Greater Port Macquarie Focus i154

Feature Story Tim Helmy

September 2018. issue 154

blues & BBQ and wildwood festival

festival fever h i t s

P o r t

M a c q u a r i e

2 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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T

Welcome to the September issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS.

he home of great festivals.

Port Macquarie will again play host to the largest barbecue competition in the Southern Hemisphere this September - the Buffalo Trace Australian Barbecue Championships on 14th and 15th September. With $20,000 in cash and prizes, get your stretchy pants and head to Town Green to celebrate the festival and wrap your tastebuds around some of the melt in your mouth meat from Australia’s best BBQ food trucks. This home grown event has amassed a following of meat enthusiasts from across the continent; it's grown from 20 teams and a few hundred spectators in 2014, to 100 teams and thousands who will converge on the Town Green for this year’s smoke fest.

There will be live music, markets and plenty of food and beverages - the best part is, it’s free!

Following that we'll see an epic line up of talented musos for the Wildwood Festival out at Cassegrain Winery. Headliners The Beautiful Girls, alongside Ash Grunwald, Mama Kin Spender and

locals Royal Chant, to name a few, will keep the good tunes rolling through spring.

Port Macquarie is a festival hotspot, and it’s no surprise as to why these amazing bands keep returning to our town!

To celebrate all things festivals, we’ve grabbed three of our own local musicians for the cover this month.

You can meet Jesse from Nana Klumpp, Roxy Montgomery from Mike and Roxy and Royal Chant's Mark Spence on page 18 to find out more about their bands. Mark also features as Susie Boswell’s "Out to Lunch" guest this month - this American native calls Port Macquarie home, so enjoy what Susie discovers in her interview.

This month we went on a quest to find the local "Face of the Cup"! With the Port Cup Carnival just around the corner, we needed someone not just with the right fashion sense, but someone with a heart of gold to match.

Local entrants were asked to submit their photo, and tell us in 25 words of less why they wanted to be the "Face" and what they do to

GLASSHOUSE REGIONAL GALLERY Entry to this exhibition is free Admission: $7.50 single, $5.00 Member, $5.00 under 12

glasshouse.org.au

15 SEPTEMBER - 4 NOVEMBER

*transaction fees may apply

Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts,Port Macquarie NSW 2444

ON VIEW UNTIL 7 OCTOBER Prestigious and controversial, the Archibald Prize is Australia’s foremost portraiture prize.

NSW Department of Education NSW Education Standards Authority

Follow Glasshouse:

MARK VINCENT

YOUNG AT HEART TOUR 2018

contribute positively to our local community.

We selected 14 finalists to compete and via a live Fashion Show, our Judges Carol Watson, Vanessa Lawrence and Nardi Beresford, selected Lana Jones as the winner.

Lana will be appearing on next month's front cover, and you will be able to read all about her.

Stay tuned!

You’ve probably heard by now, that the dynamic Dave Lazarus is back in town and he’s bought us a new party boat! The PortAdventure will be taking its first passengers soon (she just needs a little spruce up inside) and we’ll be there to celebrate with the crew - first mate Gerry Byron will no doubt bring the fun, and it's great to see these two back on the entertainment scene again.

Our natural environment, waterways, oceans and forests are by far the best attributes of our region … Whether you are enjoying them by boat, sea, walking, running, baking and even scuba diving - be sure to experience them all.

Enjoy our spring edition!

An Art Gallery of NSW touring exhibition

FIONA O’LOUGHLIN

Associate Sponsor

Patron Sponsor

An exhibition of outstanding works by 2017 Higher School Certificate Visual Arts students from schools in NSW. Come and be inspired!

ARTEXPRESS is a partnership between the NSW Department of Education and the NSW education Standard Authority.

MELBOURNE CITY BALLET PRESENTS

MADAME BUTTERFLY

CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY WORKSHOP

$280 Adult* $240 Member

*transaction fees may apply

17 OCTOBER - 5 DECEMBER ON WEDNESDAYS, 6PM - 8.30PM Learn to make your own contemporary jewellery with local artist Kristy Lomax in this inspiring eight week course.

In association with upcoming contemporary jewellery exhibition Inhabiting Space.

MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

LIVE! ONE WORLD. ONE FESTIVAL. SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER, 2PM

SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 8PM

SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM

SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Be mesmerised by the astonishing power and beauty of what is hailed as the best tenor voice in Australia. Backed by The Serenade Orchestra and supported by soprano Clarissa Spata.

Fiona is Australia’s true queen of comedy and now also, Queen of the Jungle! It’s a must-see for fans and total newcomers to her work. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see the very best of Fiona O’Loughlin live.

This production is a fusion of traditional Japanese and classical ballet and showcases the company’s exquisite choreography and versatility, whilst featuring impressive scenery, beautiful costumes and of course Puccini’s evocative score.

The Manhattan Short Film Festival was a smash hit in 2017 and it’s back! Be one of 100,000 film lovers who unite in over 300 venues across six continents for one film festival to vote on the ten best short films in the world.

5 ACE Awards.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 3

contents Issue 154 - September 2018

focusinterviews

08

feature a special

SENIORS LIVING AND RETIREMENT

Shark Love.

74

A typical day for Rick Anderson sees him don his wetsuit, airtank, mask and fins and head out into our deep blue oceans to explore and interact with the local wildlife … his favourite of course, the shark.

10

Seniors Living and Retirement

Ella Chambers.

Graceful, elegant ballet dancer Ella Chambers is currently touring the country with the Australian Ballet School - but this is definitely just one step for this phenomenally talented local dancer.

30

the Usual

Suspects

5. WHAT’S IN SEASON with Eric Robinson 12. WHAT’S ON for September 24. EAT local restaurants

Julian Gargiulo.

26. PALATE PLEASURES with Lou Perri

Important notice: one of a kind, world renowned pianist Julian Gargiulo is taking the “stuffy” out of Classical music and showcasing his incredible talent, warmth and humour at the Glasshouse this month …

41. SOCIAL SCENE with Kate Wood-Foye

32. OUT TO LUNCH with Susie Boswell 50. TRAVEL THE WORLD with Susie Boswell 53. TOURISM with Janette Hyde 71. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall 75. LANDCARE with Julie Ho

37

82. A DAY IN THE LIFE with Michelle Parker 91. BUSINESS MINDS with Jane Hillsdon 99. PORT CHAMBER UPDATE with Michael Mowle

Bush Gothic.

Jenny M. Thomas, Dan Whitton and Chris Lewis are Bush Gothic … You’ve probably never heard anything like them before, but once you listen to them perform, you’ll never forget them. Evocative, haunting, this internationally renowned band explores our colonial past from a unique perspective. Fiddle singer Jenny Thomas shares some insight into the band and its music, ahead of their upcoming performance at our local iconic convict-built church, St Thomas’ …

4 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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

photo of the month.

Title: The Final Curtain.

Photo by: Will Eades.

Website: www.willeades.com Taken a great photo or video of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email sarah@focusmag.com.au

focus_Contributor

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

WHA

T’S IN

season Coriander

As the days get longer and warmer, it’s time to start looking forward to new season fruit and vegetables, as well as herbs. While there is still a wait for summer fruits such as lychees and mangoes, it’s not too early to be using fragrant coriander in stir fries, curries and salads. Coriander is one of the most widely used herbs around the world. While often considered an Asian herb, it’s also a staple of Spanish, Mexican and North African cuisines, to name a few.

It’s fragrant aroma and distinctive strong taste is either loved or hated, but coriander is definitely good for you, being rich in Vitamins A, C & K, Thiamin and Riboflavin.

Remember to add the coriander leaves to your dishes just as they are being served, as heat can reduce its potency and quickly wilts the leaves. The stems can be chopped and added during cooking, and even the roots can be used - just wash and grate finely into a curry. Grown locally by Som at Bago Vineyards, look for new season coriander at local farmers’ markets and greengrocers.

WHERE

Find out more about The Other Chef at www.theotherchef.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 5

focusinterview.

TIM HELMY IS A MAN OF MANY TALENTS AND SHARES HIS TIME BETWEEN MAKING MUSIC, IMAGERY AND DELICIOUS CUISINE. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH HIM, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS INSPIRATIONS …

H

HELMY

6 Greater Port Macquarie focus

ow did you find your way to call Port Macquarie home?

I always noticed Port Macquarie had this creative scene ... an artsy buzz, you know? I caravanned the East Coast for years DJing, and when playing here I really connected with the way of the locals - the ones I was hanging with anyway. It was the closest vibe to Melbourne I’ve felt since leaving there. So, when looking to plant my feet, I opted for either the calmness of Yamba, the location of Cooly or the creativeness of Port, and with Port being Australia’s bodyboarding capital, the scale was tipped in Port’s favour. So, now I’m glad to call Port home.

You spend a fair bit of time behind the decks working as a DJ. What do you love about it?

This is gonna sound a bit wrong, but I think the decks love me more than I love them! Kinda like that hot girlfriend who looks good from far but is far from good. Let me explain...

I used to absolutely love scratching at home by myself or with mates, having a drink and just mucking about. I cheffed for a living at the time and would look forward to a couple of hours post shift to just relax and bop my head to a killer beat and scratch to it, kind of like a freestyle rapper would come up with words and a pattern on the spot.

There’s something magical about that place, referred to as “the zone” or whatever. As the years passed and the paying gigs come through, that all shifted to play what the people wanted to hear, so I died a little more with every gig ... Oh, the drama. DJs are kinda treated like jukeboxes these days, and that’s quite a shame but it is what it is.

How would you describe your style and the music you play?

Black Culture Music. There’s a specific feeling I feel in my gut when I hear it. It’s almost immediately identifiable within the first 10 secs of any song. But at the risk of offending people, I usually just say Soul Music, like Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Blues, Jazz, Rock, “old school stuff” etc.

When I was on Family Feud, the producers asked me this, and I said “Black Music”; they must’ve

told Grant Denyer not to ask me anything, ‘cause Best advice anyone has offered to you?

I wasn’t gonna change it to “soul music” ha ha.

“Think with your heart and feel your way In the last few years you’ve moved into through it” - me paraphrasing a lot of various a different creative space; photography. spiritual teachings into one sentence.

What’s your “back story” behind the lens ...

Where can people find out more about you What inspired your interest in photography? and what you do?

While nomading around Australia solo I have websites, Facebook and Instagram DJing, I’d take a bunch of pics to document my pages, depending on whatever’s easier for your destinations and new friends etc. and upload readers. They include: them for my personal journal. After a while the Timhelmy.com iPhone wasn’t good enough, and I “snapped up” Dj.timhelmy.com (get it? ha ha) a basic DSLR setup and started a Photography.timhelmy.com Diploma course in Digital Photography. I noticed facebook.com/djtimhelmy that what I was learning greatly enhanced what I facebook.com/timhelmyphotography saw in my day to day. instagram.com/timhelmyphotography I looked at light completely different and was Thanks Tim. always seeing “good shots” everywhere I looked, so naturally it grew as a passion of mine. The way I feel about it is very similar to how I felt with DJing early on and cheffing before that.

I’m now finding videography fascinating, and I’m studying Digital Marketing online too. I’m noticing all my talents lie in the service of others, while staying free and creative, which is a winwin in my book; it doesn’t get better than that.

Who are some of the THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT photographers you IT IS VERY SIMILAR TO admire?

HOW I FELT WITH DJING I don’t really have any, EARLY ON AND CHEFFING hey ... Like there are some BEFORE THAT. I’M NOW great photographers in the FINDING VIDEOGRAPHY world and a lot of them FASCINATING, AND I’M in Australia actually, but STUDYING DIGITAL none really come to mind MARKETING ONLINE TOO. - or if they do, they’re not in there for a long time.

How would you describe your creative style or vibe?

With food and music gigs, I love the dark ‘n’ moody vibe, and with people I love capturing short-lived emotion ... that cheeky smile or someone mid-laugh or “that moment”. I love candid shots of people, real shots.

Favourite subjects to shoot?

People and food.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 7

focusinterview.

LOCALDives with Rick Anderson

A typical day for Rick Anderson sees him don his wetsuit, airtank, mask and fins and head out into our deep blue ocean to explore and interact with the local wildlife … his favourite of course, the shark. ith twenty years’ local dive knowledge, Dive Instructor Rick Anderson tells us about his favourite places to dive, and what can be found beneath the surface.

Hi Rick. When and why did you first get into scuba diving?

I started scuba diving in 1990, though it was something I wanted to do from the youngest age. My mother still has my Kindergarten book, where I wrote, “When I grow up I want to be skin diver and hunt sharks”. I have stuck to my plan, except I hunt sharks with a camera.

I have snorkelled, free dived and spearfished my whole life, since the age of about eight. The ocean and the creatures within have held a constant fascination for me. Interaction with all sea creatures and animals is the greatest high I have experienced.

Can you give us a bit of a run down on your career as a Dive Master/ Instructor.

I gained my Divemaster certification in 1998 and started working on live aboard dive vessels in North Queensland. Pro Dive Vessel, Running Free II, was where I cut my teeth in the diving world, working on regular trips diving the GBR and world famous Yongala shipwreck, enjoying many experiences with wildlife, people and cyclones.

I gained my instructor ratings while working for Pro Dive and began contracting with dive operators such as Quicksilver, Fantasea, Pro Dive, and Reef Lady throughout North Queensland.

Returning to Port Macquarie in 2000, I started my own dive company. I still contract to other dive operators throughout Australia for a change of pace now or then.

What interests you most about the underwater world?

I have always been fascinated by sharks and shipwrecks (treasure!) Whenever I come across a shipwreck, the excitement of potentially finding some sort of treasure is always there, or purely diving on a shipwreck that maybe hasn’t been seen for over a hundred years. The history behind 8 Greater Port Macquarie focus

many sunken vessels can be fascinating.

Sharks, however, are my big love! The beauty and majestic nature of this animal make them so endearing to me. Over the years I have dived with many shark species, including Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Mako Sharks, Hammerheads, Grey Nurse Sharks, Grey Reef, Great Whites, Lemon Sharks, Wobbegongs, Leopard Sharks … and my special one, which is the Port Jackson Shark. I have a special bond with a couple of the local Port Jackson Sharks that I have been interacting with over the last few years; it’s at the point where they come to me for a pat and a cuddle.

Anytime I spend with sharks makes for an awesome day. And when I get to show people how beautiful sharks truly are, I feel I have achieved something positive.

You are indeed very passionate about sharks. Why then, are these creatures so commonly misunderstood?

Sharks are wild animals living in a wild world, where every day is about eating, breeding and surviving. Sharks are not waiting to rip our arms and legs off. Most interaction between sharks and people is either by mistake, or out of curiosity. Most sharks that come into contact with people are quick to turn tail and run (swim). We are not on their menu and once they see a person close up, they are quick to realise we are not what they want.

Unfortunately, sometimes sharks make mistakes in adverse conditions and do damage to humans. This is generally made worse by the media reporting of such incidents and the Hollywood take on the reality of sharks - making them out to be monsters. Treated with respect, avoiding being in the water during overcast weather, fish migration, dusk and dawn, and avoiding seal and penguins colonies can help reduce the chances of negative shark interactions.

You spend a lot of time under the water is it always the same, or does the scenery change.

The underwater world is constantly changing. The sponges, seaweeds and corals change with the temperature of the water, as do many marine species. Fish life can change; they are also

Most sharks that come into the best indication of bad fish out of the way so contact with people are quick to weather coming, usually they can see where they turn tail and run (swim). We are leaving for deeper water are going! not on their menu and a couple of days before it Having dived Delicate once they see a person happens.

Nobby for over twenty close up, they are quick to Over the cooler months years, I have never had realise we are not what we have an abundance of a boring dive there. In they want. Unfortunately, lobsters, Grey Nurse and recent years I have even sometimes sharks make mistakes Humpback Whales. Then been privileged enough in adverse conditions, and do in the warmer months we to spend time in the damage to humans. have rays, turtles, Port Jackwater with Humpback son Sharks and Pelagic fish.

Whales and an AustraAutumn and spring bring lian Fur Seal there. our most spectacular dive You must have a conditions, with calm seas and clear water. bucket list dive site too; where is it?

How has our marine life changed over the The one spot I have wanted to travel to is Bikini last two decades?

Atoll in Marshall Islands. The area was once used During the past 20 years or so we have seen to test atomic bombs after World War II. From commercial netting of the Hastings river cease, about 1946 they tested the effects of the bomb as well as a reduction in trawl netting off our on vessels and other things. The area was highly coastline. This has had a positive effect on our radioactive and only opened to Scuba Diving in reef systems, with plant life such as sponges, kelp 1996. My fascination with the area is that there and corals being able to regenerate. With this, is an entire fleet (of ships) on the bottom of the we have seen the return of more fish species to ocean - including battleships, destroyers, and the area. A lot of these fish spawn in the river, so an aircraft carrier, to name a few. This is truly a with the healthier river system these fish spawn wreck diver’s paradise! It’s a difficult place to get upstream and then flush into the ocean with the to, with numerous flights, and a twenty five hour summer rains. boat ride! Underwater wildlife is my passion, but As with many parts of the world, there has wreck diving is just for fun. been a drastic drop in sharks such as Whalers For those who love the water - should they (Bronze, Dusky, Bullsharks). But with the increase take the plunge and learn to scuba? in protection zones across the East Coast, we are For those who love the water and wildlife, then seeing a return of the friendly Grey Nurse Shark. have a paddle around in a mask and snorkel, first.

What is your favourite local dive spot and Scuba diving offers the opportunity to spend time why? in nature below the surface. For the time that My favourite would have to be Delicate Nobby. your air supply allows, you can become one with This dive site offers some of the best underwater the sea, exploring the underwater world. diversity on the Mid North Coast - a favourite Only 10% of our oceans have been explored, haunt of the mature and juvenile Grey Nurse so every time you go below the water you have Sharks. There are different species of turtles and the opportunity to explore and discover a world a myriad of fish. You can often find baitfish to that your friends are unaware of. Scuba diving is Pelagics, the odd Tiger Shark, occasional Dusky a great sport for those who are adventurers, or Whaler, Guitar Sharks, Wobbegongs and Port just adventurers at heart.

Jacksons. There is an assortment of crustaceans Thanks Rick. and shellfish living among the sponges, soft Instagram @ricksdiveschool / FB @ricksdiveschool corals and kelp. The diversity of this reef is so SDI Instructor, Ocean Guide Port Macquarie. unbelievable, that at times the diver has to push M 0422 063 528.

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 9

focusinterview.

Graceful, elegant ballet dancer Ella Chambers is currently touring the country with the Australian Ballet School - but this is definitely just one step for this phenomenally talented local dancer. Ella studied at La Vive in Port Macquarie, but the whole world’s a stage - and who knows where we’ll be able to see her perform next!

H

i Ella. What's your family/school background in the Port Macquarie area?

I lived in Sydney before moving to Port with my family in 2007. When we came to visit my dad’s sister, who lives in Wauchope, we just fell in love with Port Macquarie. We moved to Lighthouse Beach, and soon my grandparents came from Sydney to retire in Port.

I started at St Columba Anglican School with my brother, Josh, and sister, Zoe. How old were you when you first started dancing - and who have been some of your dance teachers over the years?

After moving to Port, Zoe wanted to start dance classes, and Mum thought it would be a good way to make friends, so I decided to give ballet a go.

At La Vive, I began to really love ballet and focus on it more, realising it could be a viable, yet difficult, career option. Miss Elizabeth and Miss Ashley really nurtured my love and grew my skill. They encouraged me to audition for the Australian Ballet School, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

What genres of dance are you most comfortable with (and why)?

Ballet, definitely. I also love contemporary and having more freedom with movement - I don’t find them easy, but far more natural than other styles like Hip Hop and Jazz. I still enjoy those styles, although my sister always laughs and says I look like a ballerina when trying them.

When/how did you get your "break" with 10 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Ella Chambers

a national ballet school?

In 2013, I auditioned for the Australian Ballet School’s full-time program, and got in for the following year. So when I was 14 years old, my family and I moved down to Melbourne so I could complete the next part of my training.

Now I’m in my fifth and final year at the school, and although it’s been physically, emotionally and mentally difficult, training at this school has shaped me as a dancer and person. Coming towards the end of it, I’m glad I can say it’s been worthwhile and I’ve enjoyed it.

How long have you now been dancing with the Australian Ballet Company ... and what does a typical day's work with this company involve?

I’m still with the school, but I’ve been touring with the company for the past few weeks. We’re nearing the end of our six week Dancer’s Company Regional Tour, which is an amazing opportunity for the graduate year at the Australian Ballet School to perform with members of the company and gain incredible professional company experience.

A day on tour is very different to a day at the ballet school, which is usually around 8:30 - 5.

On tour we start 10:30 - 11. Our days end before 3pm if we just have rehearsals, or past 10pm if we have a night show. Most of our shows are at night, so we’ll have class and rehearsals in the morning until about 2:30.

Then we’ll have a few hours’ break to relax, eat and do our hair and makeup before the show. We’ll have a short half hour class at 6:15 and then the show starts at 7:30 and ends around 10.

get into a ballet company and make it as a professional dancer.

The shows are tiring, company, because I want My goal is to but I’ve been loving to build up and be able them! to perform bigger and We've caught up more challenging roles. with you in between When you're not After I graduate this year, performances. What dancing, what would I’ll spend the summer and production/role are we most likely find you you currently dancing? next year auditioning. doing?

We’re performing Most of the time I’m Coppélia around either relaxing and taking Victoria, Queensland some alone time, or and Northern Territory. hanging out with friends and family. I don’t It’s a fairly big production and the Dancer’s have a lot of hobbies outside of dance, but a Company is only about 30 dancers, so most of social life keeps me sane. us have to double up on roles.

My friends and I love Melbourne’s night We have two casts, meaning many dancers life (when we’re not too exhausted), so some do different roles in every second show. In the weekends we’ll go out dancing in a very first cast, I’m a Mazurka dancer in the first different setting to usual. I love spending time act, and the Spanish doll in the second. I’m in Hours, a beautiful ballet piece on pointe, and with family, whether it’s watching TV, family Maidens for the third act in both casts. In the dinners, playing with our dog, Scout, or nights second cast, I play the Coppélia doll in Act 1 out. I’m so lucky to have had them with me for and 2. this whole journey in Melbourne.

What are your future career aspirations/ Where can we follow your artistic journey/ goals? find out more about your career?

My goal is to get into a ballet company I post regular dance photos on Instagram and make it as a professional dancer. After I following my journey (@ella.c.chambers). With graduate this year, I’ll spend the summer and ballet being unpredictable and having the next year auditioning. I haven’t wanted to set ability to send people all over the world, I find my sights on one company, because auditions social media a great way to keep up with and can be tough and crushing, but I really want to see how some of my friends who are dancing get into a company in Australia or Europe. overseas are doing, and be inspired by all the I’ve been studying French for the past few different companies and dancers across the years, and although I’m nowhere near fluent, globe.

I love the language and dancing with a French Thanks Ella. speaking company would be really amazing.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

I also want to move up in the ranks of a

Greater Port Macquarie focus 11

focus_What’s On Greater Port Macquarie

4

SEPTEMBER

16

Sydney City Youth Ballet Triple Bill Triple Bill will be presented at 7pm on Tuesday 4th September for one night only at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie.

15

There is opportunity for students of classical ballet to participate in one of two masterclasses with Lucinda Dunn and/or observe the company in class on stage prior to the performance.

Where Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, Clarence Street.

When Tuesday 4th September.

Tickets available from www.glasshouse.org.au

9

Aspect Hunter School Port Macquarie Inaugural Gala Dinner

Create a world where no one on the Autism Spectrum is left behind. Aspect Hunter School - Port Macquarie understands, engages and celebrates the strengths, interests and aspirations of people on the Autism Spectrum.

Coffs Harbour Running Festival The Coffs Harbour Running Festival is a home-grown and locally-run community event for people of all ages and abilities and consists of a 21.1 km half marathon, 10 km fun run, 5 km fun run/walk and a 3 km family fun run/walk.

When 9th September. Where Coffs Harbour Showground.

More Info www.villagesports.com.au

Tai Chi

We are raising funds to improve facilities, including a food technology kitchen at our high school site and an outdoor learning environment at our primary school site.

When Saturday 15th September, 6:30 - 10:30pm.

Where Westport Club, Port Macquarie. Cost $110, inclusive of canapés and drink on arrival, three course meal, entertainment. $1,000 for a table of 10. Dress Cocktail, with different brilliant accessories.

Tickets available at www.autismspectrum.org.au/ PortMacquarieGalaDinner More info Contact Emily Hinshelwood 0425 239 688.

10 16

When Monday, September 10th at 10:30am.

itravel Port Macquarie Holiday and Cruise Expo 2018

Where Girl Guides Hall, Port Macquarie.

When September 16th, 10am - 2pm.

More info For bookings, contact Bob Newton on 6583 3886.

Where Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, Clarence Street.

Beginners Tai Chi classes with renowned teacher Bob Newton commence again in Port Macquarie. Tai Chi has remarkable benefits to calm and strengthen the mind and body.

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Hamptons Long Lunch

Indulge in a Long Lunch on the lush waterfront lawns of Sails, Port Macquarie.

When Sunday 16th September. Where Sails, Port Macquarie.

Tickets $125 pp, including canapés, three delicious courses and a three hour beverage package: www.123tix.com.au/ events/sails

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Wildwood Festival featuring The Beautiful Girls and Ash Grunwald.

When Saturday 29th September.

Where Cassegrain Winery, Port Macquarie.

Tickets $85 - under 14s FREE. Go to oztix.com.au or Wild Heart Designs, William St, Port Macquarie.

29

Camden Haven Quilters

When Exhibition is on the long weekend, 29th and 30th September and 1st October. We will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and will close at 2pm on Monday. Where Laurieton School of Arts. Entry $5, with children U 14 free. We’d love to see you there!

Jodie Lowe

Celebrate our

Marine Wildlife Photographer

BICENTENARY Our region’s bicentenary marks an iconic milestone for our community and commemorates 200 years since John Oxley and his team of 15 explorers traversed the mountains from the west and surveyed our region for early European settlement in 1818.

If you’ve been out whale spotting on one of Port Jet’s boats, chances are you’e seen the talented Jodie Lowe capturing these majestic beasts in their natural habitat. This month at FOCUS we caught up with Jodie and chatted about her love of photography and our beautiful marine mammals …

H

i Jodie. Introduce yourself to our readers; what is your connection to the Greater Port Macquarie area?

My name Is Jodie Lowe.

I'm a passionate marine mammal/wildlife photographer, and I've lived in Port Macquarie for about 10 years now.

When did your photography journey begin, and what inspired you?

I first picked up a camera seven years ago and started going out on the whale watching boats, because I have always had a fascination with whales and dolphins. I wanted to capture them and their behaviours.

Can you tell us about the most memorable wildlife photo you have ever shot and what made it so special?

I have many shots that are memorable, but probably the most memorable was capturing a

Bottlenose Dolphin jumping out of the water with an octopus attached to her. It was special, because it is unique, and it was the first time we'd seen something like that.

What are the main challenges you face as a wildlife photographer?

Sometimes the animals can be very unpredictable with their behaviour and you might not be ready for it.

What do you love most about your work?

The fact that I get to spend nearly every day with whales and dolphins.

Over the years have you ever spotted the same whale twice from one migration to the next?

Yes, there have been a few whales I have recognised from season to season - Migaloo being the obvious individual spotted in more than one season. There are others as well we have came across that I've photographed more than once.

What equipment is in your photography kit?

I use a Canon 80D body with a Canon 70 - 300mm lens and I use a Canon 24 105mm lens as well.

Where is your favourite location to capture your subjects?

Port Macquarie is one, Port Stephens and Bremer Canyon, which is located off the southwest coast of Western Australia.

Top tips for capturing wildlife in its natural habitat?

Be patient; the animals are not always going to do what you want them to do, and always be ready with your camera, because sometimes they are unpredictable with their behaviour.

Thanks Jodie.

Follow Jodie’s journey on IG: jodie_lowe88 And FB: www.facebook.com/jodie.lowe88

I

Council and the Community working together to Celebrate our Bicentenary

t is also a time to recognise the traditional custodians of the land, the Birpai people, who for thousands of years before inhabited our region.

In 1818 Port Macquarie was named by John Oxley after the Governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie. The Hastings River was named after the Governor General of India at around the same time. Although the area had been first noticed by Captain Cook on his voyage along the coast in 1770 and again later by Matthew Flinders in 1802, it was not explored in any detail until Oxley returned in 1819. Macquarie initiated Oxley's expedition, as he was interested in the site’s potential as a penal settlement.

The penal settlement would be established in 1821 under Captain Francis Allman, who landed at the "town green" at the top of what is now Clarence Street. Captain Allman immediately began directing the 60 convicts sent to establish the settlement, to clear the area of trees and begin farming in order to become self-sufficient.

Over the period 2018 - 2021, Council and the community is coming together to commemorate this milestone period of our region’s history and celebrate our rich and diverse region - the history, the heritage and people who make our region what it is. There are so many wonderful and interesting stories of our place, that it’s time to look back, learn about our history and celebrate together. Over the next four years there will be many projects, activities and events that are happening all across our region and will encourage our community to come together and mark these historical moments.

Save the date now for 200 Together: an Exploration through Time - Council’s 2018 Bicentenary event to be held on Sunday, October 28th on Town Green and Town Square.

The event 200 Together: An Exploration

Through Time, will provide an opportunity for the whole community to immerse themselves in stories from the past, amidst a picnic setting on the Port Macquarie Town Green.

Featuring local music and food, Aboriginal cultural experiences, buskers and journeys through our history, this is an event not to be missed, and there’ll be lots for the entire family to enjoy.”

The event will offer the chance for people to learn about the history of our region through an eclectic mix of cultural activities.

Local entertainers, musicians, artists, food businesses and market stall holders are now being invited to express their interest in featuring at the event, with registrations open until 7th September.

For more details, visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/ bicentenary During September, some other community happenings include: Wauchope Rotary Bush Dance - kick up your heels at the Wauchope Showground Hall from 6pm on Saturday 15th September. For details, phone 0417 472 723.

Weekend of Oxley at Mount Seaview - the Wauchope District Historical Society invites the community to a weekend of celebration, including a book launch, John Oxley, a new perspective by Rob Tickle and “Oxley’s way today” - a 4WD Safari to Mt Jasper and Echo Point with campfire yarns at the riverside September 21 - 23. For program details, visit www.visitwauchope.com.au Back to Bonny’s 2018 - celebrating past, present and future - will see past and present residents of the Bonny Hills community gather together to celebrate the Bicentenary at the Rainbow Beach Reserve on the weekend of September 28 - 30. For more details, follow backtobonnys on Facebook.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 13

Winner: Packing Room Prize 2017 Peter Smeeth, Lisa Wilkinson AM, oil on linen, 100 x 150cm The inner stillness of Eileen Kramer, oil on linen, 2017.

2017 ld

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ArchiBa P R I l ZTourE Regiona

H

The Archibald Prize is Australia’s most widely recognised and prestigious portraiture prize. The touring exhibition of finalists’ works is always a highlight for any gallery, and we’re very fortunate to have the exhibition on display at the Glasshouse until October 7! Artist and plastic surgeon Andrew Lloyd Greensmith is just one of the finalists in the 2017 Archibald Prize - his artwork is pictured top left. Andrew is a man of many talents, but is humble about his achievements.

i Andrew. Where did you grow up - and where’s home these days?

I was born and grew up in Auckland, New

Zealand.

Many readers may know you through your work as a plastic surgeon, and certainly one of the more memorable cases (general public perception-wise) you were involved with was that of Bangladeshi conjoined twins Krishna and Trishna. What impact did this particular case have on your life/ career?

It was a privilege to get the chance to face such a case, as we faced an almost impossible challenge and were really trying to something that only a handful had attempted and had not really had success with. It was a team effort, and I was only part of the various components of the team.

I guess it taught me or reinforced to me that when you really focus and have a passion for something, you can achieve great things.

Having been self taught at art, my knowledge and technical skill acquisition is constantly driven by passion for people and art.

Where did your interest in art and painting begin?

I was always interested in drawing from a young age, but in fact anything craft related or hands on - building model aeroplanes, painting tiny toy soldiers. Anything that involved creating something with your hands appealed.

I also remember always being observant of things - changes of light on the sea, the magic light of early morning or late afternoon from a young age.

14 Greater Port Macquarie focus

How have you managed to juggle your relate to your subject. roles as both medical professional and artist I plucked up the courage to approach her via over the years? the Arts Health Institute in Sydney and arranged It has been difficult to find time to spend a sitting, and it took off from there. acquiring real artistic skills - something had The resulting work, The stillness of Eileen Kramer, which we’ll be able to see at the to give, and it meant in the end calling an Glasshouse Gallery, is simply beautiful. end to a prestigious public university hospital What were you hoping career. I found that to convey of Eileen’s increasingly working in persona with this a large institution was a portrait - and were you little stifling; creativity is EILEEN IS A SHINING happy with the final generally not encouraged, EXAMPLE OF ART AS A result? and basically there was WAY OF LIVING AND NOT The work took me four not enough time to do USING ART PRIMARILY TO months to complete. I everything.

MAKE A LIVING. I THINK wanted to convey her not I resigned the position MANY ART ACADEMIES just as a dancer and an of Chief of Craniofacial HAVE LOST THIS NOW, TO artist, but as a dreamer Surgery at the Royal THE DETRIMENT OF THEIR and someone who has Children’s Hospital three STUDENTS. lived all her life energised years ago and have not through art, rather than looked back. I miss my chasing a “safe” career patients and my team path like many of the there, but feel like a gap younger generation are persuaded to do. in my life has been filled replacing this time with Eileen is a shining example of art as a way painting and drawing. of living and not using art primarily to make a Your first entry in the Archibald Prize was living. I think many art academies have lost this your portrait of (at the time) 102 year old now, to the detriment of their students. dancer and choreographer Eileen Kramer.

As a plastic surgeon, you have a more in Why did you choose to make Eileen the depth understanding of the human body subject of your painting? and musculoskeletal structure than most I was just becoming a little more of us. How has this assisted (or hindered!) accomplished with painting portraits of family your portraiture work? and friends and someone suggested I should It is a help for sure, and partly compensates have a go at entering the Archibald Prize. At the for my major technical deficiencies - especially same time, I came across an article on Eileen in when first starting. It helps with knowing what a newspaper and found her inspiring, and even the form is doing, but working out how to more so because my daughter is an aspiring render that form in a convincing way remains a ballerina and very artistic, so I could relate challenge. strongly to her. It is important to be able to

I am very interested in people of all walks of life and am fortunate to meet 40 - 50 new people a week in work as a plastic surgeon, and I think a genuine interest in people feeds nicely into portrait painting.

You’re a finalist in the Archibald Prize again this year, with your portrait of Susan Carland. How has this recognition influenced/inspired you?

I am the sort of person who is underneath it all always questioning myself and whether I deserve something, so in some ways I feel it should reassure me that the first success in 2017 was justified. But on the other hand, I think the constant self doubt of an artist creeps in and makes you wonder whether you really deserve to be selected for the Archibald. I suppose it is the artist’s equivalent of stage fright, as I generally try to avoid the limelight.

Where can we see more of your art or find out more about you?

I am painting more and more and have just started to receive some requests for commissions, but I still feel like I cannot really call myself a working artist. I also do not get involved in any social media such as Facebook or Instagram and currently do not have a web page.

Thanks Andrew.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

This exhibition is on show at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery, August 25 - October 7.

Tickets single $7.50 / member $5 / U12 $5. www.glasshouse.org.au An Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition. Presenting partner, ANZ.

Grand Opening of Stage 2!

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 15

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DORRIGO

Festival Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival is an acoustic weekend of concerts, workshops, jamming, dancing and more, focused primarily on Old-Time, Bluegrass and Folk traditions.

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR BRIDGET REES TELLS US MORE ABOUT THE EVENT ...

O

ur seventeenth festival is just across a wide range of musical genres. around the corner, and if you The festival has for many years made efforts have never made the trip up to become environmentally friendly; the “Keep to the Plateau to experience Cup” scheme has helped to reduce disposable this internationally recognised drinking cups, and in 2018 we aim to have zero acoustic music festival, then takeaway containers and coffee cups which are we urge you to mark the dates down on your not biodegradable or recyclable, plastic bottles, calendar right away. This is one of the must cans and plastic straws. We have Rubbish Rooms do major events held on the Mid North Coast run by some of our amazing volunteers, who are and has something for the whole family to get there to help patrons place their rubbish into the involved in. Bringing to the region incredible correct bin. This year we are focusing on reducing international, national and local performers, we green waste. put together a three day programme filled with Held at the picturesque Dorrigo Showgrounds, inspiring performances, where camping is dance, poetry and available, there are seven workshops covering venues and two workshop the finest traditional, areas. All are under cover contemporary and and within a short walking HELD AT THE PICTURESQUE acoustic music. distance of each other. The DORRIGO SHOWGROUNDS, Recognising how town itself hosts café and WHERE CAMPING IS important it is to bring poet’s breakfasts.

AVAILABLE, THERE ARE to our patrons the very For the complete SEVEN VENUES AND TWO best of our favoured lists of performers and WORKSHOP AREAS. genres of Bluegrass, Folk information regarding and Old-Time music, ticket sales, camping and we have some stellar the Music School, please acts coming for the visit our website. weekend to weave their skills in concerts, dances, Tickets are available from the website and will workshops and around the jam sessions. Dorrigo be available on site over the whole weekend. has always been about sharing, inclusiveness There are many different options, and all and making the music available to all ages and workshops are included. You can even just come levels of musicianship, and we endeavour to along for the famed Friday night Hoe-Down or create an atmosphere that is family friendly and Saturday afternoon Ceilidh - great fun for all the encouraging. family.

After a great success last year, we are running Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Inc. would like our second Dorrigo Old-Time Music School to acknowledge that this festival is held on the before the festival, engaging tutors from North traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr people.

Carolina and Tennessee with the knowledge, heritage and respect of the genre to pass on the important traditions of Old-Time music.

The school runs for three days and provides 26th, 27th, 28th October, opportunities for learning and playing alongside Dorrigo Showgrounds. award winning Old-Time musicians. There are Tickets available from www. many skills taught at the camp that are applicable dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au Greater Port Macquarie focus 17

On the COVER FESTIVAL

FEVER

This month in FOCUS is all about Festival Vibes, with so many local events to be excited about. We featured three local artists who'll be performing across Wildwood and Blues & BBQ Festival.

Drawn From Here at the Sunset Framing & Gallery Discover Greater Port Macquarie’s hidden creative talent through a unique and interactive exhibition of art journals.

Drawn From Here will open at Sunset Framing & Gallery from Saturday 29th September and will be on show until Saturday 13th October.

Over 55 artists and creatives living across Greater Port Macquarie registered to participate in the art journal project, run by Port Macquarie Creative.

Each participant was given a blank sketchbook to complete in any way and with any medium they wish.

Project Coordinator, Katherine Appleby, says she is excited to see the resulting exhibition.

“Displaying art journals, rather than finished pieces, allows us to see deeper into the creative life and process of each artist,” she said.

“This is not something we would ordinarily witness, and it's wonderful to see what inspires

and moves each artist to create.”

The project has been sponsored by Sunset Framing & Gallery, who offered their gallery space for the two-week exhibition.

“Sunset Framing & Gallery are always supportive of our local, creative community, and we are excited to be supporting a project that will expose and exhibit the incredible talent that exists in Greater Port Macquarie,” said gallery owner, Scott Rayner.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, will officially open the exhibition at 7pm on Saturday 29th September.

M+R.

ROXY

MONTGOMERY

Who makes up the band? Mike plays guitar, stomp and sings, and I sing.

How did you first get into music? We first got into music through school. Our school was very performing arts focused (Mike still goes there; he’s in Year 11).We both found a passion for music and started singing together at our family home - and everything took off after that! What are you looking forward to about playing this year's Blues & BBQ Festival? The majority of music we play is Blues, so we're excited to play the music we love to people who appreciate the genre. We are also looking forward to meeting other musicians.

Where can we check out your music? You can check us out on Facebook (MR. Mike and Roxy) or on Instagram (Mr.mikeroxy)

Guests are invited to RSVP to portmacquariecreative@gmail.com for catering purposes.

Royal Chant.

To learn more about the project, and other events run by Port Macquarie Creative, visit www.portmacquariecreative.com

MARK

SPENCE

Who makes up the band? Adam Murray on bass, Wade Mobbs on drums and I'm on guitar and vocals.

How did you first get into music? I started playing drums in the school band in 6th Grade in suburban Atlanta.

What are you looking forward to about playing this year's festivals? We are looking forward to headlining the locals stage and playing some new songs that will be on our next record.

Where can we check out your music?

Spotify seems to be where most people are checking us out these days, so we're hopping on that train - bound for glory, no doubt.

A GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

ART JOURNAL PROJECT

29 SEPTEMBER TO 13 OCTOBER 2018 SUNSET FRAMING & GALLERY

2/11 MURRAY ST PORT MACQUARIE

Nana Klumpp.

JESSE

Drawn From Here is an art journal project, run by Port Macquarie Creative and sponsored by Sunset Gallery and Framing. The exhibition will feature over 50 art journals completed by locals living in Greater Port Macquarie. Come and view the unique diversity of our local arts through an exhibition of creative art journals.

EXHIBITION OPENING Saturday 29 September, 7.00pm The exhibition will be officially opened by Leslie Williams MP. Refreshments will be available.

Please RSVP by 25 September 2018 to portmacquariecreative@gmail.com

18 Greater Port Macquarie focus

HINDER

Who makes up the band? Aaron Gully, Ronan Bailey, Robert Courtenay-Morris, and I (Jesse Hinder) make up the band.

How did you first get into music? Our music teacher, Mr Firth, sparked our minds.

What are you looking forward to about playing this year's Blues & BBQ Festival? We are super pumped to be playing the Blues & BBQ Festival.

Where can we check out your music?

You can find our music on YouTube, triple j Unearthed, and soon to be Spotify.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 19

Creative Arts Music and Performance school (C.A.M.P) in Port Macquarie has started a new trend - to hide hand painted rocks around the town for other people to find. Why? It’s creative, fun and it connects the community in a fresh way. It’s called CAMP Rocks. Some students of C.A.M.P tell us all about it.

School Holiday Fun

C.A.M.P P O R T

M A C Q U A R I E

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hat’s so good about C.A.M.P? Charlotte (Year 4) - It’s a great way to connect with people.

Even saying, “Can I borrow that paint” can start a friendship.

Grace (Year 5) - I love C.A.M.P. It’s so great, because we get to be creative and do lots of fun activities every day.

Maggie (Year 5) - There are so many things you can do and it doesn’t matter if it’s wrong or right, because you can just express yourself in art and in drama you can make so many new friends.

What has been your favourite project/lesson at C.A.M.P? Grace - When we spray painted masks and then we got to put decorations all over them.

Maggie - 12 times.

C.A.M.P has started a new Facebook page called CAMP Rocks. Can you tell us more about it?

Grace - Everyone’s painted a few (small) rocks each and then we’re hiding them all over Port Macquarie after we’ve repainted them. If you find any of the rocks, you take a photo and put it on the Facebook page and then you repaint them or paint new rocks and hide them with hints so that other people can find them.

C.A.M.P Port Macquarie runs in school holidays from Oct 8th - 12th at the Scout Hall from 9 - 3pm.

Amelia (Year 3) - When we get to make movies.

Maggie - Well, I like everything, but one of my favourites was when we did acrylic pouring.

How many holidays have you spent at C.A.M.P? Charlotte - five or more.

Grace - I’ve spent seven holidays at C.A.M.P.

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Amelia - I’ve been twice.

What would you say to anyone thinking about coming to C.A.M.P? Maggie - It’s a really good idea, because it is just really fun and we’ve done so many fun things, there are a lot of good arts and you can meet a lot of new friends, and it just gets better every time.

C.A.M.P Port Macquarie runs in school holidays from Oct 8th - 12th at the Scout Hall from 9 - 3pm. $35 per day for primary school aged children in Years 1 - 6. Contact Aimee Pelley for more details on 0447 114 796.

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Hayley Lawrence

How many of us have sat in front of a computer screen late at night, typing about our experiences, hoping this text eventually reaches an audience who appreciates it? Hayley Lawrence has been there … working through the midnight hours and into the dawn - but her efforts have paid off!

Hahley’s first novel, “Inside the Tiger”, will be released by Penguin Random House this month, and you can meet her - and purchase her book - at BookFace on September 8.

H

i Hayley. What’s your association with the Greater Port Macquarie area?

I’ve lived in Port since 2005, when my husband got his first job here as a pilot. All five of our daughters were born here, and are now in school and preschool here.

When/how did you first become interested in writing?

I don’t think there’s a specific moment when a writer becomes interested in writing.

I’ve written ever since I was able, and I think my love for the written word came from my passion for stories as a young child.

Storytelling is the most ancient form of passing down collective wisdom. It reaches back through the Dreamtime, through biblical stories and mythology. Writers simply shape their stories with words, and if they’re any good at it, the words reach into readers’ hearts.

Your first novel, Inside the Tiger is about to be released through publisher Penguin Random House ... Firstly, what was the inspiration behind the novel?

I’m thrilled that my debut novel is being launched in September, and Penguin Random House is an amazing publishing house to work with.

The inspiration for Inside the Tiger came from the five years I spent writing to a death row prisoner in Thailand. Our letters were all censored by the prison guards, and sometimes things I sent to him wouldn’t reach him, especially if they had monetary value.

My husband and I eventually went over to Thailand and met my prisoner pen pal inside BangKwang prison. The conditions inside were notoriously inhumane, and many non-fiction

books have been written detailing its horrors.

So, I decided to write a young adult love story that would shed a bit of light on what it’s like to be facing the death penalty, or to love someone who is.

Run us through a brief synopsis of the story (without giving away any surprises or the ending!)

Bel’s mother was killed by a drug addict when she was only a few days old. Since a young age, she has attended a Sydney boarding school so that her father, the Justice Minister, could dedicate himself to victim’s rights.

Seventeen years after her mother’s death, she is tired of her dad’s rallies, and has sworn off politics. So when she’s forced to align herself with a cause for a school assignment, Bel opts for an easy way out. She writes to a Death Row prisoner, whom she thinks will never write back.

But, when nineteen-year-old Micah responds, Bel finds herself drawn into the horror of his daily life. And as the letters continue, she begins to develop feelings for him. But her friendship with Micah starts to threaten the people Bel loves at home. By caring about a convicted criminal facing the death penalty, will Bel pit herself against her father’s ideals? She’s already lost her mother.

Will loving Micah cost her everyone else she loves too?

Inside the Tiger is an exploration of idealism, justice and personal loss, with two very different love stories at its heart.

This story has already received some industry acknowledgement (being shortlisted for The Australian/Vogel’s Literary Award). Tell us a bit more about this and how it made you feel to receive

recognition of this book?

The inspiration for Inside the kind?

Yes, BookFace Tiger came from the five years I first heard about the have been incredibly I spent writing to a death row Vogel Prize for writers supportive, as they are of prisoner in Thailand. under 35 when I was all local writers - which is Our letters were in my late twenties, but very encouraging. all censored by the I was 34 by the time I The launch is prison guards, and submitted for it. The happening on Saturday sometimes things I manuscript left my inbox 8th September at 2pm. sent to him wouldn’t at two minutes before There will be afternoon reach him, especially if the closing deadline, and they had monetary value. tea, a Q & A session, I never expected to hear and I’ll be doing a short back, so I was shocked reading from my novel. when I heard that Inside And yes - I will definitely the Tiger was a finalist. be there for book signings.

I was invited down to Sydney for the What other activities do you have presentation evening at Allen & Unwin’s arranged to help promote Inside the Tiger? headquarters, where I got to meet the prize judges, the three other finalists and the winner.

It was incredible to be mingling with literary judges and writers across all different genres, publishers and editors.

Writing is usually a very solitary venture.

You sit in a room on your own, often in some vulnerable state, at night, or early in the morning, and pour your soul into a screen. So, to have recognition from industry professionals that your imagined world meant something to them is humbling and uplifting. It gave me belief in my work and also some visibility from publishers.

And only weeks later, I was offered a contract for publication by Penguin Random House. It also confirmed to me that as a writer, you have to be willing to put your work out there. You never know what may come of it!

Our local bookstore, BookFace, are hosting a special launch for you on September 8.

What time will the launch commence, and will you be there to sign copies of your

Penguin Random House have arranged book launches for me in Melbourne and Sydney.

I’ll also be meeting various booksellers, and joining the Penguin Teen Showcase team in January as they tour Sydney and Melbourne, to talk about writing and the growing young adult book market, which is now being read not only by teens, but by adults in vastly growing numbers.

I’ll also be doing talks on ABC radio, at schools, and other such opportunities as they present.

Where’s the best place for us to find more info about you and any future projects you may have planned?

You can find me on my website at www. hayleylawrence.com.au and I am also on Facebook at Hayley Lawrence Author, as well as on Twitter and Instagram at hayleyblawrence.

Thanks Hayley.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 21

14-15 SEPTEMBER 2018 P ORT MA CQ UA RIE /TOWN GR EEN

FREE ENTRY FOOD VENDORS

BOVINE AND SWINE

parilla argenchino TEXAS RANGERS

Big Papa’s Food Truck

BAR-B-SKEW

XS FOOD

Black Iron Smokers

PLUS Retro Classic Treats Friday 3pm-9pm / Saturday 11am-9pm THANKS TO OUR SPONSORs

22 Greater Port Macquarie focus

SMOKIN GRILL

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Russell Crane

RIKKI BAIRD

With the annual Blues & BBQ Festival just around the corner, FOCUS caught up with one of the boys, Rikki from "Baird Grills" - a local BBQ team heading to this year's competition. for the first time!

Russell Crane, one of Billabong Café's top chefs, has over 20 years’ experience and has put together a collection of his favourite dishes, gathered from his travels around the world. The emphasis is on using fresh, local produce and supplies.

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crunchy shallots, daikon and fresh coriander. hat is your favourite dish on the menu Have you ever cooked for anyone currently and why? famous?

Okonomoyaki - the I made Bryan Brown and Sam Neil wait on flavours, colours and a busy day like everybody else for their food, textures really work well. as all my customers are stars to me! And I When it comes to think they liked not being special events and treated any more special functions, what than anyone else. range of food and You also cater for large services can you groups and weddings at My Curry House is pretty out offer?

Billabong Café - how do there - seafood laksa served in a drinking coconut Everything from an you make these large topped with crunchy Aussie BBQ through events special? shallots, daikon and to a 10 course It’s important to talk fresh coriander. degustation. to your client, so they Have you travelled can tell you what they’re much to expand your expecting. interest in food?

How often do you Yes, South East Asia, change the menu?

Indonesia and all over Australia. I’ve worked Every six months at least. in some amazing venues and locations and What do you cook when you are at home? consider myself very lucky to live here.

I live on a farm, so whatever is in season How do you cater for special dietary and available and fresh! needs?

What’s your specialty sweet menu item?

Extensive research and training.

Banoffee pie for sure.

Do you cater to children’s menus?

Tell us about your time working at Do we ever! We have a great kids' menu Billabong Zoo. come and check it out!

Best bosses ever and amazing venue.

What’s the most creative dish you have You get invited to a party - what dish do developed? you take?

My Curry House is pretty out there - seafood Pavlova with strawberries and cream. laksa served in a drinking coconut topped with Thanks Russell.

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ow long have you been a You'll be competing for the first time at butcher and at Port Meat the Australian Barbecue Wars here in Port Store?

Macquarie this September. Tell us who is I started butchering in 1999 on your team?

The team name is "Baird Grills BBQ" and and have worked across a it's a family team of my brothers and brother in few different shops, picking up new skills law, who all have a love for food and flavours. everywhere I went. I started at Port Meat Store My brothers Brock and Kodi Baird just love around three years ago, but had a break to their food and cooking. I'll have to keep an eye manage a supermarket meat department. I on them, otherwise the food might not make missed being able to be creative and test out it to the judges. new ideas, so headed back to Port Meat Store, My brother in law Blake Sanger is an where Larry is focused on the meat quality and apprentice chef, whose putting customer needs job on the team is to try first. to enhance those natural We hear you are meat flavours we don't now taking a keen In 2016 I competed in Butcher want to lose. interest in low and Wars at the first MeatStock This is a big comp to slow barbecue - what in Sydney. The festival test the waters in; how has piqued your had the BBQ food and are you feeling going interested in this aroma, and seeing the into it? method of cooking? live smoker displays made Anything can happen on My first interest me want to have crack at it. the day, but knowing so came when I was asked many people in the BBQ by customers to trim culture of Port Macquarie, specific cuts of meat I'm excited just to be in and amongst all the for them to smoke. Some customers would ask competitors this year and have some fun along for meat cuts that are traditionally American the way. I think I'll be happy just to make the terms, so I needed to do a bit of research to hand in! work out what the Australian version was.

I've cooked for over 200 hungry fishermen In 2016 I competed in Butcher Wars at the at the Golden Lure in 2018, so I think I will first MeatStock in Sydney. The festival had handle the pressure. the BBQ food and aroma, and seeing the live What do you think your best protein will smoker displays made me want to have crack be? at it. Before I bought my own, I was lucky I've been cooking a lot of beef brisket lately enough to have a neighbour nearby (Dale) who for friends and family with good feedback. I let me borrow his for a trial. have the inside access to good quality meat, My wife and kids aren't big fans of what which will also help. they call "slops" (curries and stews), so it's also Thanks Rikki. a good way to keep everyone happy.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 23

Hot rubbed chargrilled chicken with cheese, bacon, rocket & red chilli slaw, mango chilli jam & lime aioli. from The Burger Rebellion 24 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Burger of the month. ?????

Terracotta Trattoria

The Burger Rebellion

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.

The Burger Rebellion has all burger needs covered, including gluten free and vegetarian options. Partnered with a cider, wine or a local on tap beer, you can’t go past The Burger Rebellion.

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

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

Big burgers, small burgers, kids’ burgers, burger bowls. The concept is simple: to provide a great quality product in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

September’s Burger of the Month: OWNERS IZAK AND LYN LESCH

They are offering the very best in homestyle Italian cuisine.

OWNER/CHEF MATT CONWAY

This month we are bringing back the meat and cheese. Sponsored by our friends at Moorebeer, the burger has all the flavours: Meat patty with cheddar cheese, lettuce, bacon, tomato, onion and special sauce.

Open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner; come in and try for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

Get your burger fix!

SHOP 9/6-14 CLARENCE ST, PORT MACQUARIE 6584 1403 THEBURGERREBELLION.COM.AU

38 CAMERON STREET, WAUCHOPE 6585 1824 OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY, 5PM - 9PM.

TUESDAY TO THURSDAY, 12PM TO 2:30PM & 5PM ‘TIL 8:30PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 11:30AM TO 3:00PM & 5PM ‘TIL 9PMCLOSED ON SUNDAYS, MONDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

King Ora salmon, squashed chat potatoes, asparagus, hollandaise sauce, prosciutto shard

Corn Fritter Stack: crispy corn fritters and fried chorizo stacked on roquette with poached eggs, smashed avo, chilli jam and hollandaise.

Aqua at The Westport Club

Billabong Zoo Café

Waterside dining featuring a fresh, seasonal menu

Billabong Café now open to the public!

At Aqua Restaurant, our aim is to provide you with a taste of the Hastings region while offering a warm and welcoming experience.

Enjoy a delicious bite from our exciting new menu options, either with a visit to the zoo or just the café.

Taking inspiration from our location, the Aqua menu focuses on fresh, seasonal produce. Menu highlights include the pan-fried salmon with squashed chats, asparagus, and prosciutto shard, and the pork belly with roasted pears and cider jus. Be sure to save room for one of our house-made desserts and a baristamade coffee, too.

Breakfast, lunch or delicious snacks, plus our Chef’s Specials available throughout the day. Great fresh ground coffee, a variety of teas and a great variety of fresh, homestyle smoothies. Indoor and outdoor dining options. Take away available.

While dining with us at Aqua, you will overlook the sparkling waters of the Hastings River ... it is truly breathtaking at any time of the day.

25 BULLER STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6588 7201 WWW.THEWESTPORTCLUB.COM.AU LUNCH 7 DAYS: 11.30AM-2PM DINNERS 7 DAYS: 5PM-8.30PM

HEAD CHEF JESSE MCGARRITY

We also cater for kids’ parties, functions and events in our function room and outdoor dining areas for up to 100 people. Call us for more information and to discuss your catering requirements.

CHEFS RUSSELL AND KATH

61 BILLABONG DRIVE, PORT MACQUARIE 6585 1060 WWW.BILLABONGZOOCOM.AU OPEN 7 DAYS, BREAKFAST FROM 9AM TO 11AM. LUNCH FROM 11:30AM TO 2:30PM.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 25

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Chicken Tandoori Gourmet Pizza

LOU PERRI FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

The Tapp at Panthers

The Tapp Bar has an eclectic industrial style with spectacular water views across the Hastings River. Boasting a delectable tapas food menu, boutique craft beer on tap, premium wine and creative cocktails daily, sit back and enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings or settle into soft acoustics for your lazy Sunday afternoon. You can’t go past the amazing tapas menu, featuring meat and cheese boards, chilli salted soft shell crab and gourmet pizzas for a casual long lunch.

Stay cosy on the deck under the outdoor heaters, or lounge in the king dining chairs indoors. The Tapp Bar has certainly raised the standards for delicious food and outstanding atmosphere in Port Macquarie.

DON’T BELIEVE the hype.

Imagination and humour … the two qualities that humans possess (well perhaps not all of us, but that is another tale) that set us firmly apart from our animal friends.

HEAD CHEF ADAM LOVETT 1 BAY STREET, PORT MACQUAIRE (02) 6580 2300 WWW.PORTMACQUARIE.PANTHERS.COM.AU OPEN 7 DAYS. SUNDAY – FRIDAY: 12PM- LATE, SATURDAY: 10AM - LATE.

Four Espresso How does your garden grow?

Have you ever wondered what we do with all your used coffee grinds? They make great fertiliser, growing the perfect fresh veggies or flowers, and can be picked up from us for FREE! (They also make a great coffee scrub!)

Looking for a gift for Father’s Day? Local lass Tori Hudson has been busy working with SKATEPAL - a non-profit organisation that works with communities throughout Palestine to enhance the lives of young people and promote the benefits of skateboarding! Help support this amazing organisation by purchasing Skatepal magazine from Four Espresso!

Haven’t got time to wait in line? Download the EAT APPY app to order your coffee, breakfast or lunch online and collect, or we will deliver within the CBD for FREE! CNR CLARENCE & MURRAY STREETS, PORT MACQUARIE. (02) 6583 3983 OPEN 7 DAYS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 6.30AM-3PM, SATURDAY 6:30AM-1PM, SUNDAY 7AM-12PM

26 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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s we grow away from childhood, our imaginations mostly take somewhat of a backseat as our attention is captivated by life’s realities. One would hope that our sense of humour remains strong throughout this process, but that is another story.

Although we might eventually lose the ability to turn our bath into a pirate ship or leave a note for the fairies, our imagination still lurks in our minds and works in other ways, either enhancing (I mean, how do we get through those dreary minutes without a bit of a daydream) - or detracting from our daily lives.

Our imagination has the ability to impact us in a negative fashion and can often get the better of us when it comes to an event that is one we aren’t particularly looking forward to (or downright dreading, as the case may be). Often, we find with the benefit of hindsight that it absolutely wasn’t as bad as we imagined it might be at all - as in the ubiquitous dentist chair, hospital bed, public speaking and job interview fears.

Amazingly enough, on the flipside of this however - our imagination has the ability to pull together an oppositional force of overwhelming hope when it is fired up on the anticipation of something we are actually really looking forward to happening.

Isn’t it often the case that sheer anticipation can be often quite a lot better than the actual event? Purely because the imagination ran a bit wild in projecting a flawless and idyllic scenario that just didn’t allow for any margin for error at all.

Pesky imagination, better to be a pessimist or a cynic perhaps, but a life without this delicious kind of anticipation is no life at all …

Speaking of delicious anticipation - is it lunch yet? And of course, there’s a tie-in to the

dining-out experience, where the imagined scenario could possibly be far more fulfilling than the reality.

It happened to me recently on a pilgrimage to a world heritage listed Sicilian village, where our GPS on a hair-raising drive on a baking hot day led us to an unremarkable little café proclaimed by many an expert to have “the best gelato in the world”.

Needless to say, the real time version of the moment of finally procuring this incredible gelato did not remotely live up to imagined scenario …

Kids were hot and bothered, adults were stressed out, there was a misunderstanding with waitstaff regarding the ordering process, the place was jam packed … Without going into excruciating detail, it was pretty much a train wreck and certainly not the Chef’s Table rustic Sicilian soul food experience we’d seen on TV. Anyway, reminder to self that everything is subjective, and pinpointing the blame on one particular entity is pointless. It would be so easy to unleash one’s frustration on the café itself for its not so welcoming service (aka busy and flustered) or the fact that the place was overrun by tourists like ourselves who had all apparently watched the same episode of Chef’s Table.

However, on closer introspection the gelato itself was actually pretty amazing. Luckily so, as it’s basically going to take a life changing dessert miracle to appease a grumpy and exhausted group of five adults and five kids trekking to some far flung Sicilian town on a Sunday morning for gelato.

Moral of story - life throws curveballs.

Imagination is just that - an imagined thing. Chef’s Table employs state of the art cinematography. Ice-cream always helps … enough said.

coffee scene.

Saltwater Wine Espresso Bar The café at Saltwater Wine on Horton Street will have you buzzing this spring, with some of the best coffee in town. The AllPress Espresso beans and state-of-the-art La Marzocco machine are utilised with the utmost skill by our talented baristas, Lorissa,

Café Buzz When Café BUZZ in Peachtree Walk opened

all your coffee needs, including our range of

Regular trading hours are 9am to 4:30pm Monday - Friday, 9am to 2:30pm on Saturday and 10am to 12:30pm on Sunday.

in the Port CBD 15 years ago, we had our

pour-over makers, plungers, syphons and cold

famous house blend, Decaff, Colombian,

brew brewers. We look forward to seeing you

Costa Rican and Honduran single origin

Follow @saltwaterwine_cafe on Instagram for updates on their ever-evolving menu of delicious drinks and eats.

in September at BUZZ to continue helping

coffees. From then, we have steadily

you with coffee.

increased the range we offer. We added our Strong Blend and our Premium Blend. Our

Ali, Steph, Fraser, and Amy.

BUZZ single origin range has expanded to

Come in and sit by the window to watch the

showcase coffee from all the world’s best

world go by, or sip while you scope out your next purchase!

107 HORTON STREET, PORT MACQUARIE (02) 6584 0084

regions. All our coffee is available to you as a 250 g bag, a 500 g bag or in the economical kilo at $35. If you are a coffee lover, then you will know that your Café BUZZ is the place for

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

Hastings Coffee Co. at The Westport Club Relax into your day with a leisurely breakfast at Hastings Coffee Co. As you enjoy your meal, you’ll be greeted with uninterrupted views of the river and might even spot a dolphin or two.

Hastings Coffee Co. has recently unveiled a brand-new menu, featuring a refreshed offering to incorporate ingredients that are now in season. Early favourites off the breakfast menu include the Belgian waffles, chia breakfast bowl and the house-made baked beans.

Brekkie at Hastings Coffee Co. is not complete without a delicious barista-made coffee or freshly-squeezed juice made to

order just for you.

If you’re not a morning person, rest easy - we have breakfast options available until 3pm daily. Hastings Coffee Co. is open daily

Major MILESTONE. Café Buzz, Peachtree Walk Port Macquarie

from 7:30am and trades late for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm - late.

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

Here we are at another major milestone for your Café BUZZ in Peachtree Walk, Port Macquarie. Fifteen years of continual trading; yes, 15 years of having fun and providing a BIG BUZZ in the Port CBD. So many young people have begun their hospitality training at this iconic business. We have many former BUZZ team members working as chefs, baristas and front of house all over the world! That, in itself, is very rewarding for Vicki and I. We have

celebrated so many customer occasions in our café. We have young adults coming in who initially came in with their parents. Very, very rewarding! Along the way we have enjoyed many long-term business relationships with local business; many we still deal with to this day. For all of this, we thank you. Without you, none of this happens. Please keep the BUZZ in your daily routine.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 27

THE DINING GUIDE FOR GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Camden Haven Quilters Camden Haven Quilters are a Laurieton group that meets in the Laurieton School of Arts on Wednesdays (9am ‘til 1pm) and Thursdays (9am ‘til 2pm) to share each other’s company and create quilts.

Not only do we make quilts for ourselves and our families, but we are involved in charity work too. We make drainage bags for patients receiving cancer treatment in Port Macquarie, and we sew feminine hygiene kits for girls in third world countries through the “Days for Girls” scheme.

We also make quilts that are given to children who stay at the Ronald MacDonald holiday homes in Forster.

Once every three years we hold an exhibition to display our work and to benefit a local group. This year we are supporting the local SES. We have also been busy creating smaller items, e.g. bags, placemats, toys and pin cushions, which will be for sale on our trading table.

These make attractive and unique gifts.

Our exhibition is on the long weekend, 29th and 30th September and 1st October at the Laurieton School of arts. We will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and will close at 2pm on Monday. Entry is $5, with children under 12 free. We would love to see you there.

Spring is on its way!

Now is the time to start looking at the summer ahead, with mangoes starting to come from the Northern Territory. They remain a firm favourite with just about everyone.

The dining guide in focus is beautifully presented in full gloss with stunning photography to show off your restaurant or cafe to our hungry 48,000* readers each month. You can even change your photos each month to suit your menu.

By the end of September, we might start to see some other stone fruit arriving - mainly peaches and nectarines.

Queensland strawberry supply will soon come to a sudden stop when the warmer weather kicks in. Bananas from Coffs Harbour will be in short supply soon too, and there will be a fair amount of smaller winter fruit which tends to lose colour quickly.

In the vegetable department, we have beautiful local lettuce, which is grown at Beechwood. The local broccoli is just about finished, but the local cauliflowers are still in good supply. We have some lovely local Asian veggies available.

Local baby bok choy, choy sum and some very nice herbs are always in stock. Expect tomatoes to be a bit more expensive shortly, as the Queensland crop starts to wane.

Make sure you come and see us soon! We so look forward to seeing you and catching up.

All the best for spring!

Ken. DINING GUIDE COVER

1/2 PAGE CHEF PROFILE

FREE professional photography Book for 6 months and get • 1/2 page chef profile in one month • Dining guide cover in one month • 1/4 page dining guide each month

This equates to over $2500 in extra value!

28 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Hamptons Sunday 16th September 11:30am to 4:00pm Indulge in a Long Lunch on the lush waterfront lawns of Sails Port Macquarie. Relax with a Peach Bellini or craft beer on arrival, followed by canapes, three delicious courses and three hour beverage package with live tunes by The Lovely Fox to take you into the afternoon.

One long table on the lawn - seats strictly limited

$125 per person 20 Park Street, Port Macquarie - on the Marina Phone 02 6589 5100 email events_sailsportmacquarie@evt.com www.sailsportmacquarie.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 29

focusinterview.

Important notice: one of a kind, world renowned pianist JULIAN GARGIULO IS TAKING THE “STUFFY” OUT OF CLASSICAL MUSIC and showcasing his incredible talent, warmth and humour at the Glasshouse this month …

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ulti-national, multifaceted and multitalented … Steinway Artist Julian Gargiulo is all of these things! Born in Italy, Julian’s mother and father are American and Italian respectively, he speaks fluent Italian, Russian and English, he’s married to a beautiful Greek wife and is a father to two gorgeous young children … and these days calls Paris home.

Julian’s performed around the world, including on the world-famous stage at Carnegie Hall, New York. He’s created a competition for emerging young Classical artists called “Getting to Carnegie”, is the Artistic Director of the Water Island Festival in the Virgin Islands, and in his spare time is a composer and a genuinely likeable, humorous guy! We couldn’t cover all of these achievements in just one interview, so we spent a few minutes discussing Julian’s upcoming show and where his musical inspiration all began …

Hi Julian. When you were growing up in Italy, of all the instruments you could have chosen to play - why did you choose the piano?

I’m afraid the answer’s not very exciting!

It was because we had a piano at home, and one does gravitate towards the things that are accessible.

I’m the youngest of three. My brother and sister were getting piano lessons, but my parents didn’t want to waste any more money getting me lessons - so I’d listen to my brother and sister play, and then repeat by ear.

30 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Julian Gargiulo

At age 12, I finally decided to try out for the Music Conservatory in Verona, though most people tried to dissuade me, because you needed to be able to read music and prepare a programme to sit the entrance exam.

But, I was not to be deterred … and to cut a long story short, I got in! I met an incredibly inspiring teacher (Professor Randone) so from age 13, all I did was practice, practice, practice.

It was very structured and rigorous training (i.e. brutal) and quite different from anything I’d ever experienced, but also very inspiring and rewarding.

You have dual citizenship - Italian and American - and you’ve studied music in both these countries. How did it come about that you studied in Russia as well?

Ha ha! I was serving back to back life sentences! So, first I studied at the Conservatory in Verona, which is a 10-year programme - it kind of does sound like a prison sentence! - but I got out early, after only six years - for “good behaviour”.

After I graduated from the Conservatory, I was given my Diploma, wished good luck, and sent on my merry way; becoming a musician is like becoming an actor - you need to be at the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, that course doesn't seem to be taught anywhere.

I ended up at the Moscow Conservatory, which was my first year away from home and the best musical and growth experience of my life (something my mother never fails to be surprised by (“How can you mean ‘best’? I wasn’t even there!”)

You’re not only a classical pianist, but a composer. Will we be able to hear

My concerts contain a fair

any of your personal but sleep deprivation. amount of narration, compositions when I like to bring people conversation, and you play for us in Port onstage, but don’t general silliness - just Macquarie? worry about sitting like we’re having now Yes, I always include some in the front: I always - and this usually makes pieces I’ve written on my pick people from the for a more comfortable programme. Composing is back seats (smile). experience. something I’ve been doing The “chat” will be for around 10 years now, interactive, informal and is a very important part and fun. The playing of what I do - of who I am. will be full-on. A bit It’s very exciting for me to be able to write a schizophrenic perhaps, but this is what works new piece of music - perform something that’s for me. never been heard before - and perhaps never Australians love to have a great time, and I will be again (laughs)! love to have a great time - so we’ve always hit it off when I’ve visited. I’ve always had a really When I visit Australia and perform at the great time playing in Australia and can’t wait to Glasshouse, I’ll also be playing some very be back! familiar pieces of Beethoven (Moonlight All of your shows on this Australian tour Sonata), Chopin (Minute Waltz), Debussy are in regional areas. Have you seen much (Clair de Lune), along with some of my Tango transcriptions; it’ll be a mix of standard Classics, of Australia, apart from the major cities, before?

Tango, and original compositions.

I have not, and I’m really excited about this!

Your shows are very interactive. What are When I visited Australia before, I visited mainly some of the ways in which you get the the larger cities - though I also played twice in audience involved - and, why do you want beautiful Noosa at the NOOSA Alive Festival. them to be involved?

This tour is a different side of Australia, and I would say “normal” Classical concerts I’m looking forward to seeing what audiences can get a bit “serious” at times - the main think of me! interaction with the audience seems to be the Thanks Julian. applause … or lack thereof!

Interview: Jo Robinson.

My concerts contain a fair amount of narration, conversation, and general silliness - just like we’re having now - and this usually makes for a more comfortable experience.

I may discuss my homemade remedy for jet See Julian at the Glasshouse on September lag (having children) or to not be confused if I 9 at 3pm. Visit glasshouse.org.au or call the close my eyes while playing - it’s not inspiration, Box Office on 6581 8888 for tickets.

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WITH ADAM ROBERTS - AUSTRALASIAN BARBECUE ALLIANCE

Prep Time 15 minutes. Cook Time 3 hours.

Serves 4. Cooker Barbecue Smoker.

Skill Level Medium.

Pork Ribs P i s t a c h i o

St icky

C r u s t e d

Ingredients 2 racks pork ribs 100 ml (3½ fl oz) honey 2 tablespoons brown sugar 100 g (3½ oz) unsalted butter 250 g (9 oz) crushed pistachio nuts Rub 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon celery powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, finely ground 1 tablespoon kosher salt Slaw 2 green apples ½ white cabbage 1 red onion 2 carrots 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon white sugar ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Adam Roberts

AUSTRALASIAN BARBECUE ALLIANCE Grab a copy of Adam’s book, RIBS, at Barbeques Galore in Central Rd, Port Macquarie.

Method Combine all of the rub ingredients in a bowl.

Remove the membrane from the underside of the pork ribs and apply a liberal coating of rub to completely cover all sides of the ribs.

Indirectly hot smoke the ribs for 1 hour inside a barbecue smoker at 130°C (250°F).

Remove the ribs from the smoker and drizzle with the honey, brown sugar and butter.

Double wrap each rack of ribs in foil and return to the smoker for a further 1½ hours at 130°C (250°F).

Remove the ribs from the smoker, unwrap

and sprinkle the crushed pistachio nuts over rib racks. Slice the ribs to serve. Serve with fresh apple slaw.

To make the apple slaw, finely slice the apples, cabbage, onion and carrots and mix with the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar and chill until ready to serve.

Tip Experiment with different flavoured smoking chips or wood chunks such as apple wood or peach wood, or try wood-infused charcoal briquettes to your preferred flavour profile.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 31

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

MARK SPENCE

Port students are punching way above their weight: recently St Columba won, and Hastings Secondary was honoured in, a national robotics challenge. Then St Agnes won a national music competition. Susie lunches with their mentor.

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drum roll, please, and Port Macquarie Vanguard, take a bow! The 21 students comprising Vanguard not only took out the overall Drumline competition in the 2018 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod but four other sections on the way. They cleaned up too in a first for Australia: a drumline Battle, held at the awards presentation and celebratory barbecue.

The ensemble members are drawn from St Josephs, MacKillop and Newman colleges and St Agnes’ name will be engraved on the shield affixed to the perpetual Open Drumline Championship trophy they now hold - for the second year running. They sit alongside previous winners, capital city schools Nudgee and Riverview; last year prestigious Kings was relegated to runner-up behind them. The GPS schools have a far wider catchment of talent to draw on: so, emphasising our local students’ achievement.

I’m lunching with their remarkable teacher, former US native Mark Spence. The Stunned Mullet’s excelling itself today too: we dine from a menu featuring outstanding scampi linguine and a salty creme caramel with spiced rum jelly, sensational smooth black sesame gelato and brown butter crumb. When Mediterranean tonic’s added to my Sweet Pea gin the crystal liquid in its crystal glass dissolves into a delicate mauve hue, as if touched by magician’s wand!

It’s wins all round today.

But not without plenty of planning and practice on Vanguard’s part. Aside from their drumming expertise and precision drill

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manoeuvres, the ensemble’s mastery was due to a striking original composition written

by Spence, a drums exponent in the popular American high school marching band culture.

He titled the piece “The Massacre of Paris” and the group wore bandannas and fearsome face paint to fit the theme. Appropriately, they fairly massacred their competitors to take first place in both the Open Drumline own-choice and test pieces as well as Best Tenor and Best Snare sections and the Battle. Various members of the group as soloists attracted no fewer than nine other distinctions. [See the drumline’s performance in a video clip on MacKillop’s Facebook page.]

Spence’s exceptional, extensive experience in the discipline that gradually emerges over lunch triggers my recall of the movie Mr Holland’s Opus and the titular teacher who loved inspiring students, passing on his joy in music.

It turns out Spence is a natural, and keen, educator. When I clumsily inquire if drumming is actual “music” compared with, say, violin, he barely skips a beat at this display of ignorance but gently guides me around the entire panoply of percussion instruments, gradually opening up for me their role in, indeed, music. I, too, learn. The depth of his formal knowledge unfolds coincidentally: he relates the fascinating history of percussion, the art’s theory and concepts; explains the intricacy of drums notation; expands on his philosophy of instruction and the surprising attributes (among them: intuition, athleticism) that make for excellence. His infectious enthusiasm reminds me of Mr Holland’s credo: “Music’s fun; it’s

about heart, feelings, moving people.”

His is a cheerful, generous yet humble personality keen to keep the focus on his students and reluctant to blow his own trumpet. Nevertheless I dig out of him that he’s classically trained and has an amazing breadth of accomplishments: piano, harmonica, guitar, singing, jazz performance and writing for his own indie rock band just some of them.

Growing up in Georgia, he’d wanted as a kid to become a jet pilot like his US Air Force dad - until, around age 11, he discovered drums.

Hasn’t dropped the stick since. “From an early age I had to play the entire spectrum of percussion instruments. Mallet percussion ...”

That’s instruments like xylophone, marimba, vibraphone. “And timpani, and all the auxiliary percussion instruments.” (When I look them up, I’m floored to find there are actually hundreds of them.)

My guest’s evident, energetic pleasure in the subject prompts me later to locate online an exhilarating movie, Drumline (set, coincidentally, in Atlanta, where Spence attended Georgia State Uni.) Throughout senior school he played in marching bands and drum corps competitions up to 12 hours a day. At college he took a double degree: Bachelor of Music Performance, and English Literature (Shakespearean references inform the narratives of some of his drumline floor shows.) Over the years he also studied concert percussion: “I was very seriously into the orchestra.”

(Intrigued, online again, I take in a London Philharmonic demonstration of the intricacies of drum playing. My acoustic perception

sharpened, I now newly notice frequent drum accompaniments behind TV commercials and opening credits.)

On graduation Spence lived a muso’s life, supplementing income as a session musician by teaching drums, and bar tending and waiting tables: until he joined the show band on a cruise ship where - “summer in the Mediterranean!” - he fell for a ship’s dancer who became his wife: Lauren Wade from Port Macquarie. The couple settled here 10 years ago and Lauren heads up her own popular dancing school, Coastal Dance Performing Arts Studio, in Bellbowrie Hub. St Agnes, I think, are fortunate to have such an accomplished musician. On top of tennis, surfing and tenpin bowling, Spence’s preoccupations beyond school hours extend to private lessons, playing in a jazz trio at The Lounge Room CBD venue and writing for film soundtracks and his band, Royal Chant, for gigs locally and beyond, ranging from weddings to this month’s Wildwood Music Festival.

Weekdays are filled with encouraging, refining and expanding his percussion students’ skills.

“I’m really proud of the kids,” he declares.

The drumline play at Port Macquarie Blues & BBQ Festival at 11am on Saturday September 15. For their part, the triumphant ensemble might perhaps endorse Mr Holland’s star pupil’s words: “We’re the notes and melodies of your opus,” she told the teacher at assembly. “Each of us is a better person because of you.”

Susie and guest are hosted by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet on Town Beach.

40 Greater Port Macquarie focus

TARYN BRUMFITT Dining & Entertainment Club North Haven Seagulls: Enjoy the range of cuisine, prepared by our team of qualified chefs and aspiring apprentices, headed by the award winning Warren Thom.

As well as our daily specials, the regular menu caters to any taste, with a wide variety of meat dishes, pastas, Australian seafood, salads, gluten-free dishes, burgers and other snacks, kids' menu, barista coffee, ice cream, desserts and plenty more.

The Coffee Lounge: Why not meet up with friends and enjoy a barista made Grinders Coffee in our new coffee lounge! Grinders Coffee was established in 1962 in Lygon Street, the centre of Melbourne's famous Italian quarter. Today, Grinders is the largest roaster of Fairtrade coffee in Australia. We also offer a range of freshly made cakes and pastries for you to enjoy.

34 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The Paradise Bar: The Paradise Bar at Club North Haven is our home for Friday Night Cocktails and Sunday afternoon music. With its stunning views across the river and on to North Brother Mountain, The Paradise Bar has first class furnishings and its own dedicated bar.

Friday night is cocktail night in our new Paradise Bar. Cocktails from $10 each, Margarita, Slum Dog, Nutella Surprise, Cosmopolitan, Strawberry Five, Long Island Ice Tea, Tom Collins, Mojitos and plenty more to choose from. 7 - 9pm - see you there.

Sunday afternoon it is the perfect place to chill out with some friends and listening to live music from 2pm.

The Paradise Bar is also available for private functions and events.

Taryn Brumfitt is the fiercely passionate thought leader behind The Body Image Movement and the director of the inspiring social-change documentary "Embrace".

E

mbrace was supported by nearly The post went viral and caused a sensation glob9,000 Kickstarter pledgers and went ally. Taryn now unashamedly loves her body and on to reach millions of viewers in has made it her life mission for women around Australia and internationally. the world to feel that same joy.

Taryn’s global crusade to end In Embrace Yourself, Taryn shares her story and the body dissatisfaction epidemic has seen her offers practical ways for readers to embrace their recognised by the United Nations Women, bodies, and live happier and healthier lives. She Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls and the Geena Davis has also collected honest, funny and affirming Institute. Named alongside Beyonce and Emma contributions from body image activists such as Watson in Brigitte magazine’s "Women of the actor Teresa Palmer, former Australian ParalymYear", Taryn’s positively infectious voice and pian Jessica Smith, photographer Jade Beall, PhD powerful message has reached over 200 million Researcher Dr Linda Bacon and founder of the people.

Sydney Skinny Nigel Marsh.

Embrace Yourself is Do you hate your body the ultimate "how-to" and want to learn how to guide to loving your let go of the unhappiness To celebrate the launch of body at every shape it brings? Do you just want Embrace, Taryn is travelling and size by director to reach a greater-sense across Australia on a really big of award-winning of body-loving nirvana? If bus, bringing seven jamdocumentary Embrace the answer is yes, then this packed girls’ night out and fiercely passionate book might just change events to seven towns in champion of women, your life seven days.

Taryn Brumfitt.

To celebrate the launch An antidote to the of Embrace, Taryn is travglobal body-shaming elling across Australia on a and body-hating epidemic, Taryn’s message is really big bus, bringing seven jam-packed girls’ urgent, critical and incredibly inspiring. Learn to night out events to seven towns in seven days. accept your body for all the wonderful gifts it Taryn will inspire you to LOVE your body, birdsbrings you and reject the destructive fake images nest will entertain you with a fashion show for we are bombarded with every day. everyBODY and MC comedian Ellen Briggs will It’s time to say "f**k it" to getting "bikini make you laugh so hard you might wet your body ready". To recognise the body-shaming acpants! tivities that so many of us are guilty of, and then Be entertained by Taryn’s lifechanging tips tackle them. To have sex with the lights on. To to embrace yourself, enjoy in-depth chats with throw away the scales and stop supporting Ausspecial body lovin’ guests and laugh the night away. After the show, get your hands on Taryn’s tralia’s $7billion weight loss industry. To recognise NEW book, Embrace Yourself, exclusive embrace that the highlight reel ain’t real. To bust a move packs, and for expert tips to rock what you’ve and dance like noone is watching! got, visit the birdsnest pop-up shop. There’s plenTaryn Brumfitt is living proof that embracing ty of time before the show to enjoy a glass of your body works. After the birth of her third bubbles, snap a photo with your best friends and child, she became obsessed with regaining a go in the running for some fabulous prizes. pre-pregnancy figure and began a punishing weight-loss and exercise regime that culminated in competing in a bodybuilding contest. But despite having what society would claim was the perfect figure, she was deperately unhappy and decided to return to a more relaxed regime.

Embrace Yourself girls' night out in Port One day she posted an online before-and-after Macquarie. picture, with a twist. The before picture was her Tour Date: Monday 24th September. Door at her thinnest, the happy after shot was Brumfitt 6:30pm | Show 7:30pm. bodyimagemovement.com/events as she was, carrying a few pounds yet content.

WHAT’S ON AT PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB $

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 35

Greater Port Macquarie focus 36

focusinterview.

Jenny M. Thomas, Dan Witton and Chris Lewis are Bush Gothic … You’ve probably never heard anything like them before, but once you listen to them perform, you’ll never forget them.

Evocative, haunting, this internationally renowned band explores our colonial past from a unique perspective. Fiddle singer Jenny Thomas shares some insight into the band and its music, ahead of their upcoming performance at our local iconic convict-built church, St Thomas’ …

B U S H

H

i Jenny. How did you, Dan and Chris come together to form Bush Gothic in 2009?

I’m very picky about who I work with! With Chris, I had to wait almost a year for him to finish being on a world tour with Circus Oz. And with Dan, I held a series of bush band sessions every Saturday in Melbourne, and I’d try out different musicians who’d come along and play.

I didn’t really mind what the instrumentation was, but I needed to have the right kind of person! Dan played, and then he sang - and he’s an extraordinary singer. That’s when I knew I’d found the band!

Yes, I believe you all actually have a background that involved performing with Circus Oz at some point?

Yes, that’s how I met Chris. He was my boss - my musical director, and Dan also has a background in theatre as a dancer and an actor.

This theatrical background certainly comes into how we present the songs and the stories behind them.

Your third album, Beyond the Pale, is due to be released soon. What’s the expected release date?

We’ve actually decided to delay the release until next year, so we can release it in Australia and the UK at the same time.

Our new single Jim Jones was released earlier this year, but the album will be ready soon!

Tell us a bit more about Beyond the Pale and the perspectives it shares.

The new album involves stories from colonial Australia, but very much from the female perspective. They’re all very much traditional Australian folk songs …My background is of a

G O T H I C

Celtic-Anglo heritage, and definitely had me looking we look at how rich that more closely at the Not only have we forgotten heritage is and how many connections between the calamitous time thousands of years it goes Ireland and Australia. of invasion and how back. We also look at how We’re going back to dreadful that was for our this affected people who Ireland next year, so that Indigenous people, but were suddenly cut off research will continue. also how traumatic it was from that heritage when I’ve been to a lot of for the white people. I guess they were transported to festivals - I was a specialist … we just dredge this all up and Australia, even for those in Indian Classical violin, take a good look at it! who came here as free actually! I’d hear a lot settlers - and how this still of Australian songs affects people who live done in a very simple, here today. straightforward way, and The title of the album is all about how music I thought the stories were so fascinating behind can help us reconnect to our lost culture. Living in them, that they really needed to be brought out such a multicultural society, where we often have and worked on. My interest in showing these this fabulous focus on where people came from, perspectives kind of developed to go hand in we don’t often think about the Irish, Scottish or hand with the reality that Australians are very Welsh people who were sent here and how it good at forgetting our history. Not only have we affected them being separated from their native forgotten the calamitous time of invasion and land. how dreadful that was for our Indigenous people, [“Beyond the Pale” is a phrase that dates back but also how traumatic it was for the white to the 14th Century, when the part of Ireland people. I guess … we just dredge this all up and that was ruled by the English was outlined by take a good look at it! a boundary of stakes or fences, known as the How has your single, Jim Jones, been “English Pale”.] received?

How much research have you done into It’s been received really well - particularly Australia’s penal history and settlement? because it has a video clip attached to it, which That’s been very much an ongoing thing for contains a lot of Australian animals. We were years. When we tour, I’ll go to visit libraries - like looking at how we could share our music visually the British Library in London, or the National and represent the Australian bush and its animals Library in Canberra. in a way that wasn’t cartoonish or funny, but was For every song we introduce, we do a lot of very dignified and magnificent. research - whether it’s on bushrangers, cross The song was released in the UK last year, and dressing shearers (women who dressed up as it got lots of great airplay over there. men in Australia). We tell some of these stories I directed the video … the band controls all on stage … of our video and audio. It’s all linked and it’s all We toured in Ireland last year, and that about how we see ourselves as Australians in this

extraordinary land of ours. It’s so beautiful here!

Australians think deeply and we live our lives with curiosity, and this is not necessarily represented well in mainstream media.

How do you manage to play the violin and sing at the same time?

(Laughs). It’s just practice! It does take a lot of coordination. You just have to work at them separately, then put them together.

I studied as a Classical violist for many years, and part of that training was learning to be as dexterous as you can on the instrument.

Have you visited us in Port Macquarie before?

No, we’ve never been there before! It’s very exciting for us! Our Port Macquarie performance is our last one before we head off on our international tour, where we’ll be playing in India and England.

Thanks Jenny.

Pic this page: Bush Gothic/Michelle Mjarni.

Pic contents page: Bush Gothic/Peter Tarasuik. Interview: Jo Robinson.

The Bush Gothic Concert at St Thomas’ convict-built church is a creative, community collaboration between Wauchope Community Arts Council, St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Port Macquarie Museum.

Bush Gothic: Saturday, October 6.

Refreshments for sale outside St Thomas’ from 6pm. Concert at 7pm. Tickets $25 adult / $20 members or concession / student $15.

Ticket price includes shared cheese platter during interval. Book online at trybooking.com/xqyu Greater Port Macquarie focus 37

MELBOURNE CUP • 2018

Grab your fillies, frock and fascinator and enjoy a fabulously long lunch at The Westport Club

TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER FROM 12PM 3 COURSE LUNCH // BEVERAGE PACKAGE // BEST DRESSED PRIZES

MELBOURNE CUP • 2018

Celebrate the great race in style at The Westport Club as we present the Melbourne Cup Long Lunch. Your day includes a delicious 3 course lunch, 3 ½ hour beverage package, sweepstakes, onsite TAB facilities, photobooth, best dressed prizes and of course, the race on the big screen!

For information and tickets visit www.thewestportclub.com.au *ADDITIONAL BOOKING FEE OF $2.63 PER TICKET APPLIES FOR ONLINE BOOKINGS. TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. GUESTS MUST BE AGED 18+ TO ATTEND. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. THINK! ABOUT YOUR CHOICES. CALL GAMBLING HELP 1800 858 858. WWW.GAMBLINGHELP.NSW.GOV.AU

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

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 38 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Ph: 6588 7201

focusinterview.

Goodbye

Owner of creative business, Paint Your Town, Aimee Pelley speaks with FOCUS about the fun social experience offered at pubs, restaurants and cafés.

boring work functions

your P O R T

M A C Q U A R I E

GET READY TO ADD COLOUR TO YOUR NEXT EVENT!

H

i Aimee; thanks so much for speaking with us. Please tell us a little about the business and exactly what Paint Your Town is ...

We’re all about fun, getting people in touch with their creative side, and sharing that experience with their friends.

Paint Your Town is a painting class run in pubs, restaurants, cafés, or anywhere people can grab a few drinks and try something different. Our classes add a colourful twist to the usual night out, team-building adventure, and birthday parties. Peak celebration time is just around the corner - holiday season - so we’re really excited about events coming up.

You’re obviously naturally creative yourself; what inspired you to launch a business like this?

I’ve been an art teacher in schools in the USA and love seeing people surprise themselves by unlocking their creativity.

When I moved to Australia with my husband, I wanted to extend that experience to adults too.

What takes place in a typical Paint Your Town class, and do we need to bring anything along?

All you need is a mind open to unleash your creative spirit! We supply the art supplies, the guidance and everyone creates a unique painting to take home. It’s fun art, not fine art! It’s about connecting with your friends over a few

drinks, a canvas and some paint while we help you let your artistic streak shine.

Many people use painting as a therapeutic measure in today’s busy society. Why do you think it is important to switch off from our hectic schedules with art?

Getting creative is good for the soul!

Even if you think you’re not “good” at painting, creativity is about thinking differently, stepping outside your usual zone for a little while and learning something new. We hear time and time again from our customers that for two hours they were able to focus solely on this artwork and forget about everything else!

Fun is important. Adults can sometimes see having fun as a bonus in their day, not something to actively choose to experience. Having fun shouldn't be an accidental incident; we should seek out fun for ourselves every day. And if Paint Your Town can bring that to people, we’ve achieved something wonderful.

Paint Your Town isn't just for adults having fun; we heard you've coined the term "art for all abilities". What does this mean?

We recently became an NDIS provider, allowing all abilities to join in on the fun.

We provide easy tips to manipulate the paint and in-depth guidance tailored to the customer's ability. All of our public art classes are completely inclusive; everyone can join in. Carers are welcomed and encouraged to join in too. Art is good for the soul, and that goodness

is universal. We want to help all people harness their creativity and make their mark.

How can people get in touch with you to find out more? www.paintyourtown.com.au has everything you need - click Find a Class and you’ll see upcoming parties in your local pub, restaurant, or café. Venues can also become a Paint Your Town Hot Spot, and book us to come along (no mess - we take care of the clean-up).

Get in touch if you’d like to add a splash of colour to your next event, corporate function, team building exercise, or other group party. Hosting an art class in your workplace is a great way to break down boundaries or "silos" in the corporate world. Co-workers get to see each other in a new light. Best part - you don’t need a creative bone to have fun!

Use FOCUS15 in your enquiry and save 15% on your group party if you book by September 30th.

Thanks Aimee.

s l i a t cocknt i a p + Grab your team, add cocktails and paint and have a Christmas pARTy like you've never had before. ........................................

BOOK NOW to save 15%

USE CODE

FOCUS15

........................................

paintyourtown.com.au/corporate *Minimum 10 people, must reserve

by September 30th 2018.

CORPORATE EVENTS • HENS • BIRTHDAYS

Greater Port Macquarie focus 39

Ticketlse on sa

WINGHAM

Now

Music FESTIVAL

2018 Better Homes Port Macquarie Pro Am The 2018 Better Homes Port Macquarie Pro Am will be hosted at Port Macquarie Golf Club on Monday 10th to Wednesday 12th September.

The event, which features the Pro Am dinner on Monday 10th, is always popular for local golfers and those who enjoy a great night out. Tickets available from reception.

Diesel • Dragon

Backsliders

Hat Fitz and CarA Bill Chambers • Grizzlee Train Round Mountain Girls • Minnie Marks

The Swamp Stompers • Lachy Doley Liam Gerner • Eagle and The Wolf • Mitch King Darren Jack • Matty Zarb • D’Boyzos • Cornstalk

Love Drunk Hearts • Jesse Redwing • Galleri & Many more

19-21 OCTober Tickets @ www.oztix.com.au

www.akoostik.com.au Follow us on Facebook

40 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner if the snacks don’t hit the spot.

Our usual free courtesy bus will be running on the day, so you can get safely to and from the club. Throughout September, all the NRL finals matches will also be shown LIVE on the big screen, to see who makes it to the big day.

2018 NRL Grand Final It’s almost footy grand final time! Dress in your favourite team colours and join us to cheer on the NRL GRAND FINAL on Sunday 30th September.

Have you tried Aspire …

If you haven’t yet experienced the award winning dining at Aspire Restaurant, then make a booking and come try us. Talented chefs Alex Hallam and Keiran English have a new menu now on offer, with a variety of choices to suit all tastes.

Bring a group of friends and relax, with sweeps on the day for man of the match, first try scorer and last try scorer. Free finger food at halftime will keep your appetite at bay, and the Aspire

The dining area overlooks the picturesque golf course, with fresh local seafood and succulent steaks featuring. Open seven days, lunch and dinner.

focus_contributor

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

Photo Meraki Photography

Tim and Holly Joyce at the Rydges Masquerade Ball

Photo Meraki Photography

Photo Meraki Photography

Glamour & giggles at the Rydges Masquerade Ball

Photo Meraki Photography

Hayley & Sam Young enjoying the Rydges Masquerade Ball

Chelsea Scott Photography

John & Maryann Parer, Sue & Roger Munro Rydges Masquerade Ball

Tracey Williams & Brendan Stead of Elders Real Estate

Photo Meraki Chelsea ScottPhotography Photography

Laura Titmus, Samantha Stoner, Tania Dein & Manuela Chesher

social scene.

T

September is just about midway through my year of experiences, not things, and yesterday I had one of the most challenging and exciting mornings of my life - my first sunrise scuba lesson off Nobbys Beach.

his was way more epic than I expected and it turns out a full night’s sleep (I may have been a teensy weensy smeensy bit nervous) and not hyperventilating into the breather whilst at sea are fairly key things that often help you to stay conscious!

Rick, our local dive legend, did an awesome job keeping me safe and setting me the challenge of conquering the open water. Muchos respect to these scuba folk; they are seriously tough and uber fit! Living way outside my comfort zone on this one! Setting myself the challenge of becoming Under Water Wood-Foye by October 01! Can do it!

Port Macquarie is full of exciting experiences as we hit spring, so get ready for a fun ride as we launch into event overdrive! Yogis can get their karma on at the annual Ekam Yoga Fest mid-month in beautiful Bonny Hills. Wine and food buffs will join Chris Kirkman of Angove, who has a very special international guest jetting into Port to host a French winemakers' dinner over the water at the Boathouse Bar and Restaurant. BBQ bandits and meat lovers can get their low and slow on and get carnivore crazy at the annual BBQ and Blues Fest on the foreshore on the Town Green on 14th - 15th September, then if you want to get your travel on you could explore the iTravel Holiday and Cruise Expo at the Glasshouse, to plan your next overseas trip and finish with a glass of vino and a show. We are literally spoilt for choice!

men joined us for a night of mystery and masks Sails Port Macquarie will be backing up this at the recent 11th Masquerade Charity Ball. epic line up of spring events on Sunday 16th CEO of the Hope Shop, Roger and wife Sue September with the launch of the first Hamptons Munro, and Hayley and Sam Young of Advanced Long Lunch series down on the marina side lawn, Plastering Solutions were among the 150 guests with cocktails followed by a flowing three hour who joined us to celebrate a night of glamour for beverage package to wash down a delicious a fabulous cause - HOPE in three course shared feast. our community. Steve and Lunch life has never been I emceed the event, which so good! Sunshine, sea was loads of fun, and shared air and a table shared the stage with Tim Joyce with friends and a few Black and white of Elders Real Estate and sneaky afternoon vinos! beauties and their his gorgeous wife, Holly, This event is strictly handsome men who cleverly managed to limited to one long table joined us for a night raise some serious coin for of hundred - definitely of mystery and the cause auctioning some not one to miss. masks at the recent fabulous prizes, including The time has come!

11th Masquerade the hottest ticket of the Brie it on, you say! Let’s Charity Ball. night - the Rydges Chef at get a little Tasty and Home Experience going for do something really over $2,500 - Dr Debra King Gouda! Yeah baby - High and her nine excited guests Cheese is here, and all will enjoy a night at home with our Rydges chef of the things we love, like really good fromage, cooking three fabulous courses to enjoy! chocolate and vino! Seriously, stop cheesing me Best Dressed Lady went to Tracey Williams, and take my money! This event will be hosted Best Dressed Gent to Nicholas Southey and Best in Zebu on Saturday 22nd September from 2pm Dressed Couple to Kodie and Anthony Shipway. and will be a fine afternoon of live tunes and Other guests included Evelina and Rheannon tiered cheesy treats with your crew. You really Kemp, Adam and Tenell Holborrow, Brendan can’t Camembert to miss it … you Feta sort your Stead, Belinda and Luke Charet, Lucy Donahue seats out now! Enough of the cheesy cheese Amber Mann, Liz Cogger, Lestelle Tafai, Cher puns - see you there! (you’ll be seriously Blue if and Mark Van der Veer and Hayley and Nathan you don’t - sorry, couldn’t help just one more!)

Branch. A huge shout out to Stacey Morgan and Black and white beauties and their handsome

her glamourous showgirls of PMPA, Jessie Myers, Janelle Catana, Michaela Bone and Majella Star, who put on a fab show with a little sparkle and spice. Last but not least, the musical legends Shane, Fiona and Matt of Alter Ego - hands down the absolute best fun party band! Congrats and thanks to all the amazing businesses that supported this event - we say it all the time, but our community is made up of so many generous people who really support locals! Thank you and see you next year!

And just like that, it’s the Spring Racing Carnival. Port Cup will be here in a flash, with fashionistas already hunting down the killer combo of fascinator, dress, clutch and heels, whilst the gents are finessing the racing form and stepping up their suit game. Venues are in preparation for the Port Cup, with VIP marquees at the track getting planned as we speak.

Fashions on the Field will be headed up by FOCUS and their recently crowned Face of the Cup, the gorgeous Lana Jones. A fun day with fine fillies, racetrack fashion and more than a few giggles!

Some seriously exciting projects are underway in Port Macquarie … Lips will stay sealed until all is revealed - exciting times ahead for our little seaside city! Meanwhile, I will retreat to the safety and heat of my pool to earn my scuba stripes! 'til next month!

Kate.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 41

focusinterview.

It’s been a whirlwind few years for the dynamic Brisbane band Sheppard. FOCUS spoke with front man George about their latest album and their huge regional tour!

SHEPPARD I

n 2018, who completes the Sheppard line up? harmonies, reverbed guitars - anything that was big and The current lineup of Sheppard is: Amy, my fun and exciting. We just did our best to draw from all of sister with blue hair; Emma, my other sister on the awesome experiences that we had on the first tour and bass with blonde hair; Jason Davino, who is one of write big songs. the principal songwriters with Amy and me; and When it comes to musicality, what or who inspires we have Michael Butler on lead guitar; Ian Gordon on the you personally? drums, and me.

There’s always somebody different, but the band I always Earlier this year you released come back to is Coldplay; I think Watching the Sky, which has been they’re one of the best bands in the really well received. How did you world. What they’ve been able to do find the writing and production over the course of their career and the Big singalongs are what process of this album as opposed way they keep reinventing themselves, you can expect. We just to your earlier album, Bombs how universally emotional their music put so much energy Away? is - they’re really a huge inspiration for and effort into every I think when we were doing me. single show we do; the Bombs Away, we didn’t really have I remember going to a Coldplay crowd always picks up on any idea of the kind of venues we’d concert, I think it was Viva La Vida and that and gives it back to be playing and the kind of audiences I watched Chris Martin captivate an us - it’s like a magnifying we’d be playing to, so we were just entire audience, an entire arena full of effect. writing whatever we felt like. When people, with just him and his voice on we got to these big arenas and the piano. Everyone was just on the walked into 100,000 people, I think edge of their seat watching this guy we felt that a couple of the songs do his thing, and that was the initial were too Folky/Acoustic and it just didn’t feel right to be moment for me where I could see myself doing that as a playing such big arenas with this kind of music. job.

So, we went back to the drawing board, and we built What do you love most about working alongside your this album from the ground up to be played in big venues; sisters, Emma and Amy? we wanted to make sure we were thinking about the live Well, I think the best part about it is you can be show the entire time.There was a lot of focus on making completely honest with each other, and actually have the anthemic pumping drums, anthemic choruses, soaring fights and not worry about breaking up the band. In a

42 Greater Port Macquarie focus

creative relationship it’s so important to be authentic and honest with one another, and I guess we don’t ever have to tread on eggshells or worry about whatever we say.

Tell us about the tour; what can we expect?

Big singalongs are what you can expect. We just put so much energy and effort into every single show we do; the crowd always picks up on that and gives it back to us - it’s like a magnifying effect. It compounds. By the end of it, I feel like everybody is on a really big high! We have such a good time up on stage and we give it our all.

What’s been really interesting for us is we’ve been playing these songs from Watching the Sky for about a year now, and it’s always awkward for a band to play music that hasn’t been released yet, or nobody knows. People just want to hear the old stuff, but I think in this instance the audience are all trying to sing along before they know the songs, so we are really excited to get out there now and play these songs to people who’ve had a chance to buy and listen to the album.

After the show, fans have the opportunity to meet you guys …

After every show on this tour, we set up a table and we can meet with fans and sign merch.

Thanks George.

plug!

Don’t miss Sheppard at Panthers Port Macquarie.

Wednesday 12th September. www.wearesheppard.com

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focusinterview.

Off the back of a huge European tour, THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS ARE STOPPING OFF HERE IN PORT MACQUARIE AS HEADLINERS OF THIS YEAR’S WILDWOOD FESTIVAL. FOCUS chatted to front man Mat McHugh ...

T H E

Y

B E A U T I F U L

ou’re currently on tour overseas; There’s so much amazing music, and when I listen to what have been some of the it I feel like I have a lot of work still to do. I always highlights from this trip? want to be creative and make something new, as Well, the European tour has just well as express myself and hopefully connect with wrapped up; I’m currently in the people. It’s a challenge and a riddle and a devotion, Southern all at once. I’m not really Californian Desert. The shows interested in repeating myself, were really fun. We played in because I don’t see the point. an old church in Stuttgart, on What’s the best piece of an Airstream trailer by the sea advice you’ve been given in I also just released a new in the UK, stayed at a tulip farm your career?

Beautiful Girls song called in the Netherlands and swam Not specifically related to ‘Beautiful World’, as in ancient Roman hot springs music, but my father, before well working on a whole under a tiny town in the French he died, would always tell me album of digital reggae countryside. that people are all the same music, made on a Casio Tell us about some the and that nobody is better than keyboard, under the working projects you’ve been anyone else. I’ve seen a lot of title ‘Maggotbrain’. working on of late … people change who they are as I’m just about to release an soon as people start clapping for album of electronic remixes of them. I believe the truth in life my tracks called Mat McHugh comes from the relationships we meets The Yum Yums that has been a couple years have and the connections we have with each other. in the making. I also just released a new Beautiful I approach art and music with that in mind always.

Girls song called Beautiful World, as well working We’re all in this mess together. on a whole album of digital reggae music, made We are excited to have to have you heading on a Casio keyboard, under the working title Wildwood Festival this year … are you looking Maggotbrain. forward to playing in Port Macquarie again?

You seem to always be progressing and For sure! It will be the first Beautiful Girls show in evolving musically. What inspires you Australia in quite a while, so I’m excited for it. The to keep the wheels on the road, so to speak? weather will be warming up, and the vibes will be I guess that, first and foremost, I’m a music fan. high.

44 Greater Port Macquarie focus

G I R L S

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to Julian Lage, Lucinda Williams, Ben Howard, Burial, The Slits, Talking Heads and Nirvana.

If you could invite three people to dinner, past or present, who would it be and why?

My dad, because I’d like to talk to him as an adult, and I’ve never had the chance. I had to work a lot of things out for myself, and I’d like to ask him how he thinks I did. I’d invite my mum, because I’d love for her to have the chance to see him again. And I’d invite my son, because he’s my best friend, and I love hanging out with him.

Plans for the next 12 months?

I’m going to try and finish up a couple of records I’ve been working on. I’ve been a little lazy, but I think it’s time I release a good chunk of music. I don’t know what they’re going to be called, though. I’ll probably just go with my usual method of choosing the path of most resistance - the idea of people getting a clear picture horrifies me. If I have to be a cartoon character, I’d prefer the screen to be cracked and broken.

Thanks Mat.

plug!

Dont miss this year’s Wildwood.

Saturday 29th September - Cassegrain Winery. www.wildwoodmusic.com.au

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Ability Links NSW Accredited Cleaning & Pest Solutions Andriy Boyko Belle Property Port Macquarie Bills Fishouse Blueprint Life Coaching Bonny Hills Garden Centre & Café Brainstorm - For Optimum Brain Branch Productions Chaddies General Store Charles Sturt University Cloud Concepts Coastline Credit Union Code Read Dyslexia Network CowanCreative Digital Signs and Printing Discover Port Macquarie Envy Day Spa Enterprise & Training Company (ETC) Ewetopia Farm Focus Port Macquarie Gibson Family Pools Glasshouse Port Macquarie Grace Church Port Macquaire Gunnedah Shire Council

Hastings Co-Op Hastings Data Loggers Hastings Women’s Business Network Holiday Coast Credit Union HVP Painting and Decorating headspace Port Macquarie Laing + Simmons Port Macquarie Legacy Port Macquarie Luke Hartsuyker John & Anne Drinan Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts Laurieton Residential Resort Legacy Port Macquarie Lindsay Moller Productions Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Port Macquarie Performing Arts (PMPA) Priest Legal Prime 7 Rotary Clubs of Port Macquarie Rustic Pathways Manning Valley Buisness Men’s Association MBC Recruitment Mid North Coast Garages and Sheds Mid North Coast Local Health District

Mount Seaview Water Rydges Port Macquarie Rustic Pathways Saacks Orthodontics SeaChange Accounting Solutions Seed Catering & Events Sess & Sass Design Settlers Inn Schofield King Lawyers Snap Port Macquarie Sunrise Interact Rotary TAFE NSW Taree Business Chamber The Posify Group The Timing Angels Group Tide Limited Tim Platt University of Newcastle Will Edwards World Changers Grace Church Youth XYZ Support Zebu Bar + Grill Zenryoko Martial Arts Greater GreaterPort PortMacquarie Macquariefocus focus107 47

48 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focusinterview.

F O T S U N

2 0 1 8

Skegss

BYRON BAY GARAGE BAND ROCKERS SKEGSS ARE MAKING THEIR MARK ON THE MUSIC SCENE ... IT’S BEEN A HUGE YEAR FOR THEM, PLAYING SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS, RELEASING THEIR DEBUT ALBUM THIS MONTH, TITLED “MY OWN MESS”, AND TO TOP THINGS OFF THEY’RE ON THE BILL FOR THIS YEAR’S FOTSUN! FOCUS CHATTED TO THE BOYS ABOUT THEIR DEBUT ALBUM …

H

ey guys. Introduce us working on the songs for ages, and it to the band; for those just sort of encapsulated the crazy year who don’t know, we had. The process was we’d never rewho plays what and ally worked on something much before how did you guys get this, or made as many songs ... We went started? into this sick studio called Grove Studios Toby Cregan on bass guitar, Jonny on the Central Coast. We got to stay Lani on drums and Ben Reed on vocals there in this house for two weeks that and guitar. has the studio in it.

A couple of us were living together We enjoyed the luxury of having and before that a heaps of time couple of us were and had fun with playing music it, being able to together, and we record 24 hours a just came together day if we wanted THE VIBE OF THE ALBUM and made another to.

IS KIND OF JUST OUR band.

Because it was LAST YEAR AND A HALF; July saw you drop our first album, WE HAD BEEN WORKING the fresh single we wanted it ON THE SONGS FOR Smogged Out, to be as crisp as AGES, AND IT JUST SORT and this month it could be; we OF ENCAPSULATED THE sees the release are heaps happy CRAZY YEAR WE HAD. of your debut stuabout it. dio album. How It allowed us has the single to be the most been received, creative we’ve and tell us all about the album proever been. With our EPs, I think the cess … most time we ever spent in a studio It’s been received pretty well; we’re prior to doing the album was three days. stoked with how it’s going. I think But with this album, it was two weeks people relate to that one - everyone gets straight. We had already demoed the over the city at some point. whole album as well out in the bush The vibe of the album is kind of just with a friend of ours, Jeremy, who plays our last year and a half; we had been in a band called the Pinheads - except

for some new songs that we ended up writing in the studio.

When we were making the album, we fully secluded ourselves from everything; we didn’t do it in the city, because we would have got easily distracted catching up with friends or the pub.

We were locked in to just focusing on the album; it felt like it wasn’t even the real world. I got really depressed after we had to finish it, because I had to go back to even checking my emails and things like that.

You’re on the bill for FOTSUN this year ... This isn’t your first run at FOTSUN! Tell us about your previous experience at the festival.

I remember it was really hot, and really fun, the biggest crowd we had played to at that point.

It was our first spot at a big festival; Benny has been going to that festival forever, so he was really excited.

This year we are really pumped about the lineup - looking forward to catching up with mates and other bands.

Thanks guys.

Don’t miss Skegss at this year’s SOLD OUT FOTSUN, 13 - 16 December www.fotsun.com Greater Port Macquarie focus 49

focus travel

T

with Travel Editor Susie Boswell.

Safari! South Africa

Tourists to South Africa discover world-class wildlife, arresting scenery, topline luxury. And Susie finds the nation prompts another kind of awakening.

he giraffe, towering four metres tall, picks its way around sparse greenery sprouting from the canopy of an iconic, flat-topped acacia tree, carefully choosing shoots like a guest hovering over a tray of canapes, selecting the most appealing morsels.

Appropriately, the shadows here over the veld next to Kruger National Park are lengthening: it’s indeed approaching cocktail hour as we happen across the graceful giant metres from our open Land Rover. “Ha, look!!” chuckles khaki-clad ranger Josia, thrusting an arm from the driver’s seat, “the giraffe is having high tea!” The sheer joy in his voice at a sight he’s surely seen countless times – yet a novelty for us – is the most captivating moment of many arresting experiences on my first safari in South Africa.

There are other memorable encounters on our journey, with a prelude in cosmopolitan Cape Town, the nation’s second biggest and most agreeable city, and amid superb vineyards. Much that’s tantalising is packed into eight days exploring this unique “Rainbow Nation”. Some vignettes: Cape Town. Home of pioneer surgeon Christiaan Barnard (and a museum tribute to his work) and of Australian cricketing infamy, west-coast Cape Town has a rich history irresistible to any mildly inquiring mind. A chic thriving city, in the areas visitors encounter, of some 4.5 million it’s the nation’s second biggest after Johannesburg, just ahead of east coast Durban amid the country’s estimated population of 57 million 50 Greater Port Macquarie focus

in an area a seventh the size of Australia topographically beautiful and architecturally both historic and avant-garde. Drawcards Robben Island, Nelson Mandela’s prison, and Table Mountain often can’t be accessed: choppy seas halt the half-hour ferry trip; high winds close the cablecar. But, hakuna matata!, there’s plenty to do on a 70km drive south down the national park peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope, a Hamptons vibe of fishing hamlets, bathing-box beaches and discreet multimillion-dollar weekenders strung along a panoramic coastline. Here are magnificent cliff formations, a stunningly wild southern Atlantic Ocean, penguin colonies, brazen baboons, slothful fur seals, wallowing whales, ostrich farms. Guided tours or self-drive (as at home, on the left.) The city has all the facilities of a major Australian capital: bustling Victoria & Albert Waterfront, colourful Bo Kaap Malay colony, golf buggy rides and concerts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at Newlands (next to the cricket and rugby grounds) and District 6 Museum with its astonishing revelations of the bulldozing of the homes of 60,000 multi-racial inhabitants.

Accommodation: Tubs of miniature white roses announce our digs, More Quarters suites and boutique hotel, whitewashed heritage houses in a mews near the main “eat street”, Long Street. It’s cold: staff seat us near a log fire in the reception salon, serving coffee and cakes as they check us in. Our suites: timber floors, deep sofas, well-appointed kitchen, full fridge, whitedraped king bed, sumptuous bathroom, night-lit garden. Club-like common areas with cosy library/IT nooks, help-yourself

cornucopia of macaroons and fruit, self-serve evening cocktails and snacks. Breakfasts with abundant smoked salmon, passionfruit, eggs to order and a honeycomb panel dripping golden goodness onto fresh-made bakery.

Sensational staff.

Dining: Game meats like springbok, ostrich and antelope, and of course biltong.

International cuisine, seafood, Cape Malay curries, and wine degustation dinners at fivestar One & Only resort. Capetonians excel at the current craze for craft gin; Amarula cream liqueur is a domestic specialty. Down the coast, the restaurant at exclusive Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge (11 ocean-edge suites) invites non-guests for unparalleled cuisine next to wind-driven waves crashing onto a pebbled beach on Hout Bay harbour. Exceptional.

Franschhoek winelands: An hour’s drive west of Cape Town, a must-do experience, even for teetotallers. (En route, a giant bronze statue of “Madiba” announces the prison where he completed his “long walk to freedom” in 1990.) Fashionable Franschhoek, a former Huguenot settlement with strong extant French culture in a spectacular valley, is notable for Paris-style sidewalk cafes and 40 other gastronomic experiences, chi-chi shops and galleries and the Wine Tram. With a running commentary on wine cultivation, the tram runs on rails along six Underground-style “lines” – red line, blue, etc, each comprising a clutch of outstanding whitewashed cellar door estates in the charming gabled Cape Dutch farmhouse style, rows of vines, picnic lawns and gardens. Visitors hop on, hop off at stops/pickups on the hour along the circuit. Winemaker tastings and charcuterie,

restaurants and bars; return transfers offered from Cape Town. We stayed at Franschhoek Country House & Villas, a heritage French mansion with lavender gardens, lemon groves, swimming pools, Michelin-level restaurant and cellar, grand three-room suites, outré heated-floor bathrooms and super-luxe appointments. We visit Richard Branson’s elite Mont Rochelle manor resort for a fireside dinner, views across the valley to imposing surrounding mountains.

Hospitality par excellence.

Garonga Safari Camp: A private reserve and lodge in the Greater Makalali Conservancy on the western edge of Kruger National Park, its airstrip an hour flight NE ex Jo’burg. Ex-Brit military man Bernie Smith and an impressive team of mainly African rangers and trackers offer a haven of refinement contrasting with the virgin bush and bountiful free-roaming wildlife. Its nine “tents” and suites are in fact spacious constructions, most on tall elevated decks (a video at www.garonga.com makes the reason clear) with thatched or canvas pitched roof, mozzie-netted four-poster, huge bathroom, outdoor shower, hammocks, deck chairs. Sleep out for a night in a treehouse; take an open-air bubble bath in a candlesand-champagne grove. The tents, separated for privacy, are set around a central “boma” meals, mingling, pool and spa compound.

Monkeys and squirrels scamper on the eaves and elephants sometimes scratch against the pylons; dazzles of zebras drink at the waterhole. Game drives early morning and evening, when animals graze, bookend dining (all-inclusive help-yourself cellar), sundowners, candle-lit tables under the

stars, a braai (barbecue) around an open fire.

Land Rovers with a ranger-driver and tracker, armed with rifles for safety, plunge guests on an exhilarating ride locating cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, lions and cubs, zebras, leopards, impala, kudu with their corkscrew horns, hyenas and birdlife, to within a breath of resting prides, grazing giraffes, elephants bathing. We meet Makalali’s formidable Riff Raff, a notorious 40-year-old rogue bull jumbo, his tusks broken stumps from an infamous life. (Look him up.) Relocated earlier this year in a welfare bid, he took just two days to travel cross-country back to his home turf here. At dusk we pause in a clearing; lanterns, canapes and cocktails materialise

and rangers offer a laser-pointer guided commentary around the clear starry heavens.

Unforgettable.

Desmond Tutu dubbed this the Rainbow Nation, aspiring to harmony among the nation’s racial mix after the – official - end of apartheid. Many feel the rainbow remains as illusive, and elusive, as its namesake arc in the sky: social inequality persists. On a number of fronts South Africa is a challenging destination: 50 murders a day, armed robbery, rape, HIV, dangerous armed rhino-horn poachers: Australian Foreign Affairs warns “high caution”. Gated housing estates are bastioned by high barbed wire fences. The government alerts tourists not to pay “fines”

demanded on the roads. Water for drinking, bathing and even hand-washing is heavily restricted in Western Cape Province. Malaria mozzies are endemic in regions. (White farmers’ holdings are seized by government edict: last month two game parks in Limpopo province, where our game reserve’s located, were taken over when owners rejected onetenth their asking price.) None of the threats materialised on my trip (“high caution” is DFAT’s rating also for France and Bali.) But it’s unfortunate if not ignorant to pass up the opportunity to try to understand the enduring “black and white”, the contrast between the luxury experienced by tourists and the reality of confronting endemic poverty, to learn at least a little of this complicated fractured country, still grappling with achieving fairness a quarter century after apartheid.

Khayelitsha and Langa: They’re called black “townships” but are actually in Greater Cape Town: vast shantytown suburbs, slums, settlements of corrugated- iron and roughbuilt shacks. Khayelitsha is the nation’s biggest, estimated of between half a million and 1.5 million residents. My visit to Langa is led by a township tour guide; his fee will benefit some we meet. (Even charity groups’ pictures of famine victims are decried as “poverty porn” yet an educated world finds township tourism a means of understanding, combating complacency, encouraging action.)

I meet happy residents making traditional art and saleable commodities from found media; laughing children who, despite rubbish-strewn streets, poor sanitation, dicey electricity and no running water seem well-nourished, smartly dressed in donated garments; a single mum proud of her neat bed-cum-kitchen and sparkling cookpots stacked above a dresser-cum-washstand, her home a mini shipping container of 2m x 2m or so floor area. Many residents hitchhike for hours to work as domestics or in menial jobs for $10 a day. What dignity. How humbling.

Souvenirs: Diamonds, naturally. Bead work, too, is a traditional art: animals, bowls and figurines crafted in tiny coloured beads on wire frames. Also, ostrich eggshell carving: big tough shells etched and tinted as ornaments or as vessels, mirror frames, novelty goods. Mandela mementoes pervade, 100 years since his birth. I bought some terrific books, abundant at Jo’Burg’s O.R. Tambo Airport, on South African politics, governance, and ferment.

Currency: Due to family illness I left home in a rush, neglecting pre-purchase. Instead of Sydney Airport’s sky-high penalty rates I found the A$ more acceptable at the Jo’burg gateway than Rand exchange rates at home.

Welcome: South Africa gives that little extra: hotels thoughtfully put hot water bottles in beds in the evening, and hand-written cards with happy themes on pillows, wishing guests Goodnight.

Susie was a guest of Bench Africa, African continent tour specialists, flying business class courtesy of South African Airways. Bench Africa’s comprehensive 2019 brochure, with a vast choice of itineraries, at www.benchafrica.com or call their Sydney office on 9290 2877, then discuss with your local travel agent.

Photos: Garonga Safari Camp; One & Only, Cape Town (G&T); Shumbalala Game Lodge (zebra).

Greater Port Macquarie focus 51

Meet the Port Travel team JOHN JOYCE: John is the Managing Director and leader of the team and has been with the Port Travel family for over 40 years - starting out as a consultant and working his way up. These days John spends most of his time at Port Macquarie airport, as Port Macquarie Travel has for many years been the ground handler for QantasLink. John is always up for a chat - especially about Canada, his favourite destination.

Travel Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie Travel has been locally owned and operated since we first opened our doors in 1959. For the last 59 years we have continued to provide a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you plan your dream holiday.

After being located at 110 William St for over 40 years, in May we relocated to a new bright and fresh office at Shop 4, 114 William St (just a few doors down) and we welcome you all to call in and say hello.

and between us have covered every continent, with over 120 years’ experience in the industry.

You can rest assured that we will take care of you every step of the way - before, during and after your holiday.

We have all travelled extensively,

As well as being an associate

52 Greater Port Macquarie focus

member of Helloworld Travel, we are also a member of Cruiseco - a cruise wholesale company with unique cruise charters and packages.

So come in and see John, Sonya, Glen, Leanne and Jess and let us organise your dream holiday.

SONYA WHEATLEY: Sonya joined the Port Macquarie Travel team as a junior consultant in 1980. She handles a lot of group bookings for local school and sporting groups and is also in charge of the admin side of the business - she keeps the office running smoothly! Having travelled to many destinations, it’s hard for her to pick a favourite, but having recently returned from Canada and Alaska - this amazing destination is her current favourite, and she hopes to escort a group to Italy in 2020.

GLEN ANTHES: Glen started at Port Macquarie travel in 1980 after moving to Port Macquarie for a sea change. He has travelled to six out of seven continents (Antarctica is next on his list) and he especially enjoys cruising having travelled on 31 of them.

LEANNE TOWNSEND: Leanne joined the Port Travel team in 1998, after realising her passion for travel early on. She has lived and worked in the French Alps and the UK and travelled extensively in Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The highlight of her job is helping people plan their “trip of a lifetime”. Leanne finds it hard to single out her favourite place, as she loves what each individual destination has to offer; however, South America is at the top of her bucket list.

JESSICA WILLIAMS: Jess is the youngest member of the team - joining in 2011. She is passionate about travelling and enjoys sending her clients to new and exciting destinations. She is the resident Youth Travel expert - specialising in Contiki and Top Deck, and she manages all of our social media platforms. Last November Jess enjoyed an extensive tour of the USA travelling with Top Deck. She has also travelled throughout Asia and the South Pacific, and next year she is hoping to tick Europe off her bucket list.

focus_contributor J A N E T T E

H Y D E F R O M P O R T M A C Q U A R I E T O U R I S M A S S O C I AT I O N

tourism UPDATE

What’s On in September Exciting happenings on the Port Macquarie waterfront, with three fantastic options to maximise our waterways.

Port Jet Cruise Adventures offer whale watching, river cruises, eco cruises and jet-ski hire around our rivers and waterways. They have recently added Essence, their latest boat, to their fleet.

This vessel is very versatile, as it is ocean-going.

For a jet boat experience for all the thrill seekers out there, Port Jet Cruise Adventures will help you; why not contact them!

The river now has a new boat, Port AdVenture, which has just arrived in Port and will commence operating at the beginning of October. It seats 200 people and will specialise in functions and entertainment. One of the features of the Port AdVenture will be incorporation of Sydney based entertainment and dinner cruises, including the

Beatles meets Elvis Tribute Show.

Join Port Macquarie Seaplanes for a wonderful experience of seeing our beautiful town, river and ocean. Imagine disembarking at the Whalebone Wharf Restaurant and enjoying a sumptuous seafood dinner, after a spectacular flight over the Port Macquarie - Hastings area.

Have you seen the new video featuring the Coastal Walk - if you haven’t, then copy this link and check it out - it is fantastic: www. portmacquarieinfo.com.au/trip-ideas/coastalwalk-9kms-of-stunning-coastline Port Macquarie Airport terminal building is in the news, and the upgrade has moved a step closer following the awarding of the construction

tender. It is expected to commence in October this year, and be completed by the end of 2019, with airport operations continuing as normal during this period.

Mayor Peta Pinson said, ”Our airport is a key gateway to our region, and through the upgrade we will soon have new facilities that will benefit our local economy and increase our attractiveness as a tourist and business destination.”

Save the 28th October for our next community event. 2018 marks 200 years since John Oxley and his team of 15 explorers traversed the mountains from the west and surveyed our region for early European settlement. For thousands of years before, our region was inhabited by the Birpai people, the traditional custodians of our land.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s own bicentenary event 200 Together - An Exploration through Time will be held from 11am - 5pm on Town Green and Town Square.

The family-focused event will provide the community with the opportunity to celebrate our region’s Bicentenary and explore our region’s history by participating in interactive art and cultural elements, taking a walking tour of our key historical sites and listening to the stories of our region.

We welcome two new members this month: Jordan’s Boating Centre and Holiday Park provide river view cabins and caravan parks, boat hire, and sailboard / stand-up paddle board facilities.

Port AdVenture Cruises will specialise in

entertainment and functions on the Hastings River, commencing at the beginning of October.

Congratulations to all the members of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association who were successful in the Regional Tourism Awards held in Coffs Harbour in August: • Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail • Macquarie Waters Boutique Hotel and Apartments • Koala Preservation Society • Vacation Village • Hall of Fame Port Macquarie Museum Congratulations also to the successful association winners at the Holiday Coast Credit Union Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Business Awards held in Port Macquarie in August: • Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges • Panthers Port Macquarie • HEM Property • Seasalt Café and Restaurant • Touchwood Flowers • The Koala Preservation Society Australia Inc • Ashley Sargeson (Touchwood Flowers) • Monique Muusers (Frankie’s Travel) • OCTEC Limited • Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail/Arts and Health Australia • Whalebone Wharf • Cassegrain Wines Pty Ltd • Hall of Fame Inductees: Billabong Zoo and Hastings Co-op Check out other events happening in our region: www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 53

Port Macquarie Retail and Dining Precinct A waterfront haven on your doorstep Local landmark Port Macquarie Marina has undergone a $2.8 million transformation, enhancing the city’s profile as a first-class tourist destination and providing an exciting new space for locals to enjoy.

54 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The upgraded retail and dining precinct now For pampering or a day out with the girls, look blends seamlessly with the marina, giving visitors no further than the expert team at Jagged Edge access to a luxury waterfront experience on the Hair Design and the latest treatments at Vanity Hastings River.

Medi Spa. You’ll find a warm welcome, personWith something for every occasion - from an alised care and expert attention for your every outing with the kids to a stunning setting for need. special moments - it has become one of Port MacPop into Second Nature Boutique for unique quarie’s most prized assets. new and pre-owned jewellery and accessories, and Featuring an indulgent line-up of top eateries browse the high-end property market at Raine and and bespoke offerings, you’ll find outstanding Horne. Take a stroll and admire the beautiful boats service every time at one moored at the marina. of the hottest locales in Life really doesn’t get any town. better than this - and it’s Award-winning Seasalt right on your doorstep.

Café and Restaurant is If you’ve been looking for Whether for business or the perfect spot for famoffice space and this is the pleasure, we invite you to enjoy ilies and friends, where kind of setting you’d love to the relaxation and inspiration you can relax in the work in, you’ll be pleased to of Port Macquarie Marina alfresco area overlooking know there are five brand retail and dining precinct. If the marina while the kids new air conditioned office you haven’t visited for a enjoy feeding the fish. suites now completed and while, you really should.

Quay Lime Bar+Grill ready to occupy. waterfront restaurant Situated above the marina offers sumptuous dining, retail and dining precinct, as well as drinks on with sizes ranging from 18 m² to 46 m², you’ll have the magnificent deck, glorious views of sunsets, sunrises, and sparkling delighting guests with sweeping water vistas boats on the Hastings River. glorious by day and dazzling by night.

Whether for business or pleasure, we invite Opening soon is Captain Nemo’s on the Marina you to enjoy the relaxation and inspiration of Port (a Muzikworx Event project), where you’ll be able Macquarie Marina retail and dining precinct. If you to experience the fusion of five-star Japanese cuisine with an exquisite fish and chippery. Focusing haven’t visited for a while, you really should. on organic produce sourced locally, this swanky Follow Port Macquarie Marina on spot is set to shake up Port Macquarie’s culinary Facebook @portmacquariemarina and Instagram scene. @portmacquarie_marina

Vanity Medi Spa VMS is a unique one stop Beauty/Dermal Clinic where we combine pure relaxation pampering with intensive anti-ageing treatments and so much more … Long-term local gal known to many is owner Bethmay Jones, who has 25 years’ experience in the dermal and beauty fields and leads a passionate and friendly team who believe our success comes from our dedication to customer service and our regular staff training. We love what we do, and our aim is for our clients to have an experience like no other in the Mid North Coast region.

Our chosen professional skin care line is results driven SOTHYS, and we have expanded our product range to include Pure Fiji, Sunescape, Bestow Beauty, Sienna Byron Bay, Wrinkles Schminkles and Baby Foot.

We are able to offer group packages and cater for hens pamper parties, mother/daughter days etc. with our double room, and our picturesque marina location allows for plenty of parking.

Treatments we provide and specialise in: • facial treatments • body massage • hot stone massage • microdermabrasion • skin needling • clinical peels • LED light therapy • manicures • pedicures • tanning • makeup • waxing • tinting • henna brows • threading • lash lifting We look forward to sharing our beautiful Medi Spa with you! Rediscover yourself - we truly have you covered!

Seasalt Café & Restaurant WELCOME TO SEASALT WINNER of BEST CAFÉ and RESTAURANT 17/18 Seasalt Café and Restaurant is located overlooking Port Macquarie Marina. We are open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week from 6am.

Sit back, relax and take in the view, while enjoying one of the best coffees to be found in Port Macquarie. We also offer a great range of fresh cakes to go with it.

Made from fresh local produce, there is a selection of family favourites and with our changing specials, there is always something on the menu that will take your fancy.

We are one of the most picturesque locations in Port Macquarie to enjoy breakfast or lunch.

Available for private functions, dinner parties, corporate events, launches.

Now is the time to book your Christmas/ end of year party at this great venue. Seasalt is fully licensed and has a great selection of wines and beers to enjoy.

The marina offers ample parking, wheelchair access and it’s pet friendly.

On behalf of all the staff, we would like to thank our loyal customers for supporting us win the 2018 Business Award for best Café/ Restaurant.

THANK YOU!

Greater Port Macquarie focus 55

@ the Marina, The Gateway to the Canals

T H E

C A N A L S ’

C R E W

Garry Knapp: Managing Director/Licenced Real Estate Agent, Gwaine Robinson: Sales Executive, Sandie Carden: Licenced Property Manager, Emily Wood: Administration, Sherryl Robinson: Licenced Real Estate Agent, Anne Priest: Sales Executive, Tania Smith: Business Systems Manager, Tony Rathbone: Licenced Real Estate Agent, Martin Newell: General Manager and Licencee in Charge

Raine & Horne have been part of the Real Estate landscape in Australia for more than 135 years! We are a family owned business with down on the farm family values that we still hold close. Justine and Kaye Newberry established the first Raine & Horne office in Horton Street in 1980 to herald the beginning of a long and successful association with the growth and development of Port Macquarie.

After the Newberry era new owners were to come and go and the trusted Australian brand, across time lost some of its gloss in this neck of the woods. Last year with new ownership arriving from across the ditch, with a fresh view point to blend with the local hands there has been an amazing change of fortune. Based at the Port Marina and drawing on the power of the fully embraced ANZAC spirit the Raine & Horne Crew have, in the words of Justine and Kaye Newberry “re-established the credentials of the Raine & Horne Brand here in Port” Recognised nationally as a genuine “Superbrand” R&H Port Macquarie has utilised the power of good old fashioned, professional service and integrity and blended it to the arsenal of modern media platforms including the R&H nationally recognised “Amplify” program to establish a commanding grip on the Canals Precinct and make big inroads into market share in other parts of the district.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

At the The Marina, immediately next to Seasalt café with its great coffee, drop in anytime for a chat or to check out a real estate query. That’s what we know.

” s u e k i l ’ll u o y s u “Try Raine & Horne Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 2699 Shop 6, 18 Park Street, Port Macquarie 2444

56 Greater Port Macquarie focus

WIN* a $1500 Spring Racing Fashion Experience Simply spend $50 or more at any participating Settlement City fashion retailer.

Complete the entry form, attach your original receipt and place in the entry barrel in Settlement City.

FIRST PRIZE The Ultimate Spring Racing Fashion Experience includes: • 4 x VIP tickets to the Port Macquarie Cup on October 5, 2018. Ticket includes entry to the corporate area and FOCUS marquee including food and beverages.

• 1 x $1,000 Settlement City Gift Card to spend on your ultimate Spring Racing outfit

RUNNER UP PRIZE $200 Settlement City Gift Card

*Terms & Conditions apply and can be found at www.settlementcity.com or by visiting Centre Management Office between 9am & 5pm Monday – Friday. LTPS/18/27382

Greater Port Macquarie focus 57

focusinterview.

Muscutt Travelling the world provides an amazing opportunity to give the camera a work out … and having visited more than 70 countries during his life, Geoffrey Muscutt has had more chance than most to document his journey! Geoff has also spent a great deal of time on the seat of a bicycle, and covered many more kilometres than we could probably envisage … all of which adds up to some brilliant photographic experiences!

H

i Geoff. Whereabouts in England are you originally from - and what brought you to Australia?

I was born in the UK in a village in Berkshire near the Wiltshire border, then moved to Hastings in Sussex. It was in Hastings that I first started taking photos at age 15.

After starting work, I moved round south east England before spending 16 months in Malaya doing National Service in the Royal Engineers. I met Australians in Malaya and again later in London and enjoyed their less formal ways and friendliness, so came to Australia as a 10 Pound POM in 1965.

I lived in Melbourne until 2002 and moved to South West Rocks, then in 2006 I settled in Port. With an excellent climate, a huge variety of scenery and all the facilities, it is perfect.

Where does your interest in photography stem from?

My best subjects at school were mathematics, geography and art and my mother was very artistic, so perhaps it started with her.

The start of my excitement came when I submitted a photograph to a competition in Amateur Photographer magazine while still at school and won a prize of an exposure meter.

58 Greater Port Macquarie focus

The camera with which I won the prize was a skiing and sailing became favourite activities, plastic Kodak Brownie, with no adjustments at with photography in the background, but all, so I started saving for a compact camera in 1977 I joined Melbourne Camera Club to with adjustable speeds and apertures. This type improve my photography. I took up cycling of camera was easy to carry, and since then I again in 1985 and did a Bicycle Victoria tour. have always had a compact camera, as well as In the next 25 years I did numerous trips, a DSLR. including crossing Australia both ways. I also I believe you've been a cyclist for many did cycle tours in China and the UK. years. How have you been able to In Nepal and South Africa I did day cycle combine this interest trips - I took a camera with your passion for on all of these trips photography? and have thousands of Yes Jo, like many kids colour slides, which are My bike was stolen in London, I cycled to school and rarely looked at - and and I had a 20 year break later did longer trips away unfortunately most from cycling. Travel, at weekends staying in are badly affected by skiing, water skiing youth hostels. fungus. However, I have and sailing became My first cycling holiday scanned the best ones favourite activities, was to the Lake District and produced books and with photography in the in England, with rain audiovisuals from the background, but in 1977 I every day. My next was to scans. joined Melbourne Camera Club Austria in 1954 (I did not How many countries to improve my photography. enter the Russian Zone). do you believe you've We had sun every day! visited over the years Subsequent holidays - and what have been were cycle tours in Europe, and I took many some of the more memorable ones? photos with a folding Agfa 127 size camera on Around 70, but this has changed over the these trips. Negatives were small, but could be years, with places like Saarland and Yugoslavia enlarged. disappearing and Slovenia etc. appearing, while My bike was stolen in London, and I had a Syria is not accessible.

20 year break from cycling. Travel, skiing, water Recent memorable holidays were in Yunnan

(China), Uzbekistan and Vietnam. These are dream areas for photographers, with such a variety of subject matter.

What is it you most love about travelling?

I love the different cultures. It is interesting to see how others live and indeed survive in such a variety of climates. The architecture and landscapes can also be very different.

What types of objects/people/scenery inspire you to pick up a camera and start shooting?

I am not a specialist and photograph anything, but “photo documentary” and travel shots are my main interest.

I get inspired if lighting is good, as this can make or break a photo. I might go out for the day and shoot nothing if the light isn't right.

Describe a photo or two you've taken that you're especially happy with …

One photo I took was a view from Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. I pre-planned this shot and took a tripod and got to the viewing level about half an hour before sunset. The lens was close to the glass, to minimise reflections, but I still had to use the editing programme “Photoshop” to remove some reflections.

With film, this shot would have been much more difficult. The ability to enhance or change images with editing programmes after being taken is a bonus in digital images.

What photographic clubs/magazines do

focusinterview.

you subscribe to; how have they helped equipment. with your photography?

However, very good images can comefrom I subscribe to Australian Photography and mid range cameras and lenses, and I now in the past to Modern Photography (USA) and use a compact mirrorless camera with Digital Photography (UK). interchangeable lenses which is much lighter I am a life member of Melbourne and ideal for travel, while still giving excellent Camera Club and Port Macquarie Panthers quality images.

Photographic Club (PMPPC).

Thanks Geoff.

While magazines are a great help, it is the Interview: Jo Robinson. personal help and friendship from many likeminded people in the two clubs that I am in that improved my photography most.

There is nearly always someone in PMPPC who can help solve a problem. Seeing other people’s work and competing in club and national competitions all give inspiration to do better.

What are some trips and/or special photographic projects you have planned for coming months?

I have just returned from Bali, so don't have any trips planned, but return trips to either Vietnam or Sri Lanka are under consideration.

I pre-planned this shot and took I have an interest in a tripod and got to the viewing audiovisuals, which are level about half an hour before much easier to produce sunset. The lens was close digitally than the old slide to the glass, to minimise shows with audio. Matching reflections, but I still images with the music and had to use the editing song of a John Williamson programme ‘Photoshop’ to or Slim Dusty classic is the remove some reflections. next project in mind.

PMPPC occasionally run a portfolio night, and this also gives an incentive to create a series of images with a theme.

The internet is also invaluable for viewing the work of past masters and contemporary photographers.

Where can we see more of your work?

I enter all eight of PMPPC's monthly competitions, so if anyone wants to see my work then come along to our club's meetings at Panthers Club on the second or fourth Tuesday of any month.

Anyone is welcome as a guest, to see what the club does. I do not have a social media site.

Final say …

Having a “seeing” eye is more important than the equipment used. Best quality images come from more expensive professional Greater Port Macquarie focus 59

focushealth

Health Wellbeing and

W I T H S U N D I A L D E N TA L

W I T H M E L A N I E LO C K : N AT U R O PAT H B H S C - T H E H O L LO W S T O R E

Biofilm and your Health

Dental plaque is a form of biofilm. It is a whitish/yellowish film that builds up on the teeth and tooth roots.

What is a Biofilm? Biofilm is something you come

remains. When biofilm is properly removed with

across every day; slime on the hull of a boat, clogged

daily oral hygiene care, it is easy to manage.

drains, slimy coated rocks in a stream, and the

Tips to control Biofilm:

plaque that forms on your teeth are all examples

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.

of biofilm. Biofilm forms when bacteria stick to a

• Floss daily! Flossing removes plaque between teeth

surface in a watery environment and emit a slimy,

and the gumline where a toothbrush can’t reach.

glue-like material that can stick to all kinds of

Research indicates that floss does up to 40% of the

surfaces, such as tooth enamel, metals, plastics,

work needed to remove plaque from your teeth.

medical implant materials and biological

• Soak any retainers/prosthesis with denture soaks

tissues. Essentially, biofilms form on any surface

or one part white vinegar, three part water soaks a

exposed to bacteria, with the presence of water, and

few times weekly. (If your denture is cracked, porous

your mouth could be the perfect environment!

or peeling, ask your dentist/dental prosthesis to

Dental plaque is a form of biofilm. It is a whitish/

repair it.)

yellowish film that builds up on the teeth and tooth

• See your dentist and hygienist/oral health therapist

roots. This biofilm contains communities of disease-

every six months to monitor your dental health

causing bacteria and if it becomes firmly established,

and your overall health. Routine preventative visits

an ongoing battle is waged between the bacteria

to your dentist, dental hygienist and oral health

and the body’s immune system. Biofilm persistence

therapist will go a long way to avoid cavities, tooth

can result in cavities and chronic inflammation

loss, gum disease and other threats to your oral

around the tooth socket causing gum disease - both

health.

gingivitis and periodontitis, which can eventually

Have you heard Sundial Dental is revolutionising

destroy the bone and connective tissue that keeps

you dental clean experience, with the EMS system?

the teeth firmly in place, and other varieties can

The EMS is a guided biofilm therapy and is a unique

provoke other significant health problems.

solution for prevention and maintenance for you

If biofilm coatings are left unmanaged, harmful

teeth. It comfortably and effectively removes biofilm,

plaque bacteria can enter your bloodstream and

stubborn coffee, red wine and nicotine stains and

affect other parts of your body. Biofilm has been

keeps you comfortable all the while. The EMS system

linked to arterial plaque formation, MI, stroke,

is a blend of AIR-FLOW powder, air and warm

Alzheimer’s, cancer and complications in pregnancy.

water to produce a precise jet spray. The guided

What can you do to prevent dental Biofilms?

biofilm therapy is a quick, painless, non-invasive

Maintaining good oral hygiene on a daily basis is one

and soundless treatment, helping you to feel more

of the healthiest things you can do for your body;

comfortable at the dentist. To book an appointment

think of it as a preventative maintenance. Our diet,

or to find out more about our services, our team or

water intake, brushing/flossing routine and saliva

our locations, call our caring team at Port Macquarie

production all influence how healthy our mouth

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60 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Getting to the bottom of Gut Health

F

or years "poop" has been a taboo subject - the butt of our jokes, a social insult and the least celebrated of human habits. Our poop may be considered a generic waste product, but the colon itself is a profoundly intelligent machine. Just try to drive your car without its engine - you can’t. And the bowel is one of the most important engines of our body. For this reason, I've collaborated an 11 page eBook (FREE) to navigate the uncharted waters of holistic colon health: https://www.thehollowstore.com.au/ products/better-bowel-cleanse I’ve been working with people’s bowels and intestinal tracts for a very long time. It’s commonly the first port-of-call in the restoration of healthy digestion. Why? Because a lazy, blocked, sluggish or oversensitive bowel can manifest issues with nutrient absorption, mineral or vitamin deficiencies or food intolerances. More importantly, the colon is the primary site of waste elimination.

Any blockages, constipation, inflammation or disfunction of the bowel can greatly impact the delicate balance of healthy bacteria in your GIT (Gastro-Intestinal-Tract). Research shows that the bowel is vital for Vitamin K production, is crucial to immune activation and development, and contains small brain proteins called neuropeptides necessary for the regulation of emotions and mood. It’s no surprise the the GUT is called the second brain - it contains approx. 100 million neurons. That’s a lot - more than the spinal cord!

People often find themselves on the swinging pendulum of bowel function, though certainly constipation is a commonality that becomes "normal" for most. Let's just imagine a bin full of stinking rubbish left in your house for a few days,

a week - heck, a month. Without regular waste collection / elimination, your home would become a cesspit of debris, mess and vile. Everyone would be in a funk. And thou shalt not elaborate on the kinds of unsavoury bugs and creepy-crawlies that would ensue. Gross for sure, but a perfect analogy for your rear end.

The beginning of many chronic conditions start - ironically - in your rear end. In fact, many inflammatory diseases have their humble beginnings in the bowel. It's known that more than 70% of our immune system is located in and around the gastrointestinal tract, and possibly why food sensitivities, auto-immune diseases and increased intestinal permeability are commonplace in the health and medical industries now.

Could *Hippocrates have been right when he said, “All disease begins in the gut”? Given the scientific findings in the role of our gut and bowel in our health, we should assume so.

We absolutely, positively should be thinking about our poop. We should be holding mental and visual (yes, I said it) conversations with ourselves about the uniqueness of our bowel habits, because our waste system is a red flag of danger; a canary in the mine; an expression of what is happening in our gizzards. And it’s not just about the colour, texture and odour, but the subtle or obvious changes that occur in your toileting habits and what they say about your digestion or lack thereof.

(Hippocrates *he’s kind of a big deal in the field of medicine.)

Melanie Lock, Naturopath BHSc - The Hollow Store. www.thehollowstore.com.au

Dry eye is a self-perpetuating, progressive and chronic disease, which, if left untreated, will become worse over time

DRY EYE DISEASE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW… Dry eye is a complex condition with many factors that could contribute to its’ onset. It is very common, affecting 1 in 4 people on average. When the tear film is working as it should, tears lubricate the eye and stop the surface from drying out. If for some reason the tears do not stay on the eyes long enough or not enough are produced, over time the resulting dryness can damage the surface of the eyeball.

How do I know if I have dry eye disease?

Dry eye symptoms can include one or more of the following: • Scratchiness, grittiness or a “foreign body” sensation • Burning or stinging • Dryness • Itching (particularly in the corners of the eyes) • Occasional blurred vision • Sensitivity to bright light (photophobia) • Mucus around the eyelids, particularly upon waking • Tired eyes (a feeling like you need to close the eyes) If these sound familiar to you then it is possible that you may have some form of dry eye and it is recommended that you book in with your

Optometrist for a thorough eye examination to determine a diagnosis.

Diagnosis At George & Matilda Eyecare we offer unique diagnostic testing to ensure that dry eye syndrome is accurately diagnosed and that the right course of treatment is prescribed. Initially a Keratograph instrument is used to give an analysis of your tear film that will include an infra-red image of the oil secreting glands in the eyelids. If your Dry Eye condition is more complex, an Osmolarity test with an I-Pen maybe required.

Dry eye is a self-perpetuating, progressive and chronic

Top left: Keratograph instrument is used to give an analysis of your tear film. Above: Blephasteam is a gentle steam goggle treatment that is used to warm the oil glands in the eye

disease, which, if left untreated, will become worse over time leading to further dysfunction of the eye’s tear producing system.

Treatment Whilst there is no known cure for dry eye syndrome, there are a few simple steps that you can take to relieve the symptoms and your Optometrist will suggest what is best suited to your situation.

A second line of treatment action is Blephasteam, which is a gentle steam goggle treatment that is used to warm the oil glands in the eye.

Generally, 3-4 treatments per patient are required over a four to eight week period.

The good news is, that whilst this all sounds rather involved, we have the ability at George & Matilda Eyecare to offer low cost diagnostic testing and treatment. The Keratograph analysis is currently free of charge as part of your routine eye-examination.

The Blephasteam is $25 per session. So, if you’re concerned that you might have dry eye or know that you need to seek further treatment, please feel assured that diagnosis and treatment can be done simply and affordably.

By Selwyn Peake, local Optometrist at George & Matilda Eyecare

Live brighter. Go native.

FRESH COLOURFUL STYLES INSTORE NOW

your second pair of lenses when you buy a pair of glasses* *Terms and conditions apply. See instore for details.

Wauchope 6 Bransdon Street. Ph 02 6585 2393 Port Macquarie 95 William Street. Ph 02 6583 7333 Port Macquarie 29 Horton Street. Ph 02 6584 3948

georgeandmatilda.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 61

focusinterview.

C h r i s

W r i g h t

Mia to BUSH

for

Young Mia Stewart was born with a rare condition that’s resulted in her having one leg much shorter than the other. TO ENSURE MIA ENJOYS A FULL AND ACTIVE LIFE, SHE REQUIRES COMPLICATED SURGERY THAT ISN’T AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA. Chris Wright, Mia’s great-uncle, has been busy planning a charity motorbike rode from Port Macquarie to Wagga Wagga - the proceeds of which will help pay for Mia’s surgery and extended stay in the USA…

62 Greater Port Macquarie focus

H

i Chris. Introduce us to your gorgeous great-niece, Mia ... How old is she, and what are some of the physical/ health issues she’s battled since birth?

Mia is four, and she’s had prosthetics since she was nine months old.

Mia was born with a rare condition called CFD (congenital femoral deficiency). What this means, is that Mia’s left leg and hip are severely underdeveloped, resulting in a much shorter left leg.

CFD is said to occur from 1 in 50,000 births to 1 in 200,000 births, depending on the severity, as there are varying types. Mia’s type of CFD, however, has been diagnosed as Paley type 3A with extensive hip issues. Because Mia’s case of the condition is at the more severe end of scale, she is actually closer to the 1 in 1,000,000 mark.

Mia needs surgery in the USA to help with her condition. What type of surgery will she need, and why can’t she get this treatment in Australia?

Mia is undergoing a rare and complicated surgery called the Paley Modified Brown Rotationplasty.

In the simplest terms, this will see her leg turned around 180 degrees so that her foot faces backward, the ankle joint then acts as a knee joint, so that prosthetics work better. At the same time, they will also address Mia’s hip issues (she was born with little to no hip joint); they will take her knee (which is up basically in her hip) and all the other bits that have formed to create a somewhat functioning hip joint. For a deeper description, just head to the Paley Institute Website via Google and search rotationplasty.

This surgery will give Mia the opportunity to enjoy an active and full life! At a cost of $300,000,

This surgery will give Mia the

opportunity to enjoy an active You’ll be riding a pretty the surgery isn’t cheap, plus and full life! At a cost of special motorbike for the the stay of eight weeks added $300,000, the surgery event; can you tell us a on top. We want Mia to isn’t cheap, plus the stay of bit about it? receive the best treatment, and eight weeks added on top.

We have been very lucky unfortunately that just isn’t to have Sydney based offered here for her specific business “Just Jap auto” case. sponsor us with an ex Mia’s condition is very rare.

NSW Police motorcycle, It’s simply a numbers game, a YAMAHA FJR 1300. This business deals with ex because cases like Mia don’t happen very often Police to the public and can be found at: and our population size just isn’t great enough to warrant the experience in a case like Mia. www.policemotorcycles.com.au You’ve raised some funds already - who are Where can people register for the ride or find some of the people/local organisations you’d out more info? like to thank for their support?

Head to the Facebook page “BEACH TO BUSH FOR MIA” for bookings, or turn up and pay on the So far we would like to thank some of my day to ride if you are unable to commit. However, it customers at Mitre 10 who have kindly donated is free to sign up an interest. Call my mobile cash to Mia, and also to a very close friend, who 0458 143 312 if you have any enquiries, or made a massive personal donation of $2,000. message us through the Facebook page.

There’s another big fundraiser planned for If people are not able to take part in the ride, October 4 - 7: a charity motorcycle ride from donations are welcome! All donations raised Port Macquarie to Wagga Wagga. Who can will go towards the cost of surgery in America. take part in this event - and how will it work?

Local charity SMRF (Specialist Medical Resources We would encourage as many riders as possible Foundation) has allowed us to raise money under to take part. If we had 20 plus, I would be very their banner and have set up an offset account for happy.

Mia. This means all donations are tax deductible, a We will start out from Port Macquarie on 4th great bonus for businesses!

October and travel to Newcastle, where we will stay Specialist Assistance Fund overnight. We then continue from Newcastle for BSB: 633 000 day two, which will see us travel to Cronulla. Day Acc: 155181498 three will be Cronulla to Goulburn. There will be an Reference: Mia’s Big Adventure overnight stop at Goulburn, with day four seeing us For receipts email: smrfoundation@outlook.com terminate at Wagga Wagga, with a gathering at a *Please remember to use the above reference for local hotel. donations so that it goes to the correct account.

If anyone wishes to ride all four days, it will cost Thanks Chris. $60. Accommodation etc. is up to individuals to Interview: Jo Robinson. arrange. Please also note that riders can just ride Pic top left courtesy of Matt Attard, Port down for the Sunday run into Wagga and pay $20.

Macquarie News.

We leave Goulburn at 09:30 from the Big Merino.

Dr. Bobby Kumar Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Bobby Kumar COSMETIC SURGEON Can breast implants look natural?

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Tai Chi Chinese Exercise System An ancient Chinese exercise system for mind and body.

Strengthen your body, mind and spirit with Tai Chi. For centuries, this ancient system of exercise and meditation has helped men and women condition their muscles, improve their coordination, balance, circulation, breathing and flexibility.

Regulate your blood pressure, decrease stress and create a general feeling of wellbeing. Although Tai Chi provides a great full body workout, it’s not a particularly strenuous cardiovascular activity, making it ideal for people who have not been overly active, i.e. for cardiac patients and for senior citizens.

Learn correct mental focus, breathing, eye movement and body posture and then slowly progress through six different easy to learn sequences, each containing several moves, or forms that release internal energy and exercise the body.

Many people practice Tai Chi to socialise and keep fit. It’s also known for its many positive attributes. Tai Chi improves functioning of the neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and skeletal systems. Lung capacity increases, digestion improves, muscles strengthen and joints and limbs become stronger and more flexible.

Beginners classes commencing in September in Port Macquarie as well as classes for advanced students in weapons Tai Chi. Instruction by China trained Master and qualified Tai Chi and Qigong instructors.

Car Club driven to support cancer patients.

Hastings Auto Restorers Society (HARS) has clocked up $60,000 in support of local cancer patients over the past 10 years, presenting their latest donation to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute’s Port Macquarie campus today.

T

he main driver of the remarkable decade-long fundraising effort, Ron ‘Rocket’ Turnbull, preferred to thank the fundraiser’s supporters than take a bow, making special mention of Port Macquarie SES, Bunnings, IGA Wauchope, Settlement City, Port Macquarie Racecourse and long-time raffle ticket sellers Peter Denham, Len Colbert and Norma Dwyer, as well as cancer unit staff.

This year’s gift to the cancer unit, $6000, included $4800 from the raffle, $600 from the SES volunteers who helped visitors with parking at the Hastings Auto Restorers’ recent Swap Meet at Port Macquarie Racecourse and $400 from the club.

Mr Turnbull, a prostate cancer survivor, said the donation was the result of a team effort, which included every single person who bought a raffle ticket. “Every cent we raise goes to our local cancer unit to help local people… it stays here to help people from throughout the Hastings and Macleay, which is why we are so committed, year after year, to helping out. “The money goes towards medical equipment, comfort items for patients and helps provide hardship assistance.”

Nursing Unit Manager Jenny Baroutis thanked everyone involved in the HARS donation. “We are all in awe of Rocket and his crew,” Ms Baroutis said. “The kindness and compassion shown over the past decade, the commitment and determination… it makes a difference to our patients and it inspires our entire team. “Such generosity means everything to the patients in our care and for that we thank Rocket and the HARS team from the bottom of our hearts.”

The MNCCI is also the venue for Prostate Cancer Support Group meetings held on the second Thursday of the month between 5 and 6pm. Meetings are an opportunity for members to support each other through friendship, conversations and the sharing of information. Partners are also welcome to attend.

Anyone wanting further information about the support group is encouraged to phone Mr Turnbull on 6585 2051.

greater port macquarie focus. 63

Greater Port Macquarie focus 63

them more comfortable to wear • Oral hygiene - easier to clean the appliances and your teeth, resulting in good oral health • Fewer and faster practice visits - saving you time • Better results - more effective, lifelong outcomes One example is the Carriere system, which is shifting the way we think about orthodontics.

smilefor life

A Confident

WITH DR ERIC SAACKS

How has the evolution of orthodontics

range of benefits:

made it easier to achieve a beautiful

• Shorter treatment time - faster movement

smile? Orthodontic treatment not only

of teeth and less time in braces or Invisalign

provides straight teeth and confident smiles,

• Aesthetically pleasing - appliances are less

but also healthier teeth and gums, improved

noticeable in your mouth

jaw and facial structure, and reduced

• Normal speech - reduced impact on the

breathing problems.

quality of your speech

At Saacks Orthodontics, we utilise modern

• Increased comfort - sleeker, lower-profile

appliances that provide patients with a

appliances with smooth surfaces making

64 Greater Port Macquarie focus

What is the Carriere system?

Carriere is a simpler, more comfortable way to prepare for treatment. Before a patient can get their braces or Invisalign, orthodontic treatment is often required to get the mouth ready, such as alignment work and tooth extractions.

than traditional orthodontic procedures, and often avoiding the need for tooth extraction.

How does the Carriere appliance work?

Carriere uses an appliance called a distaliser which is attached to teeth at the top, and is then connected via a small elastic band to an anchor appliance on a bottom tooth.

The individually sized brackets, which come in a range of colours, can be fitted more naturally on the teeth.

This system delivers a light, uniform movement to prepare the mouth for treatment. Carriere involves less time in the chair, faster results and The Carierre improved treatment system is shifting outcomes - meaning the way we think a straighter, happier, about orthodontics. healthier smile in a shorter time frame!

That’s where Carriere comes in. The discrete Carriere Motion Appliance corrects misalignment while attaching to only three teeth. Treatment with this appliance typically only takes three to four months, delivering highly visible results in significantly less time

Who is Carriere best suited to?

We offer free consultations for all new patients, so make an appointment with our friendly team to find out if Carriere could be right for you. Remember, age 7 is the best time to come in and see us so orthodontic treatment can correct the jaw and mouth as it develops.

s

focusinterview.

ANNETTE JOYCE & JAN O’DEA

97

nursing Years

W

here are you originally from?

AJ: I moved to Port Macquarie in 1963 and have lived here for the majority of my life. Who would want to live elsewhere?

JO: I was born and grew up in Port Kembla (Illawarra area), then moved to another coastal town - Port Macquarie - in 1989, bringing with me my husband, Ken and two young children, Jerrod and Clare, then aged four and two years old.

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

AJ: I had not intended going into nursing. I left school in Year 10 and attended Wauchope Technical College to become a secretary, studying typing, shorthand and commerce. I started working in a bike/spare parts shop in Wauchope for a few months, doing bookwork.

It was not really what I wanted to spend my working life doing. I then worked in the kitchen of a motel for a few months, before deciding to apply to study as an Enrolled Nurse at the Hastings District Hospital in 1970. I was asked to start immediately. I sat for my ENs exam at the Kempsey District Hospital, then worked in Armidale for a few months as an EN. JO: Nursing was not a long time dream for me.

When I finished Year 11, I was undecided what direction my future would take and decided to try nursing, so I suppose you could say I fell into it by default.

Where did you complete your studies/ training?

AJ: In 1972 I commenced my RN training at the Hastings District Hospital, and we would travel to Tighes Hill Technical College for our block classes - I was in the very first class that went through

Annette Joyce and Jan O’Dea have a combined total of 97 years in the nursing profession! Both ladies have just retired and started a new chapter in their lives. Here, they share the stories behind their training - and they also offer some advice for future nursing candidates! this type of college system, starting in what they called Preliminary Training School. We stayed in different nurses’ homes in the area. After our block of study, we were sent to one of the bigger hospitals in Newcastle for a week of practical.

JO: My “General Nurse’s training”, as it was then called, was undertaken at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. I then went on to Wollongong Hospital to complete Obstetrics and a few years later obtained a Paediatric certificate at Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital.

What areas of nursing did you work in?

AJ: I spent between 9 - 10 months of my training in the operating rooms and apart from the surgery, we used to cut our own combine, roll cotton wool balls and count out the sponges and Raytec swabs in fives. We also had to sharpen the needles and autoclave them - we used to wash, wrap and autoclave all our own instruments and drapes.

On completing my training, I thought I would do Midwifery at St Margaret’s in Darlinghurst - I lasted three months, as I missed working in the operating rooms. I applied to Taree Base Hospital and worked in their operating rooms 1976 - 77, until a position came up at the Old Hastings. I worked in recovery for 10 years, as well as the OR when needed - then it was back in the OR permanently.

We used to cook our frankfurts for hotdogs in the flash steriliser for lunch. There was one year where the doctors were all on strike for nine months. I am not really sure now what it was over, and when we weren’t doing emergency surgery or being sent to the wards - we became professional UNO players!

We moved to Port Base late 1994 - some of us using our own cars to transfer equipment from the Hastings to the new operating rooms. I

What advice would you give to someone worked in the Port Base until Oct 1995, then worked in administration at Bellevue Gardens studying nursing today?

Retirement Village and followed up any medical AJ: There are so many specialty areas now that problems that cropped up with the residents. were not available in a country hospital when I I worked in a doctors’ surgery for a few trained, so my advice to anyone studying nursing months in 2003, until I had a phone call from a in these times is to try and work in all areas of a great friend, John Crompton, whom I worked hospital, to find what specialty suits. with for many years in the OR. He asked if I JO: Advice? I suppose would like to come back the most important thing to work at the Base. is to enjoy interacting with In July 2003, I started other people. Nursing is working in the Day often hard, both mentally I have worked with some amazing Surgery Unit and stayed nurses and in this field of work and physically, so you really until I retired on March 23 you meet people from all walks of need to like what you are this year. life.

Working with children doing.

JO: During the course and their families, you What are your of my career I have become part of that family retirement plans? worked in paediatrics, and for a little while, AJ: I have many different gynaecology and being able to help them is very hobbies, which I enjoy. obstetrics, school rewarding. medical nursing, general Maybe when husband community health, John decides to retire we nursing management, might travel Australia for a short stint of private short periods. Six of our home nursing in England and finished off in grandchildren live in town - the youngest being postoperative recovery. two year old triplets - so we do tend to babysit What has been the most rewarding aspect of quite a bit, which we love doing. your career?

JO: My husband and I have bought a AJ: What did I find most rewarding in my motorhome and are currently on our way to career? I was working the day of the Clybucca Uluru - I am sending these responses from Bus Crash - the response to that crash is Wentworth (a gorgeous little town on the something I will never forget. junction of the Murray/Darling Rivers).

JO: People! I have worked with some amazing We plan to spend the next few years on the nurses and in this field of work you meet people road, in between visits to my 95 year old mother from all walks of life. Working with children and in Port Kembla and to Port Macquarie, to catch their families, you become part of that family for up with family and friends. a little while, and being able to help them is very Thanks ladies. rewarding. Mentoring new staff is another aspect of my career that I really enjoyed.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 65

66 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Greater Port Macquarie focus 67

focusinterview.

Post-Polio

Country conference

Polio may be seen by many as a disease suffered by those in the past … but, there are people in our community still paying the price today. Gail Hassall, local convenor of the Port Macquarie Post-Polio Support Group, tells us more about the upcoming Post-Polio Country Conference, which will be held in Port Macquarie on September 22nd.

polio

H

i Gail. What are your roles with both the Port Macquarie Post-Polio Support Group and the upcoming Post-Polio Country Conference?

The Port Macquarie Post-Polio Support Group is part of Polio NSW Inc. and one of many around NSW metro and country areas. I have been the local convener since 2009.

Polio NSW conducts a Country Conference every two years in regional areas; this year I was asked to organise the conference for the Mid North Coast.

What is “Post-Polio”, and how does it generally affect sufferers?

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) or the Late Effects of Polio (LEoP) may occur years after contracting the initial Polio infection. Polio survivors may develop a range of symptoms, such as new or increased muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, loss of strength, swallowing or breathing difficulties and fatigue. The time lag from original onset varies, but is commonly around 30+ years.

Symptoms may come on gradually or emerge after a period of physical or emotional strain, or following a period of immobility through disease or surgery.

It is estimated that as many as 400,000 Australians may be affected or at risk of developing the condition.

Most of us are over 50, although more recently there is a younger cohort of Polio survivors who contracted Polio outside of Australia.

Port Macquarie will be the host location for

68 Greater Port Macquarie focus

the Post-Polio Country Polio NSW website at https://www.

Each meeting is quite informal, Conference on September polionsw.org.au/port-macquariecombining social contact and 22. Where will this be conference/ morning tea with current held?

People may also contact me on issues of Post-Polio Syndrome The conference will be 6581 4759, 0432 881 237 or email (PPS), information and ideas held in the Rushcutter Room, portppsg@live.com.au about local resources or first floor at Panthers Port When does the local support practitioners, plus any Macquarie. It is a full day, group meet, and who is eligible topic that a member may commencing with registration to join? bring for discussion. at 9am. Cost is $35 and The Support Group meets from includes morning and 10:30am to noon on the first afternoon tea and light lunch.

Saturday of every second month, What is planned for the commencing in February each year. conference?

Because people come from areas outside Port Macquarie, The conference will be opened by the Mayor, Peta we found Saturday works well for most.

Pinson, and speakers will include: Paul Cavendish, Clinical Support Groups are part of Polio NSW, so Polio Educator, from Polio Australia; Dr Roslyn Avery, local survivors are requested to become members of Polio Rehabilitation Physician; Stuart Leckie, local Clinical Nurse NSW. Anyone is welcome to join us, and we often have Consultant in pain management; Margaret Invernon, partners come along to meetings. Each year we have a Exercise Physiologist from Armidale; Julie Haraksin, Christmas Lunch, where we include family and friends. If local Disability Advocate; Linda Walters, Occupational people are interested in joining the Support Group, they Therapist from Taree; Don Scott, Podiatrist from Grafton; may contact me as above.

Peter Clark, local Dietitian; Tania Powick, Certified Each meeting is quite informal, combining social Financial Planner from Kempsey; and Neville Parsons, contact and morning tea with current issues of PostCEO of Holiday Coast Credit Union and Rotary Member.

Polio Syndrome (PPS), information and ideas about local How can interested people register for the event? resources or practitioners, plus any topic that a member Information and details of the conference may be may bring for discussion. obtained from Polio NSW, in Sydney, on (02) 9890 0946, Thanks Gail. or (02) 9890 0953. Details are also available on the Interview Jo Robinson.

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Greater Port Macquarie focus 69

Port Skin Clinic Port Skin Clinic is a premium, holistic skin cancer and medical cosmetic centre. Patients can be confident that their skin is in the hands of experts who strive to deliver safe and effective care.

We provide a wide array of the latest noninvasive cosmetic treatments used to enhance patients’ natural beauty.

Dr Hoy and his team individualise their treatments to achieve the best possible results for our patients. These include laser treatments, IPL, microneedling, skin tightening and body sculpting, anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.

Dr Hoy offers free consultations for cosmetic patients to ensure that every patient is provided with the highest standard of care and this also allows him to develop individualised treatments

70 Greater Port Macquarie focus

for his patients.

In cosmetics, Dr Hoy works alongside nurse Elise Fox, who has had over 10 years’ experience in the industry and has an expert eye with attention to detail for her cosmetic patients.

Dr Hoy has Amanda Stokman working alongside him in his skin cancer work. Amanda is a expert Dermatoscopist with a passion for skin checks and diagnosing skin cancers and is very diligent in her work.

Join us for our exclusive opening night Friday 26th October, 6:30 pm at Sails Resort by Rydges canapés and drinks provided, limited spots available RSVP essential to events.portskinclinic@gmail.com

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

September 2018

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

If delays are doing your head in, visualise yourself walking the walk you desire, give yourself permission to achieve and have fun on the journey. It’s time for you to have what your heart desires, but you need to know you are worthy.

Citrine attracts an abundance of positivity.

Changes are looming for career or what you will be doing on a regular day to day basis. You are a person of your word, and your word is your honour. New opportunities will soon show themselves to you, and your ability to recognise them will increase. Give yourself permission to achieve success. Enjoy!

Ruby shatters fear.

Don’t be worried if you are feeling suspended at the moment; it is only a part of the process of discovering what your role in the bigger scheme of things is. Set some fresh goals and consider the importance of how you would like to feel. You are very connected to your heart, and feelings need to be a priority when setting your goals.

Turquoise is great for self esteem.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

It is likely that you are feeling a bit trapped in life at present. This is because you are approaching a purging time to release anything from your reality that stops you achieving your fullest potential. Try debating with your old beliefs to establish new ones for the future.

Ruby shatters self doubt.

You have outgrown some of your beliefs so instead of feeling comforted, you may be feeling trapped. The next few months will be a purging cycle for you, so try giving intention to everything you take into your body and everything you release; this will raise your vibration and your mood will benefit.

Clear Quartz empowers us.

Now is a great time to fulfil a dream that you have carried for a long time or from a long time ago. Make a list of all the things you need and take action; get something from the list so that when the opportunity presents itself, you won’t be likely to sabotage it.

Rose Quartz is the empowering crystal of self love.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

If you’ve been feeling unsupported lately, try and identify what emotion you’re hoping to feel from someone and wake that emotion up internally; using your breath you can activate it. This exercise will reconnect you to your leadership skills and self love will follow.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

You’re getting reconnected to old gifts and talents, which will be likely to enhance your success with career. Journalise new things, so you can refer to them in future.It is likely that the next few weeks will bring opportunity to see how clever you are at teaching or training. This will bring newfound confidence.

Turquoise is great for self esteem.

You are coming into a very fertile time, where anything you put your nurturing energies into cannot fail. Set some fresh goals, give yourself permission to achieve and throw yourself into new opportunities with gusto. Fake it until you make it!

Rose Quartz is the crystal of self love.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

If relationships have been a challenge recently, it could be that past unresolved issues are requiring healing. Embrace the past, no matter how hard it was, and become the answer to the past hurts.

This will show you your divinity and you will receive rewards.

Jade is great for self worth and healing.

Self esteem and worthiness are high on the agenda this month. If you can love yourself enough to know you deserve the best of the best, you will be pleasantly surprised with the success you draw to yourself. Set some fresh goals to keep the momentum going.

Citrine attracts an abundance.

You need to know you deserve the best of the best, so that you won’t sabotage rewards heading your way. Smile at your reflection for the next few weeks to raise your self worth and deservability. This will align you to live how you’re wanting … Peaceful and uncomplicated.

Citrine attracts an abundance.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 71

focusinterview.

LANDCARE

W

hat’s the history of Landcare in Port Macquarie?

Port Macquarie Landcare was formed in 1998 by a small group of environmentally conscious locals responding to the emerging National Landcare movement. We were soon joined by our local Dunecare and Port Macquarie Conservation Society members. “Landcare” grew fast and soon Estelle Gough, who was qualified in horticulture, started propagating native plants. When NPWS provided a site, she set up a modern community nursery, where volunteers now growing 40,000 seedlings annually. These go to replace weeds into bushland, to farmers and developers, to Council and to home owners.

The nursery was mentioned in NSW Parliament in 2018.

As Landcare’s bush regeneration work expanded, we needed equipment, a trailer, van and shed, chemicals and plants. Many of the grants to cover these costs were secured by Funding Officer Julie Ho. We have received more than $750,000 in funds, from corporate donors and all levels of government.

What are some projects Landcare has been involved with?

Landcare volunteers have been healing the “green arteries” of our town that were clogged with litter and weeds. Among the first 14 sites were the Lilypond, Blair, Absalom, Timber Ridge, Merinda and Rushcutter Reserves; also, Lighthouse, Shelly and Nobby’s Beaches. In 2012, Environmental Trust granted $250,000 for rehabilitation of Wrights and Yarranabee Creek catchments. Estelle Gough managed this 56 ha project, extending from Transit Hill and Timber Ridge down to Kooloonbung. It was finalised this year, with Estelle and our volunteers mentioned in NSW Parliament in 2017. Landcare and Council continue to maintain the “ET” Project and others.

We take care to involve many community groups, such as Birpai, Scouts, ACES, public and 72 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Landcare has been very active in our area for 20 years. Secretary Joan Wilson and President/ Funding Officer Julie Ho explain just how important the work of our local Landcare group is for our community … The group not only helps to manage our beautiful reserves, ensuring a viable habitat for native fauna and flora, but also propagates native plants and provides an outlet for local volunteers.

private schools, Work for the Dole, and conservation volunteers. Our inclusiveness and partnerships have been the key to good results and securing vital grant money.

Landcare’s main partners are Council (manager of the Reserves we work on) and NPWS, which hosts the nursery (in return we’ve grown plants, helped with research and hunted down cane toads).

Through Justice NSW we’ve also hosted workers on Community Service Sadly, garden waste and Orders, who excel at doing litter are still being dumped the heavier bush work. in bushland, despite What activities were a weekly green bin held to mark Landservice and recycling. care’s 20th anniversary locally? bin service and recyIn March we had cling. Dumped grass and a birthday barbecue cuttings do not compost; celebrating our wins for they grow and become weeds that suffocate nathe local environment. We have had more than tive plants. Destruction of wildlife by uncontrolled 300 long term volunteers since 1998, and many dogs and cats is another problem: if our native attended! Our work partners and friends came animals are not safe in their own environment, too, from Council, NPWS, Justice NSW, Hastings they will die out.

Landcare, Friends of Kooloonbung, Mrs York’s What are some planned future projects?

Garden and Gondwana Bush Restoration. The In our reserves we’ll use our tools and knowlsetting was a reserve that showcases Landcare’s edge to maintain biodiversity and our life support methods: how we can return bushland to health systems: the forests, plants and animals, the and close to its original condition, within a few soils, water and atmosphere. Council has ready short years. We are collating an illustrated history a Biodiversity Strategy and a Coastal Koala Plan of our group, an updated website, and a super of Management. When adopted, these will give end-of-year party! us a better chance of coping with a changing What are some of the issues Landcare faces? climate and population growth. By extending the Too much native vegetation is being lost. We bushland where plants and animals can live safely won’t have the lovely environment and wildlife in suburbia, we get to enjoy wildlife experiences, that attracts people here, if we keep removing bushland. Let’s keep local plants that are perfectly scenery and shelter. Keeping the natural assets adapted to our soils and rainfall, including mature our local economy and tourism are based on is a win for everybody. Landcare’s Nursery will be trees. Bushland is not a threat to property, and central, giving residents suitable easy-care native Council has Asset Protection Zones that ensure plants through “weed swaps”. We will help them this. Sadly, garden waste and litter are still being create wildlife-friendly gardens free of weeds dumped in bushland, despite a weekly green

through our Backyard Bushcare.

Why would you encourage people to join Landcare?

Landcare is about enjoying, understanding and protecting our natural assets, now and in the future. When kids on our National Tree Days planted a tree then watched it grow, a love of nature began.

Landcare is a friendly group, where volunteers are valued and feel rewarded when they see big improvements happen so quickly. They learn on the job, and have fun getting fit. They know Landcare provides safe equipment and tools for them. We’ve noticed that Landcare is addictive!

Where can we find more info?

We’re always looking for more volunteers, particularly on site to help manage reserves. Email us: info@landcareportmac.com.au or nursery@landcareportmac.com.au, or phone Estelle on 0432 141 605 or message Julie on 0439 597 926.

Thanks Joan & Julie. Interview: Jo Robinson.

focusinterview.

The Rieker Shoe Collection.

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The Rieker footwear name has long been associated throughout the UK and Europe for the brand’s skill is combining fashion conscious footwear with incredible comfort levels and support in each product. Now a global leading footwear company with global distribution, Colonial Cobbler is a proud

Kirra Porter

stockist for our Port Macquarie locals and tourists alike.

Striking the perfect balance between fashion and practicality, every Rieker shoe is designed and built with the Rieker unique features and benefits that make the footwear a step ahead of the competition. With the creation of their own individual technology known and developed as Rieker Antistress, this ensures that every pair of shoes produced and sold comprises the best level of support, flexibility and durability for all round comfort.

Browse our range of new season Rieker footwear in-store at Colonial Cobbler and find the ideal shoe to suit your style.

WEAR SHARE CARE

Wear, share, care … is the mission of 12 year old Kirra Porter. When Kirra discovered just how many pieces of clothing Australians throw out each year, and then learnt about the large number of homeless people locally, she came up with an idea to help both issues! Kirra’s asking for donations of second hand clothing to stock some racks she’s built; these racks can be accessed by needy people, so they’ll never have to spend a night in the cold without warm clothing or blankets …

H

i Kirra. Please tell us a little about yourself and your family...

I’m 12 years old, and I’m currently in Year 7 at MacKillop College. I live with my mum, dad, and little sister Edie in Port Macquarie.

What are some of your hobbies and interests? Some of my hobbies are craft, League Tag, surfing and skating. Things that I’m interested in are helping the environment and those in need, animals and sport.

How did you come up with the idea of helping our local homeless population what was the inspiration? I came up with the idea one afternoon when I came home from school, and earlier that day in Mr McQueen’s English class we learnt how many clothes Australians throw out, and I was astonished.

Then I went to religion with Mr Coelho’s class, and he explained to us how many people were homeless in Port Macquarie.

It made me think about how I could help both problems, and that’s how I came up with the idea of building racks and stocking them with second hand clothes, so people in our local area don’t have to go cold.

Explain how your idea works ... how do people in need gain access to the items you collect?

There are two racks located in Port Macquarie; they are in places easily accessible by homeless people. These racks have new and second hand clothes, blankets, towels, scarves and beanies, and needy people can access these items for free.

What types of donations are you accepting,

and where can they be dropped off? I’m collecting items of clothing, blankets, towels, scarves and beanies, and they can be dropped off at the Port Macquarie Youth Hub in Horton Street.

Of course, there's a second side to this story too, because one of your aims is to also help reduce clothing waste that goes to landfill. Who have been some of the people that have helped inspire you with recycling/up-cycling clothing items?

Many people have helped me out, but I want to give a big thanks to Rhi Rebellion, as she has given me lots of inspiration. She teaches our community how to cut down on waste.

How are you hoping to inspire people - particularly our local youth - to help support your cause? Do you have any school talks/social media posts etc. planned? Yes, I want to inspire all young people to do something amazing and to help someone in need. And for all the adults out there, I want them to know it’s never too late for them to do something amazing either!

I have an Instagram page: @comfassion_port_ mac where people can see what I’m up to.

How long are you planning to continue with your clothing drive? I will try to keep it going for as long as possible. I have some more plans for when the warmer months come!

Where can we find out more info? You can find out more information or private message me through my Instagram page: @comfassion_ port_mac Thanks Kirra.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 73

Seniors Living and Retirement

74 Greater Port Macquarie focus

focus_contributor

JULIE HO FROM PORT MACQUARIE LANDCARE

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e help to restore whole ecosystems: the biotic parts (living plants, animals, fungi etc.) and the abiotic parts (such as water, atmosphere and light)

The aim is to keep our native plants, creatures, and natural systems that support all life. This is biodiversity, and we are part of it.

We still depend on the natural environment for life’s necessities like oxygen, water and fertile soil, plus services like shade, shelter and erosion control.

Human engineering can’t make them, and anyway the cost would be prohibitive.

at the

The natural environment is our home, and we are entitled to have it in good shape - there is no PLANET B!

landcare. update What does Landcare do?

Landcare’s work is called “bush regeneration”, but it’s more than bringing back the health of our bush.

So what does Landcare do to help the environment, and to help humans? Bush regeneration starts with controlling weeds - because weeds are insidious, smothering native plants or using chemical warfare.

Some weeds put allelopathic chemicals in the soil to stop native plants germinating and growing. Some steal nutrients and water, or block out sunlight.

When this happens, weeds destroy the necessary food and shelter that native animals get from Aussie plant communities.

Thick Lantana can physically stop koalas from getting into the trees to feed. Deciduous weeds can drop so many leaves into a creek, that most of the oxygen in the water is used up and aquatic creatures cannot survive.

Landcarers know which plants are indigenous, and which are non-natives or weeds.

After we remove the weeds, native plants may return naturally, but sometimes we need to plant native seedlings. They are grown in our Community Nursery, using seeds from the local gene pool.

Bush regeneration means putting back the layers that make bushland complete: the floor (ground covers), the main structure (trees or large shrubs) and the understorey (smaller bushes). This creates many different habitats, each with its own living space and resources to support a particular lifestyle.

It’s important for biodiversity to have variety of species, habitats, and pathways for resources and energy to flow. Biodiverse natural systems are very productive, adaptable and resilient.

Best of all, healthy bushland brings creatures that benefit humans, even though we may not see it happening. Bats, birds, possums and frogs give us a free service by eating tons of insects.

Pollinators, seed dispersers, fungi and microbes that help plants get nutrients: they all work for free, making the trees and forests vital to our health and our economy.

These “workers” do so much for us and ask little in return. But they lose their homes when humans clear bushland, cut the connections between clumps of bush, or remove rocks and logs.

Instead, we can share our suburbs with native species if we leave some healthy habitat for them, and keep our carnivorous pets under control. A really Australian environment is where we belong.

That’s what Landcare is about, and we would love to have your support. To find out more, please contact us on info@landcareportmac.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 75

focusfeature.

Seniors Living and Retirement

Stage 2

OPEN DAY

of Sunrise Supported Living There is a lot of excitement about the Grand Opening of Stage Two of Sunrise Tuncurry on September 22nd. Paul Greenup speaks with FOCUS.

H

i Paul. Can you tell us what is happening?

Yes, we are all excited about the opening of the first 26 villa units of Stage Two of the village.

The new villas look fabulous! They are much more spacious than any other units we have had in the past. We have a new Community Lounge room and a new Nurses Admin Office as well.

What is so different about the new villa units, Paul?

We now have a larger variety of villas on offer.

The new Tallowwood Villas are very spacious inside. They feature two large bedrooms, both with enormous built in robes. The fully tiled bathroom is an en-suite and also has access to the main living area. The bathroom is fully disabled compliant, with handy grab rails, a non-slip floor and an emergency Nurse Call alarm as well. The shower area has no hob to allow easy access, especially if a shower chair is required in the future. The kitchen has everything that a cordon bleu chef could possibly want. Lovely Caesarstone bench tops match the smooth satin polyurethane finish on the doors. The appliances are all provided and include a ceramic cooktop, a stainless-steel oven and also a convection microwave oven/grill too.

Our residents love the stainless-steel dish drawer

76 Greater Port Macquarie focus

dishwasher. It means that they don’t have to sun all day. Residents at Sunrise are welcome to bring their pets with them when they move in, so bend down to get the dishes out! The stainthere is plenty of space for a dog or cat to have less-steel two door fridge has the freezer at the their own territory. bottom, to also make for easier access. The fully Will the new residents be able to access all equipped laundry also has an additional W.C. for the Care Services that Sunrise has become so guests. famous for?

Are there other unit designs available?

Yes, of course! Sunrise is all about freedom. It’s Yes. The Tallowwood units are the largest all about the freedom of choices and the fact that two-bedroom units available. We also have two residents retain their personal dignity. People deother two-bedroom unit designs available, the cide the level of personal service they require and Laurel and the Rosella. These are both open plan design and a very comfortable size. The Casuarina the type of service they want to use. Their choices range from domestic assistance, to comprehenis a large one-bedroom villa, perfect for either sive palliative care, or possibly a few minutes of a single or a couple. It features a lovely galley nursing, to 24-hour round-the-clock care. kitchen and a European laundry. ALL of the new We also provide meals, lunch and dinner, seven villa units in Stage Two feature high 2.7 metre days a week, prepared in our stylish kitchen from (9 foot) ceilings to give a really spacious feel and local produce. The majority of our residents avail 2.4 metre (8 foot) doors to allow lots of light into themselves of lunch, the main meal of the day, every room. which is a very reasonably priced two course Do residents have a private courtyard area? meal.

Yes. All the villas at Also available are Sunrise Tuncurry are domestic services and single level and all have maintenance staff; medical private rear courtyards. practitioners, podiatrists, The new Tallowwood THE NEW hairdressers etc. also visit Villas all have large, sunny TALLOWWOOD VILLAS the village to attend to the private spaces. They face ALL HAVE LARGE, needs of our residents.

In SUNNY PRIVATE north, so they have the addition, we cater for the SPACES. THEY FACE residents’ spiritual needs as NORTH, SO THEY HAVE well.

THE SUN ALL DAY. How are these Care Services funded?

Sunrise is the only retirement village in the Great Lakes area that is a fully accredited aged care provider. This means that we can access fully government funded Home Care Packages for our residents. Our care staff can provide these services in the comfort of our residents’ own villa units.

Our care staff are onsite 24 hours a day/seven days per week. We can increase the level of care services when, and if, our residents care needs increase. Couples can stay together, even when one partner requires a different level of care. In many villages, when one partner is assessed as needing care, the couple are separated, and one spouse is moved away to receive specialised care,

which is traumatic for all concerned. By ensuring our residents remain together, we guarantee less anguish to both residents, as well as their loving families.

We are pioneers of the concept, “Ageing in place” in NSW, and its success is evident by the fact that other retirement villages are emulating our initiative. We are therefore proud to be leaders in this field.

Can you give us an idea of what residents may expect with the opening of Stage Two? There will be a new Community Lounge which will incorporate a new cinema, a library and computer/internet area. There will also be a tea/ coffee bar. The new lounge will offer our residents a place to enjoy a quiet moment reading, watching a movie or chatting with friends. It will also be a quiet place for our morning exercise and meditation classes. Above the new Community Lounge there will be a huge new Nurses Admin office and sleepover station. The new Community Lounge will be joined to the existing Community Dining Room with a new covered outdoor dining area. This is where we will be serving morning tea each day and also enjoy an evening barbecue and Happy Hour in the warmer months.

What about Green Technology?

This is something that we are very mindful of at Sunrise Tuncurry. We have installed a huge 200 kw solar power system to provide electricity.

We have wired in a fibre optic internet system into every villa unit to provide high speed internet services to our residents. This is very important, as technology is this area is advancing at breakneck speed and we needed to “future proof” the village to be able to keep up with future demands.

The dedicated Nurse Call system is hardwired in, so it is totally independent of both the phone and the internet systems, so it is totally fail safe.

What are the plans for the future, Paul?

We have already started on Stage Three. This will feature 13 additional villa units. Nearly half are sold already. They will be available for our new residents to move in before Christmas.

Thanks Paul, and good luck with the big Open Day on September 22nd from 10am until 3pm.

Yes, it is certainly looking very promising. Thanks.

A unique alternative to Nursing Homes

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The Care of a Nursing Home at a fraction of the price An exciting new concept in Seniors Living is coming to the Great Lakes District. It’s called Supported Living, and it combines three crucial tiers of traditional Seniors Living:

1 2 3

the lifestyle and independence of Independent Living villages the domestic services of Assisted Living villages the care services of Aged Care centres

Sunrise Village Tuncurry offers supported living in your own villa unit. There’s no other village like it in the district.

Advantages of Sunrise Village include: n Couples stay together regardless of each individual’s health care needs n You have your own home with a fully equipped kitchen OR have your meals in our Community Dining Room.

The choice is always yours n You can bring your current Home Care package with you OR we will facilitate a fully funded package for you

n

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n

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n

You choose and change the type and level of domestic and care services as you need On-site Nursing staff available to provide care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The village can cater for non-violent dementia and palliative care You don’t have to move. Our onsite Nursing staff bring all the Care you need into your own villa unit, even if your Care needs change Our Village is pet-friendly.

Sunrise Village: 11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 | Tel: 6554 8424 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie focus 77

focusfeature.

Garden Village committed to healthy ageing through person-centric care.

A recent publication released by The Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018, "Australia’s health 2018" gave an interesting insight into the biggest health impactors for people aged between 75 - 100 years old. The top two most impactful conditions are Coronary Heart Disease and Dementia and Alzheimer Disease.

As a retirement living and aged care facility, Garden Village is well placed to positively impact these concerning health factors and have a particular interest and focus on the preventative measures that can be implemented to help reduce the impact and likelihood of developing Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

As a progressive aged care and retirement living provider, Garden Village developed Village Connections, a Dementia prevention and general wellbeing program. There are four key areas targeted within the program, including: 1. A healthy heart, 2. An active and engaged mind, 3. Increased social involvement, 4. A nutritious and healthy diet

78 Greater Port Macquarie focus

A range of weekly physical and cognitive activities target these key areas, with residents enjoying everything from cooking demonstrations to meditation and social events.

This positive and preventative approach to wellbeing is a popular activity among retirement living residents and offers actionable and practical advice and activities, while remaining fun and socially engaging.

The Village Connections group is one example of ways in which Garden Village is practicing a person centred approach to healthy ageing.

Many other activities are available for residents to participate in in both the Retirement Village and Aged Care facility.

Garden Village CEO Craig Wearne believes in prioritising and personalising the activities program and puts an emphasis on offering variety, with increasing choice and control for our residents and community. “Daily, we have an opportunity to do something to improve the wellbeing of our residents. Social engagement and physical and cognitive activities represent a large part of what we can do to enhance someone's health and happiness - so we need to make sure that our offering is meeting their individual interests and needs.”

A team of dedicated activities staff develop a monthly activities calendar and personalised plans for each resident, with a focus on social engagement, physical and cognitive activities, whilst our professional chefs provide appetising and nutritious meals.

The Garden Village team is dedicated and aligned to our Vision of providing person centred care and support to residents and families that ensures healthy ageing which is person-centric.

focusfeature.

ALWAYS ... PATSY CLINE

WAUCHOPE BONSAI WORKSHOP GROUP

Seniors

on

When 8th September from 10am - 2pm.

Where Rotary Hall, Oxley Lane Wauchope.

Contact Steve 0413 585 116 Email Wauchope.bonsai@gmail.com Group meets the second Saturday in the month commencing at 10am and going until around 2pm. The meeting commences with a discussion of the display trees, followed by a presentation. The remainder of the meeting is workshop time for members to work on their own trees and a separate one-hour session for beginners to learn the basics of bonsai. Visitors are most welcome to drop into our meetings. The group is an excellent way to learn how to create your own, or to care for the bonsai you already have.

Living and Retirement

What’s

BRITISH INVASION

When 7th September. Website www.glasshouse.org.au Get ready for the best BRITISH INVASION of all time! There’s a new show on the road and if you are a fan of Bowie (Jeff Duff), Elton John (Lance Strauss) or Rod Stewart (Direct from USA Rob Caudill), you simply can’t miss it. This high quality tribute act utilising the phenomenal talents of the best performers in the business will be coming to the Glasshouse on Friday 7th September. Promising a once in a lifetime chance to see the superstars and legends of British rock perform not only all your favourite hits, but together, BRITISH INVASION will also feature a band worthy of such legends.

CURATORS TALKS COMINGS AND GOINGS

When 6th September, 2:30pm - 4pm.

Where Port Macquarie Museum, 22 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie.

Contact John 0419 991 946 Email hbgjohnc@gmail.com Join us for an in depth talk about the christening, wedding and mourning fashions, keepsakes and photographs in the Comings and Goings exhibition and an opportunity to view up close other treasures from the Port Macquarie Museum’s collection.

When 15th September - 16 September.

Where The Glasshouse, Corner of Clarence and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie.

Website www.glasshouse.org.au Created and originally directed by Ted Swindley - based on a true story. Presented by HIT Productions Always ... Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

MNC KNITTERS’ GUILD MEETING

When 25th September, 10am - 12pm.

Where Port Macquarie Library, Grant Street, Port Macquarie.

The Knitters’ Guild NSW Inc. was established more than 30 years ago to promote and encourage hand knitting and crochet. The Guild provides the opportunity for members to learn both traditional and modern techniques, and to keep up with the latest developments in material developments and knitting and crochet design in Australia and internationally. It also encourages maintenance of high standards in design and technique, and encourages the exhibition of members’ work.

Resort-style living for over 55s

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Visit our website for more information Greater Port Macquarie focus 79

focusfeature.

Seniors Living and Retirement

Australian UNITY

Whatever you are looking for in your retirement, in Port Macquarie you will be spoilt for choice. The bustling town centre is the gateway to coast and country, famed for its natural attractions. Discover why so many are choosing The Governor's and Sienna Grange as their retirement option.

W

elcome to the neighbourhood.

Sienna Grange is a community of possibilities. Discover a connected and welcoming neighbourhood, where life moves at the pace you want. While the amenities and attractions of Port Macquarie are just moments away, entertainment and activities are right on your doorstep. Some days you may just want to stay close to home, taking advantage of the facilities that are yours to enjoy, such as a quiet read in the library, taking a stroll through the grounds or keeping busy in the garden. Perhaps you will be socialising with new friends and neighbours at happy hour in the community centre, or treating your visitors to a barbecue feast.

Life is for living at Sienna Grange; the shared community spaces and on-site facilities that are available for you to enjoy include: • Bocce court • Gardens • Community centre with gym, kitchen and dining area • Hairdressing salon • DIY workshop • Library Where neighbours meet At Sienna Grange, life is as busy or as quiet as you want it to be. The community centre is a hub of social activity and events and is the perfect venue for entertaining friends, joining a special interest group and participating in organised classes and activities.

Keeping fit and active You can choose to work out at your own pace in the gym or enjoy regular group exercise with a walking group. Maybe you would like to join the regular social competitions on the 80 Greater Port Macquarie focus

bocce court or simply enjoy a brisk walk around the grounds. Whatever level of exercise you are looking for, there is sure to be an activity to suit your pace and preferences.

Out and about There’s something for everyone at Sienna Grange. You can join in a wide range of regular organised activities and events, including day trips, shopping excursions, movie nights and more.

A place of your own Thoughtfully designed with you in mind: a considered layout and quality construction ensures your new home meets your needs now and into the future.

Villa choices for the way you want to live: Sienna Grange offers a choice of two or three bedroom residences, so there’s always room for friends and family. Each residence also has a single or double garage with secure internal access for lock-up-and-go convenience.

The comfort you deserve in retirement, planned with privacy and comfort in mind: each villa has been designed to maximise natural light and airflow. The layout and generous spaces are complemented by high quality finishes and fixtures, including modern appliances. Solar hot water systems provide a smart solution for reducing your energy bills and helping the environment too.

Your own patch of paradise: each villa has a private courtyard to make your own. Enjoy a barbecue with your neighbours, grow herbs and flowers or simply soak up the morning sun while you plan your day ahead.

A range of practical features to help you live comfortably: thinking ahead for years to come,

each single storey residence is built on ground level with no internal steps. For your convenience, all doorways and hallways are wider than standard, tiled areas are slip-resistant and the showers are step-free. Villas are also fitted with emergency call buttons, so help is never far away if you need it, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Room for your furry friend too: Australian Unity recognises the important role that pets play in many people’s lives, so small pets are welcome to join you in your move to Sienna Grange, subject to Australian Unity’s prior consent.

Keeping our community safe and sound is a top priority: friendly management, a 24-hour emergency call system, security monitoring and sign-in requirements for tradespeople are in place for your peace of mind.

At The Governor’s, it’s all about living life at your own pace and enjoying the retirement you deserve.

With the comfort of your own residence in a unique community environment with friendly staff and neighbours, The Governor’s is a welcoming place to call home.

A considered layout and quality construction ensures your new home meets your needs now and into the future.

Choices for the way you want to live: The Governor’s offers a range of residential styles for independent living. Choose from centrally-located serviced apartments, where day-to-day chores can be taken care of for you, or established apartments and units in delightful garden settings.

Serviced apartments If you’re seeking independent living but

would appreciate the convenience of having an evening meal prepared, a weekly linen service and weekly cleaning taken care of for you, a serviced apartment at The Governor’s could be your ideal choice. Located within the community centre, there is a range of spacious one and two bedroom serviced apartments. Each apartment has its own living area, kitchenette and separate bedrooms, with the main bedroom featuring an en-suite and laundry facilities.

All serviced apartments are leasehold and a monthly levy is payable for services. Serviced apartment residents enjoy access to all the facilities and activities on offer at The Governor’s.

Apartments and units: With a variety of floor plans and aspects, one and two bedroom apartments are set throughout the gardens, and friends or family are always welcome to visit you.

Many of the centrally located apartments have a garage with secure internal access for lock-upand-go convenience.

Australian Unity offers a range of tailored home support options, to ensure you can always live life on your terms. From housekeeping and personal care to specialist health support, nursing and respite care, our support services are available 24/7 and can be delivered how and when you wish. You only ever pay for the services you use.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 81

focusinterview.

with Michelle Parker from Parker & Co Communications

life AY IN THE AD

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A Q U A

A E R O B I C S

ater-loving Carolyn Turnham is an aqua aerobics instructor at the Port Macquarie Olympic Pool with a passion for health and wellbeing.

Carolyn was born in Goondiwindi and started swimming from a very young age.

Her mother was a state champion swimmer and her father was the swimming coach at the Goondiwindi, Moree and Wauchope Pools; throughout his career he coached three Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimmers. Carolyn, along with her siblings, won numerous state and national titles; however, Carolyn gave up swimming when she was 14 years old (even though her father said she had potential to go all the way).

Her sister, Angela, went on to the Barcelona Olympics and Auckland Commonwealth Games, where she won Gold for Australia.

Carolyn’s brother and sister have followed in their father’s footsteps as swim coaches.

Carolyn took up swimming again in her 40s and has won state and national Gold medals in her age group for Surf Life Saving 82 Greater Port Macquarie focus

I N S T R U C T O R

and pool swimming. She recently completed music. This type of movement in the water can reduce pain, tightness and tension in a the 2018 Port Macquarie 70.3 Ironman in an low impact way, whilst improving strength all-women’s team, winning the open female and muscle tone. The class begins with category with Jules Mackin and Jan Rooney. a warm up, includes various cardio and Having lived in Port Macquarie for 41 resistance exercises with equipment, followed years, Carolyn believes the lifestyle is one by a cool down at the end. of the best in the world. Carolyn has been As a fitness instructor, Carolyn loves being married to her husband, Kim for 34 years able to help people and her family all share reach their goals and a love of the ocean, finds teaching aqua travel and sport. aerobics ties both of Carolyn has been her passions together. an aqua aerobics AQUA AEROBICS IS After class the instructor at the Port A GREAT WAY TO participants usually Macquarie Olympic SOCIALISE WHILE have a coffee and Pool for seven years.

KEEPING FIT. a catch up. Over Aqua aerobics is a low the years they have impact cardio workout formed some lifelong utilising the resistance friendships and created of the water. She tailors a sense of community within their sport. the class to suit both ends of the pool, with “Everyone is down to earth and really participants choosing deep or shallow water, supports each other,” Carolyn said. depending on their fitness level. Some of the Classes run on Monday, Tuesday and participants have knee or joint problems, and Thursday morning from 7:30am - 8:30am. they find this is a great low impact way to Call Port Macquarie Olympic Pool on 6583 exercise.

1635.

Aqua aerobics gently builds endurance

By Jessica Oxley. over an hour-long class set to motivating

M Y D AY

4:45am Wake up - it’s rare for me to sleep in.

5:00am Out for a ride or walk with my husband, Kim. Sometimes I do a bootcamp with Haley Hyde at Town Beach.

6:30am Home for brekky and get ready for work.

7:10am Head to work at Port Macquarie Olympic Pool.

7:30am Aqua aerobics 1-hour class.

8:30am Coffee with the aqua aerobics group.

9:00am Work in the kiosk at the pool ‘til midday.

12:00pm Jump in the pool and do some laps for fitness.

1:00pm Lunch then run some errands.

Visit mum and dad, helping them with meals, chores or just to catch up and have a cuppa.

4:00pm Go to the gym.

7:00pm Dinner time, then wind down before bed at 10.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 83

84 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Choose the perfect country retirement.

N

UC

TIO

1 R E T AG NS T S CO R DE

W O N

UN

Register your interest today www.thompsonhealthcare.com.au Email: reception@macleayvillage.net.au Sarah Rodgers (02) 8467 9333

Construction by: Thompson Health Care Building quality projects in NSW for over 40 years.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 85

Oxley

Bicentenary 1818-2018 Mount Seaview to Port Macquarie

Wauchope District Historical Society has been planning an extensive program of events to celebrate the journey taken by the John Oxley Exploration party in September and October 1818. Chrissy Jones chatted with Festival Co-ordinator Jeannette Rainbow about the expedition and the festivities of the month-long festival.

D

escribe John Oxley’s journey through the Hastings Valley back in 1818 ...

The exploration started in May 1818 from Bathurst, following the Macquarie River to the impenetrable Macquarie Marshes. The explorers then turned east to the Castlereagh and Liverpool Plains. After reaching and naming the Peel River (near today’s Tamworth), they crossed the southern part of the New England Range near today’s Walcha, explored and named Apsley Falls and climbed Mount Seaview.

They could see a river which Oxley named Hastings and followed it through present day Wauchope, climbing Bago Mountain on the way to the river mouth, which he named Port Macquarie. The expedition reached Newcastle in November, six months after their departure.

Wauchope District Historial Society (WDHS) is commemorating the Bicentenary of the journey with a monthlong festival; what events are there that the public can attend?

We have put together an exciting program of events, school visits, displays, campfire yarns, dances, a garden party and a specially written play by Kay Morrison - John Oxley’s Journey. Many will be free - the rest at cost recovery prices. Our whole aim has been to reach out to the whole Hastings Valley community, young and old, and offer 86 Greater Port Macquarie focus

something for everyone at no cost or at affordable prices. Most of the events will be staged precisely two hundred years to the day taken from the diaries. We invite everyone to share these community celebrations.

When do the festivities start?

Festivities will kick off on 21st September 2018 with the official opening at Mount Seaview, where 200 years ago, the Oxley party camped. Patrons will be invited to immerse themselves by enjoying talks of the expedition’s exploits as well as traversing some of the terrain with a 4WD trip to Jasper Range and Echo Point. Helicopter trips over Mount Seaview will also be on offer. WDHS member Rob Tickle’s eagerly awaited book John Oxley, a new perspective - will also be launched.

Tell us more about the flagship event to be held at Mount Seaview Resort over the weekend 21st to 23rd September; what else can attendees expect?

They can immerse themselves in a weekend on the edge of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, enjoy a 4WD trip to Jasper Range and Echo Point, hear enthusiasts show and tell of their experiences researching, retracing, re-imaging and writing of the challenges and accomplishments of Oxley and his team.

An official opening by Mayor Peta Pinson will commence proceedings during a buffet dinner on Friday 21st September, along with a book launch, John Oxley, a new perspective

by Rob Tickle. Saturday will start with a buffet breakfast followed by the 4WD tour,

Jeannette Rainbow, Daphne Salt and Kathleen Dowler

then lunch in the Riverside Restaurant. Talks

by Richard Grimmond, Dr Ian Telford and Daphne Salt will be conducted over the course of the day. After a three-course buffet dinner, attendees can kick back and enjoy campfire yarns.

What else is on the festival program?

A comprehensive program of school visits will be held through September and October, with presentations by Richard Grimmond, who has written several books on Oxley.

Major social events start with the Rotary Bush Dance on 15th September, the Community Family Dance on 29th September, the Governor’s Ball on 6th October and the Governor’s Garden party on 7th October.

Campfire yarns will be held at Mount Seaview on 22nd September, at the Long Flat Pub on 27th September and at Hollisdale Hall, Pappinbarra on 5th October.

Displays detailing the challenges and accomplishments of Oxley’s party will be on display at the Wauchope Library, as well as the Camden Haven Museum. The Bago Mountain 4WD excursion to the lookout on the top of Bago Mountain in Australian

Wilderness Tours’ air-conditioned vehicles will be held on Wednesday 3rd October, departing at 8:30am from Wauchope Town Clock; precisely 200 years since Charles Fraser and John Oxley climbed Bago. Bookings are essential for the 4WD tour, the cost is $ 45 per person - phone Jeannette 0424 226 258 or email jeannette.rainbow47@gmail.com In 1818, Oxley wrote: “October 3. Soon after daylight, accompanied by the botanist, I returned to the peaked hill, leaving the horses with Mr. Evans to proceed to the north-east.

Certainly, a more beautiful and interesting view is not often seen.”

There is truly something for everyone.

You can pick up a copy of the festival brochure at the Wauchope Library, so you can book early for any special events that you may wish to attend. I invite all to join us in commemorating the Bicentenary of the exploration of the Hastings Valley from Mount Seaview, following the Hastings River to Port Macquarie.

For a full festival program: www.visitwauchope.com.au Thanks Jeannette.

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Photo: Bundaleer’s Sheree Cheetham, Cheryl Hoole, Poppy Burnett and Noeline Hirst share retirement living stories.

Your life in Retirement Deciding the time is right to move into a retirement village isn’t easy, but with new activities and a welcoming community to join, you’ll end up wondering why you waited so long!

Offering newly renovated residential villas, Bundaleer at 142a Cameron Street, Wauchope, provides a carefree, secure lifestyle, offering residents the level of privacy and independence they would expect in their own homes, provides a wide range of social activities and the opportunity to make new friendships.

make the move.

Noeline Hirst has been a Bundaleer resident for nine years and shares that safety was the key motivator for her move. Not long after losing her husband, Noeline was the victim of a home invasion.

Nestled in the most beautiful 12 acres of the Hastings Valley, Bundaleer isn’t far from the centre of Wauchope, and only 20 minutes from Port Macquarie.

Her home was turned upside down, while she was watching TV in another room. “I knew I would be safe at Bundaleer. Security and friendship was all I wanted, and I have that in spades here,” she says.

Sheree Cheetham, Bundaleer’s Village Manager, explains that when you move into a retirement village, it’s more than a home. It’s a lifestyle choice.

“I love the monthly resident BBQ and our Happy Hours. Golf is my real passion - and I play guilt free, because I don’t have to do any work around the house!”

“When you live at Bundaleer, you have the freedom to follow your dreams without the stress of maintaining your family home. Having fewer responsibilities around the house gives you more time with your friends and family and importantly, gives you more time to do the things that make you happy.”

long, not only did I have a beautiful garden, but I’d also started the Bundaleer Garden Club!

Cheryl Hoole came to Bundaleer four and a half years ago. Her husband, Colin was having health problems that prevented him from working around their home.

“I love living here. I believe that it’s because we live here and don’t have the stress of maintaining our own home, that Colin is still alive.

A quick catch up with our residents helps to understand how they knew the time was right to

While Cheryl hadn’t considered herself ready for a retirement village, she hasn’t looked back.

“My main reservation was that I left behind a beautiful rose garden. But the Bundaleer team arranged for some soil to be delivered and before

I LOVE THE MONTHLY RESIDENT BBQ AND OUR HAPPY HOURS. GOLF IS MY REAL PASSION - AND I PLAY GUILT FREE, BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE TO DO ANY WORK AROUND THE HOUSE!

“Everyone here is lovely, and we have felt very welcome from the moment we arrived. We came

here at a time in our life when we are still active.

Colin drives the buggy around the village to collect the ladies and deliver them to cards. He also plays cards, the odd game of snooker and helps me with the garden club, and we love to meet our new arrivals, so we keep very busy,” she says.

To organise a tour of Bundaleer, please call us on 6585 2811. We’d love to meet you.

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Seniors

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Living and Retirement

Hastings Choristers

are Jazzin’ It Up WAUCHOPE TRAVEL We make your travel dreams come to life.

Specialising in escorted travel, our aim is to make sure that travel is safe and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or status. As well as our local day trips, we offer escorted overseas holiday groups and also escorted travel to Sydney to assist with onward international travel arrangements.

We pride ourselves on good old fashioned customer service (including home pick-ups for group tours), bespoke itineraries, flexibility, professionalism, experience and trust.

With four staff, all with varying degrees of travel experience and over 60 years altogether in the industry, we love what we do!

Some of our upcoming groups include: • Day Trip - Wednesday 12th September to the Eungai Buffalo Farm and Macksville • New Zealand 17 Day Highlights Tour, 8th - 24th February • India with Insider Journeys small group - 16th - 27th February with Singapore stopover ... escorted by Donna • Vietnam with Travelmarvel (APT) 8th - 20th March • Japan Cruise - 8 nights on the Diamond Princess, return Tokyo 11th - 19th April • Alaska and Rockies with Evergreen Tours - 22 days, departing Port Macquarie 20th May • Paris to Prague River Cruise + land with Evergreen Tours - 21 days, departing Port Macquarie 20th August • Norfolk Island - seven nights ... date to be advised

Hastings Choristers next concert on Thursday, September 20 sees a real change of pace from their more traditional repertoire.

T

his time they are really “Jazzin’ it up”, bringing to the audience light, bright, Jazzy music, as well as including in the programme old favourites such as Danny Boy.

The harmonious renditions of songs from many styles and eras, for which The Hastings Choristers are famous, will delight the audience.

Another surprise is that the concert is being held Thursday, September 20, 6:30 to 8pm in the new Cape Ballroom at Sails Resort in Port Macquarie. Come along, bring your friends, get a peek at Sails’ beautiful new venue, have a wine (or two) and some food, while enjoying a real toe-tapping night of wonderful music and fun! Tickets ($20 adults, $10 school students) are available at the Glasshouse Box Office or at the door on the night of the concert.

THE HARMONIOUS RENDITIONS OF SONGS FROM MANY STYLES AND ERAS, FOR WHICH THE HASTINGS CHORISTERS ARE FAMOUS, WILL DELIGHT THE AUDIENCE.

In addition, The Choristers are teaming up with Jazz band Reds Quintet in this concert. Reds Quintet has been a fixture at the Bago Vineyards Jazz Days for over twenty years, and at Jazz Sundays at Panthers and the Westport Club. They will be performing many numbers, including favourite pieces, such as a Miles 88 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Davis set from the Kind Of Blue album, and accompanying the Choristers in a final set of songs arranged especially for the concert - which should be lots of fun! The concert also includes some solo performances from talented locals.

Seniors

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Living and Retirement

Your life at Home

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop making your own choices about the way you live your life at home.

Photo: Iris Pead with Carer Katrina Mitchell and Case Manager Laura Munro.

If continuing to live in your family home is important to you and your older family members, the Bundaleer Home and Community Care team will work with you to make that happen.

much with my illness, because they shared the travel to Sydney, to make sure I was never left alone. “This is something I will never be able to truly thank them for and after that I just wanted to make sure that the time I got to spend with the family was purely social, not with them feeling as though they needed to look after my care needs. What Bundaleer has been able to do for me is really very special. With the help of the Home and Community Care team, I get to live in the only home I remember and I still get to see my family every day.”

Long time Bundaleer Home and Community Care client, Iris Pead is a character. She has led a colourful life raising seven children (including twins), run a farm, survived a house fire and she has even created pottery artworks using cow dung! At 94 years young, Iris lives in the family home full of memories and love that she and her husband bought off his Iris appointed Bundaleer as her WHAT BUNDALEER HAS parents more than 60 years Home Care Provider 12 years BEEN ABLE TO DO FOR ago. Iris maintains her ago, when she was on low care ME IS REALLY VERY independence and remains support services. Today, Iris is still SPECIAL. WITH THE in her home with the help loving living in her own home and HELP OF THE HOME AND of carers four times a enjoying the extra support that a COMMUNITY CARE TEAM, week. They offer domestic higher care package can provide.

I GET TO LIVE IN THE support like washing, Now with the Rural Home Nursing ONLY HOME I REMEMBER ironing and cleaning, Service also part of the Bundaleer AND I STILL GET TO SEE as well as personal care Care group, Iris knows she will MY FAMILY EVERY DAY. assistance and activities of receive the very best in nursing daily living. And Iris hasn’t and clinical care if and when she forgotten her old-school requires it. And we know that country hospitality, insisting we can make a difference to on boiling the kettle and having a cuppa and a chat the quality of your life, and the lives of your family with her care team. members, too.

“Bundaleer has been very good to me,” reflects Iris.

“After I first got sick, I spent two years in and out of hospital and aged care facilities in Sydney. As soon as I was well enough, I just wanted to come back home.

While my kids would have absolutely taken care of me, I felt like I had already put them through so

Whether it’s providing Home and Community Care, Respite Care, Palliative Care, Veteran’s Home Care, Restorative Care or NDIS services, we put you in the drivers’ seat and support you to call the shots, as we develop and monitor your unique care plan together.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 89

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FOCUS ON

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BUSINESS

focus_contributor.

Business Minds with Jane Hillsdon of Dragonfly Marketing

BUSINESS MINDS

PeterElfar

SUNDIAL DENTAL

P

eter, can you tell us a little about your business, Sundial Dental, and give us some insight into what your day-to-day role involves?

As a new graduate dentist I worked in regional Australia, the UK and the Isle of Mann. I took what I had learned at dental school and applied it under the mentorship of really good, old-school dentists in those communities.

Clinically, I learned a bit of everything. Most importantly, I realised the kind of dentist I wanted to be for my patients, my community and myself.

This was both a reflection of what I wanted to emulate and what I knew I did not want to be. One of the things I noticed was that patients often had to come back repeatedly or see multiple clinicians in different offices. I felt that with the invent of modern technology, training and teamwork, we could offer dental treatment to our patients that is more comfortable, completed in fewer visits and provides longer lasting dental solutions. This would improve the quality of our patient’s life in such a way that the patient sees value in our work.

This vision was one of the driving forces for Sundial Dental. I wanted to be a general dental practice who could offer treatment on all levels for families and people of different needs. A one-stop-shop providing everything in-house, including extractions, periodontal treatment, teeth whitening, dentures, implants, bridges and single visit crowns (using German CAD CAM Technology and engineering) to produce long lasting dental solutions for our patients.

My role as a dentist has changed, because

I have developed as a clinician and added treatments. So instead of running a drill and fill practice, I get to engineer and design dental solutions for my patients.

I use 3D X-Ray to diagnose a condition. I then have a comprehensive consultation and informed conversation with my patient, where we discuss their goals for their dental treatment. Then I get to be part of designing their dental solution. One thing that stands true is my passion for quality dentistry AND making a patient feel that dentistry improves the quality of their life.

What changes have you noticed in the dental industry over the last decade or so, and how have you had to adapt to cater for these?

Having worked for eight years in the UK and marrying an American, I was exposed to the international dental scene as early as 2001. I was impressed by what I saw at the European conventions and the American trade shows and I couldn’t help noticing that both Europe and the United States where three to five years ahead of Australia. I decided early on that one of my goals was to bring those innovative treatments to Australia.

Two examples of treatment I can give to show this are: 1. LANAP - the Laser treatment we do for advanced gum disease that has revolutionised the way we treat gum disease. I was the first and only Australian to use this technology in Australia from 2011 - 2015. Only now is this treatment being embraced in the major cities by literally a handful of dentists.

2. We also started using the American suction and light system four years before it became

available in Australia.

This year I returned from two conferences in the United States - one was on 3D Printing and its application to dentistry. The other was an Invisalign conference that has blown the lid off the way conventional dental treatment can be done. I always come back to Australia feeling energised and refreshed from these international courses, because I know I am able to provide our patients the latest treatments and innovations in dentistry.

How do you differentiate your dental clinic from others within the market?

To be honest, I don’t spend a lot of time comparing our clinic to other dental practices in our area. Instead, I choose to focus on what we do well and improve what we can do better in our own practice.

I always strive to be better than I was yesterday and to be moving forward. I think that translates across the team I work with. I do make a point of travelling internationally to learn from the best international operators and to put into practice what I learn, so that I can eventually be a shadow of what they are.

For example, in 2008 we were the first Mid North Coast practice to introduce CEREC (1-hour crowns) and were the only dental practice doing this for five years.

In 2009, we were the first general dental practice to introduce 3D X-Rays. These have revolutionised the way we diagnose a patients’ existing conditions and plan treatment.

I believe we set the standard for the most innovative dental practice and attract some of the best young graduates in Australia to work alongside us. This shapes the team and the

culture of Sundial Dental.

What have you learnt about growing a business?

Growing a business in regional Australia is organic; you can not do it on marketing, or location or association alone. You need to be the kind of operator who is good at what you do, is personable and can communicate with your patients, as well as offer the patient value for money.

In your opinion, what are the most important leadership skills a business owner must have?

The ability to communicate! You could be the best at what you do, or be the most passionate about what you do, but if you can not communicate you will always have difficulty selling your service to both your patients and your team.

And finally, if you could invite any three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them?

Elon Musk; for his brilliant, innovative, forward thinking mind. He sees a problem as an opportunity to develop a solution.

Steve Jobs; not for his personality, but for his ability to design technology that revolutionises the world we live in and the way we interact with it.

Tim Winton; for being an extortionary yet humble Australian author and environmentalist.

He has not only helped highlight Australian environmental causes, but he allowed the world to get to know Australians for what we really value.

Thanks for your time, Peter.

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Miss

Boots

Jane Hillsdon and Stacey Morgan mean business, having both run successful enterprises in the Greater Port Macquarie area. The dynamic duo came together and developed the “Miss Bossy Boots” podcast; their mission is to inspire women through conversations about life, without all the fluff …

S

tacey, you two launched the Miss Bossy Boots Podcast over 12 months ago. Tell us how you came to be this dynamic duo?

We met years ago when we both participated in a Women in Business mentoring program. We kept in touch in the years that followed, as we both grew our businesses and our family. We connected again in 2016, when I suggested that we should do a podcast together. Jane immediately agreed.

We had absolutely no idea what we wanted to talk about; we knew we just wanted to spend time together and talk business! So we combined forces, had a meeting to flesh out an idea we both liked the sound of, and the rest is history!

Jane, what is the Miss Bossy Boots Podcast about?

Miss Bossy Boots is all about keeping it real for women in business. Each of our episodes is driven by a desire to help other women (and men) tackle the often-conflicting commitments that business, family, physical and mental health and life in general can present us with.

Women wear so many hats these days.

We are ambitious business owners or career women, mothers, wives, friends and volunteers. We are so ubiquitous in our dayto-day lives and we’ll switch from one role to another several times in one hour - let alone in one day. As I am writing this editorial, I have kids asking me a million questions and

Our first tagline was ‘Inspiring women in business’. We soon realised that this just didn’t sit with us. We never felt

I’m racing to fit in as much form is colossal. writing as possible before I There is a podcast head out for the next round on just about every comfortable portraying of afternoon pick-up and subject imaginable. ourselves as the women drop-off.

Fiction, nonwho have it all together.

It’s easy to get fiction, professional Because we didn’t! overwhelmed in our roles development, and feel that we are the only cooking, music - you ones with these pressures. name an interest, Social media can also there’s a podcast for play a deceptive role in leading us to believe it. that every other person has it together. We Another reason that podcasts are popular see other women with their perfect family is that they are auditory. This means you can life which is complemented by their fabulous multi-task! You can listen to podcasts while business success. Nothing seems to go wrong you’re getting other things done. I listen to in their world. them while I work, while I run and mostly We love celebrating our own success as when I have long car trips to fill in. well as other people’s; however, we know it’s Stacey, you've got a few “pods” under not all plain sailing. We know ourselves that your belt now. Is the mission still the sometimes when we see other people share same, or have you changed tack? the not-so-perfect parts of their journey, we Ha ha. As Jane discussed above, our mission feel better. now is to help keep it real for women in So, our podcast episodes are us sharing our business. But, it didn’t start there. Our first juggle journeys, the highs and the lows, in tagline was “Inspiring women in business”. the hope that this helps other people in our We soon realised that this just didn’t sit with situation. us. We never felt comfortable portraying Jane, tell us what a podcast is and why ourselves as the women who have it all are they becoming so popular? together. Because we didn’t!

Technically, a podcast is a digital audio file We’d turn up to start recording each that can be downloaded from the internet. episode and blurt out all of the challenging There’s so much to love about podcasts, things that were going on in our lives to and I think there are a couple of reasons as to each other, and then switch the mic on and their growth in popularity. Firstly, the breadth pretend that we were poised and positioned of topics available to download in podcast for success. This just didn’t feel helpful or

authentic to us.

What are some of the themes and speakers we can hear already?

We have just recorded our 52nd episode and have already had close to 10,000 downloads of all of our episodes. So as you can imagine, we have covered quite a bit of ground already.

Our most popular episodes have covered the topics of dealing with burnout, designing a flexible work life, the importance of a mentor, lowering expectations of ourselves, dealing with overwhelm, the importance of professional development, goal setting, surrounding yourself with people who lift you, productivity, business and personal values, building a sustainable business and finding your why.

What's next then for MBB? We both have a great passion for Miss Bossy Boots, and we meet regularly to plan our next steps. Now that the podcast is getting so much traction both locally, nationally and even internationally, we have really started to flesh out how else we may be able to serve this market. We have some really exciting plans in the pipeline.

We encourage you to find us on your favourite podcast app by simply searching for Miss Bossy Boots Podcast, or connect with us at Facebook.com/missbossybootspodcast or Instagram @missbossybootspodcast so you don’t miss an episode.

Thanks ladies.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 93

The faces behind your financial success At SeaChange Accounting, our approach combines people-focused service with timesaving tech.

Our growing team of professionals make the most of the latest online solutions, to provide the insights you need to grow your business and the freedom to focus on what you do best.

The newest member of our team, Cassie JonesJefferies, is passionate about technology, making her a perfect fit for SeaChange. She’s a Xero guru and loves showing clients how to save time and money with cloud-based solutions. While studying her Bachelor of Accounting, Cassie is here to support all your accounting, tax and payroll needs.

SeaChange Principal, Sandra Magann, has been crunching numbers for more than 25 years across public practice, commerce and small business.

Sandra understands every business is unique and

94 Greater Port Macquarie focus

the only solutions that work are customised for the client.

Chartered Accountant Tim Sproats made his seachange from Sydney, bringing a wealth of experience. He enjoys finding efficiencies through accounting, and helps business owners succeed so they can love the local lifestyle as much as he does.

For Laura Fava, a love for numbers grew when she was bookkeeping in her own business.

This sparked her to undertake a Bachelor of Accounting. Having owned a small business for more than five years, Laura has a knack for knowing exactly what clients need.

Lauren Swain has been part of the SeaChange family for more than five years. She’s multitalented across accounts, customer service, reporting and specialises in Xero.

Making employment a priority for people with disabilities.

We all know that getting a job can open doors to a better life. For people with disabilities finding employment can make all the difference. With the expansion of the DES program and the introduction of the NDIS, the potential to increase employment participation for people with disabilities, should be enhanced.

LEAD is a Disability Service, new to Port Macquarie and they have arrived with a simple message – “let’s get people working”. “At LEAD we believe the best outcome for anyone is getting a job – plain and simple”, says LEAD CEO Keryl Neville. Some people need support to get started but we believe employment should be an option for everyone.

People may be eligible for free job search assistance and job support through LEAD’s

Disability Employment Service (DES).

Our job is to make sure the system works for you and to develop a clear pathway for people with a disability to find a job that matches their skills and abilities. If you feel left out of the employment market or “bogged down” trying to understand your NDIS funding we can point you in the right direction to take more control of your life.

There is also new funding for people leaving school called “School Leaver Employment Support” (SLES) where LEAD can deliver an individualised transition to work program.

For more information about employment contact the LEAD team in Port Macquarie on 0458 565 293 or drop into our office at Shop 5/114 William Street Port Macquarie.

focusinterview.

Tony Kundicevic and wife Gabi are the faces behind Port City Steel. Need metal fabrication of any kind? THESE GUYS ARE YOUR “GOTO” CREW! IT DOESN’T MATTER WHETHER YOU NEED ONE OF A KIND METAL CASTERS, ROOF RACKS, BOAT RAMPS, STRUCTURAL STEEL BEAMS OR ANY OTHER METAL PRODUCT, Tony can design and manufacture your dream!

Port City Steel is also the brains behind BeautPress machinery - a local business showcasing true entrepreneurial and engineering talent.

P O R T

H

C I T Y

i Tony and Gabi. What originally brought you both to Port Macquarie - and how long have you been locals?

Tony was born and bred in Wauchope and now resides in Port Macquarie. Gabi moved to Port in 2008 from Sydney to raise a family.

Tony, what’s your background in the steel/ manufacturing sector?

I was JLG’s very first apprentice. I have manufactured world class machinery in a variety of applications, and have travelled and gained experience in all aspects of machinery application specific to my industry.

I have also formed a strong relationship with local builders and clients, providing quality product and structural steel requirements.

You’re definitely mechanically minded - and an entrepreneur to boot, Tony! Tell us a bit about “Beautpress”, which you designed and built ... what’s it used for?

We have a range of BeautPress machinery, providing a high production of roof trusses, floor joists and floor cassettes. These are pre-fabricated timber housing components used in residential and commercial applications.

As we speak, you’re currently exporting some machinery to New Zealand. How exciting is this for your business?

Not bad for a local bloke! We’re very excited to venture out of the country and have the potential to expand further. We are currently liaising in relation to exporting to other countries in the future.

Starting a new business always carries risks. How long has Port City Steel been established, and what niche in the market did you identify when

you decided to open your industry. With his knowledge and OUR NICHE IS THAT doors for trade? managerial skills, any project will WE TAKE ON A It definitely has its obstacles, be met with the utmost regard PROJECT WHICH IS and it’s not easy starting a new and attention.

IN THE ‘TOO HARD business.

Tony will be happy to share BASKET’! WE ENJOY A We opened our doors in his expertise and knowledge, CHALLENGING PROJECT, June 2017. We were lucky the including design, onsite work, WHICH INVOLVES machinery side (BeautPress) kept cost, speed and efficiency of any DESIGN AND THOUGHT. feeding Port City Steel, and we project. were able to provide jobs for local Who are the team behind Port tradesmen.

City Steel, and what are their We are hoping to maintain an roles? ongoing relationship with local Tony - owner - sales/quoting, fabrication, designing, businesses and builders and to provide a good service CAD drawing, machining, install/commission on site, at a competitive rate, with the utmost product quality. staff manager and supervisor.

Port City Steel was created to provide general Gabi - office manager - accounts, wages, general fabrication services, in order to keep our apprentices office, reception, enquiries, personal assistant and wife and tradesmen employed. to Tony.

Our niche is that we take on a project which is in the Josh - full-time tradesman, specialises in hydraulics, “too hard basket”! We enjoy a challenging project, fabrication, customer service and machining. which involves design and thought.

Dane - apprentice - full-time (from Newman College).

What are some of the different types of products Kurtis - apprentice - part-time/school based (from you can manufacture/create in your workshop?

Newman College).

Anything and everything “steel”!

Patrick and Jason - casual fabricators.

We are also working on a few other projects and Where can we contact you/find out more about prototype products in the health industry. what you do?

In the past year, besides the machinery, we’ve Drop in and see us at 6 Albert Circuit, Port made skating products, structural steel beams, oyster Macquarie. hangers, fencing, fuel tanks, boat ramps, roof racks, Call us on 6583 9881 or 0477 221 771. castor wheels.

Email admin@portcitysteel.com.au or We enjoy designing new innovative products and tony@portcitysteel.com.au assisting with any project.

Website www.portcitysteel.com.au What are some key ways in which your business Find us on Facebook and Instagram. can help other local tradies - e.g. builders, Thanks guys. engineers, metal workers?

Tony has over 30 years’ experience in the steel Interview: Jo Robinson.

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Former Principal Chris Pitt, Bishop Philip Huggins and Dr Barrett at the unveiling of the Foundation Stone at St Columba

REV CANON

DR JOHN BARRETT OAM

T

he Founding Chair of St Columba Anglican School, the Rev. Canon Dr John Barrett OAM, has announced his retirement from the School Council after 17 years of faithful service. John was the visionary and the driving force behind the establishment of St Columba Anglican School. John has also played a significant role in the wider Port MacquarieHastings community as a pharmacist and business owner, Councillor, Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (1991 - 92), Clerical Canon of the Anglican Diocese, Corporate Trustee of the Anglican Diocese of Grafton, and current board member of the Mid North Coast Local Health District.

John is married to Valmai, and they have four children and eight grandchildren.

People have described you as a visionary. How would you describe yourself?

I’d hopefully be thought of as a Christian, first and foremost. A follower of Jesus. I think when one reads through the Bible we read of men and women with dreams and visions. And certainly for the school, I had a vision back in the 1990s.

I’d like to think I have made a contribution to St Columba. But I’d also have to recognise the number of people I’ve worked with in a collegial manner. We’ve had many gifts and many skills in those people.

How did your initial vision become bricks and mortar?

When I came to Port Macquarie in 1979, as a pharmacist in those days, I was engaged with St Thomas Anglican Church, which is the fifth oldest church in Australia. As I researched the history of the church, I realised that all the education in Port Macquarie between 1825 and 1865 was done at the church. And then the public education system came in the 1860s and the Anglicans got out of education here.

Then in 1990 I was elected as the Chairman of

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Farewell

Committees for the Anglican Diocese. I had noted that big lad, but we boxed by weight and not by age, so I was other Anglican schools had begun to emerge in Tweed boxing boys much older than myself. And that taught me Heads, Coffs Harbour and the Clarence Valley. It started to a lesson for life that you do get knocked over. Life is not a twig. Well, why don’t we have one? bed of roses all the time. It’s almost a bit of a hurdle race And so I thought I would speak to the Bishop of the day, in some respects. Failure can be helpful; it’s how you deal Bishop Philip Huggins. In 1999, Bishop Phillip, following with it. As Winston Churchill stated: “Courage is going the presentation of our Feasibility Study, gave us the go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”. ahead to start looking for land. So that was the beginning You’ve been married to Valmai for over 50 years. of the dream realised.

What part has she played in your journey?

When St Columba Anglican Valmai has played an enormous School opened in 2002, we had part in my journey since we were 72 students. We now have around married in 1965. We met briefly 1,150, so there’s been outstanding during my early pharmacy career, and Life is not a bed of roses all the growth. then Valmai underwent four years time. It’s almost a bit of John, you’ve got a love of training/study at St Luke’s Hospital, a hurdle race in some history. How do we look to the Sydney, graduating as a nursing respects. Failure can future but hold to what we’ve sister. Valmai also holds a Diploma of be helpful; it’s how you learnt in history?

Hospital Chaplaincy and has played deal with it. As Winston I think my own background may a vital role in our Christian journey Churchill stated: ‘Courage is be helpful. I was educated at The together. going from failure to failure Kings School in Parramatta. That Our four children were born in without losing enthusiasm’. was established in 1831, and it’s got Sydney, Kylie 1967, Rebecca 1970, a long history. My primary degree is Huon 1972 and Connor 1977. Valmai from Sydney University, established bore the brunt of the upbringing of in the 1850s. Both places have great the children and our young family, traditions. whilst I worked long hours in the St Columba is still a relatively young school, but we pharmacy and studied further at Sydney Uni and later can sow the seeds now that will provide for our students Macquarie Uni. long into the future. So I had a vision again of forming a We moved as a family to Port Macquarie in 1979, where Foundation for St Columba that will provide scholarships, we had purchased the Port Pharmacy in Horton St. and buildings and a whole range of other things. It will also established the Flynns Beach pharmacy. Valmai played a concentrate on the Alumni of the school. We are the first vital role in leading and encouraging a large staff, whilst I Anglican school in the Diocese to have a Foundation. So managed the dispensary side of the businesses. we’re preserving the past, looking for exemplary education In 1984, having sold the two pharmacies in Port, we in the present and looking forward to the future. purchased three pharmacies in the Camden Haven, at You were an amateur boxer in your younger days.

Lake Cathie and Laurieton. Again, Valmai made a very What life lessons did that teach you? significant contribution to the success of these businesses.

When I went to school, boxing was compulsory. I was a Her untiring and encouraging nature assisted me greatly.

focusinterview.

REV CANON

DR JOHN BARRETT OAM

Farewell

John and Valmai Barrett with children Kylie, Rebecca and Connor at John’s Farewell Assembly

During my 16 years in Local Govt. as Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor, Valmai again was of invaluable assistance. Valmai played a significant role as lady Mayoress in the early 1990s.

Throughout our marriage of almost 53 years Valmai has been the foundation of our successes, as parents, grandparents, civic leaders, and Christian endeavours. As the Bible states in the Book of Proverbs,” A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies”. How fortunate and blessed I have been.

Looking back at the past 17 years, what has made your role as Chair of St Columba worthwhile?

This year my wife, Valmai and I have been married 53 years. We have four children (all with Master of Arts degrees) and eight grandchildren, and we are fortunate that they have all had marvellous educational opportunities.

There’s been a sense that it would be good to use whatever expertise I have to help develop education here in Port Macquarie. Columba Cottage Early Learning Centre was another vision. I think education is the answer, when we look around the world at the deficits.

It’s interesting; I played a number of representative sports, cricket, rugby, athletics, rifle shooting and golf, so I’ve come from a fairly

strong sporting background. And yet to me, education has become important.

Has it been difficult to step away from something you have championed for so long?

One of the things in life, whether it’s in sport, in politics or in education is that it’s wonderful to go out when you’re on top. And there’s a time and a place. I’ll be eighty next year, and I feel that I’ve made my strongest contribution.

I’ve had a fortunate life. I’m happy to go and I’m leaving the school in great hands.

I’m handing on to Dr Gordon Burch, who has been a very good friend of mine for many years and as Deputy Chair has done a wonderful job.

And we’ve got a dedicated, and enthusiastic School Council in operation.

Our greatest resource in life is the people we engage. We have been enormously fortunate to engage some of the most outstanding teachers that I’ve come across. The fact that we’ve been in the top 100 academic schools in the state for the last few years, I think, is testimony to the staff, to the Principal and the executive of St Columba.

I am humble; I’m proud of course, but I am humbled by what has been achieved. Not so much by me, but by others.

Thanks John.

The fact that we’ve been in the top 100 academic schools in the state for the last few years, I think, is testimony to the staff, to the Principal and the executive of St Columba.

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98 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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MICHAEL MOWLE - PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minding your Is Your Business Tax Time Ready?

The end of financial year has now come and

with doing what you do best.

gone; have you heaved a sigh of relief, or are

OAS Bookkeepers will keep your books up to date weekly, fortnightly and monthly and in balance mode.

you now still trying to get it all done? Are all your balances complete? Is your bookkeeping finalised? Are your payment summaries

When you use OAS Bookkeeping to do your paperwork, this is what happens at the END OF THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR - we just finalise your books and provide Ask OAS how easy and all relevant information effortlessly this can to your accountant to do be achieved for your your Tax. It’s that easy. business all throughout No stress, no sleepless the year - with a cost nights, no large outlays that won’t break the employing extra staff or bank. contractors to get your figures up to date and no missing paperwork.

issued to your staff and the summary sent to the ATO? Have you balanced your annual GST and does your staff superannuation balance? What about the first quarter BAS! Is this finalised yet?

Do you hear yourself every year saying the same thing: “I have to be more organised next year”; “This end of financial year pressure

is just adding to my stress levels”; “I don’t know what my accountant wants. This list is so confusing”.

As an OAS client you will barely notice the END OF FINANCIAL YEAR, and you can get on

Your accountant will love you, and your family will love you even more.

Ask OAS how easy and effortlessly this can be achieved for your business all throughout the year - with a cost that won’t break the bank.

Bernard Salt Keynote speaker.

Bernard Salt, renown demographer and futurist is the Chamber of Commerce keynote speaker at an upcoming luncheon event on Wednesday 26th September at Sails Resort, Port Macquarie.

L

ocal businesses, Council, elected representatives and the community will have the opportunity to hear the findings and analysis of targeted research on Port Macquarie by Bernard Salt.

Population growth, ageing demographics, migration, future trends and how we take big ideas forward with strategic decisions will all be dissected and discussed in the context of Port Macquarie becoming a regional city over the next few decades.

The chamber has worked with PMHC and major sponsors to bring Bernard Salt to our area, so that an outside perspective from a respected and well credentialed analyst can be presented.

As a self-described “futurist”, Bernard Salt uses population data and demographic trends to stimulate discussion and ideas for future societal and industry changes in response to a rapidly changing world.

with their plans.

Supporting continued growth of existing local businesses and encouraging new business to the area is a key element in providing jobs for our aspirational youth. Developing a strong business base for employment requires certainty, sensible policy to incentivise investment, coupled with minimal intervention from all levels of government. Understanding future growth, spending patterns and trends for demand will help inform investment decisions and stimulate innovation.

The current and ongoing severe drought has highlighted that a growing population, agricultural activities and food security are all heavily dependent on a reliable water supply.

Predictions for future population trends should inform stakeholders and provide a catalyst for future planning and investment in infrastructure for sustainable water management.

For local business to adapt and change to take full advantage of the great potential Port Macquarie has as a regional city, a greater awareness and understanding of the challenges we face is needed. Some of these include planning and delivery of new roads and other infrastructure, employment, water supply for population growth and agricultural production, education, trade training, health care and aged care.

Integration and supporting education facilities in our region is also a critical element of equipping our youth for the future. Understanding future trends and societal needs will be valuable in understanding where to target funding and resources for education and trade training.

Likewise, an insight into the future make up of our ageing population will help predict health care needs generally and specifically in the increasingly resource intensive aged care sector.

In relation to roads and infrastructure, the business community is looking to our local Council and State Government to undertake planning, funding and delivery of infrastructure, having been armed with the predictions for future growth. Predictions for population growth will serve to reinforce what our road authorities already know and confirm the need to continue

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce anticipates that the Bernard Salt luncheon presentation will be a catalyst for discussion, thought provoking insights on big ideas and further debate about our future as a regional city.

To take advantage of the opportunity, buy your tickets online at Portchamber.com.au or call the office on 6583 4412.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 99

Greater Port Macquarie W A T E R S I D E L I V I N G

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S I M P L I C I T Y 100 Greater Port Macquarie focus

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Inspired by its beachside location, September FOCUS Home of the Month is remarkable for its modern, stylish simplicity in every element.

An exceptional combination of natural and manufactured materials, Waterside Living have customised a bespoke design to deliver function, balance and integrated living.

hrissy Jones had the pleasure of that are encased by white pebbles. The viewing the home that is definitely a pathways all serve a purpose - left to the rear show stopper. yard and right via another security gate to A custom build in the true sense the exposed concrete drive into the double of the word, Jim, Jedda and Jarrad from garage with auto panel lift door. The timber Waterside Living have intrically designed and pathway leads you to the grand, handcrafted handcrafted many of the main features of New Guinea Rosewood entrance door and into the home. Designed by Waterside Living and the residence’s light filled entry foyer. Spotted precisely manufactured by Muras Steel, Corten Gum, secret nailed timber flooring is the choice steel blade vertical fence underfoot throughout panels are orientated in the home, adding to the a way to provide privacy natural, warm feel. from street level. They Left of entry is the are framed by recycled home office, fitted out The gated entrance opens timber posts and expertly with custom into a private courtyard onto incorporate Corten steel built shelving and desks, a Spotted Gum timber security entry gates. all tucked away behind a pathway flanked either Raked eaves lined with timber framed, opaque side by manicured individual timber slats, glass sliding door. Right gardens and concrete oil treated Spotted Gum is internal access to the stepping stone paths that hardwood wall panelling, garage, but the most are encased by white pebbles. clay pressed bricks, striking is the glass exposed structural steel walled atrium light well beams and that draws you in and 100 mm copper leads you through the downpipes add to the ground level. overall patina; the exterior facade tells you that Comprising kitchen, dining, family and you are in for something special. media rooms, guest powder room, laundry The gated entrance opens into a private and indoor/outdoor entertaining areas plus the courtyard onto a Spotted Gum timber master bedroom suite, the ground floor is the pathway, flanked either side by manicured owners’ domain, providing single level living. gardens and concrete stepping stone paths

Greater Port Macquarie focus 101

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MEDIA ROOM, KITCHEN, DINING, OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Adding a rustic, yet ultra modern look, a timber framed, opaque glass sliding barn door opens into a media room, the entertainment hub of the home. Decked out superbly with cinema seating, plush carpet from Port Macquarie Carpetone and a coffered ceiling with recessed lighting; the media room is adorned with seagrass wallpapering and acoustic curtains supplied by Topstitch Manufacturing that not only add to the sound proofing, but also add a touch of elegance.

Custom built cabinetry surrounding a wall mounted big screen TV houses the control panels for the integrated sound system, as well as internet connectivity.

The ultra modern system has the house wired for sound!

Music can be played in A true butler’s pantry; it has its own different areas at the sink, dishwasher, plus custom same time and can be built storage drawers and controlled from iPhone shelving both under bench or iPad. and overhead. Neolith benchConcept Kitchens tops and polyurethane doors give have excelled an easy clean surface, and Velux themselves with the skylights allow an abundance of kitchen and indeed, natural light. all the custom built cabinetry throughout the dwelling. Features abound in this up to the minute cook’s haven. Polyurethane door fronts and panels in Monument Grey add a sleek touch to the Neolith high pressure porcelain topped

island bench that divides the kitchen from the living area. Being 1.4 m wide and 2.5 m long, it also acts as a breakfast bar and has a conveniently placed pop-up power socket, under-mount square set stainless steel sink with flick mixer, soft close drawers both sides and a Miele induction cooktop.

A stunning design statement, the sleek style, remote control Schweigen IN ceiling cassette range-hood combines light and extraction in one silent unit, a versatile solution.

Cabinetry behind the island has integrated refrigerators; louvre doored overhead cabinets in Arctic White, a bench-top that runs along the back wall of the kitchen space overlooking the atrium gives a very pleasant place for food preparation, and there’s further under-bench storage. A ducted vacuum system has also been cleverly placed under the refrigerators for convenient usage - out of sight but readily at hand. A multi-function steam oven as well as a multi-function convection oven and two plate warmers have been incorporated into further New Guinea Rosewood wall cabinetry.

Placed alongside the main kitchen is the butler’s pantry that has an internal door to the garage, allowing ease of access when bringing the groceries home. A true butler’s pantry; it has its own sink, dishwasher, plus custom built storage drawers and shelving both under bench and overhead. Neolith bench-tops and polyurethane doors give an easy clean surface, and Velux skylights allow an abundance of natural light.

An open plan dining, living room alongside complements the kitchen seamlessly. Having a

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Dividing the dining and living areas is an environmentally friendly, clean burning

are underfoot, having been chosen for their ability to retain heat at a comfortable temperature at all times. They encase comfort and streamlined design.

The back left corner a timber seating area that of the dining room steps down to a fire pit - a opens completely great spot to kick back two sides, effectively and relax. Alongside is the disappearing, creating heated pool, fenced off an indoor/outdoor entertaining area. with glass balustrade; it has a seated spa with A full outdoor kitchen, in the same style coloured lighting. An outdoor shower has also as the main kitchen, has a Weber BBQ and been incorporated, very handy when coming sink built in its cabinetry. Limestone pavers back from a swim at the nearby Lake Cathie

bioethanol fire plinth. A wonderful warm, dancing flame creates a unique atmosphere with superior

5.4 m ceiling height, floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and remote opening louvre windows and blinds allow for direction of the readily available sea breeze. Dividing the dining and living areas is an environmentally friendly, clean burning bioethanol fire plinth.

A wonderful warm, dancing flame creates a unique atmosphere with superior comfort and streamlined design.

S I M P L I C I T Y

beach.

MASTER BEDROOM SUITE Luxurious, the master bedroom suite is a tranquil, private sanctuary. It has its own glass balustraded poolside courtyard accessible through a bi-fold glass door, walk through his/ hers robe and en-suite with a free-standing bath and a his/hers shower with twin rain shower heads, a wall hung vanity with above bench his/hers hand-basins and LED strip lighting. Face height storage has been recessed behind the vanity mirrors, and coffered strip lighting to the ceiling adds to the relaxed ambience.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 103

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2ND LEVEL - GUEST BEDROOMS WITH EN-SUITES, FAMILY ROOM Ascend a beautifully crafted cantilevered timber staircase to the 2nd level. The staircase itself is something special; a glass balustrade framing the stairs is 4 m at its highest point, creating the illusion of floating, unsupported and weightless treads, and three Velux skylights and four pendant lights illuminate from above.

A spacious family room overlooks the living areas below - the view unimpeded by a frameless glass balustrade. Two executive guest bedrooms have zone controlled airconditioning, plush carpet and built-in robes.

Each has its own en-suite comprising shower with frameless glass screen from Pavys Glass,

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Having a spacious floor

ultra-clean lines. It is wall hung vanity with plan; comprising master unique, customised and above bench hand bedroom suite, two guest has a highly efficient basins and heated bedrooms, home office, architectural response towel rails. Underfloor media room, open plan with a select range of heating in the en-suites kitchen/dining and materials, finishes and has also been installed family rooms plus indoor/ building processes that for comfort. Bedroom outdoor entertaining areas, the all work in unison. It’s all 1 has its own Juliet home is one of a kind. about the detail. balcony, and bedroom An epic home 2 has a built-in laundry showcasing the superb shute. building and design services that Waterside Having a spacious floor plan; comprising Living offer, brimming with smart technology, master bedroom suite, two guest bedrooms, environmentally friendly aspects and home office, media room, open plan kitchen/ powerful innovation. dining and family rooms plus indoor/outdoor entertaining areas, the home is one of a kind. FROM THE BUILDER - WATERSIDE LIVING Tell us a little about yourselves and your It is defined by a sense of functionality and

company ...

Waterside Living is a fresh take on a construction company that has been operating in the Hastings Valley since the early ‘70s. Family run and operated, it has long provided quality construction projects to residents throughout the region who have an eye for quality and detail.

Waterside Living is headed by Jim and Jedda Maggs, with Jarrad Mascord providing senior project management services. Jim is a bona fide local, being born in the old Hastings District Hospital, attending school within the region and completing his carpentry apprenticeship under the valued guidance of his father, Bob. It was some 20 odd years ago that Jim first developed

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unique Jim’s heart yearned for home and he longed to bring the

a passion for working accurately and authentically - a skill no doubt that was instilled in him by his father.

This passion for genuine carpentry without a reliance on prefabrication meant that Jim’s craftsmanship was respected by tradesmen and customers alike. After meeting Jedda, they moved to Sydney to allow Jedda to complete her university studies. Whilst in Sydney, Jim furthered this eye for detail and

skills learned in Sydney back to the residents of the Port Macquarie region. After some time, the

experience, linking Jim’s heart yearned for with prominent joinery home and he longed to opportunity arose to build a and kitchen suppliers. bring the skills learned home for some extended family During this time Jim in Sydney back to the on Lord Howe Island. was lucky enough residents of the Port to work in some of Macquarie region. the most exclusive After some time, the homes in Sydney and opportunity arose to build develop functional joinery solutions to their a home for some extended family on Lord renovation projects.

Howe Island. Jumping at the prospect, Jim

Stylish

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devoted much of his time into understanding the intricacies of building in a remote location and before long he was awarded the Anchorage, a major restaurant construction on the island. Returning home to Port Macquarie upon completion of construction, he was presented with the opportunity to link with family once again and provide senior project management services to BDM Constructions.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 105

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Again, Jim’s understanding of construction methods and problem solving capabilities did not go unnoticed, with many clients both commercially and residentially recognising his natural talent for construction. Among many large-scale construction projects and smaller shop-fitting jobs whilst at BDM, the redevelopment of the heritage listed National Australia Bank in Balmain is one that he is most proud of. Not to mention more local jobs - like the new Volkswagen showroom at John Oxley Motors and many local school projects in the building education revolution.

Jim had a desire to carve his own path in business however, and taking over the

106 Greater Port Macquarie focus

Waterside Living specialises family business was of her relationship with in custom built homes and a logical sequence to Jim, but certainly not commercial construction carry on the name of limited by that. Whilst projects, but is well quality construction. As in Sydney, it was not equipped to undertake such, the new image uncommon to find Jedda projects across the of Waterside Living accompanying Jim around spectrum, from shop-fitting, was born. With his job sites communicating renovations, to major works. varied background in with clients and construction, Jim was tradesmen. keen to tackle custom Upon completion and commercial projects, of university, Jedda delivering a quality returned with Jim to finish that delivered both aesthetically and Port Macquarie, where she began work as a functionally. registered nurse before extending her skills, Jedda’s interest in construction was born out training to become a registered midwife.

Having lived in Port Macquarie now for 15 years, she dares to call herself a local, with many people recognising her based on her work within the health sector. After having a sabbatical for motherhood, Jedda has returned to the business working alongside Jim in providing administrative support in a busy office.

Jarrad, also a local being born and bred in Port Macquarie, completed his apprenticeship as a carpenter under the guidance of a local builder. Seeking an increased scope of work opportunities, Jarrad moved to Western Australia and began utilising his carpentry skills within the mining sector at both a

W A T E R S I D E

residential and industrial level. His capabilities for management were quickly identified, and he was promoted to supervisor shortly afterwards. Here his skills for precision were paramount, and he honed his understanding of construction practices that were flexible to meet the situational requirements.

With the FIFO lifestyle draining, Jarrad returned home to Port Macquarie with a desire to implement his new skills. Linking in with Jim and Waterside Living allowed Jarrad to utilise his supervising and carpentry skills in a project management capacity. He has enjoyed and furthered his learning and understanding of construction whilst project managing this custom build in Lake Cathie.

With this team at its core, Waterside Living specialises in custom built homes and commercial construction projects, but is well equipped to undertake projects across the spectrum, from shopfitting, renovations, to major works.

We have been lucky enough to be awarded custom residential/commercial contracts for a unique bed and breakfast on Port Macquarie’s North Shore, and major renovation projects in North Haven, Lake Cathie and Lighthouse Beach. Jim’s quality name on Lord Howe Island has not been forgotten, with Waterside Living recently completing the construction of the new Airport Terminal. Waterside Living is eager for new opportunities to provide quality construction services to clients who are keen for a point of difference.

Tell us about this latest project ...

L I V I N G

Waterside Living is eager for new opportunities to provide quality construction services to clients who are keen for a point of difference.

This latest project nearing completion at Lake Cathie has been close to the hearts of the Waterside Living team. With contributions from both local and Sydney based architects and a resubmission to Council necessary, the time from the conceptualisation until now has been longer than originally anticipated; however, as the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait”.

An intricate and detailed build process integrating functionality, ingenuity, creativity, quality craftsmanship and good design allowed Waterside Living to deliver a truly unique and outstanding home to the clients.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 107

NAI Harcourts NAI Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie’s commercial/industrial division is going from strength to strength.

premises of Federal Member David Gillespie and

Sue Gooch and Robin Woods joined the Harcourts team of professionals this year and brought a new level of experience and expertise to the business.

contacts they have and the reach that the global

Robin has had many years’ experience in the property market in Port Macquarie and has an extensive network of past clients who continue to work with her. Sue has also worked in the Port Macquarie market for many years and has close connections with many of the larger retail chain stores we see in the larger shopping centres across Port Macquarie.

agents that Harcourts have teamed up with to

Since joining, Sue and Robin have leased several properties within the CBD and the industrial area and are currently marketing for lease the former

the former Zoccalo store in the centre of Horton

WELCOMING

Street; both owners chose Robin and Sue for the

Sam Trembath

NAI Harcourts combination has.

NAI is a global network of over 5,000 commercial present their properties to a wider audience.

Harcourts now have three offices locally, Wauchope, Port Macquarie and South West Rocks - recently Rocks Real Estate merged with Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie and will soon be rebranded Harcourts The Rocks.

For all commercial or industrial sales or leasing, contact the offices on 6583 5555 (Port Macq) 6586 1111 (Wauchope) or 6566 6999 (The Rocks).

Greg, Kim and Sam Trembath joined us for a chat at the FOCUS office, to tell us more about the expansion of their family business.

G

reg and Kim, you have been in business now as Greg Trembath Real Estate for six and a half years - tell us what makes this business unique at this time in

its life.

Our intention was always to stay small and personal and to bring family values to the business.

Now we have our son Sam on the team, he certainly brings that with him.

Sam joins us after the retirement of long time employee Yvonne. It turned out to be a good opening for him to join the family team. It’s very special and not something we thought would happen, so we’ve embraced it and it’s working really well!

Sam, what made you decide to join the family business?

It was a pretty quick decision for me. I’d spent the last eight years in Newcastle, four years of that time studying at University – I studied and graduated in a bachelor of design architecture I’ve been running my own design firm for about 4 years and then this opportunity came up.

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great. It’s not really a matter of training him, as the beauty of young people is that they pick things up on the run - instantly - as they embrace new ideas and concepts with ease.

Having been around what Kim and I and the business does for such a long time, Sam has been able to step into the role seamlessly and pick up the tasks as they needed to be done.

Kim, for you it must be warming to have such a close knit family and work team. This progression obviously ties in with your values of being a small and personal agency.

When we took Sam on board as an employee, we knew exactly what we were getting. Sam is a great communicator with people, really good at listening and that helps with the whole concept of understanding what people need.

He also has great design and IT skills that have already been of great benefit to our business. He is very creative, which is a real asset.

Greg, what does bringing Sam to the team offer your buyers and sellers? Sam speaks effortlessly with people, and when you are out and about, say on Saturday inspections - you can see that engagement with people. There is a level of instant rapport and trust from customers towards him.

For Lease

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Owner to floor. Ownernearby. Plus 3 We’re really happy with the decision to have Sam re entrance nearby.

Central Central Plus Centre 3 entrance nearby.

Plus325 3 Centre entrance M 0400 425 M 0400 425 ground 325 M 0400 425 325 experience that you can pass on to Sam. ffice refit to lane suit will will incoming customise customise shop/office refit to lane suit shop/office incoming refit to suit incoming ar with rear onsite onsite access carspaces for at rear carspaces with rear access for at rear with rear lane access for robin.woods@naiharcourts.com.au robin.woods@naiharcourts.com.au robin.woods@naiharc Sue Gooch Sue Gooch Sue Gooch on our work team!

How areM things travelling with getting him Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie ying a 10 metre approved approved widetenant. shopEnjoying tenant. aHarcourts 100412 metre wide Enjoying shop a 488 10 metre wide deliveries. deliveries.

Greater Port Macquarie Harcourts Shop Port 3/41-47 Macquarie Horton Shop 3/41-47 Street, Horton Street, 65836583 5555 5555shop M 657 488 M 0412Greater 657 0412 657 488 eet and surrounded frontage frontage to by Horton Street toand Horton surrounded by Street and surrounded by Thanks Greg, Kim and Sam. All the best for trained up? sue.gooch@naiharcourts.com.au sue.gooch@naiharcourts.com.au sue.gooch@naiharcourts.com.au Greater Bank with St St George George Port Bank, NAB, Greater Bank, Bank with NAB, Port Greater Robin Woods Robin Woods Bank with Port Robin Woods Sam has his Certificate of Registration, so that’s your future success. re entrance nearby.

Central Central Shopping Plus Centre 3 Shopping entrance nearby.

Centre Plus325 3 entrance nearby. Plus 3 M 0400 425 M 0400 425 325 M 0400 425 325 ar with rear lane onsite onsite access carspaces for carspaces at rear withrobin.woods@naiharcourts.com.au rear lane access at for rearrobin.woods@naiharcourts.com.au with rear lane access for robin.woods@naiharcourts.com.au 108 Greater Port Macquarie focus Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie deliveries. deliveries.

Harcourts Greater Shop Port 3/41-47 MacquarieHorton Shop 3/41-47 Street, Horton Street, 65836583 5555 5555 Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie Shop 3/41-47 Horton Street, 6583 5555

.com.aunaiharcourts.com.au naiharcourts.com.au

.com.aunaiharcourts.com.au naiharcourts.com.au

Shining against teams from metropolitan markets, Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie shows how local knowledge and expertise can drive fantastic results.

REI NSW President and Laing+Simmons General Manager Leanne Pilkington praised the efforts of the entire Port Macquarie team. “Port Macquarie is a unique regional market and it’s imperative that in order to service the local community, our people immerse themselves in that community; not only from a real estate perspective, but more importantly from a people perspective!” Ms Pilkington said. “The team at Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie are consistently going above and beyond! Not only do they provide local knowledge and expertise in the real estate sector, they are also proud supporters of numerous local charities and sporting groups; and they are a credit to the Laing+Simmons brand. They are consistently one of the strongest performing offices across our network, and we appreciate all of their efforts. The awards that the team have won this year are yet again testament to how highly we regard Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie and how proud we are to have them representing our brand. Congratulations again to all the team on their outstanding efforts and results” she said.

ANNUAL AWARDS

2018 OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD GOLD 2018 HIGHEST NUMBER OF TRANSACTIONS AWARD GOLD 2018 COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SILVER 2018 EXCELLENCE IN MARKETING AWARD BRONZE 2018 DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD BRONZE 2018 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ALYSE PAMPLIN

Beyond the expectedTM 6583 7733 | lsre.com.au/portmacquarie Greater Port Macquarie focus 109

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WITH

GAVIN MORONEY

GOOGLE HOME Tech Head Most of us know finding a good roommate can be hard. Dirty clothes on the floor, 3am parties, and dishes in the sink. Google Home isn't like that; in fact, it's the best roommate you've never had - from turning the lights off, answering even the hardest of questions, to making sure you’re not late for work.

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he main reason for the mini, Google Home or Google Home Max. I existence of Google Home is would recommend Google Home Max for those to make home life that little who are after an upgraded speaker for music. bit easier. Google Home is There are some negatives to the product. essentially an extension of Sometimes it doesn't register or gets a “Google Assistant” in a box, command wrong that was given to it. This isn't connecting with other pieces of smart home a huge issue, but an issue that needs fixing. tech to all be activated by the use of voice.

I did notice, just like with my phone, that if I “Hey Google” will end up the most used phrase was discussing a certain topic in conversation, in the house, as it activates Google Home. From the next time I was scrolling through social here, the device can be used to control light media feeds there were bulbs, appliances and certain ads popping up smart power switches, that were directly related or to give you a recipe, to what I was talking set calendar reminders about. Although this isn't and give you an update any different from the IT COMES IN A FEW on the weather. I found DIFFERENT STYLES, phone in your pocket or I mainly used this a lot ALL SLEEK IN DESIGN, any device connected to to get updates on my WHETHER IT’S THE the internet that has a calendar for work and SMALLER GOOGLE HOME microphone, I still think to turn off all my lights MINI, GOOGLE HOME OR this is a something you before heading out. At

GOOGLE HOME MAX.

the moment I feel it’s a little limited in what I would need it for, but I can definitely see the potential in the future to be able to control the whole house.

It can access all sorts of streaming services, like Google Play Music, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The speaker on the Google home is OK for playing music, but not really outstanding.

The microphone can be heard from anywhere across a room and does well most of the time. I did, however, find when asking it to play some tracks it sometimes gets it wrong.

It comes in a few different styles, all sleek in design, whether it's the smaller Google Home 110 Greater Port Macquarie focus

may have to think about before purchasing.

The highlights of what Google Home can connect to right now are the Nest range, Philips Hue lightbulbs and Samsung’s SmartThings platform and many more. With the list of brands connecting to Google Home continually rising, I think the future of what you could do with this device is interesting, depending on what devices you have connected with it. I think this would be a great tool for anyone with visual or mobility issues, or anyone looking to control their smart home by voice.

Visit your local electrical retailer for more information or to purchase.

Harwel Lifts Custom-made lifts and hoists for the home or business, proudly made locally in Gloucester.

Is taking the stairs in your home becoming more difficult? Have you an elderly family member who would like to move in, but would have difficulty accessing upper levels? Or maybe you’re tired of lugging the shopping up those steps?

Talk to us today about our Australian-made, custom-built lifts to fit your home and your needs, or come and see our factory in Gloucester, NSW. We have almost 25 years’ experience in manufacturing lifts and hoists for homes and businesses.

Our lifts are made to measure, come in a range of finishes and colours to suit your decor, and comply with Australian Standards. Every one of our passenger lifts, goods lifts, limited mobility lifts, goods hoists, vehicle lifts and hoists are manufactured in our Australian workshop!

Almost every lift Harwel builds is different.

Because of this, not only does each lift require special attention in the design stage, but our people use their skills and knowledge, working as a team throughout the manufacturing and installation process to turn out the best possible

product.

You will find that Harwel is positively distinguished by our skill and client focus. This is apparent from the personal attention you receive from the initial inquiry, through our design process encompassing your unique requirements, into the high quality of our workmanship through the manufacturing process, to the careful and efficient installation process, followed up by our supportive maintenance service.

With a combined total of almost 80 years’ experience in the Australian lift industry, we take pride in designing, building and installing lifts and hoists.

Please visit our website for more information, or call us today.

1300 134 102 www.harwellifts.com.au

HOME and GARDEN feature

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i John. Vanderley Nursery is the largest production nursery on the Mid North Coast, ensuring acclimatised, fresh and clean stock for Abundance Garden Centre. Tell us about some of the exciting aspects of the business?

We absolutely love the plant production process, beginning with propagating the cuttings through to the sale of beautifully presented mature plants. This is something we are very proud of and passionate about.

The changing of the seasons gives us the satisfaction of growing many different varieties.

ABUNDANCE G A R D E N C E N T R E A N D C A F É

John van der Ley of Abundance Garden Centre and Café talks to FOCUS about all things plants.

Vanderley Nursery has established significant associations over many years with major importers of new plants, ensuring a constant supply for purchase.

How have your innovative production techniques allowed for this?

With a reputation for supplying high quality plants to chain stores and major retailers, associated production techniques allow us to have access to new releases and exclusive lines.

The latest methods in tissue culture have given us the ability to produce in demand plants. This of course, flows on to Abundance, and our customers reap the benefits.

With extensive personal experience in growing the plants sold, how does your career as a horticulturalist enhance the

local knowledge you carry of what works in the garden, where and when? My career started with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in biology and ecology and becoming certified in horticulture and education. This allowed me to develop production nurseries from a young age. I have been established on the Mid North Coast for 40 years and have experienced the seasonal conditions and plant varieties suitable to our climate.

As we move into a new spring season, what are your recommendations for selecting plants for gardens to suit the season, and how can we get the most from them? What is currently available in our retail section is what is appropriate for local planting. We offer advice and allied products along with the plants, to help our customers get maximum value for their outlay. Popular flowering plants include roses, grevilleas and callistemons, sunimpatiens, camellias, daisies, euphorbias, syzygiums, gardenias, succulents and our specialty bougainvilleas.

Abundance is a destination for food, functions, and plants … What upcoming events are scheduled? Father’s Day is a fabulous day out, and we still have some tables available for breakfast and lunch. Our spring menu will be launched in the second week of September and a new dining experience is on the planning board for later in the year.

Thanks John.

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HOME and GARDEN feature

T

Sess&Sass Design Co

he days are getting warmer, and before you know it we will be entertaining guests at home with late night BBQs and cocktails by the pool.

I’m sure winter has turned your home into a dark, cosy little hibernation space; however, we are here with some tips on how to convert your home into a light, bright, summer ready paradise. We attended the Decor and Design Trade show in Melbourne in July, where trend forecasters presented the next big interior trends. We were inspired by the variety of innovative furniture and decor items coming this spring/summer.

This season’s colour palette includes gentle pastels of misty grey, nude apricots and stonewashed blues, complemented alongside bold neutrals. Natural fibres are still very much on trend, as they bring texture to your home; think oversized jute rugs, natural rattan furniture and woven wall hangings.

Tips: Don’t be scared of wallpaper - it brings with it an element of personality and creativity.

Choose a design that ties in with the style and decor in your home.

Lighting in a home creates the overall ambience of the space. Replace mis-matched ceiling and wall lights with a cohesive simple look throughout. A dramatic feature pendant light over your dining table, or elegant wall sconces above the side tables in the master will create a sense of luxury and style in your home.

I know we harp on about it … but GREENERY will literally breathe life into your space. A space without greenery can feel flat and lifeless. Artificial plants are a good idea for smaller decor styling, however you can’t beat the real thing - with health benefits and a much cheaper price tag, it’s worth the little upkeep that comes with real plants.

While it’s only natural to use trends as a starting point when developing a style, curating your own look is essential to creating a home that is authentic to you.

Think about what makes you feel happy and relaxed.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for Design and Styling tips.

Level 1, Suite 2, 31-33 Horton Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Ashley 0421 789 573 | Jessica 0438 408 452 info@sessandsassdesignco.com.au | sessandsassdesignco.com.au

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HOME and GARDEN feature

• H A S T I N G S •

BLUE BINS Hi Denise and Steve. You are both proud new owners of Hastings Blue Bins. Can you tell us a bit about yourselves? We are both from farming backgrounds, so have relied on the strength of family to ride the highs and lows of business for generations.

We are very family focused; we continue to involve our children and soon our grandchildren in our business.

Our staff are encouraged to involve their families and make sure they understand why Mum and or Dad are busy at work, not only making a good income, but making a difference to the environment.

For us, the strength of a good business is the relationships we have with our clients. Good communication and understanding of our clients’ needs; it’s something we look forward to developing further develop in years to come.

Hastings Blue Bins has been a local business for many years. Why do you think this business has stood the test of time? Hastings Blue Bins has been supporting the local community for 20 years; it is a core local business supporting local charities and community functions.

Our focus is to bring more opportunities to the local communities, not just in Port, and increase employment opportunities for local people.

The management team at HBB have many years of experience, and have built a great reputation for servicing the needs of the building and construction service providers in the region.

We focus is good communication and delivery of bins “On Time”.

The business is so much more than people would think; can you give our readers an overview of who Hastings Blue Bins are?

We have a strong focus on recycling as much of the waste collected as possible.

Like most of our clients, we are trying to do our bit to reduce the amount of general waste sent to the tip.

Increasing the focus on recycling, now to above 70% of our collection waste, has enabled us to employ an extra eight staff over the last eight months.

Working closely with our clients, we all continue to reduce the percentage of skip bin waste going to a dumping facility.

Our recycle team take great pride in careful separation of materials, enabling this to be distributed to specialist groups that recycle the products.

What’s in store for Hastings Blue Bins? We have now installed tracking and transport systems to enable us to see new jobs live and improve service and efficiency for clients. Upgrades to our repairs and maintenance section will see further employment opportunities for local welders.

The expansion of our service footprint north to Macksville and south to Forster will better service those regional towns and settlements, with new employment opportunities in those areas.

Our focus is to work closely with the building and

construction industry to bring new efficiencies to the region with regards to waste and recycle.

With spring now upon us, it’s the best time for a clean out of the house and gardens.

How can Hastings Blue Bins make this job easier? If cleaning up the backyard or shed, we can make the job easier with a large range of bins that we deliver and take away to be recycled. We can supply crushed recycled material when we deliver, to assist with drainage of any wet areas or any of your paving or cementing needs.

Give us a call, and our friendly staff will assist you with a bin that will suit your specific needs.

Greater Port Macquarie focus 113

HOME and GARDEN feature

your body, but also the muscles, joints, and interconnected tissues that surround those areas. This therapy for widespread relaxation can, therefore, demands of your life. help to relieve acute pain experiences and help Hydrotherapy is an alternative therapy recto prevent related tension from spreading to surognised for temporary pain relief of ailments rounding tissues. HotSpring’s innovative, patentsuch as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ed jets are designed for specific muscle groups & muscle and joint pain, and aches and discomfort deliver powerful streams of following exercise. water that you can customStudies indicate ise to your desired pressure. that the benefits of The Moto-Massage DX has spa therapy result revolutionised hydrotherHotSpring’s innovative, from a combinaapy. This unique moving patented jets are designed tion of chemical, mejet delivers two powerful for specific muscle groups, chanical, and thermal streams of warm water revolutionising spa factors at work. that sweep up & down hydrotherapy.

When you sink the length of your back. into your spa, the This one-of-a-kind back effect of buoyancy massage is only available decreases stress on from HotSpring. Plus, their your muscles and joints, allowing for a period of SmartJet system reduces energy costs by using only as much power as you need. recovery. Water immersion contributes to that You can personalise your spa for the pain relief and relaxation you need to keep up with the

POLLARD’S T A L K

P

H Y D R O P T H E R A P Y

How does your Spa relieve acute and chronic pain?

ain doesn’t just mean discomfort; it also often means limitations, as it can get in the way of living your fullest life. You may struggle to be active because your muscles and joints ache

of your pain, it can cause you to become discour-

recovery by inspiring relaxation of the mind and

aged when you can’t find reliable relief.

the body. Using your home spa regularly not only

More and more, people are discovering that

relieves mental and physical tension, but also

soaking in a hot spa can provide the relief and

improves quality of life in the long term.

comfort they need to empower control over their

under the impact of exercise. You may experi-

Your Spas’ innovative jet massage system allows

pain. Many weave spa hydrotherapy into their

for active recovery even as you relax in the

ence persistent pain in the course of a routine

daily lives. Just like sleeping, soaking in a home

soothing water. When full-body immersion is

day or even when relaxing. Whatever the source

spa becomes a daily ritual they can’t do without.

practiced, you treat not only the painful areas of

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Hydrotherapy delivers so much more than oncein-awhile luxury. When practiced, it becomes an integral therapy method that helps to powerfully transform your life and your experience of pain.

Visit the friendly team and fresh new showroom at Pollard Pools & Spas in Port Macquarie to discuss more about the health benefits of HotSpring Spas.

HOME and GARDEN feature

Home Security a l l

t i m e

g l a s s

Spring time has arrived, and that means holiday season is just around the corner. It’s the time of the year to look at the security of your home, whilst still allowing those cool breezes in. Here at All Time Glass & Aluminium, we can help you achieve this.

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hat products can you supply and install to make a property secure?

We have a large range of security products, from full stainless steel doors to diamond grille window screens and doors.

We are the authorised Prowler Proof agent in Port Macquarie and are happy to come to you for a free demonstration of the products. All Prowler Proof products come with a 10 year full product replacement warranty.

Now is a great time to make sure your home is secure and to keep those unwanted guests out.

We also can just update those old fly screens you may need remeshed or remade.

What type of products do you provide for a bathroom renovation?

If you are renovating your bathroom, we can supply items that offer innovative form and function for affordable prices. We specialise in fully framed, semi frameless and frameless shower screens. All these screens we custom make to fit our customer

We will match or beat any

requirements. do you provide, competitors’ pricing. We Black fittings are and what area are more than happy the new fashion do you service? to discuss this with our when it comes to We offer a customers. So either drop into bathrooms, and large range of our showroom, or give us a call to now we can also products and organise a free meaure and quote. supply a black services, including framed shower installation of screen to match dog doors into these fittings. An inferior mirror - or glass or screen doors, all types of glass one that is poorly placed, wrongly and mirror cut to size, coloured glass sized, optically inferior or damaged splashbacks, sliding wardrobe doors, all will attract the wrong attention until commercial work and shopfronts. the day it’s replaced. We can custom We also do repair work to existing cut a new framed or frameless mirror glass doors and windows and offer a to match any décor.

24 hour glass replacement service.

Do you supply and install new We cover the entire Hastings Valley windows and doors? from Laurieton and Kendall in the Yes, we do. If you are renovating or south out to west of Wauchope and as just replacing old windows and doors far north as Kempsey. for new ones, we specialise in this type Do you provide a price guarantee? of work.

Yes. We will match or beat any We also specialise in Queensland competitors’ pricing on all comparative rooms, so if you have an existing verandah or area that you are wanting to enclose, give us a call and we can come out and provide you with a free quote.

What other products and services

products. We are more than happy to discuss this with our customers.

So either drop in to our showroom, or give us a call to organise a free measure and quote.

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Highly recommend HEM! They sold us our home in Port Macquarie and made the whole process easy. Nothing was too hard, even after the sale they continued to assist us! So we would not hesitate to use HEM property to buy or sell again.�

I had my home listed for 10 days and it was sold by HEM. These guys are so professional and efficient.

Nothing was a problem and I was informed of the process every step of the way. Well done HEM. You are an absolute credit to your profession.�

106 108 Greater Port Macquarie focus

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A SOLD. When HEM opened it’s doors in 2017, their goal was to change the face of real estate and create a modern agency with a difference. The focus is on the client and their home, rather than using the property for self-promotion. By putting themselves in their clients’ shoes and offering straight forward, practical advice, HEM are now leading the way and delivering a new level of service that ensures clients not only sell their homes, but achieve the best result, with the least fuss and walk away happy ever more…

6583 2324 | hemproperty.com.au

NAOMI

For us, every client really matters. Whether it’s a million-dollar home or renovators delight, we work with the same passion and care, as if it were our own.

It’s not just a transaction, it’s about creating a client for life and doing the extra “one-percenters”, that takes the stress out of selling.

DAVID

Being independent not only gives us the flexibility to provide a more personalised service to clients, but allows us to creatively engage with our community.

HEM initiatives such as asking schools to design our SOLD stickers or “Renovation Royalty” competitions, are so rewarding & show we are more than just your stereotypical real estate agent.

KRISTIAN

We have a great culture at HEM. There is no dog eat dog mentality. Hard work and practical advice, without the ego or false promises is what we are about. Working as a unified team from one-shared database, keeps us focused on what really matters: the people we work for, the homes we sell and providing the best overall experience.

ANDREW

In changing market conditions, it is our experience, market knowledge and proven track record over the years, which gives our clients peace of mind that we are providing the right advice and the cutting-edge needed to achieve the best possible result.

Greater Greater Port Port Macquarie Macquarie focus focus 109 107

21 000 COPIES DELIVERED

When you advertise with Focus you’re not just advertising once, but in 21,000 FREE copies. Our huge circulation is the single biggest reason that Focus continues to achieve the results that our clients demand.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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COMMUNITY SE WORLDWIDE

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FIVE STAR RESORT LIVING

EXCELLBER IN BUSI ENCE NESS

2017

SENIORS COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE

SENIORS COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE

for over 50’s

You’ll always get a warm welcome

Award winning living in a friendly gated community, young & active seniors, pet friendly.

No entrance or exit fees, no stamp duty and no council rates.

The Peregian This is a stylish compact home with big ideas that start from the moment you enter. It features a stunning galley kitchen adjoining the open plan living/dining room flowing through to the alfresco courtyard. Two roomy bedrooms also feature built in robes and the master enjoys the convenience of a generous en-suite. A home office or computer room is located at the front of the house adjacent to the expansive double garage.

The Palm Beach Dual Master One of the many benefits of this design is the louver windows allowing a cross airflow which is complimented by the 9ft ceilings. The generous courtyard flows from the open plan living area ideal for alfresco entertaining. This design incorporates two master bedrooms with ensuites and one includes a bath. A generous light filled study flows onto the front courtyard sliding doors. Along with the other great features of the Traditional Palm Beach is the butler’s pantry, ideal for the entertainer.

from $515,000

Simply

F CLASS IRST

beds

2

study

1

baths

2

garage

2

from $600,000 Design

2

study

1

baths

2

This delightful home is one of our largest and most sought after designs, the main bedroom has a separate en-suite and spacious walk-in robe. One other bedroom and a guest bathroom offer space and privacy. Sliding doors from the open plan kitchen & dining room open onto a large entertainment terrace at the side and are ideal for year round use. The double garage provides room for extra storage.

garage

2

A delightful open plan living / dining area sets this home apart. Guests are well catered for with the 2nd bedroom affording its own bathroom. With a double lock-up garage plus a multi-purpose room, computer or sewing room - the hobbyist will have plenty of space. A covered outdoor area for the bbq or entertaining, complements the well thought-out design of the Byron.

See the floor plans at oceanclubresort.com.au or call 1800 462 326 108 Greater Port Macquarie focus

$635,000 BEST SELLER

beds

2

The Byron IMPROVED

beds

The Noosa

study

1

baths

2

$485,000

beds

2

study

1

baths

2

garage

2

NO

Stairs

garage

2

1333 Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie