sheer sees pilots circling or “going around” in an attempt to land, but aircraft need to carry enough fuel to abort and return to the mainland if necessary. Even recently an aircraft experienced what’s euphemistically termed a “hard landing” (make that: a ruddy great thump on the tarmac) sufficient to see it need to make its return journey in parts, via sea, although no one, it’s said, was injured. Nevertheless, Bartush has identified the demise of the Qantas service as an opening for business development here at home. Utilising the fleet of locally-based Eastern Air Services, part-owned by his son-in-law, Bartush has mounted a range of offerings to take Hastings visitors - and others from the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne capitals - to the island. In an earlier foray into tourism-related activities, he was operations manager for two years for Kimberley Discovery Cruises based in Broome. He and wife Deb worked on the company’s boat that plies the majestic locations of Australia’s remote north-west coast. And, since moving from Forster 12 years ago to be closer here to one of his three children and his grandchildren, he’s been in

the hospitality game, at Macquarie Barracks, the quality 34-room Motor Inn on Hastings River Drive. A Narrabri farm boy originally, he’s worked in sales and marketing, and real estate for 18 years during 22 years in Forster. Now he’s mounted Eastern Tour Services, founded in June this year and offering Lord Howe package tours since September. “We charter Eastern Air Services’ [aircraft], who’ve been in operation for 12 months. They’ve been doing mainly freight to Lord Howe. Once we knew Qantas were ceasing their operations out of Port Macquarie ... that was the main reason we set up Eastern Tour Services – because that left a huge gap and Port Macquarie isolated, so ETS was set up to fill that void. “Both Deb and I are past retirement age; I wanted new direction; I’m passionate about tourism in Port Macquarie. We could see not only could we use Port Macquarie as a gateway to Lord Howe Island, we could incorporate Port Macquarie itself as well...” From an island holiday perspective, Bartush explains, you can only do seven nights on Lord Howe out of and return to Brisbane, for example, because Qantas flights depart and return there on only one day of the week. So he’s now developing “dual destination” packages to bring passengers out of Brisbane ... for instance, to stay in Port Macquarie for a night or two ... and go on to spend three nights, say, Friday to Sunday, on the island. “While they’re in Port Macquarie we’ll utilise our bus and give them a winery tour here, a cruise ... so it gets people to Port Macquarie as well. That’s just kicking off now.”

Eastern Tour Services is also offering day tours to Lord Howe: “Leave here at 6am, get to the island at 7.15. Courtesy bus pick-up and complete island tour, a very informative experience. Fish feeding at Ned’s Beach, meet up with [renowned LHI naturalist] Ian Hutton and do bird watching, a bush walk up Malabar Hill, to the plane crash site [where an RAAF Catalina flying boat went down almost 70 years ago], lunch at the Museum and Ian leads a tour there, then out on the lagoon for an afternoon cruise, snorkelling and a glassbottomed boat, and an hour and a half of free time. The bus returns passengers to the airport at about 5-5.30, back to Port about 6.45!” Cost: $1395. What happens if high winds prevent a return flight? Bartush says visitors would “obviously” have to be accommodated on the island for the night and assumes travel insurance would reimburse the expense. The day trip, however, also forms part of what would be a three-night package out of a capital city, with two “bookend” nights in Port Macquarie – including tours to, say, a strawberry picking experience at Ricardoes and other local attractions, a sunset cruise, dinner, and so on. Bookings are already coming in for the first half of 2018 and says Bartush: “I’d like to see it grow where Lord Howe Island is the hook, in a sense, to our marketing but Port Macquarie is the base: to see people to come here and have four days in Port and three days on Lord Howe - a seven or eight-day package!” Out to Lunch is hosted by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 39

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focuseditorial.

hello,

all you amazing

Crafty

I have finally finished my list of December workshops and am truly excited to share these with you. I will be running lots of DIY gift workshops based around living sustainably and lowering your environmental impact this Christmas.

lso, keep your eyes on my social media accounts, as I will be hosting some pop up workshops around the Port Macquarie area in the lead up to Christmas. Below are the listed workshops; if you have any questions about what we will be making/ creating, please feel free to send me an email. If you are interested in booking a place, please email me with your name and the number of people you are booking for; some of these workshops have limited seating, so get in quick! This December I will also be asking for a deposit to secure your place. This is non refundable deposit, and it will ensure that your place at the workshop is secured. *Please note that children are welcome at all workshops and are encouraged to join in. Friday 1st Dec - Create a Christmas Tree - did you know that it will take 10 years of re-using the same plastic tree to make up for the environmental damage caused in the production process! Come and learn how to make your very own plastic free enviro tree for Christmas this year! This workshop will run from 10am - 12pm and costs $70 at The Rhi Rebellion Craft Palace. Saturday 2nd Dec - MORNING - Air Dry Clay Tree Decorations - air dry clay is so much fun! This workshop we will be creating some awesome tree decorations to style your Christmas tree with this year! The workshop will run from 10am - 12pm and costs $30 at The Rhi Rebellion Craft Palace. AFTERNOON - Up-cycled Racket Embroidery - join me at Sea Acres with the Frugal Arts Team to construct some stunning wall hangings made from saved tennis rackets. This embroidery technique is a fun way to up cycle and a great gift to give this Christmas! This workshop is run through Sea Acres Rainforest Centre - PLEASE CONTACT 6582 3355 to secure a place. Wednesday 13th Dec - MORNING: Sew a

Wrap Skirt - LIMITED SEATING. Do you know a las or lad (zero judgement zone!) who would love a handmade wrap skirt this Christmas? Learn how to sew this very simple wrap skirt to gift to a loved one this Christmas. Leave with one completed wrap and the pattern to make more at home! This workshop will run from 10am - 12pm and costs $25 at The Rhi Rebellion Craft Palace. AFTERNOON - Herb Planters - the gift that keeps on giving. Come and paint on some up cycled planters to gift this Christmas! Your foodie friends will love it! This workshop will run from 1pm - 3pm and costs $15 at The Rhi Rebellion Craft Palace. Friday 15th - Eco Dyed Ribbon. Learn how to create a custom ribbon for your gift wrapping this season. This workshop will run through the basics of steam dying cotton ribbon with the use of leaves and flower petals; you will finish with a beautifully dyed ribbon of your own design wrapped on a handmade wooden spool. This workshop will run from 10am 12pm and costs $35 at The Rhi Rebellion Craft Palace. Saturday 16th - MORNING - Tea Towel Printing. Join me for a morning of gift making! Print personalised tea towels for your family and friends; learn the basics to lino cut and carve your very own stamp to use over and over again! This workshop will run from 10am - 12pm and costs $30 at The Rhi Rebellion Craft Palace. AFTERNOON - Wreath Making - plastic wreaths are out and eco wreaths are in! Learn how to construct a beautiful wreath from dried flowers and foliage to hang proudly on your front door! This workshop will run from 1pm 3pm and costs $60 at The Rhi Rebellion Craft Palace. Thanks everyone. I hope you enjoy the workshops on offer, and I hope to see you at a workshop soon! Love, Rhi x Greater Port Macquarie focus 41

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Frenzal AU S S I E P U N K RO C K E R S F R E N Z A L R H O M B A R E BAC K I N T OW N W I T H A N E W A L B U M A N D A F I ST F U L L S H E NA N I GA N S ... F O C U S CAU G H T U P W I T H T H E EV E R A RT I C U L AT E F RO N T M A N, JAY, F O R A Q U I C K C H I N WAG A B O U T T H E I R N EW A LB U M , “H I -V I S H I G H T E A” …

t’s been a couple of years glamorous shows - but actually they’re since we last caught up. full of w#nkers, and we are much more You’ve been busy in the looking forward to hitting the regions studio putting together and playing in front of real people. Hi-Vis High Tea, which to And what’s the album about? me sounds like a fancy As Lindsay (McDougall) said, it’s phrase for smoko! Give us a bit of a a concept album with 20 different rundown on the album … concepts! We didn’t really have much We’ve finally of a theme per finished it; it se, but the title seemed to take refers to the fact a long time. We that we’re all living WE DID A BEST OF went to Colorado large off the fat TOUR, AND THAT WAS to record it with of digging stuff DEFINITELY AN OLDER Bill Stevenson out of the ground, MORE NOSTALGIC CROWD, of Descendants but really it’s our BUT WHENEVER WE PUT and Black Flag, responsibility OUT A NEW RECORD, which was very to rein that in WE SEEM TO SPAN THE exciting for us, because our future DEMOGRAPHICS A BIT even though we generations are MORE. had been there going to die as we before. He is an scorch the earth enthusiast of the and destroy the genre and very water system and competent in making it sound pretty all that stuff. good, considering what he had to work How has it been received so far? with. Well, it has been received very It was quite an experience, and positively, which is always a relief! then we came back and we toured Because, bands like us can very easily fall in all the - I like to think they’re the into the crack of being total nostalgia,

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heritage acts. Do you find your following consists of mostly older people, or do you have a crew of younger fans too? We did a best of tour, and that was definitely an older, more nostalgic crowd, but whenever we put out a new record, we seem to span the demographics a bit more. It seems to be the younger ones up the front hurting themselves and more sensible (older) types up the back. Along with the new album, can we expect all the old favourites at the show? It depends what you mean by old, and it depends what you mean by favourites ... But yes, we will be playing some hits from the back catalogue, along with various songs from our chart topping new album. Thanks Jay.

plug! Frenzal Rhomb + Special Guests Friday 29 December 2017 Laurieton United Services Club www.laurietonclub.com.au

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ToriForsyth

A lover of yesteryear, with a musical maturity far beyond her 22 years, Tori had no idea that working split shifts seven days a week to save for her debut EP would pay such dividends. For her, it’s all about the magic of creation.

ow living for and on the road, played the Dixie Chicks Fly CD on my Walkman Tori travels the country sharing when I was five on repeat for probably about a her moody, intelligent, yet catchy year. I just wanted to sing like Natalie! I would dance around the spare room, especially to Sin blend of country music. Wagon ... HA HA. That song is still one of my Described as being “A flower child picked absolute favourites to date. straight out of a Woodstock festival” and How would you describe your sound? “Exuding a ‘70s sound with pieces of each I would describe my sound as ... Tori Forsyth. era, blended into a modern twist”, audiences Honest and gritty. When I sit down to listen to far and wide have been connecting with the a song I've recorded, all I want to hear is an music, leading to Tori’s second single, Black honest story executed Bird becoming the well. That's my goal as hottest track of 2016 an artist. on the KIX Country What inspires your Network and the third HONEST AND GRITTY. story telling? single, New Wall, WHEN I SIT DOWN TO My life inspires my becoming #1 on the LISTEN TO A SONG I’VE story telling, the bullsh*t, Aust./NZ most viral the good times and the chart on Spotify, with a RECORDED, ALL I WANT middle times. You can current stream count of TO HEAR IS AN HONEST, hear all of them in my over 1.6m! STORY EXECUTED songs. No mean feat for a WELL. THAT’S MY GOAL You’re coming to small town girl who AS AN ARTIST. North Haven to play spent most of her alongside fellow childhood working on talented songbird the family farm, rather Aleyce Simmonds. than following the What are you looking forward to about crowd. this tour? A trip to the USA and extensive songwriting Being on the road with Aleyce is hands and co-writing around Australia has helped down the best fun you can have. There's Tori to create a collection of songs that this nothing not to look forward to. I've been lucky year will become her highly-anticipated debut enough to have been touring with Leyce for album, due for release early 2018, with singles over a year, with a band or just the two of us; hitting the airwaves and music television later it's always a good show and good time. this year … Where can our readers listen to your When did you first discover your love for music and follow your journey? music? www.toriforsyth.com I first discovered my love for music when I

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SOUL

HIPHOP DUO MANICSOUL HAVE BEEN FRESHLY ANNOUNCED ON THIS YEAR'S FOTSUN LINEUP. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH JACK AND NATHAN TO FIND OUT MORE ...

ntroduce yourselves to us; who is manicSOUL? Simply put, we are two kids who grew up by the beach/by the skatepark/ by the breakwall in Port Macquarie who happened to form a love for making music and our town in a time where a lot of people around us resented it. The name manicSOUL is just a blend of the names we had when we were solo. I (Jack) was Manic Manchild and Nathan was Soul. Before we created manicSOUL, we were frequently collaborating and supporting each other at gigs around Port all the time, and that's basically what led us to come together. Plus, we both had the same group of friends, basically, so it just occured naturally. We weren't really making much of a wave on our own or getting the attention we needed, so by joining forces we didn't have anything to lose. What/who are some of your influences? The things that we got into growing up definitely influence what we write about in our music. We try to keep it pretty positive, and it isn't hard to do when we're from such a chill town. The people who influence us most are people that are coming out of Port as well, whether it's singers such as Jack Titterington, Layla Engel and Jaxon Pollard, or young rappers like Jacob Mallia and Tate Dures. I think we all motivate each other in one way or another, especially coming from the same place. Describe your vibe … Our vibe is definitely warm and fun, at times reminiscent, and we are serious when we need to be. But for the most part, we keep it pretty upbeat. You’ve released a five track EP titled 46 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Summer. How did you find the recording process, and what's the sonic profile of this EP? The recording process was fairly chill and took about two weeks altogether. We just had fun and let it all come together naturally, which is what works best for us. The EP represents our whole teenage life and is reminiscent of the fun we had growing up in Port, and I think that a lot of people will be able to relate to that. Excitedly, you’ve been picked to play on the bill for this year's FOTSUN. What are you looking forward to? Just getting to perform at the biggest event in our town is what we're looking forward to most. Playing at FOTSUN has been the one goal we set for ourselves since we came together as manicSOUL at the start of last year, and our Summer EP was based heavily around the idea that we would get a spot on the line up, so we are looking forward to being able to play the majority of those tracks on the stage this year and getting meet all the cool artists. Where can our readers follow you guys on social media and listen to your music? You can find our EP Summer on Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music, and we also have a stack of free music on our Soundcloud! You can keep up to date with all our shows and general mischief on our Facebook (manicSOUL) and Instagram (manicSOUL97) as well. Thanks guys.

Don’t miss manicSOUL at this year's Festival Of The Sun. December 7th, 8th & 9th 2017. More info www.fotsun.com

MU TA N T KITTEN VA SE - 2017

The Glasshouse Regional Gallery will be transformed in January, with contemporary art in all its bright, vibrant hues, breathtaking forms and imagination showcased at its most fantastic. Kate Rohde is just one of the artists whose work will be on display …

RA BBIT VA S E 2017

F L OW ERY VA S E 2017

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Summer K

i Kate. You currently live and work in Melbourne ... How does this very arty city help inspire your own art practice? Melbourne is incredibly rich in culture and artistic institutions, so I’m really spoilt for choice in experiences. Just wandering through the permanent collection of the NGV is very inspiring. Because I’ve always lived close to Melbourne, I’d never realised until I was in my 20s how lucky I was, and that it had so much to offer. As I mentioned, I love going to the NGV, but also there a many small galleries and museums that are unique, from the historic house and antiques of The Johnston Collection in East Melbourne, to contemporary house museums like the Lyon house and Justin art house, which are actually family homes which are open to the public so they can experience contemporary art in a residential setting. I’ve worked with The Johnston Collection several times now, and many of my large vase artworks have been inspired by items in the collection. You use a lot of unusual materials in your work. What are some of your favourite products to work with? Nowadays I use a lot of resin, but I also have a number of craft materials that I like to work with. When I started making sculptures, I had no experience using traditional sculpture materials or techniques, so I started working with things that were easy to handle and not too expensive. Over time as I got more experienced, I started to incorporate more technical things like the resin, but some of my favourites are still very crafty, like acrylic hair, glitter and fake fur. The natural world and humans’

A T

interactions with wildlife appear to be two big influences on your work. Why are these things important to you? I grew up on a rural property next to a forest and being an only child until I was seven, the family pets were also like friends, and I got to see many wild animals wandering through our paddocks. I loved seeing them, but I also wished they were brighter, and more exciting, dangerous beasts. Most of the books I had about animals featured the classic lions, tigers and bears, all very dramatic animals, and I loved the many patterns, forms and textures they had; everything that I saw locally was very “brown’’ and safe. As I got older and started making art, I was influenced by things like old fashioned natural history museum dioramas, and National Geographic magazine, both things I personally really enjoyed, but I realised it was a second hand experience of the natural world, which is how many city dwellers experience nature … And in some ways it’s preferable, as you are presented with the ideal moment, or perfect specimen without any discomfort or disappointment, which may be experienced when seeking it out in the wild. Why do you think you’re so drawn to such bright colours in your work? I’ve always loved bright, lurid colours since I was young - perhaps it was being surrounded by so much earthy brown and green. I had a set of 72 Derwent pencils, and my favourite colours were always the aqua and magenta, so I think there’s always been an attraction to those intense, saturated hues. When I first started making faux museum dioramas and specimens, I was quite concerned with making them appear natural and correct, but after I while I realised I had this vast array of colours and materials at my

Over time as I got more experienced, orate I started to incorpings like more technical th e of my the resin, but som l very favourites are stil hair, crafty, like acrylic r. ” glitter and fake fu

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disposal, and it seemed way more fun to take artistic liberties with them and invent my own fantastical specimens. You’ll be one of the extremely talented artists whose work will be showcased in the exhibition Neon Summer. What particular pieces will you be exhibiting? The pieces I’m exhibiting in Neon Summer were developed for two exhibitions in 2015 and 2016. There are several sculptural vases, which were originally created for my presentation in the 2015 Rigg Design Prize at The National Gallery of Victoria, titled Ornament Crimes. There are two wallpaper designs, Crystal Candy, which was also part of the Rigg entry and a second, Luminous Animals, which was made for a solo show at Craft Victoria in 2016 called Luminous Realms, which collages images of the vessels to create the wallpaper pattern. I like to use imagery of things I’ve made in the wallpapers, so that they are as original as possible. How much do you enjoy being a part of group exhibitions? I like group shows a lot, as you get to meet other artists, which is nice, and it’s generally less stressful when the focus isn’t solely on you and your art. I especially enjoy when I get to travel for exhibitions too, as you go to places you wouldn’t think to go on holiday, perhaps. One of the most unexpected places I travelled to for a group show was Vilnius, Lithuania, somewhere I’d never think to go in Europe, but really interesting and different. What other creative project ideas do you

have bubbling away at the back of your mind? I pretty much work from project to project, so it depends largely on what’s on the schedule for the next few months. I make jewellery as well as art, and I have an exhibition next year of precious metal jewellery, so I’ll start working on that very soon. I like moving between varied materials and techniques, as it keeps it interesting, and I continue learning about new things. Where can we see more samples of your work, or find out more about you? I sell vases and jewellery through Melbourne store Pieces of Eight, which have a very good online store and artist profiles, as well as my own site www.katerohde.com In early 2018 I also have some work in a travelling exhibition arranged by the Australian Design Centre in Sydney, which will travel to a number of galleries around Australia for three years, including Port Macquarie Glasshouse Gallery. Thanks Kate. Photos by Graham Baring.

Neon Summer will light up the Glasshouse this summer! Neon Summer Gala Opening Night - Dec 1st, 6pm. Live entertainment; complimentary drinks and canapes. Tickets $25 (U15 free). Neon Summer Artist Forum - meet the artists! Dec 2nd, 10am. Free! Bookings for both events essential. glasshouse.org.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 47

The Australian Tenors. Internationally renowned for thrilling audiences around the world with the power of their beautiful voices. In the great tenor tradition, they bring romance and excitement along with warmth and humour to their performances. Soloists in their own right, The Australian Tenors have performed extensively with Opera Australia, Australian and International Symphonies and Philharmonic Orchestras. They unite in this wonderful concert with a dynamic display of true Australian talent. The Australian Tenorsâ€™ versatility spans all genres of the classical tenor repertoire. Audiences are thrilled by the ever popular classical arias from the best known operas, traditional Neapolitan songs such as Funiculi Funicular, and popular tenor tunes from the hit music theatre productions such as Somewhere from West Side Story, The Impossible Dream, Bring Him Home, This Is

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The Moment, and beautiful duets including, All I Ask from Phantom of the Opera, Time to Say Goodbye, made famous by (Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman), Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life). A sensational program for 2018. The concert encapsulates the spirit, the beauty and vocal demand of truly authentic tenor voice. A performance from The Australian Tenors is never complete without the ever popular Waltzing Matilda, Australia My Country (Dorothea Mackellar poem), I Am Australian, among other favourites. Their vocal artistry and powerful stage presence and their ability to connect with an audience is the trademark of their worldwide success.

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Meg Mac is on tour with her new album Low Blows and will be performing at Festival Of The Sun this December in Port Macquarie. FOCUS catches up with Meg, to find out all about her latest tour.

escribe your journey since winning the triple j Unearthed competition in 2014 … I uploaded my first song to triple j Unearthed and it started to get some radio play, so I just kept making music and releasing songs from there. It turned into an EP, then a tour, and I headed overseas after winning the Unearthed Artist of The Year Award. I’ve been back and forth, touring and recording, but I’ve just released my debut album this year. You perform on stage at massive festivals, as well as doing more intimate gigs on tour. Is there a different mentality that goes into preparing for each of these situations? Yes, definitely with the intimate shows you get to have more of the special moments. I get to play the keyboard by myself and I like to do songs where I play on a loop pedal, so it’s just me playing. When I do an intimate venue, it’s quiet enough to have those special moments. When you do the festivals, we try to keep everything high energy and with so many people buzzing around, you have to keep up the energy. I do like both events; in the intimate gigs you get to talk to the audience more, where in the festival events it’s harder to do that. With your current tour, how is it all

going; how are your piano demo I’d written fans responding? at home and play with When I write my songs, I’m I’ve been playing the band; it was actually always writing them pretty much the whole way more exciting in with harmonies in mind. album on this tour, and the studio - as in, we’d With so many vocals all it’s really nice telling the play a song live as a over my album, I really need stories about the songs band, recording them the live singers to be there with and having people know live, so I kinda had to me, to make the tracks feel alive. what I’m talking about throw myself into it. or singing along. I’ve Your sister, Hannah, got my band touring sings in the band too. with me, but also have What’s it like having moments in the show a friend, confidant where it is just me and my keyboard or me and sister working with you? and my loop pedal playing songs that have It’s fun. I guess people say siblings always never been recorded. sing well together; it’s always really easy to For such a softly spoken person to just sing. There are so many harmonies in my transform into a vocal powerhouse, songs. When I write my songs, I’m always what’s your routine before a show? writing them with harmonies in mind. With so Yes, I’ll always warm up before a show to many vocals all over my album, I really need get my voice ready. But, I guess the singing the live singers to be there with me, to make is kinda where I feel more comfortable. the tracks feel alive. I’m not nervous about singing; I feel more Tell us about the track, Kindness, on your comfortable when I’m doing that, and it’s not new album. It has a very different sound as scary as having to do interviews! and seems to pay homage to past divas. You recorded and released your new Yeah, I was singing it and having some fun album, Low Blows in the US. Did you find with the delivery; it’s not as emotional, maybe. the process more immersive than having It’s kinda got some attitude. It actually came recorded it in Australia? together with two different song ideas, which Well, I chose to make the album in Niles is pretty obvious when you hear the chorus City Sound in Texas, and I wanted to make come in. I had heaps of fun with that song, the album with those guys because together because I have never really written a song like we brought my songs to life. We’d take a that, and it has a really fun aspect about it. I

can’t wait to do that one on tour. On tour with D’Angelo in the US, you adopted some new accessories, aka the signature hat. On your recent travels, have you picked up any new styles or stitches? Well, at Splendour I wore a cream suit, like an all cream suit (with a hat of course), and I always wear black or dark colours. I don’t know why, but I was like, I want to wear a white suit. So, I feel I may be kind of getting into suits lately? That might be my latest thing. But, I’m still doing the hat! What's the hardest thing about what you do? Well, I guess you just have to keep going; it never stops. I can’t finish at the end of the day and go, "OK, it’s time to go to bed now" ... You’re just continuously thinking about it, or you wake up in the middle of the night to get up and write something down; it’s constant. But, that’s one of the best things about it too. When you’re not performing, what’s Meg Mac doing? Well, besides singing a lot at home, I love op-shopping - finding cool things for two dollars. I end up wearing that stuff on stage. There’s a shop near me that has a rack that usually has stuff I’d wear on stage; however, I went back to that rack recently and it didn’t have anything, so I guess it’s not my rack anymore! Thanks Meg. Greater Port Macquarie focus 49

The

Byabarra Café. Bakehouse. Bar. B&B

standards, contemporary country, covers and originals!

DJ Chris Waals has come up several times and loves to play at the Byabarra.

the beautiful Thone Valley.

“At Last!” is joining us on 30th December. This

A Port Mac local, Latin Fusion Guitarist, Mat

awesome duo have recently become a trio.

Brooker (pictured) often plays at different

Mike and Wendy Jamieson have joined with

venues around Port Macquarie. Mat’s music has

George Yonon, on bass. Mike has been playing

a strong Spanish flavour, with speedy rhythms

the guitar for over 30 years and Wendy doing

and a firey beat. He then mixes it with well

vocals for over 10 years. Together they play

Hannah Pead is a 20 year He brings his vibrant If you haven’t been to The old singer songwriter personality and just fits Byabarra yet and an afterfrom the Mid North into the surroundings like noon of tunes is on the cards, he belongs there. Chris is Coast. She plays pubs don’t miss these talented and clubs around the bringing his decks for a local artists! The atmosphere is area, as well as music lovely afternoon of groovy spectacular, the food on point and, festivals like The Gympie tunes and soulful vibes on well ... Who doesn’t want to waste Muster and Tamworth away an afternoon in paradise! Saturday 16th December. Country Music Festival. The Byabarra has recently She also appeared on the NRL Footy show earlier launched their summer in the year, when they menu, extending their came to Wauchope for a charity event. Come Woodfired pizza options and some delicious and see the beautiful Hannah Pead playing at salads using fresh seasonal produce. Their menu the Byabarra on Saturday 9th December and also includes a lovely selection of DeBortoli Saturday 13th January. wines and Allpress coffee. Sofia Lord (pictured) is joining us on Australia So if you haven’t been to The Byabarra yet Day with her unique rich vocals. Sofia’s style is and an afternoon of tunes is on the cards, a mix of pop and folk with strong jazz tones, don’t miss these talented local artists! The and she truly makes it her own. Sofia tells a atmosphere is spectacular, the food on point story with her music and creates such a relaxing environment, perfect for people to connect with and, well ... Who doesn’t want to waste away

known tunes. Mat started playing the guitar

a wide range of music, from jazz and blues

music and surroundings.

Last year The Byabarra was bustling with live music and holiday makers escaping the big smoke for a day in the country.

his year will be no exception, and Lisa and Glenn at The Byabarra have an exciting line up of local musicians coming to play, with a backdrop of

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when he was 12, and hasn’t put it down since. We are lucky enough to have him coming up to The Byabarra on 23rd December and New Years Day!

an afternoon in paradise!

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J A R D I N E W R I G H T

Botanic M E R C H A N T

Each Friday at Murray Street Bakery, lover of all things floral and the woman behind concept "The Botanic Merchant", Jardine Wright, can be found with an abundance of stunning and unique in season blooms for sale, at market prices. FOCUS caught up with the vibrant blossom herself and chatted all things flowers …

hat is your connection with our beautiful region? My family and I moved to PM about 23 years ago ... so I have almost grown up here. I went to school here, made lots of friends here, met my husband here and had my babies here. I could nearly be classed as a local! Over the last 10 years, my husband and I have both started and grown our businesses in the beautiful Hastings area. My husband runs a busy and successful painting company, and I have had the great opportunity to develop and grow my own identity with both homewares and florals. We have both been heavily involved in the community with local events and fundraising. We are very much at home here and are proud to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic region. You’ve recently started a new venture, "The Botanic Merchant". What was the inspiration behind this? The Botanic Merchant is my new passion. I love flowers! Who doesn’t? I wanted to provide my customers with an opportunity to appreciate them as much as I do. I have done extensive research and together with my travels in Asia and Europe, I felt that the techniques and knowledge I have acquired would give my customers that appreciation … So, I decided to bring my take of beautiful fresh florals to Port Macquarie. Tell us about the services you provide? I provide arrangements for every occasion. Everything is customised to suit my customers' needs. Event styling, including table runners, garlands,

Each year in the lead up to Christmas I assist many arbours, cake decoration supply, head pieces, corsages, buttonholes, and bouquets. local businesses by providing corporate gifts for their I design corporate gifts and arrangements for every clients and colleagues, as well as doing many themed need … Small and elegant, or big and bold! florals for events and parties. There is not much you can’t say with flowers. Our Christmas range will include beautiful preserved Tell us more about your Friday Flower Market ... eucalyptus, lots of red and white flowers, berries, I identified a need handmade wreaths plus lots more. for a wholesale flower I will host two flower markets in the market after getting lots week leading up to Christmas; everyone of feedback from my is welcome to come along to purchase customers. flowers for Christmas Day. I have done extensive research Many people were and together with my travels in What is next for The Botanic telling me that they were Asia and Europe, I felt that the Merchant? struggling to find good techniques and knowledge I am constantly listening to customer quality fresh flowers at a I have acquired would feedback, and I am looking forward to reasonable price. So, every give my customers that 2018! I always have big plans to keep Friday I hold a wholesale appreciation ... So, I decided my customers happy … So stay tuned. flower market at Murray St to bring my take of beautiful fresh What is your favourite bloom or Bakery. florals to Port Macquarie. floral style and why? This has grown There are so many to choose from, immensely, and every Friday but I think the King Protea has to be at seems bigger than the last. the top of my list. It can be incorporated My variety is growing as well. I find people want more into any arrangement with many other varieties, but can than a couple of choices … And I can certainly give also stand alone and be quite magnificent. them that! My favourite floral style is Wild Textured. Lush green The beauty about providing this service every Friday at foliage, berries, Protea, Sea Holly and Geraldton Wax Murray St Bakery is that it has become a bit of a social would have to be one of my signature blends. gathering. I have regulars who come every week, and I Where/how can our readers get in touch? am finding that every week I am seeing new faces … I Get in touch on 0402 077 395, and keep updated on love that! It is what makes it all so special. our flower market at: I run the market every Friday from 10:30am until Facebook.com/thebotanicmerchant 1:30pm. Instagram.com/thebotanicmerchant In the lead up to Christmas, what special Christmas blooms will be available? Thanks Jardine. Greater Port Macquarie focus 51

A S T H E B C U C O F F S H A R B O U R T R I AT H L O N I S FA S T BECOMING ONE OF THE NORTH COAST’S PREMIER T R I AT H L O N E V E N T S , T H E W O R L D C H A M P I O N S H I P Q UA L I F Y I N G R A C E TA K E S P L A C E M A R C H 2 0 1 8 .

hat makes the Coffs Tri so special? The bcu Coffs Tri is just five years old and has already doubled in size since its inception in 2013 and achieved World Championship Qualifying status for the second year running. What makes this race so popular? Organisers say it’s the spectacular course, as well as the unique community vibe. The event is run by locals and gives generously back to local community groups, who all pitch in to help make it happen. The weekend of events on 3 - 4 March 2018 includes kids’ races for ages six and up, as well as an “enticer” triathlon for those new to the sport, and the headline Standard Distance event (1.5 km swim/40 km cycle/10 km run) for individuals and teams. The ocean swim is held at the protected Jetty Beach, which rarely sees waves, so swimmers get to experience the thrill of an ocean swim in

clear, calm conditions. Competitors swim around ocean breeze and water views for the duration. Coffs Harbour’s iconic As they make their first jetty structure, which is turnaround, competitors perfect for spectators, are greeted with views who get a bird’s-eye towards Coffs Harbour The run heads south from view of the swimmers and its scenic mountain transition, hugging the below. backdrop. At the end of The cycle course their first lap, runners are picturesque harbour takes the riders south encouraged with cheers foreshores towards towards sunny Sawtell from the crowds, as they the break wall, which is and includes a fast, run along the wooden a long peninsular at the southern flat section, perfect jetty structure lined with end of the harbour. for seeing what the TT spectators. bike is capable of. It is Race Director Noel a fully closed course, Phillips said, “Our aim ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for all levels of is to deliver a professional event on a quality experience. course in a beautiful location, whilst maintaining The run heads south from transition, hugging affordable entry fees and a great community the picturesque harbour foreshores towards the vibe. We want to attract the elite of the sport as break wall, which is a long peninsular at the well as those just starting out.” southern end of the harbour. The harbour vista The Standard Distance event on Sunday, is spectacular, and runners are rewarded with an March 4, 2018 is an Age Group ITU World

Championship Qualifying Race and will double as the NSW State Championships. With the 2018 World Championships being held on the Gold Coast, we are anticipating record numbers and encourage competitors to enter early to avoid missing out. Early bird prices are on offer until December 8, with great savings to be had. The bcu Coffs Tri is offering a total of $4,500 for the top three overall male and female place getters and is expecting to attract a high calibre of professional athletes. With its natural beauty and world-class course, the bcu Coffs Tri is one of the must do events on the national Triathlon calendar and is ideal for competitors and spectators alike. And of course, there is plenty to see and do on the stunning Coffs Coast while you’re here. Entries for the bcu Coffs Tri on March 3 - 4, 2018 are now open at villagesports.com.au Early registration is encouraged, due to the anticipated sell-out.

3 -4 March 2018 rd

ENTRIES NOW OPEN

www.villagesports.com.au 52 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focusinterview.

NICK CUMMINS From humble beginnings, local lad Nick Cummins was the recipient of a music scholarship which opened doors internationally, leading to collaborations with high calibre artists. Nick is in the midst of producing his debut EP, which is set to be released in the New Year ...

ell us about your connection with the local area … I’ve been lucky enough to have spent all of my formative years in the Hastings area. When I was two, my parents made the call to move our family from the small tablelands town of Uralla to the beautiful coastal village of Bonny Hills. I lucked out pretty hard and had the best group of creative and motivated friends growing up. They were always keen to get out, explore the local area and do something fun. Our time was pretty much all spent at the beach or in the bush tracks that led to them, whether it be surfing, swimming or playing on the rocks. This has created a really strong sense of identity and belonging with the rugged coastline of the Hastings area. I believe the unquantifiable beauty of the landscape that shaped me has been the biggest influence on both my creativity and my outlook of the world. You were lucky enough to be granted a scholarship, which has been a massive stepping stone for you pursuing your dreams. What was the scholarship process? The scholarship program was the best experience of my life. I was lucky enough to be granted $10,000 by Create NSW, which is a subsidiary program of the NSW government. This funding allowed me to travel across the UK and Europe to gather experience by working in a number of recording studios, attend universities, be

involved in music festivals and collaborate with international artists. Where has this taken you? The scholarship took me to some absolutely incredible and inspiring places. I was lucky enough to spend time in England, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic, Norway and Wales. Each country was a wildly different experience to the last and exposed me to so many new and challenging situations. What inspires you? As cliché as this sounds, everything. The biggest inspiration for my music are experiences and the emotions associated with them. Whether they come from a positive place or a challenging place, everything that we experience as human beings shines through in our personalities and how we carry ourselves. I’m one of the lucky ones and have been blessed with a bunch of amazing experiences. Being lost in breathtaking landscapes in new parts of the world, feeling connections grow with friends and lovers, moments of unbridled support from your family, and moments where you feel so comfortable in yourself. Of course, there is the other side of coin, where you feel isolated, relationships fall apart and you doubt yourself or other people around you. These are also all massive sources of inspiration, as this is just as encouraging for growth and improvement as any positive experience. You’ve written and produced a number of your own tracks now. What did you like about this process, and how would

This funding allowed me to travel across the UK and Europe to gather experience by

you describe your to concrete are sounds working in a number of musical sound/vibe? that I’ve recorded and recording studios, attend I absolutely love the used in my music many universities, be involved in songwriting process. I times. music festivals and collaborate don’t stick to any certain In terms of your with international artists. template, but I have career, where are you a couple of favourite currently sitting, and ways to begin a song. I’ll how far off is your usually being by creating goal, do you feel? a chord progression on I’m right at the either my guitar or piano and then build the beginning, and it’s so exciting! I’ve only just song from there. I usually have very open had my first song played on national radio chord progressions that allow a lot of space and I’m just putting together my live show, to include percussive elements and allow for which I’ll tour my upcoming EP. I have my the melody to shine. I always make sure I foot firmly in the door, so I just need to retain have plenty of tea on hand and try to be as my focus, keep improving every day and the relaxed as possible, so that I can become fully right things will happen. I’ve surrounded myself with the right kind of people to help immersed in the creative process. me achieve what I want to achieve, which is After bones of the song are down, I then to be a renowned and respected artist who spend hours searching for the right sounds can connect with people through my music. to convey the musical mood I’m trying I have quite an elaborate plan to start to achieve. This part can be a lot more frustrating than the initial crafting of the song reaching my goals over the next two years, and I really feel as though with the right but once you hit the phonetical jackpot and attitude and application, I can get to where I craft the sounds you first envisioned, it’s such want to be. a rewarding experience. Where can our readers go to listen to I’d describe the music I write under the your releases and follow your journey? Laurel Laxxes project as ambient dance music. My music is on Spotify, iTunes, Apple I focus on trying to create beautiful chord Music, Amazon and everywhere else digitally! progressions that are paired with shimmering I’ll have physical copies of my upcoming EP, melodies, whether they are performed by a which is expected to be released in March, guitar, a synth or the vocal line. and they can follow me on most social media I also utilise a lot of percussion in my platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and tracks, which are usually edited samples of Facebook. field recordings that I’ve taken from things in Just search Laurel Laxxes! everyday life that I think sound cool. Things Thanks Nick. such as the clangs of knives and forks in a Absolute pleasure, Sarah! drawer and the sound of dropping wood on Greater Port Macquarie focus 53

STEM SUMMER

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Preparing your child for the 21st century

Our workshops WILL HELP YOUR CHILD Develop problem solving skills Foster an entrepreneurial mind set Cultivate social skills Boost self-esteem Build creativity Connect academic STEM skills with practical real-life applications

Early Bird

Registration Offer Book 5 sessions

Have a friend come FREE! Offer ends Dec 8th

Registration Now Online!

www.eurekaexplorers.com.au/register

For all other enquiries, call or SMS 0455331010

STEM: • Science • Technology • • Engineering • Maths •

$45/session 1PM - 4PM

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For ages 8-12 High child to staff ratio Healthy snacks provided All materials included

54 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Surrounded by Port Macquarie’s spectacular headlands, sandy beaches and rocky coves, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre offers visitors inspiring nature based and cultural experiences along a 1.3 km elevated boardwalk, set amongst rare subtropical rainforest. Take a tour with one of our volunteer Rainforest Guides, or join a Birpai Aboriginal Guide for a cultural bush tucker experience. Visiting for a short time is the “Frugal Forest”, a multisensory art installation on exhibit in our downstairs theatrette. When you enter, it looks, feels and sounds like you are in a rainforest, but it is entirely made of salvaged material that was headed for landfill. Frugal Forest “Crafternoon” workshops will be held on Saturday 2nd and 9th December from 1pm - 3pm, so come along and get creative while learning practical skills on how to save on waste in your home. Sea Acres also offers a beautiful range of environmental gifts, including Aboriginal Art, homewares, jewellery, toys and books. You can also discover the Hello Koala sculpture trail and learn the importance of protecting our koalas. Complete your day by relaxing on the deck of the Rainforest Café and enjoy lunch or a cake and coffee while being serenaded by the sounds of the rainforest. For tour and workshop bookings, please phone the Rainforest Centre on 6582 3355.

Table Craft Food and holidays are a marriage made in heaven! Christmas is no different. It is a favourite occasion to gather and focus on people we love and care for. Sharing a meal on this day is special. Stories are told and memories are made, with the dining table at the heart of it all. Your dining table is the centrepiece of holiday festivities and silently functions to bring people together. At Vast, table craft is our strength. Made from plantation grown Mango hardwood, our beautiful designs are created by artisans skilled in the traditional methods of joinery and construction. They are built to last a lifetime of meal times. Vast can accommodate all sized families, from bistro tables to 12 seater dining suites. All tables and chairs are sold separately, so you are in the drivers seat for choice. Our Signature range tables are coated with superior lacquer, making them tough enough to withstand the rowdiest of Christmas parties! The perfect table always needs the perfect décor. We can help you create a knockout table setting this festive season with our selection of table runners, placemats and centrepiece ideas.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM • PORT MACQUARIE INDOOR STADIUM •

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

MONDAY 18TH DEC 2017

MONDAY 8TH JAN 2018

MONDAY 15TH JAN 2018

MONDAY 22ND JAN 2018

TUESDAY 19TH DEC 2017

TUESDAY 9TH JAN 2018

TUESDAY 16TH JAN 2018

TUESDAY 23RD JAN 2018

WEDNESDAY 20TH DEC 2017

WEDNESDAY 10TH JAN 2018

WEDNESDAY 17TH JAN 2018

WEDNESDAY 24TH JAN 2018

THURSDAY 21ST DEC 2017

THURSDAY 11TH JAN 2018

THURSDAY 18TH JAN 2018

THURSDAY 25TH JAN 2018

FRIDAY 22ND DEC (NOT AVAILABLE)

FRIDAY 12TH JAN 2018

FRIDAY 19TH JAN 2018

FRIDAY 26TH JAN (NOT AVAILABLE)

Badminton

Basketball

Futsal

Table Tennis

No need to bring a partner as there are always plenty of players to help out or equipment as it is supplied. When: Tuesday 4-5pm (Juniors) Tuesday 5-7pm (Social Adult) Friday 9.15-11.15am (Seniors) Cost: Junior & Seniors $6.00 Social Adult $9.00

Starts Back: Monday 12th February 2018 Mondays - U/12-U/16 (from 4.15) Wednesday - U/18-Seniors (from 4.30) Friday – Aussie Hoops and Academy For more information visit our website www.portmacquarie.basketball.net.au

PMQ Futsal is dedicated to providing Futsal to all, from family/fun to representative & elite levels. Competitions: Social Leagues (Mon - Wed), Men’s Champions League, Mixed Seniors, Junior competitions, GOL Brazil Academy Facebook page: Port Macquarie Futsal. instagram: @fnnswfutsal For more information contact Mick Day mick@australianfutsal.com 0488 728 334

Social Play Bats and balls supplied for social play! When: every Saturday 9am-11am Registration fees: N/A Junior & Seniors $6.00 Social Adult $9.00

Gymnastics

Multisports Social Comp

School Holiday Program

Starts Back: Thursday 8th February 2018 Mixed competition (*A minimum of 4 females must be registered with 2-3 on the court at any time depending on the sport) When: every Thursday 5.50pm – 9.15pm Games are played at 5.50pm, 6.40pm, 7.30pm, 8.20pm Team Registration: $100 Team Match Fee: $60

Designed for all children attending primary school (Kinder to Year 6) Activities to keep the kids amused! Full days involve children in a range of sports & group games, plus jumping castles, arts tables etc. Next Program starts: Monday 18th Dec 2017 and finishes Thursday 25th January 2018 Register at www.portstadium.com.au Also catering for Birthday Parties.

Starts Back: Tuesday 29th January 2018 PORT MACQUARIE GYMNASTICS CLUB Inc Kindy Gym: Mon/Tues 9.30-10.15am and Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur 10.30-11.15am Sat 8.30-9.15am Recreational Girls: Mon – Fri from 4pm Sat 9.30 Recreational Boys: Tues & Thur from 4pm Levels - Pre, Regular & Development Mon – Fri from 4pm Sat from 9.30 To Register and be put on the waiting list Call the club on 6583 3373

Volleyball Starts Back: Tuesday 13th February 2018 A – Grade Social Hit Out When: every Tuesday 4.45pm-6pm All players welcome! B – Grade Social Competition (Mixed competition) (*A minimum of 3 females must be registered with 2 on the court at any time) When: every Tuesday 5.50 – 9.15pm Games are played at 5.50pm, 6.40pm, 7.30pm, 8.20pm Team Registration: $100, Match Fee: $45

Phone 6583 2501 portstad@bigpond.net.au www.portstadium.com.au Cnr Hibbard & Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie Greater Port Macquarie focus 55

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bondi

cigars UNCLE JED It's been a whirlwind couple of years for Uncle Jed, from winning a reality TV show to going through a major record label and starting side project Luna Grand.

ow Uncle Jed are back There are some carols we've explored some and doing what they love new sonic flavours with, and some others most - making sweet music! we've kept true to song. Hopefully our fans In 2017 the family band don't mind our risky arrangements. Carols are putting their creative are so well known and have been sung for energies so long, we know that into a Christmas album changing the sound is and a tour in December, very risky, but we all so expect there to be a love the end result. ... a Christmas album few festive delights in Can we expect some would be more suited the mix! In the words of old favourites at the to the Uncle Jed sound. front woman Laura Stitt, show, along with the Also, Uncle Jed are known “It has been a dream festive cheer? for taking a well known of mine for a very long Absolutely. We'll be song and putting their time to make a Christmas playing some of the own spin on it, so it album, and finally it's songs we played on seemed perfect for us to take happening.” Don’t miss AGT, along with other this on as Uncle Jed. this special festive show, songs fans have heard where you can also before. It will be nice to expect to hear some of play them again after a the songs that captivated little break. the nation’s hearts on Australia's Got Talent. Top three favourite Christmas carols? You’ve spent a couple of years working Thats a tuffy! Three songs I know we all on Luna Grand; what inspired you love that are on this album are 1. Silent Night to produce a Christmas album under 2. O Come all ye Faithful 3. The Christmas the Uncle Jed brand? Song The idea of a Christmas album got thrown Are you working on any new material around a bit at the start of this year and moving into the new year; what’s on the the more we thought about it, the more horizon for the next 12 months? it sounded like a good idea to us. Having The Christmas album has inspired us to performed on AGT as Uncle Jed, we felt like release some more Uncle Jed music, so we'll a Christmas album would be more suited have a quick holiday after this tour and get to the Uncle Jed sound. Also, Uncle Jed are working on some more Jed music. We have known for taking a well known song and some new Luna Grand songs to record and putting their own spin on it, so it seemed release too, so we'll be busy come next year. perfect for us to take this on as Uncle Jed. Thanks guys. Luna Grand will continue to be our side project, where we work on purely original songs and give ourselves the freedom to be as artistic as we like. Uncle Jed & Special Guests What’s the vibe of the album? When Saturday 16 December 2017 We have written one original, This at Laurieton United Services Club, Seymour Christmas Love, and apart from that they're all Street, Laurieton. www.laurietonclub.com.au Christmas songs. Most are well known carols.

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The Bondi Cigars Bluesers are back in town with a new album, “Child in the Desert” - a smooth blend of blues and roots. FOCUS caught up with Alan Britton about the new album and what fans can expect at their forthcoming show …

i Alan. I believe this is the first time we have featured you in FOCUS, so introduce us to the band ... Who makes up the Bondi Cigars, and what roles do you all

play? Hi Sarah. In answer to your first question, yes it is our first time at being in FOCUS, and thank you for the opportunity to be included in this issue. The band consists of Shane Pacey on guitar and lead vocals and principal songwriter for the band. We also have Eben Hale on vocals and guitar and who also contributes with the songwriting. On drums and percussion, backing vocals and songwriting we have Frank Corby. Finally, there’s me on bass, backing vocals and general dogsbody for the band. What have been some of your most memorable moments? It is hard to single out any one memorable moment, as we have had many, but performing at all the major festivals in Australia have been memorable in their own way. We have just come off a run off festivals starting with Gympie, Mitchell Creek, QLD and finally Bridgetown in WA, that have all been cherished memories in our diary. Last year you released your seventh album, Child in the Desert. How has it been received? Child in the Desert was an album that shows where the band were heading at that stage of our development. The album was recorded at 301 in Byron Bay and was engineered by Jordan Powers and assisted by Daniel Frizza, who both did a great job. The album was mixed at 301 Sydney and mastered by Don Bartley at Benchmark Studios. In all, the recording, mixing, and mastering were a very enjoyable experience. The album was well received by the press

and fans alike, so we have been happy that we can deliver an album that people are enjoying. How would you describe Bondi Cigars? Bondi Cigars are an amalgam of Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Blues and some other secret ingredients thrown in for good measure. We have earned our following by touring to every state and territory in the country, getting to where our fans are and winning new ones over. It has been a band that works hard and delivers what our fans want to hear and see. Who or what influences you when it comes to writing? Firstly, I’m not a writer - I’ll leave that to Shane and Eben, as they know what they are doing. My personal influences come from R’n’B, Soul, Blues, New Orleans writers and performers, as well as British R’n’B and Rock players, who have given me so much enjoyment over my life. You’re back in Port Macquarie this month, playing at Panthers on December 28. What are you looking forward to about being back here? Last time we performed at Panthers was about 18 months ago, and we had a great audience that really gave back to us and inspired our performance, so we will be looking for more of that. Where can our readers follow you guys and purchase your music? Our CDs are available at JB HiFi and all good record stores and also available online at our website: bondicigars.com.au Thanks Alan.

Bondi Cigars at the Basement When Thursday 28th December Door 7pm | Show 7:30pm | Tickets $10 portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

BILLABONG ZOO Up-close & Animal Encounters Billabong Zoo: Koala & Wildlife Park cares for over 80 species, with over 200 animals located throughout ten acres of shady gardens. Monkeys, Meerkats & Macropods, Crocodiles & Cassowaries, Wombats & Wedge-tailed Eagles, Lions, Snakes, Birds & Reptiles… and so much more. Experience an up-close Animal Encounter with personal Zoo Keeper commentary: available with Cheetahs, Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Meerkats, Koalas and Snakes. Bookings essential. Book online or by phone (see the Zoo website for details of cost, times, age restrictions, terms and conditions). An Animal Encounter is a very special experience that stays with you for a lifetime. You can also enjoy 14 free Zoo Keeper talks

Set in 10 acres of lush gardens with over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Rain or shine, Billabong Zoo is a great day out where you can get up-close to Australian & exotic animals.

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throughout the day. There is a children’s playground and an all-day Kangaroo and Wallaroo walk-through meadow for patting and feeding. Outdoor café for meals, snacks, ice-cream, coffee and drinks. Souvenirs, gifts and retail therapy in the popular Zoo Shop. The multi award-winning Billabong Zoo is always fun for the kids and educational for everyone. Open every day: 9am - 5pm. Rain or shine. Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie - it’s more than a great day out. It’s the best value zoo in Australia. You will also discover there are some major renovations underway to the main Zoo building to bring you an even better Billabong Zoo. Located at 61 Billabong Drive, just off the Oxley Highway (2 minutes from the Pacific Highway). For full details visit www.billabongzoo.com.au or call 6585 1060.

ZOO TALK FREE presentations throughout the day. UP-CLOSE Book a personal animal encounter. ZOO CAFEÉ ZOO SHOP

Greater Port Macquarie focus 57

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 59

$50 Rudolph has donated $50 to support Youth Homelessness this Christmas

Seasonâ€™s Greetings

$35

$25

Dasher

Santaâ€™s Elf

has donated $35 to support Youth Homelessness this Christmas

has donated $25 to support Youth Homelessness this Christmas

Have a great Christmas

Enjoy!

60 Greater Port Macquarie focus

$10

Santa Claus

Mrs Claus

has donated $5 to support Youth Homelessness this Christmas

has donated $10 to support Youth Homelessness this Christmas

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

focusinterview.

The One Voice Hastings Homeless Support Group aims to help the 400 + homeless people currently estimated to be struggling in our local area with resources such as showers, access to food and clothing - and to provide a voice for those currently doing it a bit tough. Through education, the group also hopes to educate the community at large about some of the myths and stigmas associated with homelessness. One of the group’s passionate founders, Paul Skilleter, tells us more …

i Paul. Where did your interest in community work begin? In 2012, my partner, Holly Farrugia, and I moved from Sydney to start a fresh life in Port Macquarie. The reason I started One Voice Hastings Homeless Support Group is because as a teenager I went through homelessness, suicide, depression, drugs and alcohol. I couch surfed at friends’ places, slept in the park, but with the right support, I came out the other side a better and stronger person. When we moved to Port Macquarie, I knew I wanted to give something back to the community. I started studying my Certificate IV in Community Services Work and did my work placement at the Hope Shop in their Welfare Department. I became an active member of the Hastings Homelessness Network and the Hastings Community Connect Day and was named Volunteer of the Year for Port Macquarie in 2013 for my work with the Homeless/ Disadvantaged. I have completed my Diploma of Community Services Work and transitioned into a Floor Manager role at the Hope Shop; I’ve now been working for the Hope Shop for five and a half years. Tell us more about One Voice Hastings Homeles Support Group and how it was formed … In 2014, the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West approached the Hope Shop to see what they could do to help with homelessness in our community. We started a community group and from there, things have grown in leaps and bounds. One Voice Hastings Homeless Support Group is an extension service of One Voice for Aussie Youth serving the Port Macquarie/ Hastings LGA. With our partnership with

www.onevoice.org.au comes access to their corporate sponsors, Aldi Australia, who will be providing all the toiletries, SC Johnson, who will be providing all the cleaning products, and Mate Communications, who will be providing us with free Wifi. What services does the group offer? The main feature of our service will be a mobile shower service (truck) fitted out with two showers. We will also be running an advocacy service, with access to a qualified counsellor, which will enable service users to connect with other organisations to help them find and gain housing, employment, links to education and training, Centrelink payments, and counselling services. Do you need volunteers? On staff we need to have qualified social workers, welfare workers, case managers, counsellors and drivers and members of the community who have a passion for homelessness and change. So if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer, please feel free to contact us via our Facebook page: One Voice Hastings Homeless Support Group. What types of issues do you feel the group will be able to address? Our service will assist with housing, homelessness, mental health and alcohol and other drug related issues, whilst also providing an educational service to the broader community on the effects and causes of homelessness, to ameliorate the stigma of homelessness one step at a time. The overwhelming majority of clients come from lower socio-economic population groups. A part of our mission is to use our resources to the best of our ability to enhance the quality of life of people who are homeless on the streets of the Port Macquarie/Hastings LGA, and to prevent the factors that can cause homelessness wherever possible.

We work tirelessly to break down the stigmas, stereotypes and myths often incorrectly associated with homelessness, and to educate and raise community awareness with regards to the causes of homelessness. Our aims are to: provide showers, access to food, clothing, street swags, care packs to those who are homeless and disadvantaged; assist those who are homeless with their application for supportive accommodation through advocacy; provide services to those who have gained supportive accommodation that assists them with their transition to, and retention of their accommodation; educate and raise community awareness of the causes of homelessness, and to break down stigmas, stereotypes and myths surrounding homelessness; empower those who are homeless by giving them a voice, allowing them to make their own decisions about their future and allowing them to take control of their destiny; advocate for those who are homeless when they are unable to have a voice. What are some of the statistics you’ve uncovered about homelessness? The overall rate of homeless people in Australia is 105,327 people sleeping rough; every night young people under the age of 25 make up 43% of homeless Australians. We have conducted an extensive Needs Analysis and conducted surveys, and after carefully going over the data from the 2016 Census Data for the Mid North Coast, we’ve found: on the Mid North Coast there is approximately 1,909 - 2,700 homeless/ disadvantaged people, with the average weekly income for a person 15+ being $491.00 In Port Macquarie there are approx. 400 - 480 homeless people, with approx. 150+ homeless youth (majority couch surfing).

What have been some of the achievements the group has made to date? We’ve managed to gain the support/ sponsorship from “Live Tribe”, an online survey company as part of their Noble Causes Initiative. They normally choose a charity to support each month to the value of $1,500, but the director has decided to run ours until the end of December to the value of $2,500. We have a long way to go before we reach our target of $121,000, but the support of the community has been amazing. We need support now more than ever; we especially need Corporate Sponsors. We’ve been attending markets and music festivals around town (Port Macquarie Beer and Cider Festival, Wildwood Festival, Twilight Markets) to raise awareness and funds for our project for the homeless on the Mid North Coast. We’re working on holding some more fundraisers in the future; our barefoot bowls fundraiser was a huge success; thanks to the Westport Club for hosting it and all the local businesses who donated prizes. How can we see the group in action within the community? The truck we will be using will be on tour of Port Macquarie from the 9th - 11th January, with a presentation at the Rotary Cluster BBQ on the 9th January, with our locations to be advised. How can the community help? There are a couple of ways to donate: via our One Voice website: http://onevoice.org.au/ port-macquarie/ Or via our One Voice Donations Account: BSB-923 100 / Acc# 60737861 /Ref: PMMSS Thanks Paul. Photo: Steve Atkin, Paul Skilleter, Holly Farrugia and Tyler. Greater Port Macquarie focus 61

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The

Callaway Solaire Ladies Golf Set www.golfladiesfirst.com.au

Christmas Gift Guide ASSORTED CUSHIONS VAST INTERIOR

CA LL AWAY SOL A IR E L A DIES GOLF SET GOLF LA DIES FIRST

STA R WA RS JEDI CH A LLENGES HARV E Y NORM AN COMPUTERS

SKINSTITUT GLYCOLIC SCRUB SALON SECRE TS

MOE MOE EARRINGS

MEG & ME BOUTIQUE & ESPRESSO

KEUNE SO PURE GIFT SET E V ELINA KEMP HAIR AND BE AUT Y

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INTEGR ITY CANDLES WA X LA NTERN

MEG & ME BOUTIQUE & E SPRE SSO

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TROPICA L PR INT VAST INTERIOR

ASSORTED SOTHYS PRODUCTS AQUA V ITAE

SAMSUNG 55” THE FRAME 4K SMART TV

HARVEY NORMAN ELECTRICAL PORT MACQUARIE

L’OCCITANE A M A NDE GIFT PACK

SKIN ESSENTI A LS SET ELL A BACHE PORT M ACQUARIE

E A ST COA ST L A SER & COSMEDIC

XTC JR STREET BIK E

GR AHAM SEERS CYCLERY Greater Port Macquarie focus 65

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Gift with Purchase all wrapped up for Gift Giving at Salon Secrets. Salon Secrets In the spirit of Christmas, we are getting into the fun side of it. We don’t mind looking silly for this season, but we do take our work seriously. If you are like most people, there’s something about getting a gift with purchase that ticks all the boxes. We love our PONi LIP MAGIC colour-changing lipstick which not only smells of delicious strawberries, but is super nourishing for your lips - and guess what? It changes to the perfect shade based on your skin’s pH level. To get this great little lippy for FREE (it’s valued at $20) just purchase one of our beautiful Christmas vouchers for our fabulous De-Stress Face and Body treatment at only $99. These vouchers have no time limit on them, so when the rush is over, you’ll be able to come into our salon and enjoy what we have to offer. Only the purest ingredients are used when you come in for this fabulous treat. Our voucher has a beautiful Christmas theme, and it will look great as a gift. Yes, there’s more! If you buy this voucher before December 15th, you can buy another for the same treatment at half price.

66 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Middle Rock Beach Massage A purpose built clinic designed for ultimate relaxation in a quiet and private environment. Remedial massage: Our therapists provide massage treatment incorporating assessment and treatment for the body to assist in rehabilitation pain and injury management. Relaxation massage: A massage designed to destress and relax your body, providing relief from the demands of everyday life. We use organic Australian products, to ensure the ultimate pampering experience. Hot Stone Therapy: The ultimate massage treatment promoting deep muscle relaxation and blood flow throughout the body by placement and use of smooth heated stones at key points of the body. Couples Massage: A special experience for couples or friends to enjoy together. Body exfoliation: A lovely treatment using organic body scrub and oils combined with relaxation massage, to leave your skin smooth. Foot massage: Our trained therapists will concentrate on releasing the tension accumulated in the feet through concentrated massage treatment.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 67

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ENTRY

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PORT PORT PORT CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL PORT PORT PORT CENTRAL TRADING TRADING HOURS HOURS HOURS LOCATED LOCATED LOCATED AT CENTRAL SHOP AT CENTRAL SHOP AT47 SHOP PORT 47 PORT 47 PORTTRADING CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE PORT PORT CENTRAL CENTRAL TRADING TRADING TRADING HOURS HOURS HOURS LOCATED LOCATED LOCATED AT SHOP AT SHOP AT 47 SHOP PORT 47 PORT 47 PORT ( ( ( ) ) )

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TH PROPRIETORS: TH TH ALAN BANH ALAN&BANH BASHAR & BASHAR IKBARIEH IKBARIEH SALE SALE SALE ENDS: ENDS: ENDS: 7 PROPRIETORS: 7DEC 7DEC 2017 DEC 2017 2017 TH TH SALE SALE SALE ENDS: ENDS: ENDS: 7 TH7DEC 7DEC 2017 DEC 2017 2017 TH TH SALE SALE ENDS: ENDS: 7 7DEC DEC 2017 2017

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Not online. all products Not all products or promotions or promotions featuredfeatured in this catalogue in this catalogue are available are available online. We online. beatWe everyone’s beat everyone’s prices! Atprices! Chemist At Chemist Warehouse Warehouse if you find if you a cheaper find a cheaper price onprice the exact on the same exactitem same at another item at another Australian Australian Retail Store, Retailwe Store, will match we willitmatch and give it and yougive 10%you off10% off the difference! the difference! (Excludes (Excludes ‘online only’ ‘online offers) only’Exact offers)same Exactitem same means itemexact means same exactproduct, same product, with thewith samethepackaging same packaging and where andthe where product the product on offer on at the offerother at the retail other store retail is not storeclearance is not clearance or run out or stock. run outAllstock. products All products subject to subject Manufacturers to Manufacturers Availability. 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the difference! (Excludes ‘online only’ offers) Exact same item means exact same product, with the same packaging and where the product on offer at the other retail store is not clearance or run out stock. All products subject to Manufacturers Availability. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.

68 Greater Port Macquarie focus

A special focus feature

New shoe trends for Summer At this point in the season, it’s officially time to store your closed-toe shoes and embrace a sandal-only summer. The options are endless, including the wedge, that you just had to have when you were young, a printed gladiator sandal, a bright coloured slip-on mule, made of lightweight fabric, allowing your feet to breathe, or a stylish low heeled sandal, perfect for brunches with friends in the sun. So what are the smart women buying this summer season in footwear? It goes without saying, we are looking for superior comfort with summer sandals that will not gnaw at our feet. Adjustable leather straps, comfortable cushioning on the base, and material that doesn’t dig into your toes are all a must when

trying on new sandals. Luckily Colonial Cobbler’s new range of summer sandals has taken all of these things into consideration for the savvy shopper, with their new styles now in-store. Try the latest in sandals from Zeta and EOS. EOS footwear is not just another shoe maker. Shoes are lovingly hand crafted in Portugal, with beautiful designs adding a pop of colour for your summer wardrobe, to take you from work to the beach in style. Zeta footwear from Spain are finished with lovely soft leathers and linings. Colours are vibrant for the new season and offer a great combination of comfort and casual style.

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 69

Genevieve

Lang

Special Guest appearing at Heavenly Voices: GENEVIEVE LANG. Genevieve Lang performs regularly as Guest Principal and section harpist with the Sydney Symphony and Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra.

he has also enjoyed a long association with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as Guest Principal Harp. Genevieve is a founding member of SHE (Seven Harp Ensemble). Under the direction of harpist Alice Giles, SHE has commissioned numerous works by Australian composers including Schultz, Sitsky and Edwards, and has toured to America, China, and locally around NSW and Victoria. Genevieve has appeared as soloist with the Tasmanian, West Australian and New Zealand symphony orchestras. She has also toured internationally with the Tasmanian and Sydney Symphony orchestras to the United States, Japan and Europe. Genevieve is dedicated to sharing her passion for classical music with audiences, and now presents on ABC Classic FM, Australia’s classical music station. For your perfect Christmas swoon, just four days prior to Christmas Day, come along and indulge in some truly gorgeous music, as the two Hastings Choristers choirs, CANTORUS and CANTABILE, join with renowned Sydney harpist Genevieve Lang in the Port Macquarie Uniting Church, to present a feast of divine choral offerings. Having worked with Genevieve on previous occasions, Artistic Director Robyn Ryan is delighted to welcome her again to the Hastings. “It is difficult to obtain such a popular harpist, and Gen is squeezing us in between her Tasmanian gig and Christmas, so we are absolutely thrilled ... a rare treat for us all." CANTORUS mixed voice choir will perform favourite carols, some Bach chorales from the

70 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Christmas Oratorio and some lesser known Christmas music. The ever popular Caccini’s Ave Maria will be a highlight, as will the beautiful Faure - Cantique de Jean Racine and John Rutter’s Angel’s Carol. Returning by popular demand are duo Tenor John Thompson and Baritone Christopher Clark, who will perform Karl Jenkins’ Ave Verum Corpus. These two combine beautifully and always leave their audiences breathless. CANTABILE female ensemble, accompanied by the harp, will perform Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, which is a series of movements both beautiful and challenging. This small group of ladies create a sound tapestry that is captivating and along with the harp, guarantee listeners another worldly experience. This is simply a concert not to be missed only one performance, so hurry down to the Glasshouse and grab your tickets. Doors open at 7:30 and concert starts at 8pm. Give yourself or friends and family an early Christmas gift - what a great idea! And for 2018, Hastings Choristers seek a piano accompanist for two hours each Monday during school terms. This person would be a good sight reader and pianist. Kindly call Robyn on 0407 007 993 for more information. New members are always welcomed into the choirs, and we suggest coming along to try us out for a few weeks before committing. Wishing all of our audiences this year a blissful festive season and our grateful thanks for your support. We trust your 2018 is blessed with good health and magnificent music.

A special focus feature LOVED

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Best Kept Secrets

Wayward The Farmstay at

JERSEYS

D E B O ’ B R I E N & F A M I L Y

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

Photo credit John Nalder Photography

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

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

“

22 new england focus.

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

new england focus. 23

Golf Ladies First

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG

Ladies, does your 2018 New Year’s resolution look something like one of these? “I am going to do something for me.” “I am going to be more active.” “I am going to spend more time outdoors in the sunshine.” “I am going to start playing golf.”

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You’ll learn the basics of the golf swing and how to putt whilst also getting your whole body moving through conditioning and movement exercises. Chantale McCallum, P.G.A. Golf Professional at Port Macquarie Golf Club is running programs starting in January 2018 and running throughout the year. The sessions last 75 minutes and only cost $150.00 for a six week program. So, start the year off with fun and fitness by searching and registering at https://golfladiesfirst.com.au/pages/swing-fit For enquiries, please call Chantale on 0431 248 847 or email: info@golfladiesfirst.com.au

VIEW THE MINIMAGS ONLINE AT FOCUSMAG.COM.AU/MINIMAGPMQ GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Greater Port Macquarie focus 71

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Go Pro Karma Drone $1399.95

Christmas Gift Guide Billabong Fluid X Boardshort $79.99

Sunnylife Round Towel $129.00

Billabong Combat Backpack $99.99

Rhythm Zimbabwe Bikini Top $44.99

Rhythm Zimbabwe Bikini Pant $34.99

Sunnylife Beach Seat $79.95

Ripcurl Search GPS Watch $350.00

Billabong Illuka Hat $29.99 Hurley Mens O&O Rashie $49.99 Hurley Boys O&O Rashie $45.99

Sex Wax Xmas Stocking $49.95

JS - HYFI Monsta Box Surfboard $999

Tomo SKX Firewire Surfboard $960

DHD MF DNA Surfboard $860

Limited Edition Basic Wrist Leash, Basic Board Cover & Nomad Bodyboard $225 Ocean & Earth x Saltwater Wine Hooded Towel $65.00

Sunnylife Beach Pillow $18.95

We have a huge range of gifts for all the family. And if you still canâ€™t decide you can purchase one of our Gift Vouchers in store or online. saltwaterwine.com.au 107 Horton Street, Port Macquarie | (02) 6584 0084 Greater Port Macquarie focus 73

A special focus feature

The

Christmas

Give

Hope

This Christmas With Christmas just around the corner, The Salvation Army is encouraging Port Macquarie locals to connect with their community - whether it’s participating in Christmas activities, reaching out for help, or giving to people in crisis.

hristmas can be a challenging Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9am and lonely time for some, and 4pm). we don’t want anyone to have Emergency supplies, gifts and assistance will to go it alone. also be available for those in need, by calling “Through the incredible (02) 6583 7444. generosity of our local On Christmas Day, The Salvation Army is community, we were inviting the public to able to assist many gather to celebrate families and individuals the hope and joy of in need last year,” says Christmas. The Salvos The Salvos plan Port Macquarie Salvation Christmas Day service will to help even more Army officer, Major Kevin be held at Port Macquarie people this year, so Unicomb. Salvation Army (110 Lord we are gearing up to “The Salvos plan to Street, Port Macquarie) Christmas. We would help even more people at 9am, and everyone is like to encourage this year, so we are welcome to attend. those who are able, to gearing up to Christmas. “Our service is family embrace the spirit of We would like to friendly and a great way giving this Christmas. encourage those who to celebrate the true are able, to embrace meaning of Christmas. the spirit of giving this There will be fun activities Christmas.” for the kids and a real festive atmosphere, so Christmas is the busiest time of year for come along and join us!” the Salvos. Not only is The Salvation Army in If you’re able to give to The Salvation Army Port Macquarie running its Christmas Cheer Christmas Appeal, $29 can provide a box of operation to provide toys and food for those in emergency supplies, or put a gift under the tree need, it is also preparing for a special Christmas for someone in need. Day service. “Everyone’s circumstances are different, “We will need all hands on deck this so giving money rather than goods helps us Christmas, so join us and give hope where support each person in the way that will help it’s needed most. Whether it’s by donating or them the most.” volunteering just a few hours of your time, you To find out more information about what The can make a meaningful difference and bring Salvation Army is doing at Christmas across the comfort and joy to Aussies doing it tough.” country, go to salvos.org.au Donations of new quality toys can be Please share your photos with us on social dropped off to Port Macquarie Salvation Army media using the hashtag #givehope (110 Lord Street, Port Macquarie) on Mondays,

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Thrills Metal Eagle Muscle $49.99

Rip Curl Lola Slim Stone Watch $299.99

Windsor Smith Inka Slide $39.99

Adidas Superstar Vulc $130.00

New Era 9Forty New York Yankees Cap $35.00

Urban Originals Moontide Wallet $49.95

Afends Volume Cut Muscle Tee $49.95

Stormriders Sea Swim Trunk $45.00 Crisp Blaster Scooter $170.00

Capitol Starburst Complete $99.99 Stormriders Boys Circle Tee $25.00 (Mens $29.99)

Volcom Single Stone Leather Wallet $50.00

We have a huge range of gifts for all the family. And if you still canâ€™t decide, you can purchase one of our Gift Vouchers in store or online. Shop F5, Port Central Shopping Centre Ph: 6584 1600 Shop 35, Settlement City Shopping Centre Ph: 6583 6960 stormriders.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 75

“Evelina Kemp hair and beauty is wishing all our beautiful clients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

CONNECT Hearing It’s been an exciting time for Hearing Care and their valued clients in Forster and Port Macquarie. A year ago, Hearing Care become a part of Connect Hearing, where Audiologists Alex Meares and Michael McIntosh have continued to look after their clients’ hearing needs - many of whom they’ve had for over 18 years. “We chose to be associated with Connect Hearing, as we could see that they were very client-focused, encouraged a choice of devices and had an Australia-wide network that could service our clients if they decided to travel or move location,” Alex says. Alex and Michael’s longstanding commitment to providing a high level of hearing care aligns perfectly with Connect Hearing’s philosophy of using professional hearing solutions to improve their patients’ quality of life - from finding the hearing solutions that will improve your

76 Greater Port Macquarie focus

hearing to providing the latest, state of the art hearing technologies. The talented team of audiologists and customer care representatives of Port Macquarie have serviced the Mid North Coast community for nearly 20 years. “I am passionate about Audiology, as I feel I am really helping people, many of whom I have been seeing for 18 years, and I love the challenge of learning about new technology and passing appropriate knowledge on to my clients.“ In addition to your trusted hearing care providers at Port Macquarie and Forster, you can also have access to this quality service and support from any of the Connect Hearing centres across Australia. To book a consultation with Alex or Michael regarding your hearing care, call 6583 3174 or to find out more about Connect Hearing, visit connecthearing.com.au

EVELINA KEMP Hair & Beauty With over twenty years’ experience, Evelina Kemp Hair & Beauty is renowned for its highly professional and experienced team with extensive knowledge and passion for creating your new look. Personal stylised packages are available, from every day colouring, compatible with the latest trends, to bridal and make up applications for special events. The team is proud to state they avoid using cheap products in-salon and instead are proud Keune colour users. Keune is an international professional company who supports their salons, not only with the best of products, but also with ongoing training of staff. Evelina Kemp Hair & Beauty are proud to call themselves colour experts, specialising in colour correction and expert colour work.

At Evelina Kemp Hair & Beauty, the team are always willing to address any queries with regards to product, service, price, or any other concerns you may have. With an absolute honesty policy, they can provide upfront quotes, along with upfront and honest results. Staff members have been involved in a range of rewarding experiences, including but not limited to Keune International Colour and Cutting Advanced Courses, Miss Scandinavia Styling, Goldwell Masters and Education, NAC Colour Masters, Sebastian Helsinki Education and Show Work, Trucco Education and Makeup. Time for you to know that you are the client and you are valued. Call now for your appointment on 6583 9726.

77 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focus_contributor

focus_contributor - Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

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

How this year has flown!

Ready for take-off, stress-free! Susie has as much fun in the sky as you can without actually flying

y head’s in the clouds, and I’m loving it. Aircraft taking off from Sydney’s massive adjacent domestic and international airports complex howl and whine as they climb, a constant parade of power, into the sky just, seemingly, metres above my head. I do a mental “duck” every time - in case they hit me! Just as a plane dips and waggles its wings from side to side in a salute, my shoulders do a shimmy, an involuntary frisson of excitement at being so near to these screaming skybirds, yet so far ... closeted safe and sound in my room atop one of Sydney’s newest airport hotels. There’ve been a number of fresh hotels opening in this vicinity over the past year or so, to add to - greatly improve on, actually - old favourites. The reason, I venture, is the horrible eternal tangle that is Sydney traffic these days. If you want to get to the airport in reliable comfort to catch your flight, you need to leave v-e-r-y early. And then, of course, on the odd day that traffic is smooth, you sit around after check-in twiddling your thumbs with nothing to do but indulge in yet more wasted phone-time. If yours is an international departure, the regular two-hour minimum check-in window, plus added time for heightened security measures, plus duty-free shopping, plus loooong walks to many boarding gates – plus allowing time for traffic snarls – means getting away on holiday becomes an endurance test over a period of crazily extended hours. By the time you hit the aircraft seat, you’re exhausted ... and that’s even travelling without kids. My sympathy to parents. So, the smart traveller nowadays checks in at an airport hotel overnight prior to d-day. And so, I’m checking out the new Mantra at Sydney Airport ... just a few months old, on Ross Smith Drive. If it were any closer it would be on actual 78 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Christmas is so close ... Lots of carols to celebrate this great time of the year.

oin in the fun at:

quality accommodation very close to the CBD.

• Wauchope and Hinterland Community Christmas in Bain Park 9 December, 5:30pm.

Port Macquarie Koala Preservation Society The Koala Hospital commenced in 1973 and is one of the most popular attractions in our region.

• Wauchope/Bonny Hills Surf Lifesaving Club at Bonny Hills - 10 December, 5pm.

airport territory (just over the fence). Ross Smith Drive is the little side street you slip through on the way from the city via Southern Cross Drive to the domestic terminal - near the light aircraft area, where all the fast-food joints are located. But there’s nothing “fast-food” (basic) about the Mantra. It’s very smart and stylish indeed. And a smart location, too: domestic travellers can literally wheel their bag to the corner, 20m away, and they’re virtually on the departures ramps. Of course, it makes sense instead to use the airport shuttle bus that arrives regularly at the hotel’s front door, rain or shine – there’s going to be no traffic jam between Mantra Reception and the airline counter. Similarly, this new Mantra’s located right next to the intersection that branches one way to domestic ... the other to Qantas Drive and the international terminal. As one with a reputation over the years for pretty much grabbing onto the tailplane to catch a flight, I can’t think of anything easier, more sensible or more gentle on the nerves than making use of this hotel. I’ve dubbed it Goldilocks: not shabby/simple, not too flash/ expensive ... in fact, just right. Its newness adds to its appeal: freshly-painted rooms, brand new appointments and linens; the sweet smell of soft new carpet; enthusiastic foundation staff. There’s 24-hour reception, restaurant, cafe, bar and safe parking available too, if you’re arriving by road. Rested and relaxed, you can take a 20-minute taxi or train ride into town the night before your departure, secure in the knowledge you’ll easily make your flight next day. Book at: sydneyairport.res@mantra.com.au or tel 8398 0700. Guests can sign up free to Mantra Hotels’ newly launched and revitalised loyalty program, Mantra+, to receive enhanced offers and value such as free arrival drinks, WiFi, late checkout.

• The Westport’s Club Christmas Under the Stars featuring special guest Deni Hines - 10 December, 5:30pm. What a great spectacle the Touch State Cup on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th December will be this year, with over 6,000 people coming to our area. This event contributes substantially to our local economy and encourages competitors and support teams to come back and have holidays in our beautiful region. Thank you, Greater Port Macquarie, for welcoming the competitors, families and friends to our region. Two Gold Awards were won at the NSW Tourism State Awards, which were held on the 16 November. Congratulations to the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Sixty 1 m high koala sculptures, hand-painted by local artists, dot the Greater Port Macquarie landscape from the mountains to the sea. Why not collect a map from the Visitor Information Centre and explore the trail! It is a fantastic experience for adults and kids alike. Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is an inspiring experience. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the elevated accessible 1.3 km rainforest boardwalk through pristine sub-tropical rainforest. Up close to nature! Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association is delighted to welcome another five new members this month. Eagle Nest Park - an exciting eco-tourism accommodation project in the hinterland south of Bonny Hills. Port Macquarie Motel - offers centrally located

Port Macquarie Astronomical Society - the Port Macquarie Observatory is run by a voluntary group of people interested in astronomy, right in the centre of Port Macquarie. Alice in Paperland - is a specialised factory outlet located in Port Macquarie catering for a wide range of paper craft needs. Greater Port Macquarie is home to so many places where you can get up close and personal with our wildlife. On the water, see dolphins play and lead the way as they swim along with the many cruises on our scenic river systems. If being connected to the land is more your thing, why not visit the Koala Hospital or Billabong Zoo Koala and Wildlife Park? Ride aboard a camel safari meandering along Lighthouse Beach. Drive up North Brother Mountain - the view is magnificent. Jump in the saddle and explore the hinterland on horseback with Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding. The Town Green and Town Square is now completed. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Town Centre Master Plan Committee are to be commended on creating such a cosmopolitan, multi use area on the beautiful Hastings River. Our locals and tourists appreciate the fresh new landscaping and look forward to experiencing the illuminating of the canopy of lights on catenary wires that are a feature of the Town Square. Another newsworthy event is the opening of new bridge over the Hastings River. You can experience a relaxing drive on the new section of the Pacific Highway until Kundabung. Once the final stretch is finished, the 37 kilometre road will be completed from the Oxley Highway to Kempsey. The Pacific sHighway is improving all the time. Check out other events happening in our region www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

Nature never felt so good Weâ€™re preserving 37 of the best coastal and inland reserves so your family can recharge the way nature intended. Relax at a camping spot, caravan site or cabin just right for you. Experience a break youâ€™ll all remember for a lifetime.

reflectionsholidayparks.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 79

Health Wellbeing focushealth

and

B Y S A R A H D U N S TA N

Pilates and me. my frst experience of a small group class

B Y S U N D I A L D E N TA L

Bad Breath

a topic no one wants to touch

Bad breath, known as Halitosis, affects 50% to 60% of the population, causes significant psychological distress and is the third most common reason people seek dental treatment after tooth decay and gum disease.

As more and more people are looking for new ways to add some variety to their fitness routine, beyond the standard weight training and cardio programs, Pilates is growing in popularity ... Yet people may be nervous to try it, because they feel a bit intimidated by the machines or close one-on-one work with the instructor. You needn’t feel that way at Bodiline Pilates.

f you are unfamiliar with Pilates, it is a fitness system developed in the early 20th Century by a German man named Joseph Pilates. The system focuses on core strength, awareness of breath, and alignment of the spine, resulting in a lengthened and lean physique and a strong mindset. Not knowing what to expect from my first small group session with Caz, I was eager to learn about the key principles of a Pilates class. I was not disappointed. Although movements are small and controlled; rest assured, you will leave feeling you’ve accomplished a solid workout, not to mention your nervous system will be relaxed and your mind clear. Caz took our small class through some floor and mat work, working small and large muscle groups, before moving on to the quality equipment machines. Individualised attention was given to each member, to ensure form and technique was sound. I felt supported and 80 Greater Port Macquarie focus

relaxed in the light filled studio. It was also lovely to see a varying degree of ages and levels of participants, and there were both men and women practicing. It is clear Pilates has the ability to connect you with your mind and body while you’re going through a routine. The Bodiline Pilates studio is a fully equipped training centre with a variety of machines and equipment, including the reformer (a special machine providing targeted resistance) as well as straps, Swiss balls, bars and apparatus. Caz and the team are proud of their traditional approach to Pilates and will ensure you feel comfortable with each visit. They will discuss any ailing health conditions you may have, and there are a number of classes to suit all levels and individual needs, budgets and times. The studio is open seven days, with private, small group, mat and barre classes available.

t is generally agreed that the source of bad breath is a group of sulfur-containing compounds which are produced in the mouth or nasal areas. These compounds are created by the breakdown of bacteria and are known as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC). There are many causes of bad breath, but the major causes are poor oral hygiene, gum disease, diet, Tobacco use, dehydration, prescription drugs, disease and crash diets. The first step in treating bad breath is detection. If you suspect you suffer, you are not alone; a simple test for halitosis can be asking a close friend or smelling your dental floss after flossing. Fighting Halitosis; to get back on track with your oral health, ask yourself these questions. Are you brushing, flossing and seeing your dental professionals for your regular check ups and routine cleans? Are you cleaning your tongue with your toothbrush? Tongue cleaning is an essential factor in beating bad breath. At your dental check up, your dentist will check for diseased gum tissues and tooth decay. Gum diseases such as gingivitis or the more advanced periodontitis need to be detected immediately. With periodontitis, the gum loses its attachment to the tooth, and a pocket develops. Within this pocket, bacteria accumulates that can produce VSCs … and cause bad breath.

Other steps in fighting halitosis can be life style choices, such as changing your diet, quitting smoking and drinking more water. Disturbances of the digestive system may also cause bad breath, but the stomach is not generally the main source. Eating foods such as onions and garlic will result in bad breath. Dry mouth can also cause halitosis; saliva is a strong antibacterial substance and without it, bacteria can grow. A dry mouth can be caused by certain diseases or as a side effect of medicines taken to treat conditions such as high blood pressure. Simple steps like using mouthwashes or chewing sugar free gum can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, increase saliva flow and help reduce halitosis but they are only partially effective and if used as the only method of combating bad breath, the improvement will only be temporary. If you suffer from bad breath and want to make a change, take advantage of our $99 Clean with our Hygienist/Oral Health Therapist to begin to address the problem and make a change for good. Remember, Dental Health is a Team Effort and We Like Being Part of your Team. For a full list of services and to make an appointment, visit our website: www.sundialddental.com.au or ring our Port Macquarie, Wauchope or Laurieton Locations on 6583 3533.

Protect Your Eyes. “How often do you have your eyes checked - and is this enough?” For the vast majority of people, the answer is “No”. When it comes to preventing eye problems, there are real dangers of not having a regular eye examination every two years. In a report called the “Eye Health Report Card” by Vision 2020, it was highlighted that 86% of Australians rated loss of sight as their most important sense. Despite this, according to the report, 4.1 million Australians had not had their eyes tested recently - and one million had never had an eye examination at all. Approximately half the population in Australia now have long-term eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, astigmatism, long and short sightedness.

Massage at Port Macquarie. Christmas is a time when we wish health, comfort and happiness for our relatives and friends, and one meaningful way of showing this goodwill could be with a massage gift voucher from He Ling Ying (Ling), the hugely popular principal of Massage at Port Macquarie. Highly qualified in Australia, as well as in her native China, Ling’s skills are quite unique, as she successfully combines today’s recognised contemporary techniques with timehonoured Chinese modalities to provide real and recognised assistance to those with physical discomfort, sport, health or occupational mobility issues, insomnia or even common fatigue. In fact, Ling’s loyal long-term clients are an ongoing testimony to her outstanding level of care.

Hanks Optometrists By George & Matilda Eyecare want to help people to understand that committing 30 minutes to a thorough eye examination today can save a person’s sight tomorrow.

Fully accredited by Australian Association of Massage Therapists / Massage & Myotherapy Australia, Ling practices from her air-conditioned home clinic in the Lighthouse BeachShelly Beach area, where parking is just a few paces from the door. Approved treatments are recognised by most health funds, with HICAPS providing instant rebates where applicable.

The reality is that many symptoms of eye disease are either invisible or not immediately obvious. So Australians of all ages should not wait for a problem before going to see their local optometrist.

Warm, considerate and surprisingly strong, Ling cares for her clients - male, female, young and not-so-young - with compassion, respect and always with traditional Chinese courtesy and values.

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 georgeandmatilda.com.au *Check your private health fund policy for when your optical extras reset.

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Sun-safe

Our faces are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation every day of the year. So, it’s not surprising that areas such as the ears, temple, lips and nose are among the most common sites for skin cancer to develop.

he right hat not only protects your face, head, ears and the back of the neck but can reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes by 50%. Choosing the right hat A SUN-SAFE HAT WILL • Have a broad brim to adequately shade the whole face • Be made of a close-weave fabric, to ensure no light gets through • Have a dark lining to reduce the amount of UV radiation being reflected on the face and eyes • Not obscure vision or pose a safety concern (i.e. cords or toggles that can get caught on children’s play equipment) • Have good ventilation, especially if the hat is to be used while exercising. TYPES OF SUN-SAFE HATS • Broad-brimmed hat: brims should be at least 7.5 cm for an adult and 6 cm for children. For children under the age of 10 years, the brim should be proportional to the size of the child’s head and provide shade for the whole face. • Bucket hat: bucket or surfer-style hats should

have a deep crown and sit low on the head. The angled brim should be at least 6 cm for adults and 5 cm for children and should shade the face, ears and back of the neck. • Legionnaire-style hat: legionnaire-style hats should have a flap that covers the neck. The side flap and front peak (brim) should meet to protect the sides of the face. ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION FACTOR (UPF) Hats may be labelled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF. The UPF is a scale developed to rate how much UV protection a fabric provides. A fabric with a UPF of 50 allows only one-fiftieth (or 2%) of UV radiation to pass through it, so offers excellent protection. HATS FOR CHILDREN AND BABIES Cancer Council recommends that sun-safe hats be a compulsory part of a child’s school uniform. The type of hat may depend on current school uniform policy, age of the children and/ or activity. For example, broad-brimmed hats may be most appropriate for general day wear, and legionnaire-style hats may be more suitable for structured physical activity.

• A sun-safe hat protects the whole face, head, back of neck and ears. • A hat can reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the eyes by 50%. • Broad-brimmed, bucket and legionnaire-style hats provide good protection. • When choosing a hat for children, ensure it fits correctly, and shorten the cord to reduce the risk of it catching during play or on equipment. KEY POINTS Reducing your risk of skin cancer - baseball caps and sun visors do not protect the cheeks, ears and back of the neck and are not recommended. AUGUST 2013 Cancer Council does not recommend that children wear a cap at school, even if it is

available as part of the school uniform. A cap does not provide protection for a child’s neck, cheeks or ears. Hats designed for babies should be lightweight and should crumple easily when the infants put their heads down. Cancer Council NSW recommends that when the UV Index is three or above, you should protect your skin in five ways: • Slip on clothing that covers your arms and legs • Slop on 30+, broad-spectrum sunscreen • Slap on a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat • Seek shade • Slide on wrap-around sunglasses. For more information, visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/sunsmart or call the SunSmart infoline: (02) 9334 1761.

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focusinterview.

with Michelle Parker from Parker & Co Communications

Richard

BALL

good diet is the foundation of good health. Richard Ball is a Dietitian with the Health Promotion Unit of the Mid North Coast Local Health District, working to promote healthy eating and active living in our community. One of the NSW Premier’s Priorities is to reduce overweight and obesity rates of children by five per cent by 2025. “The latest figures show 52 per cent of NSW adults and 22 per cent of NSW children are overweight or obese. Health Promotion is working to ensure being healthy is easier and therefore prevent people from becoming unwell,” Richard said. Richard has always been driven to help people improve their lives. He has worked in hospitals, Indigenous communities, mental health, and as a drug and alcohol worker. “I look forward to coming to work for the people. I get to work with great childcare staff, new parents, and a diverse team of amazing people who are some of my best friends and are as committed as I am to preventative health care.” It’s not just recipe books for Richard. To become a dietitian and roll out evidence-based programs, he has undertaken 84 Greater Port Macquarie focus

DIETITIAN nutrition and healthy eating patterns for life. a great deal of study. He holds a Bachelor “It’s really exciting. We’re looking at of Science (Nutrition) from the University the ways new parents receive and share of Wollongong, Master of Nutrition and education and training in nutrition and Dietetics from Griffith University and has child feeding. We’re aiming to recruit just enrolled in a PhD at the University of new parents into the Newcastle. program in early 2018, As well as the necand these mums and essary qualifications, dads will help shape dietitians need to I look forward to coming to the project by letting us work well with other work for the people. I get to know how we can best people and be able work with great childcare staﬀ, get easy-to-understand to get them to accept new parents, and a diverse information to parents change and the reateam of amazing people who when they need it sons it is important. are some of my best friends most.” “You also have and are as committed as I am For Richard, Port to be considerate to preventative health care. Macquarie is a perfect and empathetic of base. “We have a people’s circumstancreally fit and active es and obstacles they may face in making healthful decisions. Peo- community. I’ve lived in London for six years, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cooktown in ple will make changes when they’re ready, and you can’t impose your agenda until that Cape York. After I did a dietetic community placement in Lismore many years ago, my happens,” Richard said. wife and I knew we wanted to raise our At the moment, Richard is busy rollchildren on the NSW coast. We made the ing out the Munch and Move program, move in 2012 with our two young boys. which supports childcare centres to create They certainly keep us active!” healthy environments, and PICNIC (Parents For details about the PICNIC program, in Child Nutrition Informing Community), contact Richard at Port Macquarie Commuwhich helps new parents establish feeding nity Health on 6588 2882. behaviour that provides infants with good

My Day 5:30am Ride, run or gym 7:00am Organise kids; make healthy lunches 8:00am Get in to work, make a coffee, plan and prioritise my activities for the day 9:00am Answer email queries, organise resources and information for childcare centres, review menus and policies 10:00am Meet up with dietetic students I am supervising - review their work 11:00am Visit childcare centres, find out what their needs are around nutrition and physical activity Lunch When possible, a swim or a 30 minute gym class with Andrew Currey! 1:00pm Plan and run education sessions for childcare staff, new parents and other health staff 2:00pm Develop strategies for communicating health messages to the public 4:00pm Plan research with universities, health staff and new parents 5:00pm Home. Run my kids around to various after school activities

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focusinterview.

Scott Caleb

Eleven year old Caleb Scott has overcome some major obstacles in his short life … diagnosed with brain cancer at nine, he’s a true Aussie champ. Caleb is very proud to have been chosen to be one of the baton bearers in the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. Caleb and his mum, Suzanne Turpie, share their story …

i Suzanne and Caleb. Tell us a bit about yourselves and your family? We are a combined family, with Suzanne and step dad, Rob. Together there are five kids - stepbrother Blake (19), stepsister Jae (18), Dylan (15), Ashton (13) and Caleb (11). Caleb, how old are you now, and where do you go to school? I am 11 years old, but I turn 12 in March - so not too far away! I attend St Joseph’s Primary School. It's been a pretty rocky road for your family. It can't have been easy being diagnosed with a brain tumour - Medulloblastoma - when you were nine, Caleb. What do you feel has been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome while you've been recovering? Everything. My arm. The right hand side of my body, because it doesn’t work properly. I had to learn to sit and walk again, and I also had to learn to use my left hand instead of my right hand. Suzanne, as a mum, what's been the most difficult part for you being a part of Caleb's health journey? Facing my own child’s mortality is the hardest thing. Not knowing whether he will be OK and having to trust these toxic drugs being pumped into his body. Having his head screwed to the table for radiation and not being able to comfort him - all those memories will haunt me for the rest of my life. How much support have you both received from family members, friends, and the community - and is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge specifically for their help? 86 Greater Port Macquarie focus

There are many people who have played a huge part in our journey. Caleb’s school, St Joseph’s, have been amazing with their help, but also the school community getting behind us and helping - even sometimes dropping off a meal to us was so helpful. There are many individuals; too many to name them all. Cure my brain (www.curemybrain.org) are an amazing organisation that have taken Caleb under their “wing” and are playing an integral part in Caleb’s rehabilitation. They are funding Caleb’s physio with Simon and his team at Enriched Health Care. Amanda Rouse, OT at Port Base Hospital, has built an amazing relationship with Caleb, and Caleb works very well under Amanda’s care. Without this team behind Caleb, I don’t think he would be where he is now. I think a huge thank you needs to be said to the people who we don’t/didn’t know, but made donations to us and attended fundraisers, all out of the kindness of their hearts. We can never repay everyone, but I want everyone to know how much it means to us and that we are eternally grateful. Caleb, how are you feeling these days? And what are some of the activities you most enjoy doing? I feel great. Things are improving still for me, and I’ve learnt how to manage my walking and use my arm. I don’t let what’s happened stop me from trying things, and I generally find a way to do it, even if it’s different. Mum and Rob recently enrolled me in Little Ninjas (Karate) in the hope that it will help with my recovery. I love attending these classes and have a lot of fun there. I have managed to get my next belt already and feel pretty proud of

I THINK A HUGE THANK YOU NEEDS TO BE SAID TO THE PEOPLE WHO WE DON’T/ DIDN’T KNOW, BUT MADE DONATIONS TO US AND ATTENDED FUNDRAISERS, ALL OUT OF THE KINDNESS OF THEIR HEARTS.

myself. I also really enjoy swimming and love getting in the pool every opportunity I get. When I get in the pool, my body feels normal. Suzanne, what's the future looking like for Caleb - any plans in the pipeline/potential new treatments necessary? We are hopeful about the future, but know that in a heartbeat this could change. Life is very vulnerable. Brain cancer is so unpredictable, but our hearts are full of hope, so we just want to make sure that we fill every day of our lives with some amazing memories together. We continue to travel to Sydney every three months and hold our breath for good results. Early next year, thanks to Cure My Brain (www.curemybrain.org) we are looking on embarking on some further surgery for Caleb to hopefully help regain some movement on the right hand side of Caleb’s face and we truly hope - help him to get his smile back. This will also help to have his eye close properly and stop his eye from getting permanently damaged. Caleb, you're an inspiration to many - and it was so amazing to hear you'll be one of the baton bearers in the Queen's Baton Relay ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2018. What can you tell us about the relay and what it means to you? It just makes me really happy that I’m given this chance to be a part of history. I had no idea that I had been nominated and when Mum told me, I was so happy that I could do it. I know the relay travels around the Commonwealth, being passed from one person

to another and they run it to each other until it reaches the opening of the Commonwealth Games. Knowing I get to be a part of that makes me really excited and happy. The baton will arrive in Kempsey on Feb 2nd, 2018. Caleb, what will your own personal role be with the ceremony - and how much are you looking forward to it? I will on the day be handed the baton and pass it on to the next person. I’m so excited to be doing it and love knowing that my family and friends will be watching me. What do you both hope and dream of for the future? A cure for brain cancer. That no family has to go through what we have and still continue to go through. That Caleb defies the odds and lives a full, happy healthy life free of disease and sickness. That he gets his driver’s licence, he graduates school, gets a job, gets married and has kids that he has the same opportunity that other kids his age has. I wish for him to live a long life, with his beautiful smile always shining. Caleb has more immediate hopes and dreams. He just got picked for school captain next year and is stoked with that. But ultimately, he’s just a kid wanting to be like all the other kids his age. Thanks guys. Note: The relay baton carries Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s message to all athletes competing in the Commonwealth Games, and will travel 230,000 km over 388 days.

season With summer celebrations and Christmas just upon us, here are some

healthier recipes that you can share with friends and family. Dairy free, raw, gluten free, paleo and vegan options will ensure that your whole family and your guests are catered for this Christmas.

Christmas Trufffes INGREDIENTS 1 cup hazelnut butter 3 tbsp Maple syrup 2 tbsp chopped, dried cranberries. Pinch of sea salt 3 tbsp raw cacao 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or buttons METHOD • mix together nut butter, maple syrup, sea salt and cacao. • roll mixture into balls and place on tray lined with baking paper for an hour. • melt chocolate gently until smooth and dip each ball into melted chocolate. Balance on a fork and let the excess drain off, and then place on tray to freeze. • freeze chocolate dipped balls for 10 minutes, and then store in sealed container in refrigerator to enjoy with guests!

Gluten Free Raw Apple Pie INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING 1 cup organic Medjool dates 2 teaspoons coconut oil Squeeze of lemon juice

4 tbsp coconut oil 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder 1 cup walnuts INSTRUCTIONS FOR CRUST Put all the crust ingredients into your food processor until it becomes crumbly in texture. Divide mixture evenly between individual small dishes or a larger pie dish. Press base firmly and evenly, covering the bottom and sides of dish. METHOD - FILLING Place all the filling ingredients into food processor and pulse until ingredients are in small pieces, but not blended too much. Evenly fill pie or pies with your filling and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can top with cinnamon and whipped coconut cream if you desire!

Festive Mocktail Punch INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup fresh of lime juice 1 cup of chopped fresh mint 1 cup of blueberries 1 cup of raspberries 1 litre of cranberry juice

Pinch of cinnamon

½ cup of Herbs of Gold Probiotic Coco Berry Concentrate

¼ teaspoon vanilla paste

1 litre of mineral water

Pinch Himalayan salt

METHOD

4 organic apples

Mix ingredients in a large bowl and serve with ice and slices of lemon and lime.

INGREDIENTS FOR CRUST 1 cup Medjool dates

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88 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Greater Port Macquarie focus 89

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

December 2017

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

A nice feeling of personal satisfaction can be anticipated this month - the opposite of feeling you need support from others; in fact, you’re quite chuffed with yourself and independent. You are very inspirational to others as when you are confronted with challenge, you have the ability to rise above it and only allow it to make you more powerful. Garnet will enhance your passion for living.

Avoid taking life too seriously at present; this is why all your fears and insecurities are playing with you. This is leaving you feeling trapped in life, instead of owning it and creating it. Try to connect to your silly self and do some pranking to lighten up your energy and brighten your world. Ruby shatters fear and leaves us feeling safe and comfortable in our reality.

Connect with a passion you have. Your love of life needs satisfying. Change is coming forward, and this is a natural challenge for the Libran. Start a project or play with your creative energies. You will soon offer your family members some profound healing advice, so don’t be afraid to speak. You would benefit from spending some quality time expressing some thoughts and feeling into poetry or words. Topaz strengthens our self esteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Avoid taking life too seriously; all this is doing is bringing out a grumpy you which isn’t you. You are the practical joker, the fun loving one, so lighten up and watch your spark affect everyone else. Rose Quartz is a wonderful crystal for self esteem and unconditional love.

A gift is about to be bestowed upon you. This was your creation through a wish made several months ago. Now all you need to do is get out of the way and let heaven help you. Romance and passion are likely to be a major influence over the next few months. Rhodochrosite helps us find our inner child’s joy of life.

Fears and insecurities will surface but if you claim them and heal them, nothing will hinder your progress. If you treat them light heartedly, they will be transformed into new strengths. Calcite brings spontaneity into the picture.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

An opportunity to access something from your past will be likely to present itself. Be prepared for it by identifying what it may be and write a list of all the things required, then take action and get some things from the list so you can achieve full success. Avoid sabotaging it by thinking, “Too hard; can’t do”. This opportunity will greatly benefit your self esteem and self worth. Citrine is a very powerful motivator; carry some.

You are good at manifesting your desires, but you are trapped by your old beliefs. If you debate your old beliefs and create new ones, luck will follow. The universe is offering a path of cleansing through a purging of anything or anyone not serving the highest good for your future.

Your focus lately has been inward. Don’t be worried if you have not felt involved lately; life has a funny way of unfolding opportunities. You needed to regather yourself. Make a list of your strengths and watch them fulfil you. Turquoise has a confidence boosting effect.

Selenite is a very powerful cleanser.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Avoid being caught up in how you will be able to support yourself comfortably in the future; you have always been able to progress from one opportunity to the next with perfect timing, so see this as a gauge in how you manifest and thank yourself for being self sufficient. Avoid placing emphasis on negative possibilities. Turquoise sustains our confidence.

Your attention is drawn to your beliefs and rules by which you live. As you have changed, your reality is beginning to change. Don’t be afraid of the differences life will offer; be excited. There are new friends approaching and your intellect will have stimulation, so look for that perfect class to join and enjoy new talent and associated experiences. Zincite helps creation of new ideas.

Listen to your “gut feelings”, as they will lead you into an exciting experience that is a “meant to be” one. You will enjoy playing with gifts or talents that will relate to this opportunity, and your confidence and self esteem will benefit enormously. Have fun discovering something new you are already very good at. Apophyllite is a great crystal for aiding in reaching full potential in projects.

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focus_contributor

W I T H C A R O L I N E B L E E C H M O R E , C Y B E R S A F E T Y A D V O C AT E

focus_contributor

WITH TIM BAKER FROM BAKER IT

cyber mum.

Online Safety Tips for Parents

tech tips. With Tim Baker

Gadget Time

Do Your Kids Sleep with their Device? Taking a device to bed is a very common habit which most adults are now guilty of in today’s digital age. But, when we let our kids take their devices to bed, what are the impacts?

ccording to a study conducted by the each night, they’re not completing enough Royal Children’s Hospital in Melsleep cycles (most kids and teens need bebourne in June 2017, 43% of all chil- tween four and six sleep cycles per night). dren are taking their devices to bed, Night waking - viewing scary or violent and one in four of these children report having content can cause nightmares, particularly sleep problems. In America, the National Sleep amongst younger children under 10 years of Foundation estimates that 89% of adults and age. While many parents wisely restrict their 75% of children have at least one electronic kids’ exposure to violent movies and/or video device in their bedrooms. games, sometimes we overlook the scary or I’m inclined to think that the American disturbing images or video that are featured figures are more realistic, as I feel the problem on TV news programs and distributed via social in Australia is bigger than we want to admit. media. Given that there is now Online dangers - it medical evidence that isn’t just the sleep issues screens can have a negthat put kids at risk with ative impact on our kids’ devices in the bedroom. sleep, it’s essential that Research shows that Tablets and smartphones parents teach today’s most cyberbullying, sexemit blue light, and this kids how to use screens ting and children accesscan cause sleep delays. appropriately and ening pornography takes Children’s eyes are still force boundaries around place at night, because developing and haven’t when and where screens devices are in bedrooms. yet developed the can be used. The added danger here is protective pigments that Some of the many that because of the way enable them to ﬁlter out some issues when letting kids kids' and teens' brains of the harmful blue light. and teens take their deare wired, their prefrontal vices to bed include ... cortex (the part of the Sleep delays - tablets brain responsible for and smartphones emit blue light, and this logical thinking and impulse control) doesn't can cause sleep delays. Children’s eyes are work at night, and their emotional brain is still developing and haven’t yet developed the working instead. So, they're literally at risk of protective pigments that enable them to filter being more impulsive, taking more risks and out some of the harmful blue light. Blue light being emotional, and this means that they can suppresses the body’s production of melatonin make mistakes. (the hormone that regulates their sleep-wake What can parents do? cycle) which kids need to produce to fall asleep The simple and most effect course of action quickly and easily. is banning devices in bedrooms for kids and Interrupted sleep cycles - if children have teens. If your teens require their smartphone to digital devices in their bedroom, the alerts and use as an alarm clock, there are ways around notifications can wake them up and interrupt this; buy them an actual alarm clock or better their sleep cycles. A typical sleep cycle takes still, install parental controls on their devices to approximately 90 - 110 minutes to complete disable the internet during bedtime and ensure - four stages of non-rapid eye movement the phone is switched to night mode. (NREM) and one stage of rapid eye movement Cyber Mum Australia. (REM). If kids are being woken multiple times www.facebook.com/cybermumaus

92 Greater Port Macquarie focus

I’m the ﬁrst to put my hand up that when it comes to gadgets, I’m like a kid at Christmas.

love my gadgets and recently there is a big gone. push for technology to become smarter, from The key to having a Smart Home is creating smart phones, smart watches, smart clothes automations. An automation is an instruction and smart homes. Recently I’ve been playing that tells a Smart Home device what to do and with some smart home packages; so, how easy is when to do it. It’s easy to set up automations it to get a smart? using apps on your phone that talk to your smart What is a smart home, and why would I hub. want it? • Switch off the iron, aircon or kettle when A smart home revolves everyone leaves for work around a hub and in most or school cases, is voice activated. • Switch on the living There are a few on the room lamps when the A smart home revolves around market now, such as the family gathers round the a hub and in most cases, is voice Google Home and the TV at night activated. There are a few Amazon Echo. They are • Not sure if you closed on the market now, such voice activated personal the back door? Check in as the Google Home and assistants that can control the app the Amazon Echo. everything from playing • Receive an SMS or music, turning on and off email alerts based on the lights and other electrical automations you’ve set up equipment, to answering • Tell your smart lights to questions and making appointments. flash your team colours when they score a goal. Why would I want a smart home? Where do I start? Simply, it’s peace of mind home monitoring. I’ve been playing with the Google Home Hub, To know when your kids arrive from school, and it’s been an easy setup. I’ve noticed that view the front door from your mobile device to the Telstra Store in Port Central have a couple see who enters, or just make sure your dog at of starter packages that work with Google home isn’t destroying your house. Combine a Automation and Engery Starter Kit and a Watch wifi camera, smart home hub and door sensors and Monitor Starter Kit and both kits are a great and you can have the assurance that all is well at place to start, depending on what you are after. home. Add a smart lock to the front door, and From here, you can build you smart home by you can remotely give access to friends, family adding devices when and where they are needed. or trades people, knowing when they enter and If you have any questions, feel free to drop me leave and disabling the virtual key when they are an email at asktim@bakerit.com.au

focusinterview.

Jane Hillsdon Jane, we see you interviewing a great many people for the Business Minds column, but we thought it was about time we interviewed you!

or those who don't know your "story", can you tell us how you came to be a Marketing Consultant in Port Macquarie? I moved to Port Macquarie just over ten years ago, when my husband landed a role with Essential Energy. We moved up here with our eldest daughter, who was just under two at the time, and we’ve had two more children since. We moved from Sydney’s inner west, so it was definitely a shift in pace and lifestyle. I consider myself really lucky to have the opportunity to raise our kids in Port Macquarie; it’s such a healthy environment for raising a family. I studied a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Advertising at university and kicked off my career in recruitment with Michael Page International. I worked for them in Sydney and in London. It was in that role where I learned the art of business development and how to build strong client relationships. I moved from there into a variety of marketing roles, working both on the agency and client side. I bounced around a little, before I stumbled across a role with an agency that consulted to small businesses (mainly financial advisory firms). I remember the ah-ha moment when I sat next to a small business owner as I was developing a marketing campaign for his business and having the realisation that the success or failure of my marketing campaign would have significant effect not only on this person’s business bottom line, but their personal life as well. All of a sudden, I was so determined to deliver a successful outcome. I couldn’t fail. The buck stopped with me! I was hooked. When we moved to Port Macquarie, I started doing bits of consulting to keep me sane while I was knee deep in small children. The demand grew for my services, and the rest is history. What makes you so passionate about

When we moved to Port Macquarie, I

national Australian marketing? Why started doing bits of does it excite you? Marketing consulting to keep I’m passionate Institute Awards me sane while I was about marketing, for Marketing knee deep in small because when it’s Excellence. Can you children. The demand done properly, it can tell us about the grew for my services, and achieve so much for prestige of this? the rest is history. a business. The significance Good marketing of this award has is an intelligent taken a while investment, and to sink in. These awards are presented smart business owners know this. It works to organisations and marketers who if you create clever strategy which allows have achieved extraordinary success you to develop creative ideas and employ from innovative and effective marketing consistent and persistent execution. I love practices. The Awards recognise the critical engaging in big picture, out of the box role of marketing as the vital source of thinking to come up with ideas that will value creation for a business. help clients achieve their objectives. The These are national awards, and not one real thrill though, is seeing the idea come other regionally based agency was on the to fruition and exceed expectations in terms list of finalists, let alone winners. To win of delivering results. I love it when a plan this award and be recognised at a national comes together! level is such an achievement. We know you love to challenge One of the most powerful affects that yourself by entering business and this award has had for me is that it has industry awards. How does winning given me the confidence to back myself awards benefit you and your business? on a few opportunities that have recently I’m a competitive person by nature. I’m come my way. constantly finding ways to challenge and For a regionally based consultancy, this better myself, and I believe entering awards really puts your expertise on the map. is a great way to do this. I started entering What’s next for Dragonfly Marketing? the local Port Macquarie Chamber Business I’ve learned so much about my business Awards to get my head around crafting in the past ten years. I now have such a good award submissions. I became a finalist strong appreciation of exactly who my ideal in many categories and picked up the clients are and who they are not. I know Woman in Business award twice. my strengths and I know my weaknesses. The problem with entering these awards I work best when I can partner with likethough, was that I was entering awards minded clients to create clever strategy, that judged me on my ability to run a generate creative ideas and help them build business, when my actual strength lies in lasting relationships with their customers. marketing. It seemed that I was focusing The next phase for Dragonfl y Marketing my attention in the wrong direction. So I allows me to scale and replicate my then researched which industry awards I expertise. Having now bedded down could enter that would recognise Dragonfly exactly how I can help my clients, I’m ready for its ability to provide excellent marketing to focus my efforts and back myself to take solutions. on this next stage. You just picked up the award for "Small Budget Marketing" in the Thanks Jane.

SMALL BUDGET MARKETING AWARD

DRAGONFLY MARKETING

Greater Port Macquarie focus 93

The All New

e-designed from the ground up, the stunningly stylish CR-V is equipped with advanced technology and connectivity, passive and active safety systems and clever storage to boot. With space for the whole family too, it’s adventure ready, when you are. Behind the wheel of the CR-V is a comfortable place to be. It’s easy to set up a good driving position, and visibility is excellent. It’s the same engine, 1.5-litre, as used in the Honda Civic, but has been upgraded with a larger turbocharger to boost its power and performance in order to pull the heavier SUV frame. The increased power is needed as the new CR-V, with the exception of the rangetopping all-wheel drive model, is heavier

HONDA

CRV

arguably the well-specified five-seat VTi-S than the outgoing model. The seven-seat 2WD model. Retailing at $33,290 RRP, plus two-wheel drive VTI-L is the heaviest of all on-roads, it offers the best the models, weighing of the economical 2WD in at 1,642 kg and yet performance combined with despite the weight, some of the better features Honda claims relatively All models also receive dualavailable in the range. frugal fuel economy, from zone climate control, So, is the CR-V a safe just 7.0L/100km in the keyless entry and push and value-driven option for entry-level CR-V VTi 2WD button start and reverse family-friendly buyers? With to 7.4L/100km for the allcamera. With the exception 5-star ANCAP safety rating, wheel drive variants. of the base model, the CR-V Apple CarPlay featuring The other key factor for is equipped with an electric a 7.0-inch colour touchHonda in production, as tailgate with high adjustment. screen display, cameras and well as being many things sensors, push button start, to appeal to and meet hill start assist and new the needs of families in levels of sophistication and the SUV segment, is that design, yes it is. the line up needs to represent good value. All models also receive dual-zone climate It largely delivers. The pick of the range is

JOHN PATRICK HONDA | (02) 6584 1800 169 HASTINGS RIVER DRIVE PORT MACUARIE 94 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The fifth generation 2017 Honda CR-V is an exciting new package on the market designed with Australian families in mind. Focusing on fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability and function, the all new CR-V needs to be pretty good to compete against the myriad of medium SUV choice models available to today’s family buyers. The CRV’s five model line up now includes a seven seat option for the first time and a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, so that everyday trips can now become family adventures. control, keyless entry and push-button start and reverse camera. With the exception of the base model, the CR-V is equipped with an electric tailgate with high adjustment. Interior space has been maximised, with second-row passengers the big beneficiaries. There’s now an additional 65 mm of knee clearance in the second row and even with the driver’s seat set up for a tall driver, there’s still plenty of room to move. There are also second row vents and two USBs to save siblings arguing about who gets to charge their tablet. A pleasure to drive, experience the style and comfort of the all-new Honda CR-V with a test drive at John Patrick today, Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Phone 6584 1800.

focus_contributor

HADYN ORITI WITH THE PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

of considerable business experience and an understanding of the challenges of business has stepped up into the role.

In the next period, some of the issues Chamber

We welcome Mark. He will provide considerable momentum for the re-invigoration of Chamber and will ably market Chamber’s value proposition to members and potential members.

Chambers within the LGA;

The value Chamber offers in respect of networking, information, connectedness and advocacy really depends on how members themselves choose to engage. I encourage all businesses to get involved and help to draw value from this institution.

3. Building member engagement and value

Looking back, I am very pleased to see economic development has such a high profile within Council. The culture of Council embraces economic development, and that is in no small way a reflection of the advocacy of the Chamber.

Minding your

During that time, three Council administrators came and went. Councillors and Mayors have also come and gone. Too many things to mention here have been written about. But

1. Broader focus and engagement of the other 2. Plaza Car Park and the commercial development that must happen there; proposition - something with which we have struggled; 4. Maintaining a credible voice for business. I am confident the board, together with Mark, will seize the opportunities that come along. Last year in the Chamber’s annual report, I said: Being in business is a declaration of commitment and personal responsibility. It is a statement to the world of your values and determination to

The foreshore has been a key focus. The work that the Council and the TCMP have undertaken there and at Town Green is great and a credit to the town.

make your own way. In a time when personal

Well, rebels need champions and networks of

the Chamber played a role in helping to shape discussions around the future of our town, and I have been very happy with the contribution it makes.

The orbital road is now being seriously considered as part of the necessary infrastructure from Ocean Drive to the airport to support development of the town, and works are being undertaken behind the scenes to determine what is feasible.

Over the last 12 months, Lisa McPherson, our long-standing executive officer, decided to seek opportunities outside of Chamber. We thank her for her service. Stephanie Baker joined us for a short period. Now Mark Wilson, a person

Port Macquarie has a great future. I am pleased to have been involved in the Chamber at some key times, during Council administration for example, when we had to re-establish credibility and lines of communication.

This will be the last of my columns. It is time to move on and allow some fresh views and voices to be heard.

have been writing these columns as President of the Chamber for nearly five and a half years. My involvement in the Chamber started as the executive officer in 2008 and then as a board member from 2009.

will need to address include:

responsibility is not the fundamental shared value it once was, going into business is almost an act of rebellion. likeminded fellow travellers. That’s where the Chamber gets involved - helping members to connect. That rings true today. My thanks go to my fellow board members. All give of themselves voluntarily for the community. I ask that members support Mark in the implementation of Chamber’s strategy. Best wishes to all, merry Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.

Delivering for the Hastings Valley David and Luke working together to deliver: Federal funding to the multi-million dollar Port Macquarie Airport Terminal upgrade. $3.4-million to support Local Drug Action Teams, Rehabilitation and Treatment services.

Dr David Gillespie MP Federal Member for Lyne 43 Hastings Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au

6586 4462

DavidGillespieMP

Luke Hartsuyker MP Federal Member for Cowper 39 Little Street, Coffs Harbour luke.hartsuyker.mp@aph.gov.au

6652 6233 Luke.Hartsuyker.MP

Greater Port Macquarie focus 95

Growth

St. Columba at

P R I N C I PA L T E R R Y M U L D O O N

St Columba is now in its sixteenth year. As Principal, Mr Terry Muldoon, pointed out, “Schools grow in size and reputation when they meet the needs of their community. As an independent school, we are keenly aware that St Columba can only grow and prosper if we reflect and meet the aspirations of the families who choose to join us.” St Columba has not only grown in size and enrolments, but in the notion of growth in learning - something that the staff believe all students should understand and embody. Stage 1 Coordinator, Mrs Sarah Jones, explains: “Growth mindset is about every child believing they have the power to control their own learning. At St Columba, we strive to develop passionate, autonomous learners who are driven by a belief in the power of ‘yet’. All students are encouraged to set their own learning goals and discover the importance of making mistakes and learning from these as opportunities to reflect and refine.” Mrs Jones emphasises that the most

important aspect of growth mindset is to empower students to strive to constantly improve and embrace mistakes, rather than fear them. In an evolving society which involves more and more emphasis on sustainable living and resources, St Columba also understands the importance of environmental education from preschool right through to Year 12. Columba Cottage Early Learning Centre, situated on the St Columba Anglican School campus, follows sustainable practices, growing their own fruit and vegetables in each playground, with an abundance of fresh produce collected each day by the preschool children. Pre-school educators assist the children in planting out and watering the gardens each day, to ensure the best outcome for growth. As Columba Cottage Director, Ms Susanna Christie, says, “It is important to educate our children about sustainability, so that they have an awareness and understanding of the environment they live in.”

St Columba Primary important lessons in School teacher, Mrs respecting the environment St Columba Primary School Ann-Kathrin Kiehn, they grow and learn in. teacher, Mrs Ann-Kathrin is passionate about St Columba Anglican Kiehn, is passionate our environment, School and Columba about our environment, and leads a group of Cottage Early Learning and leads a group of students students referred to as Centre work together referred to as the ‘EnviroKids’. the “EnviroKids”. This to nurture excellence in group also maintain teaching and learning, and grow their own and believe that there is fruit and vegetables always room to grow, learn, in the Stage 1 playground, while also teaching respect and care. other students the importance of keeping their Columba Cottage Early Learning Centre and playgrounds clean and using green bins for St Columba Anglican School - a great place to food waste. These students are being taught grow.

At Columba Cottage and St Columba Anglican School we nurture our children and students to feel safe, supported and inspired.

A great place to grow! SCAS022 Dual Branded Growth Ad.indd 1

96 Greater Port Macquarie focus

17/11/2017 2:59:36 PM

Forester with Trevor Franklin

Trevor Franklin talks to FOCUS about how the Subaru Forester has continued to be their most popular vehicle for over 20 years. The Forester has been a popular car for over 20 years for Subaru - what makes it so special? Hard to believe the iconic Forester has been around for that long! The Subaru Forester is without doubt Subaru’s most successful model in Australia - a model that really placed the Subaru brand on the map as a top contender in the market place. Forester has enjoyed strong brand loyalty, with many Australian families consistently updating to new model Foresters as they are released. That’s because our customers have experienced great reliability, minimal maintenance costs and a sure footed comfortable and very safe ride with each Forester they have owned - what you would call a great all rounder.

Within the range of Subaru vehicles, where does the Forester sit in terms of size, price and features? In our Subaru range, the Forester sits between the XV and Outback as a medium sized SUV that’s not too big on the outside but incredibly roomy on the inside, with easy entry and exit - it’s the right height to get in and out of, a consideration very important to many of our customers. The Forester is great value, with Auto 2.5 litre petrol models starting from just $37,300 RRP driveaway with standard boxer engine, symmetrical all wheel drive, stability and traction control, dual zone climate control air conditioning, large infotainment screen with reversing camera, Bluetooth, USB, plus

many more features too numerous to list here. Tell us about the latest model - what were the new features? We have just released the 2018 model Forester with our best seller, the 2.5i-S, now coming with standard Subaru Vision Assist and Lane Keep assist in addition to its already impressive safety, convenience and luxury appointments. Subaru Vision Assist gives our customers the added safety of blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, along with a bird’s eye view of the left hand front side of the car to assist with parking, thanks to an additional camera mounted in the passenger side mirror. In addition, Lane Keep is added to the terrific Subaru Eyesight driver assist system for even

greater safety out on the open road. Better still, all this additional equipment comes with no increase in price from the previous model that’s exceptional value! Is it possible to test drive and check out the Forester, and do we have to book? We have a new 2018 Forester 2.5i-S demonstrator ready now for a comprehensive test drive. We would love the opportunity to demonstrate all of these great Forester features to prospective buyers and invite you to call us on 6588 2588 to arrange, or call in to our Subaru showroom at 104 Gordon Street between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and now open Saturday from 9am until 4pm for your convenience.

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focus_contributor

BRONWYN NEWTON FROM PORT MACQUARIE LANDCARE

landcare. update Boobook. For the past month or two we’ve enjoyed hearing Boobook songs in our neighbourhood. Night after night the calls start at dusk, and they’re still going when I fall asleep.

here are two notes, the second being lower in pitch than the first. Sometimes it’s described as “mopoke” (and this is another name for the bird). What I’m hearing is a “normal call” between mated birds. They have other calls, described by ornithologist Graham Pizzey: a “falsetto ‘yoyo-yo-yo’; near nest, a drawn out rising cat-like ‘brrrwow’ and monotonously repeated low ‘mormor-mor‘.” So if you stay up at night, you may be lucky enough to hear more of this repertoire. Boobooks live in pairs, but seem to roost separately. They nest in a tree hollow 3 - 25 metres above the ground, where two or three round white eggs are laid. Nesting takes 42 days, with both parents feeding the chicks. Breeding takes place from August to January but mainly in October, so the birds calling now are probably very busy. The Boobook call is an essential sound of the Australian bush, and indeed, this owl is very widely distributed. Boobooks can be found in many habitats, but there must be trees present, as this bird roosts in thick foliage during the day. It may inhabit rainforests, mallee, open forests, orchards and parks, pine forests, even gardens. Its hiding place is sometimes given away when its roost is discovered by small birds that may mob it, forcing it to move away. That’s because it’s a hunter, preying on small birds, small mammals (including house mice), arthropods and insects, sometimes caught in

flight. When the Boobook emerges at dusk, Pizzey says, it “sits watchfully on exposed branches and fences” - and we may get a chance to see it. The Boobook is the smallest Australian owl, up to 36 cm long and weighing up to 360 g, with females often larger than males. Our local one is a Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae). Brown with large pale “goggles” around each eye, it has large pale spots on its wings and reddish brown underparts streaked with brown and white. There are four races of Boobook owls, which differ in appearance and size. Race “boobook” is found to the east of the Great Dividing Range, and to the west is “ocellata”, which has a more sandy red hue. In northeast Queensland is race “lurida”, which is smaller and darker. Tasmanian birds, “leucopsis”, are even smaller, and conspicuously spotted, with golden eyes and toes: they may be a separate subspecies. In New Zealand, the bird (N.n. novaeseelandiae) is called Ruru or Morepork. The Norfolk Island subspecies survives only as a hybrid population with the Ruru, and the Lord Howe subspecies is extinct. Owls in the Ninox genus are characterised by bristly feet and long wings. Species are found from Madagascar to Australia and the IndoMalayan regions. If you’d like to help conserve habitat for our wildlife, you can contact Landcare at info@ landcareportmac.com.au Contributed by Julie Ho.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 99

Buying

your

first car

or upgrading?

While some people prefer to purchase a car outright, many other buyers would rather get a loan and pay it off over time.

A PRE-APPROVED OFFER

utside of a home loan, buying a vehicle is probably the biggest financial commitment you’re going to make in your life - so make it count. While you might have some savings to put towards buying a car, in many cases a car loan is an easier and faster way to drive away with your own car; without having to pay huge upfront costs. Finding the best car loan may seem overwhelming because of many different types of loans, repayment options and other factors to consider. These tips can help you get a better idea of what you need from your car finance and make the whole process smoother. Finance first, shopping second! While it can

be tempting to hit the car yard straight away, you need to get a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend before you start looking at cars. If you fall in love with a vehicle before you know if it is in your budget, you can be setting yourself up for disappointment. It’s always best to walk into the car dealership with a financing offer from your bank in your hand. A pre-approved offer guarantees that you have a loan to cover the cost of the car you want and often gives you more power when negotiating with a dealership. Applying for a car loan has never been easier, or more convenient. bcu members can apply online, 24 hours a day 7 days a week allowing you to walk into a car dealership completely prepared and informed to make

the right purchase penalise borrowers if they GUARANTEES THAT YOU for your individual choose to pay the loan HAVE A LOAN TO COVER situation. Compare all out before the original THE COST OF THE CAR of the features and not expiry date. However, YOU WANT AND OFTEN just the interest rate, as more adjustable loans, GIVES YOU MORE POWER many people fall into such as the bcu Car Loan WHEN NEGOTIATING a trap of only looking Special, offer flexible WITH A DEALERSHIP. at interest rates when repayment options, and comparing car loans. allow members to make This can prove to be a additional payments and costly mistake! While clear the loan early. interest rates are an important part of a loan, It is also a good idea to take note of they are not the only feature you should be other beneficial features offered by a loan. paying attention to. When selecting a loan, For instance, bcu’s Car Loan Special offers think about which conditions would suit you members a handy redraw facility. To jump best. Not all loans are flexible, particularly start the process and get behind the wheel of when it comes to additional payments your new car sooner, visit www.bcu.com.au/car-loan-special and early payouts, some loans will actually

Buying your first car or upgrading?

To jump start the process and get behind the wheel of your new car sooner, visit bcu.com.au/car-loan-special

Credit eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. *Loan must be secured over a vehicle up to 5 years old. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Interest rate is correct as at 17/11/2017, and is subject to change without notice. **Comparison rate based on secured loan of $30,000 over 5 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges.

Bananacoast Community Credit Union Ltd Australian Credit Licence Number 241077

100 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Y O U R H E A LT H L I N K NATIONAL

Photographic Competition

The winners of the Your Health Link National Photographic Competition have been announced from a record field of 1,300 entries received from all over Australia.

rganised by the Mid North Coast Local Health District, the annual competition offered more than $45,000 in cash and prizes across four categories.

The winners and placegetters were presented with their awards at a gala evening at Port Macquarieâ€™s Glasshouse. The winner of the Primary School category was Clare Young from Lismore, with Puppy Love. Joel Parkinson travelled with his mother from Tasmania to accept the prize for best photo by a high school student, entitled Breath of Fresh Air. The mobile category was awarded to Anne-Marie Seve for her image entitled Watermelon Daze, while the Open category was taken out by Valla Beach

local Cass Sutton for Joy of Life. The competition focuses on increasing health literacy through the exciting medium of photography, where community members are given the topic Healthy Life, Healthy You to actively participate in creating visual images that represent the subject matter. Competition judge Toni Fuller said the standard of the photos submitted was very high and the theme of Healthy Life, Healthy You was interpreted in some unique and creative ways in the entries received. All of the winning photographs and images from placegetters in each category are featured on the Your Health Link website at: www.yourhealthlinkphotocomp.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 101

focus_archives

WITH DEBBIE SOMMERS

T Like them or loathe them, oysters are an important part of our local food scene and economy. Back in 1967, the North Coast grew half the state’s production of oysters, valued at that time at nearly $3 million a year.

North Coast Oyster Farmers.

he North Coast Oyster Farmers’ Association annual luncheon was held at Port Macquarie that year, with local oystermen opening 1,000 dozen prime quality oysters for the occasion attended by 250 people. Needless to say, there were a lot of second helpings. Commercial cultivation of oysters began at Port Macquarie in 1884, when members of the Cohen and Freeman families obtained the first government approved leases. Their efforts were not successful, as most of the oysters died, probably due to river conditions and predators. Three years later, there were very few oysters in the river when John Suart Dick obtained his first lease near Kooloonbung Creek. After three years of work, he was only able to produce five bags of oysters. At the time, knowledge about oyster growth and cultivation was limited. It was John Suart Dick’s son, Thomas, who showed a natural aptitude for observation and deduction, and it was his practical and scientific knowledge of oyster biology and predators that helped to ensure the ongoing success of the oyster industry. By 1915, oyster lessees on the Hasting River were sending over 2,000 bags of oysters to Sydney, per year. Around that time, there were 24 men employed in oyster cultivation on the Hastings, with their production valued at £5,650. In 1911, a new building at the corner of Horton and Clarence Streets was used by Mr. W.

McGrath as a fruit shop, restaurant and oyster saloon, offering what was described as a “… first-class oyster supper for those in need of such a treat …” and Hayward’s Oyster Saloon was operating back in 1900 for those who “… enjoy the delicious bivalve …” Oysters were popular fare at race meetings of the Hastings River Jockey Club and at the annual Port Macquarie Regatta, where oyster saloons were set up to feed the crowds. The Port Macquarie Pony Club was chastised in 1913 for failing to provide a refreshment booth or oyster saloon at its winter race meeting: “… This lack of the means for satisfying the cravings of the inner man was a source of serious discomfort to patrons …” A matter before the local Police Court in 1938 resulted in two men being gaoled for four days for stealing a bag of oysters valued at 15 shillings. The defendants had found the bag on the side of the road, where it had been left for collection. Oyster farmer George Bale took out a full page advertisement in The Port Macquarie Pictorial tourist booklet published in 1946. The advertisement states “... The Holiday Resort for Famous Port Macquarie Oysters ...” and Mr Bale can be seen standing proudly alongside the rock stacks on his Limeburner’s Creek lease. The advertisement continues “… Port Macquarie oysters are the best in Australia …” Enjoy your local oysters over the coming festive season.

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102 Greater Port Macquarie focus

KEMPSEY WAUCHOPE AND PORT MACQUARIE

SkillsLink Training is the training arm of Port Macquarie Community College RTO 90315

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focus_contributor

WITH ROBYN BUTLER

Robyn’s

SPOT Positive “Port” of views. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas ... since October ... Ho Ho Ho or No No No! It is a lovely time of the year for families, but wouldn’t it be nice (my thoughts) to have a Christmas without humidity? Anyway, we are very lucky when you consider our Australian Forces overseas.

ou can always send a care parcel to our troops for free, as long as it is no more than 2 kg. Parcels must be at the Post Office no later than the 8th December ... No alcohol, no offensive reading material, and no perishables. They prefer you to donate online, and they then distribute parcels to personnel twice a year. Anyway, if you would like to send a parcel or letter of encouragement to our troops ... AN AUSTRALIA DEFENCE MEMBER, AFP0 60, AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE 2890. Even a card or email would be great. No Christmas on the Beach this Year This year there will be no Christmas on the Beach ...Why? Max and Karen Davis have organised this event for 14 years with love and care for the Hastings Community and beyond. Last year over 800 people turned up, with 250 volunteers helping with the event (special, caring people). It has just got too big for these beautiful people, who feel it is time for others to take over. Nothing can happen this year, but if someone would like to take over in 2018, Karen has information that might be of assistance; so contact me at FOCUS, and I will pass your number on to Karen. Being involved in a small way over the years, I know how much hard work was involved, and I would sincerely like to thank Max and Karen for their tireless work and big hearts. The Red Bus will be at the skatepark carpark on Christmas morning for brekkie and morning tea. Snippets DINNER WITH MILTON will be performing at the “Grasshouse” on the Town Green, next door to the Sundowner Caravan Park entrance on Sunday 3rd December, from 6pm to 8pm. Bring along your family and friends, a rug, picnic and enjoy the wonderful Jazz music, as you sit and look over the beautiful Hastings River. Free and fabulous! Douglas Vale Winery - Port’s little oasis, next door to Westport School on the Oxley Highway, will be holding a Mini Christmas Open Day on Saturday 9th December, starting at 9:30am. A gold coin donation will give you the opportunity to have a guided tour of the winery, wine tasting, and purchase some great treasures from the famous Miss Pippi’s Treasure Trove stall, then enjoy a Devonshire tea (best scones), and there’s more ... A BBQ lunch with maybe a tipple of their

fantastic wines. This event is being held now, as their last open day was washed out. Adam and the Antiques will be playing outside Coles at Laurieton on the 23rd and 24th December from around 10am to 1:30pm. Not only Christmas carols, but songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s and heaps of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Fun, fun, fun! Come and say hello ... I am one of the Antiques Ha! Red Belly Farm Cooking School - 0408 289 078 / 6556 7633 / redbellyfarm@gmail.com / 482 Waitui Road, Waitue. What a fabulous farm! They have pigs, goats, beautiful birds and chooks, of course. Here they have cooking classes, where you can learn to make cheeses, cake decorating, cake cooking and others. What a fabulous way to spend a day with some girlfriends or boyfriends (sorry boys) to learn something different, in such a beautiful setting with all products at your fingertips. True Lovely Story A young man in Port, after living in his house for some time, decided to have a good clean out and take all the rubbish to the tip. Trailer full, he couldn’t fit in an old wishing well that was falling to pieces, so left it to take next trip. His mother came around and said, “Would you mind if I have this, as I think I can clean it up and make it look presentable for my front garden?” “Of course ...” When she did get round to getting rid of the cobwebs etc. there was a little enclosed section on the well that looked like a perfect haven for spiders. Being quite apprehensive, she poked around and suddenly felt paper ... To her surprise, she found $120 folded in a roll in the cavity. How long had it been there? Some time, by the look of it. The mind boggles as to why it was there ... What stories your mind could envisage about who put it there! Needleless to say, the mother gave the money to her son. Hope this made you smile! Merry Christmas to you all, especially the police, firies, ambos, SES crew, doctors and nurses for keeping us safe over the Christmas period. Seasons greetings to Jay, Louise, Sarah, fellow columnists and staff at FOCUS. Enjoy your well deserved break. Thank you all for reading my column over the year. It has been a very difficult year for many of you, so roll around 2018 for a happier, healthy and fun filled time ahead. Greater Port Macquarie focus 103

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NOW, MORE THAN EVER,

the world needs new.

The promise of a better future for our world lies in finding innovative solutions for the global challenges we face.

t the University of Newcastle (UON), our researchers and students are developing new thinking, new ideas and new breakthroughs to solve the world’s greatest problems. We are proudly shaping a new generation of leaders in industry, society and community – pioneers and trailblazers – who will meet these problems head on. Our Port Macquarie campus has been set up to target the growing needs of the Mid-North Coast region – education and healthcare. Industry partnerships foster student experiences and active roles in local education and healthcare facilities. Situated close to Port Macquarie Base Hospital, we deliver top-quality education in the region’s newest training and research facility. BREAKING NEW GROUND Through world-class research and strong partnerships with government and industry, UON drives innovation that challenges conventional thinking and changes lives. Meet just a few UON researchers who are

based at our Port Macquarie campus and are making a big impact: Dr. Graeme Browne, Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Graeme partners with clinicians and researchers to turn research insights into community health outcomes. His team has influenced healthcare policy on both a global and local level, including housing policy for people living with a mental illness. Currently, they're studying how clinicians can use mobile apps to help people with chronic health problems live more independently. Gunilla Haydon, Registered Nurse and Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Gunilla is the first researcher in Australia to study the experience of cardiac arrest survivors. By bringing survivor stories to light, Gunilla aims to dramatically improve their quality of life—and bring new voices to the conversation around post-recovery care. Associate Professor Ruth Reynolds, Program Convenor of the Teacher Education program,

School of Education. Ruth is a leading educational researcher on intercultural understanding and strives to give teachers and students the tools to make a difference across borders, cultures, and technologies. From transforming future teachers into cultural ambassadors, to giving children a window into the world far beyond their own, Ruth empowers her university students to explore new horizons and incorporate new perspectives. Find out more about our researchers and students who making a difference at newcastle. edu.au/portmac REACH NEW HEIGHTS If you’re looking to pursue a career in healthcare or education and have a meaningful impact on your community—or even the world— you’ll maximise your opportunities at our Port

Macquarie campus. Students benefit from smaller class sizes, learn from teachers with real-world expertise, and forge lasting professional relationships. UON offers selected part-time and full-time degree programs in Port Macquarie, including. • Bachelor of Nursing • Bachelor of Midwifery • Bachelor of Education (Primary) • Open Foundation by Distance COME DISCOVER NEW It’s not too late to apply to study in 2018 at our campuses in Port Macquarie, Newcastle or the Central Coast. For more information on our 100+ undergraduate degrees, postgraduate and research opportunities, visit newcastle.edu.au/ study.

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• Full safety ••Factory Factory &backed mechanical backed warranty warranty check• Full • safety Service • & mechanical Full safety history check & by mechanical • qualified Service history check by qualified • Service history by qualified • 24hr•• roadside Genuine Genuine Mercedes-Benz assistance Mercedes-Benz parts •parts 24hr roadside technicians • assistance 24hr roadside assistance technicians technicians mbportmacquarie.com.au mbportmacquarie.com.au

River Drive, Port Macquarie 100 Hastings 100 Hastings River 6583Drive 8855 River , Port DL8071 Macquarie Drive www.mbportmacquarie.com.au , Port 6583Macquarie 8855 DL8071 www.mbportmacquarie.com.au 6583 8855 DL8071 www.mbportmacquarie.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 105

focusinterview.

Rod Hoare.

Beautiful timber can be turned into functional, practical pieces furniture - or sublime works of art. Rod Hoare, local woodworker, can lend his skill to both! A member of the Hastings Woodworkers Guild, Rod is a true craftsman …

W O O D W O R K E R

One of the biggest jobs, and I think the most beautiful, was the set of

12 Stations of the

i Rod. What's your background in the local area which part of the region do you call home? I have lived in Wauchope for eight years now. After meeting Helen, my second wife, we spent four years sailing the Queensland coast and then travelled another four years all over Australia in our caravan. We collected weather reports to find a place where the weather was mild most of the year - no more cold winters huddled in front of the fire for us. We chose Wauchope - finding a great block of land, designing and physically building our own home. We are really glad that we chose Wauchope - love the weather, the home town feel, and friendly people - and that we are close to beaches and the sea. Where did your interest in woodwork begin? My brother and I were always building things at home - billycarts, of course - then I made items at school like match box holders and trivets. I started my working life as an apprentice carpenter in our small country town in Victoria - Terang. This is where I learned my trade. Back then, the ‘60s, we did everything from building the frame, building windows, even the kitchen cupboards. It is a lot easier, and quicker these days, but we did build the frames for our house much to the amazement of local tradies. During my apprenticeship I built surfboards, and a Quick Cat catamaran. From then on, I have worked all over Australia on hospitals, schools, 106 Greater Port Macquarie focus

shop fitting and more - from Darwin to Perth, Brisbane to Geelong, and Alice Springs. Now I enjoy making the finer things that I haven’t had the time or opportunity to make in the past. What are some of the items you most like to create - and why do you like to make them? I enjoy making wooden tulips, because I use a range of different woods for them and create attractive wall decorations. I often make pieces of furniture, picture frames, and any other items for our home - whatever we need - as it adds that “personal touch” to our home. I am also enjoying making a series of document boxes to hold important family history items, because these will be passed on to future generations. It is satisfying to feel that a lot of my work, such as the wide range of chopping boards and serving platters, is being used and appreciated. My intarsia kangaroos are now spread far and wide - from Cornwall, UK to the USA. I prefer to create new things, rather than making a lot of the same thing, so I am always thinking about new designs, and trying out new ideas. What are your favourite timbers to work with (and why)? My favourite timber would have to be Huon Pine. It comes from Tasmania, can be around 1,000 years old, and is increasingly difficult to find. I brought some back from Tassie some years ago and have used this for our towel rails, as well as jewellery boxes, and other items. It is a beautiful soft gold in colour, with a fine grain - very nice to handle. Blackwood is another favourite - a hard wood - that I have used with Huon Pine for our furniture. I have also had great delight in using recycled

Cross that are in the woodworkers locally? timber - from the Terang I am currently the Anglican Church bank for instance - to Membership Coordinator, here. They took over three make wine holders for and Special Events Coormonths to complete, using friends as Christmas gifts, dinator. a variety of local timbers. complete with name plate The Guild is a great stating its origin. meeting place for local What's one of your woodies, as members can favourite pieces you've attend as often as they want, to learn or share created so far, and how long did it take to skills and ideas. The Guild not only has a wide finish? range of machinery available for members to One of the biggest jobs, and I think the most use, but also a wide range of wood to buy as beautiful, was the set of 12 Stations of the Cross members’ slab and dry logs on site. that are in the Anglican Church here. They took over three months to complete, using a variety of What upcoming activities/event does the Woodworkers' Guild have planned for the local timbers. next few months? What pieces of workshop equipment could The Hastings Woodworkers Guild has just had you simply not be without? a very successful Annual Exhibition at Laurieton I only have a small workshop at home in the United Services Club, with the support of FOback yard, but my favourite would have to be CUS, but there are no events coming up - being the thicknesser. It is amazing when you run a the end of the year. We work together with comrough piece of timber through this, to expose munity organisations to assist where possible, the beautiful grain and colour of the wood that and club items made by members are displayed wasn’t visible before, and to make it into something special. and for sale at our workshop. What skills do you think are necessary to be Where can we find out more about what a good craftsman? you do? With woodworking, patience, accuracy, and Our meeting place is at Timbertown Heritage attention to detail are needed - but I think you Park in Wauchope, and we are open to the pubalso need a love and appreciation for the wood lic from Thursday to Monday all year; seven days itself, from tree to finished article, so you feel a week during school holidays. New members satisfaction in creating the finished product are always welcome, including those new to whether that be practical furniture or piece of woodworking. art. Anyone interested in finding out more about You're involved with the Hastings Woodthe Guild, can give me a call on 0408 684 802 or workers Guild. What's your role with the email fellowship@iinet.net.au organisation - and how does the Guild help Thanks Rod.

Greater Port Macquarie

Greater Port Macquarie focus 107

focus _ Abode.

AN EASY WAY TO ADD TO YOUR LIFESTYLE AND INCOME - BUILD A GRANNY FLAT! IT IS NOW EASIER THAN EVER TO BUILD A GRANNY FLAT IN YOUR BACKYARD TO ADD BOTH EXTRA LIVING SPACE AND INCOME.

hen the time comes to downsize, more and more people are seeking out a modern granny flat as their next home. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of chatting with Todd Dimon of CK Granny Flats and viewing one of his recent custom builds, where the owners have done just that - downsized and made a CK Granny Flat their new home. December FOCUS home of the month is an excellent example of what can be achieved from the collaboration of ideas. Smart thinking homeowners wishing to downsize and an innovative, open minded builder have built a

108 Greater Port Macquarie focus

low-maintenance, secure home that enhances lifestyle and independence. The homeowners lived in the principal residence for many years, raising their large family, adding extensions over time. All the children have now left home and it was time to downsize, but they liked where they lived the town, the neighbourhood - and wanted to stay. Solution - build a granny flat and rent out the main house. Result - a very comfortable, modern, custom built granny flat in their own back yard, designed to enhance their lifestyle and exactly suit their needs. Placed alongside an existing in-ground pool, the home has up to

the minute fittings and fixtures throughout, including a designer kitchen and stunning timber flooring. A well thought out floor plan will accommodate the owners well into the future, having two spacious bedrooms with built in robes, bathroom and an open plan family/kitchen/dining room, laundry and outdoor entertaining spaces. A modern exterior, consisting of James Hardie cladding, Merbau timber posts and decking, aluminium fascia, gutter, windows and sliding glass doors set the scene of relaxed, carefree living. Merbau timber stairs take you to the front balcony that wraps around the home, creating

an outdoor entertaining area that blends with timber decking around the tropical oasis of the pool area. Frameless glass pool fencing supplied and installed by Pacific Balustrades adds a stylish touch and sections off the pool for safety. An outdoor shower is an added luxury. Corner glass stacker sliding doors open from the balcony and side deck into the family/ kitchen/dining room, creating a huge open plan entertaining space, poolside. Overall, the granny flat is an ideal option for anyone thinking of downsizing or wanting to add a stylish home extension or private space, with all the creature comforts.

focus _ Abode.

REQUIREMENTS TO BUILD A GRANNY FLAT IN YOUR BACKYARD … The government passed new laws in 2009 that made building a granny flat easier for homeowners and investors than ever before. Beyond the building and planning regulations, the main requirement for adding a granny flat to a property is sufficient space. While this may not be immediately obvious, some common conversions including garages and garden sheds, which can become one or two bedroomed units with bathrooms. A Council or accredited certifier can certify granny flats as complying development without the need for a development application, provided they meet the specific development standards in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009. To be allowed to build a granny flat as complying development, it must be: (a) Established in conjunction with another dwelling, the principal dwelling;

(b) On the same lot of land as the principal dwelling (and not an individual lot in a strata plan or community title scheme) and (c) May be within, attached to, or separate from the principal dwelling. Why is a granny flat called a granny flat? A granny flat is a self-contained accommodation within, attached or separate to an individual home. It is sometimes called a granny flat because it is a popular way for families to accommodate ageing parents. The benefits of building a granny flat The benefits of building a granny flat are many, not least providing extra accommodation or for generating a rental income. The former scenario can provide you with some privacy, while the latter could significantly reduce loan repayments on your property. 1. You can custom design your granny flat to suit your individual needs and wants. 2. Rental income - this is the major benefit of owning a granny flat, or in the case of our

homeowners, utilising the granny flat as the owner’s accommodation and renting out the primary residence - in effect downsizing, but remaining where you feel comfortable. Granny flats can be a solid source of rental income. Whether it is an investment property where you rent out the granny flat for a second income, or your home where you rent the principal residence out, the extra income can help you pay down your mortgage faster and can get you towards financial freedom faster. 2. Spreading your income risk - the majority of Australians rely on one income to fund their lives … their job. Renting out a granny flat provides you with a second source of income. If you own just one investment property, then renting out your granny flat ensures you don’t go weeks without any rental income. If you just have one property and it is vacant, then you have no money coming in each week; however, with a granny flat addition it is

unlikely both properties will be vacant at the same time. 3. Increasing the value of your property - a granny flat increases the value of your property. For a family, they may see it as an extra room; for an investor, they will see the extra income it can generate. Building a granny flat can be a great investment Granny flats can provide a great return on investment and can help increase the value of your property and also help to pay off the mortgage faster. Next step - speak to CK Granny Flats The best next step is to speak to Todd from CK Granny Flats, to firstly see if you can build one on your property and how much it will cost you. You can custom build or choose from the designs Todd has to show you. Give him a call today on 0478 262 491 for a no obligation chat.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 109

â€¢ 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

110 Greater Port Macquarie focus

62 Clarence Street Port Macquarie

Phone: 02 6584 1199

www.eldersport.com.au

PERCIVAL P R O P E R T Y

Real Estate with Michael Percival

Anyone who thinks triathlon isn’t a contact sport is completely wrong. The swim leg in this sport can be brutal with everyone contesting for the same path through the water with arms and legs going everywhere.

somehow in that churning mass of neoprene t’s a bit like doing kickboxing in a washing covered humanity and limited visibility we machine with fogged upped glasses and managed to do the entire distance side by side. the results can be ugly. I’ve lost count Every time I popped my head head up there of the triathlon swim legs that I have he was and it was as much surprising as it was survived but the one that will forever remain reassuring. The reward for getting my most memorable was Ironman through the mayhem of the swim Port Macquarie 2007. In those and then the bike and run is days the swim leg had a that you get to experience mass start with 1500 or so to t ge u Yo that unbelievably excited athletes setting ce that en ri pe ex amazing feeling of off on the 3.8 kilometre y amazing bl va lie be un running down the splash together and nning down ru of g in el fe finish chute and that the ensuing hour or ute and that ch sh ni ﬁ e th feeling is multiplied by so was a blur of limbs ultiplied by a m is g in el fe a million when you son and wetsuits mixed hen you son is w n lio il m is by your side. with trying to breathe de.” si ur yo by and hoping to glimpse The business of Property the next turning buoy. Management can feel The difference with this race a lot like the swim leg at Ironman at times. Managing the and others I have done was that expectations of owners and tenants my son Jesse was also competing. Jesse whilst maximising returns and caring for was only 19 at the time and one of the very valuable properties is challenging to say youngest athletes undertaking this epic the least. There are days when you get a little event so I certainly had a sense that I needed pummeled and wish you were doing something to look after him throughout the long day else but after 30 plus years in the industry we that we would be on the course. Keeping an know we have the experience, expertise and eye on him during the bike and run legs was procedures to get your investment to the finish pretty straightforward but controlling things in line in the best possible condition. the water was an entirely different matter, yet

“

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1/1 Merrigal Road

D & LD SO &

Unit 3, 23 Merrigal Road

SO &

SO & 160 Lake Road

SO L

D & Shop 19 “Peachtree Walk” Arcade

22 Janola Circuit

SO L

D &

SO L

D SO L & 130 Gordon Street

Unit 4, 51 Jindalee Road

Suite 6, “The Grange”, 9 Parker St

The Yearly Report Card: A+ Heading into the Christmas break and New Year period, it’s a good time to stand back and consider the results achieved during the past 12 months. Raine and Horne Commercial Port Macquarie has enjoyed an excellent period of business activity during this time and have negotiated 13 commercial sales and completed over 114 commercial lease transactions. It’s interesting to note that property

sales database RP Data/Core Logic records a total of only 20* completed (settled) commercial sales during the past 12 months, meaning Raine & Horne Commercial have captured 65% of the sales activity, outselling our competitors combined efforts. The majority of the sales we have negotiated were to owner/occupier purchasers who are either taking advantage of Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF) or the record low cost of

borrowing funds, compared to paying

we recorded were for industrial

rental. Of the properties sold, industrial

premises, which is no surprise given

buildings were in the strongest demand.

the residential building boom. This

Of the investment property sales, the property values ranged from $330,000 to $920,000 with the applicable yield

was closely followed by office rentals. Retail leases were significantly lagging behind, due to the rise in popularity of

rate between 6% and 7.7% nett, as

Online shopping reducing the demand

investors continue to chase better

for bricks and mortar retail premises.

returns on money, as compared to bank

All in all, a great 2017 and a big thank

term deposits.

you to all our clients for their business.

The majority of the lease transactions

* This does not take into account related party sales.

On behalf of the Directors and staff of Raine and Horne Commercial Port Macquarie, we wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas period and a prosperous 2018!

Rebecca Hall

Coralie Cooper

3/136 William St, Port Macquarie Phone: 6584 0544 112 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Lesley Turnbull

Ben Allison

Luke Horton

Graeme Garrett

www.rhcommercial.com.au/portmacquarie

& T R E N D S of S U M M E R

Summer is all about bright, airy and relaxed vibes. The warmer weather has arrived and with it brings new summer trends for your home.

his season itâ€™s all about raw earthy tones and textures, featuring leather furniture, rattan accents and oversized pots with an abundance of greenery. With lots of entertaining and BBQs throughout the summer months, indoor/ outdoor living creates that sense of lifestyle we all love. Styling your outdoor space to be cohesive with the indoors is important to allow your home to flow. Adding potted and hanging plants, cushions and rugs are also a great way to style your outdoor living space. Replacing old wicker with natural timbers and white aluminium furniture will instantly update your entertaining area. Tip: get creative

dimension to any room and are always on trend. Our favourites are: linen, velvet, jute, leather, timber, marble and brass fittings and fixtures. Tip: layer your textures working from the floor up. This summer season, interior Lighting is an styling trends are inspired important element in and paint by Coastal, Scandi any home, especially or decorate Boho and Moroccan natural light. You can your pots to inďŹ‚uences. Introduce a achieve more natural complement neutral colour palette, adding light by adding sky lights their surrounds. pops of teal or emerald green and removing heavy This summer for a bold statement. window furnishings, season, interior replacing them with styling trends roller blinds and sheer are inspired by linen curtains. Another Coastal, Scandi way to brighten your Boho and home is to paint your interior white; this Moroccan influences. Introduce a neutral will create an open, spacious feel and colour palette, adding pops of teal or allow for a blank canvas. emerald green for a bold statement. If you find styling your home an Blush pinks are also on trend and add overwhelming task, it is worth contacting a soft feminine touch, paired perfectly your local interior stylists, who can assist with natural textures like stone or wood. you in creating the perfect summer abode. Textures have the ability to add power and Greater Port Macquarie focus 113

focusinterview.

THE GRIFFIN FAMILY SPENT MANY WONDERFUL YEARS LIVING AT 163 LAKE ROAD IN PORT MACQUARIE, IN A HOUSE BUILT BY LOVING HUSBAND AND FATHER, JOHN GRIFFIN.

ife and mother, Gwen, and six children called this house a home ... and when the family decided to move on earlier this year, there were some interesting coincidences with dates surrounding the home. Gwen and daughter Jennifer Ward share some of their favourite memories, representing 50 years of Griffin family history … What are the origins of your family in the Port Macquarie area ... Have you always been local? Gwen: When John Griffin came to Port Macquarie in 1933 with his parents, Harry and Janet Griffin, and his sister, Margaret, Port Macquarie was just a small village. They came to be caretakers of “Arncliffe House” in Arncliffe Avenue. After a time, they then purchased the house, which was run as a guest house, which they later sold. I (Gwen) came to Port Macquarie after my marriage to John in 1959. We lived in a small home in Grant Street, where we had our four daughters, Karen, Patricia, Jennifer and Pamela. Your former home at Lake Road was built by John (who sadly passed away in 2001). Tell us a bit about the house ... when was it built, and why did John decide to build in an area that would have been considered so far out of town in those days? John, being a builder, needed more space for his building business and in 1966 purchased a large section of land on Old Lake Road (as it was known at the time). He also purchased the old Ambulance Housie Hall next to the Council 114 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Chambers in Clarence Street and moved it out to the land on Old Lake Road. It is still there today, having been a most useful shed over many years. He also built a new Colorbond shed, which we helped him build one Christmas when everyone was home, and it was a great time together. In those days it was far out of town and on a dirt road. When we decided to build on this land in 1966/67, everyone thought we were mad building a large two storey home out in the bush. There was no industrial area in those days. What are some of the fondest memories you have from living in/growing up in this home? We moved in on the 26th August 1967, when Pamela was only two months old. It quickly became a lovely home, where the children had plenty of room to move with lots of animals, including horses, cricket matches with the many cousins who came to visit - and two more children were born, James and Peter. This year we even celebrated with a wedding on the back lawn, which was a wonderful finale for 163 Lake Road. Over the years some additions and alterations were made, but it was always home to us. John also had plenty of room for various pieces of machinery, which he loved to tinker with - tractors etc. John loved to sing, and it didn’t matter where - in the bathroom, on the ride-on mower, in the car, or just working. He was always involved in the children’s activities, pony club, or just at the farm at Watson Taylor’s Lake; it was a great time for all. Jennifer: Cracker night was always a favourite for our family; many town friends and family

Your former family would come over to John loved to sing, and it our big backyard. We home was sold recently didn’t matter where - in the would drop a coconut - why did the family bathroom, on the ride-on mower, from the top storey on decided to move on? in the car, or just working. He to the septic circle to This year we decided was always involved in crack open, and Dad as it was 50 years, maybe the children’s activities, would cut a watermelon downsizing would be a pony club, or just at the farm at - both were for all to good idea, so we put the Watson Taylor’s Lake; it was a enjoy while watching family home up for sale. great time for all. the fireworks, and us The children are all married kids would run around now, with three daughters playing with sparklers. and one son still living in We had cows across the road that we hand Port, and the other two living in Brisbane. milked twice a day every day. We chose David Plews of First National Real Two parents, six children, 17 grandchildren Estate. David was well known and respected, and eleven great-grandchildren all have had and the family had known his lovely parents memories in the fifty years of 163 Lake Road. and he did a fantastic job for us. It's the little things that made us a family, There's an unusual coincidence with some and that house built with love gave the family a important dates where your former home is home. concerned ... What are they? What are some of the other projects John Ironically, the day that 163 Lake Road sold was was associated with over the years? exactly 50 years to the day that the family had Gwen: John built many homes in Port moved in. Macquarie and was one of several builders who Another coincidence is that the day we were started Leytonstone Concrete (now Boral). cleaning out one of John’s sheds, 21st October, He was an Alderman of the Port Macquarie was the same date that John had retired from Municipal Council and was involved in many being on the staff of The Hastings Municipal other activities in the town, like St. Thomas’ Council for several years. Church and the Historical Society. He was also, What are your family's future plans? for a time, Vice-President of the Oxley County We now plan to take it easy and enjoy time Council (which is now Essential Energy). together with this ever growing family, with one Sadly, John died suddenly in 2001, only five more baby being added recently, on Sunday 12th months after his best man, John McCarthy, had November 2017. died. We had lived next door to Shirley and John Thanks everyone. ever since John had built their home many years Photo top right courtesy of First National before, and Shirley and I have remained great friends. Real Estate, Port Macquarie.

RIVERSIDE RETIREMENT LIVING

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Open for inspection Monday and Wednesday 10am – 12pm. Open for inspection Monday and Wednesday 10am – 12pm. Other times by appointment. Other times by appointment. Now available – 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes, single level, open-plan Now – 3 bedroom, bathroom homes, level, open-plan livingavailable with private courtyard,2air-conditioning andsingle remote control garage*. living with private courtyard, air-conditioning and remote control garage*. Located amidst the stunning natural beauty of Port Macquarie, Located amidst the stunning natural place beauty Port Macquarie, Broadwater Gardens is a wonderful toof call home. You’ll find cafes, Broadwater Gardens is a wonderful place to call home. You’ll find restaurants and shops close at hand and enjoy a 3-minute walk tocafes, the restaurants and shops close at hand and enjoy a 3-minute walk to the Hastings River. Hastings River. Plus, for a limited time, you can live fee-free for a year! ^ Contact our Plus, for a limited you can live Purdy fee-free year! ^ Contact our Retirement Villagetime, Manager Allison to for findaout more. Retirement Village Manager Allison Purdy to find out more. *Advertised home and price details are correct at the time of publishing, though subject to availability, eligibility criteria and are subject change *Advertised hometoand pricewithout details notice. are correct at the time of publishing, though subject to availability, eligibility criteria are by subject to change without notice. ^and Settle 1 st April 2018 and we will pay your recurrent charges for 12 months. ^ Settle 1 st April 2018 and010 we488 will454 pay your recurrent charges for 12 months. RSL CarebyRDNS Limited ACN RSL Care RDNS Limited ACN 010 488 454

Call Allison Allison Purdy Purdy Call 1300 558 558 648 648 1300 boltonclarke.com.au boltonclarke.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 115

focusinterview.

energy, “The future is green le energy” ab sustainabilit y, renew gger. Port - Arnold Schwarzenegs Council Macquarie Hastinstrateg y ﬁt has a new energ y twenty-ﬁrst for purpose in the reamer from century. Harry C y Working lit Council’s Sustainabi rt Watson Group talks to Stua ect. about the proj

Stuart with his Nissan Leaf electric vehicle.

clean

The sun comes up on the era of

Artist’s impression of a mid-scale solar farm (photo Conergy).

hat is Council planning to do? Council now has a long-term energy strategy. There are two

parts to the plan. First, reduce Council’s annual demand for electricity through more efficient water and sewerage pumps, and programs such as replacing street lighting with LED lamps, which will save millions over thirty years. Second, aim to achieve 100% of the electricity Council still needs from renewable energy sources by 2027. This is a good news story, and Council is to be congratulated. Why is this an important step? Council’s new energy strategy will encourage ongoing cost savings through energy efficiency, leading to lower power bills, and importantly, it will achieve major cost savings through self-generation of electricity. This will require a mid-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) farm to be built on Council land. Council currently spends around $4 million each year on electricity, so there is a strong incentive to replace this with free power from the sun. Is the technology available to do this now, and how much will it cost? Yes, wind and solar energy are now cheaper to build and deploy than new coal or gas. That’s why these two clean energy sources are providing the fastest-growing power generation in the world. Recent 116 Greater Port Macquarie focus

electricity supply auctions in the Middle East, It saves Council a lot of money, which can India and Thailand have resulted in prices as be used for other projects. Currently Council low as five cents per kilowatt hour for solar only gets 1.6% of its electricity from its own PV - that’s a lot less than Council is paying generation (solar PV on roofs such as the for its electricity now. At these prices, a midlibrary and the Glasshouse). Council is now scale solar farm for our area will cost around setting a good example for energy in the $1 million. Solar PV is a mature technology, Twenty-first Century and is catching up with available now. many ratepayers. In our two local federal What is your role in electorates, there are the energy strategy? 32,000 households As a long-time with solar PV on their renewable energy roofs. Both our local enthusiast, I am able Federal MPs have solar The Sustainability Working to drive support for PV systems, supported Group is planning to hold a the new strategy by government public forum early next and communicate subsidies, so they know year on solar and battery the benefits to the how good it is. storage options, and community. Since 2000, solar everyone is welcome. Get on I’m on Council’s energy has grown board the solar revolution, have Sustainability Working at 41% per annum, some fun and save money! Group, which is and costs have come tasked with a range of down 25% per annum. issues, such as climate Solar farms are now change resilience, economically attractive, lower emissions transport (I own two EVs, especially in regional areas. electric vehicles), monitoring land clearing People have been told that renewable in the LGA, how to help tenants get solar energy is more expensive than coal. Is on their roofs, and raising awareness of this true? Why is renewable energy the the importance of greater environmental way to go? sustainability. Electricity prices from the legacy coal In the past ten years I’ve seen solar PV power system we currently have in go from a niche market to an expanding place have gone up 60% in the past ten industry employing more than 250 people in years. Environmental schemes have only our area. contributed 7% to this. Why should ratepayers welcome this Many people are “voting solar” - 1.5 new policy? million households in Australia have solar

PV (16.5%, the highest proportion of households with PV systems on their roof of any country in the world). The high proportion of households with PV power on their roofs is due to our high electricity prices and sunny climate, making PV especially attractive. PV systems are a very cost effective way to reduce household electricity bills. Globally, renewable energy growth has been exponential. China is leading the surge, but other countries are impressive too - in Germany recently there was so much wind power, that customers got free electricity! That’s never happened with coal. How can people become part of the transition to clean energy? Show your support for Council’s new energy strategy and become advocates in our community for more renewable energy. Support government incentives that make solar more affordable for SMEs, business and low-income families. If you can, install your own solar PV system and of course, continue to take all possible energy efficiency measures, such as using less electricity by turning off lights and power points when not needed, adjusting air conditioner temperatures and buying energy efficient appliances. The idea is to save money. The Sustainability Working Group is planning to hold a public forum early next year on solar and battery storage options, and everyone is welcome. Get on board the solar revolution, have some fun and save money! Thanks Stuart.

Chateau Daintree IN LIGHTHOUSE BEACH PORT MACQUARIE

Expressions of Interest invited on or before 4pm 14 December 2017 5

19 Daintree Lane, Lighthouse Beach. Established on a sun drenched landscaped estate of 3105m2 in a closely held quiet lane of Lighthouse Beach this is the most prestigious property in the District. It will appeal to those that appreciate elegance and quality, who seek privacy but need space to entertain and accommodate family and friends.

Open to View: Sunday 26th Nov, 3rd and the 10th Dec 1pm to 1.30pm or by appointment Raine & Horne Port Macquarie 02 6583 2699 Agents

Graceful and generous in proportion it is superbly designed and built to maximise it’s extraordinary location taking advantage of the sun, the cooling breeze’s and remarkable views. Notwithstanding it’s grand proportions this property is a genuine family home. It would be the perfect base for the large extended family. Tony Rathbone 0404 093 239

Garry Knapp 0419 997 739

rh.com.au/portmacquarie Greater Port Macquarie focus 117

Team hem wish you a Merry Christmas & a happy ever more in 2018!

2017. A YEAR OF CHANGE. In March 2017, HEM Property opened it’s doors for the first time, when a group of like-minded agents set out to change the face of real estate. They shared a vision to create a modern real estate agency, with a difference. Unlike most agents that love the lime light, they put the focus firmly back on the client and showcasing their home. By embracing this innovative model and working together as a team, they are achieving outstanding results for clients. Whether it’s helping someone take their first step into a rental property, or selling a million dollar home, HEM take the same pride in assisting people achieve their goals.

“Since opening, HEM have helped over 300 people find their happy ever more and it has been a huge year for firsts too. Our Renovation Royalty competition has showcased the numerous talented local DIY’ers we have in our town and we were overwhelmed by the incredible artwork submitted in our “design a SOLD sticker” competition. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us on our journey and to our clients for allowing us be a part of theirs.” 2017 was a great year for Port Macquarie and our town continues to go from strength to strength. This year saw over 1000 property sales and further growth in prices by 9%, as the median house price rose to $565,000. 2018 is set to be another great year and we can’t wait for it! Whether you are renting, selling or buying we will be here, at the home of real estate, on the corner of Horton and William Streets, delivering a new level of service and results. APRIL 201 7 The HEM Sales team (shot at award winning Collins W Collins house)

JUNE 2017 We were soon busy with fully booked ‘Open for Inspection’ weekends

J U LY 2 0 1 7 Winning SOLD sticker designs printed & delivered by Macquarie Signs & Tinting

M AY 2 0 1 7 St Peters Primary School ‘Maytime Markets’ fundraising event

M ARCH 2017 We launched! Doors opened 15th March

OCTOBER 2017 ‘Reno Royalty’ competition launched

SEPTEMBER 2017 New team photos shot at Moorebeer Brewing Co.

AU G U S T 2 0 1 7 The HEM Property Management team goes from strength to strength!

SEPTEMBER 2017 HEM handballs arrived. Kids love them!

N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7 100 sales achieved!

Selling, Buying or Renting in 2018…. There is no place like hem! 02 6583 2324 | hemproperty.com.au 118 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Greater Port Macquarie focus 105

right the

lighting, for your home

Choosing the right lighting fixtures for your home is one of the details you need to plan when decorating a new space. The decision is not easy, but The Rovert Lighting Planning Service, Port Macquarie offers a FREE service for Rovert clients, aimed at helping you make the right choice in lighting plans for your home.

ighting is very important for the functionality. entry of your home, as a way to look The kitchen requires more complex lighting to inviting. A large floor lamp in a corner be able to lighten up many areas of the room. can add extra mood ambience and Overhead lights for basic tasks along the walls, add another dimension to impact the entryway. but also if you have an island bench or breakfast If you have a large entry, consider using more bar, additional pendant lighting works well in than one pendant light, dropped from the ceiling. these areas. Spotlights also embedded in the ceilChandeliers also add elegance to the entryway of ing allow you to position the light in key areas. the home. If you have artwork displayed on the In the case of lighting of bedrooms, the use of walls, accent lights can help warm light is more restful highlight. and relaxing. Usually task The living room of your lighting is used on bedside home is an ideal place to tables. Sconces also work add balance through lightRovert Lighting fan price well here. Consider using ing. This space usually needs drop catalogue out now. accent lights to highlight to be flexible - suitable for Get in store to beat the heat! photos or a backdrop or entertaining, as well as bedhead and create a derelaxing. Consider using sired ambience in the room permanent fixtures such with dimmer switches. Feaas pendant lamps or a chandelier to be a focal ture pendant lights instead of lamps can create a point of the room, or set the tone with floor and modern look. table lamps to create mood lighting in seconds. Whatâ€™s important when lighting the bathroom Dimmer switches can work well in this room. is to ensure appropriate lighting for functional Scones are also great for highlighting art on the tasks at the right height. Sconces above a vanity walls. Ceiling fans in the living room usually need mirror or beside it assures lighting in the right additional mood lighting, such as spotlights, to place, near face height, for the most flattering add depth. illumination. Well placed agent or task lighting The dining room is one of the easiest rooms to can make the bathroom more welcoming. light, simply because the dining table usually is Make an appointment today by calling 6581 the central focus of the room. Large chandeliers 0499 to take advantage of the Rovert Lighting or low-hanging pendant lamps over the dining Planning Service. The Port Macquarie showtable are very popular. You can also add a task room specialises in the latest lighting trends and lamp or accent lights if you wish to spotlight a designs with a friendly and highly trained sales certain accent feature within the room. If there is not a lot of space, consider hanging lights for team, eager to help you plan your lighting needs.

2017 best

land lease living community

2015 most outstanding over 50â€™s estate in australia

25 minutes to Port Macquarie Kew Country Club

Queens Lake

2015

mhia awards of excellence, best estate in nsw

Bonny Hills North Haven

Dooragan National Park

Greater Port Macquarie focus 119

Prices starting from $173,000. 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. Located just 20 minutes drive from Port Macquarie and just 8 minutes from Wauchope, Beechwood Village boasts a Public Primary School, General Store, Post Office, Hotel and much more, all on the banks of the Hastings river. 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

rh.com.au/portmacqua rie 120 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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.

AS LE RE

Youâ€™re invited to become one of the community and enjoy the village atmosphere of Beechwood.

STAGE THREE

E AG ST

Beechwood Village Estate

focusinterview.

in review with Chris Koch

he secret is definitely out about Port Macquarie. In September 2017, realestate. com.au identified Port Macquarie as the #1 searched suburb in NSW to live. Demand is high, and our own statistics reflect this. At Laing+Simmons, we have plenty of ready buyers on our database; buyers from out of town, investors, young families, downsizers and everyone in between. Although more supply is now coming to market, listing numbers prior to the beginning of the spring selling season have been low, resulting in many record prices being achieved, particularly for properties on the beach, close to town or near the water. Port Macquarie has been my home for 36 years. I love the place. I’ve seen the ups and downs of the property market cycle, and I’ve been selling real estate here for over 11 years. So when I’m asked, “Would I buy property in Port Macquarie at the moment?” it is a simple answer. Without hesitation: “In a heartbeat!” Even if the property market cools on a state-wide or national basis, Port Macquarie is poised to buck the trend. We remain destined for strong, steady growth. I am receiving enquiries from hotel groups and retirement village operators, and I know of several investment groups that are simply “land banking” for future development. Port Macquarie has become a very strong focus for a lot of big investors that can see the future potential for growth in the region. Drive around town, and you’ll see construction, renovation and expansion happening on nearly every corner. From the supply perspective, there’s sufficient residential land available, but high-rise properties are in short supply, as are

“Is the Port Macquarie real estate market slowing?” It’s a question I get asked a lot. While on the whole buyers may be a little nervous, and the banks have definitely tightened their lending, particularly for investors, we are still in a very good market, and there’s every reason to be optimistic. affordable investment properties, waterfront properties and suitable properties for retirees and downsizers. New opportunities to meet these market needs abound. In my view, Port Macquarie’s growth will continue to accelerate faster than most expect. This growth may challenge our infrastructure, namely roads, transport and sporting facilities, but Port Macquarie offers some amazing opportunities for people to live a brilliant lifestyle. It’s been 12 months now since we moved to our new digs on Clarence Street, and EVEN IF THE PROPERTY we couldn’t be happier and William Streets, MARKET COOLS ON A with the move. More the decision to move STATE-WIDE OR NATIONAL importantly, from all BASIS, PORT MACQUARIE was a big one. But Port reports, our customers IS POISED TO BUCK THE Macquarie is evolving love the benefits of our TREND. WE REMAIN and progressing, and new office too. DESTINED FOR STRONG, to service our clients It’s more convenient. STEADY GROWTH. effectively, as agents we There’s off-street parking need to progress with it. for staff, and two hour So now we have a parking in the street massive digital screen for our customers. The and window display Town Centre Master Plan upgrade on our corner has resulted in a highly working 24/7. Every week we have thousands of locals and visitors passing our windows. attractive, user-friendly space, which has been When they grab a bite to eat or a coffee from welcomed by surrounding businesses and the community. our many neighbouring restaurants and cafés, And because it’s in a high exposure our office is perfectly poised to capture their location, purpose-built and geared towards attention. This is invaluable exposure for our the customer experience, the new office helps clients. us do business too. Many of those buyers are from Sydney, The amount of enquiries we’re getting from where the Laing+Simmons network is buyers has increased, which means we have widely recognised as the leading boutique the opportunity to help more people find a operator. The strong brand connection is a new home in this beautiful region of ours, real advantage for us compared to some of and this is great news for our vendors. the local independent operators, and delivers After 21 years on the corner of Horton more potential buyers for our sellers.

Sydney buyers are often willing to pay premium prices to secure a dream home to match their seachange desires, which means we are in an ideal position to achieve great results for our vendors. And now, there’s more of us than ever at Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie to deliver those results. Our team is 19 strong, and we’ll continue to build our talent pool. We’re always focused on keeping the fundamentals of delivering the best possible customer experience at the forefront of everything we do, from both the buyers’ and sellers’ point of view. The whole team at Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie has worked hard to establish ourselves as the trusted agent of choice in the region, and the market leader in real estate. It’s a position we’re grateful to hold, and we’re very thankful to our many customers. For further information or advice regarding the current real estate market, contact Chris Koch or any of the Laing+Simmons team on 6583 7733. Greater Port Macquarie focus 121

STAGE THREE

LAND SALE

OPEN DAY w w w. a s c o t p a r k . n e t. a u

ON SITE SUNDAY DECEMBER 3RD – 10AM - 2PM

IT’S HAPPENING AGAIN! At magnificent Ascot Park, at the end of Philip Charley Drive, selling agents McGrath Port Macquarie will host this exciting event to clear the final home sites available in Stage Three. Special deals will be available – just for the day. • Beautiful Ascot Park – exclusive living in nature’s wonderland

• Reduced minimum-build sizes and more

• A world apart, yet just six minutes from the CBD

• Offers limited to last 12 blocks in Stage Three

• Lower deposit options for Land Sale Open Day only

• Attractive house-and-land packages available

FINAL 12 BLOCKS IN STAGE THREE

(Terms and Conditions apply)

BRING THE FAMILY – JOIN THE MCGRATH TEAM FOR COMPLIMENTARY SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND SOFT DRINKS – PICNIC IN THE PARKLANDS – INSPECT THE AVAILABLE BLOCKS

For more information call: Greg Bates M 0418 112 025

Todd Bates M 0420 318 305

122 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Greater Port Macquarie focus 123

SERVICE THAT STARTS IN YOUR DRIVEWAY. MCGUIGAN BMW VALET SERVICE. For over 30 years, McGuigan BMW has been providing you with Sales and Service to keep you behind the wheel of your Ultimate Driving Machine. Now for the ﬁrst time we are launching a Valet service in the Coffs Harbour area, to make it even easier to keep you on the move with minimum fuss. Simply give our team a call to book a service, and we’ll pick up your car, service it, and drop it off once completed.* Contact McGuigan BMW’s Award Winning Service Department to book your Valet Service Today.

McGuigan BMW 140 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Ph 6588 8500. www.mcguiganbmw.com.au DL7571 *The collection and delivery service in the Coffs Harbour area is complimentary for BMW vehicles only. Prior bookings are essential. McGuigan BMW reserves the right to withdraw or refuse this service at any time.

THE ALL NEW BMW X3. ARRIVING NOVEMBER 2017. The most accomplished BMW X3 is coming soon. With class leading technology, stunning performance and luxury at the highest level, the all new BMW X3 is set to rewrite the rules of desire and versatility. Register your interest at www2.bmw.com.au/x3/mcguiganbmw.html to learn more.

McGuigan BMW 140 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Ph 6588 8500. www.mcguiganbmw.com.au DL7571 124 Greater Port Macquarie focus